Mindy Kaling: Warrior Goddess of Sitcoms

That title is a title I think Mindy would like, which is why I am giving it to her. I have no knowledge of if she ever has been or will be a warrior and/or a goddess, but I know if she wanted to, she totally could.

I just finished reading this excellent profile on Mindy Kaling in Vulture. It's awesome and you should read it (or at least TFL). Also, you should watch the pilot of her show, The Mindy Project on Hulu, and then watch the premiere on September 25th.

I recently finished Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) and it really is an excellent collection of memoir-essays. There were so many times when I laughed out loud and/or thought, "Yes! That is EXACTLY what high school/college/post-college/writing/friends/etc is like!" Reading this article so shortly after finishing the book, I'm shocked and saddened about Ms. Kaling's mom passing away at the same time her book, which portrays her relationship with her parents and particularly her mom so lovingly, was released and her pilot, which bestows upon Mindy her mother's profession, was ordered. I certainly can't picture life without my mom, whom I love so much, and I can't imagine how devastated Mindy was and probably still is. I admire her for being honest about not dwelling on or sugarcoating the tragedy, instead simply stating that, "It just seems so fucking unfair." It is. No wonder she sings "Country Road" at karaoke (and it's an incredible song, of course).

I also appreciate that she wanted more non-white babies on her computer screen. Don't we all.

Neil Gaiman's Make Good Art Makes a Good Comic

Zen Pencils published a great condensed, comic version of Neil Gaiman's recent graduation speech, with the tagline "Make good art." 

Read the the full version here. It's short, funny, and sweet in a twisted kind of way.

[via Neatorama]

Reunited

A couple from Des Moines, Iowa who had been married for 72 years passed away this week an hour apart from each other, holding hands.

Gordon died at 3:38pm holding hands with his wife as the family they built surrounded them. "It was really strange, they were holding hands, and dad stopped breathing but I couldn't figure out what was going on because the heart monitor was still going," said Dennis Yeager. "But we were like, he isn't breathing. How does he still have a heart beat? The nurse checked and said that's because they were holding hands and it's going through them. Her heart was beating through him and picking it up." 

"They were still getting her heartbeat through him," said Donna Sheets.

It sounds like a beautiful way to leave this world.

I know of another couple who have been reunited in the great beyond this week. I'm happy for them, though I'm sad that so many of us here below will miss having them around us. But you can't separate love like that forever, and one had to return to the other.

[KCCI via Neatorama]

The 10th Anniversary

Here are few videos and links from the anniversary memorials today.

Paul Simon sings "The Sound of Silence" in New York.

Bill Clinton speaks about the sacrifice of the citizens on United 93.

A Place to Love Dogs remembers the service dogs who helped the day of and in days afterwards.

And Dan Meth created a video of all the cameos the World Trade Center made in films throughout the years.

Twin Tower Cameos from Dan Meth on Vimeo.


The Atlantic consolidated speeches by President Obama and President Bush, as well.

As of now, the memorial at the World Trade Center is too crowded to get a close look, but I'd like to see it in a few days, when the crowds clear, especially the crowds of "Truthers" protesting outside. The hundreds of servicemen and women in the area has been comforting, though. It's incredible that they all came out on this day. Security has certainly been stepped up for today, as well, with police helicopters patrolling above and at least one or two policemen and women on each corner.

Yesterday, I went to a baby shower with several coworkers. We talked about where we were when it happened and how we felt. Several were living in New York at the time, some just starting classes, others debating whether to stay in the city or move to the suburbs. They said that it took years to readjust after September 11, 2001. They said they've a rush of that same panic and fear whenever we've had another close call - like the attempted Times Square bombing last year - or even when several blocks are closed suddenly and unexpectedly.

I moved to New York four years after it happened, when the city was more or less back on its feet. I moved to the Financial District eight years after it happened. I feel very close to this city and to the event, much closer than in 2001. I've been here for over six years, after all. However, I know that as much as I sympathize with my coworkers, friends, and family who were here, I can never feel what they felt. I can only hope that it doesn't happen again, and that they never have to feel that panic, fear, or sadness that they felt ten years ago ever again.

Muppets Take Manhattan - Again!

Wow! The Rainbow Connection has arrived here in New York (and I'm not just talking about the first weekend of gay marriages)!

