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Who knows TV better than us? As America's largest online DISH Network dealer, we've got the inside dirt on the channels, shows, and events that keep you tuned in.
 I’m not an advocate of watching a movie based off a novel I’ve read. Let’s take one of my favorites, the Shopaholic series by Sophia Kinsella. I have a vivid picture of Becky Bloomwood, her voice, her appearance and even her walk. It would be troubling for me to see her character played out in any way other than what’s pictured in my head. I either read a book or watch the movie, not both. In the case of The Devil Wears Prada, I skipped the book and headed straight to my home cinema to catch the 2006 film that is now showing on HBO (DISH Network channels 300-309, in HD on channel 9440). Loosely based on the book by Lauren Weisberger, this cute yet smart and edgy drama takes a walk, and at many times a run, through the life of Andy Sachs. A young, inexperienced assistant to the publisher of a topnotch fashion magazine, she is struggling to inch her way up the career ladder. Played by Anne Hathaway, Andy comes to New York City in hopes of being a journalist. Instead, she ends up in the world of fashion with no fashion sense. It’s amusing because she starts out being the “ugly duckling” and with a touch of makeup, a different hairstyle and more tightly fitting, stylish clothes, becomes a fashion icon who quickly moves to first assistant. The most profound character, played by the legendary Meryl Streep, is Andy’s boss, Miranda Priestly. The editor of this high profile New York fashion magazine, fictionally titled Runway, Miranda is ruthless and cruel and makes Andy’s hopes of becoming a journalist a complete nightmare. Don’t think you’re going to get through this flick without a love story. Although it doesn’t take over the plot, Andy’s boyfriend, Nate, played by Entourage’s Adrian Grenier, is left behind as her career advances. There is also a love interest from the industry, Christian Thompson, played by Simon Baker. Andy becomes preoccupied with her image and career and in the end, has to make decisions about who she really is and where she wants to be in life. I recommend this film for its effortless humor and simplistic storyline.
Channel: Travel Channel
DISH Network channel number: 215 (available on America’s Top 100 or higher and DishLATINO Max)
The menu: Original programming all about Travel and Leisure. Whether you are looking for local hotspots or hidden treasures throughout the world, the travel channel offers a variety of programs that lead you through global adventures.
The DISH: For the most part, the Travel Channel shows follow a similar format… One of the hosts takes a trip to a different destination and acts as your travel guide; showing you the ins and outs of where to stay, what to eat/drink and do for fun. Some of you may wonder, “How varied can a show about travel be?” The names of the shows alone demonstrate how creative and diverse the programming is. Check out Most Haunted, Bizarre Foods, and Not Your Average Travel Guide, to name a few. The show I find most entertaining is 1,000 Places to See Before You Die (Thursdays 9p.m. ET/PT). This show is hosted by a newlywed couple that takes a 14 week trip around the world to see as many of the locations from the bestselling book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz. The complete series only visits around 100 places on the list so don’t forget to pick up a copy of the book to see what you’re missing. World Poker Tour (Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT) is also a popular Travel Channel Show, although it’s a bit unclear how much it has to do with travel.
Primarily, the tone is set by the host of each show. If you find one that is entertaining or intriguing you could never get sick of ‘traveling’ with them. On the other hand, if you are indifferent you may have a hard time focusing on the content as I did when watching Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. The style was not my taste so I think I will stick with my newlywed couple hosts.
Check, please: It begins to get depressing watching other people travel the world. Unless you are lucky enough to land a hosting job on the Travel Channel, I don’t know many people that get unlimited vacation. – it may be hard convincing your boss to pay you for 14 weeks of vacation and maybe even through in a bonus so you can afford your travels. I do however keep dreaming.
Channel: DIY (do-it-yourself) Network
DISH Network channel number: 111 (available on America’s Top 250 or higher and DISH Latino Max)
The menu: The name speaks for itself…from arts & crafts to home renovations; this channel boasts a variety of do-it-yourself programs.
The DISH: This network is your source for the best how-to when it comes to do-it-yourself projects. DIY’s 90-percent original programming includes a broad range of categories including arts and crafts for children, room rejuvenation and redecoration, and even complete home renovation. Don’t be fooled into thinking you will watch a state-of-the-art home built from the ground up while the family is on vacation, similar to ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition (on your DISH locals). You will be able to see, however, through homeowner participation that these projects really are do-it-yourself. The shows on DIY offer practical, useful, and creative tips and answers to your most sought after questions. There are a couple programs that you do NOT want to miss. Bob Vila (known widely as the former host of This Old House – also on DIY Channel 111) is found hosting Bob Vila’s Home Again. Stay tuned daily to see each venture through to completion. For you moms, whether you are a working or stay-at-home mom, Creative Juice is the perfect outlet for creative projects you can do with your children. Catch it daily at 5pm EST or on HGTV DISH Channel 112 daily at 7:30am EST.
Get interactive…diynetwork.com features instructions for all projects you see on its shows. To most of you, the thought of redoing an entire room from top to bottom is unimaginable, but this supplement enables you to carry out projects seen on TV with detailed step-by-step instructions.
Check, please: The project simplicity that is brought to you through this entertaining medium makes it “a lot easier than it looks”. Be careful and thoughtful before starting your own project: you don’t want to be left with your basement halfway dry walled.
The events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks affected everyone across the country in a dramatic and yet different way. Some may be skeptical about so many 9/11 movies so soon (World Trade Center and Twin Towers to name a few) and the thought of replaying that horrific incident in their head is overwhelming. For others, it gives an opportunity to remember not only the enormous loss but also the acts of heroism and unification that resulted from these tragic events. Possibly, you are hoping this film may provide some insight into the many questions that loom in your mind: What went wrong? Could this have been prevented? What happened to keep the 4th hijacked aircraft from hitting its target? The film, showing on HBO2 (DISH channels 301 & 304), counts down the events that were believed to have taken place in real time. Not only are you taken from pre-flight security screening at Newark International Airport to the plot staged by courageous passengers aimed toward taking over the cockpit, you are also given a look at air traffic control and military operations during these hours. You won’t find any A-list actors in the film which allows focus to be on the events that took place that morning and the real lives of everyday people that were lost. No one said it is “easy” to watch, but the film shows the heroism and strength that prevailed on this day rather than solely replaying the tremendous tragedy that this day in American history is remembered for.
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