Best Netflix Series Of 2018 With Both New And Old Gems On offer

November 30, 2018 By Anne Burwell Leave a Comment

When you’ve got plenty of spare time on your hands (or just want to escape reality for a while), Netflix is the answer. The hugely successful streaming platform has plenty of original shows to offer that are certainly binge-worthy. We’re counting down the best Netflix series of the year with both new and old gems on offer.

Netflix has certainly changed the way we watch TV, and all for the better. Not only does it give you an easy platform for watching your favorite shows and movies, but it even produces a bunch of Netflix originals for you to enjoy.

2018 is already shaping up to be a big one for the company and along with some of their classics being revamped for new seasons this year, there are some brand new titles being released that promise to be just as entertaining. Time to get your binge-watching pants on!

#18: Orange is the New Black

Undoubtedly Netflix’s standout show and the one that got us all hooked on prison life. For those of you who haven’t watched it yet because you’ve been living under a rock, Orange is the New Black follows the lives of the women incarcerated at Litchfield Penitentiary.

It’s got the perfect mix of drama, humor, and shady activity, and although these ladies are criminals you can’t help but love them. Netflix has already released five seasons and season six is set to air on 27^th July so it’s the perfect time to catch up and watch them all.

#17: House of Cards

Following the huge scandal around Kevin Spacey and allegations of sexual misconduct, Netflix decided to dump the headlining star of this political show and continue on with another season. The show is set to return in late 2018 with just the president’s wife, played by Robyn Wright, returning as POTUS.

Aside from the scandalous allegations that occurred outside of the show, there’s plenty of drama to enjoy on the series. With five seasons behind them already there’s quite a bit to wrap your head around before the new one starts, and we’re certain you won’t be disappointed.

#16: Queer Eye

When we first heard that they were rebooting Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, we were a little hesitant. However, it all managed to work out and they’ve developed a new series for 2018 that works way better than the original ever did.

What makes the new Queer Eye so good is that they’ve toned down on some of the camp qualities and turned it into a show that’s about more than just superficial stuff. Season one is out now and ready to be enjoyed, and you might shock yourself with just how much you love it.

#15: Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee

Everything that Jerry Seinfeld touches turns to gold, so is it any wonder that his wildly successful show about famous comedians is now in its 10^th season? The premise behind this show is that Jerry Seinfeld takes a classic car around town, picks up a celebrity or comedian friend, takes them for coffee, and asks them the great questions that normally don’t get tackled in a TV interview.

Past guests have included Chris Rock, Julia Louis Dreyfus, and Jay Leno, so we’re all pretty excited to see what 2018 holds for Jerry. We’re not sure if it’s the cars, the coffee, or the celebrities that keep us tuned in, but whatever it is, it works.

#14: Luke Cage

Marvel and Netflix have paired up for a few shows by now, but none are as gritty as Luke Cage. Following the story of a real-life superhero with superhuman strength brought about by a failed experiment done on him, it doesn’t get much more action-packed than this.

The Luke Cage series intertwines with Jessica Jones, another great Marvel/Netflix mashup, and it ’s a must-have for lovers of the action or comic book genre. Season 2 aired mid-2018 so you’ve got two long seasons to catch up on if this sounds up your alley.

#13: Jessica Jones

Following on from Luke Cage, Jessica Jones is another dark superhero series that has managed to kick goals for Netflix. A former superhero who now uses her good for solving crimes in a detective agency, Jones is a seriously badass individual. Season two was released early 2018 and although it wasn’t as big of a hit as the first season, it’s still a must-have for anyone with a Netflix subscription.

#12: Love

Hearing the name Judd Apatow attached to a comedy pretty much guarantees its success, so what better reason do you have to check out Love? Created by Apatow and starring Paul Rust and Gillian Jacobs, this show is now in its third season and still as popular as ever.

