Reflections on the 2016 A to Z Challenge

I love the A to Z Blogging Challenge! I have done this for three years now, and it's been a blast each time. In fact, this blog exists because of the challenge. A couple of years ago, I saw a post about it somewhere... I believe it was Google Plus. I was thinking about starting a blog anyway, but the challenge started that day. Sooo, I went through all the steps to create my blog, got everything set up, joined the challenge, and submitted my first post, all in one day!

This time, however, I did have some trouble. just a couple of days after the challenge began, I had to take my mom to the ER. I was visiting her in the hospital every day for a while, then brought her home, where I had to take care of her and handle much more than I ever had before. It was very nerve-wracking, and scary.

During all of this, everyone has been telling me that I had to take care of myself as well, so doing the challenge was part of that, even though I missed a few days. I really enjoy doing these posts, so it's more fun than work for me. My day job is in computer engineering and software engineering, so this blog is just pure fun for me. So, even though I missed some days, I thoroughly enjoyed the days in which I participated, even if it was sometimes difficult "doing something for myself."

Y is for Actors Ybarra ( 'Gotham') and Yamamoto ('The 100')

There were absolutely no names that began with Y in any of my favorite shows, and way too many that contained Ys, or even ended in Y. So, I'm going with actor names this one time.

On Gotham, we've got Dustin Ybarra, who portrays Robert Greenwood. Greenwood is a crazy cannibal of women. Thankfully, he is recently deceased (Greenwood the character, not the actor).

Over on The 100, we've got Donna Yamamoto, who portrays Hannah Green, Monty's mom, aka "Momty." she's one of the most hated characters on the show, besides Pike. That's because she's a horrible person (the character). No wonder her own son is forced to go up against her to protect others!

X is for X-Names

OWe've got two Fox(es) and a Lexa. I know that's a bit of a cheat, but there are no Xaviers in any of my favorite shows, so that's all I've got. I already talked about Lexa (Alycia Debnam-Carey) from The 100 on L-day, so I'll just focus on Fox.

On Gotham, there's Lucious Fox (Chris Chalk), who is the only guy over at Wayne Enterprises who tells poor Bruce that his parents weren't horrible, and did what he could to help Bruce find the person who murdered them.

On The 100, we've got another Fox (Genevieve Buechner). Bellamy saved her from torture at Mount Weather, where they were brutally stealing bone marrow from people. But because it's The 100, she died anyway.

V is for Victor ('Gotham')

The only V in my favorite shows is on Gotham (or as I like to call it, "Got Ham?"): Victor Zsasz (Anthony Carrigan). This guy is sadistic and worked for mobster Falcone, then Penguin. He actually cuts a mark into his own skin for each person he kills!

U is for Uncle Jack ('Second Chance')

OK, I'm stretching here, but the only "U" name I could find in my favorite shows was a guest character named Uncle Jack (Alvin Sanders) on Second Chance. He's such a minor character that he's actually a hologram used to trick a suspect into talking. Duval "wears" the hologram, and uses Arthur (the computer) to give him Uncle Jack's voice as well, on a web chat.

R is for Rebecca & Rachel ('Limitless'), and Roan ('The 100')

R is pretty common as the first letter of many names, but apparently not for my favorite shows. There are only three on this list! Two of them come from my current favorite show, Limitless.

Rebecca (Jennifer Carpenter) is Brian's handler at the FBI. She likes Brian as a person in the beginning, until they start having trust issues. She's also very straight-laced, and doesn't like it when Brian tries to break the rules.

Rachel (Megan Guinan) is Brian's sister, and tries to cover for him when he lies. Until she doesn't. She inadvertently screws things up for Brian in a way, but she doesn't really have enough information to go off of to know whether anything Brian does is going to get him killed. So she errs in the side of protecting her brother

On The 100, Roan (Zach McGowan) was simply a prince, as the son of yesterday's Queen Nia, until Lexa killed her. Now he's King Roan. He's not as ruthless as his mom, and definitely not as evil as Ontari, the woman Nia set up to be the successor to Commander Lexa.

Before she knew Roan wasn't as bad as the other bad guys, Clarke tried to kill him

P is for Pritchard ('Second Chance'), Penguin & Peabody ('Gotham'), and Pike ('The 100')

On Second Chance, Pritchard can either refer to the son, Duval Pritchard (Tim DeKay) or the father, Jimmy Pritchard (Rob Kazinsky). The father looks more like the brother, but that's only because he died as an old man and was brought back to life as the younger, best version of himself.

