Author: musemediaco

Top Shows Worth Binging This Holiday Season

on By

A new baby means many hours spent feeding, snuggling and burping my little one on the couch and the bed. The bath robe has become my new uniform, spilled milk my only consistent outfit accessory. 

Over the summer and fall as I watched my daughter grow, I also watched a lot of television, and distilled down the series I think are most worthy of your time.

The Serpent Queen

Follow the story of Catherine de’ Medici as she uses her web of spies and ladies in waiting to scheme her way to ruling France for 30 years. Played by Samantha Morton and based on the book “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France” by Leonie Frieda, the show is a modern take on the life of Catherine, who learns to play politics after getting a chance at royal life.

This historical drama, set in the 16th century, has stunning sets and locations that rival Game of Thrones and take the viewer through historic castles and stone palaces in Italy and France. Despite being canceled in spite of phenomenal reviews, there are two full seasons to binge. 

Watch it on STARZ.

The Hour

Set in the 1950s, a new show premieres on the BBC anchored by handsome actor Hector Madden (Dominic West) produced by the ambitious Bel Rowley (Romola Garai) and rebellious journalist Freddie Lyon (Ben Whishaw). The three are soon tangled in a love triangle and pulled into an international scandal involving murder and blackmail.

The sets and wardrobe completely transport the viewer decades into the past down to the last details, like an ashtray in every room. Old cars, clouds of cigarette smoke and fabulous clothes add atmosphere to a period piece with a stellar story that keeps the viewer wanting more. 

Watch it on Acorn via Prime.

Shōgun

How much does it cost to recreate 17th century feudal Japan? Apparently $250 million. Based on the 1975 best-selling novel by James Clavell, Shōgun centers on a British explorer and his crew as they sail from England in the hopes of finding Japan. After washing ashore and being taken prisoner by the Japanese, John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis) saves his life at the cost of being caught up in a political struggle for power between tribal leaders.

The stunning sets recreate this period of history down to the finest details. The cast is almost entirely Japanese, who speak the language throughout the film. The story centers on Blackthorne and Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), a powerful leader with fearsome lineage who rules as lord of the Kanto region. Anna Sawai stars as Toda Mariko, a highborn woman harboring secrets amid her complicated loyalty to Toranaga and affections for Blackthorne in the most expensive international series ever produced by FX.

Watch it on Hulu.

Scavengers Reign

This sci-fi story follows the crew of a deep space freighter marooned on an unknown planet. The story flips between crew members on their individual journeys as they struggle to find their ship and reunite, all while trying to stay safe in a strange and beautiful world.

The planet’s environment is captivating, colorful and dangerous. A truly modern show in that if you swapped out any character for any race or gender, it would work just the same. Even a robot stars in the series, allowing for questions about what it means to be human. 

Watch it on Netflix.

Minx

If you ever fantasized about what it would be like to run a magazine in the 70s, now is your chance. An uptight, educated feminist named Joyce (Ophelia Lovibond) teams up with a porn mag producer (Jake Johnson) to create an erotic magazine for women. Get ready for photo-shoots, parties, a run in with the mafia and a whole lot of full frontal nudity.

Set in Los Angeles, California and based around real historical events of the 1970s, these fully fleshed-out characters (in more ways than one) have fantastic chemistry in this fun series that feels like a good romp in the sheets. 

Watch it on Starz.

English Teacher

The self-professed “terminally online” Brian Jordan Alvarez stars in his new show, English Teacher. The series follows high school teacher Evan (played by Alvarez) as he navigates teaching the new generation of students, demanding parents and his personal relationships. 

Aside from being a funny show with great characters, English Teacher weaves heart and sincerity into each episode, perfectly capturing many of the main struggles in modern education.

Bonus: follow along with Alvarez on his Instagram and TikTok to see the meme he has created to advertise his new show.

Watch it on Hulu.

As the holidays approach, hopefully there is time for everyone to dive into some of these new shows and get some much needed rest and relaxation. I might do a part two of this blog, as I continue to devour more media in this golden age of television. 

