My quest to meet Tina Fey & NPH has taken me to the four corners of this Earth, so to speak.  I’ve attempted to place myself in positions that would enable me to “accidentally” run into these two saviors of comedy.  To quote the hubby, it’s not “stalking” . . . it’s “strategic networking.”  That’ll be my primary defense should I find myself handcuffed in the back of a black and white vehicle in front of NPH’s southern California pad as the cops confiscate my binoculars.  Because my script is so awesome, I won’t let them get their paws on that—see my inspiration below.

Last week, as part of my strategic networking plan, I headed over to Macy’s in downtown San Francisco to assist the SPCA with adoptions of dogs and cats.  Every year, during the holidays when people are overwhelmed by the haze of egg nog and David Archuleta’s Christmas album, the SPCA sets up window displays of adoptable animals at Macy’s.  I figured, on the off chance that Tina Fey or NPH have decided to visit San Francisco, they’d likely visit Union Square, and by assisting with the collection of donations, I would have a surefire way of being within 20 yards of my targets (I wonder what the average restraining order prescribes as a safe distance?).  So, with my collection jar in hand, an SPCA jacket on my back, and a friendly unassuming smile, I began my work.

Now, collecting donations in front of windows displaying kittens and a doggie is not that difficult, if you think about it.  The SPCA, however, helps you out by providing you with some simple instructions on how to encourage people to give.  Phrases like, “Gimme yo dough or the kitties be no mo” simply are not effective, as I was told with a wary eye.  They suggested something like, “Would you like to make a donation to the San Francisco SPCA?”  I found that line to be way too long and complicated, yielding in little money but instead leading to incessant questioning as to what “SPCA” stands for.  So, as a compromise between my catchy phrase and the party line, I decided to go with something along the lines of, “Would you like to make a donation to help these kittens find a real home?”  That worked pretty damn well, as I received plenty of singles, fives, ten-spots, and even a 20 in my two hours of volunteering.

I did not, however, manage to see Tina Fey or NPH.  However, I did accost approach each and every brunette woman donning glasses and ask for a donation, but none of them proved to be the target of my strategic networking.  At one point, I thought NPH had stormed in front of me screaming because he was so excited that he had finally been located by me, but alas, it was a somewhat crazy man telling all donators that they were going to hell for donating to dogs and not people.  As crazy man came near me, I quickly ingested my script, fearing that it was a ruse to get to my script of gold.  For days after, I payed dearly for that ingestion.  Will I ever find you, Tina Fey or NPH?  Hear my pleas.  Savor my devotion.

Discover me, Tina Fey & NPH!!!

I have continued to brainstorm means by which I can attract the attention of Tina Fey and NPH.  While I continue in this successless endeavor, I have honed my skills as a writer by watching hours and hours of television and cinema.  On Friday, I joined legions of other moviegoers in watching “Avatar,” the movie about blue people.  And for my two readers—don’t worry, I will provide fair warning as to any spoilers in this post.

To be perfectly frank, I did not want to see Avatar.  The preview did not adequately inspire me to want to spend hard-earned cash to sit in a cramped movie theater, attempting to watch the film while holding my pee (and cursing myself for drinking that last Diet Coke), and trying desperately not to curse at the idiots who insist on talking on the phone or texting a friend (who often happens to be sitting right next to that wretched and rude individual).  How exciting could a movie about blue people be?  As a child, I had a voracious appetite for all things Smurfs, at one point deciding that I would become Mrs. Handy Smurf.  Perhaps the movie is like the Smurfs?  Lots of blue people, with a single blue female who, by necessity, is the town whore?  Or perhaps the color of the indigenous people in Avatar is more symbolic, reflecting some sort of underlying theme or meaning behind a film that otherwise superficially appears to be the consequence of providing $230 million in expendable cash to a boy who likes special effects?  In any event, suffice it to say that I was not expecting to enjoy this film.  Indeed, I was expecting to leave this film feeling like I had just earned enough goodwill to force the hubby to attend the next feature film based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks.