Love follows the story of nice guy Gus who tries to turn his life around after being cheated on by his girlfriend, which leads him into the arms of rebellious Mickey. It’s light-hearted, will occasionally make you teary-eyed, but overall produces some quality laughs.

#11: Mindhunter

There’s nothing like a good psychological thriller to get you through the lonely evenings, so if you don’t mind delving into the thoughts of psychotic serial killers then Mindhunter will be the show for you. Starring Jonathan Groff (of Glee and Frozen fame) this is a seemingly new genre for him but one that he does well.

This fictional series is set back in the time before we knew much about serial killers, as two FBI detectives begin research on the subject. They interview known killers and try to build up a profile on what makes them tick, and it will truly keep you on the edge of your seat.

#10: Black Mirror

If you’ve ever watched an episode of Black Mirror, you probably walked away from it going “what on earth just happened?” The show holds a mirror up to society and imagines some truly terrifying scenarios of technology become far too involved in our lives.

What makes this such a good series is that the episodes are set in a not too distant future so it doesn’t seem too out there to imagine. Each episode is a new story so there’s no need to watch them in order either, and the latest season was released in 2018.

#9: Big Mouth

Nick Kroll is a huge name in comedy right now, and Netflix was lucky enough to score his animated series Big Mouth exclusively. Big Mouth is a cartoon version of what it was like growing up for Kroll so you can already imagine how funny it’s going to be.

The show has plenty of guest voices that you’ll recognize like Jenny Slate, Maya Rudolph, and John Mulaney. Only one season has been released so far in 2018 but we’re certainly hoping to see plenty more of Big Mouth and his friends in the future.

#8: Easy

Easy technically scarped in just at the end of 2017 but we’ll allow it on the list because it’s received just great reviews. Starring Dave Franco, Jane Adams, Michael Chernus, and a whole slew of talented young actors, Easy has already delivered two stellar seasons for us to enjoy.

The show’s premise is around a bunch of friends from Chicago dealing with everyday stuff like love, family, careers, and culture. This is one to watch when you’re looking for a light-hearted but semi-deep series to get you thinking and feeling good at night.

#7: The Standups

For those of you who like short and sharp episodes that you can fit in when you need a quick laugh, The Standups is for you. Just as the name suggests, this series is about stand up comics, but more specifically the up and comers who are already making waves.

This show gives you a chance to sample their work and make yourself laugh in the process, so it’s perfect when you need a mood boost. Season two aired in 2018 and we’re certain it will return for a third, as this is a never before seen platform for comics to really get themselves noticed on a worldwide stage.

#6: On My Block

If you like your shows centered on high school students but don’t want anything immature, On My Block is the perfect choice. This is a coming of age fiction that aired in 2018 with news that they’ll return next year for the follow-up.

On My Block follows a bunch of high school kids as they navigate their way through the usual drama but they do it with a difference. There’s a diverse cast, it’s already become critically acclaimed, and it’s a lot more gritty than you’d expect from a teenage centered series.

#5: American Vandal

For those who loved the twisted Making A Murdered or other crime focused documentary series, you need to lighten the load a bit and check out American Vandal. This mockumentary series revolves around a series of high school pranks where a bunch of teacher’s cars are vandalized with some rather obscene drawings.

American Vandal is seriously clever and although you know it’s not real, you do get hooked on wanting to solve the crime. The only difference is you’ll be able to sleep at night without thinking about the potential murderers out there that you might know, and instead have a laugh to yourself.

#4: Dear White People

What started as a website then turned into a film then turned into a Netflix series, and it never managed to lose its shine. The Netflix series follows a group of young, black students at a predominantly white college as they try to work their way through the racist issues that occur.

This is a refreshing look at social issues and one that shows the problem on both sides but does so with humor. The second season aired in 2018 and they’ve already been renewed for a third, so you know they’re doing something right.

