Kinky Boots: AKA: Time To Get Kinky!

It's no secret in my late teens early/twenties I was, what I affectionately refer to as, a "theatre rat". Theatre, Broadway in particular, was my life. I saw at least a show a month, more often than not it was a show a week. Usually it was with cheap tickets acquired by rushing or playing lotto, but there were also splurges. There were even a handful of shows I've seen multiple times.

Then life kicked in, I got a job, curbing my ability to rush/lotto shows, I met The Boy & I moved making the trek into the city longer and the trains less frequent. All and all there are more demands on my time and money, and so unfortunately don't get out to the theatre as often as I'd like. I haven't completely abandoned Broadway, I still see quite a few productions a year, but to be honest though, it isn't the same. I rarely see any show more than once, and on the now rare occasion that I do, it's usually because someone I know and love is going on as a lead. I honestly can't remember the last time I saw a show and walked out wanting to go right back and see it again. Until last night.

Wednesday night after work I scurried over to the Al Hirschfeld theatre on 45th, to go see Kinky Boots. It was a show I'd been wanting to see for quite some time, and had a bit of a struggle getting tickets too. Everyone I spoke to who had seen it seemed to love it, and I was excited to finally get to experience, what was described to me as a combination of Billy Elliot and Pricilla Queen of the Desert.

The show is set in a small town in England, which of course means everyone sports a British accent, which of course warms my anglophile hearts, primarily in Price & Sons Shoe Company factory, with a few quick jaunts to London and a big finale in Milan.

The story centers on Charlie Price played by Stark Sands (Broadway's American Idiot and HBO's Generation Kill) who has no intention on taking on the family business, until after moving to London with his fiancé Nicola, learns of his father's sudden death and is forced to return home and run the factory. It is only then that he learns that the family business is drowning their largest retailer has canceled their contract and returned all their inventory. Suddenly Charlie is placed in an impossible situation, with no one buying their product, it looks like he'll have to close down the factory and lay off his employees, people he has known his entire life.

Or at least that's what he thinks, until one of his soon to be laid off employees, Lauren, tells him to do something about it, find a niche market, and after a chance encounter with a feisty drag queen named Lola, which may be to date, my favorite sentence I have ever typed, Charlie knows exactly what to do.

The music and lyrics, written by the fabulously unusual Cindy Lauper, was the perfect mix of catchy, fun and sweet. Stand outs include "The History of the Wrong Guys", sung to hysterical perfection by the adorably comedic Annaleigh Ashford (Broadway's Legally Blonde and Off-Broadway's revival of Rent) as Lauren, and Charlie's show stopper "The Soul of a Man" which comes near the end of Act II. Props have to be given to Stark Sands for singing the shit out of that song.

Of course no musical production can be properly discussed without mentioning dancing. The choreography of the show was at times nothing short of amazing. The best example of this being the ridiculously energetic Act I finale "Everybody Say Yeah". The upbeat music combined with the amazing acrobatics, is enough to male anyone want to get up out of their seat and dance along. Also there is even treadmill dancing! Yup, you read that right, treadmill dancing.

The show also features the increasingly more important message of accepting others. This is best illustrated by the character of Don, played by the brilliantly funny and endearing Daniel Sherman. After several clashes, over what "being a man" is, Lola challenges Don to "Accept one person for who they truly are". Daniel's portrayal of Don's transformation, which culminates in a brilliant reveal in Act II heartfelt and real, never feeling rushed or forced. Definitely as stand out performance in a cast comprised of talented performers.

Side Bar: Can we just take a moment to appreciate the ensemble of this cast? They all look like they are having the time of their lives up on stage, and some of the males are better at jumping/dancing/walking in heels then I will ever be. I mean we are talking stilettos here. That being said, could they please start mass producing the actual boots and selling them to the public? Because I want like all of them, okay? Thanks.

Overall Kinky Boots was the most fun I've had at a musical in a long time, and certainly the first one in recent years that had me itching to go back and see it again the min the final bows ended. So if you haven't seen it yet, GO! Then come back and tell me what you thought.

