My 2013 Pop Culture Favorites

With some inspiration from Stephen King, I asked myself this question -- Did I have a great year pop culturally speaking? I would have to say yes; and this years list includes only things I enjoyed in 2013 and that is fine. Here is a list of 15 things that made me squee with fandom. Please remember -- I am more interested in entertaining myself than in a OMG this is a great moment/statement. So let us get this ride started.

15: The book Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to the Comic Book Universe by Tim Leong. This book was fascinating and filled with so much information that made me go "wow" and I truly learned something. Also, I love graphs/pie charts/venn diagrams and other sorts of graphic organizing to explain information.

14: September was DC Comics Villains Month and I soaked it all up like it was no ones business. I think this was a first for DC Comics where they spent an entire month writing origins/one shots of just the villains. I am really not too sure but in any event I loved it!

13: Enjoying New York Comic Con and Chiller Theatre. Usually with myself I enjoy only one and it is usually Chiller Theatre but this year going to NYCC on a Thursday was a wise idea. I delved more into my bookworm self at NYCC and caught up with some past people at Chiller Theatre. It was a fun time.

12: The game show The Chase on Game Show Network. It is such an interesting concept: The series is based on the British show of the same name in which contestants try to win money by challenging a quiz show genius known as the Chaser. The series is hosted by Brooke Burns and features Mark Labbett ("The Beast") as the Chaser. The show follows the same format as the original UK version, but with three contestants instead of four. I love it and bite my nails when I watch it in anticipation for the contestants.

11: The television show American Horror Story: Coven. I enjoy the fact that you do not have to watch the other seasons to follow along plus the story lines have so many twists and turns it makes your head spin. Plus Kathy Bates, Jessica Lange, and Angela Bassett all in one show playing bad ass villains? SIGN ME UP.

10: The YouTube sensation known as Ryan Higa. He is amazing and makes relevant videos poking fun at pop culture. If you have not seen any of his videos, go to his page linked here -- Ryan Higa

9: The television show that isn't really a television show since you can only see it on Netflix and that is Orange is the New Black. When I first saw it I know I compared it to a female version of Oz but the more I watched, the more I enjoyed the dark comedy that was going on. It was also a pleasure to see Laura Prepon and Jason Biggs back on screen.

8: Even though the fandom of zombies is starting to wane, which I appreciate, I noticed myself getting more and more involved with makeup applications and also admiring and gaining inspiration from the SyFy competition show Face/Off. I have a growing list of makeup tutorials videos I want to try. Wish it was Halloween every day!

7: The dating show Baggage on Game Show Network. Now this show is no longer produced and yes it is hosted by Jerry Springer. Here is the concept: Similar to The Dating Game, Baggage gives three contestants the chance to win the eye of a prospective date. The contestants carry three suitcases onstage: a small, medium, and large one. Each suitcase contains an embarrassing, unique, or weird proposition the contestant may have; for example, bad habits (e.g. "I share a bed with my grandmother"), strange relationship preferences ("My partner must dress up as Santa Claus"), issues with one's past ("I'm an outlaw in Mexico"), and strange hobbies ("I play video games 30 hours a week"). These cases represent the "baggage" to which they will confess and defend. The bigger the suitcase, the bigger the secret. Once the three contestants are pared down to one, the potential dater must admit to a fault of his or her own. Some of the suitcase secrets are downright disgusting or so made up that you know this show is scripted. It is great for a good laugh and puts my own dating endeavors into perspective.

6: Believing in The Shield. Do I need to say anything else? This faction is the only reason why I still watch WWE.

5: Now this only happened due to my close friend out in Indiana, PA who participates in the murder mystery weekend at the Allenberry Inn and since this years theme was time travel, it goes without mention, yes I sort of got into Doctor Who. Granted I have not watched every season and can not claim David Tennant as my doctor like my good friend does, but it is an interesting concept and an interesting show. I will watch the new season with the new doctor come September.

4: The return of my favorite musical Les Miserables to Broadway! Seeing Zachary Quinto in The Glass Menagerie on Broadway! Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan in the same play on BROADWAY. Yes Broadway was a big theme in my pop culture favorites this year and this will continue well into 2014.

3: STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS. Yes, a million times yes. Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and JJ Abrams have rebooted this series to much success and I could not be happier. We all knew who the villain was going to be and we all knew that it was a remake of The Wrath of Khan but did us Trekkies care, particularly this one? As Dean Ambrose would say, NOPE. Can not wait for Star Trek 3.

2: Not falling into/watching the remakes of The Evil Dead and I Spit on Your Grave. It is such a shame that the Hollywood Industry has no original thought anymore and think that by bringing back old favorites that do not need to be redone/not broke, that they will bring in a new audience. This is another pop culture favorite that I will continue in 2014.

And my number one 2013 pop culture favorite goes to….

1: BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH. Yes. Is there nothing this man can not do? From Sherlock to Khan to Smaug to various impressions and dancing on late night talk shows, he is superb. Yes he might not be considered conventionally sexy, but his acting ability just makes me swoon and I could watch him in anything. Heck have him paint my house and I am sure I would enjoy every second of it.

Honorable Mentions for 2013 Pop Culture Favorites: The dance craze known as THE HARLEM SHAKE as well as the viral video What Does The Fox Say, Jenna Marbles, Alexis Fleming from MadeYewLook, The return of my favorite comic series The Sandman by Neil Gaiman.

So my fellow readers, what are your 2013 pop culture favorites? Why not answer the question in the first paragraph as I did? Remember -- what you enjoyed or were entertained by in 2013 does not have to be from 2013. This years blog for me just happened to be.

December Advent Calendar 2013

Besides Halloween, I will admit I still get excited for Christmas time. Things just seem to be more magical in the month of December. Maybe it is because of my new found singledom or maybe it is due to still working in Kindergarten; I do not know. For the third year in a row, I am doing an activities Advent Calendar to count down to Christmas after reading some great articles online about it. I am big on traditions so here is an outline. Most of the things will be done either by myself or with family; others with my class or friends.

