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Things That Are Awesome, Vol. 12

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(image via GQ)

This week’s most awesome finds:

  1. Odds Are, You Probably Don’t Exist. A fascinating idea to consider.
  2. I’ve pretty much given up on Glee; I quit watching after the first episode of this season because it’s gotten downright awful at times. However, I saw this clip floating around the internet and I have to say it’s an amazing mash-up. You can’t go wrong with Adele.
  3. Those Who Stay Will Redeem Themselves – probably my favorite article about last weekend’s victory over Ohio State.
  4. Okay, these vintage ads are decidedly not awesome, but they did make me laugh at how ridiculous they are. They are all offensive, but my personal vote for the worst would be: Most men ask, “is she pretty?,” not, “is she clever?”
  5. I love this so much – Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake are two of GQ’s Men of the Year, and their interview and pictures together make me so happy. Adorable.
  6. This video, where Diane von Furstenberg talks about her travel philosophy, is great. First, I love DvF (one of the all-time most stylish women). Second, the illustrations are so charming.
  7. This sounds like the best trip ever. Aziz Ansari AND David Chang in Tokyo, drinking Zima? Hilarity ensues.
  8. Nostalgia Fact-Check: a series of blog posts on New York Magazine’s website, re-examining old movies/TV shows/music. This is such a fun idea (and perhaps one I might steal for my own blog?). I especially love the posts on Dawson’s Creek and Ace of Base – two things that, I’ll admit, I loved way back in the day, but that don’t hold up quite so well now.
  9. I found this compilation of analogies, and some of them are hilarious (some hilariously good, others hilariously bad). I have no idea why, but I think I liked this one the best: “The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn’t.”
  10. I can’t believe I’ve never seen this before. Damn right, that’s hurting my scar. I’ll never be able to hear “Milkshake” the same way again.

Check it: The Awesome Archives

Things That Are Awesome, Vol. 10

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This week’s collection of internet awesomeness:

  1. I am SO EXCITED for this movie. Yes, all caps. What am I, a sixteen-year old girl??
  2. Last week’s Amazing Race involved a bunny steeplechase race, which I did not even realize was an actual thing. However, it was super adorable, and now I’m obsessed. See this and this for proof.
  3. Lately I’ve been reading a lot of travel blogs/blogs about living abroad in Europe. (A girl can dream, right?) I stumbled upon this set of photos from Versailles and it’s making me want to go back to Paris so badly.
  4. Chris Martin and Jimmy Fallon do the worm. How delightful is Chris Martin? (Answer: super delightful).
  5. This is awesome – Beyonce songs re-imagined as undergraduate theses in women’s and gender studies. I wish I would spontaneously think of things this funny.
  6. Jenny Slate and co. made another Marcel the Shell video! When I saw this, it totally made my day. The first Marcel video was brilliant, and I think this one is too. (Favorite line: “I mean, it was pretty hard at the time, but now I always just think, oh, she’s traveling.” Second favorite line: “Sometimes I read a receipt. I like to get a feel for the daily life.”)
  7. Aziz Ansari is hilarious. And yes, oddly sexy. (Also: why is Bradley Cooper this year’s Sexiest Man Alive? He’s kind of from Planet Douchealon, no? Five points if you get that reference.)
  8. And on that note: 63 reasons why Bradley Cooper is not the sexiest man alive.
  9. An interesting read on Detroit. And also, there’s a HuffPost Detroit now! Pretty cool.
  10. And finally, in anticipation of the holiday – a lovely article on finding Thanksgiving in Paris. I had a smile on my face while reading this.

I think this is my favorite list of awesome, ever. Just so many of the things I love the most. But if you still want more, check out the Awesome Archives.

