Today's Entertainment

2 • April 26 - May 2, 2015 • Brainerd Dispatch By Rory MacDonald- Gauthier TV Media I magine a world where you could show up to work when you wanted, wear whatever you want- ed and answer only to your boss, who just so happens to be your- self. For many, this idea is but a dream, but for the the cast of "Sili- con Valley," it's very much a reality. If you're looking to take a peek in- side the world of the new-age workforce and booming technolo- gy empire, then you won't want to miss a new episode of "Silicon Val- ley," airing Sunday, April 26, on HBO. The show arguably paints the most accurate picture of the real world's Silicon Valley, a technology Mecca located in northern Califor- nia that is home to thousands of startups and established empires, where you can be your own boss. It is in this high-tech region where your own success is attributed to the amount of work that you alone put in, and it's reflected in many of the companies who make this val- ley their home. The likes of Face- book, Google and Apple are head- quartered in Silicon Valley, where they all began establishing their businesses after the dot-com boom of the late '90s. The "Silicon Valley" series fo- cuses on the daily ins and outs of the modern-day gold rush through software and application develop- ment. The show revolves around a group of young engineers and coders who founded their own startup tech company, Pied Piper. As with all new companies, Pied Piper faces routine problems — funding, branding, polishing its product to ensure its success and, of course, dealing with others try- ing to steal its idea. A lot of the material for the show comes from very real experi- ence. Executive producer and co- creator Mike Judge, known for his cult classic "Office Space" (1999), knows what it's like to be knee deep in the trials of a burgeoning company. Judge, who began his career in Silicon Valley with a now- defunct video card company, joked at the season 2 premiere of the show earlier this month that things have come full circle in his career. "A long time ago, I was actually an engineer in Silicon Valley," he said. "I was an engineer dreaming of becoming a comedy filmmaker in Hollywood, and now, here I am doing a show called 'Silicon Val- ley.' As we do this show, I keep thinking I really should be dream- ing of going back to Silicon Valley and coming up with a stupid app and becoming a billionaire and maybe buying a network or some- thing. But, I remind myself that making fun of them is a lot fun- ner." It's that mentality alone that makes "Silicon Valley" so great. With a show that revolves around technology and long-winded algo- rithms, being accurate while also humorous is a task in and of itself. Judge met with engineers, found- ers of reputable companies and in- vestors alike in order to gain an even better understanding of the industry. Amongst them was Marc Andreessen, co-author of Mosaic, the first commonly used web browser. Upon meeting Andrees- sen, Judge told "Yahoo! Finance" that the founder of Netscape told him "for the next hour I'm going to be a writer on your show" and proceeded to unleash an on- slaught of ideas for the upcoming season. So we know that the show bas- es itself in the authentic behind the scenes, but what about what we see on our screens? Picking up from where they left off with last season's tech-celeb appearances — Google's chairman Eric Schmidt and TechCrunch founder Michael Arrington being two of them — season 2 is set to have its fair share of current tech-giants stop by. Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, most famously known as the twin brother duo who sued Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg (they were awarded a $65 million settle- ment as a result), play themselves in season 2. Evan Spiegel, CEO of photo messaging mobile applica- tion Snapchat (also famous for re- jecting a $3 billion buyout from Facebook in 2013), also makes an appearance as himself. Fear not, fans, as the regular cast will be back in full force as well in season 2. Thomas Mid- dleditch ("The Wolf of Wall Street," 2013) returns as Richard, the jittery leader of his close friends and coworkers who include Dinesh (Kumail Nanjiani, "Portlan- dia"), Gilfoyle (Martin Starr, "Freaks and Geeks"), Jared (Zach Woods, "The Office") and their dysfunctional landlord Erlich (T.J. Miller, "How to Train Your Drag- on," 2010). Amanda Crew ("Whis- tler") returns as Monica, who struggles to keep Pied Piper afloat as rival tech company Hooli and its CEO, Gavin (Matt Ross, "American Horror Story"), continues to breathe down their necks. Gone are the days of employees being viewed as another brick in the wall, attached to their desks for eight hours a day, Monday to Friday. Viewed as the modern-day gold rush, the technology startup sector of northern California's Sili- con Valley is a prime location for those looking to make their mark (and a little money!) in technology advancement. For a witty look into the roller-coaster ride of an engi- neer's life from someone who's been there, be sure to check out a new episode of "Silicon Valley" airing Sunday, April 26, on HBO. T.J. Miller as seen in "Silicon Valley" Start me up 'Silicon Valley' delves into California's bustling technology sector Cover Story this week 7788 Fairview Rd, Baxter 218-829-1739 Like us on Facebook to receive info and specials at Baxter Country Kitchen www.BAXTERcountrykitchen.com Guest Check on guest checks totaling $18.00 or more (Before Tax) Coupon Exp. 5/15/2015 Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. No cash value. Customer pays all applicable sales tax. Valid at Baxter location only. Off $ 3.00 One coupon per table, per person, per visit. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. Sunrise & Shine Menu! REAL Cappaccino, Latte & Hot Cocoa $ 1.00 CAFÈ STYLE BEVERAGES Lattes, Mochas, Cappuccinos, Specialty Co ees, Gourmet Hot Chocolate Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. No cash value. Customer pays all applicable sales tax. Valid at Baxter location only. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. Coupon Exp. 5/15/2015 Off 001215268r1 From $ 4.29 Monday - Friday 6-10 A.M. "Your One-Stop, Locally-Owned Medical Supply Company." FREE Delivery in our service area! • 8-5:30pm M-F, 9-12 Sat. 206 W. Washington, Tyrol Hills Center Brainerd • 218-829-2100 BRAINERD MEDICAL SUPPLY We Process Medical Assistance, Medica, Blue Cross, Medicare and Most insurance. 24 Hour Emergency Oxygen Service 001230183r1 Stop in and see our "NEW" Serta lift chair! Lift chairs Available in a variety of styles, sizes and colors. Independant Living Home Bed Rail is a durable fall prevention and mobility aid that protects you or your loved ones while they sleep. Variety of styles and brands available.

• Cover