The Holidays Are Near: AKA: Geeky Gifting Abounds

It's that time again. The Holidays are fast approaching, as I type this there are 24 days til Christmas Eve! I'm a huge fan of the holidays, mostly because everyone seems to be in a better mood and there's a hint of magic in the air. New York at Christmas is just fabulous, the decorations, the Holiday Markets that seem to magically spring up in every park, ice skating, the Rockefeller Christmas tree, Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, it's easy to get lost in the excitement of it all.

With the holiday season also comes the BIGGEST shopping season of the year. Now, personally I LOVE to shop for the holidays. I find it fun to hunt down the perfect gift for each of the important people in my life, in fact I'm one of those annoying people who shop all year for the perfect gifts.

But coming up with the right gift isn't always easy, so below I offer you my Geeky Gift Guide for the Holidays. It is but a small sampling of all the geeky goodness out there this year.

Clothing:
 

Tee Magnet
There are a TON of really awesome Geeky/pop culture available for one day only sites out there and Tee Magnet is awesome enough to collect them all in one place for you for easy reference.

 

Handpainted Ninja Turtles Bra

  ~ $40

Disclaimer, the seller has already stated that any new orders will not be fulfilled in time for Christmas, however I am including it because some things are worth the wait. This makes me giggle so hard, and it's not just turtles, there are plenty of other geek worthy options, Super Mario Brothers, Xbox, Star Wars, go see for yourselves.

Jewelry:

Doctor Who Blue Gallifreyan Symbols on Silver Cuff ~ $26

Seriously, this bracelet is just gorgeous, and what Doctor Who Fan wouldn't love sporting this on their wrist? Also the Seller makes one where you can personalize what it says. Imagine having their OWN  name written in the language of the Time Lords. Admit it, that is just Fantastic.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Mr Darcy's Proposal Blue Brass Cuff Bracelet ~ $40

Um...This has to be one of my all time favorite quotes. Any Jane Austen/Pride & Prejudice fan would be lucky to have this on her wrist. The seller also makes other jewelry with different quotes from the works of Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, Shakespeare and other giants of the literary world.


 




Books/Comics:

Joss Whedon: The Complete Companion: The TV Series, the Movies, the Comic Books and More: The Essential Guide to the Whedonverse  ~ $12.89

I'll admit, I haven't read it, but how cool does this look? A breakdown of the Whenonverse? Yes, please. Joss Whedon has created many a complex character/world in his time, and dissecting them all is just part of the fun.

 

 

 

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones; City of Ashes; City of Glass; City of Fallen Angels; City of Lost Souls ~ $60.77

Confession: I am OBSESSED with this series, I DEVOURED it. Cassandra Clare is a FANTASTIC writer. The characters and worlds she creates are so vivid and entertaining that you can't help but be swept away into them. This link is for the whole series as of now, however you can always just by the first book in the series (City of Bones) and start them off slowly. Kindle and Paper back additions also available.

 

 

Random Geekery: 

Sherlock Mini Plush Dolls ~$28

To ease the pain of the LONG suffering Sherlock fan, and give them their very own adorable Sherlock and Watson to cuddle while they wait another year for their beloved show to return. You have to admit these guys are pretty damn cute.

 

 

 

 

 

Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver Electric Toothbrush

~ $ 19.29

Ok, this is just epic. I'd brush my teeth like 30 times a day, just to use this beauty. Yes, I am that much of a dork. Seriously though, this is awesome.

 

 

 

 

Geeky Art: 

Cut it Out Art

~ Most range from $5 - $75

I absolutely LOVE these. I'm a big fan of pop culture art work and this line is really cool. There is literally something for everyone. You can find everything from Star Wars, to Twilight, to Harry Potter, to Breaking Bad, even Jimmy Hendricks. Seriously check them out.

 

 

 

 

 

The Art of Laurie B

~ Prints from $10 to $30 (depending on size) ~  Originals Price Avail upon request ~ Books from $3 to $20

 I first discovered Laurie B at NYCC 2011. I never actually saw her, she wasn't at her table when I walked by, but I grabbed one of her fliers and after seeing her website fell in love with her work. She covers all kinds of subjects but my faves by far are her gender benders (like the Female Han Solo to the right) and her Baby work, seriously Baby Magnito is adorbs.