Things That Are Awesome, Vol. 8

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This week’s awesome:

  1. Parks and Rec quote of the week: “Most people would say the deets. I say the tails. Just one example of innovation.” (Tom Haverford. Always.)
  2. And even more – seven minutes of Tom Haverford hitting on women. Love Aziz Ansari.
  3. Ryan Gosling vs. puppies? It’s pretty much a toss-up.
  4. I often get excited about an upcoming movie from its trailer, but I’m almost certain I’ve never decided I had to see a movie based on the poster alone. But this one convinced me.
  5. If I had had a blog back when the Royal Wedding aired, I definitely would have blogged about how obsessed with it I was (answer: very). To make up for that, these are the best Halloween costumes the Today show has ever done.
  6. This weekly list is fast becoming a list of things that made me cry. Case in point: A eulogy for Steve Jobs, written by his sister.
  7. Seven Decades of TV Catchphrases. I found this collection pretty amusing. My favorites? “We were on a break!,” “Do it rockapella!,” “Come on!,” “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose,” “Moving target penny can!,” and (of course) “I’m Chuck Bass.”
  8. I never thought that I would use “Salman Rushdie” and “Kim Kardashian” in the same sentence, but then this happened. And it was awesome.
  9. I found this video of bloopers from Friends – love it! The best parts are Lisa Kudrow’s laugh and David Schwimmer yelling, “PIVOT!” After watching it, I fell down a rabbit hole of Friends videos on You Tube and ended up watching this and this and this too. I miss Friends.
  10. Awkward Family Pet Photos. I especially love the one where two of the daughters are holding cats and the third (possibly the unloved black sheep of the family) is holding a plant.

In need of more awesome? Look no further.

A2 Bucket List: Zingerman’s Deli

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Number 1 on my Ann Arbor Bucket list was to have a sandwich at Zingerman’s.

What can I say about Zingerman’s that hasn’t already been said somewhere by someone else? It’s an Ann Arbor institution. It’s delicious. It’s a tad bit pricey. Aziz Ansari loves it. And, it is fantastic.

First, I spent some time browsing around the shop. So many cool products for sale. It’s times like these I wish I was still employed and could spend $40 on a bottle of olive oil.

Then, while I waited for my sandwich, I stopped by their bakery next door and grabbed some gelato. Back story: I read in People magazine that Mario Batali loves their ginger gelato. My first reaction was: that’s disgusting. Ginger gelato? I mean, doesn’t that sound kind of strange? My second reaction was: I’m going to try it and find out for sure.

Verdict: it’s pretty tasty, actually. A little too ginger-y for me, but I guess that’s kind of implicit in the name. It’s definitely not a gelato I’d select on a regular basis, but it was an interesting experience. I’d give it an unexpected thumbs up.

Finally, the main reason for my visit – a sandwich. I chose the #27, “Pat and Dick’s Honeymooner,” which is described as “smoked turkey breast, Wisconsin muenster & sweet-hot honeycup mustard on grilled challah bread.” It was yummy, but the “sweet-hot” mustard was a little heavy on the “hot” for me. I also got a gigantic pickle. When they asked me if I wanted a “big” pickle, I forgot that when they say big, they aren’t kidding. That thing was huge. But delicious. (I really want to say “that’s what she said” right now, but that’s way too immature, right?)

Anyway…here it is:

And that was my glorious day at Zingerman’s. 6 down, 54 to go!

Emmys 2011: Wishes + Gripes

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I love award shows. I love the red carpet fashion and the cheesy acceptance speeches and the video montages. But perhaps most of all, I love analyzing the nominees and bitching about my favorites who weren’t nominated. So, with the Emmys airing tonight, what better time to do just that? Here’s my take on the ten major categories (and, no, all that miniseries crap does not count).

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Jane Lynch – Glee
  • Betty White – Hot in Cleveland
  • Julie Bowen – Modern Family
  • Kristen Wiig – Saturday Night Live
  • Jane Krakowski – 30 Rock
  • Sofia Vergara – Modern Family
  • Who Should Win: In an almost neck and neck race with Julie Bowen, I’d give it to Sofia Vergara, who could win this award almost on the strength of her accent alone. Please, please don’t let Betty White win. I mean, yes, I get it, everyone loves Betty White. That doesn’t mean we have to nominate her for starring in a mediocre show on TV Land.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: Busy Phillips from Cougar Town. She is completely, wonderfully over the top and makes me laugh every single week. Sample quip: “I used to watch Jeopardy! every day because I had a major lady rod for Alex Trebek. Till I found out he was Canadian. Gross.”

