My Adventures at Paleyfest 2013

For the past three years, I have attended the Paley Center for Media’s yearly Paleyfest.  This weeks along celebration of television is held every year in March.  Each afternoon or evening event focuses on a particular current television show.  Attendees have the opportunity to watch a highlight reel, upcoming episode, or some other form of video entertainment.  Afterwards, cast and crew come out to do a moderated discussion and Q and A with the fans.  In other words, you get to enjoy one of your favorite shows with those who make it possible. In the past, I have attended panels for True Blood, Once Upon a Time, and Castle.

This year, I attended 2 panels:  ABC’s Once Upon a Time and CBS’s The Big Bang Theory.  In all honesty, if time permitted, there were at least a couple other panels I would have loved to attend.  However, the two that I was able to attend were immensely enjoyable.

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The Once Upon a Time panel was held on Sunday, March 3^rd.  The episode “The Queen is Dead” was screened for the audience, as well as the 1^st act of the episode that would follow, “The Miller’s Daughter.” Having the chance to watch this cinematic show on the big screen was a treat.  It demonstrated how each episode of the show really is treated like a mini movie.

 Afterwards, several cast members came out for the panel:  Jennifer Morrison (“Emma”), Ginnifer Goodwin (“Snow” and “Mary Margaret”), Josh Dallas (“Charming” and “David”), Lana Parilla (“Regina” and “Evil Queen”), Robert Carlyle (“Rumperstiltskin” and “Mr. Gold”), Emilie De Raven (“Belle”), and Colin O’Donaghue (“Hook”).  Also, the series creators, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz were included as well.  The cast and crew discussed upcoming stories, such as an episode where fans will get to see the early days of fictional Storybrook, Maine.  They hinted at where things might be going when the divulged the finale titles “2^nd Star to the Right” and “Straight On ‘Til Morning.”  Methinks that Neverland is soon going to be visited.  Also, it seems as though the course of true love will not soon run smoothly for Rumple and Belle (tear drop).

After the panel finished, fans made a mad dash to the stage to try and get autographs (note to the Paley Center:  You might want to come up with some kind of a system for this in the future).  I was able to meet most of them, and here’s what I learned.  Josh Dallas’s/Charming’s smile really is that amazing, Ginnifer Goodwin is as sweet as she seems, Colin’s accent kills me, and the entire group really seems to appreciate their fans.

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Oh, the Big Bang Theory…my newest of television obsessions! After watching a season 6 highlight reel and a sneak peek of the next episode, the ENTIRE cast and 3 of the producers came out for this sold out event (which even had attendees from Brazil and the Philippines), and they were as hilarious as one would expect from watching the show.  Jim Parson’s dead panned ribbing of himself and fellow cast members was adorable.  Melissa Rauche’s dead on impression of “Mrs. Wolowitz’s” voice had the entire audience in hysterics, and it took some time for the crowd to get a grip on their laughter—personally, I was practically on the floor myself.  The producers admitted that sometimes they put something in the script for “Sheldon,” knowing that they can rely on Parson’s to come up with whatever it is they need (i.e. Sheldon’s “smile”).  There were also some funny questions from the audience, such as “Will Sheldon and Amy ever actually have sex?” and “When did you decide to make Amy gay for Penny?” 

If you are a television fan as I am, definitely try to make a Paleyfest event next year!  For more information, you can check out www.paleycenter.org.

Ruminations on Being a “Fangirl”

www.dictionary.com defines being a fangirl as:  A person obsessed with an element of video or electronic culture, such as a game, sci-fi movie, comic, music, etc; a person obsessed with any other single subject or hobby.

I have been a fangirl since the early ‘90’s and the days of The X-Files.  Among other things, I attended conventions with my friends Chrystal and Lauren, had an X-Files screen name for my AIM, and named my black cat Scully. Any magazine with Scully and or Mulder on the cover had to be mine:  No question.  I may have also written some fan fiction during this time, too.  Shush, don’t tell anyone. Oh, and in case you were wondering, I was a “shipper”—I wanted Mulder and Scully together in the worst way!

