Book Review: SpongeBob SquarePants

When SpongeBob SquarePants debuted in 1999, the fun-loving, pure-hearted title character took the world of animation by storm, riding a virtual tsunami of praise. As the 25th anniversary of the show nears, it’s time to look back at where it all began and revisit all the adventures from the best episodes.

In SpongeBob SquarePants: The Unauthorized Fun-ography, award-winning author Paul Volponi presents the first ever “biography” of the show, exploring its origins and providing insight into the characters, the episodes, the voices, and the fans. From jellyfishing with Patrick Star and irritating Squidward Tentacles, to flipping krabby patties at the Krusty Krab and attending boating school with Mrs. Puff, this book covers it all.

Book Review: unSweetined

How rude!

Jodie Sweetin melted our hearts and made us laugh for eight years as cherub-faced, goody-two-shoes middle child Stephanie Tanner. Her ups and downs seemed not so different from our own, but more than a decade after the popular television show ended, the star publicly revealed her shocking recovery from methamphetamine addiction. Even then, she kept a painful secret—one that could not be solved in thirty minutes with a hug, a stern talking-to, or a bowl of ice cream around the family table. The harrowing battle she swore she had won was really just beginning.

Book Review: Full Circle

When Kimmy Gibbler burst into the Tanners’ home on Full House in 1987, audiences immediately connected with the confident and quirky pre-teen character, played by ten-year-old actress Andrea Barber. During an eight-season run on one of the most popular series of the ‘80s and ‘90s, Andrea came of age in front of millions. But she was as far removed from her character as a girl can get. The introverted young star was plagued with self-doubt, insecurities, and debilitating anxieties that left her questioning her identity after the show’s cancelation. Andrea wouldn’t return to the public eye until 2016, for Fuller House. So what happened in those intervening decades that Andrea jokingly calls “the lost years”?

TV: Once Upon A Time (season 2, ep. 2)

Last week, the people of Storybrooke adjusted to finding out the truth behind the Evil Queen's plot. Some sought revenge in the form of a deadly wraith. When the creature was banished, it pulled Emma along with it. Mary Margaret followed with the pair ending up in what remains of the Fairytale Land. Now they are in the presence of Mulan and Princess Aurora who are looking for answers.

Last night, season 2 continued with an episode entitled "We Are Both".

Survivor: Philippines (episode 3)

Last week, Matsing suffered another loss and went to tribal, losing the increasingly difficult Roxy. Meanwhile, Lisa struggled with feelings of isolation and Jonathan found the hidden immunity idol for Kalabaw.

This week's episode is entitled "This Isn't a We Game" which brings to mind someone looking further than just getting through with alliances until the merge. Someone is thinking end game already.

Let's get to the recap.

TV: Once Upon A Time (season 2, ep. 1)

Back in May, we left Storybrooke, Maine, in a state where the curse was broken and magic was returning to the land.

Last night, season 2 picked up right where season 1 left off with an episode entitled "Broken".

Survivor: Philippines (episode 2)

The new season kicked off last week with some famous faces and returning players.

This week, the three tribes face the heavy tropical rains which effect the moods. And some things transpire that lead to someone uttering this week's title "Don't Be Blinded By the Headlights".

Let's get to the recap.

Survivor: Philippines (episode 1)

Welcome to season 25 of Survivor! It has been a long summer but Jeff Probst and the crew are back to the Philippines with fifteen all-new contestants and three formerly-injured returning players.

Things are a bit different this time, including starting with three tribes: Kalabaw, Matsing, and Tandang. Let's get right into this one which is entitled "Survivor Smacked Me In The Chops".

TV: Eureka season 2

So, my son and I are continuing our summer viewing by working through the series Eureka (click here for my comments on season one).

So, with this season we get an additional cast member in character Zane Donovan (played by Niall Matter), a rebel genius. This is a good addition as it adds some interesting character dynamics and conflicts with an already solid group of characters.

TV: Eureka Season 1

In typical fashion, I am often late to discovering cool television programs. That is the case with Eureka, an original television series that has been running on the Syfy channel since the summer of 2006.

This week was the airing of the final episode of the series. Luckily, Netflix has the show on its cue (up through season 4 though I would expect the fifth and final season to show up soon as the DVDs for it were released the day after the finale). As I started watching the show this week and have gotten through season 1, I thought I would offer my thoughts on the series (attempting to avoid major spoilers for those who have yet to get into it).

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 22, season 1 finale)

This week was the finale for the first season of Once Upon A Time, and boy was it a rollercoaster ride of an episode!