December 1st: Gather clothes and bring to The Bowery Mission. (Done!)
December 2nd: Make Christmas mix for my iPod and burn a disc of it for my Funshine Buddy in work. (Done!)
December 3rd: Get holiday cards. (Done!)
December 4th: Wear mistletoe headband. (Done!)
December 5th: Go decorate some cookies with The Group that Shall Not be Named (Harry Potter NYC Meetup) (Done!)
December 6th: Get some chocolate coins and give them to people who make me smile. (Done!)
December 7th: Wear Christmas ornament earrings, get some hot chocolate at Hu Kitchen & walk around Union Square holiday market. (Done!)
December 8th: Go to Argo Tea Cafe with some chocolate coins to hand out.
December 9th: Start writing out holiday cards (Done!)
December 10th: Get a holiday inspired manicure. Make sure one nail is sparkly! (Done!)
December 11th: Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas. (Done!)
December 12th: Mail holiday cards. (Done!)
December 13th: Go take a picture with Santa Claus at Macy's.(Did not get around to going to Macy's. Oh well next year.)
December 14th: Go see the new Disney animated film Frozen. (Done!)
December 15th: Get a holiday inspired candle from Bath and Body Works. (Done!)
December 16th: Make Star Wars themed glitter snowflakes.
December 17th: Go watch some ice skaters in Bryant Park.
December 18th: Watch one of my favorite movies Untamed Heart and have a good cry.
December 19th: Cozy up in some pajamas and watch the Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special (Done!)
December 20th: Wear ugly Christmas sweater to work. (Couldn't find it..so can not do. Sad face.)
December 21st: Visit nephews/Veronica and Damian. (Done!)
December 22nd: Make sure all of my gifts are wrapped. (Done!)
December 23rd: Walk along 5th Avenue and look at the holiday windows
December 24th: Go Christmas caroling in Washington Square Park. (Done!)
December 25th: CHRISTMAS!!! Open presents and watch The Muppets Christmas Carol.

I hope all of my readers are enjoying this holiday season! What did you do for the season? Leave a comment below to let me know!

Things I Love Thursday -- November 2013 Edition

Can you believe it is the end of November already? Where did the time go? Also if you are reading this that means it is time for another…

THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!

Here is what I am in love with for the month of November.

--Em Cosmetics Shade Play concealer palette. It came with my main concealer shade, a lighter concealer shade, a deeper concealer shade, a highlighter, a peach neutralizer to hide dark circles and a yellow corrector for the nasty red spots. My skin tone varies throughout the year so for Michelle Phan to come up with this was brilliant!

--This video, which I might re-create. Very cute idea.

--This video of Crossbow Training with Norman Reedus on Conan O'Brien. Downright hilarious!

--Healing Home Foods Raw Flax Crackers in Fresh Herb Pizza. They are delicious and gives me my pizza fix, since I can not have pizza anymore.

--Veronica Varlow having a Truck Stop Spa as she is chasing her dream. Love it!

--This commercial featuring my gay husband Zachary Quinto:

--This cover of "Run to the Hills" by In This Moment:

--Speaking of In This Moment, seeing them in concert as a headliner with my nerdy bff Veronica.

--Having the ability to smooth talk anyone to get what I want -- standing room only at a concert? I find a seat and get my own section all to myself. Friend not on the guest list for a meet and greet with her favorite band? I talk to everyone on the line and find a girl who had an extra pass. I get shizz done!

--Being part of Learn the Address where I recited the Gettysburg Address to celebrate its 150th Anniversary

--Sitting in my French school killing some time before my class led to tutoring a child with his math which then followed with him playing chess on the computer and the child yelling out loud "Man that was a horrible move! What was I doing???" It was so cute and made me smile.

--Getting some notoriety for my recitation of the Gettysburg Address for the 150th Anniversary. Read the article and view my video here: Learn the Address, Asbury Park!

--Obtaining an "Doctorate of Gishology" from Misha Collins

--Learning and becoming inspired by Made You Look by Lex, a self-taught makeup artist from Chicago. Check out her YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/madeyewlook

--Competing in my second murder mystery weekend in Allenberry, PA/Boiling Springs, PA during Thanksgiving weekend.

What are you in love with for the month of November?

Things I Love Thursday -- October 2013 Edition

Two great things are happening today.

One it is HALLOWEEN!

Two it is time for THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY the monthly edition!

Here is what I am in love with for the month of October.

--The first episode of Cooking Hostile featuring Phil Anselmo:

--The Village Halloween Parade happening and that I could be a part of it.

--The makeup jobs I did for NYC Zombie Crawl. I am getting better and better at it every time I try. Thanks Doug Sakmann for the opportunity!

--Getting to do all of my activities on my Countdown to Halloween blog. It really put me in the spirit.

--My name in lights…sort of…for being a Kickstarter backer for the NYC Village Halloween Parade

--That my legs have kept on with my antics this month. From Blood Manor to NYC Zombie Crawl to NYC Village Halloween Parade, I am glad to say that I am feeling good.

--My students faces after they saw me all made in as a cat.

--My students appreciation for the goodie bags I gave them for Halloween. Sometimes stickers, games, and flashing necklaces go a long way.

--Keeping up with my Countdown to Halloween blog; even if I did not do everything on it. Perhaps a Countdown to Thanksgiving blog?

What are you in love with this month? I hope everyone had a great Halloween month like I did.

Countdown to Halloween!

My favorite holiday, besides my birthday, is Halloween. I am drawn to all things Halloween/Autumn -- vampires, zombies, werewolves, cheesy 80s horror movies, dressing up, anything pumpkin flavored or scented, sweater weather... Just love it! With that said I thought it would be cool to do a COUNTDOWN TO HALLOWEEN activities list. Most of this stuff will be done by myself or with friends. Yes I know there are dates attached but I am using it more as a check off list.

October 1st: Watch the movie Frankenweenie. (Done!)
October 2nd: Watch the movie Paranorman.
October 3rd? Watch the movie Hotel Transylvania. (Done!)
October 4th: Watch the movie Nightmare Before Christmas. (Done!)
October 5th: Watch the German expressionist horror film Nosferatu.
October 6th: Collect four different colored leaves and tape to window at work. (Done! I thank my students for helping me out with this. Cutest question: Miss D'Adamo, is this one okay for the window?)
October 7th: Wear orange to work. (Done!)
October 8th: Watch the movie Hocus Pocus.
October 9th: Make a Halloween playlist for my iPod and friends/Funshine buddy at work. (Done!)
October 10th: Go to New York Comic Con at the Javits Center. (Done and scored lots of free books!)
October 11th: Watch the movie House on Haunted Hill starring Vincent Price.
October 12th: Watch the Universal classic horror movies Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein.
October 13th: Participate in the 7th Annual NYC Zombie Crawl. (Done! Here is the video: )
October 14th: Get candles with a cinnamon or pumpkin smell from Bath and Body Works for my room.(Done! Got cider doughnut and pumpkin caramel latte)
October 15th: Watch the movie Beetlejuice.
October 16th: Watch the movie Psycho (original Alfred Hitchcock version).
October 17th: Watch the cartoon Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! (Done!)
October 18th: Go to see the new Carrie in theaters. (Done! Enjoyed it.)
October 19th: Visit a haunted house. (Going to Blood Manor this year!)(Done!)
October 20th: Go pick a pumpkin and take it home. Paint gold polka dots on it.
October 21st: Watch the movie The Craft
October 22nd: Get a beauty treatment that is pumpkin/fall inspired.
October 23rd: Get some Halloween inspired toys for my students. (Done!)
October 24th: Go to the October Book Club Geek Girl meeting. (Done! Lots of fun talking to women with similar interests of mine.)
October 25th: Attend Chiller Theatre in Parsippany, NJ (Done! It was a lot of fun.)
October 26th: Go to Gravesend Inn Haunted Hotel in Brooklyn, NY (Decided not to go. Maybe next year.)
October 27th: Read a scary spooky story.
October 28th: Watch the movie Teen Witch (Done!)
October 29th: Get a fall inspired color manicure. (Done!)
October 30th: Watch the movie The Lost Boys.
October 31st: HALLOWEEN!!! As long as it is happening and my legs are feeling up to it, I will be walking in the Village Halloween Parade again. Question is, what will I dress up as?