On Gotham, we've got one of the most iconic villains, Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor)! He's completely insane, and entirely entertaining. Then there's Peabody (Tonya Pinkins), who's basically the lackey to the weirdo Dr. Strange, helping him to perform experiments on the criminally insane. Penguin is one of their victims!

And then we've got The 100, with one of the most hated characters of the show, Pike (Michael Beach). And why is he so reviled? Because his favorite pastime is killing Grounders and those who sympathize with them!

Kane finally got one over on Pike, temporarily

O is for Otto ('Second Chance'), and Octavia & Ontari ('The 100')

On Second Chance, Otto Goodwin (Adhir Kalyan) is a genius who knows how to bring dead people back to life as a younger, better version of themselves. Unfortunately, he's also insane. He brings them back just for the purpose of giving his sister transfusions so she won't die from her disease. Beyond that, he doesn't care about the people he brings back, or their families. At least he comes around later, but only after it's too late.

Over on The 100, we've got both a favorite and a least favorite. Octavia Blake (Marie Avgeropoulos) is definitely the favorite. She rides horses into the sunset and has decided to be mostly a Grounder because her own people have become pretty much horrible. That includes her own brother!

Ontari (Rhiannon Fish) is one of the least favorites of the whole show. She beheaded a child for goodness sake! And all so she could be the next Commander. Even the man tasked with making it official doesn't want this monster to have power. 

L is for 'Lucifer', Leslie ('Gotham'), and Lincoln & Lexa ('The 100')

Our first L is the name of a title character: Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis). He's an evil, terrible person, yet somehow charming in human form. Sure, it doesn't really make any sense for the devil to ever be a "nice guy," but Lucifer is somehow a fantastic show anyway.

On Gotham, the mother of Gordon's (Ben McKenzie) fetus is Leslie (Morena Baccarin). Things are going really well for them. Until they're not. Gordon has been falsely accused of killing a fellow cop. Let's hope he can clear his name sooner than later so he can go back to being awesome and having the love he deserves.

Over on The 100, Lincoln is the first Grounder to teach the sky people that not all Grounders are horrible murderous fiends. Well, except for the part where he gets tortured after trying to kill Finn the first time he sees him. He's a good guy after that, although things haven't worked out so well for him recently.

We also have a big cheese Grounder: Lexa. She's the commander, and a fine one she is at that, even after falling for a sky woman. Except things don't work out well for her either. Oh yeah, and she was implanted with AI tech, so she was sort of a cyborg. Sort of.

I is for Ike ('Limitless'), Ivy ('Gotham') and Indra ('The 100')

There aren't many "I" characters, and the ones we have here are mostly secondary, but they're interesting.

On Limitless, we've got Agent Ike (Tom Degnan), who is one of the FBI agents who is supposed to keep Brian Finch in line. Ike (probably) isn't his real name. We never actually know his name. Brian just likes to call his two babysitters Mike and Ike in order to identify them.

On Gotham, Ivy "Pamela" Pepper (Clare Foley) is a little red-headed delinquent girl who likes to pick pockets and trick people out of their money. She's a little bit nuts, but in a very humorous way.

Finally, on The 100, Indra (Adina Porter) is one of the Grounders. She used to be considered one of the "bad guys," but she just wants to protect her people from the sky people. She's loyal, and later forms a bond with both Octavia and Kane from "skaikru."

F is for Mama & Papa Finch ('Limitless'), Falcone & Fish ('Gotham'), and Finn ('The 100')

Not many character names start with F this time. Mama and Papa Finch (Blair Brown and Ron Rifkin) are from my favorite show, Limitless. Unfortunately, they aren't very exciting. They are the main character's (see B) parents. It's always nice to see a "Fringie" though (Blair Brown was in Fringe).

The Gotham characters are quite interesting this time. Falcone (John Doman) is basically the big cheese of the city of Gotham. He can get you anything. Just make sure you stay on his good side. 

Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith) is probably the toughest female on the show. Even when she dies, she lives. She's a badass evil biotch. 

Finally, we have Finn (Thomas McDonell) from The 100. He's a great character initially, then they decided to make his character a whole different person so that viewers would hate him and suddenly be OK with just having him die.

B is for Brian & Boyle ('Limitless'), Bruce & Barbara & Butch ('Gotham'), and Bellamy ('The 100')

First off, my current favorite show has two major characters who have names beginning with B! If you haven't seen Limitless, I think of it as a cross between Psych and the Limitless movie (Bradley Cooper even shows up in a few episodes as Eddie Morra). The reason I also compare it with Psych is because it has a similar level of 80s-style humor, which is my favorite.

