YouTube Demonetizes Small Channels

For those that don't know, YouTube has been struggling with a few issues over the past few years (can you say Logan Paul and a dead body?). And as any company does over time, they make changes. One of those changes smacked me in the face this morning. I sat there checking my email first thing in the morning like always and see something from YouTube in my Inbox. In short, they will be turning off monetization for small channels. Specifically, they are giving everyone 30 days to meet their new minimum of 4,000 hours of watch time (240,000 minutes) and 1,000 subscribers.

That "and" is key there as I'm probably close enough to meet the minimum watch time to get to that goal this year. But the subscriber count is really where I'll take a kick in the pants. And to grow your channel by 900 or so subscribers in 30 days is so unlikely, I'm resigned to be demonetized for the foreseeable future. As in years. Even though I broke through the old minimum last year and actually made money at doing something I love, I've now been reduced to watching from the sidelines as the bigger channels get bigger and the smaller channels disappear.

I'm still bitter. I'm still processing my emotions. I'm still sad and mad and so many other things.

And no, I'm not going to ask you to subscribe to my YouTube channel or read my blogs. As much as I'd love to beg you to do that, I think you already would have if you enjoyed my content.

But I have to share something from one of my biggest supporters out there. My son. He is a huge YouTube consumer. If given the opportunity, he would watch YouTube all day and all night. What he enjoys is beyond my scope of understanding. I still can't comprehend how he can spend so much time watching people play Minecraft. I can't change who he is but I just don't understand. Getting back on track, as I was still processing the news and getting ready for work this morning, I shared the bad news with my son. The conversation went something like this:

Me: "I have some bad news William. YouTube has demonetized my channel."
William: "They deleted your channel?!"
Me: "No."
William: "They deleted your videos?!"
Me: "No."
William: "Can you still upload videos? I don't understand."
Me: "Well, basically I won't be able to make any money on my videos."
William: "Oh. Well that sucks."
Me: "Yep, it sure does."

It was a pivotal moment and I knew it. I was still pissed off and wanted to throw a chair through the window, but I knew, right there as I sat on the bed, that I would continue to do this thing I love. As I drove to work I wasn't sure if I wanted to put my fist through the window or cry uncontrollably. I ended up finding salvation in the bottom of my Starbucks coffee (#notsponsored!). And I realized I was having yet another John Locke moment where I just needed to scream "Don't tell me what I can't do!"

Since I started this journey through my midlife crisis back in 2016, I've struggled with my own identity. I finally found it last year. I'm a house spouse and a content creator. When I left my last job in 2016, I was kicked to the curb like a piece of trash. In 2017, I finally realized I wasn't trash and managed to pick myself up, brush myself off, and get back out there. It's 2018 and I'm back on the ground, wondering why the YouTube bus has decided to run me over.

I know there's a lot wrong with YouTube. I also know that I'm not part of the problem. I'll continue to edit videos just like I'll continue to research my articles. I'll continue to produce videos just like I'll continue to write stories. I'll even continue to pay for YouTube Red and YouTubeTV. But I feel like the platform I've enjoyed, supported, and been a member of since January 29, 2007, has betrayed me and all the other little guys out there. It wouldn't take a big push to get me invested in a different platform. ::coughcough:: Samsung? ::coughcough:: Casey Neistat? ::coughcough::

In closing, I'd like to ask you to do two things for me. First, support your family and your friends. Help them fulfill their dreams. Second, support those small, local businesses you know. Help your neighbors because they have dreams too.

Thanks for reading.

LOST With Elizabeth - Finale

Well folks, it looks like the LOST With Elizabeth idea dried up sooner than expected. I had hoped to continue watching, writing, and discussing the show with my daughter but two big challenges arose. The biggest one was that the Season 3 discs no longer have questions at the end of them. So even though we made great progress into Season 3, we no longer had any discussion prompts. The second hurdle, and one that was expected, was school finally caught up to us. We started this project over the summer when bedtimes were much more flexible. As school began, our free time declined and so did our discussions.

So because school is more important than these blog entries and because I don't have the free time to create discussion questions, we've decided to table the project for now. There are two or three other shows I'd like to watch with her to see what she has to say but have yet to come up with a way to do it. So LOST With Elizabeth will be like The Knight Rider and Magnum PI posts in that they will only occur as time allows.

Meanwhile, I'd like to thank you for reading her thoughts and I hope you stick around for more!

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 2, Disc 6

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.

Disc 6 Questions
Just like Season 1, there were no questions at the end of this disc. But we went back and re-visited the previous questions to see if there where any changes in her answers.


Disc 5 Questions

What else will Michael do in his pursuit of Walt? [he just killed Ana Lucia and Libby]
He took four people with him but Hurley was allowed to leave so technically he made three people go as prisoner. But I really feel like that boat is suspicious. Like they're not going to just let him go and be free [see note below about Season 3].

What will we find out about Henry Gale?
[insert chuckling] He is the "king" of the Others for lack of a better term. And if you don't listen to him, then I don't know what happens to you but not something good [see note below about Season 3].

What is Dharma and why do they have their own food products?
Dharma is an experiment to see how people do with this problem their faced with. And they have their own food products because the people on the island need some source of food besides papayas, mangoes, and fish. They didn't want any other companies influencing the experiment people. And I feel like the question mark place was an experiment too.

Is Hurley really crazy?
I don't think Hurley is crazy. I think it's his conscience that is crazy.

