Annie Stamell2013-05-22T21:39:25-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/index.php?author=annie-stamellCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Annie StamellGood old fashioned elbow grease.The Worst Coachella Style Guidetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.14195772012-04-12T16:37:37-04:002012-06-12T05:12:01-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/
So, obviously, the real most important part of Coachella is compiling some epic outfits for each day of the fest. I mean, if you want to meet your future spouse in a pair of acid-washed overall shorts and a neon orange tank top and moccasins and a Banksy tattoo on their wrist, then you are in luck! This is the place for you!
Let me tell you why I'm qualified to provide you with a Coachella style guide: My love for Coachella is hardcore. It's a lot like when Angelina Jolie was dating Billy Bob Thornton. I want to aggressively make out with Coachella in public and I want to wear a vial of Coachella's blood around my neck. Coachella's blood would be made out of, like, pizza, MDMA, glow sticks and sweat. And a sweatband. And bong water. It's like disgusting but also amazing.
Anyway, we were talking about Coachella fashion. All those other fashion guides are so stupid. Um, obviously I packed a cross-body bag! Duh, of course I have a hat! I have like five hats! I'm going to be rotating them on an hourly basis! I am a hat enthusiast!
Want my fashion advice? Now that you know my qualifications, you probably do -- so here's my suggestion: Just be you. Let your freak flag fly. Be free! Find your spirit animal! What color is your mood ring? Think about it. (Also, it might rain Friday night and you know your mom would be pissed if you forgot sunscreen all weekend.)
Now is the part where I tell you the outfits I have planned for each day of the fest:
Friday Day
It's the first day at Coachella and I want to make an impression. I'm going to wear like a super sick badass pair of tie-dye neon pink super short jorts (jean shorts, duh), turquoise-detailed cowboy boots and a light grey tank top crop top with a bird and a Southwestern-symbol-type-Kokopelli-type deal on it and a pair of the biggest Ray Ban reflective aviator sunglasses I can get my hands on. And like I might wear a headband. I don't know. The headband could overdo it.
Friday Night
I'm going to get so super serious about my outfit Friday night you guys you are going to flip out. It's going to be like exactly what I wore Friday during the day except now instead of jorts I am going to wear Cerulean Blue jodhpurs but they're like, Lululemon jodhpurs, which makes it cool but not too cool. And you know those desert temps drop at night so I'm going to wear my Chambray Denim Blazer. I'll also have on earrings made out of glowsticks. I call the look "'80s Equestrian Business-Llady."
Saturday Day
Saturday is a big day. I want to look my best and send the "I'm one of those chicks who would totally hook up outside at a dirty music festival " vibe. So I'm going to wear a suede one-piece bikini bathing-suit thing that has cut-outs on the sides and then a sheer eyelet lace mullet dress over it (party short length in the front, formal enough for a black tie wedding length long in the back) and gladiator sandals and just a full Native American headdress.
Saturday Night
Everything I was already wearing minus the Native American headdress.
Sunday Day
Sunday's the last day. It's also kind of like the last day of a super intense juice cleanse but the opposite so comfort is key. I'm going to wear some '80s track shorts that I bought at American Apparel but they may as well be from the '80s they just look so '80s. I'm going to have on this totally adorable seersucker J. Crew bikini that I swear I have had since middle school and I'm going to work super hard to get the best tan ever because I have to go back to L.A. on Monday! But over the bikini top I'm going to be wearing a crop top off-the-shoulder tee with fringe that's white and says BACK TO THE FUTURE on it because that is so meta. And I have this old fanny pack I decorated with puffy paint, it's no big deal really I'm just pretty into arts and crafts, but that's going to be my purse for the day. I just want my arms to be free so I can get really loose when I'm grooving to all the good vibes on the polo fields Sunday. And I'm going to be crushing the sickest pair of Old School Nike Reebok Hightops you've ever seen on Pinterest!
Sunday Night
Time to just bask in the glory of a successful Coachella 2012 weekend with my most comfortable onesie. It's like a Union Jack suit but it's royal purple and without the butt flap and it's from some trendy boutique store with a name I don't remember, but it's on some street that's cool but not too cool like Melrose or Abbot Kinney. It's like a blanket of love. A lot like Coachella.
Okay, so I'll see you guys on the fields of Indio! If you recognize me based on any of the above outfits then you are my new favorite stalker on my list of favorite stalkers -- and also, this was a joke. I'll be naked wearing only body paint all three days.
Peace, love and music fests for all!]]>My Third Annual Pop Culture Christmas Listtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.11657772011-12-22T14:06:49-05:002012-02-21T05:12:02-05:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/little late on the Christmas List this year, and for that, I apologize. But don't for a minute think that this means my demands are any less sincere, outrageous, or totally self-serving. Look, these are requests that I think will better Pop Culture as whole, but more importantly -- they'll better me.