Anyway, the best character of the best show on TV right now is Brian Finch (portrayed by Jake McDorman). His character was a loser much like the Eddie Morra character in the movie, then becomes awesomely intelligent when he takes the drug AZT. In this case, Brian is not quite as amazing as Eddie, and winds up under his thumb. He's also forced to work for the FBI.

Speaking of the FBI, Agent Spellman Boyle (portrayed by Hill Harper) is the next B character. He's just you're average run-of-the-mill TV FBI agent, but he clashes with Brian in sometimes hilarious ways.

Now for a few Gotham characters:

Bruce Wayne (portrayed by David Mazouz) is Batman. Well, not yet. But this is who it's all about, right? On this show, he's just a kid, but probably the most fascinating and well-acted young character you'll ever see on TV. 
Barbara Kean (portrayed by Erin Richards) used to be Gordon's annoying fiancee, but now she's hilariously batty.
Butch Gilzean (portrayed by Drew Powell) is a mob enforcer, but Penguin managed to turn him into his slave for a while, which was quite amusing.
Finally, we've got The 100. Bellamy Blake (portrayed by Bob Morley) was a bad guy, then became a good guy, and now he's one of the worst characters on the show. Get a clue, Bellamy!

Bellamy gets tased 'cause he deserves it!

A is for Alfred ('Gotham') and Alexa ('Second Chance')... Plus Abby, Anya and A.L.I.E.

There are two major characters from my top four favorite shows who have names that begin with A: Alfred Pennyworth (portrayed by Sean Pertwee) from the hit Fox show Gotham, and Alexa (portrayed by Vanessa Lengies) from another Fox show called Second Chance. Alfred is my favorite character of these two, because he's an awesome character portrayed by a fabulous actor.

Alexa, not so much. She's a horrible person who betrays her friends so she can stay young forever. At least she comes around eventually, but only because her circumstances change. I don't want to give away spoilers, but she's not so great.

So, although Second Chance is my favorite of these two shows, the Gotham character wins out this time. And since this blog mostly covers The 100 recaps these days, here are a few notable characters from The 100:

Abby is one of my favorite characters on the show, although I have to admit that she has become a bit annoying of late.

Here, Abby takes the "chip" (explained next) from Jasper

A.L.I.E. is an AI hologram that only appears to people who have swallowed an AI chip, which makes them want to do what she says. Oh, and she was responsible for launching a nuclear holocaust that nearly ended the world.

This was how the world almost ended

Anya was one of the Grounder commanders. She was awesome and scary, but she also didn't last very long (sorry, I never created a gif of her because she died before I started gif-capping The 100).

My theme is at least one character from one of my current four favorite TV shows. Now, I like The 100, but it's no longer a favorite. But since they have so many characters, and most of my blog is devoted to it, I'll use it to fill in. So, the five shows from which I'll be pulling characters are Limitless, Second Chance, Lucifer, Gotham, and The 100 (those are in order, by the way). 

A to Z Challenge Reflections (With Gifs and Tweets)

The A to Z Challenge is now over, and I have to say that it was a blast! I loved meeting a few new bloggers, and reading some wonderful posts. I'm not finished either. I didn't have time to visit all the blogs and posts I had wanted to, so I'm going to go back through as I have time to read and comment.

As some of you know, I started my blog on the first day of last year's challenge, and had so much fun that I just had to do it again. I also sort of felt that I had to, since A to Z is the reason this blog exists in the first place.

It was a bit tough for me this year, mainly because I gave myself a difficult task. I wanted to create at least one brand new gif each day, on the day of the letter the gif represented. For example, I went out and took photos of hearts, then created my H-day post on H-day. I knew it would be hard to keep up with it, but I've been wanting to speed up my gif-making. I thought the challenge would give me a chance to do that.

Well, I think it worked for the most part! I found new, creative ways of making various kinds of animated gifs, along with learning how to do them a bit more quickly. Best of all, I had fun! And now, I will end my reflections with the gif I created for the announcement my theme for this year's challenge, followed by some tweets:

#AtoZChallenge:

Who should use a Table of Contents in their ebooks? http://t.co/NoEk3lNeiU #AtoZChallenge #EBBB pic.twitter.com/prcG74s7A8
— B3 Podcast (@BBandBPodcast) May 3, 2014

Jazz doodling the #atozchallenge on #InternationalJazzDay to @AndreaWolper and @reneeyoxon http://t.co/Psx26K9OJc pic.twitter.com/NKhPz3KEcF
— wayne stratz (@nutmegdesigns) May 1, 2014