Later on, I moved on to Hercules:  The Legendary Journeys and Xena:  Warrior Princess.  Again, I hit the convention circuit hard, collected memorabilia, and gathered with “my people.”  I even organized a pre-convention breakfast at one time, and a group once had a marathon viewing/sleepover.

Both of these fandoms helped me meet people during a time in my life when I was almost painfully shy, especially in high school.  I felt like these were people who somewhat understood me and didn’t judge me just because I was quirky.  Remember, this was before Zooey Deschanel made being quirky cool again.

Now, as an adult, I have gotten in the whole Twilight fascination; although, that is the one fangirl thing that I actually mildly regret.  I mean, the books were quite enjoyable, but the horribleness that ended up being the movies kind of killed it, as did all the people obsessing over “K-Stew” and “R-Patz.” However, I was hugged by Kellan “Emmett Cullen” Lutz at a convention, so I’m pretty sure that made it all worth it.  That, and the fact that, again, it brought me enjoyment and bonded me with a couple of friends, so my regrets are minimal.

And that’s just it.  Being a fan girl has brought me endless pleasure and helped forge friendships.  Now, there are plenty of people out there who think being hard core into something like The X-Files, Twilight or whatever is bizarre or even a waste of time.  I argue that anything innocent that does what being a fan girl has done for me cannot hardly be considered a negative thing (unless, of course, you count the occasional effect on my bank account balance).

Manners—Only YOU Can Prevent Their Extinction!

I’ve been noticing something for a while now:  When I say “please” or “thank you” to someone helping me at a store or restaurant, or address an elderly person as “Ma’am” or “Sir,” I often get the strangest looks!  I’ve even had people comment on it, or say that my parents must have raised me well (and they did).  People look at me as though this is something they are not expecting, and I suppose they might not be.  This is what’s sad about the situation—people honestly don’t expect manners anymore.

I’m not trying to imply that I’m the politest, more perfect person in the world.  Far from it.  I can be as moody as the next woman when I’m tired and cranky.  However, I was raised to show basic courtesy towards people around me.  I am also of the belief that it’s a lot harder to be rude and mean than it is to be polite.  As I look around me though, I’m not entirely convinced that this is something shared by a majority of people nowadays.

Think about how amazing the country would be if people made it a habit to use simple pleasantries!  Imagine doing something for someone and ACTUALLY being verbally appreciated for it!  Think about how great you’d feel if you knew the person walking into a store ahead of you would for sure hold open the door until you got through.  All of a sudden, your daily routine isn’t quite as hard to make it through.  Right?

Of course, I’ve been told that some people are afraid that being “overly nice” will result in being taken advantage of. In all honestly, I generally find that it has the opposite effect.  People tend to want to go out of their way for you when you offer a simple “please” with your request.  When you use a reasonable and respectful tone of voice, others tend to respond in kind. I can safely say that my politeness has rarely had the result of me being taken advantage of.  As long as you know when to draw the line and not allow yourself to be taken advantage of, you’re all good.

Now, it might be that you won’t be the beneficiary of the other person’s good will, but perhaps they will be tempted to be kind and or helpful to someone else later in the day.  That’s a bonus, too!  Just a little something to think about.

Why Rex Reed Deserves the “Jerk of the Week” Award

Why do I have a feeling the “Jerk of the Week Award” will be a regular staple on here?

Last week, in his review of Identify Thief, Rex Reed decided that he felt like slamming Melissa McCarthy’s physical appearance.  Did he slam her acting in the film?  Not really.  He just lobbed insults about how overweight she is.  Phrases such as “cacophonous, tractor-sized Melissa McCarthy” and “Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids) is a gimmick comedian who has devoted her short career to being obese and obnoxious with equal success” have been earning Mr. Reed some much deserved vitriol over the past week.  The Twittersphere and other online avenues for venting have been ablaze with critique of Reed’s review.

