Netflixing the small screen- part 2

The really cold June called for many hours spent in the studio with Netflix.

A very hot July reduced me to a pool of sweat incapable of doing much.

Time for another list of programs enjoyed on the small screen.

A friend who knows I enjoy sci-fi tipped me onto Firefly.

Ooohh...

See, I also love westerns.

This was like a western in outer space. Best of both worlds.

I only wished there would have been more of it.

Sad that a series with a great cast and storyline gets cancelled.

Sci-fi fans, if you haven't checked this one out, you should.

From the future I stepped to the past, New York in the 1860's.

Policework in that era was brutal.

Not for people who can't handle blood.

Waiting for more episodes as I want to know what happened to Eva...

The western fan in me was more than pleased that this gem came up in my suggestions with a nice bold "New Episodes" flag on top.

Same era, 1860's, headed west with the railroad.

Right after the civil war, tensions high, in a race to get to the Pacific Ocean.

My favorite series I watched all summer.

Great characters.

Men with awesome beards ;)

How had I not heard of Anson Mount before?

I could listen to that southern accent of his all day.

A piece of my heart is in the Pacific Northwest where I lived for a year.

So a series set in a grey and rainy Seattle?

I couldn't pass that.

Glad I didn't.

Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman.

Two reasons to watch this.

The third one is the excellent storyline.

This series deserves prizes by the bucketload.

I also watched some British miniseries.

Southcliffe was hauntingly sad.

Just sad.

Good. But sad.

A man driven over the edge.

Almost the same storyline here, but without guns.

With devious political scheming.

Deliciously devious scheming.

Politicians coming apart at the seams.

And now I'm watching this.

I'd heard it's good.

Better than good.

It's brilliant.

I'm also p.r.e.t.t.y. sure I'm not the only one screaming at the screen:

"Nooooooo, JESSE YOU IDIOT! Nooooooooo!!!"

Then banging my head on the desk because you think he would have learned something by now...

Oh and everyone drives really crappy cars :)

  ===================================================================================

This post was brought to you courtesy of a fun project called
Lists with friends 2014.

A project that documents this year with lists of all kind.

Netflixing the small screen

 I have to say I'm a very happy Netflix user.

It is perfect for someone like me, who when finding a great series, can indulge and watch it all.

Without having to endure waiting week by week for a new episode.

Sometimes, however you don't have a choice... as was with the third season of Sherlock just now.
And oh was that ever good...
(The two previous seasons are on Netflix btw. I highly recommend it!)

I thought it was time I gave out some recommendations.

Programs that I have enjoyed.

Maybe you can find something to give a try.

In no particular order :)

-Shakespeare Uncovered-

Great actors telling the story behind the play. What it is all about.

Spellbinding. Truly.
Joely Richardon on Shakespeare's women,  Ethan Hawke on Macbeth, Derek Jacobi on Richard II, Trevor Nunn on The Tempest, Jeremy Irons on the Henrys and David Tennant on Hamlet.

 

I came by the series after watching The Hollow Crown (Henry IV and Henry V).

Sadly this isn't on Netflix. Yet.

If you happen to come by it elsewhere, sit down and enjoy.

I'll never pass an opportunity for Shakespeare.

Or Jeremy Irons and Tom Hiddleston for that matter.

-Annika Bengtzon, Crime Reporter-

 I've read some of Liza Marklund's books, and was curious to see how it translates to tv-land.

Brilliantly.

It's refreshing to have a crime series where the main character is not police.

It is a Swedish production , so you'll have to bear with subtitles.

90 minute episodes of fabulous suspense.

And you get to admire beautiful views from Stockholm as a bonus.

-Arrow-

I'm a geek and proud of it.

This one popped up on my recommendations list and I thought I could give it a try.
Completely hooked instantly.
Besides he's easy on the eyes and is shirtless a lot.
Just sayin'...

-Doctor Who-

What can I say.

It's good fun and you can watch it with your kids.

Although my teens just rolled their eyes :P

Plus you have to admire a tv-show that has inside jokes nearly 50 years apart...

-Endeavor-

Are you familiar with Inspector Morse?

This is him. 

In the mid 1960's starting out in Oxford.

If you like opera, you should watch this for the score alone.

I have half a mind watching it again eyes closed, just for the music...

-Hidden-

Philip Glenister and David Suchet.

Need I say more?