Alas—and here come the spoilers—I LOVED this movie.  Yes, folks, I love the Na’vi.  The film contained just the right mix of conflict, fantasy, and romance to make me, an originally skeptical participant, into a real believer.  I like to think that the film itself is a strange mash-up of “The Last Samurai,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “The Smurfs.”  You’ll understand what I mean if you watch the film.  Negatives of the film include some horribly-written one-liners—likely a reflection of how Cameron views military personnel as individuals who are forced to shed humanity in favor of barbarousness; and the casting of Giovanni Ribisi, whose cheeks are just a little too pinchable for a character who the viewer is supposed to despise.  Additionally, the climactic fight scene to the death lasts just a bit too long, with GI Joe refusing to just fall over and die, making the film a bit Michael Bay-esque.

After watching this film in 2D format, I now must return to the theater to watch the 3D IMAX spectacle.  Perhaps, in honor of the film, I will paint myself blue, sprout a tail, and grow a magical ponytail that will enable me to control mythical aerial creatures.  One can only dream.

Discover me, Tina Fey & NPH!

Just for shits and giggles, here’s a picture of a female Na’vi with a sexy Smurf.  I’m growling right now.

Image Link

This weekend, I watched the film, Julie & Julia—primarily because it starred Meryl Streep and the chick from Enchanted.  I mean, Meryl Streep is like the most celebrated actor of all time.  She’s kind of like bacon.  If it’s got bacon, you know it’s gonna be good (except for that awful bacon dessert made by Kevin aka “the MIT guy” on Top Chef—can we say EW?).

I had no idea what to expect in watching the film, but I become quite envious of the Julie character (I was going to say spoiler alert, except it’s not a spoiler to state the complete obvious), because she effectively became rich and famous by blogging.  Julie earned her accolades by going through the Julia Child cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” and blogging about her attempts at accurately following the directions of the iconic American Frenchie, Julia Child.

So I’ve been inspired by Julie to continue in my pleas to Tina Fey and NPH who, to date, have yet to acknowledge my existence.  Although, in a moment of sheer insanity, I did believe that the most recent HIMYM contained NPH’s secret signals to me—you know, when he continually winked at the camera.  I was totally like, “Neil!  I see you!  I love you!  I will carry your lovechild!  I will travel to LA to find you and follow you in a totally legal and non-stalkerish fashion!”  I digress.

What can I, an attorney with outlandish dreams of eventually becoming an EGOT winner, possibly write about, on a consistent basis, that would yield in the achievement of my laughable fantasies?  I certainly don’t have the patience or wherewithal to cook from a fancy French cookbook every day (unless someone were to provide me with a substantial advance . . .).  I could write about my attempts at mimicking dance routines from SYTYCD, but such shenanigans cannot be adequately described in just words alone—just a couple weeks ago, I tried to complete at least 5 pirouettes in sequence and found that my body would effectively become frozen at about 3/4 of a pirouette, causing me to tumble to the floor in a heap of all that is not graceful.

Perhaps that, then, is why Tina and Neil have not discovered me.  I don’t have direction.  What shall I devote my blogging to in the upcoming days until my pending occupational nuptials with 30 Rock or HIMYM?

Screw it.  I like my current theme.  Discover me, Tina Fey & NPH!!!

Oh, the multitudes of pop culture jokes this show spawned. But once upon a time in 1989, it made its debut. The show opens with a 16-year-old kid taking his driving test in a Volvo station wagon. His overbearing mother has tagged along. When they see an accident ahead of them, the kid speeds up and jumps out of the car to assist. He amazes the police officers on the scene by taking charge and adjusting the victim’s leg to restore circulation. It’s a great, surprising opener that lets the viewer know all he or she needs to know. The opening credits fill in the details, with newspaper headlines about the child prodigy, Doogie Howser (Neil Patrick Harris), acing the SATs, graduating from Princeton, and becoming an M.D. all by age 14. And for an extra flourish of heroism, there’s one about how he delivered a baby in a mall. Nothing says 80s teenagerhood like a mall.

Next, Doogie is at the hospital, and we get a feel for the workplace dynamic. This is followed by a scene at home, where we see Doogie’s life as a normal teenager, goofing around with his buddy and making big plans for the upcoming school dance.

It’s a story of contrasts; the “regular” kid living in the same body with the genius medical professional. The poor kid gets pressure from all sides. His parents hassle him like all parents of teenagers, plus patients and other doctors don’t always take him seriously. (And he’s cute as a button!) Over dinner, his father speaks the theme of the show: “Emotional maturity is not a function of genius, it’s a function of experience.” We, the viewers, are going to be along for the ride as this young man gains some of that experience.

