A summer of pop culture

So I know it has been a while, but a summer that began without much hope in the pop culture arena, has finally found its groove. The season of American Idol proved to lack chemistry, early Summer blockbusters fizzled (Iron Man 2, Knight and Day) and TV was an empty empty landscape. I'm going to highlight some of my summer treats and get into more detail soon.

Luckily I started my summer with lots of fun music -- my summer concert series included every country star under the sun in Nashville, Bon Jovi opening Giants Stadium, Lady Antebellum hitting the Nokia Theater and Sugarland in Jersey with fantastic seats -- All incredible. What has been rotating in my ears this summer? I can't deny the infectious "California Girls" by Katy Perry (which plays in loop with Jason DeRulo's In My Head (hee hee guilty pleasure)) plus John Mayer's Battle Studies is a really great album, a journey of love and pain. And then mid-summer Sugarland put out "Stuck Like Glue" an upbeat, catchy ditty from the upcoming new album that once again is totally stuck in my head (like glue ha, ha). And now the new Eminem / Rihanna song is so strong - so happy to have him back.

Movie wise -- got to see Inception and The Kids are All Right - definitely the two best of the year so far. I want to see The Other Guys and the new Jennifer Aniston / Jason Bateman plus Eat Pray love - read the book, should see the movie. Very much looking forward to Fall for films -- will create my hit list soon.

TV this summer started slow -- Friday Night Lights recently ended another SPECTACULAR season. Thrilled Coach Eric and Tami Taylor were nominated for Emmy's and this season with the death of Matt's father and Tim finding his happiness and letting it go for his brother was an absolute tear jerker. The addition of Vince and his mother plus Becky proved that the show with the leadership of Eric and Tami can bring any additional characters into the mix and succeed.

Mad Men is really hitting a stride this season -- the unraveling of Don's life -- he was always portrayed as this cool, unflappable guy and now he is shown drunk, in his sad apartment, hiring prostitutes and needing his job to define his character. It is depressing, but also has more of a sense of humor and levity for moments. But I want Don to hit his stride again -- not sure that's what Matthew Weiner is planning though -- I think it will get a lot messier before it cleans up.

I truly enjoyed Bettheny Getting Married -- she is funny. Very quick-witted and honest. It was light and easy fare. On the other hand, I cringed through Real Housewives of New Jersey. The people are too crazy - and it got dangerous and weird. Not fun like it should be. Good for Dina for leaving the show. These women are freaks.

Also watched Teen Mom -- best show to educate teens on abstinence. Man, these girls really have it rough - can't wait for Dr Drew to get his hands on them. Boston Med was fantastic -- a real documentary style about the Boston Hospitals -- highly recommend that you download this series if you haven't seen it. Hope it comes back - and shout out to my fellow Indian Americans -- practically every doctor featured was Indian. My people are smart.

Also watching Top Chef but have dropped Project Runway - I'm over it. Also watching True Blood on DVD -- only on season 1 people, but I know everybody loves it, so hoping it'll catch on.

I have been watching Jersey Shore -- I did not think this season would be any good and actually did not even start watching it til last week. It isn't as shocking as last time, but there are some hysterical moments -- provided mostly by The Situation and Snookie. Let me sum it up with this -- Mike the Situation called the restaurant to order food for delivery -- "Can I get your name for the delivery?" "Situation" "Excuse me?" "Situation" "That's your name?" "Yes, S-I-T-U-A-T-I-O-N, Situation" "Okay, whatever dude." Hysterical. And when Snookie dropped the chicken out of the fridge and didn't know how to clean it up? Or when she couldn't scoop the ice cream from the case at work because she is too short? So funny. Could care less about the drama, but the funny moments are funny.

Then there is this season of Big Brother - my biggest guilty pleasure. This group of losers is so hysterical that I can't even explain without laughing. I'll have to devote a blog to it soon to give you the full description. But if you watch, I'm rooting for Britney or Ragan -- Matt who is lying that his wife has a disease and Brendon who fell in love with Rachel on the show both need to go home, stat.

Okay folks, that is a little dose to get this blog back in action. Note the new counter so I can see how many of you are reading this or sharing it!

Since I just unleashed all of my guilty pleasures, please remember, don't be ashamed of your obsessions.