Lawyers, criminals and politics all rolled into one wicked conspiracy that will leave you going:

"Wait? What?! Did that just happen???"

-Top of the Lake-

Not everyone's cup of tea. Not an easy subject matter, as it deals with pedophilia.

By Jane Campion, remember the movie Piano?

Set in New Zealand, great cast, gripping story and scenery that will take your breath away.

So will the story.

-Torchwood-

Spin off of Doctor Who.

Who knew there was such alien activity in Cardiff?

Good fun. Not for young kids though... Captain Jack in action...

-Touch-

It was nice seeing Kiefer Sutherland play a caring dad. 

Although in the last few episodes his inner Jack Bauer showed through.

I enjoyed the concept though.

-Wallander-

The Swedish films are great, but I have to admit I really like the BBC ones.

Once you get over the English pronunciation of Swedish names...

You just can't go wrong with Kenneth Branagh.

You can't.

Period.

-Remembrance-

A haunting love story between a jewish German woman and a Polish man who fall in love at a concentration camp.

Again another beautiful score.

-The Hunt-

This one is a Danish movie of a kindergarten teacher who gets wrongly accused of pedophilia in a small town.

It will break your heart in a thousand pieces.

And then some.

At the same time it will make you absolutely love Mads Mikkelsen.

And question people's behavior.

And make you think.

This one will stick with you for a few days...

Do you have any recommendations for me?

Presently waiting for new episodes for Orange Is the New Black and House of Cards.

Quite impatiently, I might add...

==========================================================================

 This post was brought to you courtesy of a fun project called
Lists with friends 2014.
A project that documents this year with lists of all kind.

Big blue box

 Any Whovians reading?

Yes. I'm one.

I'd totally go running with The Doctor.

*grin*

I was testing a recipe for homemade air dry clay.

(Great recipe btw! So silky smooth)

I ended up making myself Tardis earrings.

And just to mash up fandoms, I made a pendant too...

Now where's my wand?

Loved this.

And the Christmas special.

Now to wait for the 12th Doctor.

 I really don't have a favorite Doctor... of the new series, I like them all. 

Every one has their own lovely quirks.

I say start from Chris Eccleston's #9 and keep going, it's the only way to get the complete storyline.

Netflix will help you ;)

David Tennant's #10 has some of the best lines though.

How can you not love this?

In fact, I've asked my very talented doll making friend to make me a miniature David Tennant so I can build a 1:12th scale Tardis.

How to make it bigger on the inside though...?

British summer

It is yet again raining.
And I left my laundry out overnight to dry.
I just never win with that.
I hauled back into the basement wetter than it was when I hung it out...

But the title isn't about weather, but the tv shows I've enjoyed this summer.
Since it's been so wet, I've had time to relax on my tv chair.

There have been some reruns, new seasons of old favorites and some rare jewels.
I recommed these all.
Highly.

One of those jewels was a series called Kingdom, the cast included one of my favorite actors Stephen Fry.
Of Jeeves and Wooster fame.
He's always good.

There's also Phyllida Law as a quirky aunt I'd love to have.
It's one of those lovely shows that have great casting, fab characters and lovely settings.

Next week brings the last episode of season three of Foyle's War.

Detective Chief Superintendent Foyle (Michael Kitchen) solves murders in the area of Hastings in his calm manner while the war rages on. The episodes are nearly two hours long, slow moving and delightful. I love a good murder inquiry without all the blood and guts thrown at your face.
And I do love the era.

Aaahhh... Cold Feet.
We've been treated to the rerun of all five seasons.
One of my alltime fave shows.

I have the last two episodes waiting for me on my digi box.
I know what happens... but I can't wait to get my hankie out.
This is another show with fabulous casting.
And real people.
Real lives.
Real problems.
Real friends.

I made a little trip to the 70's with Life on Mars.

John Simms alone is enough reason to watch.
I've watched him in quite a few good shows.
That goes for Philip Glenister also.
A cool idea for a series, the main character is hit by a car and wakes up in 1973.. is he really in the past or a coma..

Then.. this summers absolute crown jewel!
Skins.

A series about teen life I won't let my teenager see until she's 25 or so ;)
But I've loved the ups and downs of Maxxie, Sid, Michelle, Tony, Chris, Anwar, Cassie and Jal.
Highlight of my tv week.
But not for the weak stomached..

