The Lizzie Bennet Diaries: AKA: I've got a new Obession

Ok, so I realize I'm a little late to the party on this one...well not entirely...I remember watching the first video debuting on youtube and thinking it was cute and that I would totally watch it. But this is me, I inevitably got distracted and forgot about it...until the other day.

For those of you who are unaware, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries  is a modern retelling of the Jane Austin classic Pride & Predjudice, a book which I have loved for a majority of my life. My older sister's favorite author was Jane Austin, and even though my sister and I are two entirely different people, we do occasionally have similar tastes, especially when it comes to literature. I remember being in grade school and my sister and I watching the 6 hour BBC miniseries with Colin Firth...which as far as I am concerned is the most well done book adaptation I've ever seen. And I dare any woman out there to watch and NOT fall in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Given that I knew that I would probably enjoy The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, and so when I was reminded of their existence a few days back, I decided to take a look at them. I have now become completely engrossed on this new telling of this classic story. 

If you haven't seen them yet you can start with the first video here. Seriously go. Watch. Love. 

While the entire cast is fabulous and the writers have done an amazing job, I think perhaps the best part of the show is the way that it flushes out characters who are mearly glossed over in the original novel. It actually explains why Lydia "ran away" with the despicable Wickham. It's nice to finally get some sort of understanding about her. I actually felt bad for her, which is an emotion that Lydia Bennet has never inspired in me before. And the cause of her "ruining", which I won't spoil for you here, GO WATCH, is one that I did NOT see coming. 

My hatred for Wickham reached new levels while watching Lydia's vlog. It became easy to see how he seduced not only Lydia, but Lizzie and Gigi as well. It finally made sense how three different woman could fall prey to the same jackass. And speaking of fleshing out characters can we talk Mr. Collins? While the entire cast is bursting with talent, they hit the jackpot with Maxwell Glick who was able to take a traditionally disliked character and make him incredibly endearing. Mr. Collin, with his social awkwardness, nonstop speeches and constant praise of Catherine de Bourg, can easily be annoying and even border on slightly creepy. Yet somehow, Maxwell Glick has managed to make all Collins' shortcomings adorable, and well meaning, a perfect example being  in episode #54 where he tells Lizzie,  "...as you are my business partner's closest and dearest friend, You are forever welcome here [Collins & Collins], my work is my life so, you are both part of that now...". And with that line, we all fell just a little bit more in like with Ricky Collins. 

Also, and I am BLOWN AWAY by their virtual marketing. Not only do we get to see the story as told by Lizzie's vlogs but Lydia has also created her own vlog to fill us in on what is happening on her life when she and Lizzie are apart,  the Pemberly Instructional videos featuring Gigi and the "Darcy side" of the Lydia drama, even Charlotte's little sister Maria got in on the vloging act. On top of that we are treated to a Facebook page and the fact that pretty much every character we have seen on the blogs has their own twitter account where they interact not only with each other but with the fans who tweet at them.  Jane has a Pinterest and there of course is a tumblr. Honestly this all is proof that there are BRILLIANT ways to market your show, you just need to use it.

I can not begin to tell you how annoyed I get by good products/media who don't know how to properly market themselves. So seeing a fabulous show with amazing online marketing? Well that warms the cockles of my little heart. 

So seriously, especially for all of us who are hunkering down for Winter Storm Nemo, this is the perfect time to check out this awesome series if you haven't done so already. 

Hockey is Back!!! :AKA: And The Rangers Are Already Pissing People Off...

There are not enough words in the English language to declare my elation over the simple fact thta hockey has returned. I'm not even overly upset over the shortened schedule. In fact, truth be told, I'm even more excited by it. It means there is more ridding on each game, and multiple games being played every night. I realize this is probably hell on the players, but me? I'm practically jumping for joy. One of our Mail Room Guys at work, admitted to being a hockey fan and now unfortunately has to deal with me constantly talking hockey with him.

I have literally spent every night for the past 2 weeks frantically checking/rechecking game plays/scores on my phone. Thursday of last week, I worked late and spent a majority of my after hours screaming at my phone.

