The Rainy Weekend: OCCASIONALLY MBT

I am absolutely not a fan of cold, wet weather.  Lucky for me, I live in a place that rarely has it.  Most of my weekends here in LA are spent - at least in some part - doing something outside.  BUT if not, I usually feel a little bit guilty for not taking "enough" advantage of the weather.  So when the rare rainy weekend arrives a little part of me is excited to put my lazy pants on, stay in, bury myself in blankets, and watch a marathon of either really bad-for-you/mindless (think "My Strange Addiction" or basically anything on TLC) or really excellent (think BAND OF BROTHERS or "Mad Men") television.

It's supposed to be rainy, windy, and in the 50's all weekend.  Brrrr!

On Sunday boyfriend and I might go ice-skating at the indoor rink near where he lives, but tomorrow will be spent entirely like this:

image source: heartanddesign.blogspot.com

Missing from this picture: my big fat orange tabby curled up next to me and mug of hot chocolate nearby.  Bliss.

What are your plans for the weekend?

(PS.  While we're on the topic of weather check out this crazy video of an iceberg breaking on Antarctica:  http://wxch.nl/warLhc)

The Times They Are a-Changin'

image source: klove.com

.

I mean literally, the time changed this weekend - did you remember to change your clocks?

On the one hand, I'm very glad for the change as it means it will be darker later, and therefore I will soon be able to feel comfortable walking home again, and therefore I will no longer need to bum rides.  Woohoo!  But on the other hand I am SUPER ridiculously tired today.  Let's hope that doesn't last.

Speaking of change, I first started this blog when our tanorexic friends from "Jersey Shore" were traipsing around Italy talking about how Florence was their best thing.  Since then they've returned to the states, filmed another season of the show at the Shore house, and dealt with many changes of their own, including a just-confirmed pregnancy.  Wowza.

So I thought it was time to ditch the Florence cityscape background and put up a new one.  What do you think?

HAPPY PURIM!

I had full intentions of writing all about the Jewish holiday called Purim today, but I can't focus because ALL I WANT IS A FRIGGIN HAMENTASHEN.

image source: netglimse.com

I'm thinking of trekking to the nearest Jewish deli during lunch to see if they have any.  Or buying supplies and just baking them myself tonight.

In case you're really curious, here's a brief summary of the story of Purim.  Tradition says that you are supposed to drink so much at the Purim celebrations (which took place last night) that you can't tell the difference between the name of the villain and the name of the hero of the story.  It's also traditional to dress up in costume for these celebrations - kind of like a Jewish Halloween but without the running around in the dark asking strangers for candy.

Sounds fun right?  But lesbihonest, the best part is the hamentashen.

Seriously, if you have any, please bring me some RIGHT NOW.  kthxbai.

Paley Fest: IMBT

I realize this is brand new *shocking* information to you, but I enjoy television and watch a lot of it.

(I know none of you are the judge-y type, but just in case, this is all I have to say.)

One of the best things about living in Los Angeles (if you love film & television) is the near constant access to panels, screenings, events, etc. having to do with entertainment.  The WGA (Writers Guild of America) hosts panels about, quite indubitably, writing - I went to one back in 2009 with the writers of one of my all-time favorite shows, "LOST", which was fascinating.  The TV Academy hosts panels - often leading up to Emmy season - about current television programming.  I've been to panels featuring the executive producers and casts of "Mad Men", "The Office", "Glee", and many others over the years.  Similarly, the AMPAS (The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences - the same group that gives out the Oscars) hosts panels about all facets of filmmaking, particularly around Oscar time.  The individual guilds hosts panels as well - also back in 2009 I went to one hosted by MPSE (Motion Picture Sound Editors) about the Sound of STAR TREK.  To be honest, most of what was discussed went over my head, but J.J. Abrams was there which was pretty cool.

Mark P. Stoeckinger, left, J.J. Abrams and Maryann Brandon.

Photo by Mel Lambert|content-creators.com

If you just totally geeked out and want to read the some excerpts from the panel, you can actually do just that here.

ANYWAY, The Paley Center for Media (p.k.a. The Museum of Television and Radio) also hosts a series of panels over two weeks every spring - known as the Paley Fest - featuring mostly current hot shows and usually at least one "throwback" night (e.g. last year's "Undeclared"/"Freaks & Geeks" Reunion night).  As an attendee "you get to meet the casts and creators of your favorite shows, hear all the inside stories, and even participate in an itimate Q & A.  If you're a fan of these shows, or just are interested in how TV shows get from a writer's brain to your flat screen, you will enjoy these special evenings."  (Thanks KROQ)  I believe my first Paley Fest panel was the "Brothers and Sisters" one back in 2007 when it was still held at the DGA building.  Then "Gossip Girl" in 2008 at the Arclight, "True Blood" in 2009 at the Arclight, and "LOST" in 2010 (I was obsessed) at which point it had moved to the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills.

image source: fanpop.com

As ticket prices have gone up (almost all panel events in LA are free, with this noted exception), and I've moved further west (both home and office), it's been increasingly challenging to make it to the panels, especially on weeknights.  Fortunately for me (and YOU), the Paley Fest is streaming their panels live this year!!!  Not only can you watch all panels live for free, you can watch them in your pajamas while eating a bowl of mac and cheese!  (I am neither confirming nor denying that I've done such a thing.)  Additionally, if you really must insist on hitting the gym, a few of the panels will be posted on Hulu as well after 3/15.  Hooray!

image source: dailyactor.com

On Monday night I Livestreamed the "New Girl" panel.  As you may remember, I'm a big fan of the show and it was definitely interesting to hear them talk a little bit about the creative process.  They seem like they're all having a lot of fun working on the show, which in turn always makes the panels fun as well.  I had an event last night and wasn't able to catch the "Parks & Rec" panel, so I'm glad it's going up on Hulu (along with  Saturday's "Community" panel).  I've also set reminders in my calendar for next week's "Mad Men" and "Modern Family" panels.

Big props to the Paley Fest folks who made the decision to Livestream the panels.

Which ones will you be tuning in for?

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! It's EVERYONE'S Best Thing (3/2 Edition)

First and foremost, tomorrow is my brother's TWENTY-FIFTH (holy crap) birthday.  I don't usually post on the weekends so I want to take this opportunity to give him a shout-out AND give you guys a sneak peak at some photos from our recent family vacay (these were all taken on Josh's new camera).


HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!!

1st stop: Nassau, Bahamas (our ship is in the background)

this photo is my current desktop background

hope you're celebrating with some Captain Morgan (or whatever your drink of choice is) tomorrow night Josh!

Second, I've recently discovered some fantastic Tumblrs that I'd like to share with you:

The Fluffington Post:  "News" articles...  about fluffy things.

Kitten Shocked by How Much Time She Spends on Facebook






The World We Live In:  Beautiful travel photography.





Animals With Stuffed Animals:  Pretty much exactly what it sounds like.





City of Love:  More travel photos, a travel bucket list if you will.





All Creatures [Great and Small]:  More animals - some adorable, some not as much, but all interesting and beautiful in their own way.



Can you tell what my major interests are?


Cats That Look Like Ron Swanson:  For all my fellow Parks & Rec fans.





Michael Buble Being Stalked By a Velociraptor:  No explanation required.

And finally, to send you off in good spirits for the weekend, I give you the best basketball-related video I've seen in a long time:

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYBODY!!