#3: Lost in Space

You’ve probably heard all about the original Lost in Space that aired in the 60’s, so you may as well give the Netflix reboot a try. As the most expensive series they have (production wise), Lost In Space is certainly entertaining, even if you’re not a fan of the sci-fi genre.

The show follows a family of space colonists trying to do everyday things in space, and it’s funny and laid back. The production alone would be entertaining enough but somehow the rest of the series works, so definitely give it a try next time you’re looking to binge something.

#2: Glow

There’s nothing more badass than a bunch of wrestling chicks, and Glow offers them up in droves. GLOW or Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling stars Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin as the ultimate frenemies, and the costumes alone are enough to drag you in.

Don’t take Glow too seriously and enjoy it for the drama and campy qualities, and you’ll absolutely love it. Now in its second season which aired in 2018, fans are very excited to see what else is on offer from the often unseen world of women’s wrestling.

#1: Stranger Things

If you haven’t already watched Stranger Things then we don’t know how to break it to you: you’re seriously missing out. This show has a serious retro vibe whether it’s the spooky theme music, neon credits, or the entire story being set back in the early 80’s, but on top of that, it’s so much more.

Stranger Things centers on a group of young high school kids living in a small town, only they have access to a whole other supernatural world. The rally together, try to fight the bad guys (or things) and will make you laugh along the way. Definitely one of the better Netflix series out there in 2018.

Best Youtubers Around For Every Viewer

April 26, 2016 By Theresa Carrion Leave a Comment

So, you want to delve deeper into the world of YouTube and experience some of the entertainment provided by its creators? Finding a starting point in a situation like this might seem like a confusing task, if not even a little bit difficult. YouTube entertainment is no longer resumed solely to cat videos, high-pitched Fred-like impressions, and funny amateur skits. There are multiple communities, all of which have different experiences to offer to everyone. Without further ado, these are the best youtubers from every corner of YouTube entertainment.

Gaming

Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie) – Source

To watch: PewDiePie, jacksepticeye, Markiplier, Cryaotic

Undoubtedly, gaming truly exploded in the past few years and some of the biggest names on YouTube have built their Internet careers on this premise. The trend was arguably set by PewDiePie, who sits proudly at the top of the list of the most subscribed channels with an overwhelming 43 million.

During his ascension, several other youtubers followed the pattern with games such as Amnesia. Markiplier is thoroughly charming with his positivity and game diversity, jacksepticeye is for those who seek a lot of energy, and Cryaotic is a must-watch let’s-player for his calm demeanor, immersion, and dedication.

Beauty

Michelle Phan – Source

To watch: Zoella, Michelle Phan, Tanya Burr, Bethany Mota

If numbers are anything to go, these beauty gurus are at the top of the game. Zoella may be the most widely recognized name of the domain, having won several awards, released two books, and her own beauty brands. But you must absolutely give a shot to veteran Michelle Phan, the ever so lively Tanya Burr, and Bethany Mota, one of the three lucky youtubers to interview President Obama.

Vlogging

danisnotonfire (Dan Howell) – Source

To watch: Tyler Oakley, danisnotonfire, AmazingPhil, Jenna Marbles

Vloggers draw in huge audiences because of how relatable they are and because of their personal connection to viewers. If you wish an inter-personal connection with entertainers and enjoy mundane stories and fun activities, they are for you. Tyler Oakley is the best example for a vlogger, though he has the unfair advantage of being charmingly positive and enthusiastic.

In the case of danisnotonfire, each of his videos uniquely presents a particular theme, blended in with witty humor and dynamic sketches, while AmazingPhil prefers to enthrall audiences with stories of the strange events in his life. Finally, Jenna Marbles stands out from the crowd with her unfiltered and raw personality and her unwavering love for her dogs.

