Heart of the Charts: April 30, 2013

We're back from a little hiatus to once again check out the the Top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and tell you what we think.  Last week, we were pretty proud of ourselves for accurately predicting a lot of what actually happened!  Let's see how we did this time.

And away-y-y we go!

#1:  Just Give Me A Reason - P!nk ft. Nate Ruess - Album:  Just Give Me a Reason

Pink and Nate Ruess are here to stay for another week, and we're pretty happy about that.  As we've said, we love this song and think it deserves to sit at the top as long as it can.  But all good things must come to an end, and we're expecting Pink to drop in the next couple of weeks.  

#2:  Can't Hold Us - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton - Album:  The Heist

It broke in last week and shot up to #2 this week!  And we couldn't be happier.  This is a tremendous song, with lots of variation, solid lyrics, and so much show of talent that we don't know what to do with it.  Macklemore's here to stay, kids - and we expect this one to hit #1!

#3:  Thrift Shop - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Wanz - Album:  The Heist

We suppose it ain't so bad when you nudge your own song down a spot.  Dropping from #2 to #3 but keeping the jive alive is Thrift Shop.  Two Macklemores in a row, kids!  What's next?

#4:  When I Was Your Man - Bruno Mars - Album:  Unorthodox Jukebox
As we've said, we like this song, and it clearly has staying power, having held its relative position despite the Pink and Macklemore nudges.  Bruno Mars is incredibly talented, and this is a song to prove it.  This will drop off the charts, but it'll take some time for the Mars to let go.

#5:  Gentleman - Psy

Well, if it isn't our friends that brought us Gangnam Style...  Breaking in at #5, Psy is back with another dance craze-inspiring, unintelligible to English speakers party anthem (unless you count "Damn girl, you so freaking sexy!).  The video is amazing.  But the song itself is just mediocre.  It's structurally too similar to Gangnam Style.  Yeah, it worked before, but once was kind of enough!  A catchy and repetitive synth line backs the vocals, but even the places where the music cuts out completely for a brief vocal moment match almost exactly with what happens in Gangnam Style.  So, in the words of our friend Tim Gunn of Project Runway fame, "It's just too matchy matchy" for our liking.  Maybe it's just a matter of taste, but I'd rather dance to Pitbull.

#6:  Stay - Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko - Album:  Unapologetic

Dropping two spots to #6 is Rihanna and Mikky Ekko's powerhouse ballad.  Like we said before, this is a great tune, and we're glad to see it hanging on.

#7:  Mirrors - Justin Timberlake  - Album:  The 20/20 Experience

Unfortunately, JT's somewhat derivative stuff isn't quite making the climb.  It seems to us like he's making music that kind of sounds like his old music, which was much better than this.  But sounding derivative on the basis of your own music is kind of weird, isn't it?  Yeah.  And it doesn't sell records, either!

#8:  Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake ft. Jay Z - Album:  The 20/20 Experience

Down two spots to #8, and on its way off the charts, in our estimation, is Suit & Tie.  See above.   

#9:  Feel This Moment - Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera - Album:  Global Warming [Deluxe Edition] [Clean]

Well, we were wrong about this one:  we expected a climb, but we got a drop.  Down one spot to #9 is Pitbull and Xtina's "Take On Me" redux.  It's still a fun song, and it's still holding on.  We'll see if it makes it another week in the Top 10!

#10:  Started From The Bottom - Drake - Album:  Started From the Bottom [Clean]

Why, God?  Why?!  It's still here!  Steadily dropping (but not quickly enough for us) is this repetitive foray into pop rap.  Blah.  Go away and get us some better music, Drake!

Off the Charts:  Demi Lovato's "Heart Attack"

Our Rankings:

#10:  Started from the Bottom

#9:  Gentleman

#8:  Suit & Tie

#7:  Mirrors

#6:  Feel this Moment

#5:  Stay

#4:  Thrift Shop

#3:  When I Was Your Man

#2:  Can't Hold Us

#1:  Just Give Me A Reason

Travel Light, Travel Smart, Travel Happy, Part 1: Before You Go

The suitcase that accompanied me to Italy.

