Thursday, December 31, 2009

A Bang on look at 2009...




(Sheldon, Penny and Wolowitz do Jon, Kate and their camera man.)



(Penny, I'm a let you finish. But Koothrappali made one of the best Kanyes of all time!)



(Team Leonard, or Team Sheldon?)



(Forget physics. Leonard's real dream is to become a middle aged spinster/YouTube sensation.)

As 2009 comes to a close tonight, you are probably getting all dolled up and prepping for some lavish NYE partay. I'm planning on celebrating the end of the year (and the decade!) less decadently (I'll be home with some great food, family and DVDs), but I thought it would be fun to end my year of bloggerdom with more of a bang. A Big Bang, that is.

Ladies and gents, I bring you the cast of  The Big Bang Theory recreating some of the most awesome pop cultural moments of 2009. Happy nerd year!

*All photos from EW*

Mood Music: "Dance in the Dark" by Lady Gaga

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Bub-licious!













They're dorky. They're dreamy (I'm talkin' to you, Emile Hirsch-y lead boy on "Sweet Caroline'!). They love sweater vests. They dig Styx. They understand the fine art of interpretive dance. And they sing acapella!

Meet my new boyfriends, the amazingly adorkable Beelzebubs.

P.S. - It's official, I'm transferring to Tufts.

Mood Music: "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Glee Cast

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Sex and Scranton, PA...

 

(Photo: iVillage)

If you are an Office fan, prepare to die of awkward moment overload.

This music video featuring Kelly Kapoor (Mindy Kaling), Erin Hannon (Ellie Kemper), Ryan Howard (BJ Novak) and my boyfriend, Andy Bernard (Ed Helms), as faux pop music super-group, Subtle Sexuality, is Dunder Mifflin at it's uncomfortably-awesome best. The Nard Dog is particularly ridonk, getting his acapella-rapping on while rocking an old sweatshirt around his waist. I also love the awesome elevator dance party at the end. Who wouldn't want to get down to some SubSex grooves while heading up to work?

I don't know about you, but if SubSex were a legit band, I'd be all over them. They appeal to my taste for catchy electro-pop and my need for ridiculous deadpan comedy. They're like a co-ed Flight of the Conchords. Only sexier. But in a subtle way.



Mood Music: "Bitches Ain't Shit" by Ben Folds

Monday, December 14, 2009

Zooey and Joe steal my heart - again!




I didn't think I'd ever be able to say this, but this retro dance routine to She & Him's already irresistable "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" is even better than Tom's post-coital Hall & Oates lip sync party.

Zooey, I know you're married to that guy from Death Cab and all, but I think you should reconsider that union. You and Joe are the most adorkable fake couple I've ever seen.

P.S. - (500) Days of Summer needs to be on DVD right now. 

Mood Music: "Two Weeks" by Grizzly Bear

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Christmas time is here...

 


It's the most wonderful time of the year again. It's time for advent calendars. It's time for excessive peppermint ingestion. It's time for milk and cookies. It's time for red and green to briefly remain an acceptable color combo. It's time to break out your Christmas Vacation DVD. It's time for egg nog and festive hob nobs. And most importantly, it's time for Christmas music.

I know. After getting invaded by terrible Christmas crooning at the malls (they always pick the worst ones to play at department stores), sometimes it's hard to remember how awesome Yuletide songs can be. But when they're good, they're golden.

Here are 12 of my favourite Christmas songs - one for each day of Christmas.

1. "Christmas Time is Here" - Charlie Brown



Classic. Classic. Classic. 

2. "White Christmas" - Otis Redding



This song has been done a million times, but nobody does it like Otis. He makes it so soulful it hurts. Gorgeous.

3. "Baby It's Cold Outside" - Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone (from the Elf soundtrack) 



This is why I fell in love with Miss Deschanel. (P.S. - She & Him are releasing a sequel to "Volume 1"! They better tour.)

4. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" - U2



I don't know about you, but I like my Christmas with a side of rock n' roll and an extra helping of yearning.

5. "Little Saint Nick" - The Beach Boys



This song is the definition of holiday cheer.

6. "All I Want for Christmas Is You" - Olivia Olsen



I love Mariah's original but this one wins because it was in  the best festive movie of the times, "Love, Actually".

7. "Christmas Wrapping" - The Waitresses 



This one gets my vote for so many reasons, but mostly because it indulges in the fine art of the pun right from the get go.

8. "Sleigh Ride" - Harry Connick Jr. 



Under Harry's guidance, sleigh bells become mighty saxxy. I love.

9. "Last Christmas" - Wham! 



An 80s Christmas classic by a gay icon? Yes, please.