Movies & TV Shows

Nostalgia Critic (Doug Walker) – Source

To watch: Cinema Sins, The Film Theorists, Nostalgia Critic, Screen Junkies

You’re a movie/TV show junkie? These three channels are all about them and all three offer a different experience. If you want your movie watching to be completely ruined by nitpicking from now on, give Cinema Sins a try, the channel where all your favorite movies are deconstructed so their flaws can be pointed out in an eerily hilarious way. If you’re a fan of crazy theories and conspiracies, see if The Film Theorists can convince you that Movie X is hiding one in it.

Many of us know him as Nostalgia Critic, an old school movie reviewer who’s been around pretty much since forever. Today, his new reviews are released on Channel Awesome and League of Super Critics. Finally, for those who don’t have the time to watch 20-minute long reviews, get your spot-on and hilarious summary from Screen Junkies, the ones responsible for the famous Honest Trailers format.

Entertainment

IISuperwomanII (Lilly Singh) – Source

To watch: The Fine Brothers, NigaHiga, Smosh, IISuperwomanII

Finally, if you want some laughs or entertainment that only YouTube can provide, these are your go-to channels. The Fine Brothers and their second channel REACT are all about putting kids, teenagers, adults, and elders face-to-face with things that can draw the most interesting of reactions out of them.

As for the laughter part, NigaHiga is one of those youtubers who combine humor with creativity in an astounding part, while SMOSH vastly relies on familiar tropes and gags that can surpass the borders of the Internet. Lastly, IISuperwomanII manages to bring stand-up comedy in the form of a video and gives it a refreshing twist by making it much more natural.

6 Crazy Celebrity Trademarks That Actually Exist

February 16, 2016 By Toby Isaacson Leave a Comment

If you asked me, I genuinely thought that we we’d be leaving the whole “trademark business” in 2015. Don’t you know what the “trademark business” is? It’s a trend that, while not started by Taylor Swift, definitely escalated thanks to her. All you need to do is spend copious amounts of time on the Internet and forever damage your social life, in order to be up to date with all events that shake the world of entertainment. Unfortunately, going by my dark circles and incredibly limited circle of friends, I’m that person described before. That being said, I was right in the eye of the storm when Taylor, and now the infamous Fine Brothers, decided that they need to be paid for a combination of words and, worse, for the invention of a word that was never theirs to begin with. Believe it or not, it wasn’t Swift who filed the first request for a trademark. There have been many before her, though whether there will be more in the future is debatable given how badly the audiences take these things. Either way, these are 6 Crazy Celebrity Trademarks.

1. The Fine Brothers

Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first. They’re the reason this article exists, because no one had to face the wrath of their fans after filing a trademark request, the way the Fine Brothers had to. The YouTube duo started off with a rather promising premise: they wanted to launch React World, a project meant to bring their format all over the world by allowing us, the viewers, to participate. But then, they made the mistake of trademarking the word “react” and it was revealed that videos of the “reacting kind” were being taken down. The only way to produce them would be to direct some of your revenue to their company.

Needless to say, fans didn’t take it well. After the announcement was made, people started mass disliking every video they could and in less than five days, their subscriber count dropped with nearly one million. Since then, they took down the two videos that explained the concept and made a public apology on Twitter, though that doesn’t seem to convince the fans, who demand that the Fine Brothers upload a video of apology on YouTube.

2. Taylor Swift

The other elephant in the room is the artist who is responsible for turning trademarks into a new kind of Internet meme. After the success of her Shake It Off song, she decided that for the sake of merchandise she would trademark phrases like “this sick beat,” “party like it’s 1989” or “nice to meet you, where you been?” In her case, people on the Internet didn’t reciprocate with barrages of wrath, instead turning Taylor into a parody of herself that nowadays is the absolute synonym of the word “trademark.”

3. Beyonce & Jay-Z

When the world first heard that the power couple’s daughter’s name was going to be Blue Ivy, we were momentarily bedazzled. It was definitely a strange name and, in our defense, Kanye West’s and Kim Kardashian’s children weren’t around at that time to eclipse it. We grew used to it in time, with some people even taking the name for themselves to use it for their various businesses. An example is a woman who started in 2009 an event planning company named Blue Ivy, something that upset the two artists and convinced them to file a trademark for the name. Jay-Z later explained himself, by saying that his sole intention was to protect his daughter from people who try to profit off her name.