Things I Love -- September Edition

This month has had its ups and downs. Returning back to work, dealing with the anniversaries of the death of my dog Sweetums and my first cousin Sweetums, and still trying to get my RA into remission. But there were some happy moments this month and with that lets get this party started!

Here is what I loved for the month of September:

--A random stranger on 14th Street shouting at me "Work that strut girl!" Made me feel powerful and in charge.

--Someone took sidewalk chalk and drew an arrow and underneath it wrote TO HAPPINESS. Nice to see some P.M.A. in the hard knocked life city known as New York.

--The return of football! I am not the biggest fan but it is a fun sport to watch.

--This video has a great message. LIVE IN THE MOMENT people!

--This video is ME to a big ole capital T:

--Seeing a young cute couple holding hands when exiting the turnstiles and going up the stairs at the PATH station. I remember those young love kind of days. Brought a big smile to my face.

--Declaring my school year NO STRESS NO BULLSHIT. My health is much more important than stress and bullshit. I want to be healthy. End of story.

--This cover of Empire State of Mind by Halestorm. Thanks to Rich Concannon for sharing it:

--Going to The Sands hotel and casino in Bethelehem, PA and getting carded as I entered the casino. I must look that young or when in doubt...

--Taking care of the outdoor cats around my house by leaving out food and water in my backyard. Unfornuately due to allergies and my little old man dog Hudson the cats can not come inside but it is nice to take care of them.

--Having a friend of mine call out an African money scammer and posting it on YouTube. Watch it:

--That the chicken wings at Hu Kitchen have returned to the menu!

--The new song "Going to Hell" by The Pretty Reckless. Check it out:

--The cider doughnut scented candle from Bath and Body Works. Smells so good and is putting me in an Autumn state of mind...

--My nerdy bff Veronica and her husband/my fellow Nerd Herder Damian are in the midst of making a full length feature zombie film and I could not be any prouder that they are achieving their dreams. They released a short teaser. Go check it out:

--SWEATER WEATHER RETURNING! Love the brisk Autumn air and cozying it up under a soft cable knit sweater. So glad Summer is over.

--Getting excited for all things October! I have not been this excited in a long long time. I think it is due to my health/RA finally getting under control and I can start to be Dani again with some new twists.

--Changing bad habits when I had a rough week/hard week at work or in life. The old me would sit on her bed and gorge herself full of sweets and bad food. Now when I had a rough week I go swimming, do some laundry, light some candles, read, watch some television with a big mug of green tea. I felt so much better too.

What made you swoon and double over in love this month?

Things I Love -- August Edition

Wow is it the end of August already? Shoot does time fly. Granted August did move slower than usual which I like because of what the next month is but we will not talk about that month. End of the month means it is time for another...


THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!!! Which is really Things I Love Sunday since this is published on a Sunday...I think I should just change the title to Things I Love.

Here are the things, videos, songs, whathaveyous, that I have loved this month:

--My face decided to go back to its teenage roots and break out like crazy this summer. I quickly learned that drugstore products are so much better than the brand name products at Sephora. I will still use makeup from Sephora but when it comes to facial cleaner and moisturizer, give me some Yes to Tomatoes Daily Pore Scrub, Formula 10.0.06 Best Face Forward daily facial cleanser, some aloe vera gel, Noxzema triple acne treatment pads (that sting like a bitch but work!)and Glysomed daily moisturizer. My face cleared up in a matter of two days. Thank you Duane Reade!

--Getting into a morning and evening facial washing routine to keep my acne from coming back like I mentioned above.

--Drinking 64oz of water a day. It really helped flush out my system of bad things and cleared up my skin.

--Becoming addicted to the blog Fashion of Fandoms and using it as inspiration for future cosplays.

--CM Punk's Grammar Slam on the Nerdist channel during You Tube Geek Week. If you have not seen it, look it up now!

--The television show The Exes on TVLand.

--This video. Damn girl work that twerk:

--I love Food Network and the television competition show Chopped. When Felicia Day made this for You Tube Geek Week, I squeeded like the little fangirl I am:

--Having another wrestling meme photo made for something I suggest my friends play with me during Monday Night Raw:

--This song:

--The spicy pecan seasoning my mom bought recently. I have put it on my eggs in the morning as well as sandwiches and salads and it is nummy!

--Green tea and thunderstorms after two brutal days of humidity.

--This photo. Look at the couple that is circled:

Post by Sheldon Cooper.

--This video was part of the Confidence Vitamins article by Alexandra Frazen, which all of you should read by the way, and it is truly brilliant:

--Walking into Bath and Body Works and smelling all of the fall candles. My favorite right now is the cider doughnut. Love me some fall inspiration items!

What are you so in love with for the month of August?

Yes, Sometimes The Movie is Better than the Book

As much as it pains me to say so, yes sometimes the movie is better than the book. Hollywood seems to love books, except for everything inside of them as I have noticed for example the Harry Potter series. But sometimes, when the stars are in an agreement, Mercury is not in retrograde and the directors happen to have a brain in their head (peers at Joss Whedon), the movie is done correctly.

With that being said, here are seven movies where the movie is better than the book.

1. The Princess Bride by William Golden
No wonder in the movie the grandfather waited until the child was sick to read him this story. Here is the book description: Anyone who lived through the 1980s may find it impossible—inconceivable, even—to equate The Princess Bride with anything other than the sweet, celluloid romance of Westley and Buttercup, but the film is only a fraction of the ingenious storytelling you'll find in these pages. Rich in character and satire, the novel is set in 1941 and framed cleverly as an “abridged” retelling of a centuries-old tale set in the fabled country of Florin that's home to “Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passions.”