As I've mentioned before, you can read it here if you missed it, I am a hockey fan for life. Predominately an Islanders fan, meaning I'm used to disappointment, although thus far they're not totally tanking this season, and consequently I have an instilled disdain for The New York Rangers.

I don't even wanna discuss the fact that Taylor Pyatt has now joined the enemy. A moment of silence was held…

But that is beside the point. The point, in case you've yet to gleam it, is that I am an Avid hockey fan, who is also, and this may come as a shock, of the female persuasion. In layman's terms, I'm a hockey chick.

Side bar: some people find the term "chick" as slightly offensive, given what I'm about to discuss, however I much rather prefer it or hockey girl or hockey woman, and as this is my rant, I'm using it.

As some of you may know, this past Friday an article was posted upon The New York Rangers Official Fan Site. This "fan" written article, and I use the term loosely here, was entitled: "A Girls Guide to Watching The Rangers", and a link to this article was posted by the Rangers' official twitter account.

This was a mistake off EPIC proportions. The backlash on this "article" was so severe that it was removed from the sight in less than an hour and the tweet containing the link was also deleted.

Didn't get a chance to read it? Well fear my lovelies, for this is the internet age, and once something has been put on the Internet, it lives forever. To get a better look at it, you can click here to read the article in its entirety, as some wonderful person has typed it up for all to see.  Go ahead, take a look. I'll wait.

Photo Credit: Yahoosports

There you see how laughably offensive that was? First off the implication that a female's only interest in watching a sport is to please a man is down right insulting. The fact that this drivel was supposedly written by a woman make it even worse. And for the record The Boy and I raced out to buy tickets to the home opener in which such fever of which I've never felt for any sale.

Studying the roster? Really? How bout just watching some games? Take it from a chick who's team is CONSTANTLY changing, you watch the games you'll learn names. And while yes, learning the team members is important, remember watching a hockey game  is FUN, not a final exam.

The one paragraph that absolutely kills me though is the "You need to sense the tension at certain points in the game and let them do their jumping, screaming and cheering thing. You can tell if something huge has happened by their reaction, and if you're absolutely lost, wait for the replay. There's always a replay after a major play." Really? Let "them" do there screaming cheering thing? Ask any of the guys I've gone to games with and they'll tell you this chick is screaming, cheering, chanting, sometimes cussing, just a loud, if not louder than any of them.

I'll admit that I laughed out loud at this PR nightmare The Rangers managed create for themselves. And they did do it to themselves, for even if you argue it was a "fan" written article, someone of some sort of official capacity had to have approved it and/or at the very least, tweeted the link.

Is there a possibility that there is some bias to my opinion on all of this? Meh, I will admit to a bit of glee over the fact that it is The Rangers wading through the shit storm this has become, as opposed to another team, however, I would be offended regardless of which team (or teams fan base) were responsible for it.

Look, I get it, the Powers That Be in the sporting world, don't know how to market to the female half of the species.  And on a somewhat related note on the NHL (and sports league in general) Pink jerseys are only acceptable during Breast Cancer Awareness month, and even then, not really. Just because you make it pink, doesn't mean a woman is gonna automatically drool over it. And to those women wearing them to games? I fully admit to judging you. Also, on the subject of terrible marketing ideas, the "woman's" cut jerseys look awful, the long sleeves make it look oddly disproportional. Real fans still want "Real" jerseys, just better sizes please.

But lets be honest here, talking down to us, is NOT the way. It only pisses people off. How about making tickets more affordable for one? Or making the players a bigger part of the community, I know, I know I'm getting all nostalgic for the Islander glory days, but hear me out. I got hooked on this glorious sport when I was a child. The best way to experience is to watch it live. So let's get people, men, women and children excited to go watch a game.

The Islanders Move to Brooklyn: AKA: We're talking Hockey...

So, let's talk hockey...

I know, I know, I already hear you, "But this is an entertainment blog. I want to read about fun tv/film/theatre/general geekery! Not sports."