So here goes -- this year, for Christmas, I want...
Scientists to clone Ryan Gosling
Scientists to clone Ryan Reynolds
Suri Cruise to get a reality TV show
Kim Kardashian to never get married, ever again. EVER.
The Facebook Timeline to go away
The new Gmail format to go away
A moratorium on the word "adorkable"
A moratorium on paparazzi pics of Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez making out
The Finder to be the new breakout TV show of 2012 (this may or may not have something to do with the fact that I work on this show)
The Hunger Games movie to be epic and amazing and totally the best ever (suck it, Twilight)
Mindy Kaling to be my BFF
Amy Poehler to be my BFF
Tina Fey to be my BFF
More Muppet movies
For Jennifer Aniston to be happy and if that means having babies then have those babies and if it doesn't then that's okay too because Jen -- you do you, girl
No more New Years Eve/Valentines Day/Other Holiday movies
Anne Hathaway and Katherine Heigl to move to an island together somewhere in the South Pacific without any means of contact with the rest of the world for the rest of their lives
The NBA to get its shit together
Community to get six seasons and a movie
People to get over their fear of watching Cougar Town because it's called Cougar Town and to just start watching this very funny comedy. Let's go for six seasons and a movie on this one too, okay?
A tear in the space-time continuum so I can go back to whenever it was Katherine Heigl decided to be an actress and tell her to try a simple life in an obscure Midwestern town instead
More collaborations from Jay Z and Kanye West
More collaborations from The Muppets and indie bands
More female-driven comedies like Bridesmaids
No more Hangovers (both the movie version and actual hangovers)
Everyone to acknowledge Hello Giggles as the best new website for women and then go read my Hello Giggles "Open Letters" and also maybe Hello Giggles should get its own line of nail polish
What else... did we already cover that you guys are going to watch The Finder? Great. I REALLY want that. Let's throw in another "six seasons and a movie" request for that show as well.
Oh and like previous years, if someone wants to buy my life rights/be my agent or life coach/pay my credit card debt, etc -- I'm open to negotiations.
Happy Holidays to all the other Pop Culture junkies out there. I'd love to hear what Pop Culture items you'd include on your Christmas list.]]>All Together Now! Simple. Sanitary. Vagina!tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.10940812011-11-15T14:37:43-05:002012-01-15T05:12:01-05:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/
Oh you read that right. Not only were we laughing at vaginas, but we were celebrating them! Okay, really it was a premiere party for the launch of the hilarious web videos selling "Just For Her Vagi-Wipes" from the "company" Lip Labs Ltd. It was a lovely evening, and a treat to see these fun faux-commercials on the big screen, all capped off with a rousing and in-unison chant of Lip Labs Ltd's company slogan: "Simple. Sanitary. Vagina!" But I need not go further. The commercials really speak for themselves. Check out the laugh-out-loud funny shorts below and a follow-up hilarious interview with the vagina behind the vaginas, writer-producer-director Jacq Lesko.
So, Jacq, what inspired you to make these commercials?
I was inspired by the fact that this type of product, moist towelettes for a woman's "sweet spot", actually exists in the real world, as opposed to in the land of make-believe. I found it offensive that my "sweet spot", which I would come to understand meant "vagina," needed freshening up with scents other than my own and via a moist towelette, no less. The jokes were too good to die alone in my head. So, in response, I, along with Gretchen von Togeln, created a fake company called Lip Labs Ltd that makes Just for Her Vagi-Wipes, which are 'vaginal cleansing cloths for your vagina'. (It is my mission, if it weren't already obvious, to use the word "vagina" as much as possible. Ed note: Girl, you're crushing it.) And as such, every burgeoning company needs a commercial, or two, which I wrote and directed, to sell their product, as well as a spokesperson -- her name is Dr. Notorious V.A.G. And yes, I do sell t-shirts.
T-shirts! I love merch! Do the T-shirts have pictures of vaginas on them? I don't know if we're there yet.
Sadly, no, we're not quite there yet as a society. But I am hopeful, and confident, it will happen in our lifetime. So, until that time comes, I'm content to use the company slogan: "Simple. Sanitary. Vagina."
It's been about a month now that the commercials have been online, how have people responded? Did you have a specific plan or goal in mind when putting them on the web?
They laugh, which is good, since I was trying to be humorous when I wrote them. And sometimes I get a hug, which is nice. My specific plan for putting them on web... World Domination. Why else does anyone put anything on the web? But I would settle for millions of people watching the commercials, blogging their awesomeness, re-posting and forwarding them to everyone they know. I don't think that's too much to ask. My goal is to have every person on the planet using the word "vagina" every day, freely, without shame or guilt because "vagina" is not a four-letter word. It's actually a six-letter word, but that's a whole other United States-has-declining-math-test-scores issue that I don't want to tackle right now.