Skull Season

on By

Skulls have decorated human dwellings since ancient times.

The Aztecs built skull racks and towers that have since been unearthed by archaeologists. Indigenous people of Latin America like the Aztecs and the Toltecs first practiced Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a holiday now synonymous with skulls.

If an article by Elizabeth Weingarten of Slate is to be believed, “The skull crept into European decorative art in the mid-1300s, after the bubonic plague killed a quarter of the population,” writes Weingarten. Skulls were made into drinking cups and eventually filled churches with bones as decorative ambiance.

In the 1700s the skull and crossbones could be seen on the flags of pirate ships as a symbol of rebellion and lawlessness.

And just as the pirate’s image has been softened to cartoons that teach children math the skull has found its way into modern decor with gems for eye sockets and funny-faced Halloween decorations.

In honor of All Hallows Eve we are debuting a new print in the Muse Media Gallery on Etsy.

This original watercolor painting print features a cow skull drawn and painted with greys, neutrals and dusty browns. Hang it in a wooden frame to add more Western vibes to your home or a colored one for modern contemporary flair.

Happy Halloween!

Patio Guide to the Palouse

on By

The summer is slowly slipping away, but we’ve put together a blog to help you enjoy it while it lasts with advice from Palouse bellwether Kym Dahl.

As college towns, Moscow, Idaho and Pullman, Washington both have a culture of art, music, and great dining. Kym knows all this because she was born and raised here. But, she hasn’t always liked the patio way of life.

Portrait of Kym Dahl holding a champagne flute.

“I would put together an outfit for indoors, but then it would end up that whoever I was with would want to sit outside – in the sun, in the Palouse breeze,” said Dahl. 

Eventually, she learned to embrace it. 

“You can linger longer at the restaurant, especially in the summer,” said Dahl. “It’s more casual, for guests and the service team; you don’t feel the urgency to leave when you’re enjoying a bottle of wine with your friends because you’re not watching people mop up and put chairs away. It’s a lovely way to spend an evening.”

The ebbs and flow of student populations can make a college town dining scene unpredictable. Dahl loves planning, and put together a list so locals – or travelers – can triangulate a best case scenario. 

Several area restaurants are standouts because of their stellar patio design, and hometown feel, said Dahl.

“Maelina is a frontrunner because they have such ample patio space,” said Dahl.

The Neapolitan style pizzeria has complimentary blankets for guests to borrow if the gathering stretches late into a chilly Pacific Northwest evening.

“I have come to love entirely Red Card in Pullman for everything it offers and especially everything it doesn’t…” The Pullman based pub offers small plates and big tables with a sporty vibe, said Dahl.

The owner and former Washington State University soccer coach is usually tending bar.

An example of a smaller patio experience is Rico’s in Pullman. “Small but pleasant, a secluded feel despite a busy street,” said Dahl. “Be prepared for grain trucks driving by.”

Three women are enjoying a bottle of wine on the Mailena patio under orange umbrellas and yellow glowing string lights.
Dahl and her friends Kaitlyn and Joleen enjoying a summer evening on the Maialina patio.

    THE LIST

    PULLMAN

    Birch & Barley
    1360 Bishop Blvd.
    Mon-Sat 11:30a-8p
    www.birchandbarley.com

    Foundry
    125 SE Spring St.
    Mon-Thurs 11a-8p; Fri-Sat 11a-9p
    foundrypullman.com

    Merry Cellars
    1300 NE Henley Ct.
    Mon-Sat 12p-6p
    www.merrycellars.com

    Red Card
    588 SE Bishop Blvd.
    Mon-Sat 3p-9p; Sun 3p-6p
    www.redcardpub.com/

    Rico’s
    200 E Main St.
    Mon-Thurs 11a-1a; Fri – 11a-2a;
    Sat 10a- 2a; Sun 10a-1a
    www.ricospubpullman.com/

    Round Top
    1260 Palouse Ridge Dr.
    Wed-Fri 11a-8p; Sat 10a-8p; Sun 10a-2p
    www.roundtopph.com/