It’s got it’s amusing moments; Doogie’s horny boy banter with friend Vinnie (Max Casella) is, if not predictive of the Bro Code, at least typical of adolescent boys, and what’s not funny about that? And Doogie and Vinnie’s revenge scheme on doctor who embarrassed Doogie is a good chuckle. But this isn’t a laugh-out-loud kind of show. We get a sad story about how Doogie had leukemia as a child and went through chemo. He shares his experience with a sick child in need of a heart transplant. The tone is actually quite Scrubs-like, humorous moments contrasted with serious ones. There’s even a goofball musical sequence of Doogie getting dressed for the dance to Tone Loc’s “Wild Thing.” It’s followed soon by, in real Scrubs fashion, a heart-wrenching patient death. Doogie ends the episode typing into his computerized diary, “Kissed my first girl. Lost my first patient.” Again, contrasts. Also these experiences being firsts, it’s the right place in this character’s life to start telling his story.

I think I only ever watched this show once or twice when it aired, and I’m sure I had never seen the pilot. As a NPH fan, I was so excited to find that it’s now on Hulu. It’s fun looking at it through the lens of subsequent shows, but even standing alone, the pilot promises a sweet, touching, and unusual show.

Vampire chicks are hot because they don’t get old and you never have to see them during the day.

In September, at the start of the term for the AmeriCorps career corps, my team here at Delmar/Central were tasked with creating a computer class for the state career centers. We spent months planning and crafting what I feel  is a pretty comprehensive course for those who either never used a computer before or have limited access to one and needs to be brought up to speed. Its kinda like writing a manual for “How to teach my mom how to use the interwebs“.

As you can imagine this was not an easy task. But I figured if I can get my dad on facebook, then by god I can teach theses people that lolcats are the greatest thing mankind has ever invented! how to find jobs online! So my team and I completed our first week of basic computer skills training and I’m happy to report that it was awesome. I only blew one mind on Thursday and that’s when I told the class that yes you can in fact watch teevee on the internet.

And as of this Tuesday, we are now offering free one – on – one tutoring for anyone who completed the class and would like to know more about the awesomeness that is Neil Patrick Harris (and computers…but mostly NPH)

(any excuse for a Starship Troopers reference)

I’m certain that we’re gonna start the advanced computer class with how to make video resumes…

like this one.

And on a FlashDrive related post, we started to receive our first donations last week from Carl in St Louis which is awesome (thanks Dude!) and we’re in the processes of contacting local businesses to see if they would like to join our noble cause. After that comes the begging. Wish us luck!

I leave you with this to make your Monday go a bit smoother.

(baogame.vn) – Bước tiếp thành công này sang thành công khác khi Phong Vân Tam Quốc một lần nữa giành được giải thưởng top bình chọn của cổng thông tin game nổi tiếng 17173. Đến với Việt Nam chưa lâu, Phong Vân Tam Quốc đã nhanh chóng tìm cho mình một chỗ đứng, một vị thế hàng đầu.

Source: Phong Vân Tam Quốc: nên hay không mở server Thu Phí

(baogame.vn) – Đáp ứng nguyện vọng của đông đảo game thủ, Cổ Long Online sẽ tiến hành ra mắt cụm máy chủ mới của game mang tên Ngân Long vào ngày 1/12/2009 tới đây.

Source: Cổ Long Online – Ra mắt máy chủ Ngân Long

Happy Thanksgiving week! Let me prime your appetite for turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pie with a little bit of some warm pop culture goodness. Here’s the top 4 things you need to know about from this past week:

4. The NPH Pose

For those of you who have been hiding in a hole for the past few years, Neil Patrick Harris has arisen like a child-star Jesus back into the mainstream. The man is funny, charismatic, and endlessly watchable in his many projects. Which is why nobody was surprised when he added his own pose to the world. Observe:

Simple, yet elegant. Spread this around and do NPH proud.

3. The Jason Segel Awesome Song

Speaking of people who make me laugh consistently (and are on How I Met Your Mother), schlubby comedy master Jason Segel has come out with a brand new video consisting of a song he sang at a The Swell Season show. And seeing as Mr. Segel has brought us the genius of the Dracula Puppet Musical, I’m pretty sure he can do no wrong with original songs. Watch and enjoy (and call the phone number because IT IS TOTALLY REAL).