10. "What's This" - Jack Skellington 



The sights, the sounds! They're everywhere and all around! I've never felt so good - before! This empty place inside of me is filling up. I simply cannot get enough. I want it, oh, I want it. Oh, I want it for my own. I've got to know. I've got to know! What is this place that I have found? What is this?

11. "Fairytale of New York" - The Pogues 



A little bit folky. A little bit rock n' roll. A little bit rude. All around wonderful.

12. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - Judy Garland 



After that saucy Saint Nick tune, you'll want to amp up the class again. And who knows classy better than Judy?

Mood Music: "Last Christmas" - Glee Cast

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Bitch, please!: Why I love Sue Sylvester like a sister..



(Photo: EW)

Sue Sylvester is a raging bitch. And that is exactly why I worship her.

If you haven't been watching Glee, you need to, just to hear Sue (played by the immaculate Jane Lynch) say some of the most wildly inappropriate things ever. In essence, she's like a tall, blond version of Sarah Silverman - if Sarah had a serious penchant for track suits and schadenfreude.

To give you a taste of her deliciously acerbic wit, I've compiled a list of the most offensive and classy pearls of Sue wisdom.
Sue on the the Glee's sexy take on "Push It": 'That was the most offensive thing I've seen in 20 years of teaching — and that includes an elementary school production of Hair.''
Sue on inspiring students: ''I'm all about empowerment. I empower my Cheerios to live in a state of constant fear by creating an environment of irrational, random terror.''
Sue on getting tired during cheerleading practice: ''You think this was hard? Try auditioning for Baywatch and being told they're going in another direction. That was hard.'', "You think this is hard? I'm living with Hepatitis. That's hard!" and "You think this is hard? Try being waterboarded, that's hard"
Sue - in mid-hug with her enemy, Will Scheuster: ''I am about to vomit down your back.''
Sue on babies: ''I always thought the desire to procreate showed deep personal weakness.'', ''Me, I never wanted kids — don't have the time, don't have the uterus.''
Sue on guys with wavy locks: ''I don't trust a man with curly hair. I can't help picturing small birds laying sulfurous eggs in there, and I find it disgusting.''
Sue on the birds and the bees: "I, for one, think intimacy has no place in a marriage. Walked in on my parents once, and it was like seeing two walruses wrestling''
Sue threatening Will (this may be my favourite): ''...I will go to the animal shelter and get you a kitty cat. I will let you fall in love with that kitty cat. And then on some dark, cold night, I will steal away into your house...and punch you in the face.''
Sue on body image: "All I want is just one day a year when I'm not visually assaulted by uglies and fatties."
Sue on sensitivity: "This year, I got myself a bit of an eye lift. While they were in there, I told them to go ahead and yank out those tear ducts. Wasn't using them."
Sue on the McKinley High production of Chicago: "When I heard Sandy wanted to write himself into a scene as Queen Cleopatra, I was aroused. And then furious."
Sue on recycling: "Not everybody will have the balls to take a pro-littering stance. But I will not rest until our streets are littered with garbage. That's why I pay taxes, so the garbage men can buy tacos for their family."
 Sue on the homeless:  "I'll often yell at homeless people: 'Hey, how is that homelessness working out for you? Try not being homeless for once.'"
And that's life as Sue C's it! Do ya love it?

Mood Music: "Don't Rain On My Parade" by Lea Michele (Can't. Stop. Listening.)

Sunday, December 6, 2009

"Jump" in!




I really need to work on my History of Journalism essay that is due Wednesday. But this video is SO much more entertaining. If I didn't have a bunch of DVDs scattered all over my bed, I'd be jumping all over it right now.

I still can't believe that there's only one new Glee episode left until the dreaded three-month hiatus. I don't know what I'm going to do without my weekly musical-interlude fix. I really hope I don't start lurking on those excessive Glee fan pages. If I start making terrible mash-up videos or writing Rachel/Finn/Kurt fanfiction, please channel your inner 80s Cher and slap me dramatically across the face. Or you know, just break out into some sort of 90s pop song. Either one should wake me up. At least for an hour.

P.S. - How much do you love that Artie holds up a sign that says "JUMP"? It kills me every time.

Mood Music: "Don't Make Me Over" by Amber Riley

Monday, November 30, 2009

I Heart John Mayer...




"Half of my heart is a shotgun wedding to a bride with a paper ring. And half of my heart is the part of a man who's never really loved anything..."

My fav sorta-sensitive-sorta-sarcastic-guitar-wielding-man-whore is back! If you haven't listened to John Mayer's new album, Battle Studies, get on it! It's not quite Continuum, but it's still pretty damn delicious.

