https://youtu.be/rPWs4FK9lDY
I caught this recent Farmers Insurance commercial the other day:
“At Farmers, we’ve seen almost everything, so we know how to cover almost anything. Even a band of vigilante turkeys enacting their revenge. Talk to Farmers today about the auto insurance plan to keep you safe on the road, even turkey-covered roads. http://Farmers.com/hallofclaims “
I’m a bit disappointed that the Asian American man in the commercial didn’t have any speaking parts. After a closer look, I think I’ve seen him before in another commercial – in a CVS commercial where he is playing a pharmacist, where again, he is not speaking at all. I’m guessing this guy is new to Hollywood and just starting to do commercials?
Microsynopsis: Louis brings home his family’s first “Internet computer,” and thanks to Evan’s proficiency, the family immediately discovers a website that’s given Cattleman’s Ranch a B-minus grade. Horrified, Louis and Jessica invite the critic to give them another try. When he shows up for his reservation, the Huangs discover that the Phil of “Phil’s Phaves” is Philip Goldstein (Albert Tsai), the other Asian kid in school, who once ditched Eddie at a Beastie Boys concert. Phil refuses to raise his grade, so Jessica enlists Evan’s help in creating a revenge website. 
Bad: Philip Goldstein is one of the worst characters from the early episodes, and while Albert Tsai has won me over as Dave Park on Dr. Ken, I still can’t stand him as this character. And although the Phil’s Phaves story is a good idea, the way it plays out, after the initial website discovery scenes, is kind of a yawn.
Smart People, now at 2econd Stage Theatre in New York, takes an incisive look at the role race plays in our lives, from career to personal, and particularly when the two mesh. Written by Lydia Diamond and starring Mahershala Ali (House of Cards), Joshua Jackson (The Affair, Dawson’s Creek), Anne Son (My Generation), and Tessa Thompson (Creed, Dear White People), Smart People is a fast-paced, invigorating play.
“Former Palo Alto High standout Jeremy Lin was back in the Bay Area on Monday night and witnessed some history. Unfortunately for Lin, it wasn’t about his NBA Charlotte Hornets. While Lin started and scored 13 points with three rebounds, it was the host Golden State Warriors grabbing the headlines once again as they posted a 111-101 victory for its 35th straight victory at home.
I saw the show the first weekend that it was in previews – and I really enjoyed it a lot. What first got you interested in the project?
Microsynopsis: Honey and Marvin offer to sit Emery and Evan so Louis and Jessica can have a date night without the kids. Marvin and the boys play a game of dares, sending Emery back to his house to make some mischief. Emery walks in on his parents and is disappointed by what he sees, inspiring him to tear down his bedroom Love Wall, a collection of mementos and tributes to love.
Bad: In just the past year, Eddie and his family have met Shaquille O’Neal, DMX, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis. We’re supposed to believe this? Ugh.
Growing up, Lunar New Year meant sweet lotus seeds and coconut strips, a big family meal, and my mom visiting my elementary school classroom to teach about the holiday. At some point, I learned the story of the Chinese zodiac animals and which zodiac animal each member of my family was. At another point, I learned that it wasn’t just Chinese who celebrated the Lunar New Year. I remember reading Demi’s beautiful books of Chinese folk tales filled with red and gold. But I don’t remember ever reading a book specifically about LNY. They may have existed, who knows. Today, thankfully, such books are easier to find. A librarian at the New York Public Library has compiled 
Symptoms: It’s time for the Sweethearts Dance at Dave’s school, and when Dave says he’s too shy to ask his crush to attend with him, Ken gives him advice on how to get the girl. This is before he realizes the object of Dave’s affection is the daughter of an ambulance-chasing lawyer Ken can’t stand. At Welltopia, Pat’s relationship with Damona continues with much of the accompanying awkwardness. They agree that attending Julie’s Presidents Day party (newly designated because Julie’s beau Topher can’t make it) is more appropriate for the state of their relationship than her originally planned Valentine’s Day party.
Prognosis: This is another Molly and Dave episode that strengthens the show, and the continued development of the Welltopia crew makes this two good episodes in a row.
Microsynopsis: The Huangs are excited about flying back to D.C. to join their family in Chinatown for Chinese New Year, but a Louis screwup keeps them in Orlando, where they seek some way to have a traditional celebration.
Bad:. The episode leans two ways I’m not especially fond of. It gets a little syrupy near the end, and although for a family show I normally approve of that, there was probably somewhere a little edgier it could have gone, since the scene that sets it up is already very touchy-feely. Also, there’s kind of a long, teachy bit that gets tiresome. It’s ostensibly for the staff and guests at Cattleman’s Ranch, but it feels like it’s aimed rather ham-fistedly at the audience.