A verbose amount of V's. Interview with @christybower #atozchallenge http://t.co/GhSpXiip3F

— Masq Crew 2 (@MasqCrew2) April 29, 2014

Whoo hoo - today is the last day of #atozchallenge so I will no longer be bombarding you with blog posts very day: http://t.co/YoIfAosIKG
— Jocelyn Rish (@JocelynRish) April 30, 2014

#atozchallenge: W is for Write what you know #fiction #writing #quotes http://t.co/FDTOcHEm7J

— Damyanti G (@damyantig) April 26, 2014

Here's my #AtoZChallenge Reflections post for last year, and here are some reflections tweets:

A to Z April Challenge Reflections Post 2013 http://t.co/ocK1OTKCJR via @dmauldin3 #atozchallengereflections Challenge done.Now reflection.
— Janice Heck (@janiceheck) May 2, 2013

My Photos of AmaZing Places - Reflections of #AtoZchallenge http://t.co/hx1ZJ6WcZg

— Rhonda Albom (@Laugh_Quotes) May 3, 2014

#AtoZChallenge Reflections Post: Have I Thanked You Yet? http://t.co/iokiwOM48L
— Damyanti G (@damyantig) May 4, 2014

Reflections and Recap: The Bold Writer from A-to-Z #atozchallenge http://t.co/ilaH8GL2ci
— Julie Jordan Scott (@juliejordanscot) May 4, 2014

I'm early with my reflections post for @AprilA2Z http://t.co/s7kXlzvV88 Have I mentioned your blog? #AtoZChallenge #reflection
— Susan Sanderson (@suesconsideredt) May 3, 2014

Z Is for Zapped in the Heart by Cancellation: #SaveAlmostHuman!!

Click to see theme

I was all prepared to create a gif of me getting zapped by all the static electricity around here, until many sites began announcing the cancellation of my favorite TV show, Almost Human! True sci-fi shows are the only shows I truly love, and Almost Human was my absolute favorite. In fact, there have only been four shows in the past decade that I really truly cared about: Firefly (although, that's about a year outside the decade mark, so it's technically three), Stargate Universe, Fringe, and ALMOST HUMAN!! There have been others, such as Lost, that I really liked, but not many that I LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

So, please help me in saving my favorite show. There is a tweetout tonight, in about 15 minutes from the time I write this, but there will be more of those (details in an image below). There is also a petition to bring the show to SyFy, a Facebook page dedicated to saving the show, and a Facebook group of fans. Below, I'm also posting four gifs I had already created for past recaps. I didn't have time to search for clips to use, so these are the ones that best represent "zapping." Please enjoy them! I've also made them available on this Tumblr post.

This one best represents FOX's decision to cancel the show: utter disaster!

Ouch! This is kind of how I feel right now. Why have you done this to me, FOX?

Is this what the fans are to FOX? Just an MX that doesn't matter?

We need to be like Dorian and zap back the controls on our show!

#SaveAlmostHuman @Syfy @SyfyTV @FOXTV I loved this show, and so did a lot of other people. Not everyone is able to watch live.
— Gigi (@Gigi_Hudson) April 30, 2014

#AlmostHuman Sign it! https://t.co/4bIYi8yl69 best bet is to rally SyFy to pick up #SaveAlmostHuman
— Rose (@servantrose) April 30, 2014

Seriously like can another network or something pick it up?! Too good a show to just quit right there! #SaveAlmostHuman #AlmostHuman
— Crimson Regret (@_CrimsonRegret_) April 30, 2014

It's time to be united! Join the campaign to #SaveAlmostHuman here: http://t.co/Q8M4Rgf6u8 ..spread the word!
— DRN Bots (@DRNBots) April 30, 2014

Arghh!! Noooo!!! Why Fox??!! I'm upset about Almost Human being cancelled. #SaveAlmostHuman
— Brenda Van Arden (@BrendaVanArden) April 30, 2014

#Zapped:

Don't you just hate electric fencing,when you find a hole in your boot and the phone rings#RanchLife #Zapped pic.twitter.com/2tF8dRUaDZ
— Tim Oleksyn (@SouthRanchTim) June 11, 2013

playing #monopoly #zapped edition with the fam ^_^ http://t.co/iyZSBlMS
— Shei Lani (@SheiLani) December 26, 2012

#Zap:

Running through 10,000 volt live wires. Twice. #zap pic.twitter.com/isCyChTZGX
— Diego Correa (@dcorrea325) April 7, 2014