    Trailside Taproom
    505 SE Riverview St.
    Mon-Thurs 4p-10p; Fri 3p-10p; Sat 2p-10p
    www.paradisecreektrailside.com/

    MOSCOW

    Alehouse
    226 W. 6th St.
    Mon-Sun 11a-10p
    www.moscowalehouse.com/

    Colter’s Creek Tasting Rm
    215 S. Main St.
    Mon-Sat 12p-8p; Sun 12p-5p
    www.colterscreek.com/

    Hunga Dunga Brewing
    333 N. Jackson St.
    Tues-Thurs 4p-9p; Fri-Sat 4p-10p
    www.hungadungabrewing.com/

    La Casa Lopez
    415 S. Main St.
    Tues-Thurs 3p-9p; Fri-Sat 12p-9p
    www.lacasalopez.com/

    Lodgepole
    106 N. Main St.
    Mon-Sun 4p-9p; closed Wednesdays
    www.lodgepolerestaurant.com/

    Maialina
    602 S. Main St.
    Mon-Sun 11a-10p
    www.maialina.com/

    Mikey’s Gyros
    527 S. Main St.
    Tues-Fri 11a-8p; Sat 11a-3p
    www.mikeysgyros.com/

    Nectar
    105 W. 6th St.
    Tues-Thurs 4p-9p; Fri-Sat 4p-10p;
    Patio & bar until 2a
    www.moscownectar.com/

    One World Café 
    533 S. Main St.
    Mon-Sun 6:30a-7p
    www.owc-moscow.com/

    Suchada’s Thai Cuisine
    115 E. 2nd St.
    Tues-Thurs 11a-8p; Fri 11a-9:30p;
    Sat 12p-9:30p, Sun 12p-8p
    www.suchadasthai.com

    Vine
    618 S. Main St.
    Tue-Thurs 2p-8p; Fri 12p-8p
    www.vinemoscow.com/

    Mad Greek
    212 S. Main St.
    Mon-Thurs 10 a-8p; Fri-Sat 10a-11p
    www.madgreek.net

    Cheers!

    Already Autumn

    on By

    The summer flew by, and here we are trying to catch up! It’s already autumn, and we’ve been busy all summer with projects. And having a little fun too, of course.

    Niki recently created graphics for Whitman County Public Health. The client wanted a bird’s eye view of Washington state landmarks.

    “They wanted to represent a wide range of buildings in the county,” she said. Specific towns were highlighted in the graphics to represent the area.

    Autumn is harvesting season, and agriculture is a big part of the Washington economy, which came through in the final design. The custom graphics will be used in marketing materials for the county.

    If you’re in need of graphics for your business or endeavor, email us via the contact page.

    Already Autumn

    on By

    The summer flew by, and here we are trying to catch up! It’s already autumn, and we’ve been busy all summer with projects. And having a little fun too, of course.

    Niki recently created graphics for Whitman County Public Health. The client wanted a bird’s eye view of Washington state landmarks.

    “They wanted to represent a wide range of buildings in the county,” she said. Specific towns were highlighted in the graphics to represent the area.

    Autumn is harvesting season, and agriculture is a big part of the Washington economy, which came through in the final design. The custom graphics will be used in marketing materials for the county.

    If you’re in need of graphics for your business or endeavor, email us via the contact page.

    Marvelous May

    on By

    It’s been a busy spring! I’ve been adjusting to my new role at Northwest Public Broadcasting and Spokane Public Radio as a journalist and covering stories across Idaho and Washington. My favorite piece I’ve worked on this month is A Pacific Northwesterner’s Guide to Mushroom Gathering.

    Niki is putting the final animation and graphic touches on a new Kickstarter video for a client, and has made some amazing graphics for a local hospital that reflect the culture of our rural area.

    Sophie may be 11 years old, but she and I hiked Kamiak Butte this week, a loop more than two miles. She is in great shape and great spirits, and we couldn’t be happier.

    A woman in a blue shirt sits next to a red dog with an orange color in front of two pine trees.
    Taking a break at the top of Kamiak Butte, Washington.