The title is "A Land Without Magic". The previews summary stated the following: Regina forges an alliance with Emma in order to save Henry's life which leads Emma to believe in the Curse. Meanwhile, the events surrounding Prince Charming's escape from the Evil Queen and his reunion with Snow White are revealed.

Let's dive right into the action...

TV: Survivor - One World (reunion show)

After thirty nine days and setting a Survivor milestone of an all-women top five, Kim came out on top as the Sole Survivor on Survivor: One World, beating out Sabrina and Chelsea by a vote of 7:2:0.

What followed then was the Reunion episode with all the returning castmates and some surprise audience members too.

Here are my thoughts on the reunion and some final summary of the season...

TV: Survivor - One World (ep. 14)

Last week on Survivor: One World, the women alliance made history when the voted out Tarzan. For the first time ever, an all-women final five would be left to beattle for the title of Sole Survivor.

The title of the episode this last episode for the season is "Perception Is Not Always Reality" where two challenges and three Tribal Councils will yield the winner.

Let's look at the episode...

TV: Survivor - One World (ep. 13)

Last week on Survivor: One World, the women alliance showed its first cracks as Kat got everyone's nerves and ended up going to the jury. Tarzan continues to keep a low-profile, hoping to continue riding his last-man-standing status all the way to the finals. Will it work?

The title of the episode this week is "It's Human Nature". The previews indicate that an unlikely betrayal within an alliance puts one castaway on the defense, while another tribe member concocts an alaborate story to gain an advantage in the game.

Let's look at the episode...

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 21)

When Emma was faced with the truth about being the savior on last week's Once Upon A Time her response was to grab Henry and make tracks as far away from Storybrooke as possible.

This week the episode is entitled "An Apple Red as Blood". Henry must try to convince his birth mother to continue the quest, however Regina has devised a master plan that will force Emma to leave forever. On the Fairytale side, we learn the details of how Snow White rescued Prince Charming and her plan to enlist aid to defeat the Evil Queen once and for all.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?

TV: Survivor - One World (ep. 12)

Survivor: One World is in an interesting position. After last week's removal of Troyzan, the field is left with one male (Tarzan) versus the strong alliance of six women.

The title of the episode this week is "It's Gonna Be Chaos". The previews suggest that the walls are about to come down for the Tikiano tribe thanks to an emotional moment with their loved ones. And, one of the castaways decides to create animosity amongst the wounded tribe members.

Sounds like it should prove to be very interesting indeed. Let's look at the episode...

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 20)

Things got hotter last week on Once Upon A Time with Mr. Gold pointing all the evidence of Kathryn's disappearance to Regina, August attempting to control Gold through deception, and Emma making a stand against Regina.

This week the episode is entitled "The Stranger". In the land of Fairytales, we learn details about Geppetto and how he wants to save his son Pinocchio along with Snow White's daughter.

In Storybrooke, August promises to help Emma defeat Regina and gain custody of Henry while Regina schemes to seduce David.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?

TV: Survivor - One World (ep. 11)

And another guy bites the dust on Survivor: One World. Last week, the alliance of six women and their unlikely ally Tarzan took out unsuspecting Leif, leaving Troyzan without anyone to turn to in the game.

The title of the episode this week is "Never Say Die". The previews suggest that things get wet and wild for the one of the challenges. The winners of reward get a picnic while the sore losers have a chance to conspire back at camp. Also, the feelings of alienation drive leery tribe members to seek out all of their elimination options.

Let's look at the episode...

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 19)

It has been three weeks but Once Upon A Time was back this weekend with an all-new episode. Last time, we learned why Regina was so bitter and how she came to hate Snow White. Also, the episode ended with the surpise revelation that the thought-murdered Kathryn was indeed very much alive.

This week the episode is entitled "The Return". In the land of Fairytales, we learn more of Rumpelstiltskin's back story and how his son Baelfire tries to make his father human once more..

In Storybrooke, Mr. Gold attempts to uncover August's true identity, David tries to reconcile with Mary Margaret, and Emma contronts Regina about her involvement in the disappearance of Kathryn.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?

TV: Survivor - One World (ep. 10)

For three weeks in a row on Survivor: One World we have had three blindsides. First, Jonas. Then Mike. And last week, Jay. The alliance of women are picking off the guys one by one and the guys are letting them do it to them.

The title of the episode this week is "I'm No Dummy". The previews say that the group goes on the attack when one tribe member forces a confrontation (from the commercials, I think this could be Troyzan). Also, it is time for messages from home.

Let's look at the episode...