Well, sorry folks, I am a tried and true hockey fan. I have literally been attending games since I was a fetus, and while life/work has come and made it harder for me to attend/watch games I still firmly stand in the "Hockey is Awesome" camp.

Needless to say, the hockey strike makes me cry a bit inside, but that's not why I'm writing this. I am indulging in this slightly off topic excursion because this past Wednesday it was announced that after 40 years the New York Islanders would be moving to The Barclay Arena in 2015. When the announcement was made on Wednesday I received more than a few texts/messages asking my thoughts on the issue.

That's right, as you probably deduced from that last sentence, I am an Islanders fan. I grew up 15 mins from Nassau Coliseum. My father has been a fan of the Islanders since they were formed. He was there for the dynasty. When my sister, also became a fan and we attended countless, picnics, charity events and the like. During those years New Yorkers, at least those on LI were proud of their scrappy little team. The New York Islanders were part of the community. When I was 3 years old, the team was doing a charity bowling event at our local bowling ally and my family went to cheer them on. My father had me up on his shoulders so I could see, and I began chanting "RUDY, RUDY, RUDY" when I saw my favorite player at the time, goalie Kelly Rudy, come up to bowl. 

Denis Potvin, left, and Bryan Trottier May 1980 Photo Credit: Richard Drew/Associated Press

I grew up with names like Bobby Nystrom, Billy Smith, Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier  even Meeko Mäkelä  which as a child I miss pronounced as Meatball Mäkelä,were as familiar to me as Derick Jetter is to a child today. As I grew older the players changed, and the Stanley victories got further and further away, and yet I still cheered them on.

And while I am loyal, almost to a fault, I have often times followed players to other teams, I still root Zdeno Chara on and was so happy when he finally got a cup win, and more vehemently, I have followed Tim Connolly from the Islanders, to the Buffalo Sabers, to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Honestly that boy is one of the best puck handlers I've ever seen, if only he could stay UNINJURED.  

(Photo Credit Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

Side note: I will follow a player to just about any team, except the Philadelphia Flyers, Or more importantly The New York Rangers. I can love you again if you go to and then leave the Flyers, but once you become a Ranger you are dead to me. I'm looking at you Kevin Weeks!

Safe to say, the Islanders have always been my boys, and the Coliseum has always been home. Now, I am by no means saying the Coliseum is a perfect place. There's no real convenient mode of public transportation to get there  its old, and in slight disrepair. Lets be honest here, it's kind of a shithole. The thing is, it's our shithole. As a person who often rejects change you would think I would be outraged by a change of venue, but I'm not entirely opposed.

Hockey itself isn't the most popular sport. In fact there are a lot of people in this country that have been to or even seen a hockey game. I feel bad for these people I really do. Hockey is awesomely fast paced, as in the clock actually shows you how is left and 3 mins doesn't really mean another half hour, it's kinda  violent… I don't care how much you protest, almost everyone enjoys a good fight, and you have to have a ridiculous amount of skill in order to play. How does that not sound awesome, people?

December 25, 2009  Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America

But I digress, the fact of the matter is that by moving the franchise to Brooklyn, you are making the games much more accessible to a larger amount of people. If I can hop a subway to the game right from work, I am much more willing to drop money on tickets. Playing at the Coliseum I have to book it from work and then with travel time I usually end up missing the entire first period and a portion of the second. For those of you really unfamiliar with hockey, I should probably enlighten you to the fact that there are 3 periods to a game.  So that's missing nearly half a game just trying to get there. By moving to an arena more easily accessible there is great potential to increase your attendance.

Let's face it the current team itself isn't really a crowd drawer. We have (well, had last year, stupid lockout) John Trevaris, Matt Moulson, Kyle Okposo, who while good players are not star names like Martin Brodour, or Sydney Crosby. So why shouldn't the owners be doing everything the can to up the attendance, which will bring in more money, to then invest into the team?

The Islanders, for the past, gonna go with decade here, have always felt, at least to me, like the breeding ground for great players. Only problem, The Powers That Be in the land of all things that be Islanders have the uncanny knack for trading away plays just before the get hot.  As much as it hurts me to say that money makes a huge difference in building a winning franchise, I'm also a Yankee fan…so I know the truth.

