The Best Streaming Services Available Today

 

I have been enjoying my favorite movies, TV shows, and Documentaries for the last several months with streaming services besides my Comcast Cable Subscription. I have Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video Subscriptions. With my cable subscription I have access to HBO Max, Disney+and Peacock. My favorites are of course Netflix and Hulu. Netflix is currently the most popular streaming service in the world, with around 207 million subscribers.

Bundling subscriptions can save you money. 

Today, TV viewers in the US have more places to watch their favorite movie and shows.  Choosing the right streaming service for your home entertainment setup will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, which exclusive programs you like the most, how many screens you want to watch on, and other factors.

Netflix and Hulu have grown from startups to industry juggernauts, while major studios have entered the market with services like Disney Plus, HBO Max, Peacock, and Paramount Plus. 

Here's a summary to help you decide what to sign up for, rounding up the best streaming services of 2021. These picks are primarily focus on on-demand platforms like Netflix and Hulu , but also includes separate sections for live TV and specialty streaming channels.

Here are the best streaming services as of Today:

• Best on-demand streaming services: Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Apple TV Plus, Paramount Plus, and Amazon Prime Video
• Best live TV streaming services: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, Philo TV, and DirecTV Stream
• Best channel-specific streaming services: Showtime, Starz, and ESPN+

 For Details visit:

https://www.businessinsider.com/best-streaming-service#the-best-deals-on-streaming-services-12 

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of my cacti and succulents collection.

 and harvested pineapple.

 

Coping Up with the Empty Nest Syndrome- Adopt a Pet Dog

 

Ditas Pets-Leif and Sierra 

I was watching the Macy Parade last Thursday on NBC. After the parade I accidentally did not closed the TV.  The next show was the National Dog Show. For some reason I decided to watch it. It turned out to be an informative show and it reminded me of an article I wrote just recently. The Katague family are dog and cat lovers. I remember when the kids were growing up we have pet dogs and cats. Some of the breeds we have were a Samoyd( Meling), a Chow Chow ( Miko), a German Shepherd( Devil) and a few other mixed breeds. For details on the Dog Show this year read:   

https://tvline.com/gallery/national-dog-show-2021-photos-all-breeds/?ref=https://tvline.com/2021/11/25/national-dog-show-2021-winner-scottish-deerhound-claire-photos/ 

 Experiencing the Empty Nest Syndrome? Adopt a Pet Dog!!

I was messaging a friend in FB recently about her feelings of emptiness, since her last child went to college last month. It reminded me of my article about the empty nest syndrome(ENS) that I wrote a few years ago. In this article I wrote about Macrine (RIP) feelings, when our oldest son left home for college to UC Berkeley. I am posting here excerpts of that article.  In this article there were suggestions in how to cope up with ENS. Today I think one of the ways to cope with ENS is to adopt a pet- a dog specifically. Would you agree?   

I was exchanging messages with a relative in FB recently. In our conversation, she mentioned that all her children have left the house and she misses them. I informed her she is suffering from empty nest syndrome and it is normal or another stage in one's life as we age. Here's her exact words. I am not mentioning her name for the sake of anonymity.

"I was in tears reading your blog (Thank You Lord,I have Thoughtful Relatives). It reminds me of our situation....just me and my husband in a 4,000sq. ft. house and I have to do the cleaning. My health is not good. I miss my children, how happy and busy was our household before and now they are busy in their professions and family. My eldest who has his medical practice in San Antonio, Texas. He calls us every Sunday, the second one calls when he has a chance. His having two kids is hard and my daughter calls when she remembers. They are all in medical field so working night shifts sometimes is hard. I will have them read your blog. Thanks Nong David".

Here's my response:

I appreciate your feedback, I think your feeling is very normal at this stage of your life. You are suffering from-empty nest syndrome. Keep busy and just count your blessings. Are you still working? Keep in touch! Give my regards to the family!

Empty nest syndrome is a feeling of grief and loneliness parents or guardians may feel when their children leave home for the first time, such as to live on their own or to attend a college or university. It is not a clinical condition.