4. Paris Hilton

For this entry, we take a trip into the vintage section of our topic. Paris Hilton was one of the initiators of this growing trend, when she filed a trademark request for the phrase “that’s hot.” More than that, if you think that trademarks and patents are basically pointless (I mean, who checks these things, right?), then you need to reconsider. Paris clashed with the popular TV channel Hallmark back in 2009, when it supposedly used the infamous phrase on a birthday card. The dispute was settled one year later, without the intervention of a court, but I’m sure that should this happen again, Paris will immediately surface to fight for her rights.

5. Charlie Sheen

You guys remember Charlie Sheen, right? Good, because I don’t think he does (if you catch my drift). Back when Sheen was on a roll and every television and paparazzi in the world had their eyes on him, his media coverage and popularity seemed like the ideal moment for him to vacuum some money into his bank account. He filed trademark requests for not one, not two, not even close to three, but for twenty-two words and phrases! The most notorious one was, of course, the famous “duh, winning” phrase, which, thank God, died out along with Charlie Sheen’s career.

6. Donald Trump

Just when you were thinking Trump couldn’t be in any more articles, here he is! Before he became famous (and not in a good way) for his extremely controversial presidential campaign, he used to be a constant presence on TV through his well known contest show, Celebrity Apprentice. During the programme, he used the phrase “you’re fired,” which he eventually patented because he was, I don’t know, in dire need of more money, I guess? Can you blame him, though? He managed to survive his youth with just a small loan of a million dollars, it’s good to know that years later, he’s just as financially savvy. I guess employees everywhere have Trump to thank for the fact that they are now impossible to fire due to copyright issues.

Sometimes, with celebrities, you often need to question the nature of their intentions. Which of these trademarks had a solid reason that had nothing to do with finding a quick way to rip off money? Which of these were simply a reflection of the person’s ego? Whichever it is, these 6 Crazy Celebrity Trademarks definitely live up to their name. But more importantly, what kind of repercussions you reckon using all of them in one article has? See you all in court, I guess.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

10 Awesome Ideas for an Unforgettable Party

October 26, 2013 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

Parties are excellent ways of strengthening your relationships with colleagues at work, meeting up with old acquaintances or simply having fun with your friends. At some point in your life, you will probably have to host a party of your own, may it be a birthday party, a bridal shower or a simple Sunday barbecue.

Being the host of a party can be quite stressful because nobody wants their guests to be bored, upset, or not having a good time. In most cases, it is not the food and drinks that matter that much, it is the entertainment. Here are ten excellent game and entertainment ideas for your next party.

1. Add a Bowl of Temporary Tattoos at the Entrance

Tattoos are cool, especially if they are done by professionals. However, not everybody is willing to mark their skin for their entire life. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with a temporary tattoo. The same way you mark cups in order to not have them mixed, you can simply add a bowl of temporary tattoos at the entrance. Also place a mirror in which guests can check them out. This will definitely break the ice, and get conversations started.

2. Choose a Theme for Your Party

Planning a party sometime near Halloween? It can be a great idea to choose a macabre theme for your party. Also, you can think of interesting themes for every party you host. For example, you can host the “Prom from Hell” night, or anything else that might entice your guests.

Other popular themes include the 1920s, western, fairytale, and Mardi Gras. Your options are endless, just pick something you and your guests will love dressing up in! The whole idea is to have fun with your friends. Playing dress-up is always interesting, and it will definitely make for an unforgettable party.

3. Hide Prizes in the Food

There is no party without food. But have you ever thought of hiding prizes in it? You can announce at the beginning of the night that a secret treasure lies in one of the tasty cakes that you have prepared. This will increase the level of excitement, and the likely-hood for people to bond over food. One piece of advice though: don’t hide things that might break your guest’s teeth.