#Zephyr:

He's so adorable I can't stand it #bestdogever #zephyr pic.twitter.com/Fr0mF3zt6j
— Andrea Davis (@andreaeve12) March 11, 2014

My families first big TV was a #Zenith. It was huge because that was before flat screens!

http://t.co/4Brh3vklSj Vintage Zenith Radio #zenith #vintage #radio #classic by fictionofthefuture pic.twitter.com/foHT5PJXzh
— RadioFLL (@RadioFLL) April 28, 2014

#Zulu:

#Zulu pic.twitter.com/KCxLT4MRvi
— Patrick Callaghan (@angrycarptbager) April 25, 2014

My "Z" for last year was "#Zany #Zzyzx #Zoning":

I'm drinking cider out a coconut for goodness sake...well played London, well played #zany #fb pic.twitter.com/b9fge5R7qe
— Malcolm Bertram (@malks07) July 6, 2013

This trip is awesome! ^_^ literally in the middle of nowhere but it's beautiful. #zzyzx pic.twitter.com/pCtDYUfOg6
— D'Lena ♡ (@_dlenaaa) April 26, 2014

Jus me my headphones and my bed right now nothing else matters....#Zoning
— Anthony Dixon (@Boobie24Dixon) January 4, 2014

X is for 'X-Files' (and Xylophone)

Click to see theme

X-Files was one of the best sci-fi series of all time. Heck, even a few sci-fi haters I know loved it! Sci-fi fanatics such as myself loved the extreme sci-fi aspects of the show, but it also introduced a relationship aspect that everyone could enjoy. Mulder and Scully were one of the best partnerships of any TV series, whether science fiction or not. The fact that Scully thought Mulder was nuts most of the time also helped the less sci/fantasy inclined viewers relate to the show.

I have also made this gif available on this Tumblr post.

This was the first show I bought on DVD. Chris Carter has such an imagination #xfiles #tvtag http://t.co/4IaD2IchVW
— Mary R Jervis (@PolishViking) April 28, 2014

‘Crisis’ Gillian Anderson And ‘Californication’ David Duchovny New 'X-Files' Movie Confirmed? http://t.co/VAmzglRkRi #XFiles
— VIP Fan Auctions (@vipfanauctions) April 28, 2014

MULDER: Dear Diary: Today my heart leapt when Agent Scully suggested spontaneous human combustion. #XFiles
— martina. (@amellsrickardss) April 28, 2014

The #XFiles fandom right now. pic.twitter.com/1giq5EbpCz
— Beyondthesea.it (@beyondtheseait) April 23, 2014

Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose. Peter Boyle was in my personal favorite X-Files episode ever. Sublime storytelling. #XFiles
— CleverBoy (@CleverestBoy) April 28, 2014

I used to love playing with my toy #Xylophone as a kid. Here are some grown-up xylophones:

Wits Art Students #talent #talented #africanmusic #prizegivingceremony #xylophone @ The Great Hall,… http://t.co/iWvnAgeDCd
— Alex Lee Fong ♔ (@Alex8812) April 26, 2014

#HowTo play Mission Impossible on the #xylophone https://t.co/gWd8GxkyYi
— JerSean Golatt (@jerseang) July 30, 2013

#Xanadu:

X is for Xanadu – my case for it to be a country! http://t.co/wxz0PEY8aG #ttot #travel #xanadu #atozchallenge
— Contented Traveller (@gordyandpaula) April 28, 2014

My "X" for last year was "'#X-Files' #XXVI: #X":

Don't worry. I'm simply placing your X-Files "fan fiction" under my fireplace logs for safe keeping.
— Christian Lynch (@monsterLUNCH) April 28, 2014

grey fade tee available online now at http://t.co/NuvgnTEfyq #xxvi #26 #apparel #tiedye #dipdye #grey… http://t.co/zjDt8p0gLK
— Nicole Leoni (@Frankieeeeee23) April 27, 2014

Watch "Behind The Scenes" footage of @edgestudio recording #voiceover for @Marvel Comics Astonishing #X-MEN http://t.co/NfoRpARuPU
— Edge Studio (@EdgeStudio) April 28, 2014

W is for Wind (and Weeping Angels)

Click to see theme

Wind is prevalent in the high desert of California. I did most of my growing up there, during my teen years. In fact, I'm there at this moment, at my parents' house, doing my work and blogging from home. The wind was very strong yesterday, and especially last night. It has died down considerably today, which is why I was able to capture it on a gif. Although not as strong as earlier, you can see how my video slowly tilts, as I tilt to the wind. I also put on a neat filter, which was actually just a way to make the file smaller while keeping the length and pixel size.