Two of my top picks from the album are "Half of My Heart" (featuring Taylor Swift!) and "Heartbreak Warfare". They're folksy and dreamy and yummy and best served with a cup of peppermint tea. I was lucky enough to see Mr. Mayer do them both live on Tuesday night at his Sound Academy show but they are just as awesome on the album. So take a listen. If you're like me, you'll get a serious heart-on. Pun intended and awkward innuendo intended.



Mood Music: "Tell Me Why" by Taylor Swift

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Gaga ooh la la!







The Gaga concert last night has left me speechless (so speechless!). So in lieu of my lack of words, I give you some of the photos I snagged of the Lady in action.

Jealous? I think so.

Mood Music: "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Get your Freak on!




























(I don't like this book. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!)

Last Saturday night, I made the unfortunate transition from teen to twenty-something (I can't buy Teen Vogue without feeling guilty anymore!). Although I was sad to say goodbye to my teen years, my day was anything but upsetting.

Over the course of the weekend, I received quite the assortment of awesome from my friends and family. Every single present I got appealed to my love of campy and so-cool-they're-uncool pop culture fixations. The sweet swag included Whedonverse delights (a new Buffy season 8 comic, Firefly: The Complete Series and a copy of Serenity), Michael Cera DVDs,  HSM accesories (Cause everyone needs a singing Troy Bolton pen!), New Moon merch and totally rad vintage NKOTB books.

Although I was gaga for everything I got, one present truly set my fangirl side ablaze.  Ladies and gents, say hello to the Holy Grail of TV DVDs, the Freaks and Geeks: Yearbook Edition.

P.S. - Can I just say that I've looked at this McKinley High (Sound familiar? McKinley High is also the name of the school in Glee!) yearbook more times in the last week than I've looked at any of my own yearbooks in, well, ever?

Mood Music: "Possibility" by Lykke Li

Friday, November 20, 2009

Jason Segel is just Swell.





Die. Die. Die. (I just did - 27 times.)

Just when I thought it was impossible for me to love this adorkably tall slice of man-candy (he's cuddly, bitch!) and his sweetly self-depricating sense of humour any more (seriously, where do you go once you've done a Dracula musical, a karaoked out spoken word tribute to Styx and a series of musical photo montages about everything from Chinese take-out mishaps to cat funerals?) Jason Segel decides to whip out (yeah, I did) another random and ridiculously delicious sing-song at - get this! -  a Swell Season concert! (You know I'm excited when I start writing ridiculously long run-on sentences.)

If this news is not enough to make you want to belt out your favourite 80s pop-rock ballad and declare, "Jason, I just want to hold you!", I don't know what is. And there's even more deliciousness! My future hubby used the song as a way to broadcast his phone number to all the ladies looking to get a piece of the Segel. You know I've thought about calling it. A lot.

While I died throughout the entire song (there was just too many junk-themed jingles to handle), there was one part of the video that got me particularly excited (No, not in that way. I think.). At one point, Jason sings:

"Remember when I was in that show, Freaks and Geeks? Well there were no special effects - no, no special effects - So if you thought I was sweet, yeah well I'm really that sweet."

Although I have to say, I love every single inch (I swear, I'm not trying to be inappropriate!) of Mr. Segel's body of work (Okay, I lied.), Nick Andopolis and his 29 piece drum-kit rock my world. I have always thought he was sweet, and so if he's really that sweet, you better believe I'll be all over that tall drink of water in a heartbeat.
In case you haven't picked up on how much I'm geeking out right now, just look at the list of blog titles that immediately popped into my head after I finished watching this video.

Once more with Nick Andopolis

The Best Song Ever.

Jason, I got your number. I'm gonna make you mine! Jason, don't change your number. (315-329-6673!)

The Segel Season

Falling (not so) slowly for Jason Segel

Fucking Jason Segel: The Musical

Too much?! Just wait for my musically themed photo montage covering the process. It's called Segel. I love you. Call me. and it's better than Charades.

Mood Music:  "I'll Stand By You" by Corey Moniteth

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

An Education gets an A (in awkwardness)...



On Monday, my history prof asked if anyone had seen the movie, An Education. I eagerly put my hand up but no one else wanted to join the party. He asked me if I liked it, and I said it was creepy. He looked at me as if I had two heads and told the class, "Don't listen to her! It's a wonderful movie" While my prof and many critics seemed to have been charmed by the sorta-cute-sorta-totally-creepy flick, I'm can't say I'd give the Nick Hornby tale (I gave the man my heart with High Fidelity and About a Boy, and he gives me this?) a top grade. Except, maybe in utter sketchiness.

