2 posts tagged “2008”

Do you get a little excited when you hear somebody mention your hometown on television? Living in Philadelphia, this doesn’t happen as often as it does in other places. But it might happen more than you know. Philadelphia and the surrounding area have played a pivotal role in many sitcoms and dramas on television. It may have even been the setting for one of your favorite shows and you didn’t even know it. Here are some of the popular (and not so popular) programs in which the “City of Brotherly Love” has played a part.

American Bandstand

This iconic TV program was hosted for several decades by the immortal Dick Clark. It showcased the latest hits in pop music and local teens dancing to those hits. Each week, a popular act from the era would come on the show and lip-sync their latest hit. American Bandstand started out as a local Philadelphia show. It made its debut on WFIL-TV in 1952 and some of the biggest names in music graced the stages, ranging from Patsy Cline to Aerosmith and hundreds more in between.

American Dreams

Remember this short-lived drama that lasted from 2002-2005? The show was a fictional drama that had American Bandstand as a centerpiece to the daily lives and families of the characters. American Dreams focused on the Pryor family during the 1960s in middle-class Philadelphia. It took on tough topics like the Vietnam War, teen pregnancy and others. Popular actors and musicians played the part of iconic music stars performing on American Bandstand each week.

The Class

This 19-episode sitcom focused around a group of former classmates in their late 20s and living in Philadelphia. The characters attended third grade together, but had no connections to each other until a classmate gathers them all for a party. From there, they reunite and form lifelong friendships, each with their unique dynamics and situations. The Class only lasted for one season (2005-2006) before being cancelled.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Although the setting for the show doesn’t take place in Philadelphia, the main character (Will Smith) hails from the western part of Philadelphia. He was sent to live with his upper-class relatives in a mansion in Bel-Air where lifestyles collide. The characters mention “Philly” numerous times and it’s even mentioned in the opening theme song. This popular sitcom lasted from 1990 to 1996 on NBC and you can find it in syndication on several different channels.

Parking Wars

This show is set to premier in January 2008. It’s a reality-based show that follows workers from the Philadelphia Parking Authority around as they perform their normal duties. While it may not sound exciting, watching the reaction of the ticket recipients is often amusing if not downright hilarious. Check your local listings for this A&E Television program. Maybe if this show is a success, they’ll base a reality show on a local Philadelphia Mercedes-Benz dealer. Wouldn’t that be interesting?

Hearing your hometown mentioned on a nationwide television show instills a sense of pride to some viewers. Having an entire show dedicated to your city is even better. Philadelphia residents have many things to be proud of and these TV shows just add to that list.

Reaching the Peak

If you’re like most people, you probably made set some goals for yourself this year. Whether it’s losing weight, getting published, or being able to afford that brand new Mercedes-Benz you’ve had your eye on, having a plan for reaching your goals is ideal. Following are eight simple steps to help you keep your resolutions and attain everything you want this coming year.

Have a Strong Support System

Tell your friends and family about the goals you have. Do this for two reasons. First, speaking your goals aloud gives them a life that they didn’t have before. Second, telling others about your goals keeps you accountable. If your loved ones see you stray away from reaching those goals, they can help you get back on track.

Make a Written Plan

Many people fail at reaching their goals because they simply don’t write down the things they want to accomplish. By writing it down, you have a written record that you can refer to at any time. Make several copies and hang them up in your home where you will always see them. Keep a copy in your car and one in your wallet as well.

Keep it Real

Don’t make goals that are simply unattainable. While striving to become a billionaire in 2008 might seem like a great dream, you probably won’t achieve that if you’re barely making ends meet now. Set small goals and work up to the larger ones as you get more experience and knowledge.

Keep Your Body Nourished

Eating healthy keeps you energized and focused. Stock your kitchen with healthy foods, such as a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as fish, poultry and other low-fat proteins. When you’re hungry, you simply don’t have the energy to continue working towards your goal.

Stay Active

Exercise works similarly to eating right. Keep your body active to reduce fatigue and lack of concentration. Even a brisk 20-minute walk each night is enough to get your blood flowing and help you focus on your projects at hand.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Nobody works to their full potential when they’re tired. Most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. Others need less to feel fully rested. Know your body’s sleep limits and stick to it as much as possible. It doesn’t pay to stay up a few hours late one night if you’re completely unfocused and unmotivated the next day.

Be patient

You’re not going to reach your goals overnight unless your goal involves watching the last season of your favorite TV show on DVD. Most of the goal worth achieving will take some time, patience and hard work. Don’t expect to achieve them within a month. Continue working towards it until you reach the goal.

Find a Mentor

Look for somebody who has already achieved what you are trying to achieve. If you’re trying to get your business off the ground, find a local businessperson and interview them. You might have to buy them lunch, but the knowledge you get in return is priceless. If your goal is to lose weight, find somebody who has done the same and ask them how they did it. The more knowledge you have, the better chance you have at reaching your goal.

By following these tips and believing in yourself, you can have the best year of your life. Put the mistakes of 2007 behind you and create a better life for yourself and your family in 2008.