I have also made this gif available on this Tumblr post.

Also, check out this graphic with the strongest #wind gusts since yesterday afternoon! #cawx pic.twitter.com/crX0qGpswL
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) April 26, 2014

Hair styling and lip gloss - two style choices you'll regret today! #wind
— Rosemary Mac Cabe (@RosemaryMacCabe) April 26, 2014

There are more than 550 U.S. manufacturing facilities making #wind components across 44 states. #iheartrenewables pic.twitter.com/yzgw61rB9A
— Iberdrola Renewables (@IberdrolaRen) April 25, 2014

Flying wind turbine could be the future of renewable energy http://t.co/IirtNgEJmZ #renewableenergy #wind pic.twitter.com/1UGGaKCKCN
— WOODHOUSE (@wearewoodhouse) April 19, 2014

"@CECHR_UoD Honeycomb 'Wind Lens' Turbines Could Boost Energy Generation 3X http://t.co/LxuFAuQzEc #wind #renewable pic.twitter.com/yA549g5iiH "
— Sol Hog (@solhog) April 16, 2014

The #WeepingAngels are my favorite Doctor Who creatures. Those things are creepy!

Dont blink! #WeepingAngels pic.twitter.com/wBjS8aUGwg
— Lisa Blake (@lisablake392) April 26, 2014

They're Everywhere D: #weepingangels #doctorwho http://t.co/h6mBMgScKw pic.twitter.com/e5VySud6PP
— Ivan Chavez (@towlie_mcweed) April 21, 2014

That's a bit...confusing. #DoctorWho #WeepingAngels pic.twitter.com/SBVHAgkOrH
— Ksu (@ksuuniq) April 25, 2014

#War:

The only #war I'm able to approve in on a table with a #risiko game pic.twitter.com/Z91lukpN4L
— MZ (@7mara5) January 5, 2014

#Wriggle:

You won't believe what we found on our trip today! #wriggle&crawl @WWTLlanelli pic.twitter.com/6chzfuQoWl
— Mr Griffiths (@griffiths_mr) April 10, 2014

#Wiggle:

-@CatRescueTweets #wiggle #lol pic.twitter.com/9ocXXCYYBj
— Dog Rescue Network (@DogRescueTweets) April 9, 2014

My "W" for last year was "#Wacky #Wheat #Widens #Waistlines":

Good way to start the morning #wacky pic.twitter.com/5qhrqZ2N67
— Cameron Cuparo (@camcuparo20) April 26, 2014

#wheat looking good pic.twitter.com/2xlG02sjm0
— Luke Johnson, CCA (@LukeJohnson21) April 26, 2014

What Rhymes With Widens... http://whatrhymeswith.com/rhyme/widens #rhyme #widens
— What Rhymes With? (@RhymeAnything) May 14, 2011

Duffins (doughnut-muffins) and townies (tart-brownies) @RLSBcharity HQ! :D #waistlines without limits pic.twitter.com/EaZn7dr9sZ
— Claire Kidman (@claire_kidders) September 26, 2013

U is for 'Under the Dome' (Which is Unnerving)

Click to see theme

Under the Dome has become a fun part of my TV viewing. It is based on a Stephen King novel by the same name. I have to admit that I used to "hate-watch" the show. In other words, it was so hilariously bad that it was enjoyable to watch. I would just sit and watch it with my family, and we would joke about how bad it was. Then it actually got pretty good. The story is becoming really interesting, and I'm actually enjoying it. It also differs from the book quite a bit, which is a good thing.

Don't get me wrong. The show still has problems, and I tend to half-watch it while doing other work. The children are the best actors on the show, and some of the characters are so stupid, it's ridiculous to believe they would actually live as long as they have. Others are so horrible that you actually hate them and want them to die badly (and soon) rather than love to hate them. I guess in some sense, I still "hate-watch." I'm just beginning to enjoy parts of the story.

This is the first episode, when the invisible dome first comes down, creating havoc
The Season 2 premiere airs Monday, June 30, at 10 p.m.
I also made the gif available on this Tumblr post.