2. The Once-Normal Lady GaGa

Speaking of people playing the piano exceptionally well, it turns out that before she went all crazy in the head, Lady GaGa was tearing up the ivories at NYU, as seen in this surprisingly good clip of her from her heyday there.

Now if that doesn’t make you question the power of stardom and fame on one’s sanity…

1. The Shame of the Nation: New Moon

Speaking of things that constantly make me question humanity, The Twilight Saga: New Moon shattered all sorts of records and young girls hearts in its opening this weekend. Unfortunately, this sort of thing propagates an endless sterotype amongt anyone with half a brain: the Twilight series is lame. There, I’m on the bandwagon, deal with it. Besides, when you have arguments like this one:

I rest my case.

Don’t eat too much turkey, everyone. See you all next week around the breakfast table!

(baogame.vn) – Vào ngày 14/11/2009 tựa game Xích Bích Online đã tiến hành Close Beta với số lượng tài khoản hạn chế. Dù đã có khá nhiều đợt phát tài khoản cho các “fan” Xích Bích nhưng hiện tại tình trạng “chỉ biết ngó màn hình đăng nhập” vẫn còn. Để đáp ứng mong mỏi trên của cộng đồng game thủ và dành thêm một cơ hội nữa cho những anh hùng muốn chứng tỏ bản lĩnh của mình nhưng đã để vuột mất cơ hội các lần trước, VTCz-one đã tiến hành phát thêm tổng cộng 4.000 tài khoản test. Nhưng chừng đó vẫn là chưa đủ…

Source: Game thủ lại bức xúc với tình trạng "cháy" tài khoản test Xích Bích Online

(baogame.vn) – Vào ngày 14/11/2009 tựa game Xích Bích Online đã tiến hành Close Beta với số lượng tài khoản hạn chế. Dù đã có khá nhiều đợt phát tài khoản cho các “fan” Xích Bích nhưng hiện tại tình trạng “chỉ biết ngó màn hình đăng nhập” vẫn còn. Để đáp ứng mong mỏi trên của cộng đồng game thủ và dành thêm một cơ hội nữa cho những anh hùng muốn chứng tỏ bản lĩnh của mình nhưng đã để vuột mất cơ hội các lần trước, VTCz-one đã tiến hành phát thêm tổng cộng 4.000 tài khoản test. Nhưng chừng đó vẫn là chưa đủ…

Diễn đàn game Xích Bích Online biến thành một nơi “xả tức” của các game thủ vẫn chưa có được một tài khoản test game. Nickname kobitchoi00 tỏ ra giận dữ trong topic do mình tạo nên mang tên “Account test thêm đâu?” thuộc mục Góp ý game, trong đó có đoạn: “Mod đã thông báo là sẽ phát thêm account test nhưng account test đâu thì tôi không thấy. Thiết nghĩ NPH đã mở được đến 15 kênh thì cũng không nên khó khăn gì trong cái vấn đề account test này. Đổi khi việc khiến gamer háo hức là tốt nhưng khi quá đà thì nó đủ sức giết chết niềm ham mê khám phá khi cứ phải đợi từng ngày thế này. Từ giờ đến cuối tháng, nếu không có account test thì tui sẽ remove game, tiếc là một game hay mà không có cơ hội thử!”. Chung tâm trạng với kobitchoi00 còn có whoissu: “Tôi kiên quyết tẩy chay VTC và Xích Bích Online nếu không nhận được tài khoản test. Thất vọng vô cùng!”

Tuy nhiên xen lẫn với các bạn game thủ thiếu may mắn là rất nhiều gamer khác tỏ rõ sự vui sướng của mình khi đã có trong tay tên đăng nhập và mật mã để tham gia vào thế giới Tam Quốc phân tranh. Nickname quangvinhson tại diễn đàn Xích Bích còn rất hào phóng chia sẻ tài khoản mình vừa có được cho vài bạn game thủ khác. Bạn Trần Nam Giang sinh sống tại Đồng Nai thổ lộ cùng BáoGame: “Thật vui và cảm thấy may mắn khi nhận được tài khoản test game từ BáoGame. Mình đã mong chờ game này từ rất lâu, đã từng thử mày mò chơi trên server Trung Quốc nhưng do rào cản về ngôn ngữ nên đành bỏ cuộc. Một lần nữa xin chúc Xích Bích Online và BáoGame luôn thành công. Còn giờ mình tiếp tục hóa thân thành mãnh tướng đây!”