An Education seems like a text-book example of a movie I'd love. The story follows Jenny (played by Carey Mulligan), a Brit teen who dreams of living the life of an intellectual at Oxford. She's book smart, speaking French at the drop of a hat and referencing Camus over after school snacks, but she's yet to really get out in the social world. Enter, David, a charming man (played by the strangely off-putting Peter Sarsgaard). He takes her to clubs, buys her expensive perfume, showers her with flowers, whisks her to Paris and wins over her parents. I know, sounds like a cute coming-of-age flick right? It's not.

You see, David, is 30 and Jenny is 16. Perhaps I'm more conservative than I thought, but this particular May-December romance really weirded me out. I'm talking, I-was-squirming-in-my-seat weirded out. I love me some Sarsgaard, but the man just came out as a sketchy creeper from beginning to end for me. Whenever he and Jenny had a sensual moment, it got really uncomfortable for me - most notably when he suggests jokingly (I hope) that she try having sex with a banana before they actually do the deed (I'm serious).

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Creature of the Night Moves..


(Photo: Hot Topic)

I'd let this beautifully broody trench-coat rockin' and wife-beater wearin' creature of the night into my personal space any day! (That's what Buffy said - until they had serious smoochies and he went all evil Angelus and you know, killed Ms. Calendar, tortured Giles and almost sucked the world into a hell dimension and stuff.)

P.S. - Please forgive my rando Angel heart-on. I stumbled upon this fangtastic (it never gets old) tee while surfing for New Moon merch (see: last post) and almost died of Whedonverse-wonderful overload. After I composed myself, I decided I had to share.

Also, I'm considering giving Angel a try again so I thought it seemed like a semi-topical choice for the bloggy. I never liked the show much because it rarely featured the original scoobies (Cordy and Wesley do not count in my books!). But I love the vamp-boy so much that I feel like I should make more of an effort. Bill and Edward eat your hearts out! (Don't actually though. I know you like blood and all that fleshy jazz but, there's no need to get the fangs out and commit vampicide. The fangirls need you.)

Mood Music: "Everything You've Done is Wrong" by Sloan

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Twi-Hard 2: The return of Obsessive Cullen Disorder...


(Edward Cullen, meet Edward Pumpkin.)

Watch out Team Jacob! This fiercely dedicated Cullen enthusiast has started to descend into excessively fang-irly territory once again.

The transformation is a slow one, but there's no denying that the change has begun. Just look at these startling developments:

1) This Halloween, my pumpkin looked strangely like Robert Pattinson - minus the CGI sparkles. (See above)

2) Last week, I suddenly felt an urge to buy a t-shirt with red lips and fangs on it. I said it was part of my Buffy the Vampire Slayer Halloween costume. But have you ever really seen the Buffster wearing a pro-vamp tee?

3) I have started to spend an overwhelming amount of time perusing Hottopic.com.

4) The most recently played list on my iTunes has been overtaken by Paramore, Muse and Death Cab for Cutie.

5) At Indigo the other day, it took me much longer than it should have to decide not to buy Twilight Scene It.

6) I spend more time looking at my Cullen family bookmark then I do reading my books for school.

7) I almost ditched my Halloween party plans to go and pose with a cardboard cut out of Edward Cullen.

8) I just bought my ticket to the midnight screening of New Moon. The movie doesn't come out for three weeks.

And this is just the beginning. I'm no Alice, but I can see many more sucky puns, bloody excessive amounts memorabilia and inhuman tweeny bopper squeals in my future. I think it's safe to say, New Moon is my life now.


Mood Music: "Satellite Heart" by Anya Marina

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Wild Things, you make my heart sing..



I finally got to see the Spike Jones version of Where the Wild Things Are this weekend. And to paraphrase one of my favourite Wild Things, I could have eaten up, I loved it so!

I can't pinpoint the exact moment or thing that made me fall for this beautiful movie because honestly, there is so much that is right about it. Karen O's soundtrack is goosebump-enducing(Please, listen to it now!). The landscape that provides the backdrop for Max's adventure is beyond epic. The monsters, or rather, Max's wild friends, are so real-looking it's out of control. Max Records' performance as the king of the Wild Things is almost too perfect (How old is this boy?! He conveyed so much emotion in this movie, sometimes I forgot he was just a kid!) And the story, oh, the story, is just the most heartbreakingly bittersweet and beautiful thing I have seen in a long time (I am tearing up just thinking about it).

From the minute the Warner Brothers logo appeared wonderfully vandalized by Max's wild drawings during the opening credits, Where the Wild Things Are just stole my heart. And if you still have a childhood innocence buried somewhere within your supposedly grown-up soul, it will steal yours away too. At least for a few hours. And you know what, that's enough. Because when it comes down to it, we're all like little Max, with his raggidy old wolf suit and makeshift crown. Sometimes we just need to get away from the harsh realities of life for a while and get a little wild.