    We’re in the middle of re-designing the Muse Media website so bear with us. Visit the “About Us” page for a sneak peek. Stay tuned for springtime video projects.

    Meet Niki

    on By

    I’m happy to announce that someone new is joining the Muse Media crew. Welcome, Niki!

    Niki is a multimedia designer with over 20 years of graphic design experience. “I like to call myself a visual storyteller,” she says.

    Niki holds a black camera up to her eye in this black and white photo.
    Niki Roberts

    From designing layouts and marketing materials for Eddie Bauer to creating custom animations for a Pac-12 university, Niki continues to push herself to create compelling visual work that allows others to be emotionally invested in what they see. You can check out her portfolio to see samples of her work.

    Her hobbies include photography, knitting, and exploring the outdoors with her poodle, Gus.

    More to come when we refresh the site with updated photos in late spring. Welcome to the team, Niki!

    Clearwater

    on By

    A newly published photography book showcasing the beautiful mountains and people of Idaho has been published by Washington photographer Gregory Walsh and Idahoan producer Virginia Lynn. 

    Clearwater features photographs of the people and scenery of north Idaho.

    Part of Muse Media’s mission is to showcase artists from Idaho, and I learned about this project because I was lucky enough to be part of it.

    Walsh attended the showing of my short documentary Skeleton School in Grangeville, Idaho this past September and snapped a photo of the marquis outside after the show. 

    Walsh said throughout his road trip along the Clearwater River, it was easy to point his camera in any direction and find something inspiring to photograph.

    “I have found Idaho has some of the most pristine and beautiful places on earth,” he said. “I love the Clearwater River, it has a timeless quality to it, a peace and serenity as it meanders through the canyons and open spaces of central Idaho.”

    The book is available for order in paperback form on Amazon, and the hardcover edition can be ordered through Lulu Publishing. Walsh said the project wouldn’t have been possible without Lynn.

    An experienced talent and location producer, Lynn organized Walsh’s trip through the mountain forests along the Clearwater River. 

    “While Idaho is indeed beautiful, it is the people of Idaho, like my neighbors, that make it a lovely place to live,” she said.

    New Year, New Career

    on By 1 Comment

    For the last two years, I have been happily working as a writer and editor for Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. We publish stories centered on science research, student projects, and college endeavors from the college’s 16 departments.

    Back to the radio!

    Next month, I will be starting my new job as a Multimedia Journalist for Northwest Public Broadcasting (NWPB). NWPB is a service project of WSU’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communications, with a mission to bring public radio and NPR stories to our area.

    As a radio news reporter, I’ll be covering stories from across Washington state, up to British Colombia, and all over north Idaho. You can stream NWPB online, or download the app for Apple or Android.

    Thank you to all my friends, colleagues, and family members who have supported me through the years. I am so excited to return to the radio airwaves, and to see what this new opportunity will bring.

    Happy Halloween

    on By
    Professor Glenn Mosley and me at the University of Idaho.

    All Hallows Eve is upon us again. After a successful showing of Skeleton School at the Blue Fox Theatre in Grangeville, another showing is in the works.

    My broadcast journalism professor from my days at the University of Idaho, Glenn Mosley, is working with the Journalism and Mass Media department to sponsor a showing of Skeleton School at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre in Moscow, Idaho. He has screened the film and wants students and the community to see it! I am so happy to have support from my alma mater.

    I chatted with broadcast media students at the University of Idaho about careers in the media field.

    Today I spoke to his broadcast journalism class about what it’s like to be a journalism professional today. Many students are scared about the prospects of limited work and a competitive job pool, but I tried to remind them that the skills they are learning, like how to produce podcasts and create videos, are very valuable skills. The students opened up and asked me many questions, and I tried to use myself as an example of how they can get a job, but also create opportunity for themselves by pursuing their own creative interests.

    Sophie says Happy Halloween!

    Most likely, the second showing of Skeleton School will be in January 2022. I will update details as they emerge. In the meantime, have a Happy Halloween, from me and Sophie!

    -L