You can take that on in your next round of web commercials. Speaking of, what other products do you think Lip Labs Ltd could sell?
I think the future is in sweat -- beneath-the-breast and ass-crack sweat. Or rather, the stoppage thereof. The studies have been done and they all come back the same -- no one wants to see a woman sweat, anywhere. It's unsightly. Especially when she's exercising. The under-arm market is covered, sure, but the beneath-the-breast and ass-crack market is wide open. I'm telling you, it's gonna be huge. As for right now, we are currently testing products specially made for men. I don't want to give too much away, but we've got scented moist towelettes for his scrotum. I think women all across the world will appreciate that one.
Yes. I support this. I am familiar with ass-crack sweat, or as it is known in some circles, "swampass" and want you to know I would fully support Lip Labs Ltd branching out in that direction.
Thank you for your support. And I'm sorry to hear you're "familiar with" this unfortunate socially crippling medical condition.
Okay moving on. Can you actually buy these vagi-wipes?
Yes, you can. But, you'd have to contact me directly and we'd have to have a chat about why you think you need these products and then I'd tell you that you are (and smell) beautiful just the way you are.
That's really pretty awesome and nice and supportive but what if it's for a stinky gal pal of mine? Or as a gag gift for say, a bachelorette party -- how can I get these?
First, give your stinky friend a hug -- she obviously needs one since you've just embarrassed her in front of millions of people. Secondly, they aren't real! But I do have some extras from the shoot (along with t-shirts) so leave me a nice message and we'll work something out.
For more from Jacq and Lips Lab Ltd, be sure to like them on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, and follow along on Twitter. ]]>Lessons in Being a "Betch"tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.9835352011-09-27T17:42:26-04:002011-11-27T05:12:02-05:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/New Girl marketing team) but one thing I am not is bitchy. So indulge me while I get bitched at and bitched out and then totally betchified by "The Head Betches" of the hit website Betches Love This.
On Etiquette -
Stamos: Can you wear an ivory-colored dress to a rehearsal dinner or is white off-limits all wedding weekend?
Betches: We don't care.
Stamos: When, if ever, is it appropriate to use emoticons in text messages?
Betches: It's appropriate when you say something really, really mean, and then you can add a smiley face and they'll think you are being sarcastic. You are not.
On Health & Beauty -
Stamos: People are really into cleansing right now. Should I try a cleanse? Which one?
Betches: Try the no eating cleanse. It's truly effective. Just ask former Betch of the Week Mary Kate Olsen.
Stamos: Sometimes I leave the house with wet hair, does this mean I am bad at being a girl?
Betches: Unless you look like Whoopi Goldberg when it dries, it's fine.
Stamos: I wear my retainers every night unless I can't fall asleep, and then I might take them out to shake things up a bit.
Betches: We've never been so speechless, and that's f---ing huge for us.
On Dating--
Stamos: I think my dream date is a trip to the aquarium!
Betches: Well where was your first date? Olive Garden? Dream bigger.
On Fashion -
Stamos: 90s Lesbian Fashion seems to be really IN again. Should I get in on this trend?
Betches: As long as you're not a 90s lesbian. See Miranda Hobbes on how this look can go too far.
On Holidays -
Stamos: I have no idea what to be for Halloween this year. I need costume ideas!
Betches: Moderately slutty Sasha Obama, Jenelle from Teen Mom a la True Blood, or Chaz Bono. You could even dress like a slut for this last one and still no one would be attracted to you.
On Overall Betchiness -
Stamos: I want to put stickers all over my face sometimes. Like, unicorn stickers.
Betches: If you hadn't told us that we might have been able to be friends.
Stamos: I wish I lived on a boat-themed boat!
Betches: We're going to have to point out the obvious here; your celeb idol growing up was definitely Lisa Frank. That said, Uncle Jesse, you need to calm down. You should wish for a yacht, not a boat-themed boat. What does that even mean? We blame the hick who took you on your first date for oily breadsticks.
Stamos: How am I doing?
Betches: You're heading in the right direction by contacting us. Admitting you're a nice girl is the first step. Now you just need to take a bath in like, nice girl sanitizer. But everyone has a little betch in them, so keep working at it.
True Confession: I don't know if I can really maintain this whole betch thing -- it seems scary and exhausting. But I think we can all agree that these girls not only have the stamina for it, but they were meant to be betches. If you enjoy their particular brand of sass or want to get some betch lessons of your own, check them out at Betches Love This.
As for me, I'll just put unicorn stickers on my face in private from now on.
]]>An Open Letter to Whoever Is Responsible for Dressing the Mannequins at Free People Storestag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8675642011-05-26T17:44:54-04:002011-07-26T05:12:01-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/
How do you do it!?!
