"My Girlfriend's Boyfriend" Resonates

My best friend Lindsay introduced me to Mike Bibirglia on the way home from a "Back to the Future" screening at the Hollywood Palms a few years ago. Lindsay is one of those people who knows about everything good before 98% of the other people on planet Earth. She's a tastemaker. I think the only thing I ever introduced her to was "Wicked" and Jim Gaffigan. The other thousands of things that we both love came directly from her.
Mike Birbiglia is funny. But he's also skilled at writing and performing emotionally resonant material. His film "Sleepwalk With Me" floored me. It ran through my thoughts for days after my initial viewing. It was hilarious, beautifully shot, but most importantly, it had something specific to say. There's a lot of meaningless comedy in the world. (Which is okay. Sometimes the meaninglessness has a meaning.) But Birbiglia's comedy is grounded, focused and helpful. It's adding something to the world instead of taking something away... 

My Birthday. It Happened.

Bea Arthur Is My Patronus

Yesterday I decided, if I lived in the Harry Potter universe, Bea Arthur would be my patronus.

If a dementor ever showed up and tried to suck my soul away, I would simply yell, "Expecto Patronum!" and a Golden Girls-era Bea would come out of my wand, all shimmery and majestic.

She'd stand in front of me with her hands on her hips and deliver spectacularly insulting punchlines toward the Dementor until he felt so bad about himself that he gave up, went away, and re-thought all of his life choices.

She might say, "What are you wearing? I haven't seen that much fabric draping since the last time Shelley Winters went to the Oscars!"

Maybe she's a little bit of Dorothy Zbornack for real. Maybe she says to the specter of death, "I'm no spring chicken myself, but you should really try some hand cream. Are those fingers or Blanche's leftovers from KFC?"

Blanche would then appear in patronus form, "Dorothy, I do not appreciate the insinuation that I eat at Kentucky Fried Chicken."

Dorothy would reply, "Oh, I'm sorry Blanche, that was rude of me. You don't eat Kentucky Fried Chicken...you INHALE it!"

The sad part is, I could sit here and write new Golden Girls dialogue for HOURS. Because I, my friends, am a woman out of time and place. You know that trick from Steve Martin's Roxanne where he rattles off twenty nose jokes in a bar without even having to think about it? My gift is Golden Girls dialogue. Not super helpful in a practical sense of the word.

So now it's off to work for the day. If your patronus could be any real person, who would it be and how would they defend you? (I think my back-up would be Dorothy Michaels from "Tootsie".)

I Fangirl Failed at Star Wars Weekends 2013 - Photo Blog

You guys, I just...the shame. The shame of what I've done. I can't even...

For years, YEARS, I have been dreaming of doing my first official cosplay. But let me tell you, cosplay ain't cheap. So it took me years to get started. I chose Han Solo, because like a lot of other things in my life, the idea came to me in a dream. One of the best dreams ever, in which I was Han Solo's daughter and I had inherited dear old Dad's blaster and holster. Anyway...

I'm doing it!

That's me. Directing a scene in my short
film. 

(Photo by Ricky Brigante of
Inside the Magic.)

Check out CONsent by the 16-Bit Sirens

The 16-Bit Sirens are doing something very cool. They're doing a project that highlights a hot topic at conventions. Women who cosplay are often subjected to crazy amounts of harassment when dressed in their costumes. (Not that any amount of harassment isn't crazy, but you know what I mean.)

So they're doing a photo essay about it, one that I hope will be ongoing across various cons, that highlights the idea that con attendees all deserve respect. Especially from one another.

TAKE A LOOK AT IT HERE.

Remember Those Awesome "Batman: The Animated Series" Title Cards?

I randomly stumbled upon THIS ARTICLE that points out fourteen of the best of 'em while I was researching fonts for a special project today. As an added bonus, it also introduced me to the nifty website said article was published on, Comics Alliance.

I only own the first two seasons on the show on DVD, but I have to say that I wholeheartedly agree with this list. That was truly a breakthrough show. It was a gateway to comics for many of us, it had a rich full orchestral score, and instead of aiming for a purely contemporary style, it offered a classic and distinct take on art deco. Brilliant.

You know what else? The show holds up really well. Even today. What's your favorite episode?

Aron Reviews Jack the Giant Slayer

It takes certain elements to make a successful fairy tale. You need a damsel in some degree of distress, a seemingly insurmountable foe or obstacle, and a gallant hero. It helps if said hero rose up from nothingness, but it's okay if he's a well-bred prince as well. The recent release, Jack the Giant Slayer has a lot of these elements and more, along with copious visual effects that are used to try to make you believe in a version of our world upon which giants walked.