Another pre-island coincidence? [Libby in the mental hospital]
Yes.

? [the black light painting on the blast door that shows a map]
I think it's meant so that you can find all of the other Dharma buildings and what the center of the island is. It will lead you to an underground passage back to the real world. Well, they're in the real world so like back to civilization. In contact with real people. But it's like a mystery and they have to solve it. Except it didn't take them anywhere. It took them to a place where they were monitoring the other Dharmas. You know, really when you think about it, why would they have people on the island doing that when they could just as easily have people on land doing that.


Disc 4 Questions

Who kidnapped Sun?
Charlie. [said in a really bad Australian accent like Claire]

Should we believe Henry Gale's story?
No.

Or listen to what Rousseau says about him? [Henry Gale]
I don't know if she [Rousseau] went extreme now. What it seems like is he's the leader. When he was prisoner he made it seem like he was a lower class but what we're seeing now [see note below about Season 3] he seems more like the person in charge.

How is Sun pregnant?
I don't know.

Will they find Henry Gale's balloon?
They found his balloon but it wasn't his balloon. It was the real Henry Gale's balloon, not the other Henry Gale's balloon [the one in the Hatch].

Disc 3 Questions

Where is Walt writing from?
The boat people are the same as The Others. He asked for Alex and Alex was with the Others. Walt was writing from where the other Tailies were. Walt and the other Tailies don't know that they're on the same flight but they're both against The Others. So Walt is teamed up with them [the other Tailies].

Is it a coincidence that Eko and his brother ended up on the same island?
Yes.

Will Claire and Charlie's relationship ever be the same?
It won't be the same but it will be similar.

Or will Charlie give into temptation? [heroin]
No.

Will Michael find Walt on his own?
He will think he knows where Walt is and come back and get help. I was right except he knew [see note below about Season 3].

Will Jack and Ana Lucia lead a war against the Others?
I don't really think so anymore. I don't think there will be a war against the Others. I think the people on the beach will try to be nice to the Others but the Others will be mean to them. So then the Others will be like we have some of your people. Then the people on the beach will try to go to war against them but it won't work out so well for the people on the beach.

Disc 2 Questions

Where did "The Others" take the other 9 Tailies?
That one is a little more complicated. To the zoo place with the aquarium [she means the Hydra station or the one with the polar bear cages that is seen in Season 3, Disc 1 - we kind of goofed and forgot to do these questions before starting Season 3].

Was that really Walt? [standing in the jungle]
No.

Does absence make the heart grow fonder? [Sun and Jin and Bernard and Rose]
Yes.

Will Sawyer make a full recovery?
Yes but his left arm will be weaker than it was.

Are they more connected than they think? [Jack and Ana Lucia]
Yes. But they still both have big trust issues. So does Locke. Really, everyone on the island. Not anymore but at the time, yes.

Disc 1 Questions

What have the Tailies been through the last 48 days?
There was an entire episode about this.

What happens if they don't push the button before the time runs out? [in the Hatch]
The electromagnetic thing doesn't turn off, it becomes more powerful and starts attracting things like airplanes out of the sky.

Is a reunion in store for Bernard and Rose?
Yes.

Was Jack and Desmond's previous meeting a mere coincidence...?
No.

... or is it fate? [the meeting of Jack and Desmond]
I wouldn't say fate but it wasn't a coincidence. It was half in-between.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 2, Disc 5

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.

Disc 5 Questions

What else will Michael do in his pursuit of Walt? [he just killed Ana Lucia and Libby]
I don't know.

What will we find out about Henry Gale?
He is of the lower class of the Others. He's not really trusted.

What is Dharma and why do they have their own food products?
Dharma is an experiment to see how people do with this problem their faced with. And they have their own food products because the people on the island need some source of food besides papayas, mangoes, and fish.

Is Hurley really crazy?
I don't think Hurley is crazy. I think it's his conscience that is crazy.

Another pre-island coincidence? [Libby in the mental hospital]
Yes.

? [the black light painting on the blast door that shows a map]
I think it's meant so that you can find all of the other Dharma buildings and what the center of the island is. It will lead you to an underground passage back to the real world. Well, they're in the real world so like back to civilization. In contact with real people. But it's like a mystery and they have to solve it.


Disc 4 Questions

Who kidnapped Sun?
Charlie. [said in a really bad Australian accent like Claire]

Should we believe Henry Gale's story?
No.

Or listen to what Rousseau says about him? [Henry Gale]
Not quite. I think she went a little bit extreme but I'm more on her side than his side.

How is Sun pregnant?
I don't know.

Will they find Henry Gale's balloon?
They found his balloon but it wasn't his balloon. It was the real Henry Gale's balloon, not the other Henry Gale's balloon [the one in the Hatch].

Disc 3 Questions

Where is Walt writing from?
The boat people are the same as The Others. He asked for Alex and Alex was with the Others. Walt was writing from where the other Tailies were. Walt and the other Tailies don't know that they're on the same flight but they're both against The Others. So Walt is teamed up with them [the other Tailies].

Is it a coincidence that Eko and his brother ended up on the same island?
Yes.

Will Claire and Charlie's relationship ever be the same?
It won't be the same but it will be similar.

Or will Charlie give into temptation? [heroin]
No.

Will Michael find Walt on his own?
He will think he knows where Walt is and come back and get help.

Will Jack and Ana Lucia lead a war against the Others?
Sort of.