I am, of course, referring to your ability to dress the headless mannequins of your fine clothing-selling establishment. I understand the logistics - a headless mannequin must be similar to dressing a headless doll, or a teenage boy, or a heavily-sedated dog - but what specifically am I referring to? I am so glad you asked! You see, one of your fine clothing-selling establishments is just a few blocks from where I live and as I am often walking past (or into) your clothing-selling establishment, I have become quite familiar with the mannequins. I have named them Joan, Sally, Erica, Betsy, Mildred and Janet. Just kidding that would be weird.
Your mannequins are very well-dressed. Your mannequins make the impossible look, well, possible. See, the clothes sold at your clothes-selling establishment, which I will heretoforehenceforth (that's a new word I just made up) refer to as Free People, are... nice. I write "nice" preceded by an ellipsis to signify a hesitant pause, because while I like most of the clothing at Free People, I find much of it curious. So curious, in fact, that I have some questions:
Why must so many dresses have sequins AND prints? Do you have any dresses with just sequins?
Why do half of the dresses and skirts have mullet cuts? By which I mean they are short in the front and partying very long in the back?
Whose grandmother did you steal that crochet sweater from?
Does any of your lingerie have underwire and/or actual support for large-chested women?
Can I take a nap in your dressing room?
When you say "sale" you really mean "a few dollars off," right?
Is your target demo clog-wearing middle-aged divorced artists who live in "the canyon" or is your target demo my mother when she went to Woodstock? Or is your target demo Aria on the hit ABC Family show Pretty Little Liars?
How on Earth did you make that mannequin look so good?
Seriously lady (or dude, sorry), you've got a good eye because those mannequins somehow manage to convince people that they totally should buy a sequined paisley print mullet dress that will look best when accompanied by a grandmother's crochet sweater. With clogs. And a feather earring (just one).
Kudos to you, Person Responsible for Dressing the Mannequins at Free People Stores. I don't know how you do it, but I'm so glad you do.
Regards,
Stamos
This post was originally published at HelloGiggles, the new girl-friendly entertainment website from actress/musician Zooey Deschanel, producer Sophia Rossi and blogger/Internet Sensation Molly McAleer.]]>Got Plans for the Rapture? How About an Online Date with Cheri Oteri!tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8644102011-05-19T18:03:52-04:002011-07-19T05:12:01-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/A Great Catch. Oteri stars as a desperate woman who pretends be a few years younger -- okay, like half her age -- so she can hook-up with some creep (played by Steve Agee, naturally). Written by Oteri and Kushner and featuring a guest appearance from Chris Hansen (yes, that Chris Hansen), A Great Catch is definitely a laugh riot.
Check out the fun Q&A with writer/producer Jill Kushner, and the video -- which is currently featured over at FunnyorDie.com.
Okay key up this video for me. What do I need to know before I watch? Is there a chance I'm going to laugh so hard I snort?
You need to know that The Rapture is Saturday, so you should watch this before that. Yes, there's a chance that you will laugh so hard that you will snort. But that will happen mid-Rapture. During our video, you will laugh so hard that there will be world peace. But sadly, this will only last for a short time. What with The Rapture happening on Saturday.
How did you ladies come up with the idea for this video?
Cheri came to me with the general idea and asked me if I would write it with her. I high-fived myself (on the inside, because I know how to play it cool) because she's one damn funny girl and we got into fleshing it all out and writing the script. Then I brought in a team that I've shot a couple other videos with (The Creepy Hand Model: Ellen Sirot with Michaela Watkins, Garfunkel and OatesThis Party Took A Turn For The Douche) that includes director/editor Daniel Stessen and producer Jayme Lemons.
Have either of you had much experience with online dating?
Does it count if a less-than-sane ex-girlfriend found you on MySpace?
If you were going to create an online dating profile right now and you could only list five things about yourself what would they be? And they have to be in list form (imagine this is for a VERY strict dating site you've never heard of but lists are essential to efficient matchmaking, according to this fictional dating site I've just invented).
The only description less sexy than "Efficient Matchmaking" is "a less than sane ex-girlfriend who found you on MySpace." Okay, so for this fictional dating service, seemingly run by Joan Crawford, I'd list these 5 things about myself:
In 9th grade, I spelled my name Jyl. And I'm not afraid to do it, again. Deal with it.
Sometimes I think I worry too much and then I remember that my Grandmother rinses off raisins and I'm like ... I'm good.
I like flirting. It's so cool if other people are around to do this with. If they're not, I'm still going to do it.
I'm allergic to cats. Which is not very lesbian-ish of me. But I will take a Benadryl and sleep with you.
I've changed the spelling of my name to Jyl. Told you.
Do they make "Heelys" in adult sizes and where can they be purchased? I'm asking for a friend.
They do. You can get them in Diagon Alley.
Team Jacob or Team Edward?
Jacob. Goldberg. So really, Team My Mom.