First of all, Mr. Reed, does Ms. McCarthy’s size have anything to do with her talent?  No, it really does not.  If she is funny and makes people laugh, then that is what really matters.  If you thought she did a poor job with that, then, by all means, you would have the right to call her on that; it would be your right as a film critic.  However, you didn’t do that.  You panned the film, which wasn’t surprising.  I haven’t seen it, but the trailers didn’t really make it look too amazing.  However, I did not read one single line of your review where you commented on whether or not her comedic chops were up to par.  Had you done that, I would have more respect for you.  Not a lot more, but more nonetheless.

Second of all, why is it that being overweight is still something many feel is grounds for making fun of someone?  It’s not as if over-eating is the sole reason that someone is overweight, obese, etc.  Genetics, metabolism, hormones, etc. can and do play a significant role in whether or not someone becomes overweight or obese.  I have known many people in my life who would fall into that category, and they weren’t really big eaters—actually, they tended to eat less and better than I do.  They just had various (serious) health conditions that honestly prevented them from being more slender.

Oh, P.S. Dear New York Observer: Really classy to let this run. Isn’t the job of an editor (and I was one in college) to make sure that trash doesn’t get published? Granted, my college newspaper specialized in scandalous, but still…we were classy about it.

PPS. Now I kind of want to see the movie–just to support Melissa and piss of Reed.

Here’s the review in its entirety.  It is still posted on The New York Observer’s website.

Declined: In Identity Thief, Bateman’s Bankable Billing Can’t Lift This Flick out of the Red

Two Women in Entertainment Who Are Rocking My World

I decided to dedicate this blog to two women in entertainment who are currently rocking my world.  They would be Zooey Deschanel, of The New Girl fame, and Lena Dunham, the creative force behind HBO’s Girls.  They are both awe inspiring in their own rights.

Zooey Deschanel is inspiring because she seems so comfortable being who she is—quirks and all.  I used to think it was some degree of lame to be odd, still into things from my childhood, and into being a girlie girl.  I would feel the need to hide that I still got a kick out of Full House and that I sometimes felt like a little girl in a grown woman’s body.  I have come to learn, thanks to Zooey, that this isn’t lame at all!  It’s cool to embrace who you are and say to the world:  Yep, I’m quirky!  It takes a confident girl or woman to back what she likes and who she is and not concern herself if everyone, or anyone for that matter, around her agrees.  Also, Zooey is hilarious in her comedic prowess.  Her voice, facial expressions, huge eyes, etc make it impossible not to laugh along with her.

Lena Dunham.  What can I even say about her?  Her unbelievable bravery is pretty much evident in every single episode of Girls.  She’s not a size 2, and she doesn’t seem to particularly care (I’m basing this on the fact that she’s very naked in almost every episode).  She rocks her curves, and I back any woman who has the courage to do so.  She puts her flaws, and those of women like her, out there for the world to see.  That makes women watching take a step back and think Hey! So, it’s okay to not be perfect?  Really?!  For many women, that completely goes against everything we’ve come to believe. Plus, her writing is brilliant, even as it’s making you, the viewer, uncomfortable. 

If you haven’t, take the time to check out The New Girl and Girls.  I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

The New Girl airs on Fox Tuesdays at 9pm.

Girls airs on HBO Sundays at 9pm. 

Why I Still Love T.G.I.F Goodness!

(previously submitted and posted to www.hellogiggles.com)

When I was growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, my weekend kicked off in the best way ever, every single week. ABC had their T.G.I.F line up of shows that included, at different points, Full House, Boy Meets World, Sabrina: The Teenage Witch, Family Matters, and Perfect Strangers. Now, it might seem dramatic to say that I lived for these Friday nights…but I lived for these Friday nights. I loved the ritual of it all. My Dad would bring home dinner from my favorite Chinese restaurant, we’d all eat, I might read some Baby-Sitters Club, and then I’d curl up for some T.G.I.F. goodness. I loved the ritual of it so much that I got seriously, almost violently, annoyed when my younger brother wanted to watch with me. Okay, I didn’t actually get violent, but I thought about it.  Then, I thought about what Danny Tanner would say.