Disc 2 Questions

Where did "The Others" take the other 9 Tailies?
To one of the other places. One of the other six things. But it wasn't where Claire was. Unless there was some sort of secret locked room.

Was that really Walt? [standing in the jungle]
No.

Does absence make the heart grow fonder? [Sun and Jin and Bernard and Rose]
Yes.

Will Sawyer make a full recovery?
Yes but his left arm will be weaker than it was.

Are they more connected than they think? [Jack and Ana Lucia]
Yes. But they still both have big trust issues. So does Locke. Really, everyone on the island.

Disc 1 Questions

What have the Tailies been through the last 48 days?
Well they were on the beach then they went in the jungle.

What happens if they don't push the button before the time runs out? [in the Hatch]
In some cases it malfunctions and accidentally tells the story before, well not a story but the map or a clue.

Is a reunion in store for Bernard and Rose?
Yes.

Was Jack and Desmond's previous meeting a mere coincidence...?
No.

... or is it fate? [the meeting of Jack and Desmond]
I wouldn't say fate but it wasn't a coincidence. It was half in-between.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 2, Disc 4

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.

Disc 4 Questions

Who kidnapped Sun?
Charlie. [said in a really bad Australian accent like Claire]

Should we believe Henry Gale's story?
No.

Or listen to what Rousseau says about him? [Henry Gale]
Not quite. I think she went a little bit extreme but I'm more on her side than his side.

How is Sun pregnant?
I don't know.

Will they find Henry Gale's balloon?
No.

Disc 3 Questions

Where is Walt writing from?
The boat people are the same as The Others. He asked for Alex and Alex was with the Others. Walt was writing from where the other Tailies were. Walt and the other Tailies don't know that they're on the same flight but they're both against The Others. So Walt is teamed up with them [the other Tailies].

Is it a coincidence that Eko and his brother ended up on the same island?
Yes.

Will Claire and Charlie's relationship ever be the same?
It won't be the same but it will be similar.

Or will Charlie give into temptation? [heroin]
No.

Will Michael find Walt on his own?
Yes. But it will be more like The Others will find Michael.

Will Jack and Ana Lucia lead a war against the Others?
Sort of.


Disc 2 Questions

Where did "The Others" take the other 9 Tailies?
To one of the other places. One of the other six things. But it wasn't where Claire was. Unless there was some sort of secret locked room.

Was that really Walt? [standing in the jungle]
No.

Does absence make the heart grow fonder? [Sun and Jin and Bernard and Rose]
Yes.

Will Sawyer make a full recovery?
Yes but his left arm will be weaker than it was.

Are they more connected than they think? [Jack and Ana Lucia]
Yes. But they still both have big trust issues. So does Locke. Really, everyone on the island.

Disc 1 Questions

What have the Tailies been through the last 48 days?
Well they were on the beach then they went in the jungle.

What happens if they don't push the button before the time runs out? [in the Hatch]
In this one [this disc - disc 4] it started going into black and red with white symbols and I thought if they matched, or didn't match, then it would blow up but if that wasn't true, then it sort of told a story of some sort.

Is a reunion in store for Bernard and Rose?
Yes.

Was Jack and Desmond's previous meeting a mere coincidence...?
No.

... or is it fate? [the meeting of Jack and Desmond]
I wouldn't say fate but it wasn't a coincidence. It was half in-between.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 2, Disc 3

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.

Disc 3 Questions

Where is Walt writing from?
He's writing from where ever the boat people get power. But I think the boat people are different than The Others [the ones that took the Tailies].

Is it a coincidence that Eko and his brother ended up on the same island?
Yes.

Will Claire and Charlie's relationship ever be the same?
It won't be the same but it will be similar.

Or will Charlie give into temptation? [heroin]
No.

Will Michael find Walt on his own?
No.

Will Jack and Ana Lucia lead a war against the Others?
Sort of.


Disc 2 Questions

Where did "The Others" take the other 9 Tailies?
Where ever Ethan took Claire. And I think Claire met some of them before she lost her memory. There's nothing to remind her of that so she can't get her memory back.

Was that really Walt? [standing in the jungle]
No.

Does absence make the heart grow fonder? [Sun and Jin and Bernard and Rose]
Yes.

Will Sawyer make a full recovery?
Yes but his left arm will be weaker than it was.

Are they more connected than they think? [Jack and Ana Lucia]
Yes.

Disc 1 Questions

What have the Tailies been through the last 48 days?
Well they were on the beach then they went in the jungle.

What happens if they don't push the button before the time runs out? [in the Hatch]
The electromagnetic thing turns off. But nothing other than that.

Is a reunion in store for Bernard and Rose?
Yes.

Was Jack and Desmond's previous meeting a mere coincidence...?
No.

... or is it fate? [the meeting of Jack and Desmond]
I wouldn't say fate but it wasn't a coincidence. It was half in-between.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 2, Disc 2

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.

Disc 2 Questions

Where did "The Others" take the other 9 Tailies?
Where ever Ethan took Claire. And I think Claire met some of them before she lost her memory. There's nothing to remind her of that so she can't get her memory back.

Was that really Walt?
No.

Does absence make the heart grow fonder? [Sun and Jin and Bernard and Rose]
Yes.

Will Sawyer make a full recovery?
Yes but his left arm will be weaker than it was.

Are they more connected than they think? [Jack and Ana Lucia]
Yes.

Disc 1 Questions

What have the Tailies been through the last 48 days?
Well they were on the beach then they went in the jungle.