Mood Music: "Hideaway" by Karen O and the Kids

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

How My Totally Adorkable Boyfriend Met My Other Totally Adorkable Boyfriend..










And they say sexy dreams can't come true! The only thing missing is me taking the place of the lucky bastard in the burnt orange polo. Oh, and a little Barry White.

Mood Music: "Two Tickets to Paradise" by Eddie Money

Monday, October 12, 2009

How do you like my Body (of work)?



My review of Jennifer's Body is now up on McClung's so please, ch-ch-check it out!

If you like my bloggy, and you think it's sexy, c'mon baby let me know - via either the comments section here or below my article. If you're not feeling it, well, be nice. And if you must use harsh words (like let's say a terrible term such as "moist", although I really hope you can't find a way to fit that in your review), just make sure they're fancy-sounding. I am easily distracted by awesome words I don't know.

Mood Music: "Reminiscing" by Little River Band

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The cowpoke is a vamp..



I listened to Carrie Underwood's new song "Cowboy Casanova" and I have to say, it's one catchy slice of country-pop. But I may or may not have been heavily influenced by the fact that the two of my all-time favourite words (and types of man-candy) appear multiple times in the song.

Although the song has an undeniable Southern vibe, after looking at the lyrics, I kinda feel like the hunky ranch hand Carrie sings of might be of the undead variety. Just look at the lyrics:

"He's a good time cowboy casanova,
Leanin' up against the record machine
He looks like a cool drink of water,
But he's candy-coated misery
He's the devil in disguise, a snake with blue eyes
And he only comes out at night
Gives you feelings that you don't wanna
fight, You better run for your life"


He's a devil in disguise? He's only comes out at night? You better run for you life?! I don't know, but the boy sounds like Bill Compton's long-lost cousin to me.

All this vampy cowpoke talk reminds me of a Harlequin Romance I once spotted at Indigo. It was called Drop Dead Gorgeous and featured a nearly nude vampire cowboy in lounging in a moonlit bathtub on the cover. I haven't seen it in a store since, but I would give my left boob to get my hands on a copy. Well, maybe not. But I might give a little blood. Especially if the receiver of said plasma looks like a cold drink of water and never goes out without his cowboy hat.


P.S. - Speaking of creature of the night, is anyone else totally into The Vampire Diaries?

Mood Music: "So Far Away" by Carole King

Monday, October 5, 2009

Creek love..




Dear Mr. Leery,

I've been avoiding this attraction for years. I should have admitted it back in my grade 11 media studies class, where I played you in a impromptu reenactment of the final scene of the pilot episode of your show. But I refused because my friend Sara joked that I looked exactly like you. And quite frankly, being a girl, I was kinda offended. However, after 4 years I've finally come clean. Dawson, you and I would make the perfect couple.

You're a film nerd. I'm a film nerd. You've got an unhealthy thing for E.T. I've got an unhealthy thing for E.T. You're emotional and needy. I'm emotionally needy. You love sweater vests. I love boys in sweater vests. You're horribly introspective. I'm horribly introspective (I think..). You relate every bit of your life to a scene in a movie (only you - and I - would think to play a prank on obnoxious ferry boat riders using techniques perfected in American Graffiti). I relate every bit of my life to a scene in a movie. You work at a video store. I wish I worked at a video store. You have sandy blonde locks. I have chemically altered sandy blonde locks. You'd rather spend the night watching movies in your bed than hit up a house party. I'd rather spend the night watching movies in your bed than hit up a house party. You fall for the people who don't fall for you. I always fall for the people who don't fall for me. You tend to get a little too spirited at Halloween. I always get a little two-spirited on Halloween (see all my previous manly costumes: Kevin Federline, Garth Algar, Peter Pan). You like to use fancy words to spice up a convo and make yourself seem like an intellectual. I like to use the word "fancy".

Dawson, if we're not made for each other, then I don't know who is. Forget Joey. Come elope with me in Atlantic City (I'm saving Vegas for the 21st b-day)! I know I'm being a bit forward here, but you know us better than anyone, and we don't seem to get anywhere with the opposite sex without taking a few risks. So stop over-thinking this and answer me as soon as possible. Cause quite frankly, I don't wanna wait for our lives to be over. I wanna know right now what will it be. Will it be yes, or will it be, sorry?

XOXO,

Emily

Mood Music: "Dance Anthem of the 80s" by Regina Spektor

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Bang on!



(Oh, geek love. Photo: fanpop.)

After a year or so of brushing it off as Two and Half Men go geek, I decided to give in and give the first season of The Big Bang Theory a go this weekend.

Having been very anti-BBT for quite some time, I did not make this decision on a whim. In the spirit of the show's science-loving characters, my choice was a result of weeks of careful research (mostly just reading reviews and asking people what they thought of it). Well, that and season 2 of Flight of the Conchords was already out at Videoflicks on Friday and I had a jonesin' for a giggle.