Are you going to make a follow-up to this video? Will Cheri's character ever get to meet an age-appropriate suitor?
We've secretly rigged Chris Hansen's home with hidden cameras. But that has nothing to do with a follow-up video. I just have a huge crush on Chris Hansen. If you think about it, Cheri's character is meeting an age-appropriate suitor in Steve Agee's character. Cheri's character is only pretending to be younger. There are so many layers to this video. It's the new Lost.
What does Chris Hansen do in his downtime?
Try to avoid emails and calls from me.
What does Chris Hansen smell like? Asking for a friend. (Different one).
Like doing the right thing.
So all these people in the media are obsessed with talking about this "new" trend in which women are funny. That's bullshit. Obviously women have been funny for a long time -- in fact, you've both had lengthy careers in being funny. So why do you think everyone's in a tizzy over it now?
I'm crying over a boy and doing my nails. Otherwise, I'd have time to answer this question. P.S. Go see Bridesmaids! Seriously! They rescheduled Endeavour's launch for this Monday so that the fellas could be here for this past opening weekend. NASA gets it.
But really, who is the funniest woman in the world?
My niece, Madelyn, is 9 and she kills me. I get stressed when someone, even just while hanging at a bar (I love bars), asks this question or what's your favorite movie or book. I worry that I will leave out something or someone super obvious and I can't stop thinking about the question. I can name a bunch of women that are crazy funny to me. And obviously, I will be leaving out a bunch more and call you everyday going forward to ask you to add to my list. Sarah Silverman, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Tina Fey, Amy Sedaris, Michaela Watkins, Amy Poheler, Morgan Murphy, Jen Kirkman, Karen Kilgariff
What's next for you ladies? You wanna hang out sometime? Asking for a friend. (Friend is me in this case).
If you just asked me out on a date, than the answer is YES! If you didn't, I didn't want to go out with you, anyway.
You can follow Jill on Twitter at TheJillKushner. I'm looking into this so-called "Diagon Alley." Oh, and good luck with The Rapture everyone.]]>Bridesmaids Delivers Laughs, but What About Likes?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8628172011-05-17T11:56:08-04:002011-07-17T05:12:01-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/Bridesmaids was funny. Super funny. Super duper funny. And it was about funny women! And it was written by funny women! And even better -- it was a success! A "smash success" as they call it -- so much so, there are now like 900 gazillion articles popping up everywhere all about how this is huge for female-driven comedies -- which it is -- but like, "this is it!" everyone seems to be saying, "Women can be funny and do stuff guys are doing and here's the proof!" (You'd think we'd broken new ground in the women's lib movement or something!)
I'm thrilled that Bridesmaids did so well at the box office its opening weekend. I'm relieved to see the many positive reviews. I'm happy I laughed my way through the entire film and maybe even spit out some popcorn at one point because of said laughing. As a woman, a writer and an aspiring comedienne, I'm genuinely a big fan of the film.
Okay but (you knew there was a "but" coming, didn't you?), the thing is, I have a problem with Bridesmaids. Specifically, with Kristen Wiig's character, Annie. Now don't get me wrong -- as I've attempted to drill into your brains like four sentences ago -- I really, really loved Bridesmaids and I think Kristen Wiig is a great actress. Wiig made Annie three-dimensional and real and fully fleshed-out and I think that's rare in female characters depicted on-screen these days. I loved that Annie was quirky and eccentric -- those are qualities that women in romantic comedies are often described to be, but rarely does that translate; it seems like "quirky" is just Katherine Heigl in every romcom from the past five years. In other words -- annoying. In Bridesmaids, Wiig's quirkiness is fun and endearing and contributes so much to the authenticity of her character. It's refreshing.
However, Annie is a mess. Her life is in shambles and underneath her jokes and sarcasm is an obviously depressed woman. She's self-absorbed, has low self-esteem and wallows in self-pity. I get that her emotional state is important to the character arc and story of Bridesmaids. I get that she sort of needs to hit rock bottom (in fact hitting rock bottom is referenced. Twice). I get it... but at the same time... does she? Does she really need to be such a mess?
Why can't this girl be weird and quirky and eccentric and funny AND also successful and on top of her shit and just all around awesome? I want to see a female character in a movie who is hilarious and odd but also smart as a whip and super successful; someone we can laugh at but also aspire to be -- someone we genuinely like. In Bridesmaids, Annie is close to being that character and while Kristen Wiig absolutely nails the part, ultimately, she's not all that likable. And shouldn't a woman be funny and likeable? Isn't it about time that the funny female characters in movies and television shows make us laugh but also make us really, really like them? I think so, and while Bridesmaids is a great starting point, if anything, I hope the film's success doesn't merely support the notion that women can be funny, but ignites a trend of female-driven entertainment that shows that not only can we laugh at women, but we can like them too.]]>John Stamos Showcases His Sleazy Side in Law & Order: SVUtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8587532011-05-06T15:49:43-04:002011-07-06T05:12:01-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/Law & Order in my entire life. Not one. And frankly, I never had any plans to. That is until... John Stamos guest-starred! That's right -- there's no way your resident expert on all things Stamos, aka me, the other Stamos, was going to miss one of Uncle Jesse's primetime TV appearances. And what an appearance it was! Due to the graphic nature of the episode (is Law & Order: SVU always this twisted?) this isn't going to be a "Stamos on Stamos" on par with the reviews of John as Dr. Carl on Glee, but let's take a look at how he fared showing his serious side.