What happens if they don't push the button before the time runs out? [in the Hatch]
The electromagnetic thing turns off. But nothing other than that.

Is a reunion in store for Bernard and Rose?
Yes.

Was Jack and Desmond's previous meeting a mere coincidence...?
No.

... or is it fate? [the meeting of Jack and Desmond]
I wouldn't say fate but it wasn't a coincidence. It was half in-between.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 2, Disc 1

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.

Disc 1 Questions

What have the Tailies been through the last 48 days?
They've been through sort of the same thing but they haven't....they don't know what the Smoke Monster is. They haven't encountered it. They've made use of their shelter.

What happens if they don't push the button before the time runs out? [in the Hatch]
The electromagnetic thing turns off. But nothing other than that.

Is a reunion in store for Bernard and Rose?
Yes.

Was Jack and Desmond's previous meeting a mere coincidence...?
No.

... or is it fate? [the meeting of Jack and Desmond]
I wouldn't say fate but it wasn't a coincidence. It was half in-between.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 1, Disc 7

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.

Disc 7 Questions
There were no questions! Boo! But we did revisit the questions listed below.

Disc 6 Questions

Is she there to help or does she have other intentions? [Danielle]
She is there to help herself get Alex back.

Will they find help? [the people on the raft]
They did but it wasn't exactly help. But they may find more people.

Where is the black smoke coming from?
From the fire on the other side of the island.

Will Dr. Arzt's knowledge be helpful?
Yeah. He may not be but his knowledge will be.

Will dynamite open the hatch?
Sort of. It will create some impact and from there they will somehow be able to open the hatch.

Disc 5 Questions

How will Shannon handle Boone's death?
Not very well at first.

Who will help Locke open the hatch now?
Hurley. Jack. Danielle. Dr. Arzt. Kate. Well not Dr. Arzt anymore And Danielle left. They both technically helped.

Will the new raft make it off the island?
Yes.

Will Jack find Locke...?
Yes.

... And what will he do if he does? [Jack]
Locke will go through the Jack Treatment. It's hard to describe but Jack will ask him a question and Locke will try to answer and Jack will start yelling and I don't know after that.

What do these numbers mean? [4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42]
They mean something good has happened but in return something bad will happen or in their case several bad things.

Disc 4 Questions

Will the raft get them off the island?
It will get them off the island but they'll end up coming back like Gilligan's Island. The entire raft that was built [the first one] won't get them off the island, but the stuff that was left over will help.

Where did Ethan come from?
From the whisperers. Also known as the Others. Also known as the Smoke Monster.

Why is Walt "special?"
It's when he's mad that bad stuff happens.

If he is not the real Sawyer ... who is? [shrimp stand guy in Australia]
It was the shrimp guy, he's just good at acting.

Where was Claire?
Ethan made some sort of concoction, like Locke made for Boone, and made Claire lose her memory. And he let her free hoping to get her back and to see what's going on in the camps. So Claire would be a spy but with no previous memory.

Disc 3 Questions

Why is the airplane so important to Kate?
Because it was her childhood sweetheart's. They dug it up in the time capsule.

Is Rose right about her husband?
Yes.

Are they more than "just friends?" [Sayid and Shannon]
Yes.

And what does her brother think of it? [Boone]
Well he doesn't really have a say anymore [he died].

Why was it so important for Claire to fly on Flight 815?
I think he [the psychic] can see what can happen to people. At least until they change their mind. Like Alice from Twilight.

Where is Claire?
The French woman and Ethan aren't working together but they know each other are on the island. Claire escaped Ethan but was captured by the French woman.

Disc 2 Questions

Who attacked Sayid?
Locke. John Locke.

A friendship or more? [Sun and Michael]
Just friends.

What will he find? [Sayid]
He found the French woman [Danielle].

Will the survivors ever find more food?
Yes.

Who is the real Sawyer?
I think it was the shrimp guy but he was very good at acting.

Will life be better at the caves?
About the same but Charlie and Jack will be there [that's a good thing].

Disc 1 Questions

How did John end up in the wheel chair?
I don't know because I don't think that [the last answer] is the answer anymore.

What's wrong with Sun's marriage?
She wasn't really excited about getting married and didn't know how to break the news and isn't telling him everything and he doesn't like that.

Where did Locke learn to hunt?
More his father than the Boy Scouts.

Why was Jack in Australia?
Finding or trying to find his father.

What did Kate do?
She did rob the bank. She didn't take money but she took the plane. She had the key but it still counts as robbery because she forced the guy to open the box. She was also on the run before they dug up the time capsule so she did something else but I don't know what.

Where is the transmission coming from?
It's in the cloud monster thing where it [the smoke monster] lives.

Will Charlie kick the habit?
Yes and I say that because it did show the lady thing [the Virgin Mary] but I think that's there to remind him that he kicked the habit so he doesn't do it again.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 1, Disc 6

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.


Disc 6 Questions

Is she there to help or does she have other intentions? [Danielle]
She is there to help herself get Alex back.

Will they find help? [the people on the raft]
Yes.

Where is the black smoke coming from?
The island. It's like a volcano. Sort of.

Will Dr. Arzt's knowledge be helpful?
Yeah. He may not be but his knowledge will be.

Will dynamite open the hatch?
Sort of. It will create some impact and from there they will somehow be able to open the hatch.

Disc 5 Questions

How will Shannon handle Boone's death?
Not very well at first.