At first, I was hesitant to laugh at Leonard and Sheldon's geektastic adventures, afraid that I might actually like this more than it's partner in Monday night half-hour hilarity, How I Met Your Mother. But as I kept playing episode after episode, I began to warm up to the nerds. Eventually, I was even laughing out loud. In fact, in the hilarious haze of Star Trek references, awkward social situations and jokes about the Doppler Effect, I managed to finish the entire season. My conclusion? It's like what I imagine it would be like if Sam, Bill and Neal grew up, found an Indian BFF, relocated to California and moved across the hall from Elle Woods. In other words: AWESOME.

I am sure part of the reason I am feeling the love for this show is that geeky guys seem to be my weakness, or kryptonite if you will. (Is it just me or is Leonard kind of totally adorkable? I am into his whole boy-in-hoodie with curly hair and thick glasses look.) But when it really comes down to it, I think my heart-on (much love, Michael Scott) for BBT comes from the fact that I kinda identify with Sheldon, Leonard, Howard and Rajesh. I'm a nerd too. Just not when it comes to string theory and Dr. Who. But just mention Buffy or hyperboles and I'll geek out faster than a speeding bullet.

Mood Music: "Maybe This Time" by Kristin Chenoweth and Lea Michele

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Girl, put your records on..









"...tell me your favourite song. Just go ahead, let your hair down..."

While I was in Nova Scotia, chillaxing with Mama Gagne's side of the fam jam, my cousin Cate and I stumbled upon a musical jackpot.

My grandpa has quite the collection of old vinyl in his living room. I've always seen them laying around every time I've come down to visit, but I never took a genuine gander at them. Usually I'm too busy playing Scattergories or some silly homemade game (think Hedbanz minus the bands and plus some hobo Post-Its) to even think about them. However, this trip Cate and I found ourselves mysteriously drawn to the stacks of vintage tunes.

At first, the collection seemed kinda old-folky (i.e. way too many Barry Manilow and Willie Nelson records). But on further inspection, I started to uncover gem after gem of old-school musical delights. The delish selections included Judy Garland at Carnagie Hall, Dolly Parton's Greatest Hits (UNOPENED!), the My Fair Lady soundtrack, Blondie, The Sound of Music, Jesus Christ Superstar and lots of Frank Sinatra. Needless to say, we were in love.

Under a contagious spell of blast-from-the-past euphoria, Cate and I spent most of our days in Wallace dancing around like Lindsay Weir in the presence of a Grateful Dead record, our arms swaying aimlessly and our eyes closed. Of course, we went back to playing our game of Spit or Clue as soon as anyone else entered the room, but we still managed to do some serious head-bobbing while we played.

Just as I thought my love for the Wallace musical library couldn't grow any bigger (my heart was already getting quite crowded just being in Nova Scotia again), I found out how much my grandpa loved that we were getting into the records. My cousin said she overheard him telling someone he had been thinking about selling the property again but after he saw us getting all excited by the vinyl and "getting into the spirit of the place", he realized how stupid he was to even think about selling. How adorable is that? If I had known putting on a Dolly record would get him to see what I've seen in the place my whole life, I would have put down my trashy books and playing cards way sooner.

Mood Music: "Althea" by The Grateful Dead

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Gleeking out!








I LOOOOOOOVE THIS SHOW.

Mood Music: "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

Monday, September 21, 2009

Diablo Cody is totally boss.




It's been over a week since I spoke to the coolest woman alive and needless to say, I am still freaking out.

My only goal at this year's TIFF was to meet Diablo Cody, my favourite writer, in person. I staked out red carpet sitch before the Jennifer's Body premiere (at the Ryerson Theatre!) avec my similarly celeb-crazy friends but alas, Diablo dodged the fan area and went straight for the press. I was totally bummed but I went to see the movie, hoping that it would help me forget how awesome it would have been to talk to the woman who made Sunny-D and hamburger phones cool again. However, everytime I heard Megan Fox or Amanda Seyfried whip out a wickedly witty Diablo-fied quip in the midst of the teenage bloodshed, I couldn't help but wish I'd somehow found my way into the press area. My insta-regret expanded even more during the Q & A, when she declared that she would make JB "children's toys" and "fruit snacks" if the movie did well at the box office.

As we left the theatre to head home, I saw the usual crowd of fanboys and girls huddling around the exit to the Rye Theatre, hoping to snap one final shot of Megan Fox. Suddenly, I realized that this could be my chance to see Diablo, one last time. Yelling some sort of muffled version of "Hold my stuff!", I ran into the crowd and immediately made BFFs with some girl in front. I had laringitis at the time, so I asked her, in my sorta pubscent drag queen voice, to call out "Diablo!" at the top of her lungs and hold out the magazine I had with me if a short-haired blonde chick came out. And being the BFF that she is, she screamed for Diablo, until she gravitated towards me.