By now, kids, you know we love to travel. But whether you're a frequent flyer or a once-a-year wanderer, there are ways to make your trips easier and more efficient - which means more time to enjoy whatever you're doing in whatever place you go! So, let's take a look at some tips for making you a lighter, smarter, happier traveler!

Part 1:  Things to Know Before You Go

So, you're getting ready to set out on whatever adventure lies ahead of you.  Here are some things to keep in mind before you head out:

• Pack light, pack smart.  It's not the size that matters.  It's how you use it!  You can work wonders with a carry-on if you know how to use it. A few years ago, I traveled to Italy for 10 days.  I took one carry-on sized suitcase, which never left my side throughout the trip.  Because I was traveling for business, the suitcase held a suit and several dress shirts, as well as the rest of my gear.  How did I do it, you ask?

Spring in Central Park, New York

Note: Every time I write a post about NewYork City, I have Carrie Bradshaw's voice in my head narrating at the start of every episode of Sex and the City. Don't judge me. If you know what I mean, then have fun reading the post with Carrie's voice in your head.

New York City - Ah, spring is finally here. After that snowless winter made more cold by my semi-lifeless love life, spring is finally upon us. The birds are singing, flowers are blooming, skirts are rising, smelly hipsters are wearing tank tops that show off their ribs and unwashed arm pit hair and the gloves have started to come off. Spring truly is prettiest in a city known not just for its dizzying skyscrapers but also for its park. And spring is best served in the mothership of all parks - Central Park. Fun fact: this shiz covers 843 acres of land. I tried to bike around it once and I almost died. Also, I was invited by some stranger to come with him to some secluded bush. I had to decline, of course, since I'm not squirrel nor a rabbit.

Why I Love Grand Central Station (and why you should visit it)

I do not exaggerate when I tell you that I am in love with NYC's Grand Central Station. I've always been a country boy, having grown up a mere 10 steps from a farm. As a kid, I'd wake up, go outside to buy taho and be welcomed by farmers bringing their carabaos and goats to graze. In the afternoon, as the sun began to set, the carabaos and the farmers would be making their way home with us kids trying to ride the animals' backs. Anyway, nostalgia seems to have thrown me off track.

As I was saying, I love GC for many reasons, which I'm about to share with you - whether you like it or not.

Arthur Ave.: The Bronx's Land of Wonders

Who likes eating?  I do! I do!

Hey kids!  Today, I want to share with you a little slice of my everyday life in New York City.  Now, I know that "New York City" usually evokes the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan:  images of bumper-to-bumper traffic, the lights of Times Square, Central Park, and Lincoln Center likely come to mind.  But forget about that for a minute.  As experienced NYC travelers know, there's so much more to see and do in the Big Apple, especially outside of Tourist Central (which living in NYC makes you hate very quickly), and especially outside of Manhattan.  Cross the bridges, folks!

Across one of those bridges, you'll find a wonderful little Land of Wonders, the Little Italy of the Bronx:  Arthur Ave., a place that the Italian immigrants and their ethnically Italian children and grandchildren will tell you is "the real Little Italy" of NYC.  But as we'll see, there's even more to Arthur Ave. than the Italian fare it has to offer.

So, let's work our way down the street and see what we find!

Workout While Traveling: Insanity Workout Video

My body truly, deeply hates Insanity. You've heard the stories before. It's truly one of the most difficult workouts ever. I've never sweated so much in my life. After every workout, I just want to lie down on the floor and at times, even if I wanted to, I could not muster enough energy to stand up. And I'm only two weeks into the program.

Say what you will about Insanity, but I think it's one of the best workout videos out there.  I've been lifting weights and doing various cardio exercises for a long time. But like everyone else, I've come to a point where I get bored and your body is no longer challenged. Thus I stumbled upon Insanity. It's a high-intensity workout video that combines different exercises and moves such as jogging, high kicks, jumping jacks, boxing and yoga moves, and then some.