Who will help Locke open the hatch now?
Hurley. Jack. Danielle. Dr. Arzt. Kate.

Will the new raft make it off the island?
Yes.

Will Jack find Locke...?
Yes.

... And what will he do if he does? [Jack]
Locke will go through the Jack Treatment. It's hard to describe but Jack will ask him a question and Locke will try to answer and Jack will start yelling and I don't know after that.

What do these numbers mean? [4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42]
They mean something good has happened but in return something bad will happen or in their case several bad things.

Disc 4 Questions

Will the raft get them off the island?
It will get them off the island but they'll end up coming back like Gilligan's Island. The entire raft that was built [the first one] won't get them off the island, but the stuff that was left over will help.

Where did Ethan come from?
From the whisperers. Also known as the Others.

Why is Walt "special?"
It's when he's mad that bad stuff happens.

If he is not the real Sawyer ... who is? [shrimp stand guy in Australia]
It was the shrimp guy, he's just good at acting.

Where was Claire?
Ethan made some sort of concoction, like Locke made for Boone, and made Claire lose her memory. And he let her free hoping to get her back and to see what's going on in the camps. So Claire would be a spy but with no previous memory.

Disc 3 Questions

Why is the airplane so important to Kate?
Because it was her childhood sweetheart's. They dug it up in the time capsule.

Is Rose right about her husband?
Yes.

Are they more than "just friends?" [Sayid and Shannon]
Yes.

And what does her brother think of it? [Boone]
Well he doesn't really have a say anymore [he died].

Why was it so important for Claire to fly on Flight 815?
I think he [the psychic] can see what can happen to people. At least until they change their mind. Like Alice from Twilight.

Where is Claire?
The French woman and Ethan aren't working together but they know each other are on the island. Claire escaped Ethan but was captured by the French woman.

Disc 2 Questions

Who attacked Sayid?
Locke. John Locke.

A friendship or more? [Sun and Michael]
Just friends.

What will he find? [Sayid]
He found the French woman [Danielle].

Will the survivors ever find more food?
Yes.

Who is the real Sawyer?
I think it was the shrimp guy but he was very good at acting.

Will life be better at the caves?
About the same but Charlie and Jack will be there [that's a good thing].

Disc 1 Questions

How did John end up in the wheel chair?
When you have surgery, you're supposed to stay and rest and if you don't something could go wrong. And because he got up and left he damaged something somehow, leaving him paralyzed.

What's wrong with Sun's marriage?
She wasn't really excited about getting married and didn't know how to break the news and isn't telling him everything and he doesn't like that.

Where did Locke learn to hunt?
More his father than the Boy Scouts.

Why was Jack in Australia?
Finding or trying to find his father.

What did Kate do?
She did rob the bank. She didn't take money but she took the plane. She had the key but it still counts as robbery because she forced the guy to open the box. She was also on the run before they dug up the time capsule so she did something else but I don't know what.

Where is the transmission coming from?
The Black Rock.

Will Charlie kick the habit?
Yes, he burned it.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 1, Disc 5

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.


Disc 5 Questions

How will Shannon handle Boone's death?
Not very well at first.


Who will help Locke open the hatch now?
Hurley.

Will the new raft make it off the island?
It will get off the island but it will end up needing to come back or will come back on it's own.

Will Jack find Locke...?
Yes.

... And what will he do if he does? [Jack]
Locke will go through the Jack Treatment. It's hard to describe but Jack will ask him a question and Locke will try to answer and Jack will start yelling and I don't know after that.

What do these numbers mean? [4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42]
They mean something good has happened but in return something bad will happen or in their case several bad things.

Disc 4 Questions

Will the raft get them off the island?
It will get them off the island but they'll end up coming back like Gilligan's Island. The entire raft that was built [the first one] won't get them off the island, but the stuff that was left over will help.

Where did Ethan come from?
From the whisperers.

Why is Walt "special?"
Because whatever he is doing or looking at at the time, something related to it, bad happens. For example he's looking at the bird book and a bird crashed into the window and died. He was looking at the polar bear comic and another polar bear came.

If he is not the real Sawyer ... who is? [shrimp stand guy in Australia]
His twin.

Where was Claire?
Ethan made some sort of concoction, like Locke made for Boone, and made Claire lose her memory. And he let her free hoping to get her back and to see what's going on in the camps. So Claire would be a spy but with no previous memory.


Disc 3 Questions

Why is the airplane so important to Kate?
I don't know.

Is Rose right about her husband?
Yes.

Are they more than "just friends?" [Sayid and Shannon]
Yes.

And what does her brother think of it? [Boone]
Well he doesn't really have a say anymore [he died].

Why was it so important for Claire to fly on Flight 815?
I think he [the psychic] can see what can happen to people. At least until they change their mind. Like Alice from Twilight.

Where is Claire?
The French woman and Ethan aren't working together but they know each other are on the island. Claire escaped Ethan but was captured by the French woman.

Disc 2 Questions

Who attacked Sayid?
Ethan or someone helping him. The someone helping him would be the whisperers.

A friendship or more? [Sun and Michael]
Just friends.

What will he find? [Sayid]
He found the French woman [Danielle].

Will the survivors ever find more food?
Yes.

Who is the real Sawyer?
Not sure who but most likely known to one other character. Not the shrimp guy.

Will life be better at the caves?
About the same but Charlie and Jack will be there [that's a good thing].