My hands shaking and my voice as high as it could go (think about RuPaul level), I handed Diablo my copy of her latest EW column. She smiled and said she was really surprised and flattered that I read her articles. I told her that I also read her book and that she was ridiculously witty and awesome (I know, smooth, right?). Then she took a picture with me! Just as I went to say thank you, she got whisked away to talk to some other fans. I was too starstruck to even mind.

Mood Music: "You Belong with Me" by Taylor Swift

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Oh no. I gotta go. Back to schooooool. (AGAIN!)



School started today and while many of you have already been entranced by the reality of the strangely comforting feel of new textbooks, fresh Hilroy lined paper, mechanical pencils that are actually filled and highlighters with ample ink, I can't seem to get my mind off movies.

The beginning of the school year always kickstarts my cinematic libido because just days after we step back into our respective classrooms (or labs if you're science-y), the Toronto International Film Festival starts. Although TIFF pretty much owns my (and now, many of my friends') soul in September, you don't have to go a big film fest to get your movie fix before school actually gets hard.

When I'm not perusing and schmoozing (near) the red carpet scene, I like to indulge in some classic school themed flicks and TV shows. Even though most of us hated at least part of our high school (or university) lives, there is something wonderfully homey about getting all nostalgic and looking back on growing up. Even if involves reminding ourselves that we were a brain, a basket case, a princess, an athlete or a criminal back in the day.

In honor of one of my favourite genres (if not my favourite), here is a list of my top 10 shows/movies that will teach even the most angsty teenager that high school can be the most bittersweetly awesome place to re-visit. Wedgies, pop quizzes, awkward crushes and all. Enjoy em' while you don't have five essays to write.

1. My So-Called Life

In my humble opinion, this series is not for everyone. If you have adverse reactions to excessive amounts of plaid, Jared Leto or introspective reflections, then you will hate everything about Angela Chase and her so-called friends Rayanne Graff and Rickie Vasquez. But if you've ever hung out with someone you parents didn't like, referred to your crush by his full name (and only his full name), slipped up on a test, felt completely ugly because of a tiny pimple, turned your back on an old friend, or dyed your hair a obscure shade of red because your raggedy old one was holding you back, then you will have a time with this show.

2. Freaks and Geeks

Judd Apatow gave the endlessly lovable (and recognizable!) misfits at McKinley High School Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation" as a theme song but, this show is anything but poorly regarded. Freaks and Geeks is a cult favourite, and with way too many reasons to count. From the first minute of the pilot, when the camera pans away from the unrealistically lovesick quarterback and his cheerleader gf on the football and down to a group of most likely stoned guys ranting about parents and the importance of Led Zeppelin, you know this is a special show. And it just gets better from there. Well not really. Nothing goes right on this show. Teachers don't treat everyone equally. Parents don't stay together. Romances don't blossom gracefully (try not to cringe when Linsday and Nick (Linda Cardenelli and Jason Segel) goes from sweet to helplessly awkward in the span of one Styx song). Parties aren't really that fun. Best friends don't last forever. It sounds upsetting, but with Apatow and Paul Feig at the helm, it's downright hilarious.

3. Election

I am incredibly biased because I pretty much worship Reese Witherspoon, but by god, why didn't the woman get an Oscar for this movie? I mean, she played a mean June Carter but, this performance is even better. She IS Tracy Flick in this movie. And Tracy Flick is not a likable person in any way shape or form. Very unlike Reese.

4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV series)

You either get Buffy or you don't. But if you get it, you're head-over-heels in love with it. And how can you not be, really? The whole fighting demons gimmick is really just a metaphor for dealing with all the crap that high school throws you. But it's so much more kickass when the crap comes in the form of assorted creatures of the night.

5. The Breakfast Club

Don't you forget about this movie. Only a neo-maxi-zoom-dweebie would, and you my friend, are not a neo-maxi-zoom-dweebie. Well, that is if you've seen this movie. If not, then I really can't save you from geekdom. Just accept your fate and maybe one day someone will write a really great movie or show about your life set to a wicked Simple Minds song. (R.I.P. John Hughes.)

6. Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Sean Penn was really a funny laidback guy once. Hard to believe, I know, but it's true. Just ask Mr. Hand. Oh, and when you see him, say aloha for me, m'kay?