Squire Sword The Standee People

~ $10

Speaking of NYCC, while I was at this years I came across these lovely little gems, I own the Doctor Horrible one, and I can not even begin to tell you how cute these little standees are. The store offers a plethora of options with categories like: Anime, Gaming, Comics, Television and Film there is sure to be something for everyone.

New York Comic Con 2012: AKA: Where the Geeks Come Out to Play

Photo Credit L. Lyles

As I write this I am standing, yup I'm standing, on a packed train home, battered, bruised, tired and poorer, and wouldn't trade this weekend for anything in the world.

The past four days in New York have been a geek paradise, for the Jacob Javits Center has been home to the 2012 New York Comic Con. I was extremely lucky enough to be able to be in attendance for three of the four days.

While not quite as large as it's San Diego brother, NYCC has been steadily growing. It is a whirl win experience, often boarding on sensory overload, that can be an amazing experience. I could probably go on for DAYS about the extraordinary time I had this weekend with my very amazing ladies, but rather than bore you all with self indulgent stories, although some personal antidotes are sure to poke through, I thought it's be best to talk about the dos and don'ts for making your comic con experience the best it can be.

DO

Plan Ahead
I can not stress enough how much easier/enjoyable this will make your life/overall experience.

Buy your tickets ahead of time. You can order tickets online MONTHS before con, and it is in you best interest to do so. This way your very own shiny NYCC pass will be mail to you & you will therefore avoid having to stand online to pick it up on the day of. Trust me there is A LOT to do, you are not going to want to waste time standing in line to get your badge.

Photo Credit: L. Lyles

The folks over at NYCC are nice enough to release a WEALTH of information Pre-event. Take advantage of it! Look up who going to be there, what panels are happening, what booths have those exclusives you can't live without and plan out your days! Download the official NYCC app for iPhones or Droid and take advantage.

Prioritize And Always Have a Back Up Plan

When you go through the list of fabulous panels, you will probably encounter a time when there are two things you want to do happening simultaneously, or at the very least slightly overlapping. So now you are forced to choose. However don't just cast you other choice aside. Keep it in mind as a back up. The panel rooms are not emptied between panels so there is a chance you may not get into your first choice. It's nice to have a back up then.

Speaking of the fact that the panel rooms don't empty out between sessions, it's a good idea to line up for the panel you want to see early. Actually, if the panel is a big deal, or you anticipate that it's gonna be full, it's a good idea to try and get in the room for an earlier panel and sit tight. Who know you may end up seeing something you become really interested in. Perfect example, this year Stan Lee came to NYCC. That's right, THE STAN LEE. I have loved the man for years and was dying to see him speak live, so as soon as I heard he would be there, I knew not seeing his panel wasn't an option. So my lovely gals and I decided the best way to accomplish our goal was to try and go see the Person of Interest panel before hand. Now I like Person of Interest, and am a huge fan of Michael Emerson and Jonathan Nolan. Jonathan Nolan being my "Below the Line Crush"*, so I did very much enjoy the session, however I probably would have skipped it, had it not been directly before Stan Lee.

Cosplay at NYCC (Photo Credit: L. Lyles)

For those of you curious, Stan Lee is probably one of the most entertaining people you will ever see/meet. I highly recommend seeing him I you ever have the chance. Also check out his new project, Stan Lee's World of Heroes on YouTube here.

Cate as an Ewok (Photo Credit: EM)

If you do decide to cosplay, which is awesome, I mean come on, any excuse to get dressed up should be capitalized upon as far as I am conserved, start planing/building/constructing your costume as early as possible. There is nothing worse than running around the last few days/hours before the con trying to get your shit together.

There is some EPIC cosplay that goes on at any con and NYCC is no exception. Be prepared to see a little bit of everything. Trust me if you ever want to put you pop culture knowledge to the test, play Name That Cosplay. I swear it maybe my fave past time.