Disc 1 Questions

How did John end up in the wheel chair?
When you have surgery, you're supposed to stay and rest and if you don't something could go wrong. And because he got up and left he damaged something somehow, leaving him paralyzed.

What's wrong with Sun's marriage?
She wasn't really excited about getting married and didn't know how to break the news and isn't telling him everything and he doesn't like that.

Where did Locke learn to hunt?
More his father than the Boy Scouts.

Why was Jack in Australia?
Finding or trying to find his father.

What did Kate do?
Know more but still don't know where she stands.

Where is the transmission coming from?
From the French woman [Danielle].

Will Charlie kick the habit?
Yes, he burned it.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 1, Disc 4

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.


Disc 4 Questions

Will the raft get them off the island?
It will get them off the island but they'll end up coming back like Gilligan's Island.

Where did Ethan come from?
From the whisperers.

Why is Walt "special?"
Because whatever he is doing or looking at at the time, something related to it, bad happens. For example he's looking at the bird book and a bird crashed into the window and died. He was looking at the polar bear comic and another polar bear came.

If he is not the real Sawyer ... who is?
His twin.

Where was Claire?
Ethan made some sort of concoction, like Locke made for Boone, and made Claire lose her memory. And he let her free hoping to get her back and to see what's going on in the camps. So Claire would be a spy but with no previous memory.

Disc 3 Questions

Why is the airplane so important to Kate?
I don't know.

Is Rose right about her husband?
Yes.

Are they more than "just friends?" [Sayid and Shannon]
Maybe.

And what does her brother think of it? [Boone]
I don't think he likes it. But he's gotten over it. Sort of.

Why was it so important for Claire to fly on Flight 815?
I think he [the psychic] can see what can happen to people. At least until they change their mind. Like Alice from Twilight.

Where is Claire?
The French woman and Ethan aren't working together but they know each other are on the island. Claire escaped Ethan but was captured by the French woman.


Disc 2 Questions

Who attacked Sayid?
Ethan or someone helping him.

A friendship or more? [Sun and Michael]
Friends but not sure what to think of him but trusts him enough to let him know she speaks English.

What will he find? [Sayid]
He found the French woman [Danielle].

Will the survivors ever find more food?
Yes.

Who is the real Sawyer?
Not sure who but most likely known to one other character.

Will life be better at the caves?
About the same but Charlie and Jack will be there [that's a good thing].

Disc 1 Questions

How did John end up in the wheel chair?
Disease.

What's wrong with Sun's marriage?
She wasn't really excited about getting married and didn't know how to break the news and isn't telling him everything and he doesn't like that.

Where did Locke learn to hunt?
His father or grandfather taught him. And, mostly, the Boy Scouts.

Why was Jack in Australia?
Finding or trying to find his father.

What did Kate do?
Know more but still don't know where she stands.

Where is the transmission coming from?
From the French woman [Danielle].

Will Charlie kick the habit?
Yes, he burned it.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 1, Disc 3

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.

Disc 3 Questions

Why is the airplane so important to Kate?
I don't know.

Is Rose right about her husband?
Yes.

Are they more than "just friends?" [Sayid and Shannon]
Maybe.

And what does her brother think of it? [Boone]
I don't think he likes it.

Why was it so important for Claire to fly on Flight 815?
I think he [the psychic] can see what can happen to people. At least until they change their mind.

Where is Claire?
The French woman and Ethan aren't working together but they know each other are on the island. Claire escaped Ethan but was captured by the French woman.


Disc 2 Questions

Who attacked Sayid?
Ethan or someone helping him.

A friendship or more? [Sun and Michael]
Friends but not sure what to think of him but trusts him enough to let him know she speaks English.

What will he find? [Sayid]
He found the French woman [Danielle].

Will the survivors ever find more food?
Yes.

Who is the real Sawyer?
Not sure who but most likely known to one other character.

Will life be better at the caves?
About the same but Charlie and Jack will be there [that's a good thing].

Disc 1 Questions

How did John end up in the wheel chair?
Disease.

What's wrong with Sun's marriage?
She wasn't really excited about getting married and didn't know how to break the news and isn't telling him everything and he doesn't like that.

Where did Locke learn to hunt?
His father or grandfather taught him.

Why was Jack in Australia?
Finding or trying to find his father.

What did Kate do?
Know more but still don't know where she stands.


Where is the transmission coming from?
From the French woman [Danielle].


Will Charlie kick the habit?
Yes, he burned it.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 1, Disc 2

Changes to previous answers are highlighted.

Disc 2 Questions

Who attacked Sayid?
Jin.

A friendship or more? [Sun and Michael]
Friends but not sure what to think of him but trusts him enough to let him know she speaks English.

What will he find? [Sayid]
He will find out what the monster thing is like Locke did.

Will the survivors ever find more food?
Yes.

Who is the real Sawyer?
Not sure who but most likely known to one other character.

Will life be better at the caves?
About the same but Charlie and Jack will be there [that's a good thing].

Disc 1 Questions

How did John end up in the wheel chair?
Disease.

What's wrong with Sun's marriage?
She wasn't really excited about getting married and didn't know how to break the news and isn't telling him everything and he doesn't like that.

Where did Locke learn to hunt?
His father or grandfather taught him.

Why was Jack in Australia?
Finding or trying to find his father.

What did Kate do?
Still don't know but is trying not to be that person anymore.

Where is the transmission coming from?
[Liked the old answer of "The monster thing ate it along with the French girl." but didn't think it was realistic.] Probably buried but not on purpose more like because of time. Like on the other side of the island.