The episode was pretty Stamos-heavy, and from the get-go the former Uncle Jesse showed his sleazy side as a "reproductive abuser" -- a guy who's obsessed with impregnating women (blech!). As rich guy Ken Turner, Stamos excelled at simultaneously playing dumb and playing creep. It was fun to see Stamos in this sort of role, as a Wall Street smooth-talker who relies on his charm to coerce women into sleeping with him, and thanks to some shady business of poking holes in condoms he impregnates more than a few. At first Detectives Elliot Stabler (Chris Meloni) and Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) thought it was about 20 women who'd given birth to his children and then it was revealed the number was more than twice that -- 47! This dude fathered 47 kids! Yeah that qualifies as a reproductive abuser alright -- and also -- that's messed up! I miss Uncle Jesse!
Stamos showcased some great acting, especially during an interrogation scene with Chris Meloni when he talked about his natural male urge to procreate. Ken Turner was definitely sick in the head, thinking he made the world a better place with his progeny. During this exchange we got one of Stamos' best lines, "I'm an Aztec leader of 4000 concubines." In your dreams, Uncle Jesse!
Fortunately, creepy Ken didn't last long -- because about 45 minutes in (SPOILER ALERT!) Stamos' character showed up dead, filleted like a fish by a scuba diving knife. The ending was really something, so much so that John Stamos himself tweeted a picture of the final scene yesterday morning.
What did you guys think? Did you like seeing John Stamos take on a different role or would you prefer to see him in lighter fare? Anyone still holding out for a Dr. Carl reappearance on Glee? And now that he's completed what seems to be this television season's run of guest-starring roles, what do you want to see next from Stamos? Personally, I'd love to see him competing in some sort of reality competition show -- maybe one where he and another Stamos travel the country and compete in bizarre local competitions to constantly outcool each other -- think Stamos vs. Stamos: Road Trip America! That sounds epic, right? Right? Just me?
For the ratings on the Stamos-Meter and a nice pic of sleazy Ken, be sure to check out the full original version of this article at Zap2it.com.]]>Social Shopping With Pose (Part 2)tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8550672011-04-28T18:30:13-04:002011-06-28T05:12:01-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/first portion of my conversation with Pose's Director of Marketing and Communication Alisa Gould-Simon, we discussed the innovative iPhone app exclusively. However, Alisa is a true trendsetter with some serious style knowledge, so there was no way I was going to miss an opportunity to talk to her about the latest season. She clued me in on some of the must-have looks we'll be seeing around, as well as some good advice when it comes to dressing for a date.
We're kicking into spring and summer -- what do you think are some of the biggest fashion trends we can expect to see?
Although they've been a staple for a few seasons now, maxi skirts seem to be alive and well (I'm loving versions with thigh-high slits or a sheer maxi over an opaque mini to freshen up the style). I'm noticing a lot of exposed backs on spring dresses; pants are transitioning into spring/summer and getting extremely loose and flowing (kudos to anyone who can pull off this modern take on culottes). I'm seeing lots of bold nail colors and plenty of mixing and matching of prints. Generally, the palette for spring and summer is bright and cheerful, and fabrics are loose-fitting and flowing.
For anyone who wants to step up their look this season, what are some must-haves?
Again, color. Add a splash of neon with a bold handbag, or throw on a fun statement necklace or a few cuffs. Adding a sheer layer on top or a colorful lightweight scarf can help make a summer outfit more dynamic.
What trend are you really sick of right now?
Crop-tops. They were fun for a season but seeing them sprouting up again this spring just feels like deja-vu.
What trend do you wish would come back in style?
Strong tailoring and suits for women. I'm sure we've got another season or two but all of 2011's loose-fitting silhouettes will lead there eventually. Also: drama. Ever since Alexander McQueen's passing it feels as though there has been void in fashion with regard to his particular flair for eloquent theatrics.
Okay, let's get down and dirty for the girls who need fashion advice (aka me) -- what's a good generic first date outfit?