Midsomer Murders.
I always wonder how these quaint British villages have so many murders, week after week, heh.

I just enjoy the scenery and calmness.
And the work of John Nettles who I used to watch running around the island of Jersey as Bergerac in my youth.

And while this isn't a British production it was the rerun I think I've enjoyed the most.
Band of Brothers.

I'm a bit of a history nut on occasion.
And something about that era strikes my fancy.
I think what sparked my interest was the wartime correspondence between my grandma and grandpa that I've read.
And packed away.
Safely.

So what have you enjoyed on the tv this summer?

Back again

I'm still thinking about this bilingual business... as I write in two different languages to two different sets of people, there on might occasion be some differences. Just due to the fact that I might have some info specifically for the locals.

Alrighty then, I promised a full report of my Tuesday in tv-lights.

Contrary to my thinking, I did in fact get some sleep the night before. I took Saara along with me, and we arrived at the studio at about 7.50am. My first stop was the make-up studio. That I could get used to... a professional doing my make-up every morning and hiding the dark bags under my eyes. Sweet.

We were then taken to the waiting area which was a lovely glass walled room next to the studio itself. There was breakfast set up on the table. We looked at the basketful of stuff I brought and chose a few things. Once the reporters came, we made final decisions. Then once they switched over to the news, we quickly set up the table , I got a microphone and very soon I was live on tv. I have to admit being a bit nervous, but all in all it wasn't that bad. I had no time to think of the cameras, and it was over quite quickly. I was just very grateful those two ladies kept asking questions all the time...heheheee...

As I was walking out, I got hit by the sweat of relief... phew. I survived.

Soooo... I've been getting lots of hits on this blog from Finland this week. Not a big surprise, but I know I didn't give the tv folk my blog address... so I'm thinking I've been googled... Well. the more the merrier, right?

What else went on this week? We started a 6 week long multicultural theme at school and we had our school Halloween party on Friday. That involved lots of decorating and fun stuff. The 1st graders are so stinkin' cute all dressed up, really wish I could show pictures. There were also issues with one the kids I look after, but I can't go into that... Sometimes I just wish you could just shake idiot parents, sigh.

I spent a luxurious 7 hours working on my dollhouse yesterday. It's nearly built, yay! There are photos on my (Finnish) dollhouse blog, the link is on my sidebar. Saara helped me by painting all the windowpanes, no small feat either.. eight windows, four pieces each.. you do the math.

I have laundry to hang, some trim to glue in the dollhouse, dinner to cook and a mountain of ironing... so much for the glamorous Hollywood life, eh?

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Juu, tästä kaksikielisyydestä sen verran, että asiat voivat hieman vaihdella riippuen millä kielellä näpyttelen.. tai siis sormiahan minä käytän..mutta tiedätte kyllä. Eli joskus voi olla enemmän asiaa kotimaan eläville.

No niin, eli se tiistai tv-valojen loisteessa.

Sain kuin sainkin yöllä nukuttua ja olimme Saaran kanssa studiolla jo 7.50. Vahtimestari sai minut katsomaan kaksi kertaa kun ilmoitti kutsuvansa noutajan paikalle.. vai että ihan noutaja.. taidankin lähteä takaisin kotiin. Ensiksi minut ohjattiin meikkaajien luokse. Saisinkohan sitä itselleen ammatti meikkaajan joka aamu? Laittaisi tummat silmänaluset piiloon.

Kun oli pakkelit naamassa, meidät ohjattiin lasiseinäiseen odotustilaan siihen lähetysstudion viereen. Siellä oli aamiainen katettuna pöydälle. Katselimme roippeitani, joita olin tuonut korillisen paikalle. Kun toimittajat ehtivät paikalle, teimme lopulliset valinnat. Heti kun uutiset alkoivat, laitoimme kamat esille ja sain mikrofonin. Hetken päästä olinkin suorassa lähetyksessä. Täytyy myöntää, että olin hermostunut, mutta ei se ollut niin kamalaa. En ehtinyt ajatella kameroita ja segmentti oli pian tehty. Olin kiitollinen että toimittajat pommittivat kysymyksillä koko ajan, heh.

Poispäin kävellessä iski sitten sellainen jälkihiki.. selviydyinpäs.

Juu.. tänne blogilleni on löytänyt aika moinen määrä kotimaan immeisiä. En ole yllättynyt, mutta en kyllä antanaut Ylen porukoille tätä nettiosoitetta, olettekos googlanneet minut?