Shaun T is crazy y'all. One minute you're lifting one leg in a C position to workout your abs. And just as you say to yourself, "Well, this isn't so bad," he tells you to lift both legs. This is what I like about Insanity it takes regular workouts a step farther. It pushes you to try harder, to do more. On a normal workout day, I would do several lifts, look at the treadmill, shrug my shoulders, go "meh," and go for a burger.  But Shaun T is such a good motivator that he can make me workout non stop for 45 minutes. It also helps that you see him and his entire team almost dying of exhaustion. I'm like, "I feel you, man. This butt exercise sucks!" There's also enough variety and rest time to keep you interested and alive.

Insanity is also a good workout if you do a lot of traveling. One of the downsides of traveling is not just the difficulty of finding a gym but also the loss of momentum. Once you go on vacation, so does your mind and body. How many times had I gone on vacation and told myself, "I'll work out when I get back. I'm on vacation anyway. Now, where's the ice cream?"

Insanity on the other hand has a set schedule and goal. You can't just skip a day. The great thing is, as long as there's space for a push up and your laptop, then you're good to go. 

I'm not sure if I'll finally have abs after 60 days, but I know that I'll be atleast healthier. Still, my body kinda hates you, Mr. Insanity.

The Amazing Race Double Recap: Germany!

Honestly, I haven't been rooting for any team in this Race since Team Cancer eliminated themselves due to the dad's unfortunate ankle injury. But I still keep watching because I love this race and I know that I will never to compete in one because 1) I'm not American. My visa does not allow me to travel most anywhere without lining up for a Visa and waiting two weeks for approval and 2) I am afraid of heights. I get queasy and sweaty just watching contestants jump off planes from my TV couch.

Anyway, I'm sorry if I wasn't able to recap the episode from 2 weeks ago. Here's a quick summary: a couple of teams made very stupid decisions. Oh, wait, that's true of almost every episode. Anyhow, Joey and Megan decided to walk all the way to the pit stop even if they knew they were behind the group. I was screaming at my laptop screen! This is the most important part of any race - the race to the finish - and you decide to walk?! Of course, they came in last and ALMOST got eliminated. They were lucky because Chuck and Wynona didn't just make stupid life decisions:  they were also lazy. A combination that made them decide to roll the cheese down the snowy hill instead of sledding it down. Uhm, if they give you a sled, use it! In short stories, we are told that once a gun appears, it's supposed to shoot at some point in the story. So use the sled!

Anyway, Chuck and Wynona we're given a 30 minute punishment and we're eliminated when Joey and Megan arrived before the penalty was up.

This week in Germany was a little quieter - but not without its highlights. The remaining teams got to jump down a building. Yep, if I were in this race, this would be the leg where I get eliminated. We also get to see another subtle and discreet product placement* featuring a car that asks you annoying questions before it lets you drive it.

The Detour:  Teams are asked to choose between building a train track or carrying huge, flashing letters to a, uhm, Huge, Flashing Letters Museum. They annoying newly carry the letters easily, go to the roadblock, which I can barely remember (best recap ever!), and finish first. Joey and Megan come in second. Hockey players dropped a letter and chose to do the other detour task. Cowgirl singers come in 3rd, and it's a foot race between the moms and the hockey player. I sort of feel bad for the moms, because they came in last only because they're not as fit or fast as the boys. Lucky for them, it was not an elimination round, and they get to move on to the next leg with a speed bump somewhere along the way.

I may be rooting for Joey and Megan. I like that they do seem to be enjoying the race pretty well. The only reason I'm not rooting for the hockey players is because they're big and strong, and I hate predictability. But I wouldn't mind so much if they win. See you next week, racers!

*as subtle and discreet as Joey's preference in, uhm, humans.

Album Review: Stolen from the Best? Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "The Heist"

heist |hīst| informal

noun:  a robbery

verb [ trans. ]:  to steal

So, what exactly is the heist in The Heist?

We'd like to venture a guess.

We'd like to think that Macklemore & Ryan Lewis believe they've heisted everything good from rap history and woven it into one tight, explosive breakout album.  And if that's what they're trying to say, well, we think they might be right. So they might be guilty of Grand Larceny.  We're not complaining.  This album is a masterwork, and chart success aside, we think we're going to see a lot of great things from the duo and their cast of featured artists.  And that makes us very, very happy.  