All parents are susceptible to empty nest syndrome, although some factors can create a predisposition to it. Such factors include an unstable or unsatisfactory marriage, a sense of self based primarily on identity as a parent, or difficulty accepting change in general. Full-time parents (stay-at-home mothers or fathers) may be especially vulnerable to empty nest syndrome. Adults who are also dealing with other stressful life events such as menopause, the death of a spouse, or retirement are also more likely to experience the syndrome.

Symptoms of empty nest syndrome can include depression, a sense of loss of purpose, feelings of rejection, or worry, stress, and anxiety over the child's welfare. Parents who experience empty nest syndrome often question whether or not they have prepared adequately for their child to live independently.

Parents going through empty nest syndrome can ease their stress by pursuing their own hobbies and interests in their increased spare time. Discussing their grief with each other, friends, families, or professionals may help them. Experts have advised that overwhelmed parents keep a journal, or go back to work if they were full-time parents.

Our personal experience with empty nest syndrome started when our oldest son, went to college. My wife did cry and I told her he will be back at the end of the week to do his laundry. My wife finally accepted the fact that her oldest child is growing up and let him go. This feeling of loneliness was repeated four times, since we have four children. Their first day away from home always gave us a feeling of sadness. The first one was the hardest and the last one was the easiest.

Finally if you are in the stage of your life when you children has to go to college or live by themselves, do not feel sad, It is part of the stage of life. Keep busy and try to communicate to them as often as you can. Otherwise get a Pet Dog or Cat!

For complete details read:

https://whyretireinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2015/03/coping-up-with-empty-nest-syndrome-ens.html

 

 

This Year Thanksgiving Celebration- What Are You Thankful For?

Our First Thanksgiving Day in the US, Danville, Illinois, 1960
 

Tomorrow will be my 61 years of celebrating thanksgiving day here in the US.

This year thanksgiving celebration will be in Palo Alto, CA at the residence of Charo Jambalos Levin. Charo is Macrine's youngest sister. The Jambalos and Katague clan are all invited for a Pot Luck lunch. The last time I heard there are more than 20 coming. David E and I decided not to attend, because I do not want to torture myself with the expected 3-4 hours bumper to bumper traffic from Sacramento to Palo Alto. David and I will have just honey-baked ham, potato salad, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie with ice cream for dessert.  

Thanksgiving Day reminds me of the First Thanksgiving Day in the US that I have experienced. I am reposting my memories of that day as follows: 

Our First Thanksgiving Day in United States, 1960

It was on November, 1960 when Macrine and I and our oldest son,Dodie(who was only 2 years old then) experienced our first Thanksgiving Celebration in the United States. That year, I was a graduate student at the University of Illinois at the Medical Center in Chicago. The Chicago Hospitality Center along with YMCA and CFM invites all Foreign students in the area to spend a Thanksgiving weekend to the homes of volunteers in small towns of Illinois away from the crowded city of Chicago. Some of my foreign student friends were reluctant and did not accept the invitation, but I had an adventurous spirit so with great anticipation, Macrine and I along with Dodie went with 12 other foreign students and their families to Central Illinois. Our host for that weekend was Mrs. Johnston, a widow from Danville, Illinois. She lives alone and her beautiful bungalow house right in downtown Danville. We left Chicago in the morning, had thanksgiving dinner ( turkey and all its trimmings)in late afternoon. This was followed by a program in the evening at a local community center, where all the Hosts met and socialized with other invited students from Korea, Iran, Mexico, Japan, Chile, South Africa, Egypt and the Philippines. Macrine, Dodie and I represented the Philippines.
The next day we had a grand tour of the area, the farms and then to Springfield, the capital of Illinois. The tour of the area and Springfield was the highlight of our 2 days break from our hectic schedules as a graduate students.

So, did I like the roasted turkey? Nope, that was first time I had turkey. In the Philippines we do not celebrate Thanksgiving and I had never tasted turkey before. I did not like the pumpkin pie either. What I enjoyed was the oyster stuffing,ice cream and the cranberries sauce.