Source: Game thủ bức xúc với tình trạng "cháy" tài khoản test Xích Bích Online

(baogame.vn) – Vào ngày 29/11/2009, Nhà phát hành (NPH) VinaGame sẽ tổ chức một buổi lễ long trọng mừng trò chơi trực tuyến Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ II (VLTK II) tròn 02 tuổi. Đây là sự kiện dành cho hơn 2.000 game thủ của cả hai miền Nam (tại quán café K&K – số 11 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, quận Phú Nhuận,TP. HCM) và Bắc (tại rạp xiếc Trung ương – số 67/69 Trần Nhân Tông, quận Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội).

Source: Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ II tổ chức mừng sinh nhật lần 2

And Also, one with NPH

(baogame.vn) – Ngay khi giải đấu Thiên Hạ Đệ Nhất Bang 1 và 6 kết thúc vòng loại và đi vào vòng đấu bảng, từ ngày 18/11/2009, Nhà phát hành VinaGame sẽ phát động sân chơi “Tham gia dự đoán” dành cho tất cả game thủ Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ (VLTK) và VLTK Miễn Phí.

Source: VinaGame tổ chức dự đoán kết quả Thiên Hạ Đệ Nhất Bang

(baogame.vn) – Từ 15h00 ngày 24/11 đến 15h00 ngày 25/11 tới, Cổ Long sẽ tạm dừng cụm máy chủ Tiết Gia và Vạn Mai để ghép thành cụm máy chủ Kim Long. Sau đó một tuần, cụm máy chủ mới sẽ được Cổ Long khai mở đáp ứng nguyện vọng của đông đảo gamer.

Source: Cổ Long Online – “Refresh” hệ thống máy chủ

For those of you who (like me) felt we don’t get enough of Neil Patrick Harris: NPH finally has joined Twitter. Now you can enjoy his humor in 140 characters or less.

That’s just too much gay awesomeness.

Oh.  My.  God.  The incomparable Neil Patrick Harris (NPH, Doogie Howser, Barney Stinson, sperm donor for my future spawn) has just joined Twitter.  I am following his feed, because, in my delusional world, being an NPH follower means that he’s actually my friend.  At some point, NPH will tweet that he’s having coffee, or reading the newspaper.  When that happens, I too will enjoy a cup of coffee, or read a newspaper (or news equivalent like US Weekly), so that I can share in a daily activity with my new best friend.

I need a nickname for my new best friend.  I’m going to call him Mr. Awesome (with a wink).

(baogame.vn) – Như vậy là vào lúc 17 giờ ngày 14/11/2009, nhà phát hành VTCz-one đã chính thức đưa con át chủ bài của mình – Xích Bích Online ra mắt game thủ Việt Nam với phiên bản đầu tiên mang tên Tử Long Quy Lai. Rất nhiều ý kiến trái ngược nhau, khen cũng có mà chê cũng không ít được người chơi gửi đến BáoGame khi tham gia vào quá trình Close Beta sản phẩm đình đám này của hãng Perfect World.

Source: Cộng đồng game thủ nghĩ gì về quả bom tấn Xích Bích Online ?

(baogame.vn) – KS – viết tắt của cụm từ Kill-steal hay còn gọi nôm na là “Cướp Trắng” đã trở thành một thuật ngữ ngắn gọn và cực kỳ súc tích đối với Game Online. Nhưng tới bây giờ, nó mới xuất hiện lần đầu tiên trong CỔ Long Online qua sự kiện “Giang hồ Tiêu Tiểu”.

Source: KS “Giang hồ Tiêu Tiểu” – Luồng gió mới cho Cổ Long Online

(baogame.vn) – Không chỉ vật chuyên chở nhưng thực lực và khả năng của Thú cưỡi trong Cổ Long sẽ khiến người ta phải bất ngờ với những kỹ năng đặc thù. Sở hữu một Thú cưỡi loại “ngon”, người chơi có thể gia tăng khả năng thu phục Pet, chạy trốn hay “thoát hiểm” trong tình thế nguy nan.

Source: Cổ Long Online – Không cô đơn với Thú cưỡi “đa zi năng”

(baogame.vn) – Hệ thống quan hệ Hôn Nhân trong Cổ Long được mô phỏng rất gần với thực tế với nhiều yếu tố hài hước và vui nhộn.

Source: Cổ Long Online – Rộn Ràng Cưới Hỏi