The decision was made that despite the move the team would still be called The New York Islanders, which I believe to be a sound decision. Although I am aware there are some who believe that they should be renamed "The Brooklyn Islanders", after all The Nets moved to the Barclay Center and now they are "The Brooklyn Nets" (that's a basketball reference, see now I've mentioned all the major US professional sports)  I can't help but think that is a bit ridiculous. The Nets has to rebrand, as they were "The New Jersey Nets" and are not playing in/for New Jersey anymore.

I am well aware that both "The New York Giants" and "The New York Jets" play in a stadium in New Jersey so technically your team doesn't have to be named for the state you play in, but cut me some slack here.

The Islanders will still be playing in New York, and technically still playing on an island, so what is the point of an expensive rebranding? Furthermore, in a sport with an already small fan base why would you want to risk alienating the fans you already have?

"Fish Stick Logo" See? It's hideous.

The New York Islanders have four back to back Stanley cups, they have fans, like my father who, despite many, long grueling years of heart ache, seriously when was the last time we had a winning post season? That is rhetorical, I know the answer I just choose not to think about it. And those of us, myself included who grew up with the team, and persevered as fans, even surviving the horrible "fish sticks logo". I will support my NY Islanders till the end, but The Brooklyn Islanders? Who are they? Changing their name is effectively whipping away their history, sure you could say in an attempt to clean away the years of failure, but you would also strip the team of it's history. The cups, the eight members in the Hockey Hall of Fame, all of it.  You can't have it both ways.

Islander fans are a scrappy bunch, we love our team, even when they are loosing, which is often. Every win is exciting, not expected. The team moving to Brooklyn is the next chapter in our history, not the end of our franchise, which would have been the case if they has been moved out of state, which was a very real possibility.

And for those who justify the name change saying that The New York Rangers are New York's "only hockey team" I remind you that it only seems that way because The Rangers made the playoffs last year, and were knocked out by The New Jersey Devils, Booyah, and so there was an abundance of fair weather fans. And if you even begin to argue of The Rangers being the better team, I remind you, The Islanders have four Stanley Cups, and yes that was decades ago, however, the Ranger's won the cup in 1940 and then took 54 years to win their next one. So fear not Islander fans we still have over two decades before our cup gap is that bad.

Look at "Baby" Connolly...see the awesomeness

So sound off Isles fans: what do you think about the move and the keeping of the name New York Islanders, despite of it? Hit the comments and be heard!

Fun fact: The (now) Brooklyn Nets used to play at Nassau Coliseum way back in the day before they relocate to "New Jersey", so the teams are now being reunited at the Barclay Center.

A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas 3D: AKA: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Ok, I admit it, I'm a bit of a holiday junkie. I holiday shop throughout the year, decorate like crazy and on for the entire month of December go on a baking bender. Seriously starting December 1st, my kitchen is transformed into a holiday bake shop.

I also have a deep affection for Mr. Neil Patrick Harris. Personally, I think we'd make really awesome Besties. Anyways, I was able to recently witness the culmination of these two loves in A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas 3D. I can not even begin to describe the joy that overcame me when I learned this movie was being made.

A few nights ago, I roped a friend into coming with me to see, to say it would was a blissful experience is putting it mildly. Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle was funny, Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay had it's moments, but A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas 3D was just laugh out loud funny.

They utilize the 3D effects in the perfect, semi-cheesy way in which they were intended. There's flying eggs, traffic cones and of course smoke, what kind of Harold & Kumar adventure would it be without Mary Jane? They even threw in a drug induced hallucination done in Claymation, you really can't get more holiday spirited than that.

What so great about the latest installment of the franchise is that there's more to this film than a madcap night adventure. Harold and Kumar, have grown apart and this movie is the story of them realizing the importance of their friendship. They some how makes a stoner, sexed-up comedy into a feel good movie.  Throw in NPH poking even more fun at his public image and performing a big Radio City Christmas Spectacular-esq musical number and I was in heaven.