So why do I write this post? Well, to thank the Lord for all the good things and the past 49 years (61 years update this year) of Thanksgiving Days, He has given me and my family so far here in US. In addition our visit to the “real” Americans ( not the Ugly ones) that Thanksgiving day in 1960 prompted me to write an article of my impressions of the US at that time and has remained in my memory until today:

Our Impression of America

" During our first year in Chicago, we never received an invitation to participate in the hospitality program. Our name was probably buried in the list of foreign students or perhaps our foreign student adviser was sleeping in her job. During these first year of adjustments to the American way of life, we formed a very wrong impression of Americans. Asides from our daily contacts with fellow students in the school rooms or dormitories, our only other social contacts were people in the streets, subways, buses, department stores, supermarkets and other public places. These were all artificial contacts, giving us an impression that Americans are unfriendly, artificial, insincere, apathetic,intolerant and above all ignorant.The latter adjective was quite true, since the ordinary or typical American does not have the vaguest idea where the Philippines, Japan or even Puerto Rico is located in the map.

" However, in our second year, we began receiving invitation to spend a weekend in suburban homes as well as dinner invitations in city homes. At first, we were reluctant to accept the invitation, however with our adventurous spirit, we said yes.
From then on, "we have the whole world in our hands". We are thankful to CFM, the YWCA and the Hospitality Center of Chicago for making our stay filled with pleasant memories.

"On the other hand what impressions could we have brought back to the Philippines, if our stay was limited to one or two years ( true for exchange visitors). How many visitors and exchange scholars brought home with them the wrong impressions and attitude towards the American people in general? I knew there were a few foreign students in the dormitories who were disillusioned about the United States. One of them was a former dorm mate from Chile. He received an invitation, but never did conquer his apprehension of accepting one.

" At present as couple leader of the first interfaith group in our diocese, we will do our very best to reciprocate, promote, and encourage hospitality programs to foreign students and scholars in our area. We believe that opening our homes and our hearts on weekends and holidays, is one of the best ways of promoting world peace and understanding. Let us then make it possible for foreign students and scholars get the true picture of America and its people. Let us give them the opportunity to share with us our way of life. Let us get busy as a group or perhaps join other groups in order that we can show to the future leaders of the world, how sincere, friendly and aware we are of other human beings in other parts of the world. This is one of the many ways we could be more Christlike, we believe".
 

This letter was published by CFM in their monthly magazine, ACT, for all their members worldwide.

I also would like to dedicate this poem to all my readers in this blog.
Thanksgiving Every Day-By Karl Fuchs
 

The table is brimming with good things to eat;
We're surrounded by family and friends; what a treat.
The feelings that fill us today can’t be beat;
It’s Thanksgiving Day, and it all feels complete.
But other days, sometimes things don’t seem so fine;
Those days are not polished and don’t seem to shine.
It's then in our minds, we forget all the good,
And think of the things we would get, if we could.
On days when our thinking causes us dread,
If we could remember, it’s all in our head,
And not let our minds take our gratitude away,
Then we'd make every day like Thanksgiving Day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL! What are you thankful for this year?

Are you fully vaccinated? If not, I hope Covid-19 does not catch you for good! 

Meanwhile enjoy these photos from my garden this week

My Tangerine fruits this year ( harvested one the other day).

Cacti and my rose last bloom for this year

Azaleas starting to bloom on my side yard pathway!

 

Amazing Health Benefits of the Marang Fruit

Here's a short video of the Marang Fruit

 

The other day, I posted a list of popular fruits in the Philippines. This posting is about the Marang Fruit that I have never tasted.

 

The Marang is a fruit that I have never tasted in the Philippines, because it seasonal and rarely available in Metro Manila. However, I have heard of the health benefits of this fruit.   

 

Marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus) is a species of flowering plant in the Moraceae family. It is a commonly called marang, madang, timadang, terap, tarap, green pedalai, or johey oak. It belongs to the breadfruit family and grows abundantly in Mindanao, Southern Philippines.

 

 Here's an article from the Philippine News on the Health Benefits of the Marang Fruit  

https://philnews.ph/2017/04/11/amazing-health-benefits-eating-marang-fruit/ 

Marang Fruit Amazing Health Benefits

by Jay Nelz Date: April 11, 2017

Marang is an exotic and delicious fruit that contains numerous vitamins and minerals, which has beneficial effects on the body’s health.

Marang is also known as “Artocarpus Odoratissimus,” a tree came from the mulberry and fig family of Moraceae. This fruit can be usually found in tropical climate countries such as the Philippines, but it is also cultivated all around the world.