If only this was true. The story dragged and dragged and sometimes to a point with either too much detail that was not needed or too little detail that made you go"what?" I prefer books to movies as many as you know. In this case, I prefer the movie. I tried very hard to like this book. Very hard. And I honestly was able to make it through 100 pages which I give any book before throwing in the towel and considering it a lost cause. The writing was excellent, the humor quite dry and witty... but it wasn't what I'd thought I'd be reading. I picked it up thinking it would be a fun, action packed, fantasy adventure. What I read was the whining and moaning of a middle aged yuppie from the 80's interspersed with brief bursts of actual plot. Do not read. Stick with the movie.

2.R.I.P.D.by Peter Lenkov
Yes this is a graphic novel/comic book and usually the comic book is better than the movie especially in DC Comics sense but this book simply had too many questions and plot holes. Here is the book description just in case: Welcome to the Rest In Peace Department - the devoted, yet dead, officers of divine law enforcement "patrolling the deadbeat...reporting to one boss." Yep - THAT boss. Nick Cruz was gunned down in the line of duty at the height of his personal and professional life. Now he's traded a hundred years of service to the R.I.P.D. in exchange for a shot at solving his own murder. Unfortunately, his search will take him to Hell and back - literally! Don't miss the post mortem mayhem, soon to be a major motion picture starring Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds, and Kevin Bacon!

The movie, on the other hand, had a plot and action that was easy to follow as well as entertaining. It is a shame it bombed in the theater.

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I am talking just the first book, not the entire series as I have not read books two or three yet. The first book had this dragging feeling to it, the movie was more straight to the point of what was happening and going to happen next. You could feel what the characters feel in the movie, but for some strange reason I could not do that with the book. Granted the character of Katniss is an excellent role model for young women and it is great that this trilogy, much like the Twilight Saga, put a resurgence of reading among the young adult set but you can skip the book for this movie.


4. Jaws by Peter Benchley
I'd heard that the novel was a lot different than the iconic movie that I grew up with so of course I had to give it a try. I couldn't believe how totally unsympathetic and shallow the characters of Ellen Brody and Matt Hooper were. Good grief! Chief Brody came across as rather dim-witted. And Quint? Quite a dull character when compared with the one in the movie -- and, in my opinion, introduced way too late in the book. I found the Hooper-Ellen Brody affair completely gratuitous. I think it really detracted the novel, as did the antagonism between Chief Brody and Hooper. Thank goodness Speilberg had the good sense to leave that and lots of other ridiculous things (like the Mafia connection) out of the movie, and concentrate on the shark. Usually, as we are aware through my famous tag line, books are better than the movies based on them. In this case, though, quite the opposite is true. I really believe that if the movie had closely paralleled the book, it would have been a big flop.While reading, I started to wonder why the title was "Jaws." The shark seemed to be part of a minor sub-plot, overshadowed by Ellen Brody's whining, Matt Hooper's posturing as a leering know-it-all, lust, adultery, stupidity, and everyone wondering who the Mayor's "partners" were. I kept wondering where the shark was! If you love the movie, do not even bother reading this book.

5. Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
Time to admit something -- I am a sucker for a good memoir, especially ones dealing with drug addiction or the "working girl". When I first saw this book I was ecstatic and then I started to read it. I still do not know what all the fuss was about this book. I read it and forced myself to finish it despite the overwhelming dullness present in this book. Funny parts? One. Cruelty the author is subject to? Being forced to take pills. Maybe this book would be more interesting to a psychology student or such, but to an average reader, which I will admit I am not, it's a 160 page essay on mental illness. Boring, overinflated and melodramatic was how this book came through to me. When the film was released in 1999 I, like many others, went to see it. I didn't think there was anything compelling about the Susanna Kaysen character in the least. Other characters WERE compelling: Lisa, Torch and Valerie--but I think that what gave them their spark was a screenplay that had to be written by someone else, and talented actors. Susanna Kaysen was boring as hell. She very well could have offed herself and I wouldn't have cared, BECAUSE her character was not interesting. She was not any more interesting in the novel itself, and the novel really was a bore. IT HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE. Therefore if you saw the movie and loved it, do not pick up this book.

6. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Michell
This book falls into the category of neither the movie or book is better than the other, but not by much; the movie is still better than the book in this case. Another time to admit something-- Even though I am in love with all things Southern and my heart belongs in New Orleans and Atlanta, I still do not get all of the fuss over the movie Gone with the Wind. But, in an effort to be fair, I decided to read the book. I thought maybe it was something about the production that I didn't like. But, no, the book has many of the same problems. 1)It's endless for one, just like the movie. Over a thousand pages and a large bit of it is completely unnecessary. 2) Rhett - I don't care what anyone says, he wasn't handsome, he wasn't romantic, and there wasn't much to like about him. 3) Scarlett - I've never seen a more annoying female lead. And everyone says, "oh she grows up in the end! she stops being selfish!" She doesn't. 4) If you don't like the two main characters, what's the point? Needless to say, it was a waste of money for me. I guess this is one book you either love or hate, so I recommend that you check a volume out of the library and read a chapter or two.

7. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
Just in case you do not know this book, here is the description: THE INSPIRATION FOR BLADERUNNER. . .Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? was published in 1968. Grim and foreboding, even today it is a masterpiece ahead of its time. By 2021, the World War had killed millions, driving entire species into extinction and sending mankind off-planet. Those who remained coveted any living creature, and for people who couldn't afford one, companies built incredibly realistic simulacrae: horses, birds, cats, sheep. . . They even built humans. Emigrées to Mars received androids so sophisticated it was impossible to tell them from true men or women. Fearful of the havoc these artificial humans could wreak, the government banned them from Earth. But when androids didn't want to be identified, they just blended in. Rick Deckard was an officially sanctioned bounty hunter whose job was to find rogue androids, and to retire them. But cornered, androids tended to fight back, with deadly results.

This book may have spawned Blade Runner, but in itself is on the weird side of Sci-Fi and had me constantly wondering what Dick was smoking as he wrote this story. It is a very poorly executed dystopian novel and it's all due to the soullessness of PKD's writing. The mass extinction of animals, the decay of all matter into "kibble," and the abandonment of Earth by a majority of humans to off-world colonies all underscore the bleakness of the future. Do not read. Just watch Blade Runner. To repeat, it was just a little too weird for my tastes. I'm more of a traditional Heinlein, Asimov, H.G Wells fan and I just didn't get it. I know it is a popular book, I just simply can not understand why. This was the only Philip K. Dick novel that I have read simply because of the spawning and inspiration to Blade Runner. Maybe someone can recommend a different one?