Seriously, this movie was the perfect way to kick off my holiday season. Oh and now I really want a Waffle Bot.

I'm Still Here...and I've got Theories

I haven't completely dropped off the face of the earth, however between working on NaNoWriMo and the fact that I was lacking power for almost a FULL WEEK, I'm a little behind on on my television. I am working on catching up but it's a slow process.

But I have a TON of theories on some of my favorite shows...so be prepared for the flood gates to open and a wealth of theories and observations to come bursting through....

82 and counting....

I have been MIA for a bit, I know. been buried deep in the land of Pilot season. I have read, 83 pilot scripts thus far, and to be honest there isn't much that is all that exciting. Most of the stuff that I'll attempt to watch will be because of who's cast and not the actual writing...

Life is pogressing, the boy & I are actually attempting to get into more of a rutine, food shopping on sundays, actually getting laundry & cleaning done in a timely manner. We are even attempting to cook more, which is far easier when there is food to cook in the house. I've even started making & taking my own lunches to work...it's all oddly domestic. Not in a bad way.

I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do in life. It's odd, b/c I love my job, it's pretty kick ass, but I feel like there is got to be something I can do, for me, to give me some sort of fufillment maybe? Ok the word fufillment sounds weird, but something to be passionate about...I feel like there are some many projects started where I think "This is IT" that just never pan out...it's all a little disheartening.

So any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Pilot Season...

I feel like I have not made any sort of dent in the TONS of pilot scripts littering S.W.A.B. (aka Small White & Beautiful, aka my kindle...) despite the fact that I've already read at least a dozen...it didn't help that I didn't read any yesterday, or this morning. Seriously need to buckle down this weekend and wade through them. There's the usual mix of this is really good....this isn't bad and who the hell thought this was a good idea?

The snow has been royally ucking up my social life...didn't get to go see JJ play on Wed, didn't make it into work yesterday oh & not able to see Find Vienna tonight...which makes it a mystery as to why I'm so far behind in my reading...it's not that I am required to read all the pilot scripts for work...I just feel it makes my job easier if I'm more informed on what the clients are coming in for.  I don't do anything with them either I read them then delete them. I'll admit, it's kinda fun knowing what's coming out. Though there are negative effects too, I still haven't completely gotten over the fact that "Back" was never picked up...I guess I could see how people might not have been ready for it...but damn that was a good one.

Basically I'm going to need to just lock myself away & get some reading done this weekend. Sounds exciting I know, working through the weekend, but I don't know when else I'm going to get the chance. So here's to going home to a glass of wine and some (hopefully) good reading.

Life in a Snow Globe...

SO it's snowing...again...don't get me wrong I actually love snow, & I think that if I lived in Manhattan, at a walkable distance from the office I would enjoy today's weather. However, I do not live in Manhattan & am NO where near walking distance to work, therefore this weather makes my already long commute even longer, & so I am DONE with it. Still, it is pretty to look at. It really does look like a snow globe outside the office windows...

Today is pretty busy at work, but I'm betting the weather will lead to cancellations. Hopefully it won't be too bad, as Andi & I are going to see JJ play tonight at National Underground. I'm actually really excited to go see him since I missed the last gig. Plus getting to spend time with Andi is always nice, & National Underground is one of my fave venues.

Next week I'm heading back to Yoga...& I couldn't be more blissful about it. I am in desperate need, not only to shape up, but to destress & get some of the many toxins out of my body...had to take a break from boxing, since I am sick...& bloodied up my knuckles a bit. ooopsies ;o) I think if I attempt to do boxing twice a week, and yoga once a week for a start, I should be in pretty good shape. This is the new goal...

It's Gonna a be a Happy New Year....

First day back at work...Hopefully the new computer and tapig space will make pilot season run A LOT smoother this year. Fingers crossed.

So it's a new year, a new beginning, time to make all sorts of resolutions and see which ones stick...Which is usually how I roll. They're really more suggestions of change than anything else.

