One of the most useful features of Netflix is the way that it tracks your viewing decisions, and displays similar content based on the genre that is viewed the most. While other video streaming sites *coughcoughHULUcoughcough* and services have rudimentary genre finding capabilites, they are neither as refined nor as accurate as Netflix is.

The key to the amazing predicative capabilites of Netflix is the way that content is displayed by specific genre styles. Instead of a movie or TV show being relegated to an unimaginative genre, (such as “action” or “horror”) it shows specific subgenres that the viewer might want to try out.

This feature is easily one of my favorite parts of Netflix, because it allows me to discover shows that I wouldn’t have otherwise found or given a try. Finding Netflix gold in this fashion can be a surprising and pleasant experience, even if you do feel a bit sheepish about getting excited about a show that ended years ago.

For example, Netflix decided that because I seemed to like Battlestar Galactica, I should probably try out Firefly. I did, and I ended up liking it enough to immediately become hysterical and sad that there was only one season available. After I cleared away my geeky man tears, I went back to browsing, looking for shows to fill the gap.

Netflix thought that since I seemed to like the work of Joss Whedon in Firefly, maybe I should have a look at Dollhouse. I immediately started watching with some friends, and was amazed that I hadn’t given the show a chance back in 2009. And I immediately went all sad face because there were only two seasons. Netflix was getting pretty spot on with this stuff….

Since I seem to like Dollhouse, the browser has suggested a couple of post- apocalyptic sci-fi shows that I didn’t even know existed. And yet… I’m strangely excited. I think that if I keep going down this road, I could easily have enough dark and gritty “end of the world” types of shows to last for months! And you can’t put a price on that kind of service.

Likewise, since the browser found out that I really like Michael Caine, it suggested that I try out a movie of his called Flawless. And that was easily one of the best movies I watched last year.

Stumbling upon Netflix gold is undoubtedly one of the best features of the service. It allows both movie and TV people to find cool stuff that they wouldn’t have thought to look for otherwise. And I humbly offer my complete loyalty to our electronic masters of entertainment, and will offer no resistance during the end of the world.

Who is the King of Comedy?

It has been nearly two decade since Uncle Joey from Full House stepped down as America’s funniest TV character. There has been chaos ever since and a clear winner is still indeterminable. That’s where you folks come in. According to you, which TV character is the funniest character on television? Let’s take a look at a few of the candidates.

Michael Scott, The Office

No one is as awkward as the world’s greatest boss. Michael Scott always has something politically incorrect to say. I think Michael was funnier in the first few seasons of The Office. Michael has had to be more and more extreme in order to still shock and awe the audience and now he is so awkward it is almost painful to watch. He still belongs on the funniest TV characters ballot.
“I’m friends with everybody in this office. We’re all best friends. I love everybody here. But sometimes your best friends start coming into work late and start having dentist appointments that aren’t dentist appointments, and that is when it’s nice to let them know that you could beat them up.”
Michael Scott Clip

Liz Lemon, 30 Rock

As TGS’s top writer, Liz is full of classic one liners and crazy quirks. I sometimes wonder how much of what Liz says is scripted and how much is Tina Fey free styling. If not the funniest tv character I would at least give Liz Lemon the most quotable award.
“How many times does a woman meet Mr. Right? I’ve had three chances; Floyd, then Carol, and I was once in an elevator with Tom Brokaw, and I blew all three…opportunities.”
Liz Lemon Clip

Senor Chang, Community

An Asian wannabe teaching Spanish at the community college. What about that isn’t funny? Chang has really upped the ante in season two with his effort to join the study group.
“I mean, surely, it must be in my nature to instruct you in something that’s ancient and secret, like, oh, building a wall that you can see from outer space! Well, I’ll tell you why I teach Spanish. It is none of your business, okay?”
Senor Chang Clip

Phil Dunphy, Modern Family

It was tough to chose just one character from Modern Family but in the end Phil Dunphy took the cake. Phil magnifies the role of your classic, stupid TV dad. He is filled with one liners. The reason Phil is so funny is because everyone knows someone like him.
“You can insult a lot of things about me – my hair, my voice, my balance-board exercises – but don’t insult my selling. That crosses a line. What line? Oh, you don’t see it? That’s because I just sold it!”
Phil Dunphy Clip

Cast your votes

There you have it folks. These are just a few of the many candidates for America’s funniest tv character. If you feel I passed someone up. Write them in. Otherwise, cast in your vote with a legitimate reason for why you think your vote should replace Screech as the funniest character on TV.

Tangled follows this basic outline with fun, surprising twists. The “prince” of this tale is the clever and charming thief, Flynn Rider, who is running from the law and needs Rapunzel’s help. Rapunzel is a naive but adventurous girl dreaming of escaping her tower and going to see the magical lights that she has seen every year from her tower’s one window. Along with her comedic little friend, a chameleon named Pascal, Rapunzel seeks excitement and romance while Flynn desperately attempts to escape trouble.

Another twist to this classic tale is Rapunzel’s 70-foot-long hair itself. Due to a magical flower, her hair has healing powers that Mother Gothel (the witch) uses to keep herself from aging. When Rapunzel disappears with Flynn, Mother Gothel desperately tries to get her back.

Mother Gothel in Disney's Tangled

The whole movie was enchanting and is one of Disneys best ever films. If you haven’t seen it yet, there is not a moment to lose. Great for all ages, this movie will leave you delighted.