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Jon Cryer – Two and a Half Men
  • Chris Colfer – Glee
  • Jesse Tyler Ferguson – Modern Family
  • Ed O’Neill – Modern Family
  • Eric Stonestreet – Modern Family
  • Ty Burrell – Modern Family
  • Who Should Win: Can we have a four way tie between the Modern Family guys? If not, I’d give it to Ty Burrell. I love how clueless but super lovable he makes Phil.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: No contest – the biggest snub in ANY category is Nick Offerman from Parks and Rec. Seriously, Ron Swanson is unbeatable. So many great moments – his cornrows, pulling out his own tooth, getting his eyebrows burned off, his pyramid of greatness, his plain and simple hamburger making skills. How is he not nominated? Also, I give an honorable mention to Aziz Ansari, who is fantastic. I have replayed the scene where he talks about food abbreviations countless times (chicky chicky parm parm, future birds, food rakes, long ass rice, apps and zerts. Pure comedy gold).

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Laura Linney – The Big C
  • Edie Falco – Nurse Jackie
  • Amy Poehler – Parks and Recreation
  • Melissa McCarthy – Mike & Molly
  • Martha Plimpton – Raising Hope
  • Tina Fey – 30 Rock
  • Who Should Win: Amy Poehler, fo sho. Basically, I want Leslie Knope to succeed in every one of her crazy ventures because Poehler makes her so dorkily lovable and relateable. And here’s a plea for Tina Fey not to win for the 547th time. Seriously, we’re over it.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: Courtney Cox, at long last. Never nominated for Friends, and now never nominated for Cougar Town. It’s a travesty, and Jules Cobb can only cope by curling up in her blumfy with a gigantic glass of wine from Big Carl.

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Matt LeBlanc – Episodes
  • Jim Parsons – The Big Bang Theory
  • Steve Carell – The Office
  • Johnny Galecki – The Big Bang Theory
  • Louis CK – Louie
  • Alec Baldwin – 30 Rock
  • Who Should Win: If I had seen Episodes, I have a suspicion Matt LeBlanc would’ve gotten my nod. But since I haven’t, I’ll have to go with Steve Carrell. I’m glad Michael Scott got his happy ending, and Steve Carrell should get one too.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: I’m not sure if he submitted himself for Lead Actor or Supporting, but I’d go with John Krasinski. How has he never been nominated? Yeah, the Office’s glory days are far behind it, but Jim Halpert is always wonderful.

Comedy Series

  • Glee
  • Parks and Recreation
  • The Office
  • Modern Family
  • 30 Rock
  • The Big Bang Theory
  • Who Should Win: I am completely torn between Parks and Rec and Modern Family. I say the Emmys spread the love around a bit and give it to Parks and Rec this year. The Modern Family ensemble always gets major props, but I think the Parks and Rec cast is equally outstanding.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: At this point, this will come as no surprise – Cougar Town! This show is completely underrated – I only know like 2 people who watch it, which is a shame because it’s consistently hilarious. I aspire to this life one day – never working, and sitting around all day with friends to talk, play stupid games, and drink liberal amounts of wine. Penny can!!!

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

  • Kelly Macdonald – Boardwalk Empire
  • Christina Hendricks – Mad Men
  • Michelle Forbes – The Killing
  • Archie Panjabi – The Good Wife
  • Margo Martindale – Justified
  • Christine Baranski – The Good Wife
  • Who Should Win: I don’t regularly watch any of these shows, so it’s a toss up for me. I’d probably give it to Christina Hendricks because, even though I really dislike Mad Men, she’s one of the more entertaining parts of it.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: Yeah, she’s at least half the age of every nominee, but she kicks way more ass – Maisie Williams from Game of Thrones. I can’t believe more actors from this show weren’t nominated!

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

the tudors

  • John Slattery – Mad Men
  • Andre Braugher – Men of a Certain Age
  • Walton Goggins – Justified
  • Peter Dinklage – Game of Thrones
  • Josh Charles – The Good Wife
  • Alan Cumming – The Good Wife
  • Who Should Win: No doubt – Peter Dinklage. Tyrion is such an awesome character in the novels – and Dinklage brings him to life perfectly.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: I love me some Henry Cavill in the Tudors. I know this show is kind of over the top and historically inaccurate, but I wish it would’ve gotten a smidgen more Emmy love. Especially for Henry Cavill. So fantastic. And beautiful.