#TBT S1 #UnderTheDome tweet fest. @jojopurdy @colinfordactor @AishaHinds @RealBritt_Rob via @nataliemartinez pic.twitter.com/TJIgGKGGUH
— RC Chairez (@rc_chairez) April 24, 2014

a number of Chester’s Mill residents inexplicably collapsing just as Big Jim is about to execute Barbie #UndertheDome pic.twitter.com/8H47tmsFjo
— Mike Vogel Russia (@MikeVogelRussia) April 24, 2014

Jumped on the bandwagon. What a great book by .@StephenKing. #UnderTheDome pic.twitter.com/MiVT5Ccaz9
— James Wolk (@JamesWolk) April 24, 2014

Reminder, family! 67 days until #UnderTheDome Season 2 begins! @Mike_Vogel @RachelleLefevre @UnderTheDomeCBS @deanjnorris @nataliemartinez
— Mike Vogel US (@MikeVogelUS) April 24, 2014

Want to see the set of #UnderTheDome? Now, you can go behind the scenes at @euescreengems: http://t.co/CBiYRokC73 pic.twitter.com/6JMKkqIVXu
— Ashlea Kosikowski (@AshleaKosi) April 22, 2014

#Understanding:

Pls SHARE if you CARE One of my favourite pics about #care #dementia #empathy #warmth #understanding pic.twitter.com/pT1TAFdnnn
— Training for Carers (@trainingcarers) April 22, 2014

#Udon:

MUST TRY!! Izakaya on Church - KIMCHI UDON - Udon noodles w/ Kimchi & Cod Roe @GuuToronto #guu #izakaya #udon pic.twitter.com/nxCZKfpUnx
— Guu Toronto (@GuuToronto) April 18, 2014

My "U" for last year was "#Ugly #Urban #Utilities":

Tags like this are just stupid. #tagging #Urban #Ugly #Graffiti http://t.co/VAHy7wpdql
— James Fowler (@jamesfowler) August 20, 2013

Don’t get exposed! Windows XP is no longer offering #cyber support. How will it affect your #utilities? http://t.co/CogfX4gJaV
— Ventyx (@Ventyx) April 9, 2014

R is for Revolution (and Robromance)

Click to see theme

Revolution is currently one of my favorite shows on TV. It's about a future Earth where all power has gone out, and is not recoverable. The reason the power can't come back on is a very sci-fi reason, having to do with nanites. The nanites are mostly invisible, except when they make themselves known in the form of fireflies. Oh yeah, they can also control your brain, and kill people with spontaneous combustion.

The first season did not have so many sci-fi aspects, which is probably why it was more popular. As a sci-fi fanatic, I love that the show has come fully on board the sci-fi crazy train. Unfortunately, that makes it less popular with the general public, so the show is in danger of not being renewed for a third season. If I could only choose one renewal, I would choose Almost Human. But if I could choose two, Revolution would be my other choice.

Revolution airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC
Please excuse the low quality gif, as I could only find the clip I wanted online
I've also made the gif available on this Tumblr post.

@StephenCollins in the press room at Wondercon talking about the final two episodes of #Revolution Season 2 https://t.co/9EiuoamrO6
— Billy Burke Fanpage (@BillyBurkeFansU) April 21, 2014

#Revolution @NBCRevolution back 04/30 MT @Kizzy205 @WormholeRiders It is really good, got S1 DVD as don't have sky tv pic.twitter.com/AUjNvMGIbQ
— WormholeRiders (@WormholeRiders) April 19, 2014

Billy and Liz 😄 inside joke? 'Cause Mat and David don't look amused #Revolution #BTS pic.twitter.com/gTcyQ1443w
— Revolution Fanatic! (@MathesonFanatic) April 15, 2014

@nbc So many people in the world w no power etc #Revolution is working w the UN to help,please renew this great show so they can do more!
— Kanani Rodriguez (@Redvelvetsweet) April 15, 2014

Your mission #Revolution fans, should you accept it (& you're gonna) is to write @NBC a real letter. #RenewRevolution pic.twitter.com/7xsla2Pgcx
— Christy (@wicked_happy) April 15, 2014

Speaking of Almost Human, one of the best things about that show is the hilarious and wonderful "#robromance," as in, a bromance between a human and an android.

I also shared this gif under "A" for Almost Human
I had also shared this gif on this Tumblr post.