Story

There is nothing really groundbreaking or game changing about the writing in Jack the Giant Slayer. That's not to say it's bad, but it definitely doesn't do anything to innovate the genre of mega budget fantasy movies (if that isn't a genre, it is now). The movie loosely follows the familiar story of a boy named Jack who is tasked with selling a horse for the money he and his family need to survive. In a moment of naiveté, he accepts a handful of beans as payment for his beloved steed. That may seem like the dumbest idea in the world, but what sort of kind-hearted lad wouldn't trust a monk?

Visuals

Let's face it, the reason we go to see movies like this is because it's a two hour eye candy fest. Unfortunately, Jack the Giant Slayer offers more of an “eye candy party with three teenagers hanging out in a basement” rather than a full-blown festival. The giants in the movie has their scale portrayed nicely, and they seemed to be actually part of their environments rather than pasted on top of it. Even their facial movement was well-done, but their shiny and strangely textured cartoony skin detracted from any of their animated goodness. It seems especially rough upon reflection, now that there is a movie that spent far less money and has much more believable visuals.

Overall, Jack the Giant Slayer is a decent movie. It has an easy to follow story, despite being fairly predictable; and despite the textures on the giants looking only a smidgen better than those used in the 90s hit cartoon ReBoot, the visuals are pretty good. There are quite a few months left until the summer mega hits come to our local theaters, and if you catch a matinee then seeing this movie could be considered money well-spent, especially if you have a couple of kids with you or your other plans for the day got rained out.

America, I Made You a Mix Tape for When You Visit the Kennedy Space Center

Completely inconspicuously posed at LC 39A aka
"Yes You Can! Glamour Shots!" aka
Dear NASA, can I live here?

Don't pretend like you don't know it's because I like you. Because I do.

1. Space Oddity - David Bowie

2. SpaceCamp - John Williams - It's my list, I can put an entire soundtrack on it if I want to.

3. Flash - Queen

4. End Credits - Alan Silvestri - Contact - It works like the overture for the show. Fantastic and beautiful, just like the movie.

5. 2001 Space Odyssey - Eomer Deodato - This is the 70's funk version. I admit to using this one because it also appears in the opening scenes of Peter Sellers under-appreciated classic "Being There".

6. Enterprising Young Men - Michael Giacchino - Star Trek- This is one of my personal favorites. So much so that it's the song I wake up to every day. It's my cell's alarm ringtone.

7. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home - Leonard Rosenman - I'd highly recommend this soundtrack in it's entirety as well. Great stuff! Any/all of Jerry Goldsmith's work is a must too. But if I'm not careful, this will turn into a Star Trek playlist. So moving on...

It's my personal belief that you really have to prep your brain for all of the information you'll be receiving at KSC. A great playlist helps you get into the right frame of mind. After all, KSC is the theme park based on real miracles. One of the only places in the world that still celebrates scientific progress like it's a GOOD THING! Because it is!

I'm slipping into hyperbole, I realize.

Just make sure to visit KennedySpaceCenter.com and SpaceFlightNow.com to plan your own trip and get plenty of up-to-date news on all of the launches happening at the Kennedy Space Center.

What good would it be if I made you a mix tape and you didn't use it?

In all seriousness, a day at Kennedy is something to put on your life list. Make sure to factor in taking an additional guided tour. They are all worth it, but you really need to do the KSC Up Close Tour while the Vehicle Assembly Building is still a stop. It won't stay that way forever!

3 Lessons from Improv Class and important life advice from Tina Fey

As an awkward teen, one of my greatest joys was going to summer camp every year. Not for the delightful lunchtime hash browns or the chance to cross the state line from Indiana into Kentucky. Though both of those were a plus.

I always participated in a week-long improv class. One where we played games, learned about the word "chutzpah" and got into trouble if we pantomimed drunkenness.

Those were good times.

A few months ago, I heard an improv theater in Orlando, the SAK Comedy Lab, was offering a free improv class for those interested in seeing what a semester of classes might be like. So, I signed up.

Because why not? Maybe they'd have hash browns...

In Which Aron Does the Hilarious Monster Mash-Up

He did, indeed, do the mash.
But which kind?
Read on...

You may have already heard of the book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, which combines the classic Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice with elements of modern zombie fiction.

You should have heard of it, because you're being a good reader and also listening to our podcast!

Anyway, since Audrey and I mentioned that I have had monster mashup novels on the brain, I decided to hash out five ideas and try to get it out of my system!

Oh Rifftrax, I Wish I Could Quit You

Because not only are you awesome all the time. (You know how I love you just for being you.) But you also post totally random hilarious things on the facebook...like this five hour video of Michael Sheen's laugh from today in honor of your upcoming Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 live riff.

You are the Kip to my LaFawnda. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

What Have We Here? An Interview with Batgirl's Therapist...

Dr. Letamendi in Batgirl #16
(by Gail Simone, art by Ed Benes)

One of my favorite journalists strikes again with this excellent interview over at NERDSPAN.com

READ IT!