Bring Food and Water

The convention center concessions are HIGHLY OVER PRICED. This is not an exaggeration, bring food and water even if you think you won't need it. You will. Take it from the girl who was suckered into buy a $4.95 bottle of Vitamin Water because she was dying of thirst. Sadly, I don't even really like Vitamin Water, I was just that damn thirsty. Seriously your best bet is to eat a decent breakfast, bring a bottle of water and a bunch of small snacks to graze upon throughout the day, then after con go out and find some dinner. There are plenty of wonderful places to eat you're in NYC for crying out loud. We opted for pizza on Friday, Thai on Say (Yum) and a dinner sit down on Sunday.

Pack a Phone Charger

The Javits Center has spotty service at best. Your battery will be put to the test, especially if you plan on being there ALL DAY! So pack your phone charger, or even an external battery. This year there was a charging station just outside Artists Alley, but if you're crafty enough to find one, there are outlets all around the convention center.

Be Kind and Considerate to All

For the duration of con you are in for some LONG hours. Everyone has been on their feet for hours, is tired and most likely weighed down buy a ton of swag (that's right I like the term swag, deal with it) and other assorted goodies. Common courtesies always apply, say excuse me, be careful not to whack anyone with your bags/poster tubes/costume pieces, and SHOWER! That's right each night you come home, or morning before you come to NYCC remember to shower and put on deodorant...the gals and I opted out of much of the floor today as the 4 day funk had set in and breathing had become hazardous.


DON'T

Play by the Herd Mentality.

Cosplay (Photo Credit: EM)

All your friends really want to go to the Carrie panel but you are DYING to see Stan Lee and the are both happening at the same time?!?! Well it's okay to split up for a bit. Sure things are often times more fun when you are with a group but don't let that stop you from doing something you really want to do. Make a plan to meet up with your crew when you get out, but go do what you want to do, otherwise you'll most likely whined up regretting it.

Be Afraid to Leave the Convention Center

Seriously the last thing you want is to be a crank-a-potamous. It's 3pm, you're tired but you really wanna go to that late panel at 7 pm? Go back to your hotel room/wherever take a nap and come back. Hungry but forgot to bring food and don't want to pay convention center prices? Leave get food and come back. You can venture out into the world, as long as you have your pass you will be welcomed back and you and everyone around you will feel a whole lot better.

Turn Your Opportunity to Ask a Question into a Gush Fest

Photo Credit: L. Lyles

I get it, you are given the rare opportunity so speak to someone who is your idle/the namesake of your child/your dream man/whatever, and you are a bit star struck and wish to tell them just how important they are to you. We get it, but don't waste a valuable Q & A slot with questions like "Can I get a hug/kiss/ect?" or "how does it feel to know you made a grown woman cry?" Likewise a long ramble on your love of whomever you are addressing before your question isn't overly appreciated either. It's great that you are getting this opportunity, but remember there are plenty of other people standing in the line behind you who want the chance too.

Forget to Bring Cash

Sure the Convention Center has ATMs, which are annoying to find, and sure there are some booths who take credit cards, but just do yourself a favor, make your life a WHOLE lot easier and bring cash. It's that simple.

NYCC Exclusive David Tennant Doctor Who bust (Photo Credit: EM)

Allow One Set Back to Ruin Your Day

You raced on to the floor on Saturday morning straight to the Titan Entertainment booth to get that NYCC '12 exclusive David Tennant Doctor Who bust only to find they are sold out? Go down to wait for The Walking Dead panel 2 hours early only to be told the IGN Theatre has been completely closed for the day unless people miraculously vacate the theater? Yeah, those things suck hardcore...seriously, but that shouldn't ruin your whole experience. This is comic con! Anything can happen! Nathan Fillion can surprise a whole theater and show up at the 10th Anniversary Firefly panel. Yup that happened. So park your ass in the garage and watch the live feed of The Walking Dead,  it may not be the same as being in  the room but hey, you still get to experience it. I would however bring something squishy to sit on, because ouch. Sure you did't get the bust, but where were you gonna put it? Further more, now you have that money to spend on other pretty things. Comic Con comes around once a year, make the most of your time there.


