5 Online Shows You Should Be Watching

I don't have cable. Its true, I don't. I have a great high speed internet connection (thanks to, or in spite of) via Comcast, which allows me to multitask effortlessly online. As we speak I'm blogging, cleaning files off my computer and YouTubing Silverchair videos (was in the mood for 90s grunge, don't judge me). In the tradition of new media, a nod to my generation's need to be constantly stimulated, I've taken to relying on streaming new shows via You Tube and Hulu to fill my TV void during the summer months. Here's my list of 5 online shows YOU should be watching right now:

5. This Is My City-The UK Guardian has described this show as a "Jackass-style online travel show", and like the lovable miscreants on Jackass, Thomas and Tim risk life and limb to create their show. Shot with minimal, but bad ass equipment, the show follows the 2 hosts visiting various cities across the globe and diving into local culture, customs, nightlife and day-life all with the help of the people who live there. The show aims to give viewers a real view of how to play and live in the most traveled cities in the world. Rip up the guide book and check out the first season exclusively at www.thisismycity.tv

4. Skins UK-Earlier this year MTV stirred up quite a bit of controversy for their American-ized version (RIP Skins US) of the hit (and equally controversial) UK series. Skins follows the lives of a core group of nine teens as they navigate their way through life, love, loss, parties, drugs and sex. Personally, I'm a fan of both, but rarely does an American remake supersede the original version. The first three seasons are officially part of Hulu's new line up of shows and I couldn't be happier. Now, I get to see how the characters transition over the course of the series. If you're a fan of Degrassi, odds are you'll become a fan of Skins.

3. Archer-Yes, I know Archer airs on the cable channel FX, but like I said, I don't have cable! Again, Hulu has hooked me up by adding the complete second season to their line-up. The show centers around Sterling Archer (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), a famous international spy, and the hijinks of his crack team at ISIS, their secret agent headquarters. Former international super spy and mother to Sterling, Mallory Archer (voiced by Jessica Walker) runs ISIS, and Lana (voiced by Aisha Tyler), Archer's ex usually works cases with him. The show is purely hysterical, and since its animated the writers are able to get in a good joke without the threat of a sexual harassment lawsuit. Think of it as South Park meets Space Ghost Coast to Coast, but with a lot more sex and innuendo.

2. The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl-Everyone loves a good underdog story, and The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl is as underdog as it gets. Creator, writer, and main actor Issa Rae had the idea for the show for about two years before she finally decided to put pen to paper and create it. She then recruited friends, who loved her concept to act in the series. As the show was on its last leg, the team reached out to their fans and friends who donated money to help keep the show going. I think what makes this show so great is its ability to be honest and poke fun at misconceptions and stereotypes. As an awkward black girl, I found myself on more than one occasion laughing hysterically at the simplest things and shouting, "omg, that happens to me!" or "I get like that too!" at my computer screen. The show has over 16,000 fans on Facebook and is in production to create five more episodes. Did I mention that its popularity has spread internationally via word-of-mouth and viral advertising since its debut in January? Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

1. Misfits-This is by far the BEST show that isn't on American TV. Another UK series, Misfits follows five twenty somethings as they do a stint of community service in a London suburb. On the first day of their rehabilitation, a freak storm hits and they're all struck by a bolt of lighting. The consequence? They all develop mysterious powers. Its Skins meets Heroes and its nothing short of awesome. New episodes debut every Monday on Hulu and I'm already halfway through the second season. I'm on pins and needles all week waiting to see what happens next.

Snowmageddon 2010 Rocks!

Today is a great time to be alive. Why? Because we are currently living through the snowiest Winter EVER (well at least in Philly, Delaware, South Jersey & DC/MD/VA)! The federal government has been shut down since last Friday, schools and many jobs are closed, and public transportation is at a stand still; not a typical Wednesday.

This past weekend the Delaware Valley got hit with a little over 2 feet of snow, and we're scheduled to get another foot and a half. So what's a gal to do? Go to a concert! Yep, I treated myself to a concert on one of my favorite sites Hulu. Hulu is a free site that allows you to watch full episodes of shows, documentaries and of course concerts. Today's feature was Paramore's (an awesome band from Tennessee) Chicago show from their Final Riot Tour. Interspersed with clips from their live DVD, the concert covered all their hits from both albums (All We Know Is Falling & Riot!). I jammed out from beginning to end, and was even touched that they teamed up with Love146.org to help bring awareness to the sex slave trade worldwide.

So if you're home watching you car get buried under feet of snow, treat yourself to a concert!

The Art of Shutting the Fuck Up.

Call it hormones, call it "being in the silence" but lately...I don't want to talk. I don't want to hear other people talking about things that mean nothing. I imagine the average person wastes about a good 5 hours a day rambling on and on about nothing. Now, I am not a misanthrope by any means. I love people. I enjoy good conversation, meeting new people, hanging out, etc... Recently, I really could care less about talking about "my day" or "what I'm thinking" or "what are you doing?". I just don't want to talk.

Its to the point where I come home, and I want to hear no one talking back to me unless I am watching my Hulu, or I have to have a phone meeting. I've cut myself off from most people. This is not necessarily a good thing. People take things personally, and my quest for silence has nothing to do with them. I just want silence. I want to think or rather...NOT think. And silence allows me to do that. This could also be caused by the loud and annoying co-worker at my job, the incessant ringing of the phone, and the 30 something conversations I have at work, that when I come home, I practice the "Art of Shutting the Fuck Up". Yes, its an Art. Try keeping your mouth closed for a good hour, and just observe your thoughts....its interesting. All this has got me thinking though...when did I become so crotchety?? lol. So I challenge you all, if you're ever in a mood, or in a place where you don't want to hear anyone speak, practice this Art. It will save your sanity.