I'm always a fan of less is more when it comes to dates. Pick one body part to accentuate: legs, chest, butt, etc., and keep the rest relatively under wraps. A slight heel always makes me feel more confident (platforms or wedges are a great way to add height and not skimp on comfort), and some fun accessories can help make an outfit feel more special. While it sounds cliché but true, it's best to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable. If you're tugging on ill-fitting tights or trying to walk in uncomfortable shoes, it'll cloud your ability to show off the best version of you.
What is a fashion DON'T for everyone?
My only fashion don't is to avoid wearing trends for trend's sake. Not everyone is meant to wear this season's top trends. Pick those that fit your taste and dress for yourself.
What are the staple pieces every girl MUST have in her wardrobe?
As for staples, great booties with a heel (I just got a fantastic pair from Rag & Bone) are a perfect transitional shoe for spring and fall. A great button-up never fails and a smart blazer will work wonders whether layered over a dress or denim. Bold accessories (be them jewelry, handbags, hats or scarves) are a good investment as they aren't dependent on season. Skirts and dresses of varying lengths are a safe bet, as every hemline comes back into style if you just wait a season or two. And a well-fitting cropped pant is a must in my mind.
Best street style: New York vs. LA?
LA definitely wins for color and laid-back factor (think the aforementioned maxi, flats and oversized sunglasses). New York wins for its leather jackets, layering, high-high-heels and ability to forever make black look fresh.
Is there a city, subculture or place with a group of people who are really doing innovative stuff with fashion that we should all be paying attention to? Like a newer version of hipster culture?
I hate to sound jaded but due to the globalization of fashion, the insatiable, international obsession with street style and ubiquitousness of trends encourages me to say no. Most trends catch on like wildfire -- because of the proliferation of technology -- and then die out just as quickly. I think the most innovative people to be paying attention to are those young designers who are disrupting fashion's seasonal model and poor production and manufacturing practices.
Who in the fashion world -- celebrities, models, scenesters, etc -- is killing it with fashion right now?
I'm continually impressed with Alexander Wang's ever-evolving empire. He is one smart cookie. Tommy Ton has changed the way that we view fashion (quite literally as the photographer has helped define fashion photography's new street style-infused aesthetic). I love that Tom Ford is back in action and am eager to see how his namesake collections evolve. I'm also excited to see what the future holds for Carine Roitfeld (formerly of Vogue Paris) and Olivier Theyskens (formerly of Nina Ricci and Rochas) as their respective vision is unmatched. Anna Dello Russo also deserves a nod because she is the literal embodiment of being fabulous.
Who's your style icon?
The love child of Anna Karina and Patti Smith.
If you want to hear more from Alisa, you can follow her on Twitter under @alisagouldsimon -- and look for Pose in the iTunes App Store, soon to be made available to Android users as well.
]]>Social Shopping with Pose (Part 1)tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8538782011-04-26T13:55:52-04:002011-06-26T05:12:01-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/Pose, for example -- the app serves as a way to share an individual shopping experience with other "Posers" in a Pose community, and similar to the way an app like GetGlue replicates the social experience of watching TV with other people, Pose replicates the social experience of shopping. Whether it's for feedback, suggestions or general sharing, Pose takes the notion of the online look book and builds a community devoted to sharing and discussing fashion finds, all from a mobile phone.
Recently I had the pleasure of chatting with trendsetter, fashion expert, media maven and all-around badass chick Alisa Gould-Simon. Alisa is a name to know in the world of fashion and style; both thanks to her impressive background (she's been published in the New York Times and Style.com, among others) and her latest endeavor as a part of the Pose team. Over email Alisa graciously answered my many questions about Pose and the current trends on the fashion scene. In the first portion of our interview we specifically discussed the app; how it's used, who's using it, the new partnership with LA-based retailer Metropark, etc. Oh and did I mention there's a chance to win a $200 gift certificate?
What's your involvement with the Pose app? How did that come to be?
I'm the Director of Marketing & Communications, but, as it's a start-up, I cover ground ranging from social media and selecting our Posers to retailer partnerships and user experience. I met Dustin Rosen, Pose's CEO, last fall and upon learning about the project (then a few months in) I knew I had to be a part of it.
How's the app been doing since launch? What's your target audience?
We've had a phenomenal response from our users, the media and the iTunes App Store (which has featured us in 'new and noteworthy' and 'staff favorites'). Our target audience is anyone who loves to shop and share their finds.
Who is using Pose? How are people using Pose?
Pose is being used by an international audience of both men and women (although, not surprisingly, women outweigh the men). People are using Pose to document their style discoveries, to procure feedback while shopping, or, simply, to show off things they've purchased or found while browsing. Users are also looking to other users and the Poser style feed (which features handpicked contributors) for fashion inspiration.
Which "Poses" are most successful, and how are they successful?
Poses that truly show off the product tend to be the most successful. This may mean someone showcasing a garment by wearing it (to truly give the impression of fit and silhouette), or someone snapping a shoe and emphasizing its vibrant color with a filter. Accessories (particularly shoes) and poses featuring a full outfit tend to score a lot of loves too.