It is also quite related to the fruits such as cempedak, jackfruit, and breadfruit trees. This fruit is very popular worldwide, because of its, sweet, unique, juicy, and delicious taste. Most Filipinos love to eat Marang, because of its flavor and health benefits.

It has been also traditionally used by ancient people in treating and preventing numerous types of diseases, because of its medicinal properties. It contains a high nutritional value, which has beneficial effects on the body.

It contains vitamins A, B, C, beta-carotene, dietary fiber, retinol, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and niacin. It contains minerals such as zinc, iron, phosphorus, protein, potassium, calcium, manganese, copper, and magnesium.

It also contains antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains a lot of antioxidants that can help the body to fight free radicals, which can cause harm to the body.

It can be also used as a natural alternative for the expensive treatments and medications in the hospitals and medical clinic. Aside from being an effective remedy, it is also more affordable compared to the high-cost medications.

Here are some of the amazing health benefits of eating marang fruit:

• Prevents cancer
• Controls Diabetes
• Reduce Cholesterol Levels
• Relieves Constipation
• Prevents Heart Diseases
• Prevents Anemia
• Improves Digestion
• Enhances Metabolism
• Improves Vision
• Prevents Stroke
• Relieves Inflammation

Personal Note: I was born and lived in the Philippines until I was 23 years old but have never tasted this fruit.  I am now in my mid-80 and realized that I am still learning new things. I have tasted the durian ( candy but not the fresh one), guayabano( sour sop), atis ( custard apple), Jackfruit and star apple. The taste of marang have been described as a combination of the above fruits. I am longing to taste this marang fruit.  

Meanwhile, see this photo of my potted ampalaya starting to fruit

Ampalaya ( bitter melon) should be planted in the Ground. But my backyard is small, so I planted it in a pot. It is growing, but not as luxuriant if it were planted in the Ground.

I am also proud to show my pineapple harvest in my front porch this year.

Photo Credit: Ditas

 

Some of the Most Popular Fruits of the Philippines

I saw an ad the other day of the availability of atis or sugar/custard apples in our local Asian store here in the Sacramento area for $3 each. This reminded me of an article I wrote a couple of years ago on the availability( although may be seasonal) and affordability of fresh tropical fruits in the Philippines. Here's my article on the subject of Popular Fruits of the Philippines. 

A Few of My Avocado Harvests from the Orchards of Chateau Du Mer, Philippines

 

Some Filipino Fruits with their English Names

 Here's a list of some popular seasonal fruits in the Philippines. 

How many of these fruit have you tried?

Atis (custard or sugar apple) 

Atis is also known as custard or sugar apples. (Pixabay/Stock photo)

Atis has lots of seeds that are coated with a soft sugary pulp that tastes like custard. The sweet fruit is available from September to December.

Banana 

The country is one of the top producers of bananas. (Pixabay/Stock photo)

Banana is considered the “most economically important fruit” in the country since it is one of the locally-produced fruits available throughout the year.

Chico (naseberry) 

Chico is also called an energy fruit because of its high sugar levels. (Wikimedia Commons/Stock photo)

Chico has a sweet and malty flavor that has an edible coat. It’s also called an energy fruit because it has high levels of sugar. The fruit is available every January and February.

Dalanghita (mandarin orange) 

Dalanghitas are known as a symbol of good fortune every Chinese New Year. (Wikimedia Commons/Stock photo)

Dalanghitas are considered an important fruit around Chinese New Year because it symbolizes good fortune. They are available from January to February and October to December.

Duhat (Java plum) 

Java plums are known to leave a “puckering” sensation in the mouth once eaten. (Wikimedia Commons/Stock photo)

The duhat leaves a dark violet stain on the tongue when eaten. It is likened to an astringent since it causes a “puckering sensation” in the mouth. These are available from March to July.

Durian 

Durians are notorious for their extremely strong smell but it’s also considered the “King of Fruits.” (Wikimedia Commons/Stock photo)

Durians are notorious for being smelly because of the mixture of several chemicals found in the fruit. Despite this, they are known as the “King of Fruits” partly due to its size, odor and prickly look. Durians are in season from August to October.

Guyabano (soursop) 

Guyabanos are used to produce juice and sweets, among others. (Wikimedia Commons/Stock photo)

Guyabanos have a sweet pulp that is used to make juice, candies and ice cream flavorings. They are available from August to November.