What do you think? What movie was better than the book?

Things I Love Thursday -- July 2013 Edition

Summer is in full swing and you know that means....

IT IS TIME FOR ANOTHER THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!

Here is what I have been in love with for the month of July.

--Setting a reading goal for the month of July.

--Being a volunteer for Major League Baseball All Star Summer.

--Despicable Me 2! Love me some minions! I need to get one of my own.
**This is not me guys. This is the awesome Meghan also known as Strawburry17. She is AMAZING and a total inspiration.***

--The fact that I can in a chair, bend forward, and kiss my knees. Thats right KISS MY KNEES. Have not had that ability in a long long time.

--This article from Veronica Varlow which rings very true: 3 Ways to Know if Someone is Great in Bed All Before the Dessert Arrives

--All of the support from my family and friends that I have received lately due to something that I should have done a long long time ago. You ladies and gents are the best!

--Receiving the New Beauty Test Tube for Summer and loving all of the products.

--That my favorite comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes, will have its own documentary!:

--Having a friend of mine make this for me when the royal baby was born:

--Is it November yet?:

--Having the ability to still work a room even though I have not attended a mixer/mingling thing in a long long time.

--Feeling amazing and walking without my cane for the first time in MONTHS.

--This sandwich: Nine flavour combinations in one sandwich! Well I would have to change the strawberry jam to grape but still...awesome!

--The Netflix show Orange is the New Black. Truly amazing!

--Still enjoying dark brooding AJ Styles on TNA Wrestling.

What have you been in love with for the month of July?

Love Letter To My Body

My dearest friend:

It has been quite a long journey… since we have started. During our path together we have developed a new level of communication and trust that allows each other an amazing mutual echo and respect filled with lots of love and cooperation. I live my life through you. You have been with me through the best of times and worst of times. You have helped me on my journey through life; taking me to places that I have not seen before; laughing with other friends; having the gift of gab and exploration. Here are some of the things I thank you for.

I thank you for the way you allow me to experience all of the arts on this great planet of ours whether it be music, professional wrestling, comic conventions, book swaps, writing, teaching.
Thank you for the ability to walk without the use of a cane or a brace.
Thank you for the wonderful times that you allowed me to swim.
Thank you so much for your ability to enjoy food and easily digest it.
Thank you for allowing me amazing sexual abilities and pleasures with no effort.
Thank you for the wonderful way you experience nature, animals and children.
Thank you for the way you help me to share things with others.

I therefore promise to you to go on and take care of you with wonderful foods that I know you like, wonderful green teas, plentiful glasses of pomegranate blueberry juice, walking around parks and getting manicures and pedicures done. I also promise to surround you with good energy and good people.

I will always listen to you, to your guidance and to the signs you keep sending me – you are the best “intuition container” and I unconditionally love you.

Yours,
Danielle

(THIS WAS AN EXERCISE IN MY RADICAL SELF LOVE BOOTCAMP COURSE. Maybe you should do it too?)

Things I Love Thursday -- June 2013 Edition

6 months into 2013 and we have successfully survived the Rapture and the Apocalypze and all of the other urban legend type of things. It it is also the end of the month and you know what that means...

IT IS TIME FOR THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!!!

Here is what I am in love with for the month of June

--This article: 17 Ways to Tell You Have Been in Your Relationship Forever Some points are just very very true and on point.

--To officially be on summer vacation. This school/work year has been hell. It is nice to have a break.

--Pacifica Coconut Water cleansing wipes. Wow are these things good when you are in the heat and can't get your butt to the shower. Helped a lot this month and a great investment.

--Journey savory nutrition bars. Such a great snack.

--BeneFit Bo-ing! concealer. It helps cover up the dark puffy circleness under my eyeballs as well as the redness on my forehead quite well as most concealers I have tried do not.

--The book Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. It was so good I read it twice in one month and I do not do that. This book was paid it forward to a friend of mine.

--The Tangle Teezer Salon Elite detangling hairbrush. With having long mermaid hair I get lots of tangles and knots and this brush did the trick of getting them out. Plus it did not hurt!

--Excited for this video game to be released:

--Becoming a Sephora Very Important Beauty Insider. Going to reap those benefits!

--Becoming an Offical Sponsor plus a Prize Sponsor for Sugar Slam IV. Read all of the details here: Sugar Slam IV: Ready To Crumble

--This song:

--This video:

--The combination of aloe vera gel and moringa olefera oil (Thanks Natalie Slater from Bake and Destroy!) to clear up the red bumps and patchy,scaly, snakeskin like skin on my forehead.

--Being a guest on two wrestling radio podcasts on the same night. Thanks Angry Marks Network and Kayfabe Wrestling Radio!

--My favorite band Queensryche came out with a new album called Frequency Unknown and it is EXCELLENT. If you look at the album cover, Geoff Tate has a nice message to the band who tried to take Queensryche away from him. Listen to the first single on this new EP and tell me that Geoff isn't making a point:


What are you in love with this month?

How To Spot A Hipster

Hipsters.

You either love them, hate them, or are one.

As many of you are aware, I started to learn French last year and right now I am at the Advanced Beginner level. I can read, write, comprehend French well but when it comes to responding/speaking it still is hard for me. But that is not the point of this blog.

In my most recent class which ended last week, Advanced Beginner 202, there were a total of three "hipsters" in my class who either would not shut up, would make things harder than what needed to be, and thought to be so cool and so smart. At one point the professor in French even made fun of one of them. I would constantly call them "hipsters" and my brother would ask me "what is a hipster?" as well as other friends of mine who might not have heard the term. Well here it goes. Here are the signs that you have spotted or know a hipster.

HOW TO SPOT A HIPSTER as according to JoiseyDani

1. If the person is going on and on about vintage clothing stores, wears vintage clothing, shops at any of these stores: e American Apparel, H&M, ASOS, CobraSnake, and Urban Outfitters (uh oh, I buy accessories from Urban Outfitters....), or shops at independent label retailers, you might have a hipster on your hands.

2. If the person wears skinny jeans or skinny pants. (Uh oh...I do that too...) This just does not mean women, men have to wear skinny jeans too. Also hipster men tend to be just as skinny as hipster women. As an alternative, some hipster women might wear high waisted jeans also known as "mom jeans."

3. Wear glasses, even if you do not need them. The more ironic they are, the better. Shuttershades, oversized plastic frames, nerd type glasses, and if the hipster can afford them authentic wayfarers from Ray Ban.

4. Wear ironic shirts. For example: ironic tees, plaid shirts, cowboy shirts, and anything in gingham, plaid, checkers, paisley, vintage florals. Many hipsters sport tops with appliques, images of animals or forests, other images, characters from children's TV, and ironic sayings or even book covers.