The Museum of the Moving Image is hosting the traveling show, "Jim Henson's Fantastic World" from now until January. I can't wait to go see it!

Each weekend they'll have Muppet-related movies and events (I think I'm going to go see "Muppets History 101" on Saturday at 1pm if anyone's interested in joining me!) that will help you discover more about Jim Henson's life, career, and the legacy of films, TV shows, and overall great Muppet-ified storytelling he created.

The exhibit itself will hold classic Muppets, including Kermit and his crew, as well as "objects related to the inspired imaginary world of... "The Dark Crystal," (Oooo, do you think that means they have UrSkeks??) along with drawings, sketches, storyboards, and all kinds of other materials from his workshop.

Who's coming with me?

[Article via Neatorama, more info at the MOMI]

Stay Safe in the Sun

The Hairpin has another excellent write-up, though very different from Harry Potter fun - this time all about sunscreen safety. Check it out. It's really informative.

They include this incredible infographic from informationisbeautiful all about how much sunscreen you should wear depending on your current skin tone. You can buy it as a high-res PDF on their website.

Voice in the Vent: Sound Advice

The Voice in the Vent was giving out fashion tips at 8am this morning. Overheard was the following piece of sage (or should I say lime) advice:

"Don't wear something gray! Gray matches the day. Put on something bright and colorful. That way you'll stand out!"

Free fashion tips like these? That rhyme? Yes, please! I put on a bright red sweater after hearing VITV's advice and it has done me well on this dreary day.

Thanks, VITV! And keep it coming!

Lightning Will Blow Your Mind

I've had lightning on the brain a lot since my vacation. We were in a beach town where it rained a lot at night and had this brilliant lightning storms. Then, this past weekend we spent a night in the country and another brilliant lightning storm lit up the night. It really made me wonder about how lightning works. Well, here's all the explanation I needed. At 9,000 frames per second, this minute and a half long clip only covers two seconds of real time.



Apparently, lighting does strike the same place twice. In this case, many, many more times than twice.

[Thanks, Neatorama!]

The Harsh Reality of Adulthood

I'm hoping and wishing and knocking on wood that tomorrow won't bring the Snowpocalypse that weathermen everywhere are forecasting. Why?

Is it...

A) Because I'm worried about all the people who might experience power shortages and losses?
B) The damage it may do to people in need?
C) I know my job won't give me a snow day and I don't want to be insanely jealous of everyone else in New York that will?

Answer: C

Of course A and B, as well, but definitely C. I've never gotten to sled on a real hill in a real sled before. And while I don't own a sled, I know I could at least find a hill if I had the time.

Sigh. I'm finally in a place where there is snow, and I can no longer enjoy it. Unless it snows on a weekend. Valentine's Day Snow In, perhaps?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone! I've been on a little wintry break back home in Big D, but I'll catch up in a few days, no worries.

Have a great day, Readers!

A Sad Day

I'm sorry I haven't been posting the past few days. We all lost a great man, though some of you may not know much about him. Here's just a little bit...

A Few Words about Henry S. Miller, Jr.

He did much more than any amount of articles could explain, but this was a nice start. He even made the front page of the Dallas Morning News.

He was a much-loved son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and man, and he will be missed.

You Can But You Can't But You Can

I just read an interesting article about Pro Bonson's book "What Should I Do With My Life?" which is basically a bunch of anecdotes from people about their careers and lives and how it all worked out. In it, the writer notes that none of the people who planned on doing a "practical" career first and then, after gaining enough wealth, switch to the career they always wanted.

For whatever reason - the comfort, the ease, the financial security, societal pressures, etc - they ended up stuck in that first position, too afraid to make the plunge into deeper waters. He suggests, then, that those stuck in this position, or those who, like me, have yet to choose a position, should just go ahead and plunge in head first and never look back. Once they're in up to their eyeballs, they'll realize they made the right decision.

What he doesn't account for, though, are all the people who, like many of my friends or comedians I know, had to do something - anything - for many years to earn enough money to live on while they pursued comedy or writing at night, almost as their second job. The difference, really, is a shift in focus. Instead of focusing on the day job, there's a focus on the night job. The day job is something you can take or leave. You have no attachment, or at least, no attachment too strong. So if you do have to leave it for a night job opportunity, you will. In that way, it goes along with this writer's "closed door" opinion, in that you turn your day job into a closed door - something that does not and cannot matter to you.