4. Let Your Guests Play with AIR Grafitti

If you truly want to have a unique and exciting party attraction, you should definitely consider a product that allows creation of digital graffiti on designated wall. FotomasterLtd – Virtual Grafitti has come up with a great idea that will definitely attract your guests: a digital wall on which they can use infrared spray in order to draw. Not only will people have fun drawing, but you won’t have your precious walls destroyed. Furthermore, if you are a serious party planner, this tool will come in handy for every event.

5. Rent a Karaoke Machine

Have you ever noticed how much people love karaoke? There are certain pubs in which they host special karaoke nights, and they are the most popular days of the week. Improvise a stage, prepare a track list and let your guests have fun. You can even offer a special prize at the end, to entice enthusiasts even more.

6. Get Creative with Games

We don’t know about you, but many adults love board games, arcade games and outdoor games. As a matter of fact, there are so many role playing board games available right now, that it is hard to resist them.

Do you remember the old days, when you used to have fun with soda bottle bowling or horseshoe throwing? If your really want to kick it up a notch, you can add a few interesting games like the ones mentioned above. Play truth or dare, create a shooting gallery with empty bottles, or have people go on a treasure hunt through the house.

7. Music Guessing Game

If you thought that the most difficult part about planning a party was food, you are dreadfully mistaken. The most complicated thing to decide upon is music, because people have different tastes. Considering that you will have access to Internet during the event, you can ask your guests to write down a track that they really like at the beginning of the party.

From time to time, play these songs and ask your guests to guess who might have chosen it. You can give a small prize for the person who guesses correctly. Not only will you show your guests that you are thoughtful, but you will also have fun with this.

8. Hire a Dance Instructor

I have always considered that there is no party without dancing, and because many people are shy, there might be no dancing if there wasn’t enough booze involved. Have you ever thought of hiring a dance instructor to help your guests learn the dances of Macarena, or the Electric slide? It could be really fun, especially because there is somebody there to encourage and help them.
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9. Have Fun with Bobble Heads

Bobble Heads will definitely surprise the people that come to your events. Bobble Heads is basically a software that automatically extracts the image of the person being photographed, and places it on a pre-made body doll. The next step is for the photo to be printed, cut and put into place. The head and body of the Bobble head will definitely make your guests laugh with tears.

10. Fun Under an UV Light

This may be a little extreme, but it is definitely worth a try. You can set up some UV lights in your house, and ask your friends to come dressed up in white. At the entrance, place special substances that change color under the UV light, and ask them to paint one another. The white attires will change color under the special light, and the party will turn into a night to remember for everyone.

Do you have any other party ideas that you’d like to share with us? Feel free to write them in the comment box bellow.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Video Game Music: The Best Tracks from the Mega Drive Sonic Games

July 19, 2012 By Vernon Gadson Leave a Comment

The Sega Mega Drive (or, as it was known in America due to Sega being unable to secure the appropriate legal rights, the Genesis) was first released in Japan in 1988, it reaching the US in 1989 and Europe, Australia and other PAL regions by 1990. The Mega Drive initially competed against the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), its 16-bit hardware giving it a noticeable advantage over the older 8-bit console. In short, this hardware superiority meant that the Mega Drive was able to produce graphics and sound of a far higher quality than the NES.

While I did still enjoy playing on my friend’s NES, in my house we had a Mega Drive, and perhaps one of the most memorable parts about growing up with it was the games’ music. I think it’s fair to say that I played the Sonic the Hedgehog games far more than any others, and while you can say what you want about the blue hedgehog’s modern output, few can dispute the excellence of the music found in the Mega Drive games. As such, here are a few of my favourite tracks from the early parts Sonic series; try and break my nostalgia goggles at your own peril. [Read more…]