There are also some good trails you could follow here to continue the "fake geek" conversation we started in this week's podcast.

I'm a big fan of Batgirl: Year One but am currently WAY behind on my comic consumption. So in addition to being an awesome interview, this also motivated me to plan my next trip to Heroes Landing.

It's within walking distance from my home...coincidence? I think not!

Role Models - Aron Talks Admiral Adama

*A special welcome to new honorary raving fangirl, Aron Deppert! This is his first blog here. Check out his bio by clicking on the "Honorary Raving Fangirls" tab up top or visit his home base at AronDeppert.com.*

I grew up on a very strict television diet which mostly consisted of sketch comedy shows, occasional BBC sitcoms shown on PBS, lots of Star Trek: The Next Generation and its subsequent spin-offs. If you had asked me a few months ago who was the most admirable commanding officer of an intergalactic vessel, I would have said Captain Katherine Janeway of Star Trek: Voyager.

Don't get me wrong, Janeway is still at the tippy top of my list, but since recently binging on the entire rebooted Battlestar Galactica series I most definitely have to say she is closely tied with Galactica's commanding officer, Admiral Bill Adama. Here are a few of the qualities that make me feel like he is incredibly awesome.

Perseverance As Adama and his flock set out on their journey they had quite a few big roadblocks (spaceblocks maybe?) in their way. The first, and probably biggest one, was that no one was sure the planet they were seeking actually existed. As far as this ragtag group of humans was concerned, the place called “Earth” was just a myth that they had read about in their religious texts. Adama knew that despite this, they would need a proverbial carrot to motivate them so he bought into the Earth myth as a morale booster.

Also, while they were on this wild goose chase through space they had a fleet of religious fanatic, killer, human-hating robots hot on their tail. These robots, known as Cylons, not only outnumbered them, but out-gunned the humans. Adama not only thought of some ingenious ways to get the upper hand, but he never once relented in his quest to find a planet he didn't even initially believe in.

One look at this mug and
I'd be down for the count!

A booming, gruff voice It may sound as though Bill Adama gargled with a jug of hydrochloric acid before he started work each day, but that voice seriously works to his advantage. When he's barking orders in the CIC or interrogating a captive Cylon, Adama's voice is one that demands respect and attention. A growling reprimand delivered to an insubordinate officer is doubly effective if the commanding officer delivering it sounds like he is more bear than man.

Knows how to THROW DOWN! Adama may be old, but he is incredibly scrappy. He survived a nearly fatal gunshot wound to the abdomen, and successfully beat down someone half his age in a boxing ring. Anytime the going got tough, Bill's fists got going and didn't stop until he was the last humanoid lifeform standing.

YIKES!

That steely glare This is a man who basically invented glaring. One sideways glare from those icy blue eyes and you know you are in deep doo doo. With or without the glasses that is one look that most certainly would kill if looks could.


Fatherly love One of the higher ranking officers on Galactica is Bill Adama's son, Lee. Though their relationship is strained at first, the two quickly make up for lost time due to the tragedy they are facing together. However, Bill's love doesn't stop there. He repeatedly calls Starbuck his daughter, but it's clear that he cares for his whole crew a great deal. There are a few times in the series when Adama notes this type of connection with his subordinates as a weakness, but it would be easy to argue that this was one of his greatest strengths.

The sheer scope of what Admiral Adama had to accomplish would be enough to make my puny, spineless psyche crumble. Had I found myself in his shoes, I would have handed over my rank insignia and crawled into the nearest hole to drown my sorrows in Ambrosia. Adama ventured forth with the last remaining 50,000 members of humanity and set out on a path to find them a new home; a planet called “Earth” that most people believed to be a myth. The obstacles the universe threw in his path were too numerous to count, but with Bill Adama showed us all that with enough faith, perseverance, bloody knuckles, and love we can accomplish anything.

Riding the Flying Rainbow Unicorn into the Sunset of Life

I was born for it...

WBFG Ep. #2 - "Nobody Expects the Second Episode!"

WBFG Ep. #2 - "Nobody Expects the Second Episode!"

(Featuring the music of the supremely talented Five Year Mission)

In which...

 Audrey learns about Rule #31 of the Internet. 

Bill Bryson's destiny is explained.

Aron learns about Spock's Earthican literary heritage.

Betazed Leisure Wear. 

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Nobody Does Geek Valentine's Day Cookies Like Heather

This is one of guest writer Heather's annual fangirl holiday traditions. See some of her cookies from years past HERE and HERE. (The lady can make a pretty killer jack-o-lantern too.)

I think "We Eats It" is my favorite from this year!

What are your fangirl holiday traditions? Leave a comment and let us know!

WBFG Ep. #1 - "It Has Begun!"

WBFG: EP. #1 - "It Has Begun!" 