*Below the Line is what the department at my job that is for all the non actors (directors, writers, costume/set/makeup designers ect.) is called.


 Random Musings & Photos

50 points if you recognize this childhood favorite(Photo Credit EM)

• At some point on Saturday I walked past a female Zapp Brannigan in the crowd, there was no time to stop and get a picture of her, but ROCK ON girl, whoever you were for the awesome costume.
• I'm a Sucker for a good looking hero/Doctor
• Nathan Fillion surprising the Firefly panel caused the whole IGN Theatre to go Ape Shit.
• "Doctor Who is the worst thing ever to happen to your wallet isn't it?" - Andrea Towers remarking on my "bag-o-loot" from NYCC
• You can find anything and everything at NYCC, so look around you never know what you may find, childhood toys, mini top hats, giant photos of David Tennant and his perfect hair...
• Comic Shoes work better on heels than flats 
• Friends make life better.
• Arrow is going to be EPIC, and Stephen Amell is gorgeous. 

Photo Credit: L. Lyles

Mini Top Hat- Modeled by the lovely Cate (photo credit: L. Lyles)

My attempt at FemmeNine

First Day Loot (Photo Caption: EM)

Second Day Loot (Photo Credit: E)

 

Last Day Loot (Photo Credit: EM)

Me Meeting Thor...So Pretty 

Me, The Captain and Cate (Photo Credit L. Lyles)

DALEK!

The Fabulous Katie Cook drew me the Doctor/Donna

Gambit! With red eyes and everything (Photo Credit: EM)

Revenge Returns: AKA: Get Ready

PHOTO CREDIT: (ABC/BOB D'AMICO)

Ok, I admit it, I was having issues with Revenge since they decided it wasn't Daniel who lay dead on the beach that fateful night of the engagement party. I personally felt it was a total cop-out and that it insulted my intelligence. You can read all about my rant here if you missed it. I finished out the rest of the season, but with far less enthusiasm.

Then today I finally got the chance to watch not only the season recap, but the beginning of this season's premire, and suddenly I can  not wait for Sunday. I remember when I first read the script for the pilot I really enjoyed it, but couldn't help thinking that it would make a better movie than a show. I mean couldn't  really see how they could keep the premise of Revenge going for more than a season. Thank you Mike Kelly and your beautiful writers for, at least for the moment, proving me wrong.

Anyone who would like to watch the preview of Sunday's episode can do so here.

***WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD***

Random Thoughts

PHOTO CREDIT: (ABC/BOB D'AMICO)

1) Can we all agree that there is a 99.9% chance that Victoria is still alive? I mean come on if Lydia can survive that fall off a building, there's no way the Queen of Mean is going out like that. Plus she's in the promo pictures, and while you could argue that is for flashback purposes, I'm not buying it.

2) I LOVE Ashley Madekwe in real life. I think she is adorible, talented and sweet, plus her sense of style totally rocks my world. Check out her fashion blog here. That being said Ashley Davenport and I are fighting. I am so not ok with how she just dropped Emily. Is Emily the greatest of friends? No. However I feel like at some point in time Ashley decided to "get back at" Emily, for...I'm not even sure what exactly. 

PHOTO CREDIT: (ABC/BOB D'AMICO)

3) Daniel has become a giant ass. I mean I get that he has gone through a lot, and yes Emily did break his heart, but there is no excuse for his actions as of late. This from the man who proclaimed he NEVER wanted to be like his father, now he is like his "mini me". Speaking of mini, is anyone else thinking that he and Ashely are going to become mini Conrad and Victoria? Think about it, and ambitious girl from a working class family, becomes romantically involved with a wealthy powerful man who is growing colder every day. Look everyone, history DOES repeat itself!