Caimito (star apple) 

Caimitos (or “kaimitos”) are also known as star apples. (Wikimedia Commons/Stock photo)

Caimitos are also known as star apples because of their star-like design when sliced in halves. It consists of two colors — white and purple. Caimitos are in season from January to March.

Langka (jackfruit) 

Langkas are usually mixed in banana cue recipes. (Wikimedia Commons/Stock photo)

Langkas are usually mixed in halo-halo or banana cue recipes because of their sweet flavor. They are in season from March to May.

Lanzones 

The seeds of lanzones are bitter but its fruit is a mix of sweet and sour. (Wikimedia Commons/Stock photo)

Lanzones are known for its sweet and sour taste but it becomes bitter if you taste its seed. They are available from August to December.

Mango 

The mango is known as the national fruit of the Philippines. (Creative Commons/Stock photo)

The mango is the national fruit of the country. One of its ripe varieties, the champagne mango, is considered the sweetest mango in the world. It is in season from March to June.

Mangosteen

The mangosteen is known as the “Queen of Fruits” because it resembles a queen’s crown when sliced in half. (Max Pixel/Stock photo)

If durian is the “King of Fruits,” then mangosteen is the “Queen of the Fruits” for its high antioxidant properties and crown-like shape once sliced. They are available from June to November.

Melon

Melons are usually mixed in salads or prepared as a juice in time for summer. (Creative Commons/Stock photo)

Melons are mixed with salads, halo-halo and sometimes even condensed milk. It is also used to prepare juice that is usually a hit during summer. They are available from April to July.

Pakwan (watermelon) 

Pakwans are also known as dessert fruits. (Wikimedia Commons/Stock photo)

Pakwans are popular as desserts and is best eaten during summer because of its thirst-quenching properties. They are in season from March to July.

Papaya

Christopher Columbus reportedly called papaya the “Fruit of the Angels.” (Pixabay/Stock photo)

Papaya was purportedly called the “Fruit of the Angels” by explorer Christopher Columbus because of its sweet and soft, butter-like consistency. It is in season throughout the year.

Pineapple 

The Philippines is one of the largest producers of the tropical fruit. (Flickr/Victoria Rachitzky Hoch)

The Philippines is the second largest producer of pineapples next to Thailand. These fruits are exported to other countries as well. Pineapples are in season from May to July.

Rambutan

Rambutans may look like lychees but the former has seeds inside. (Pixabay/Stock photo)

The fruit is similar to lychee but rambutan has a seed inside. It is best eaten when it is bright red in color, which means it’s ripe and sweet. They are in season from August to October.

Sampaloc (tamarind) 

Sampalocs are used as flavorings or prepared as candies with sugar. (Pexels/Stock photo)

Tamarinds are usually used as a flavoring for savory dishes. They are also prepared as sugar-coated local candies. These fruits are available from October to December.

Santol (cotton fruit) 

Santol is also known as a cotton fruit because of its white, cotton-like membrane inside the fruit. (Flickr/whologwhy)

It is also known as a cotton fruit since there is a white cotton-like membrane inside once it is peeled. Some locals eat it with salt to add flavor. It is in season from July to September.

Siniguelas (Spanish plum) 

Siniguelas are also known as Spanish plums because they were introduced to the Filipinos by the Spaniards during colonization. (Wikimedia Commons/Stock photo)

Siniguelas are brought by the Spaniards during the colonization period, hence the name. It contains antioxidants that can help the body heal and repair. The fruit is available from April to June.

Suha (pomelo) 

Pomelos are considered the largest fruit in the citrus family. (Pixabay/Stock photo)

Pomelos are the largest fruit in the citrus family. They are also considered the cousins of grapefruit. Like the santol, some people also eat it with salt. These are available throughout the year.

With the exception of the Durian, I have all of these fruits in my orchard at Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque. Not in the above list are my avocado and guava trees. For a list of fruit trees in my orchard in the Philippines visit:  

https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/search?q=fruit+trees+in+my+orchard

Source:  https://interaksyon.philstar.com/breaking-news/2018/06/04/127991/peak-season-philippines-popular-fruits-chart/

Other exotic fruits that I have tasted.
 