Recently, the shows have seemed to undergo a resurgence in re-runs being shown on cable. I swear, it seemed there were years and years that went by where I could not find a single channel that would feed my love for Ben Savage. Where was my Uncle Jesse fix? If I didn’t find a way to catch me some Salem Saberhagen action, I wasn’t going to know what to do with myself! However, they suddenly started coming around again! There was Sabrina talking to a black cat just like mine and trying to deal with being a teenager…and a witch! There was Topanga, who was a role model for us all with her brains that were Yale-worthy and hair that I still can’t get no matter what I do. Oh, and the sweetest boyfriend ever (side note: Ben Savage once Tweeted me back, so I’m practically his girlfriend now). At any rate, life was good again because I could fall asleep to the sounds of “How rude!”

That’s the thing: I find myself watching these shows at night and spending Saturday afternoons watching them while getting ready to go to brunch at the age of 31 because I still want to watch them! There’s something about the wholesome goodness of it that is so satisfying, even after all these years. It seems like no matter how messed up the world around me gets, I can go back to these shows and smile again. Problems will be solved in 22 minutes (or 44 if it was a “to be continued” episode). Cory and Topanga might break up, but they’d get back together a handful of episodes later. Libby might taunt Sabrina, but then she’d be turned into a puzzle. Balki would annoy Larry, but they’d still end up doing the dance of joy. Oh, and it would all be done to a totally cheesy laugh track, too. In other words, in the end, it was all good. And it still is.

How TLC’s What Not to Wear Changed my Life

It’s a hard lesson: Learning to love yourself.  Some people spend their entire lives trying to master this particular lesson.  Personally, it didn’t take me my entire life, thank god, but it did take several years of my adult life.  In all honesty, I must give some credit to a reality T.V. show.  Yes, a reality T.V. show. I know—I can’t believe I’m saying it any more than you can believe that you’re reading it, but it’s true.  That show is TLC’s What Not to Wear.

In case you have never watched, here’s what the show is about (in a nutshell).  People can nominate a friend or family member who is in desperate need of a makeover to receive $5000 worth of new clothes, as well as a new hairdo and makeup tips.  Sometimes, it’s someone who is dressing too young.  Other times, it might be someone who just doesn’t know how to dress herself.  The hosts, stylists Clinton Kelly and Stacy London, ambush the young woman who has been nominated, and she must agree to surrender herself to them and their advice in exchange for the money and everything else.  They are constructively critical, and they genuinely seem to be in it only to help people.

So, you might be wondering how this show has changed my life.  A fair question. Well, I have not always been the most confident person in the world.  I used to be shy growing up.  I’ve also always struggled with self-image issues.  I’ve always been critical of the fact that I’m not the size 4 that I typically see on T.V., movies, ads, etc.  However, on What Not to Wear, Clinton and Stacy stress that one does not have to be skinny to be fashionable, confidence, and good looking.  In fact, they often comment that most women are not a stick figure: They have curves!  They show the women on the show how to dress to flatter whatever figure they have, and to me, that was revolutionary.

I started taking some of their tips seriously.  I started accentuating the smallest part of me, which is the natural waist.  I would look for dresses that had some type of seeming or detailing there that would focus people’s attention on that narrowness.   I also looked for dresses that made the most of my curves and used them to my advantaged.  As I started putting together a wardrobe that made me feel good about myself, my confidence level went up. Instead of shopping sending my into a tailspin of depression and desires to be a size 2 or 4, I started feeling like I genuinely loved my curves!

Oh, and let’s not forget makeup artist Carmendy!  She taught me what eye shadow colors would make my green eyes pop, how to do a smoky eye, and what color eye liner I should wear for a “day look.” She also taught me that you shouldn’t necessarily put on makeup for OTHER people:  You should do it for YOURSELF!  You should do it to make yourself feel amazing about who you are.  I started seeing it as just another tool in my arsenal of ways to feel good about myself.  I also came to realize that it was another outlet for creativity.