But what if you end up really enjoying your day job? What if, it turns out, you can funnel your creative energy into this position and feel satisfied at the end of the day? So that when you go to your night job, it seems less of a job and more of fun hobby. Suddenly, it's the one you can take or leave. I wonder how often that happens. And I don't mean someone "gives up." I'm not talking about some bitter dancer or film director who is still the host at TGI Fridays because they never got his or her "big break." No, the people who thought they wanted one thing, but then get swept into something completely different on accident.

In the end, I don't know which one I'll become - though here's hoping not the super depressed conciliatory person - but despite what the other writer said, I think the best attitude would be to keep all your doors open, because you never know all the places you can be happy.

Why I (Won't) Miss College:

Remember when I said that I'd miss the sex/masturbatory/music noises echoing through the paper-thin walls of my dorm room?

Apparently my apartment walls are just as thin. I'm extremely happy that I'll begin working next week so I won't have to listen to the mid-morning self-pleasure-fest that is part of my (unemployed?) neighbor's daily routine anymore.

So life after college isn't that different after all. Contented sigh.

SPF: Screen Me Up, Scotty!

This is how I've always felt about sunscreen, as well. I wish they had suggested the amount you need daily for your face, though, as that's what I have to cover all the time. I guess one of the few benefits of living in New York is that the sun isn't as strong as in other places, but I'm interested in seeing how well I fare this summer now that I'm "at-risk" (damn you, immunosuppresants!). Apparently, in addition to my sunscreen regimine, I may need to invest in some wide-brimmed hats. I'm fine with that pending the wideness of the hat doesn't encompass me entirely (with someone so small, it just might. These are the things I have to consider).

I'd also like to note that last night I had a dream that I was wearing a tankini in a completely inefficient way to hide my scar. I think it's because a friend and I were discussing how inadequate tankini's are in covering up excess pudge. I mean, they cut off right where your pudge, or in my case scar, would be. Apparently, though, my subconscious needed to confirm this discussion in dream form. Dream agreed. Tankinis are lame.

Bring Back Sick Days!

I can't agree more with this article.

I feel like people and companies don't understand the consequences of employees coming to work sick.

1) You can't work at quickly or efficiently.
2) You'll stay sicker longer.
3) You'll infect other workers.

These three effects lead to worse effects: an overall reduction of productivity and completed (good) work by the first person, the spreading and repetition of a disease that will continue to have lasting effects on productivity on all workers, and reduced morale overall.

If they had let that one person take one or two sick days, they can make up their work when they've healed and are not contagious. Also, they'll heal a lot faster if they're at home resting than pushing themselves at work. No one else's work will suffer. Everyone will be happier and feel like they're entering a safe working environment. There are literally no down sides.

I can't tell you how important it will be for my future office to maintain a "go home!" policy. I, specifically, am a person who cannot now nor will ever afford to get sick. I need to make sure my work environment can help me achieve continue to live safely.

What can you do to help? Talk to your employer about your company's policy. Politely ask a coworker to take the day off. Don't go to work when you're sick even if you feel pressured to by your boss or coworkers. In the long run, you'll be doing everyone a favor.

Aparment Move-In Tips:

1) Building IKEA furniture by yourself is not recommended unless that object is a small to medium-sized lamp.

2) Do not build furniture during the following times: after a hard day's work, when you are in a rush, when you are in a bad mood, when you lack the proper tools or tool-substitutes, late at night if you have to wake up early the next day, when you really would rather do anything else than build furniture.

3) Avoid allowing either yourself or your building partner to do most of the work. It will lead to an un-fun mixture of resentment and guilt. Better both your backs hurt and you both get back rubs than a one-way exchange.

4) Follow the instructions to the best of your ability, but don't get bogged down when you/IKEA f's up every now and then. It happens. As long as your furniture can still do it's job, you're good.

5) And this is the most important: make it fun. Make fun of the weird Swedish omni-sexual people on the instructions. Make fun of the fact that there are no words to go with the instructions. Try to think of everyday metaphors that you can equate to building in an entertaining way (i.e. sexual innuendo!). Think of it as time to chat with a good friend or a good upper-body workout or even just one of the few times in your life when you're building something that you will use everyday. Hey, that's neat.