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

  • Elisabeth Moss – Mad Men
  • Connie Britton – Friday Night Lights
  • Mariska Hargitay – Law & Order: SVU
  • Mireille Enos – The Killing
  • Julianna Margulies – The Good Wife
  • Kathy Bates – Harry’s Law
  • Who Should Win: Connie Britton, all the way. She makes Tammy no nonsense, wise, and humorous. Plus, she says “hey y’all” better than anyone else, ever.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: I think this category is pretty complete, and I don’t watch any of the shows that might have yielded a potential snub (e.g. January Jones in Mad Men, Anna Paquin in True Blood, etc). All that leaves me is Game of Throne’s Lena Headey. So awesome at being oh so evil.

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

  • Steve Buscemi – Boardwalk Empire
  • Michael C. Hall – Dexter
  • Kyle Chandler – Friday Night Lights
  • Jon Hamm – Mad Men
  • Hugh Laurie – House
  • Timothy Olyphant – Justified
  • Who Should Win: Please, please, please let Kyle Chandler win. Coach Taylor is second to none, and I love how Chandler injects a really dry sense of humor to the character. Plus, you know, clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: How about Nathan Fillion? I know Castle is kind of a dramedy, but I think it goes in this category. Fillion is such a good actor. Plus, anyone who got their start as Joey Buchanan gets a couple points in my book.

Drama Series

  • Boardwalk Empire
  • The Good Wife
  • Mad Men
  • Friday Night Lights
  • Dexter
  • Game of Thrones
  • Who Should Win: I will admit that I don’t watch nearly as much dramatic television as I do comedic, so perhaps it’s a bit unfair of me to judge this one. But, I’ll do it anyway since this is my blog. Game of Thrones trumps them all, hands down.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: I think this list is pretty solid. The only drama I watch that isn’t on the list is Blue Bloods, so I’ll go with that one (even though it’s not really Emmy-worthy).

Things That Are Awesome: Vol. 2

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This week’s roundup of things that I deem really, really awesome:

  1. Laduree opened a branch in New York. Yeah, yeah, it won’t have the same ambiance as Paris. But if it has salted caramel macarons, it will be fantastic.
  2. Entertainment Weekly’s Project Runway recaps are amazing and make me laugh every single week. Also, I think the show is really good this season. Not necessarily the talent of the designers, but the quality of the drama. And let’s be honest – isn’t that almost (if not more) important?
  3. This photoshoot of Alexa Chung in Harper’s Bazaar Australia. I always love her style (and yes, I know, in this particular instance, someone styled it for her). Fabulous.
  4. An old article, but new to me: The 10 Greatest Books of all Time. Interesting list, but I was more intrigued by the article itself – some of the choices from famous authors are off-the-wall. From the alleged top 10 list, I’ve read five (Hamlet, Anna Karenina, Lolita, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Great Gatsby). I’ve got some reading to do, I guess. You know, in the unlikely event that I ever get tired of reading long and confusing cases for class…
  5. This video of Michigan Women of the 1930s is adorable. “Take us to Mosher-Jordan!”
  6. I just discovered the 21 Questions column in New York Magazine, and this one with Padma Lakshmi is delightful. Once I started looking through the archives, I got sucked into a time-wasting vortex and found a bunch of others I liked. I think these ones are great too: Anne Brashares, Kristin Chenoweth, John Gallagher Jr., Michael Urie, and Mark Indelicato.
  7. This article: Life is a Game of Doubles. So true. I love tennis.
  8. Two things related to the anniversary of 9/11. First, this Spike Lee commercial was not only sweet, but also made me cry. And second, from 10 years ago, Jon Stewart’s first show after 9/11. It speaks for itself, but this part is incredible: “Any fool can blow something up. Any fool can destroy. But to see these guys, these firefighters, these policemen and people from all over the country, literally, with buckets rebuilding. That’s extraordinary. That’s why we’ve already won. It’s light. It’s democracy. We’ve already won. They can’t shut that down.”
  9. I love Matchbook Magazine. Their slogan alone is awesome: “Field Guide to a Charmed Life.” Plus, nearly everything they feature is an item I wish I had or wish I was stylish enough to have.
  10. Tom Haverfoods. This is the best website ever. The end.

And in case you missed it: Vol. 1