Restaurants with Unique Themes

I'm not much of a foodie, but I do love trying new bars and restaurants. There's something about soaking up unfamiliar atmospheres and people that makes me feel like I've escaped everyday life. I suppose it's the equivalent of taking a mini-vacation, but without the required travel.

That's why I think this story from Hello Giggles is so cool. If you're a fan of pop culture or the unusual (hello, undersea dining!), it's not hard to see why these "themed" restaurants catch so much attention. How lucky are the people who live near these places?

You can view the complete list of restaurants here.

Giger Bar, Switzerland. Inspired by the movie, Alien.

The Way Station, New York. Fans of Dr. Who, eat your heart out!

Red Sea Star, Isreal. It's underwater!

What I'm Watching

As a new mom, my evenings are significantly simpler than before I had children. Give me a glass of wine on the couch and a good show to watch and I'm set...for a few hours at least, until the kids wake up for a feeding.

So here's my current list of must-watch shows:

1. Boardwalk Empire. If you liked The Sopranos, you'll love this one. I can't get enough of the history in this show either. The Prohibition Era was certainly an interesting time in American history.

2. True Detective. Matthew McConaughey is on fire these days! Most times I see him on the screen, I'm 100% aware that I'm seeing the actor play a character. Not the case with this show. He becomes the character. It's an amazing sight to behold.

3. Downton Abbey. Between the talented cast of relatively unknown actors, the soap opera-like storylines, the beautiful English countryside, and the fabulous British accents, I'm hooked.

4. Game of Thrones. It has all the sword fights, dragons, and damsels in distress that one could hope for in a sci-fi show.

5. Modern Family. I don't necessarily agree with some of the content, but I have to give it props for the way it can make me laugh. It's the only show besides Arrested Development where I find myself literally laughing out loud at the TV. If you love the kind of humor that's derived from awkward situations and fast-paced, witty dialogue, don't miss this one.

6. Mad Men. The clothes, the clothes, THE CLOTHES! Hello, Joan Holloway! Curves and cocktails abound in this show which often leaves me feeling like I was born in the wrong decade.

7. House of Cards. Political discussions usually lead to heated debates in my family, which is why I'm not usually a fan of anything even remotely related to politics. However, there is something about Kevin Spacey playing a southern politician that is undeniably entertaining. I can't take my eyes off of him!

And that's it! If you have favorite shows that didn't make the list, please throw out your suggestions. I've got to keep this list going or else I'll be forced to do something productive at night instead, like *gasp*, read a book.

Tooting My Horn - LOLwork

Do you like to laugh? Do you also like pictures and videos of cute animals? What about silly jokes and dry humor? If you answered yes to these things, then you might want to tune into my company's reality TV show, LOLwork. It airs every Wednesday night on Bravo and I promise you, you will be entertained! Watch a sneak peek of next week's episode here. (Keep your eyes open for yours truly! Hint: see orange arrow below.)

Screenshot of LOLwork Season 1, Episode 3 - BravoTV.com

Facebook Fails

Have you seen Facebook's latest commercial? It's ignited a passionate conversation amongst social network users. The problem? It undersells itself with comparisons to inanimate objects when it's so much more than that. Like many clever marketing efforts these days, it appears to be going for an emotional response with the audience. It makes sense to take that angle, as the product truly does create an emotional response in users.  Unfortunately, it doesn't quite get there.

What do you think?

Exciting TV News!

In the absence of a traditional Friday Funny post, I have exciting news! My company filmed a reality show for Bravo TV and it's airing later this year! It's a comedy called LOLwork and it centers around the everyday shenanigans that take place in our office. Mark your calendars, check your local listings and tune in on November 7th!

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Tree?

I found this little gem on Geekologie. It really does look like a Ninja Turtle!

In the early nineties, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon series was a much-anticipated part of my Saturday morning television routine.  That show brings back so many fond memories from my childhood, in particular, face painting. Whenever I had the chance to get my face painted, it was almost always of a Ninja Turtle. No princess crowns or girly-girl frills for me!

 

Patrick Stewart Would Be Proud

This couple's fondness for Star Trek: The Next Generation is truly inspiring.  They worship the show so much, they found a brilliant way to incorporate it into their wedding day!  Behold, their Captain Jean-Luc Picard love cake!

The man, the legend. 

Reporter Gets Tongue-Tied

Southern California news stations were abuzz this morning with speculation that reporter Serene Branson may have suffered a stroke on-air last night.  During her post-Grammy coverage, the reporter struggled to form a coherent sentence and looked quite confused.  After failing to get through her third or fourth sentence, it looks as though she tries to get the producers to relieve her by cutting back to in-studio coverage.

I hope she's okay!

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Super Sunday

I've never been a big follower of professional football, but there's something about Super Bowl season that gets me all excited.  This year, we're passing on spending the occasion with friends and instead opting for what promises to be a very low-key day on the couch. 

I'll be preparing one of the top 20 nacho dishes from AllRecipes.com and of course looking out for the best TV commercials.  When you're not a huge sports fan, great TV commercials can be a godsend! 

Speaking of commercials, MSN recently posted a collection of the Super Bowl's greatest throughout the years. I have to admit, few of them can top one of my absolute favorites (below).

Second Chances

The story of Ted Williams is all over the internet this week.  He's the homeless, ex-radio announcer from Ohio who fell into hard times with alcohol and drugs over the last few years. I've read several stories covering Ted's plight, but this one by CBS News digs the deepest into Ted's past and the struggles he has ahead of him.  It's always uplifting to read a real-life story of redemption and I hope he sticks with this newer, cleaner way of living.