Photo: Chris White

1. Castle

The hits just keep on coming for me. I’m to the point of thinking, what else is going to get taken away from me this year? I’ve already lost so much and now I can add Castle, included with The Wonder Years, Boy Meets World and Saved By the Bell as one of my all-time favorite shows, to the list. Multiple media outlets, including NY Daily News, reported Thursday that ABC is cancelling the show after eight seasons. I’ve seen many shows get cancelled but I think this one hurts the most. I know what you’re thinking: “C’mon, dude, it’s just a television show.” But it was much more than that.

I was introduced to Castle in a forensic science class I took in high school. Our class watched episodes of the show almost every week. I immediately became a fan, not only, because I’ve always had an affinity for mystery-type shows and films but I also loved the chemistry between the main actors and the perfect balance between darker storylines of a murder-mystery and the lightheartedness of a comedy. Castle provided yet another connection between my grandmother and I as well. The very same grandmother I speak of passed away on May 4. She and I watched Castle and talked about it every week without fail. Now, just more than a week after her passing, ABC execs pull this.

To me, it was way more than just a television show. Castle has been a huge part of my life and the life of my grandmother’s. Now she’s gone and so is the show. Despite the, in my opinion, slimeball move to cancel Castle, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank the cast and crew for an incredible eight seasons. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed.

That being said, I will never watch another show on ABC again.

2. A Visit to the White House

I promised an update so here you go. The 1983 N.C. State Mens Basketball Team finally took its visit to the White House on Monday. I explained the reasoning why the visit is taking place 33 years later in last week’s post. I’m excited and proud for the team getting this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit as national champions. From what I could tell, it was awesome. Go Pack!

P.S. Check out this story for more.

3. Antiques Roadshow Mishap

Your school artwork may actually be worth something. That is, if Antiques Roadshow appraisers have anything to say about it. On a recent episode of the show, a man brought in a weird looking clay pot with six interesting-looking faces on it. According to CNet, an appraiser raved about the find and eventually appraised it for $30,000-50,000. But after the episode aired, a woman recognized the work as a piece of art constructed by a friend of hers when the two were in high school in the 1970s, according to CNet. Whoops! I watch Antiques Roadshow now and again and I cannot recall a time when an appraiser made a mistake like this. Goes to show they’re jobs are not easy, I guess.

4. Nick Fradiani’s Album

Season 14 American Idol champ, Nick Fradiani, still has not released his debut album – even after Trent Harmon was crowned winner of the show’s 15th season. The debut project was up for pre-order on PledgeMusic – a first for an Idol champ – and I’m one of many pledgers. Having learned my lesson from previous projects like this, I only gave enough to score a signed album once it’s released. Well, folks, all I’ve received so far is a single off the album which is just okay overall. Meanwhile, I received word that the debut album will not be released until August 5. August. I get that the creative process can be a long one but, what the heck has he been doing all this time? I mean, some artists can churn out an album in no time flat. This bad boy has taken a year and then some. All I can say is, it better be worth it.

5. Scotty McCreery’s Book Tour

Five years ago Saturday, Scotty McCreery had a homecoming in Garner as apart of his American Idol journey. Scotty is returning to his hometown on Saturday for a performance and signing of his new book, Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream at his church, First Baptist of Garner. I was in attendance at the homecoming in 2011 and I’ll be at the event tomorrow as well. It’s been cool to see Scotty develop his career over the past few years and I’m sure his book is going to be great. I’m looking forward to meeting him again and, maybe, I’ll talk a little N.C. State with him haha! Look for thoughts from Saturday’s event on my blog next week!