Mitä muuta uutta? Aloitimme koululla 6 viikoisen monikulttuurisen teeman ja vietimme koko koulun Halloween naamiaisia perjantaina. Oli paljon koristeiden laittoa viikon varrella. Ekaluokkalaiset ovat niin ihanan innostuneita asuistaan, harmi etten voi näyttää kuvia. Ja yhden poitsun (yksi diabeetikoistani, joita hoidan) vanhempien kanssa oli ongelmia. Joskus olisi kiva vain viedä sinne saunan taakse...

Elen vietin ruhtinaalliset 7 tuntia nukkekotia rakentaen. Se on melkein valmis! Suomenkielisellä nukkisblogillani on kuvia, linkin löytää tuosta reunasta. Saara auttoi minua maalamalla kaikki ikkunanpokat, ei mikääm ihan pikku juttu. Ikkunoita on kahdeksan ja pokia neljä per ikkuna.. laske siitä...

Nyt olisi pyykkiä koneessa osottamassa, muutama pala limmattava nukketaloon, ruokkakin olisi laitettava ja silitettävä pieni vuori vaatteita.. se siitä Hollywood elämästä sitten...

Phew...

Now that was some experience today, I'll come by later on to tell you all more.
But right now I need to go clean a stinking (literally blech) fridge, figure out dinner and dash back to school for a meeting.

I will leave you with this link: Susanna on tv
Fast forward to 45 minutes 40 seconds and you'll see me babbling.

Ja sama suomeksi...heh.

Paper, glue and photos

I scrapped today. I got three layouts done.

Now who'll confess

Come on now.

Raise your hand bravely.

Someone has tipped the YLE morning tv-show people that I scrap.

And now they will interview me live on Tuesday at 8.50am...

Help.

Panic panic panic.

Deep breath.

The show just airs nationally.

Panic panic panic.

I guess the upside to this is, that scrappping has finally landed in Finland.

But yeah... still panicking.

Tripping 101

And no... not that kind of tripping..

The "trip over sneaky 1st grader and go down gloriously" kind of tripping.
Oh yeah.
Went flying today.

It all started with the fact that it was pouring outside at recess. No chance of kicking these kids outside. So while I was still checking math homework, class 1A came into our classroom to watch "Sound of Music". And one of the girls snuck to sit on the floor next to me, but left her foot behind me.

Can you see where this is going?

I took one step back and the next thing I knew I was flat on my back on the floor. On the way down I banged my head on one desk and my arm on another.
Luckily I was wearing my hair up and my hairclip softened the blow on my head, there's still a small bump back there. And my hairclip is a gonner...
My arm however hurt like hell.

So I traipsed up to the teachers' room with a cold pack and nursed both my head and arm on the couch. I then attempted to go back to class, but the aching got worse and in the end I decided to go to the doctor.
No broken bones. Phew.
But I hit the muscle tissue in between those two bones between my wrist and elbow well and good. It'll probably take a week to heal. I can't put any weight on it today and turning a key in the lock is impossible as the twisting action hurts most.

And yes, it's my right hand.
Just my luck.

I just typed this with my left hand and it took forever.

However I now have a very good excuse to go park myself in my comfy chair under a blanket and start on those two seasons worth of "House, MD" my bro dropped off.
I'll be popping painkillers right alongside with him, heh.

My Friday, by the hour

07.02

A little morning reading while eating my breakfast.

08.01

At the school, checking out my to-do list.

09.05

Even I got some goodies at our Mother's Day open house.

10.03

Friday is library day, the kids get to take three new books home.

11.02

Taking a breather in the kitchen/office.

12.03

Recess duty. The beasts are let loose ;o)

13.06

Walking through the Eurovision Village in Kamppi.

14.02

Esplanade Park.
Admiring Manolo Valdes's Las Meninas statues.

15.05

A cup of tea and the newspaper...aaahhh...

16.01

Thinking about the bag I'll sew out of the Marimekko fabric I bought downtown.

17.00

Pizza dough is rising, time to vacuum.

18.00

Dinner time.

19.02

Emptying the dishwasher.

20.06

Surfing on Flickr.

21.00

Glass of chianti and Without a Trace.

22.00

Checking out the sunset

23.19

One minute before Battlestar Galactica starts.