Photo: I’m watching Almost Human “S01E13 “Straw Man” - The #RoBroMance is off the scale in this episode. If... http://t.co/OJgqYuRpXh
— ~* Carina *~ (@trvllngjwllr) March 4, 2014

"There's 50 shade of purple in there!" Yep, they took this #Robromance to a whole new level. #AlmostHuman
— Jonathan Stone (@jonathanjstone0) November 26, 2013

"Robromance." Look it up. It's a thing. #robromance #almosthuman #robots #ericjoyner... http://t.co/6a0YbbTuhW
— Eric Joyner (@RobotsAndDonuts) November 20, 2013

J.J. Abrams' new series "Almost Human" premieres this Sunday. Who's gonna watch? #Robromance http://t.co/1YU5Lxlwke
— Kalen G (@KalanaFalana) November 16, 2013

My "R" for last year was "#Remembering #Rugged #Roads":

#Remembering John Houbolt, architect of the Apollo Program's lunar orbit rendezvous: http://t.co/isEEe4zYEv   pic.twitter.com/MhqpeuwPPi
— NASA History Office (@NASAhistory) April 17, 2014

Cheese enthusiasts! I heartily recommend this powerful cheddar. Not cheap, but it's my current fave. #rugged pic.twitter.com/XaaWh0n73A
— monastico (@monastico) March 3, 2014

Photos of the world most dangerous #roads! http://t.co/TAKeERtd27 pic.twitter.com/TD4i3j0cVJ
— MSN Arabia (@MSNArabia) April 16, 2014

Q is for 'Quantum Leap' (and Other Quirky Things)

Click to see theme

Quantum Leap is another of my favorite sci-fi shows, which aired on NBC for five seasons, from the late 80s to the early 90s. It starred Scott Bakula (one of my fave actors!) as Dr. Sam Beckett, and Dean Stockwell as Al.

Sam went back in time through his own lifetime, but only his mind went back. He would take over the consciousness of other people, seeing things through their eyes. Al was his sidekick, but only appeared as a hologram that only Sam (and animals, children, and the mentally impaired) could see. Sam was stuck in this quantum leaping loop, unable to get back home. He always made his next leap at the end of an episode, letting out a big fat disappointed "Oh, boy!" when he realized what he would be getting into next.

This was Sam's first leap, at the beginning of the first episode.
I've also made this gif available on this Tumblr post.

Watching "Jimmy" one more time before we record tonight. :) #QuantumLeap #tvtag http://t.co/8XnHrc3Kl4
— Heather Burdge (@heatherburdge) April 19, 2014

When your using your iPhone like Ziggy from Quantum Leap #Quantumleap
— Terry Stewart (@sonofkermode) April 19, 2014

#QuantumLeap creators must be thrilled to see http://t.co/O4mq0AnVef deliver #quantum computing at scale :-) via @damoncb
— Jeremie Moritz (@jmoritz) April 18, 2014

.@RETR0JOE @gamesbloke @gamesyouloved #QuantumLeap is one of the greatest TV shows... ever. Please RT - everyone needs to watch it.
— Patrick Fox (@iOgOfficial) April 16, 2014

Seeing Scott Bakula guest starring in #NCIS was super. Although I kept waiting for "Al" to come out & talk to him! #QuantumLeap
— K. (@theoneKGB) April 3, 2014

#Quarters:

These are not 10ps stop pawning them off on the unsuspecting public. #quarters pic.twitter.com/S0AWfxZ6yY
— Remy Carter Pinkman (@iamremy90) August 29, 2013

#Quilt:

#MFA the Quilt exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston was superb! #quilt pic.twitter.com/wTPtlRJyxk
— Jonathan Downs (@Jo_nathanDowns) April 19, 2014

#Quail:

Community member Brian Douglas rocked our Unreal #Quail Egg! http://t.co/n3rX5Q1PUf Recipe: http://t.co/m36FnrsxrB pic.twitter.com/OK9i5QaUMs
— ChefSteps (@ChefSteps) April 17, 2014

#Quasar:

An artist’s concept of a #quasar drenched in water vapor http://t.co/BT5ZqvVSUt pic.twitter.com/xnkmXHoR1Q
— Observing Space (@ObservingSpace) December 26, 2013

#Quiet:

Driving into western @SeeNewBrunswick sunset Time here means #FamilyTime #beauty #quiet #ocean #roots & #seafood YUM pic.twitter.com/0VnGUoCZlU
— Karen Anderson (@calgaryfoodtour) April 18, 2014

#Quantas:

#avion #voyage #airnewzealand #quantas #australie pic.twitter.com/w2wdj6dZFc
— Fanny Rooseboom (@FannyRooseboom) April 15, 2014

My Q for last year was "#Questing #Quirky #Qwerty":

learning to let social media help you connect to real world-- a great lil project http://t.co/68CzWFVU #questing #quirky
— Lance Eaton (@leaton01) January 24, 2013

Whoever this person is, we should definitely be friends. #qwerty pic.twitter.com/33t7sVmLrD
— Thom Atkinson (@ThomAtHome) March 22, 2014