Of course on the top of the list is try to live healthier. I want to try and eat better, limit the crap fast food I've been living on. It's hard b/c I get home so late, so I tipically end up eatting A LOT of drive thru, which is AWFUL for me I know. So I'm gonna have to start getting a little more creative. Even if it means that I have to stay in one day each weekend & cook for the week. Oh, there will be meal plans for the week.  Which is gonna take some effort...I think I'm gonna start on that next week, since this week is loaded with some spill over get togethers from the holidays.

Also more exercise needs to happen...like seriously, gotta drag my ass back to Yoga. I really miss it, I always felt so much better afterwards. So now am making more of an effort to get my butt there. It also doesn't help that with my new living situation I walk far less. I no longer have to walk to and from the train station everyday. And I admit I've gotten slightly lazy and don't go out during lunch as much now.  So that is gonna have to change.

The water, and lack of it that I drink, def needs to change. It's no secrect I don't like the taste, or I guess lack there of, of water. How my insides have yet to turn to dust is beyond me...so this year I am finally gonna suck it up (or down I guess) and force myself to drink at least 2 bottles a day. At the very least two bottles a day on work days, when it is more than easy to grab a couple bottles out of the fridge.

This year I'm gonna try to make myself more put together, EVEN if it means getting right up with the alarm in the morning. Easier said than done I know.... I just always feel so rushed. I think that if I take the time to get myself together, take a breather every now and then I'll feel much better about life in general...

So that's the plan...at least for now... we'll see how it all turns out...

Up on the House top....

So it's December, and the holiday season is in full swing...This year has been slightly crazy...since moving into the new house we need just about EVERYTHING and nothing is EVER where I need it to be.

Little Miss Julie Paw-sada is learning how to attack her very first Christmas tree. Our first Christmas tree, purchased with a gift card so Haha free tree. She whacks at it, attempts to eat it...basically anything other than just lay under it quietly. She even has her own ornament, it says kitty's first Christmas and has Swarsky crystals on it...the boy bought the kitty a diamond before me....not sure how I feel about that...

We have yet to decorate the outside of the house, however the inside is pretty decked out...and it is impossible to look anywhere in our kitchen without seeing either some sort of baked good or some sort of baking ingredient. The holiday Kitchen take over has begun. Oh & of course until I can sort them all out to be given away they are all in Tupperware (I have almost used all the Tupperware we own) and on foiled plates labeled "DO NOT EAT!" It's not that I don't trust the boy not to eat it but our home is basically a central gathering place....and I don't trust our drunken friends not to eat them. Trust me there will be plenty to eat, I just need to figure how many are dived out as gifts first....

We are spending Christmas day at my parents house, & Christmas eve with his fam. I was thinking of maybe having them over for Christmas eve dinner...but I'm not entirely sure how domesticated I am feeling....the thought of cooking a dinner, a holiday dinner for his family is mildly terrifying...his dad is a very picky eater...pickier than me if that is possible, so it may be far too stressful an endeavor to embark upon...we shall have to see....

Work is marginally better since getting my new computer...it's super speedy which makes editing a far more enjoyable experience. And as it is close to the holidays there are quite a bit of goodies floating about the office. Though most people forget I exist here, the On Cam department makes sure I am well fed. So at the very least this holiday season brings with it sugar highs a plenty. It's not that I NEED anything really, it's more of the thinking that I spend sometimes HOURS with clients working on their auditions and then they come into the office touting thanks and holiday gift for agents & assistants, neglecting to even stop by my desk to say hi...it's more of a principle thing really.

Also this year there has been a lack of cupcake...last year I had at least a cupcake a day, often the Banana Cake, Peanut Butter frosting Butterlane cupcake that I am obsessed with. This year...not one has come to the office...it's sad really.This year has been the year of fruit...there are currently 2 pears & a kiwi sitting on my desk, now while I adore fruit, the lack of cupcakery makes me heart saddened.

Basically I am trying to make it through the craziness that is this week to get to vacation. One of the perks of this industry happens to be that my office closes after 1/2 a day this Friday and doesn't reopen til after the new year. Huzzah for winter break! That's right I referred to it as winter break...despite NOT being in college it is a break from work in the winter and there for rightfully called winter break. :op