What makes it so great?

Since the album is long at 18 tracks, we're not going to go track-by-track.  Instead, we're going to highlight a few threads and a few songs to show just how deep the glory goes.  Here goes:

Indie Meets Rap:  The opening track of the album, "Then Thousand Hours," speaks of the vast body of work of the artists of rap history.  We believe this tribute is also a statement of what the album is about - getting back to the roots of rap, bringing fresh sounds together with the memorable sounds of yesteryear; it's like what Fitz & the Tantrums and so many other bands are doing in the rock world, and it works beautifully.  

Take the Fugees-esque brass and dance grooves of "Can't Hold Us," or the "Brass Monkey" sax of "Thrift Shop." Take the sweet, Motown-esque vocals of Mary Lambert on "Same Love."  And how about the message of equality and love on the tune?  No drugs or sex here, kids:  just a message of acceptance and love, a social critique reminiscent of rap's origins.  We could go on, but that's a good start.  

A World of Innovation:  A children's choir on "Wing$" (a direct critique of the  consumerism that pervades most rap), AfroCuban drums and brass on "Can't Hold Us," the innovative use of synth effects and sounds drawn from world cultures, and the intoxicating groove and vocals of ScHoolboy Q & Hollis on "White Walls" are just some of the most innovative moments on the album.  It's good stuff.  Honest creativity at work.  

Now, we realize that many people might not go for how non-commercial a lot of sounds; much of the tunes aren't really danceable, and that's a big deal these days, but "My Oh My," take "My Oh My" and tell us what's not to like.  It's a beautiful dream of what life can be.

So, while we're not 100% sure what Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are stealing on their breakout album, we hope they'll keep stealing it, and with the same glee and creativity that makes the album the masterful melding of word and sound that it is.

Favorite Tracks:  "Can't Hold Us," "Same Love," "White Walls," "Wing$," and "My Oh My."  

Check it out!

Heart of the Charts: April 18, 2013

Welcome back to the Heart of the Charts, where we take a look at the Top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and give you our take on them.  Last week, we introduced the project.  This week, we'll talk about movers and shakers - and those who neither move nor shake, but might make you do so.

And away-y-y we go!

#1:  Just Give Me A Reason - P!nk ft. Nate Ruess - Album:  Just Give Me a Reason

Hey look, kids!  In last week's Heart of the Charts, we put Pink's #5 tune at #1 in our rankings.  And guess what!  This week, the world - in the guise of Nielsen research - did too!  We're kind of proud of ourselves (and of Pink and Nate for jumping four spots to #1).  But seriously, this just goes to show that legit music, heartfelt vocals, and sincere and relevant lyrics can, and will, go a long way. 

#2:  Thrift Shop - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Wanz - Album:  The Heist

Down one spot to #2 is Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' jive bomb "Thrift Shop."  We like this song, and we like it more having spent a lot of time this week with the entire album (look for a review soon!).  There's talent here, kids.  Watch these guys.  They're going to be big!

#3:  When I Was Your Man - Bruno Mars - Album:  Unorthodox Jukebox

We're glad to see Bruno holding on with this heartbreak serenade.  It may be a little sentimental, but it rings true, and the vocals are tremendous.  Down one spot from last week as a result of the Pink jump.

#4:  Stay - Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko - Album:  Unapologetic

Everybody watch out:  Here comes Rihanna!  We said it last week, and it happened; a two-spot jump up for what we think is one of Rihanna's best tunes, one that shows us a finally not-overproduced Rihanna working with another great voice.  We still don't think it'll trump Pink on the basis of sheer, electric power, but we'll see.  Those harmonies are niiice.

#5:  Can't Hold Us - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton - Album:  The Heist

Yes!  Yes!!!  Breaking into the Top 10 is a second tune from The Heist, and one worthy of a lot of note.  We think this song, while more complex and maybe less catchy than "Thrift Shop," is a much, much better tune on the whole.  A Fugees-inspired (perhaps?), unabashed celebration of independent rap, complete with electronica piano, Afro-Cuban drums, real brass, and a sweet, sexy hook that you'll be singing all day, this song rocks.  And its call and response bridge is, well, magnificent.  Prediction:  Like Thrift Shop, this one will go to the top.