4) Who else is hoping that the body on the sunken boat with the flannel sleeve is Fauxmanda? I know, I know the arm looks a little manly, and all the imagery we were given, the picture, the compass are supposed to allude to it being Jack's body, but come on. First of all, it wouldn't be unheard of for them to pull a bait and switch on us, we all thought it was Daniel's body on the beach right? Plus, Fauxmanda would TOTALLY wear flannel, if fact she has on more than one occasion flounced around in one of Jack's button down shirts. More importantly, though, she has GOT TO GO. This whole "Jack I'm having your baby" act is driving me nuts. I, for one, am questioning as to whether the baby is actually his. I mean she was a stripper after all, who worked in a club with a private room. Now I am not saying all strippers are whores/prostitutes, but come on, in this world, with that character? She was at rock bottom, I wouldn't put it past her to make some extra cash the "easy way"? Just saying.

PHOTO CREDIT: (ABC/BOB D'AMICO)

5) I am also so not ok with the separation of Charlotte and Declan. I am aware it is an unpopular opinion, but I love them together. Also now that her family is in shambles, Charlotte needs Declan more than ever, even if she doesn't know/want to admit it.

So, are you ready to go back to The Hamptons? Revenge now airs on a new night and time. Watch for it Sundays at 9pm on ABC.

Avengers: AKA: Ready to Assemble!

Ok so I full on admit to being more of a DC gal. I have no problem with Marvel, I actually very much enjoy them, but I did grow up more with Batman, Superman, and the Justice League more so than any of the Marvel heroes. Sure I had X-Men and a little Spiderman but in general my expertise, if you could even call it that would be for the DC heroes.

However, while I may not have as much knowledge on the subject I absolutely adored The Avengers. first off, hello a superhero movie written and directed by one of the geekiest men in the industry? Not to mention the fact that being who he is and how he writes, you knew Joss Whedon was the perfect man to make Black Widow more than just a pretty face.

So you better believe that I was at the midnight showing, pumped and ready, sporting my semi Captain America themed ensemble. Yep, I'm that girl. I'd love to say the theatre was filled with people in costume, but I was at a small theatre in New Jersey, there wasn't even a line to get in. Still the theatre was  full by the time the movie began.






Before I continue, there will most likely be SPOILERS ahead. Go see the film, because it is BEYOND awesome, and then come back.

So here's the sitch, Thor's brother Loki is still pissed over being denied the throne, and essentially kicked out of Asgard. Naturally he does what every power hungry demi-god would, he raises an army and heads to earth. His first stop is to reclaim the Tesseract from S.H.I.L.D. in the process he uses his creepy glowing staff to take over the minds of several S.H.I.L.D. personal, including Professor Erik Selvig and Agent Clint Barrow, AKA Hawkeye whom he uses to aid him in his escape. So Fury calls together "Earth's Mightiest Heroes" retrieve the Tesseract and save the earth. Sounds simple enough, but let's face it, these people really shouldn't be in the same room together, let along coming together as a team. Let's break them down:

The Team

Agent Clint Barton AKA: Hawkeye: we caught a brief glimpse of Hawkeye in Thor. He is a master with a bow and arrow. In fact he has a tricked out quiver which allows him to have all sorts of arrows, such as ones that explode or turn into grappling hooks. He is beyond skilled, able to hit targets without even looking out them. Top it off with the fact that his relationship with Black Widow is just adorable.

Agent Natasha Romanov AKA: Black Widow: Finally a female super hero that is worth routing for. Words can not express how overjoyed I am by this. I so often find myself disappointed by the female characters in superhero films. More often than not the female characters end up being more of a plot devise than any type of real hero. Growing up I LOVED Rogue from X-Men, she was strong sassy and could totally hold her own in a fight, in the first of the 1990's trilogy, she was simply a plot point and ended up being useless in the next to films. Black Widow is anything but, she kicks major ass, but is written so she never unbelievably so. The fact of the mater is Black Widow is human. While she can kick ass with the best of them, she's not gonna win in a hand to hand fight with the Hulk, but she she can definitely kick major human ass. They managed to make her a realistic character despite the completely unrealistic circumstances.