5. Find and wear suitable, comfortable footwear. Most hipster shoes include cowboy boots, Converse (looks at my purple and black Converse hi-tops, great *rolls eyes), and a range of flats. If the hipster likes trainers, Classic Reeboks are the way to go. Put it this way, the less effort you put into your footwear, the more of a hipster you might be.

6. Work those accessories! I am talking large flower headbands, neon nail polish, pins, bright belts, bird necklaces, patterned and colorful leggings, etc. Don't forget your plugs, piercings, and random scars supposedly acquired through woodwork and other carpenter-like endeavors.
An hipster essential include a courier bag (not a backpack), preferably something from Freitag, that can fit your MacBook, iPhone, and vinyl LPs (never CDs) of your current favorite band.

7. Always mismatch and layer your clothes. The more mismatched the better. Again the "I can not be bothered" look is key.

8. Make sure you know the difference between essential grooming/personal hygiene and hitting a salon just to be turned into a carbon-copy, Hipsters are wellaware of how to pull off the greasy or just-out-of-bed look without any effort.

9. Keep your hair casual. Long unkempt hair, "bed head" is perfectly fine. Greasy hair is okay to some but not others.

10. Whatever is old, make it new again. This, of course, takes a mixture of frugality, respect for some of the past, and a desire to demonstrate that new things don't define you. Basically try to be as ironic and inconsistent as possible as that is the core of the hipster -- carry the latest Apple product in a 1940s doctor bag or an military issued satchel. Commonly known old things associated with hipsters include Parliament cigarettes (and a devil-may-care attitude about smoking laws), Pabst beer, grandparent's clothing (or thrift store finds), bicycles with fixed gears (often ridden to the night clubs), analog cameras, and recycling and reusing almost anything (ingenuity, common sense, and fun fall into this category.)

11.Reject consumerism/materialism. Hipsters are into "niche consumerism". If your purchase helps local retailers, the environment, the mom and pop retailer, and the craft sellers down the road, then it's hipster.

12.Go to where the hipsters roam. Hipsters tend to congregate in very urban settings and they're connected globally thanks to the Internet. In the USA, you'll tend to find hipsters in major metropolitan centers where "anything goes". Be where there are independent art galleries, movie houses, bands, and people. Think New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, and especially the Brooklyn, N.Y. suburb of Williamsburg (known as the unofficial hipster capital of the world.

13.Be educated. Aim to go to college, as hipsters tend to be well educated in such areas as liberal arts, graphic art, or math (great....another aspect that I fall into....) and science.

14.Most importantly, don't define yourself to others' (denial). One of the key elements of being hipster has been to avoid the label. Don't go around proclaiming your allegiance; to do so would be to start allying with those who like neatly tied-up boxes denoting who is what, when, and where.

15.As far as hipster entertainment, you read great books and poetry by people like Jack Kerouac, Alan Ginsburg, and Norman Mailer. Any other books you think are great. Any books, period; reading books sets hipsters apart from a lot of people. Visit the political science (ack my Bachelors is in Political Science and English), anthropology, and sociology sections of the bookstores and local library frequently. Watch independent and foreign films, as well as attending independent theater productions, such as shows by Ann Liv Young. Watch Wes Anderson, Hal Hartley and Jim Jarmusch movies.Listen to newly emerging, independent music -- hipster artists include Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear, Belle & Sebastian, Electric President, Stray Kites, Jens Lekman, Neutral Milk Hotel, M83, Neon Indian, Neon Neon, Margot & The Nuclear So and Sos, and King Khan and the Shrines.

16.Hone your humor. Be ironic and sarcastic. When asked a question, refuse to answer directly; instead, obfuscate, ask a question in return, or just be plain sarcastic.

17.Some more hipster essentials: Scarves (to wear year-round),Vintage boots, Turntable, An old camera (polariod is suggested.), Fixed-gear bike, Your own garden, Fountain Pen, Any Apple product always updated, Instagram (remember to add a quote that is unrelated to the picture).

So I might have some hipster tendencies but I do not fall into the category. Do you?

Thanks to WikiHow for source material for this blog.

Things I Love Thursday -- May Edition

Wow is it May already? Flowers blooming, sun is shining, knees cracking and popping....that could mean it is time for a...


THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!

Here is what I am in love with for the month of May.

~~Ginger candy. Yes ginger candy. It is powerful, strong, sweet and very spicy. Plus it is considered an anti-inflammatory. Love.

~~This news article. Just wish I could re-animate my cousin Tommy: A Possible Cure for AIDS within months!

--Correcting NBC News anchor Scott Stanford while he was on the air via Twitter thus him retweeting what I said to him. Here are my tweets:
JoiseyDani ‏@JoiseyDani
Can someone please hit @scottstanford1 upside his head? ITS STAR WARS DAY NOT STAR TREK DAY YOU LUNKHEAD!

JoiseyDani ‏@JoiseyDani
@scottstanford1 Its Star WARS Day not Star Trek Day! Never in Trek history was "May the force be with you" uttered.

--SeaSnax in Classic Olive (Seaweed, Olive Oil, and Sea Salt) They were strangely addicting.

--Colgate Wisps. Perfect for when my teeth do not feel clean and I can not get to a sink with some toothpaste.

--Trader Joes' Ginger mints. Nummy!

--Grilled Salmon sushi from Whole Foods Market. (Wow it seems this month's TiLT is food related but that is okay.)

--This Math video. I am a Math geek. I am not ashamed to hide it!

--Applying to a be a vlogger on Geek and Sundry Vlogs. Wish me luck!

--Wearing a flower crown to work and not giving a care about the stares I received.

--Getting an awesome opportunity for the 2013 All Star Game at Citi Field which happens on July 16, 2013

--Nerdy Nummies on You Tube! I swear I will re-create some of her creations someday.


What are you in love with this month?

Things I Love Thursday -- April Edition

Is it just me or is 2013 just going by in the blink of any eye? I do not know if I like it or not. Granted it is create that we all survived the Mayan apocalypse, but I think time needs to slow down a little. But also the cliche goes "life moves pretty fast...if you do not stop and look around, you can miss it." With that said, here is what I am in love with for the month of April!

--Being interviewed for WWE Wrestlemania 29 for the Star Ledger! Here is the article, just in case you have not seen it on my Facebook or Twitter: Wrestlemania 29: Faces, heels, and fans converge at the big show

--Having suite level seats at Wrestlemania 29. I knew it was going to get cold at night as the original Giants Stadium was a wind tunnel. Well, Met Life Stadium was not any different. It was nice to duck inside for some warmth and hot chocolate.

