Television

There was a time when the majority of people lived in rural areas.  It made sense.  There was opportunity for owning land.  Maybe you’d farm.  Maybe have a ranch.  In wooded areas, you might have a lumber business.  On coasts, you could fish.  Perhaps you could have a business that would cater to these folks.  And, of course, there was always the possibility of working for someone in any of these industries.

Then came the Industrial Revolution.  People started leaving the rural areas for the cities, where there were manufacturing jobs.  And that led to growing businesses of all kinds.  Cities were busy and exciting.  And that trend has never slowed down. Today, the majority of people live in urban areas.

It’s said that on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish.  Sometimes in the movies, it feels that way.
While I do like films set in Ireland, we don’t need those movies to find Irish talents in movies and TV.  They are everywhere and always have been, both in front of and behind the camera.

So as St. Patrick’s Day approaches, I thought I’d draw attention to the Irish who entertain us.  They have become a most welcome part of our movies and television, sometimes without our knowing that they were born and/or raised in Ireland or Northern Ireland.
 

At the end of every year, we see online or in magazines and newspapers a list of celebrities who have passed away.  Some of the deaths we remember.  Some we may not have heard about.  But for the most part, we stop and think of the works they have done.  And maybe look for a favorite movie or television series to watch again.

A few of these actors and actresses I was able to acknowledge soon after their deaths.  But I’d like to start this list with a mention of some I should have written about sooner.
 

It’s that time of year again.  For many of us, Thanksgiving is the real start to the holiday season.  We get together with family and friends and have a big dinner.  We talk and visit and catch up on everyone's news.  We probably watch some football or the parade or a favorite movie.  And in the midst of all the festivities, we remember how fortunate we are.

Like many TV enthusiasts, last Sunday I watched the 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards.  I have to confess, I wasn’t overly thrilled with the complete list of winners, but all of the nominees were deserving of recognition for their work in television. Even if my some of my favorites didn’t take home the statue, the telecast itself was enjoyable with moments both funny (an intentional speech mix-up in the Lead Actress in a Comedy category, and the faux In Memoriam to Jimmy Kimmel as sung by Josh Groban) and touching (a standing ovation for Michael J. Fox, and Ron Howard’s heartfelt tribute to Andy Griffith).

If you missed the nominations, check out these blog posts to find the complete list in the Drama and Comedy categories. And if you missed the ceremony on Sunday, the winners in Drama, Comedy and Miniseries or Movie are listed below.