7. Clueless

I first saw this movie the summer between Grade 1 and Grade 2. My parents were stupid and let me choose the movie. They said I could see pick either The Great Panda Adventure or Clueless. To my six-year-old self, the choice was obvious (The poster had three cool older girls wearing boas and talking on cellphones! Like the pandas had a chance! As if!). The minute movie started, I wanted to be Cher Horowitz (The girl had a computerized outfit selecter!) so I went out and bought myself a fluffy pink feather pen and started saying things like "I'm outie!", "Whatever!" and using terms like "Betty" and "Baldwin" in my day-to-day life. I was sure if I started then, I'd be so ahead of the game when high school actually came around. Once I hit Grade 9, however, fluffy pens were out, the Baldwin bros weren't hot anymore and Alicia Silverstone was barely on anyone's radar. But even though my dreams of becoming Cher have been crushed forever, I love the movie more now. Watching it as an adult is totally different. I actually get the jokes.

8. Donnie Darko

Time travel. Giant Bunnies. Wormholes. Patrick Swayze. Sparkle Motion. Genius.

9. Heathers

WARNING: This isn't another fun teen romp. It's about suicide, Diet Coke-heads and underage sex. And it's absolutely hilarious. Heathers certainly isn't for everyone but I say if you can't handle sharp dark humour mixed in with your teen love triangles and cafeteria gossip, then what's your damage?

10. Glee

I've only seen one episode of this musical-dramedy but I'm in love with the witty High School Musical goes Freaks and Geeks vibe it's giving out. They are showing the second episode tomorrow night on FOX so it's the perfect time to catch up!

BONUS: Grease 2

Okay, so I know everyone is crazy about the first Grease, and I totally get that (I dressed up as a Pink Lady back in Grade 6.). But Grease 2 tackles some issues Danny and Sandy wouldn't have even dared to talk - let alone sing - about when they did their stint at Rydell. I'm talking musical interludes about reproduction, the best ways to turn bowling terminology into sexual innuendos, rock-a-hula-luaus and masked biker dudes. Oh, and a snappy number about going back to school. What's not to quote endlessly?!!



Mood Music: "Church Clothes" by Matt Nathanson

Monday, September 7, 2009

Freaky geeky..


Once upon a time, a nerd of a young gal named Emily happened upon a book entitled Geeky Dreamboats on ModCloth. Immediately, she fell in love.

But even though her nerdtastic yearning for this truly important text grew larger every day, Emily never expressed my her true feelings to anyone, except maybe her good friend, the favourites section of Internet Explorer. Today, after months of fantasizing about uncovering the wonderful nuggets of geekdom nerdy man-boys like Jemaine Clement, Michael Cera, John Cusack and Andy Samberg have to offer, her friend Priya surprised her with a copy as a super-premature b-day present (her big day's in November). It was a geek-boy miracle.

The End.

P.S. - I can't stop wondering if I wrote this book in my sleep.

Mood Music: "Kiss With a Fist" by Florence and the Machine (NEW FAVOURITE SONG.)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

The reel Ted Mosby..


(Ted: "What is that poser doing pretending to be me - AND
- possibly stealing the future mother of my children!?")

After seeing (500) Days of Summer again, I have come to a truly important revelation. Tom Hansen is the reel Ted Mosby.

Think about it. They're both wannabee architects. They both love to provide you with all the random trivia they know about buildings. They both ardently believe in L-O-V-E, even after they get their heartbroken. They both fall for brunette girls who are commitment-phobes, at least until they meet the right - and most likely blonde (see: Summer's rando light-haired hubby and Robin's new-found love Barney) guys. They both love indie music and can be rather snobby about it. They both have perfectly tousled brunet man-dos. They both have best buddies who got married to their first girlfriends (Marshall on HIMYM and Paul in (500) Days) . They both love the fine art of karaoke (Did you know it's Japanese for empty orchestra? Isn't that hauntingly beautiful?). They both have experience forging relationships via elevator shafts. And most importantly, they both look smashing in blazers.

Okay, so I may have gone a bit overboard with this whole comparison. But come to think of it, being the ridiculously introspective and analytical boys that they are, Ted and Tom would totally approve.

P.S. - Is anyone else hopelessly in love with (500) Days?

Mood Music: "Love Hurts" by Nazareth

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Jason Segel, I love YOU, man!



(Sigh.)

(Jason, I just wanna hold YOU.)


(I want to ride HIS bicycle..)

That's it. Jason, we're getting married. Right now. You can even bring your puppets. I don't care who's there. I just need to get my hands on your frecklelicious bod.

Mood Music: "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles

Thursday, August 13, 2009

I've gone Mad!



"Why yes, Don I will have another martini with you in this sketchy empty bar. I swear, I won't tell Betty.."

Mood Music: "Party in the U.S.A." - Miley Cyrus (I can't lie. I LOVE this song.)