As a result of spending much of last summer immersing myself in reruns and utilizing what I learned, I started feeling more comfortable in my own skin.  I stopped seeing nothing but flaws when I looked in the mirror or tried on clothes.  For that, I would love to give Clinton and Stacy a hug someday!

New Kids on the Block…on Tour Again

I still remember being in love with New Kids on the Block “back in the day.” Oh yes, I feel asleep in the arms of the boys via my official New Kids sheets. I debated cutting off my Jordon doll’s trendy ponytail because, even then, I hated it (hey, there are some things that aren’t cool even when they are trendy, and mullets and male ponytails were definitely among the top 10). I cried and cried when a new CD came out, and my parents said I had to wait a few days until they got paid. At the time, I’m sure I screamed variations on “You suck! How could you do this to me! You’re ruining my LIFE!”

When I was 12 years old and in the 7th grade, I got to go to my 1st live concert. My very tolerant Mom took me to see the New Kids on the Block, or NKOTB as they were then known, during their Face the Music tour. They were well past being considered cool by my peers, but not by me! I had the most amazing time imaginable at the show because I was with my people. The only thing that brought me down were the scathing reviews. I remember writing and rewriting several letters to Seventeen Magazine defending them. Oh, and I had to hide the fact that I still loved them from anyone at school.

Somewhere along the way, they went from being supremely uncool to being retro and nostalgia! Back in 2010, when they toured with the Backstreet Boys, my friend Michelle scored 10th row seats from a radio station, and we sang and danced our hearts out the whole night. By the way, so did the sold out Staples Center crowd. I felt young, dorky, and in love again. That night, Donnie ripped off his shirt, and my heart fluttered like I was 12 once more.

Therefore, I was obviously beside myself when I heard last week that they were going to be touring again this year! My boys (now men) are coming back to the Staples Center in Los Angeles this July. When I read the news, I immediately texted Michelle and told her she was going to be my date again. We’ll sing along to all the words we still know decades later, and then we’ll put the CD on in the car on the way home and rock out some more. Let the young ones have their Justin Bieber and One Direction; for me, it will always be NKOTB!

Why I’m 31 and STILL Love Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley, and other YA Lit.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a big reader. Growing up, my summers would be spent involved in the summer reading program at our local library. Whenever I got extra spending money, I would immediately beg for a drive over to Crown Books so I could get the latest book in my favorite series (this included The Babysitters Club by Ann M. Martin and the Sweet Valley Twins and Sweet Valley High series by Francine Pascal).

There is no way I could possibly calculate how many of these I flew through during my childhood years or how many hours of joy they brought to me when I was shy and quiet. I have actually gotten in trouble for reading, if you can believe that. I used to go to an after school program, and they preferred that we actually interact with other children—to which I said “Pshaw! I’d rather hang out with the President of the BSC, Kristy, or maybe one of the Wakefield twins (preferably Elizabeth, the ‘good twin’).”

I adored them because, to me, the characters were like old friends I was spending time with, and I still feel this way. I recently came across some of the old Babysitters Club television show episodes on You Tube, and I admit I have been watching them—usually with a huge grin on the face. Also, my Nook e-reader is allowing me to catch up with the mischievous adventures of Jessica, the “bad twin” from the Sweet Valley series and the BSC various escapades (do you remember when Claudia had to report a family for child abuse? When Mary Ann and Logan broke up?).

I also sincerely enjoy newer YA lit because the genre has been undergoing a renaissance over the past several years. Series such as Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, The Mortal Instruments, etc have managed to turn even the most reluctant readers into serious bibliophiles, and as an English teacher, I find that fantastic. Young girls today want to be strong like Katniss, smart like Hermione, and powerful like Clary. Heck, I know several adults who do, too. That is why you’ll continue to find me in the Teen/YA section of my local Barnes and Noble, trying to get to the newest books in my favorite series because all those pesky teens grab them!