Meanwhile here's my potted pineapple last month- almost ready to be harvested

 

My Favorite Dancing Competition TV Show

My Last posting was on my favorite TV singing competition. Today, It will be my favorite dancing competition.

There are several dancing TV shows that I have watched during the last 10 years. I have enjoyed watching So You Think you Can Dance and the World of Dance. However, my favorite is Dancing with Stars, currently on its 30th Season. Its on ABC.

There are controversies surrounding this Season 30. It included COVID-19 infections, the first-ever same-sex pairing, and judges and producers being accused of bias and prejudice.

On week two, competitor Cody Rigsby revealed he tested positive for COVID-19. Accommodations were made for Rigsby and partner Cheryl Burke. Contrary to how previous contestants were treated when facing physical and health problems, the pair were not asked to withdraw and, for the first time in the history of the show, were allowed to stay in the competition while dancing from their homes. To facilitate dancing from two different locations, instead of the originally assigned cha-cha-cha, they were given a Jazz number.

Contestant JoJo Siwa made history on the show as the first contestant to compete with a partner of the same sex, which caused controversy when it was noted that there had been several gay males competing throughout the show's run who were paired with the opposite sex.

Kenya Moore's performances on the show were well-received by the critics and garnered positive reviews and praise from the fans. However, she did not receive any points above 7. The scoring and number of the announced votes sparked backlash with the viewers accusing the panel of showing favoritism toward the less talented acts and underscoring Moore who excelled at dancing. The treatment was perceived as a double standard and bias. 

Meanwhile enjoy this video of the top 10 Dances as compiled by ABC.

  https://www.ranker.com/list/best-dance-tv-shows/tvs-frank

 

 

My Three Current Favorite Singing Competition Shows

 

The Masked Singer from Fox currently on its 6th Seasons

Singing Competitions TV shows had been popular for decades. I have watched them all from American Idol, The Voice, Song Land, The Masked Singer and the most recent one from Fox, Alter Ego.  Currently my three favorites are: The Voice, The Masked Singer and Alter Ego. In case you have not been watching these shows here are brief summaries of the three shows from Wikipedia.

 

1. "The Voice" started in 2011, and the 21st season premiered on September 21, 2021. It is a broadcast from NBC.

The Voice is an international reality television singing competition franchise. It is based on the reality singing competition The Voice of Holland, which was originally created by Dutch television producer John de Mol and singer Roel van Velzen. Many other countries have adapted the format and begun airing their own versions since 2010. It has become a rival to the Idols franchise, Rising Star and The X Factor. As of 2020, the franchise is owned by ITV Studios.

For a list of winners ranked by success visit:   https://www.insider.com/the-voice-winners-ranked-by-success-2021-3

2. The Masked Singer (abbreviated as TMS is an American reality singing competition television series that premiered on Fox on January 2, 2019. It is part of the Masked Singer franchise which began in South Korea and features celebrities singing songs while wearing head-to-toe costumes and face masks concealing their identities. Hosted by Nick Cannon, the program employs panelists who guess the celebrities' identities by interpreting clues provided to them throughout each season. Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robin Thicke appear in each episode and vote alongside an audience for their favorite singer after all perform. The least popular is eliminated, taking off their mask to reveal their identity.

The winners of the first five seasons were T-Pain as "Monster", Wayne Brady as "Fox", Kandi Burruss as "Night Angel", LeAnn Rimes as "Sun", and Nick Lachey as "Piglet", respectively. To prevent their identities from being revealed before each prerecorded episode is broadcast, the program makes extensive use of code names, disguises, non-disclosure agreements, and a team of security guards. While considering it more positive than other reality television shows, television critics have had mixed reviews for the series and particularly negative opinions of its panelists. The costumes, however, have attracted praise. Inspired by haute couture, they are designed by Marina Toybina and custom-built by a team ensuring the celebrities can sing clearly while wearing them. In recognition of the costume design, Toybina won a Costume Designers Guild Award and a Creative Arts Emmy Award. Other production staff have won or been nominated for various labor union awards, and the show received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Competition Program.

