Past its Prime or Simply Outdated?

It may be one of the longest-running shows in television history, but the fan ratings for "The Simpsons" certainly have not been consistent over that period of time. Although many consider it a classic, for the past several years I have been hearing complaints from many people that the newer episodes have lost their charm.

In some cases, these claims have support (I don't like some of the recent episodes myself), but for a while I have been plagued by a question; what exactly is meant by "new" episodes? Is there a specific point or season where the episodes started to go downhill? Is this point easily noticeable? Does everyone agree on it? Before judging the quality of current episodes, I think that all critics should ponder and be able to answer these queries.

For my part, I think the answer is relatively simple. When it premiered in the early 1990's, "The Simpsons"was a television revolution. Nothing like it had been seen before. In the intervening years, however, the ideas, characters and themes have been copied and parodied so many times that the style has become firmly ingrained in everyday imagination. The original premise no longer impresses viewers. Perhaps some past generations who grew up with the original episodes have matured and simply feel dissappointed?

In any case, I am confident that "The Simpsons" will remain an entertainment icon for years to come. So Mr. Groening, keep up the good work!

Movie Review: Jodhaa Akbar

I first came across this movie as part of a recommendation list on my Netflix account. It captured my attention but I was never overly inclined to see it. Now, however, after immersing myself in Alex Rutherford's spellbinding historical fiction series Empire of the Moghul, I finally decided to try this movie, and I was completely blown away.

The film showcases the early reign of Akbar the Great, the third emperor of the 16th century Moghul Dynasty of India. Descended from a Muslim tribal clan in Central Asia, Akbar was famous for promoting religious tolerance within the boundaries of his empire, and this shines through in the film. This inclusionist policy earns him friends and enemies, both in neighboring provinces and within his oun court and family.

The other leading face in the film is Jodhaa, princess of the Indian region of Rajasthan, played by Bollywood legend Aishwarya Rai. Although promised to Akbar in marriage to gain an alliance, the vivacious and headstrong Hindu proves more than a match for the Muslim emperor, and in time their marriage blossoms into a true romance.

Although some features do deviate from the historical record (based on my own knowledge and reviews posted by other Netflix viewers), a powerful love story set against a background of political intrigue and family drama, coupled with some classic Bollywood song-and-dance routines, combine to create perhaps to most moving and dramatic foreign film I have ever seen.

The John Lennon Project

This year I did a project on Legendary Beatle and Quarrymen leader John Lennon. He was not only a musician but he was also a activist. It was amazing doing a project. This year I collected his dvd's along with his songs and pictures. My friends and I even went to Strawberry Fields and The Dakota. It was great to learn about him I am sure that he is always watching us everywhere we go rather it's by day or by night.

by Justin Stenzler

The Last of the Pharaohs: Fact vs Fiction

Cleopatra. Few names are charged with as much mystique and legend as that of Ancient Egypt's last ruling queen. Whether you imagine profile portraits on ancient artifacts or Elizabeth Taylor's 1963 blockbuster performance, this last vestige of the age of the Pharaohs has left her permanent mark on history. But is that mark the truth?

Recently I saw two television documentaries examining Cleopatra's life, the world she lived in, and the centuries of lore and myth surrounding her reign. The first one, produced by the National Geographic channel as part of their Egypt Unwrapped series examined the standard Cleopatra story with a fresh insight as to what the events of her life actually signify. Case in point, one thing Cleopatra is famous for (or infamous, depending on your point of view) is seducing Julius Ceasar and Mark Antony, and bearing children to both of them.

This has led Cleopatra to be cast as a temptress, but according to the opinions of experts interviewed for the program, what she was actually doing was forming political alliances with the Roman Empire in order to protect the interests of Egypt. The children that she bore could have a legitimate claim to the thrones of both nations, thereby helping Cleopatra to remain secure in her powers.

The other documentary, presented by the Science Channel as part of their Unearthing Ancient Secrets series take an even more dramatic stance on the validity of the Cleopatra story. The last pharaoh's death by suicide, usually by the bite of a poisonous snake, is one of the most iconic scenes in her story. But is it fact or fiction?

Puzzled by the many inconsistencies and supposed "red flags" in ancient accounts, Pat Brown, an experienced criminal profiler, applies modern forensics technology and enlists the help of respected experts to prove her ultimate theory: that Cleopatra did not commit suicide, but rather was murdered after the Roman Empire took control of Egypt, possibly on the orders of her victorious rival Ocatvian. Ms. Brown investigates the case very thoroughly and finds surprisingly concrete evidence to back up her claims.

For anyone interested in these and other fine programing please visit:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ and http://science.discovery.com/

NYCC 2011: The Avengers Panel

Watch the entire panel for the Avengers movie at New York Comic Con this weekend. Except for the new footage that was shown during the panel. As no one was allowed to record it. Credit goes to BKBN TV for providing this video.  Stay tuned here for more NYCC news this week:

Movie Review 1911

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In the fall of 1911, China overthrew it's 2000 year reigning monarchy and formed a democracy. A century later, their story has been told, with the talent of the legendary Jackie Chan. Chan is known for the Rush Hour films here in America, but his work is far broader than that. In this film, he gives an amazing performance. The film is genuinely good, but has some slow moments. Altenrating between settings and story lines, it would have done well to have had more of Chan and the richness he brings to his character. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

"Marvel's The Avengers" Trailer

The first trailer for the big comic book film coming out next summer "Marvel's the Avengers", was released today online. It's the Marvel superheroes, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk and others coming together to fight against evil villans. The Avengers will also be at New York Comic Con on Saturday, Oct 15, at 6:30pm in the IGN theater, to show off "never-before-seen" footage of the film. "Marvel's The Avengers" will hit theaters May 4, 2012.

NYC & LI Weather Report 10/11/11

Weather Summary:

Today will see sunshine filtered by more high clouds. Light east winds off the ocean will keep temps from reaching the 80s again today. Tonight clouds will thicken up, as an area of low pressure approaches from the south. This low will give us rain by tomorrow afternoon and continue in tomorrow night. Generally, a half-inch to one inch of rain is expected for much of the area, through tomorrow night. Locally higher amounts are possible. Which might lead to some minor flooding in poor drainage areas.

A frontal system coming from the south and west, will give us more showers on Thurs and Friday. More heavy rainfall is possible. But major flooding is not expected. Cool and drier weather returns for the weekend.

Five-day & weekend forecast for the NYC Metro Area & Long Island:

Today - Partly sunny. Highs in the middle 70s.

Tonight - Mostly cloudy. Lows in the middle 50s.

Tomorrow - Cloudy and breezy. Rain arriving by early afternoon. Rain could be heavy at times. Highs in the middle to upper 60s.

Tomorrow night - Cloudy. Periods of rain. Rain could be heavy at times, especially early. Lows around 60.

Thursday - Mostly cloudy. 40% chance of showers. Highs in the lower to mid 70s.

Friday - Mostly cloudy. 40% chance of showers. Highs in the lower to mid 70s.

Saturday - Mostly sunny. Cooler. Highs in the lower to middle 60s.

Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the middle to upper 60s.

Look at me I'm the King of New Jersey

The Paper Mill Playhouse, a long-standing regional theater in Millburn New Jersey has for the first time in years produced Newsies, a stage musical based on the 1992 Disney movie starring the second Batman saga's Christian Bale. Though the film was not critically acclaimed the show is receiving good reviews and has made Paper Mill "King of New Jersey" again. Fully funded by Disney, this may very well go to Broadway and run for years to come.