Will Charlie kick the habit?
Yes, he burned it.

LOST With Elizabeth - Season 1, Disc 1

Go here to see how this series started.

Disc 1 Questions

How did John end up in the wheel chair?
Disease.

What's wrong with Sun's marriage?
Her husband tells her what to do.

Where did Locke learn to hunt?
His father or grandfather taught him.

Why was Jack in Australia?
Some sick patient or for his job.

What did Kate do?
I don't know [then she whispered "she's dangerous"].

Where is the transmission coming from?
The monster thing ate it along with the French girl.

Will Charlie kick the habit?
He better because there's not much left.

LOST With Elizabeth - Introduction

I've periodically blogged in the past about TV shows, usually roping in my kids or wacky inspiration to help make things interesting. Sometimes it works (I watch Knight Rider with William when he's sick), sometimes I run out of energy (Magnum Monday), and sometimes plans change (Three's Company Thursday).

Well, the newest idea is introducing my daughter Elizabeth to LOST. I have a hard time classifying it as the best TV show of all time but it's pretty darn entertaining and I knew if I could get her to make it past the first couple of episodes, she'd be hooked. She likes that kind of brain game stuff and always seems bent towards the supernatural. So watching it with her seemed like the best thing to do.

What I didn't plan on was turning it into a regular blog post idea. The questions at the end of each disc are great and just about perfect for a solid 20 minute discussion of the show and where she thinks it will go. I also didn't plan on how hard it would be to keep my mouth shut as she answers the questions.

Anyway, what I'm aiming for is a regular series of questions and answers. The disc will provide the questions and she will provide the answers. I'm also going back to each set of questions every time to re-visit all of them to see if she wants to change her mind on any of her answers.

I Blame Ethan

Still recovering from my sinus infection and allergies blowing up. Even though I've had two nights of decent sleep now, I'm still hacking and sneezing and dripping all over. Just not as much as before. So I powered through the start of my workout and promptly got smacked about for realizing the amount of effort I needed to finish it. An hour slaving away on the treadmill quickly became a few minutes of wheezing and then stopping for a walk break. That walk break turned into just a walk soon enough as it became apparent that I just wasn't going to make it.

And since walking was making me sweat but still let me breath, I figured it was better than nothing. So I walked. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but enough to tread that fine line between passing out from lack of oxygen and dripping with sweat.

Weather:
Indoor temps were about 74F.

Fluids and Fuel:
Before the run was half a coffee. During the run was plain water and half an applesauce. Recovery was two ham, egg, and cheese burritos, two slices of toast, yogurt, and the rest of my coffee.

Aches and Pains:
Aside from the lungs being on fire, everything felt fine. Still some mild tenderness on the bottom of my right foot from the rock the other day but it's healing.

Gear:
Wore shorts and t-shirt.

Naughty Neil:
I at too much for lunch but kept things in check during and after dinner.

Today's Motivation:
Trying to get back on track after being sick. It's rough but I want to keep things in the groove.

Treadmill:
Time - 61:11
Distance - 2.5 miles
Incline - 3
Speed - 2.0 to 4.0 (AVG 2.5)
Elevation - 391 feet
Entertainment - LOST (the episode where they find the Dharma lab where Ethan took Claire)

Splits:
Finish - 1:01:11

Baaaptism

Today's run is dedicated to the awesomeness of Lauren. Not only is she a great ultra-runner, she's great at writing blog posts, taking pictures, and even breaking cameras. I know I've mentioned her before but today she gets some special attention because she sent me not one but two hats. And, better yet, they're Nanny Goat hats! I've read her reports about Nanny Goat and heard from others here on the east coast that love the event so it felt great to get some swag. Plus it helps re-affirm how awesome the ultra running community is. We really are like family.

Anyway, with my new hat on, I was able to break out of the funk I was in earlier this week and get my run from yesterday done. I'm sure my coach won't like it much but I didn't really stick to the planned intervals. But I got the time in so I was happy.

I felt like running in the dark but running in the dark on the treadmill doesn't really give you any benefit. Other than keeping things a bit more mellow and nearly running off the end of the treadmill in the first few steps, it didn't seem to do much for me.

Overall I felt better after the run and pretty good during the run. Had some tightness in my ankle and calves but that went away when I increased the incline.

Photo:
Don't mind me, I'm just a horny old goat.

Weather:
Indoor temp was 74F.

Fluids and Fuel:
Breakfast was a burrito, iced latte, and banana. During the run I had just water and applesauce. Recovery was corn, peas, brown rice, and taco meat. And more coffee.

Aches and Pains:
Left ankle felt tight for a good half hour like I needed to crack it. Finally went away when I increased the incline. Both calves felt tight and sluggish but I dealt with it and tried to push through. I think part of the problem is lack of fluids.

Gear:
My new hat took some adjusting to get it to fit on my giant head. No, really, I have a giant head. Trust me. Once I got it settled in for the ride, things were cool. Wore shorts and t-shirt.

Naughty Neil:
Today's breakfast wasn't super-terrific but it was what it needed to be due to timing. Did my best to pick the best I could and avoid those yummy, deep-fried hash browns. nom nom nom

Today's Motivation:
A hat. I don't know if that makes me needy. Or weird. Or both. Or cheap. Or something else. But yes, a hat made me run today. Sometimes it's the small stuff.