(Featuring the music of the supremely talented Five Year Mission)

In which two high school friends, Aron and Audrey, who haven't spoken on the phone or seen each other for thirteen years attempt to catch up. On everything. All at once. 

In which Aron and Audrey also make no preparations at all and instead choose to jump into this whole podcasting thing completely off the cuff. 

And also, there's coffee. And discussion of high school, politics, religion and feelings. 

All of the feelings.   

Also:  

1. Why is there only one Vulcan hairstyle?

2. What's the one word that best describes the Klingon Christmas Carol?

3.  What would a zombie apocalypse look like if we replaced the zombies with jocks?

4. How to Avoid Thinking You Invented Choc-Ola and ThinkGeek.

Next Week:

1. Aron and Audrey's favorite podcasts.

2. Why You Should Be VERY Cautious When Looking up Buffy-inspired Fan-Fiction on the internet.

3. Plenty of TREK talk, feminist and otherwise.

4. And more...

Do you have a question or a comment for the next show? 

Email us at [bfg.podcast {at} gmail {dot} com], or send us a tweet.

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My Attitude This Week

"Are you ready? Then let's go get 'em!"

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"

I just woke up with that specific movie moment in my head.

Hooray for subliminal encouragement sponsored by a lifetime of movie gorging!

Okay campers, rise and shine!

And don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there!

Happy Groundhog Day nerds! Usually this time of year, I whine about the temperature. Since I live in a sub-tropical climate now, I probably shouldn't complain. Although, it is a chilly 70 degrees right now...

It's pretty much the only weather-related holiday of the year. Just let me have this one.

Dr. Who and River Song: The Diagram

So, a guy (my husband) walks into a bar (Raglan Road) with a gal (me) and tries to explain how River Song and Dr. Who know each other to the gal who missed a ton of really important episodes that explain that particular backstory. You can imagine the confusion.

Quick Sidebar: How AMAZING is she as a character? I've added her to my list of dream con costumes. Specifically, I want this one:

I won't spoil anything, but fans of the show will understand how my husband spent about half an hour trying to explain her presence to me over a round of pints. We were getting nowhere, until he drew this.

That about does it, you reckon?

And then there was bread pudding. So no more talky talky for us.

!!!

The Great Deception of Bettie Page Bangs

Aside from the fact that said blog title would also make for a fabulous mystery story, it's also the story of my life. You see, I cut bangs because in my mind, I think they will look like this...

Or this...

When in reality, ON ME, they look like this...

Someday, I will learn to listen to the well-meaning hairstylists who try to politely let me know that the style doesn't quite work on me. Until then, bring on the denial and break out the scissors.

2013 Character Study - Leslie Knope

In addition to a theme for each year, I like to choose a character study.

Having a character inspiration doesn't mean I dress like that character or do what they do, it just means, I pull inspiration from something that I like about them.

My Character Inspiration for 2012 was...

At the start of 2012, I was feeling pretty drained. I was only six months into living in a new state and I still felt like I was in a whirlwind. I liked the idea of choosing a character who was strong in resolve, someone who was a healthy skeptic and someone who was an independent person. Dana Scully is a tough and disciplined character full of traits I needed to emulate at that time. 

But 2013 is beginning in a very different way. I'm rested. I'm feeling prepared after a lot of very specific, focused hard work in 2012, especially in the fall. While, of course, nobody is every really in control of big life events, at this time, I'm feeling a lot more centered and self-aware.

So my Character Inspiration for 2013 is...

Leslie Knope is a wonderful role model. She has a strong conscience and very strong convictions. She's intelligent, motivated, not afraid to be different and she's a loyal friend. She's feminist, she's fast to admit when she's wrong and she's not afraid to be successful or go after what she wants, even in the face of strong opposition.

But most of all, she is well aware that her ambition and her ideas annoy people...but she just goes RIGHT ahead and pursues them anyway.

Being outgoing is not the same thing as having a backbone. You might be surprised to know that. Being outgoing or extroverted can mean you accidentally spend your energy on entertaining others instead of taking care of yourself or your family or pursuing matters that are important to you. Which can be a runaway train that takes you away from your best intentions much more quickly than you ever thought it could.

I've always been outgoing. This year, it's time to use the backbone. Not to earn one by the end of the year. To start using mine right away, today.

Leslie Knope has this way of being kind AND barreling through obstacles while somehow maintaining positivity.  It's what makes her such a funny and ridiculous character. The very idea that there's such a thing as a clean and honest politician, in and of itself, is what makes her so interesting. She's such an optimistic character. But I don't think it's because she, as written, doesn't hear criticism. She just doesn't give quarter to it when it comes from untrustworthy sources. The woman is a machine. I'd love to access some of her better-written qualities.

How about you? If you could rob a fictional character of any of their qualities, which one would it be and what would you take?