The series has received the highest Nielsen ratings for a non-sports program in the adults 18–49 key demographic each television season it has aired. Two spin-offs—an aftershow and a dance version, The Masked Dancer—have followed as a result. The growth of the Masked Singer franchise has been credited to the show's success, as has an interest in adapting similar South Korean reality television series and other television formats centered on costumes. In May 2021, Fox renewed the show for a sixth season which premiered on September 22 and 23, 2021. 

3. Alter Ego is an American music competition game show that premiered on Fox on September 22, 2021. The series is hosted by Rocsi Diaz.

The premise of the show is that the contestants sing backstage while motion capture technology creates digital avatars that appear in their place.

On May 17, 2021, it was announced that Fox had ordered the series, with Matilda Zoltowski as executive producer. On July 16, Rocsi Diaz was announced as host of the show, with Alanis Morissette, Nick Lachey, Grimes and will.i.am serving as judges. On July 26, it was announced that Alter Ego would premiere on September 22, following the sixth season premiere of The Masked Singer and a sneak peek episode that aired on September 12. On September 10, the contestants were announced.

Currently, I am enjoying all the three shows. If you enjoy motion capture technology and digital avatars, Alter Ego is a must watched show.

For the top 10 best singing competition show visit this site:

 https://screenrant.com/best-singing-competition-series-on-air-ranked-imdb/

 

On the Subject of Parental Favoritism

 The David Jamili Katague Family, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines, 1956

I just finished 4 Episodes of Season 1 of the TV remake of the 1997 classic movie, "I Know What You Did Last Summer". In this show, the two main characters are twin sisters who hated each other, because one of the them was the Dad's favorite. Thus it reminded me of the dangers and pitfalls of Parental Favoritism.

If you are a parent and has more than one child, it is normal sometimes to have a favorite child. But if this favoritism persist, it is both harmful to the not favored as well as to the favored child. When our 4 kids were growing, my motto was never compared our children, since each of them have different personalities, talents or disposition. Macrine ( RIP) and I tried to treat them fairly and equally. However, there were moments and events during their growing years that Macrine and I showed our favoritism to one child. For these I apologize. Your Mom and I did our very best to love and raise each of you as different individuals. 

The latest photo of my 4D's at Rocklin, CA during my oldest grandson wedding, November 6, 2021. Here's the link-In information of my 4 D's.

https://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/2021/09/my-four-children-accomplishments-in.html

In general, parents favored either the oldest or youngest child. In my case, I am the oldest of 7. I felt or perceived that I( oldest) and my youngest sister were the favored off springs( I could be wrong) but our parents tried their very best to treat the 7 of us equally and fairly. Do you feel the favored child or black sheep in your family? Let me know what you think and feel whether you are the favored or not favored child. Your feelings maybe real or just a perception.

The following article is an excellent write up and advice to parents as well as the children who are victims of permanent parental favoritism behavior. I suggest you read it even if you felt you were the favored child. 

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/family/what-to-do-when-favoritism-is-shown-to-a-relative/ 

 Here's a summary from the above article.

If you are a parent observing preferential treatment to one of your children from a grandparent or other relative, you should do what you can to put a stop to it. This may mean limiting contact between your children and this other relative. If you don't address the favoritism, both your favored and  not favored children may think that you agree with the relative's behavior, or even support it.

Source: unsplash.com

As a favored or not favored child, you will need to recognize that your parents have abdicated some of their responsibility toward you. There are some things that you will need to take care of yourself.

As a favored child, you may need to take on extra responsibility in growing as your own person. Learn to detach yourself from the positive effects of favoritism so that you can be free from the anxiety or oppression of maintaining the relationship. It may be impossible for you to mend your relationships with your siblings on your own without extra support, such as a friend or therapist. You can, however, be open to their expressions of anger and resentment. You do not need to take their emotions on yourself, but you can recognize their validity.

As a not favored child, find as many resources as you can to help yourself deal with the emotional and social effects of what has been lacking in your life. Learn to recognize your own worth and focus on those areas of your life where you have exhibited strength and capability. An in-person or online therapist who specializes in adult sibling relationships can be very helpful as you begin to recognize the parts of you that have been affected by favoritism and heal them.

 Here's more sites to read on Parental Favoritism:

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-happens-to-kids-when-parents-play-favorites#Lets-be-honest

https://www.brparents.com/article/long-term-effects-of-parental-favoritism.html