Treadmill:
Time - 42:41
Distance - 2.0
Incline - 0 to 10 (5 AVG)
Speed - 2.0 to 4.0 (2.9 AVG)
Elevation - 521 feet
Entertainment - LOST - Specifically the Fire + Water episode where Aaron and Claire get baptized after not believing Charlie. I'd say she's nuts but, well, we already know how that turned out.

Splits:
Finish - 42:41

Television Is Brainwashing Me

Part of this post is inspired by my virtual slave-driver, Kelly (aka 1979 Semi-Finalist). The other part is inspired by FlashForward, the new TV series on ABC. You see, Hulu was kind enough to post the first 18 minutes of FlashForward. And based on that I bought the book. And another copy to give away. Even though I know the book and TV show differ. I'm sure I'm missing a show or two, but without further ado, here's what I plan on (or already am) watching.

Sunday

Defying Gravity - Ron Livingston isn't the funny guy from Office Space anymore, but he's still a good actor. And the "5 years earlier" flashbacks help build the characters. The "uber-secret" payload is kind of lackluster right now, but it is nice to see the crew has finally seen it.

Monday

Jon & Kate Plus 8 - Yes, I watch this show and no I don't care what you think. I've watched the show for some time now and I like it.

Castle - An awesome idea with great chemistry. I've considered watching Bones to see if the chemistry is as good as it is here. This season had a bumpy start. The comedic timing felt a little off and there wasn't much of a "bridge" between seasons. Beyond that, I loved it.

Tuesday

NCIS - Another show I've watched for years. While Mark Harmon is okay as an actor, I actually enjoy the rest of the cast more. They make a good group.

NCIS: Los Angeles - I'll be trying this because of NCIS and will hope it is just as good.

Wednesday

Mythbusters - Somewhere out there is a new episode of this great show. Sometimes the show has a few too many explosions, but it is still education (who knew you only needed a few things to make a column of bubbles burst into flames).

Thursday

CSI - I think I've watched this since it first started. I'm not sure how many twists and turns they have left to throw our way, but I still enjoy it.

FlashForward - One of the best advertised shows I've seen yet. And like I said before, I've bought the book and already started reading it despite knowing they differ widely.

Community - The first episode was good but since it conflicts with CSI, I'll probably catch it on Hulu. More on Hulu later.

Friday

Monk - I was late to the Monk party, but this show is very much about me. If I could stand to wear a suit and tie everyday, this show would indeed be about me. Instead, it's about someone very much like me.

Psych - More great chemistry, but this time between two straight guys. And another great idea that, so far, has been awesomely executed.

Saturday

Cops - I watch it when I can and have stuck to that for years. Since my college background is in criminal justice, I've always been drawn to the show.

Everything Else

V - Another ABC show due to arrive soon. I'm hoping they don't mangle the old 80s show, but hey, it can't be worse, right?

LOST - If you've never seen LOST, then you'll be lost on why this is such an awesome show. The is the ONLY show I have entirely on BluRay. In fact, this show is the REASON I got BluRay.
Warehouse 13 - An okay series that's a bit campy. It's no biggie if I miss it, but Hulu let's me watch anything I've missed.

Wipeout - My wife turned me on to this show with big balls. And I like big balls, I cannot lie, you other brothers can't deny, this show makes me laugh out loud every week.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien - Thanks to Hulu, I can watch this show. So far I haven't missed an episode since he took over and I've enjoyed most of them. I tend to skip the musical guest at the end, but I feel a little more "hip" now that I can hear all about TWITTER TRACKER TWITTER TRACKER TWITTER TRACKER TWITTER TRACKER TWITTER TRACKER!!!!!

Stargate Universe - I'm kind of on the fence on this one. I lost interest in Stargate Atlantis, but was a die-hard Stargate SG-1 fan. I'm hoping it's good enough to keep me hooked.

Survivorman - Les Stroud is a great survivalist that actually teaches you something about surviving. And while I hope I never have to survive, I'd like to think I've learned enough from him to make it a day or two on my own.

Deadliest Catch - Another show that's not on right now but I enjoy. I love crab, love seafood, but rarely get to eat it. Watching how much people put on the line to catch the damn things makes me appreciate it that much more.

Woodwright's Shop - I know, sounds corny, but I've always enjoyed seeing how things were made "the old fashioned way."

Hulu

Hulu has become my drug. I've watched several movies and TV shows on Hulu and love it. I've seen Buffy (seasons 1-3), Angel (season 1), tried to watch The Time Tunnel (didn't like it), and just saw a great classic movie, Gotcha! In the end, Hulu is my crutch. I can use it as a backup-DVR of sorts if any conflicts arise.

Lost, Found, and Lost again

I've finished An American Robinson Crusoe by Samuel B. Allison and was left disappointed. Sure, it was a good spin on the original Robinson Crusoe, so good, it was pretty much the same book. Just shorter. And for kids. And that was the good part. But it clearly pointed out much of the similarities between this work and Swiss Family Robinson. Both are great books in the "cast-away" genre, but, well, it's just not the same. Can't put my finger on it, but it's just not the same.



With the end of Crusoe, I started The Disappeared by Kristine Kathryn Rusch. And right now I'm lost. I think I'm just far enough into it to have a lot of questions, but not far enough into it to have any answers.



Which brings us to Lost. The TV show. I'm totally hooked. Granted, I've heard good and bad about the show and I'm only in season 2 (supposedly before it gets bad), but I'm really enjoying it.