Thor: Oh, Thor. The man is a demigod and while I wasn't really happy with the lack of explanation of how he got to Earth, aside from a passing comment thrown out by Loki, as the bridge was destroyed at the end of Thor, I was more than happy to see him appear. Once again Chris Helmsworth manage to play Thor with just the right mix of arrogance and charm.

Tony Stark AKA Iron Man: speaking of blending arrogance and charm to perfection, it is impossible not mention Robert Downy Jr's Iron Man. Let's face it, his kind of an ass, but you've got to love him. This is the kind of character that thrives on Joss Whedon's snarky dialogue. Plus as the character that movie audiences have become most familiar with, through both Iron Man and Iron Man 2, he is the one we, the viewer get to see grow the most.

Dr. Bruce Banner AKA The Hulk: I think perhaps the most interesting part about this role in this particular film was how little we saw of the actual Hulk. For a majority of the film we deal with the brilliant Dr. as opposed to his "Smash" hungry alter ego. Not only does this give us more inside into the character, but allows him to establish and form relationships with the rest of the team.

Captain Steve Rogers AKA Captain America: After much internal debate I have come to the conclusion that the Captain is by far my favorite Avenger. It is generally assumed that he is the most naive/idealistic of the group, seeing as he has been thrust into our world from a simpler time. I actually think that makes him the most jaded. When he was frozen we were in WWII a bloody, dark time in our history, a time that is still very fresh in his mind, and now he wakes up to present time and the current mess society has made of itself and you have to imagine he wonders if it was really worth it. He is strong, focused and a natural leader. He calls women "Ma'am" unironically, seriously, he may be the only man on (fictional or actual) Earth I would allow to address me as such. In the interest of full disclosure the fact that I have a bit of a crush on Chris Evans, may also contribute.

Nick Fury: Samuel L. Jackson being a bad ass. I mean seriously do I need to say anymore? First off let's take a moment to take in account that the actual comic character is designed based on Samuel L. Jackson himself, so clearly the role suits him perfectly.


Random Thoughts and Theories

1) All the characters were treated realistically - Well, as realistically as one can be in a superhero world. In fact they even managed to make the heroes more evenly matched for this movie, as best evidenced in the fight between Thor and Iron Man.

2) I have a random weird love for Agent Phil Coulson. I think mostly because he fanboys over the Captain and let's be honest that would probably be what would be going on in my head. Plus he is a genuinely good guy, brave and loyal. I mean let's face it there aren't many who would take on a Demi-god on their own. I think that may have been what made his death so heartbreaking. I remember during the scene my mind thinking in rapid fire, "no, they wouldn't.…they couldn't…but it's Joss…he would…and he will". Remember kids, guns don't kill people, Joss Whedon kills people, but never without good reason. In his dying breath Coulson explains that it's okay, his death is necessary to bring the team together. He will die so others can live.

Its not so much that this was a bad thing. On the contrary, it was an amazing catalyst to further the plot. I neither deny this, nor wish to change it, however as I've mentioned before I'm a sucker for happy endings, and it makes me sad to know Agent Phil Coulson never got to see his.

All and all it was a great movie, action pact but still full of heart. It isn't perfect, no movie is, but over all I found it to be exactly what it should be. An big action packed summer movie. My one question now is that now that Joss Whedon has proved he can not only hold his own writing/directing a super hero summer block buster, but can CRUSH records while doing it, can we please let him do that Wonder Woman movie he was working on? Because lets be honest he would totally KILL that.

TV Time: What's Currently on My Sched...

So it's been some time since I did I what I'm watching post, and since we've now entered mid-season programing I felt the need to update:

Monday

8pm
Bones (starting 4/2)

9pm
Hart of Dixie
Alcatraz
Touch (starting 3/19)

10pm
Castle


Tuesday

9pm
The River

Wednesday

9:30pm
Apartment 23 (starting 4/11)

10pm
Revenge
Psych (starting 2/29)
The Soup

Thursday

8pm
Community (starting 3/15)

9pm
The Finder

10pm
Archer
Awake (starting 3/1)

Scandal (starting 4/5)

ON DEMAND
Face Off
The Voice
Comic Book Men


Interestingly enough I watch most of my reality competitions On Demand. In fact I just started watching The Voice this weekend while I sick in bed, mostly because I realized that I knew three contestants on it already so I might as well. Words can not even begin to express how excited I am for Awake  to start, between that and the return of Community NBC and I may have temporarily come to a truce in our long standing fight, but we shall see.