--That Spring finally decided to show up!

--This video:

--Making vlogs. Granted I am no Jenna Marbles or Strawburry17 but it is fun! You can check out my latest vlogs here:

--Creating my new favorite drink at Argo which is Green Tea bubble tea with vanilla syrup and almond milk. So good!

--MTV's Awkward is back! This is the only show I watch on MTV. It is so good and a guilty pleasure.

--My purple and black Converse high top sneakers. With having RA, finding comfortable shoes is a MUST. So far the only shoes that are comfy on my feet are my Converse and I love it.

--My skeleton pajama jumpsuit from my friend Jacob Hugart! Thank you again! Here are some pictures of its awesomeness:







What are you in love with this month?

Things I Love Thursday -- March Edition

New month, new TiLT! Here is what I am in love with for the month of March.

~~It is my birthday tomorrow! I am turning 35 and I am not ashamed to admit it.

~~This article saying what your favorite Daria character says about you. I am definitely a mixture of Daria and Jane Lane: Thought Catalog: What your favorite Daria character says about You.

--Surprises from various friends simply because.

--This might sound totally weird but having an RA flare up. It helps me figure out what I can eat and what I can not. I have been on the hunt for potato chips but most chips are either fried or made with canola/vegetable oil. I have done well staying away from that but then I saw OLIVE OIL POTATO CHIPS. I could not believe it. THEY EXISTED. I bought three bags and chowed down. Unfornuately about an hour later my right foot felt like it was broken and burning. I frankensteined walked my way home from my French class, took a Super Motrin and placed an ice pack on my foot. By the next morning I felt much better. But again if I did not try it I would have never known.

--Having a Guinness World Record. I was a participant for the largest media scavenger hunt. http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/1000/largest-media-scavenger-hunt

--Teddy Grahams as a snack. So glad I can have something crunchy!

--Dark chocolate covered cashews. Satisfies my chocolate urge.

--Making new friends.

--Getting followed by Meghan Camarena (Strawburry17 on le Twitter). She is a contestant on the Amazing Race this season. GO TEAM YOUTUBE!

--That I have my own t-shirt and I did not even know it until I saw it on FashionablyGeek.com The Book Was Better t-shirt

--The finally release Breaking Dawn Part 2 parody from The Hillywood Show


--Apples dipped in chocolate almond milk pudding for a snack. Yum!

--That someone actually bought me a Clarisonic Aria Sonic Skin Cleansing Kit for my birthday. I still can not believe it and can not wait to use it! I like giving myself facials and that I can save money instead of going out to get one and I can do it myself? Oh yeah that is amazing.

--I have my own Nyan Cat now!

--Hosting and participating in the first annual International TableTop Day with my girls from NYC Vaginal Fantasy!

--Listening to some rockabilly/swing music as I attack the dust buddies in my room.

--Wearing bunny ears at work and when I went into NYC today.

--"Are you seeing someone?" Hehe. Was asked this by a young man on University Place who has a female English Bulldog who does not like anyone apparently but was friendly to me.


What are you in love with this month?

Things I Love: February 2013 Edition

A new month, a new THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY! Here is what I have swooned and loved in the month of February.

--This video is hysterical. Thanks Veronica for the share on FB:

--That one of my favorite bands Bullet for My Valentine will be releasing a new album on February 12th. Here is one of the singles from their new album:
I bought the whole album the day of its release and it has been on constant loop on my iPod. Fast, rhythmic drums followed with gut wrenching lyrics...LOVE LOVE LOVE.

--The launch of this company:

--Sending an email to the man Stan Lee himself to possibly donate his new companies books to my school.

--Having a weekly segment on my friends radio show about something I love....BOOKS!

--This cover of Losing My Religion by Lacuna Coil:

--The YouTube comedian Ryan Higa. Always brings a smile to my face. Look him up on YouTube at either nigahiga or HigaTV

--This website: Skeletor is Love Thank you Samantha for the share!

--Thanks to my friend Hector for sharing this video. Laughter for hours!

--Finally figuring out what this Harlem Shake thing is all about and watching various interpretation videos of it. Here are my three favorites:

--Trying acupuncture for my RA. So far it seems to be helping.

What did you love in the month of February?









What did you love in the month of February?

Bullying from a Geek Company? Yes it does happen.

As many of you are aware I am a geek. A proud one of that. I love reading comic books, regular books, playing board games and video games, watching various superhero movies and cartoons -- the list goes on and on. When a friend of mines You Tube webseries "Deadpool" was pulled off of YouTube by Marvel Enterprises due to "copyright infringement" even though the only thing used was the characters while a new story was in the process of unfolding, myself as well as my friends lodged a campaign to save the series. So much so a petition was made, which can be found here -- Save the Deadpool Webseries as well as a PSA for a call to SAVE ONE TO SAVE MANY which can be viewed here -- .

But now this has become more of a stand against bullying against a corporation. A corporation that we all thought would embrace the fact that fans were paying homage to their characters. A corporation that we all thought would stand behind someone who has a dream of becoming a filmmaker in an industry that we all know can be hard to break into. That corporation -- MARVEL ENTERPRISES.

Now I know what you are all thinking -- how can a company, a comic book company founded by the god of all geeks Stan Lee, become a bullying corporation who only listens to people who have money? Here is the story.

The entire Marvel Enterprises is not a bullying corporation but there is someone working inside of it that is. Upon conversing with Chris Notarile and Andrea, who are the main people of Blinky Productions and the company who was producing Deadpool WS, it has come to light that the employee that they were dealing with did not give his real name simply because of this statement -- Chris was told that he "should not be making films period" which in laments terms means your work sucks as well as other demeaning things to try and break Chris' spirit. Unfornuately it almost did but Chris has perserved and is using this as fuel for his passion. This person is still employed by Marvel and his behaviour reflects on the whole company. It is just not the correct way to do business nor is it a way to speak to fans. Obviously this employee had a dream of working at Marvel. What gives him the right to possibly destroy the spirit and dream of another man? None whatsoever.

At this point, I am slowly thinking of not supporting anything new that Marvel Enterprises comes out with. Besides, I am more of a DC girl anyway. But I will be damned if I am going to spend my money on a corporation that treats their fans like utter crap. The best way to fight the system is to one not spend your money on their product and two not support anything they do. Yes I know Iron Man 3 and Thor 2 is coming out this summer/year but who is to say I have to spend my money in a movie theater? I can wait for it to come to Netflix.