#6:  Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake ft. Jay Z - Album:  The 20/20 Experience

Is JT in trouble?  Down three spots to #6 is last week's #3, "Suit and Tie."  We didn't think this one had staying power.  Last week's review called it rehash and said Jay-Z's offbeat bridge doesn't help things.  We're sticking to that and expect this song to drop out of the Top 10 relatively soon.

#7:  Mirrors - Justin Timberlake  - Album:  The 20/20 Experience

Ah, but what about this little ditty?  The intro is something to get excited about, but then...just "Cry Me A River," Justin.  The bridge aside (with the Fun./U2-esque motif from the intro), it's the same old stuff.  Better than "Suit & Tie," yes, but the same old stuff.  Great vocals and a great groove, yes, but the same old stuff.

#8:  Feel This Moment - Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera - Album:  Global Warming [Deluxe Edition] [Clean]

Up one spot to #8 is Pitbull and Xtina's dance hit, "Feel This Moment."  As we said last week, we expect this song to climb a little higher; it's solid and fun, but we don't expect it to match Pink or Macklemore.  We could be wrong, kids.  Time will tell.  Time will tell.  

#9:  Started From The Bottom - Drake - Album:  Started From the Bottom [Clean]

Down one spot to #9 is Drake's "Started from the Bottom."  All we have to say is:  Keep moving toward the bottom, Drake.  This song can't be gone soon enough.

#10:  Heart Attack - Demi Lovato - Heart Attack

We're sorry to see Ariana Grande out of the Top 10, and we're a little extra sorry that it comes at the hands of this song.  Lovato's good, but her vocals don't match Grande's.  Plus, this song is sort of "every song" right now.  Rhythmic verses contrasted with a half-time chorus made for 'da club.  It's fine.  But not much more than fine.  It just doesn't go anywhere much for us.

Off the Charts:  Harlem Shake (glad to see it gone), Radioactive (sorry to see it gone), and The Way (sorry to see it gone and hoping that Ariana gets another big shot).

Our Rankings:

#10:  Started from the Bottom

#9:  Suit & Tie

#8:  Heart Attack

#7:  Feel this Moment

#6:  Mirrors

#5:  Stay

#4:  Thrift Shop

#3:  When I Was Your Man

#2:  Can't Hold Us

#1:  Just Give Me A Reason

Welcome to Miami! (¡Bienvenido a Miami!)

Earlier this year, I escaped the chill of winter in New York for a few days in the sun and sand.  After a few days in sleepy Sanibel, I hit up Miami - south Florida's home of Latin culture, nightlife, food, and fun.  Miami's an easy city to navigate by car.  A grid with long boulevards and several thoroughfares makes getting around pretty quick and painless, especially late at night.  Although we didn't venture into the "Downtown" business district, our trek through Hialeah to North Beach and South Beach wasn't bad at all.  

The unfortunately-named but very nice Daddy-O Hotel was my home for the duration of our stay.  Recently renovated and redesigned, the hotel offers cheap parking ($8-$12/night), a cocktail hour, and extremely nice rooms and facilities at a reasonable rate.  Check online for special booking options.  It's worth the stay and is less than a 10-minute walk from North Beach.

Like most major cities, Miami has food available anywhere and everywhere.  I tried to keep it cheap and did pretty well, eating good food from various cuisines (Thai, Cuban, Japanese Italian) at reasonable prices.  The area around our hotel had lots of offer.  

Although I'm sure Miami offers some tourist-y things to do, I went to Miami for the same reason everyone else does:  the beach!  Lined with hotels, resorts, and condos, the entire eastern side of the city is white sand and surf, and it's beautiful.  Go in the day, for sure - catch some rays, read and swim - but also go at night.  