Happy building, everyone, and let me know if you need an extra lamp... I may have one or two too many.

Aparment Move-In Tips:

1) Trying to carry a box to your new apartment via the subway is a perilous, painful adventure. I would not recommend it. Trying to do this with all of your boxes may or may not end in failure. I quickly gave up the endeavor.

2) Trying to move bags and boxes in a cab is a much simpler, though more expensive, endeavor. Eventually you have to weigh how much you really, really don't want to drive a U-Haul vs. how much you secretly realize you're losing expense-wise.

3) Building IKEA goods is a fun, inexpensive form of exercise. That is, until the wheels on your swivel chair require you bashing them into the base of the chair with a makeshift rubber mallet (i.e. the rubber heel on your nice black boots).

4) When you realize the glasses you bought during your first, overwhelming (and clearly mind-numbing) IKEA trip are comically tall and awkwardly shaped, decide it was intentional, and use it as a conversation starter. They will also come in handy for funny cocktails, milk (or protein) shakes, and, really, they do hold a lot of water. That's a nice feature.

Good luck! But, please, don't break a leg. Yours, your friend's, or the leg of your swivel chair.

OMG COLLEGE IS ENDING!

Why did it only hit me today that I will miss college?

I have no idea. Maybe it was because today I had my last lecture and workshop classes in college. EVER. Maybe it was the cool breeze and the perfect temperature outside that just made me want to lie in the grass and think about life. Maybe it was those delicious (vegan!!) brownies we had at my last screenwriting class. Maybe it was realizing that I won't see the familiar faces from my Columbia world anymore: my professors, my class-friends, the random movie posters that line the walls of Dodge. Oh jeez, I'm going to need to start using Facebook as a friend-maintainer!

Gah! Why do I suddenly have the urge to apply to graduate school? I wanted it to be over so badly, but I'm going to miss my weekly screenwriting sessions, my bitching about work that I secretly like doing, my obsessive need for approval by my professors, my making friends in classes and secretly hoping that when they get famous they'll help me out, and, weirdly enough, even the deadlines.

Thank goodness I'm signed up for Improv 101 at the UCB already. Now I just need to play the waiting game until another Sketch 301 shows up.

Can I start making my own deadlines? Or, more realistically, can I meet them? Who will tell me how to fix my writing now? I thrive on feedback! I am a feedback machine!

So, I guess what I'm really asking is: Anyone up for assembling an elite writing squad?

Sugar-Induced Dreams Return!

Over the last week, I've had about two or three pretty terrifying nightmares. I don't remember what they were or what happened, but they were mean and uncool. Fortunately, last night I had the following dream*:

First off, I was a member of some elite sorority where everyone had these amazing connections and all got great jobs everywhere. I, being one of these elite, chosen few, was stuck. Here I was getting job offers, but while all of my friends were going for their dreams, my opportunities were primarily janitorial or mass-produced-coffee-making-atorial. I was bummed, but willing. I mean, think about the economy, right? I'm not that great of a writer/artist/person anyway, right?

That's when the painting came to life. No joke. The random androgynous person portrayed in this super abstract, brightly-colored portrait on the wall that I think either two people were carrying or, more likely, was hovering midair burst forth in all their weird abstract color from the painting. It was like what I imagine a 3D movie looks like (I've never been, so this is definitely an incorrect portrayal, but whatevs), where the character, a 2D object, sticks half-in, half-out of the painting like a character in a pop-out book.

Any, he/she goes off on this very uplifting rant about how amazing of a person I am and how I should reach for my dreams and grab those stars up in the sky because they're mine for the taking, etc etc etc. He/She also very much enjoyed my screenplay. It's the first time I've ever had an ultra-confident mentor in my dreams, but I liked it, even if it did come from a 2D abstracted man-woman on a painting in a sorority that doesn't exist and I am not a member of. Interesting...

*Note that, as with all remembered dreams, this is fairly piecemeal and incoherent, whereas the dream itself made a lot of sense.

Is It Easy Being Green?

Some Simple Advice From Some Old Friends:

"Always be yourself. Never take yourself too seriously. And beware of advice from experts, pigs, and members of Parliament."
- Kermit the Frog

"Whenever characters become self-important or sentimental in the Muppets, then there's always a another character there to blow him up immediately. "
- Frank Oz