I admit as much as I hate that Zoë Gulliksen was cut from the show, because she is insanely awesome and the eipitomy of awesome female geeky fandom, seriously this girl knows her shit, follow her on twitter at @bookishbelle if you don't already, trust me you'll be glad you did, and let's face it would be nice to have a female POV on that show, Comic Book Men, is starting to grow on me. What can I say I like comics and Kevin Smith, it was bound to happen. 


I'm sure by the spring this will be revised yet again, but for now, this is what I've got.

It's the Most Wonderful TIme of the Year

Sorry for being MIA lately, my fabulous brother was doing some updates on my new laptop, and as I was off from work I was sans a way of updating. Plus the holidays are always a busy time. The Boy can attest to the fact that the entire month of December, our kitchen turns into a bakery.

It was a very pop culture Christmas this year, thanks to some brilliantly crafty and slightly sneaky friends. Major props go to my friend Leslie who not only cross stiched the entire Firefly cast (four times no less), but also managed to somehow sneak away at NYCC to get the lovely Jewel Staite  sign & personalize them.

Seriously how clutch is that?

Anyways, I've decided that this post, which will probibly be my last of 2011, is the perfect time for a Best Of list, are you guys tired of them yet? So here are some of my favorite pop culture things of 2011.

• Awkward - This was by far my favorite new show of the year. I knew the moment I read the pilot that I was going to like the show, despite it being on MTV. After the first episode I was hooked, even in all it's insanity, the show is still so real. It brings me back to when I was in high school, but in the good way. I am so excited that a second season is on the way and I can't wait to see where the characters are headed.

• The Resurgence of Mark Paul Gosslaar - 2011 saw the resurgence of one of my favorite childhood actors. I practically jumped for joy when I learned that Mark Paul Gosslaar and Breckin Meyers were doing a show together. I mean seriously what more could a girl raised on Saved By the Bell and Clueless want? The show itself is hysterical, better than I had expected. But things got even better, with both the TNT tv movie Hide, and ABC Family's 12 Dates of Christmas, it felt as though MPG was EVERYWHERE and that just made life better.

• Teemagnet.com - This has to be my new favorite website. Seriously all the best geeky tshirts on display. It's my homepage...it is why I am poor.

• Revenge - I fully admit to not really knowing how the show was going to work, I mean it sounded more like an awesome movie than a tv show, but after watching the first three eps I was hooked. I'm not generally a fan of "soapy" shows but Revenge is pure, gooey, guilty pleasure tv. Madeline Stowe is amazing and Ashley Madekwe is my fashion icon.

• Ring My Bell - Speaking of the lovely Ashley Madekwe, her fashion blog, Ring My Bell is my  newest obsession. This woman is fashion icon, she has a fabulous sense of style and is an all around amazing person. 

• The Return of the Muppets -  2011 also saw the return of the Muppets to the lime light, and I couldn't be more excited about it. Having always been a Muppet fan the fact that they were getting a new movie made me giddy, add in the fact that Jason Segel wrote and stared in it and I was in HEAVEN.  

• Pop Culture Art - So one of the greatest things about going to NYCC this year was getting to go through artist alley and seeing all the amazing pop culture inspired prints. Some of my favorites include, Katie Cook, Brian Kong, Scott Ethan Ambruson and Laurie B.

• American Horror Story - One of the most frustrating/thought provoking shows which I was sucked into this year. While not as scary as I had initially thought, it definitely kept me on my toes, and filled with emotions and tons of questions. While I didn't always love what went on with the story lines, and more often than not screamed in frustration over loose ends, but it was still a wild ride.

There you have it, some of the awesome pop culture stuff of 2011.