One of the highlights of the trip was a walk along the beach on a slightly rainy night, as the tide was coming in.  And generally speaking, the beaches get pretty quiet after dark.  So, if you're looking for a little seclusion and a uniquely beautiful experience, go to the beach after dark.  It's worth getting out for!

For nightlife, check out one of the multiple strips around South Beach.  My favorites were the Lincoln Road Mall, a multi-block outdoor mall rife with fantastic restaurants, shops, clubs, and basically anything else you might hope to find.  Likewise, you'll find anything you want along Washington Ave., one of the major thoroughfares of South Beach.  

Miami is chill, fun, and fresh - and has something to offer anyone and everyone.  Whether you want to shop and eat or lay in the sand, this is the place to do it.  

Enjoy, kids!  Until next time....watch out for seagulls!

All photos Copyright © 2013, The EverywhereMan.

I Think I'll Go to Boston...

A little song for your listening pleasure as you read:

Copyright © 2005, Sony BMG Music Entertainment

From the bustling streets of NYC to the mountains of Colorado, from the shimmering waters of the Gulf to the plains of the Midwest, the U.S. offers something for everyone.  And tucked away in the northeasternmost part of Continental 48 is the land of wonders known as New England.  Diverse in landscape and culture alike, these small states offer countless travel and recreational opportunities, from skiing and beaching to shopping and dining.

Today, I'm going to focus on one of my favorite spots in the great northeast:  Boston, Massachusetts.

Among the oldest and most historically significant cities in the U.S. - perhaps the most historically significant one - Boston today is the intellectual capital of the nation, with more colleges and universities that are easily countable.  But these aren't just any schools, kids.  We're talking Harvard.  MIT.  Boston College.  Tufts.  Good schools.  Schools people kill to attend.



Visit these schools, just to see how folks there live.  Harvard and MIT are across the river from Boston in Cambridge, but it's an easy trek by car or by the Red Line.  Get off at Harvard Square for Harvard or Kendall/MIT for MIT.  Both schools have really hip, fun areas around them, with great bookstores (the MIT Press store is great, as is Harvard's bookstore), eateries, coffee houses, and more!


If you're an ice cream lover, you'll find some of the best you'll ever eat at White Mountain Creamery, near Boston College's campus at the end of the B Line.  BC has a beautiful campus, too - so check it out, and have some ice cream along the way.  If you have a car, you might want to drive up to Newton Center, a little town near BC, for a ton of great restaurants.

Beyond the schools, Boston has tons to offer.  First-time visitors should check out The Freedom Trail, a walking tour of the city's major historical sites, including the home of renowned silversmith and horseback rider Paul Revere, the Old North Church at which Revere famously hung his lanterns, Fanueil Hall, the Old State House, the New State House, and the famous Boston Common and Public Gardens, which are pretty stunning in the spring!  On the way, you'll pass by various churches and graveyards and once housed - and now house - some of the nation's Founding Fathers.

On the way, picnic in - or just stop by - Christopher Columbus Park and the Compass Park, both along the waterfront, for beautiful views of the ocean and harbor.  There's romance in these places, kids, and they're perfect for a moment with a special someone.

And don't forget to eat and shop at Quincy Market.  Quincy Market!  Eat there more than once!  It's not just a food court, kids.  It's a boutique food court made up of satellite locations of pretty famous local eateries, like the Boston Chowda Co., Steve's Greek Cuisine, and other restaurants of all cuisines.  And it's cheaper than any sit down place you'll visit.  Yeah, you'll have to find seats in a food court style eating area, but this is a food court inside a centuries-old public market.  It's worth a visit or two.  You definitely won't go hungry!

Speaking of food, I highly recommend another Boston original:  Legal Sea Foods.  Legal isn't cheap, but it's not going to break the bank, either.  The restaurant offers fresh, locally-caught seafood.  Our favorites are the Cioppino, the Fried Fisherman's Platter, and any of the fresh-caught grilled selections.  Add some pasta, cheesy jalapeño polenta, or any of the other sides, and you'll leave happy and satisfied.