So all of you out there who have dreams, I emplore you -- DO NOT SUPPORT ANYTHING OF MARVEL ENTERPRISES. One person tried to destroy and demean and that is a reflection on the company as a whole. Us "geeks" need to stand together. Thank you.

Things I Love: January Favorites

Welcome to the first Things I Love blog feature! I used to do this every Thursday but life simply caught up with me and I did not have time to type it up in my blog but always had time to write it in my notebook. So instead I am going to do this on the last Thursday of the month and list all of my favorites/what I loved for the month! So let us get this started.

Here is what I loved for the month of January

-- Juliet Landau (Drusilla from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) sent me an invite for her latest film that she directed called DREAM OUT LOUD. The premiere was on Friday January 18th. Problem was it was in Pasadena, CA. I emailed her back asking if there will be a premiere in NYC. Still all in all, I was invited to a movie premiere by Juliet Landau!

--Getting into a band named Asking Alexandria. Here is a video of their song "Not the American Average":

--Going into LUSH Cosmetics and saying "I want big old '80s Jersey kind of hair" and having one of the salespeople recommend products!

--My friend Damian Vargas new web series "Deadpool". I have linked it on my Facebook but just in case you have not seen it, here it is: UPDATE: Due to a troll, Marvel Enterprises has forced Blinky Productions to remove this series as well as 14 other fan films because of some "copyright thing". Whatevs. Join the fight to save fan films! SAVE ONE TO SAVE MANY:

--Getting the opportunity to sit on the red carpet of the 85th Academy Awards. Unfornuately the flight to LA was expensive so I passed on it. But to still have that opportunity is awesome.

--Perfect for January when you make your new years goals, this adorable little girl sings Don't Stop, Don't Give Up for about a minute. Adorable and a nice message

--Becoming a contributing writer for Speaking of the Devils a blog about the New Jersey Devils.

--Receiving my first random compliment from a stranger. Was told not only am I smart (was studying some French at Argo Tea Cafe) that I am also really pretty. Felt good.

--Listening and talking to senior citizen aged men at Argo Tea Cafe. Great learning opportunity.

--Argo Tea Cafe. This place is becoming my local weekend hangout, when I do not have anything else planned or just need some chill time.

--Getting awesome news from my rheumatologist concerning my RA. Yes I still have it but my liver enzymes are normal, my Vitamin D is where it is supposed to be, my anemia is gone. So right now the only thing wrong is my inflammation level. So I was told to continue doing what I am doing which is this for those who have asked -- No red meat, no dairy, no citrus fruits, no strawberries (allergic), no white anything (white flour, white sugar, high fructose corn syrup), no artifical sweeteners, no boxed foods or processed foods, nothing fried. All I eat is chicken, turkey, fish, olives, blueberries, apples,bananas, soy or almond milk pudding, beans, green tea, salad. I also take Vitamin C, D, turmeric, and fish oil supplements as well as my prescriptions. I am on my way to recovery!

--Go Macrobars in Chocolate Protein or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. Yummy, healthy, and vegan. Thank goodness I found a sweet treat to enjoy besides soy pudding or almond milk pudding!

--Finding a new dentist and having heavy metal music play during my x-rays and cleaning.

--Going to the movies with my father. This used to be our every Saturday date and then I became a teenager. We saw Les Miserables and it was wonderful.

This look book from Wildfox Couture based on the movie Clueless.

--This version of Bad Romance covered by Halestorm:


What did you love in the month of January?

Five Things I'm Looking Forward to in 2013

I saw this on my friend Jay's blog, which is located at The Sexy Armpit -- A Whiff of Pop Culture from New Jersey and thought this would be a great idea for my blog. So lets get this party started.

5: Traveling to San Diego and San Francisco in August 2013. One of my goals is to visit every state in the United States and while I have visited California already, I had a great time in San Diego and I understand San Francisco is beautiful and I will get to tour ALCATRAZ. Can not wait.

4: Scarlett Johansson on Broadway in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. This is one of my favorite plays by Tennessee Williams and for it to be back on Broadway, I can not wait. Bought my ticket for my birthday! Here is the trailer for it:

3: DRAGON CON! I am always looking forward to Dragon Con.

2: The re-release of Castle Greyskull! When I was younger I was an avid collector of anything Masters of the Universe. I still have some of my old figures but Castle Greyskull and Snake Mountain unfornuately received water damage while in my basement. Well...it looks like I might have the opportunity to own it once again! Here it is the trailer:

1: Various Movies! This geek girl is looking forward to -- Thor: The Dark Worlds, Man of Steel, The Lone Ranger, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, Warm Bodies, Oz: The Great and Powerful, The Evil Dead (yes it is a remake but it looks awesome), Iron Man 3, Star Trek Into Darkness, Kick Ass 2, Despicable Me 2, The Wolverine, RED 2, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (!!!).

What are you looking forward to in 2013?

My Review of the Museum of Mathematics

New York City is home to many museums covering various institutions and history -- dedicated to everything from Native American history to tenement housing to the very controversial topic of sex. It came to no surprise, well to myself anyway, that a subject most people hate/dread would land a permanent location in NYC.

The Museum of Mathematics is located on East 26th Street between 5th and Madison Avenue and is considered the standing fixture of "Math Midway" -- a traveling exhibition that first showed its factorial edge at the 2009 World Science Festival. While I enjoy a good lecture, MoMath (the Museums nickname) offers 30+ exhibits which ranges in topics from geometry to algebra. The museum's focus is to fulfill an incredible demand for hands on math programming as well as to enhance public understanding and perception of mathematics in daily life.

I visited the museum on its opening day which was December 15, 2012 and since it was their first day open to the public there were plenty of glitches. I could not create my symbol for the MoMath Logo Generator so I could not tailor my visit to identify where I was in the building. The gears for the Hyper Hyperboloid exhibit which is a chamber walled by vertical cords and when you spin in a swivel chair the cords come together to create a curved surface around you -- well the cords kept on getting stuck together. Formula Morph exhibit -- the computer kept on freezing. The velcro shapes for the Water Frieze (which was my favorite exhibit as I love things with patterns) would not stick properly. Also not all of the exhibits were opened yet. But again, this is reminiscent of having first day of school jitters -- if it can go wrong, it will. Do not let this hinder you from going.

Even with the Dr. House cane (thanks Veronica for the nickname!) with me, I enjoyed the museum. You do have to read the screens next to the particular exhibit you are viewing to understand what you are doing which in my opinion should be S.O.P at every museum but what do I know. The only problem I foresee with everything being so hands on and reliant on technology the museum might not last or hold interest -- unless you are in love with mathematics. Try it out on a Saturday or Sunday in the new year. Give the museum some time though to be open for a while. Hopefully the glitches I experienced will be gone.