Boston's Chinatown will satisfy a craving for Asian food, and the North End offers tons of great Italian spots, including the famous Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry.  The Green Dragon Tavern is another of our favorites for great Irish fare and drinks.  And for more seafood, check out the Union Oyster House.

In addition to all these things, you'll want to check out the family-friendly but for-all-ages Museum of Science and the great collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, which includes a fantastic collection of Early American Art (lots of Paul Revere silver) that sums up strongly the Boston experience on the whole!

So, go visit, y'all!  Enjoy!  And let us know what you thought.

Tootles!

All photos Copyright © 2013, The EverywhereMan.

Confessions of a TV Ratings Junkie

I love TV. and I know it's unhealthy to love TV as much as I do. When the time comes for me to raise tiny humans, I would prefer they don't watch TV at all. I'd rather they go out to play with other kids, dun around dusty playgrounds, and get scabs every now and then. I truly think that life would be much better without television. However, I cannot deny that I am a TV addict.

Growing up, I spent hours watching every television show possible. I think I was the only kid in our small, provincial town watching Sunset Beach and Days of Our Lives with my mother, after watching Rosalinda with my grandmother and Daimos with my cousin. Now, years later, even without my own television set, I am still a TV addict - thanks to first world internet.  I can download or stream any show in less than 5 minutes. I can watch Project Runway or The Amazing Race on my phone while doing ellipticals in the gym.

Thus, it should come as no surprise that I am also obsessed with TV ratings. So allow me to prattle on about how it works here in the US. Nielsen Media Research has been measuring the number of people watching TV shows for decades now.  Nielsen uses statistical sampling and extrapolates total viewers from this sample, just like survey companies do during election time. Ratings are usually reported as "ratings/share."  Let's say The Voice gets an 8/11, this means that 8 percent of total televisions turned on were tuned in to The Voice.

TV ratings are important to networks, because advertisers base their decision to advertise on one show over another on the ratings number. But this gets a bit more complicated than you think.

You'd think that the total number of viewers would be enough to determine a show's profitability, but this is not the case. Let's say, at some point last fall, Dancing with the Stars had 15 million total viewers and The Voice had 13 million for the same night. By these numbers alone, DWTS should be considered more profitable and the number one network for the night, but this is not so. This is because advertisers do not really care much about the total number of eyeballs that watch the program. What they care care about is the all important 18-49 demographic. Advertisers believe that people within this particular age range have the financial power to spend on the products being advertised on their screen.

Thus, going back to our previous example, even though The Voice had a lower number of Total Viewers, it had a higher 18-49 ratings compared to DWTS. In this case, The Voice is considered the more successful, more profitable and is the number one program of the night.

Let's look at last night's TV ratings for the major networks:

Time	Net	Show	18-49 Rating/Sh	Viewers (Millions)
8:00	NBC	The Voice	4.5/14	13.78
	FOX	Hell's Kitchen	1.9/6	4.58
	CBS	NCIS: Los Angeles - R	1.3/4	9.23
	ABC	Splash	1.1/3	5.20
	CW	Hart of Dixie	0.5/2	1.32
9:00	ABC	DWTS	2.1/6	12.45
	CBS	NCIS - R	2.1/6	12.28
	NBC	Ready for Love(9-11PM)	1.3/4	3.37
	FOX	New Girl - R	1.2/3	2.36
	CW	ANTM - R	0.2/1	0.66
9:30	FOX	The Mindy Project- R	1.0/3	1.96
10:00	CBS	Golden Boy	1.5/4	7.93
	ABC	Body of Proof	1.4/4	8.99

(ratings are taken from: http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/04/17/tv-ratings-tuesday-the-voice-dancing-with-the-stars-rise-hart-of-dixie-down-ready-for-love-sinks/178307/)

Here, we see that The Voice was the number one program of the night and NBC, the number one network for the night. In the coming days, I'll be ranting more about the ratings. Why is this important to me? While I'm not an advertiser who can invest billions on a TV show, I do harbor a very irrational attachment to several programs. I want to know if a show I love is about to get axed anytime soon. Also, I have a special love for NBC because of Friends and Cheers, and now that they're network number 3, I can't help but root for the underdog.

Now you know.