Which "Poses" are the most popular? Any idea why some are when others aren't?
The most popular Poses range from shoes to full ensembles, from product shots to self portraits in the dressing room. The Pose audience definitely seems to be trend and style savvy; they appreciate strong images and products that are on trend.
Are there any famous Posers out there?
Our top Posers are all respected trendsetters: for instance, Leandra Medine (aka: The Man Repeller), Geri Hirsch of the blog, Because I'm Addicted, and stylist Melis Kuris.
What do you see as the future of Pose?
I think that Pose will evolve and expand significantly in the future. That said, we are relying heavily on our users to help shape the platform according to what they want. There will be increasing opportunities for discovery and connecting with other users and products. The underlining mission, however, will remain exactly what it is today: to capture and enhance the in-store shopping experience.
Are there any other apps you see as a big competitor? Why should people choose Pose over others?
Pose offers a truly unique mobile experience. There are other fashion apps out there and social shopping is becoming an increasingly recognizable buzz phrase in fashion. But, as I see it, Pose does not have any direct competitors. Pose is amplifying the in-store shopping experience and encouraging style discovery in a fresh way. What's next for Pose?
Pose is working with LA-based retailer Metropark to launch an innovative in-store contest. Starting Friday, April 22nd (and running until May 8th), Metropark is encouraging its shoppers to Pose their favorite Metropark styles and share them across social networks to be automatically entered to win a $200 gift certificate to Metropark. Using Pose's API, Metropark will then display the Poses generated by the contest on its existing in-store TV screens, showcasing shoppers' finds in real-time. We're incredibly excited to get this contest off the ground and to continue to redefine the role of mobile in the brick and mortar environment.
Check back in for the second part of this interview, when Alisa gives me the lowdown on the fashion scene, including musts for every girl's closet, the hottest trends this spring and summer, and some suggestions for good first-date outfits!
]]>John Stamos Is Back on Glee for a Little "Afternoon Delight" But It Could Be His Lasttag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8336112011-03-09T14:37:59-05:002011-05-25T18:35:25-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/Glee for more than a mere mention in this week's installment, appropriately titled 'Sexy.' John Stamos is sexy, make no mistakes (and it takes a Stamos to know a Stamos).
Whether he's rocking a bouffant and banging on the drums or stuck behind a student's desk bemoaning his lack-of-sex-life, there's no denying that Stamos has still got it.
Admittedly, it was somewhat disappointing to see that the real guest star of the episode was Gwyneth Paltrow's Holly Holiday - reprising her role to give the confused students (and teachers!) of McKinley High some much-needed sex ed. In fact, one of the biggest shockers came when Dr. Carl requested Miss Holiday's services for himself and his lovely bride Emma, because yes - after all this time they have yet to do the deed. Poor Dr. Carl. Good thing Miss Holiday - not a real doctor, by the way - brought the issue to light, as it forced Emma to reveal her confused feelings regarding Mr. Shue, leaving Carl no choice but to head to the Radisson - signifying the likely end of their short-lived nuptials. We'll say it again - poor Dr. Carl. Let's hope the Radisson offered room service.
Sadly, this wasn't anywhere near as glorious as Stamos' previous appearances on Glee, however we'll take what we can get. Watching him sing and act as drummer for "Afternoon Delight" was, for lack of a better term, a true delight. Furthermore, we like a man who takes initiative so it was nice to see him reach out to Miss Holiday for some sex-counseling. I have no idea how Emma was able to resist that man for four months of marriage (FOUR MONTHS!). If this is it for Carl and Emma, he'll truly be missed.
What's next for John Stamos? I suppose there's a chance he'll pop up on Glee again, but we know he'll grace our TV screens this April, thanks to a guest-starring role in an upcoming episode of Law & Order: SVU. He's also been rumored to replace Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men (please, John, turn that down, I don't think I can stomach writing a "Stamos on Stamos" for every episode of that show). But, in case he's looking for work, I'd like to make another plea for the televised version of Stamos vs. Stamos.You never know John, it could be a goldmine.
For the ratings on the Stamos-Meter, a nice pic of John Stamos' rockin' bouffant, and a poll, be sure to check out the full original version of this article at Zap2it.com.]]>FOMO, the Fear of Missing Outtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8172532011-02-02T13:46:02-05:002011-05-25T18:30:24-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/
I'm talking about FOMO.
FOMO, (clinical definition: Fear Of Missing Out) is running rampant in the streets of this fine nation. From the overcrowded hallways of middle schools in Kansas to the minimalist lobbies of chic Hollywood talent agencies -- FOMO is destroying the good judgment of many of our country's finest.
That creepy 12-year-old girl with the pigtails who showed up to your step-daughter's Bat Mitzvah uninvited? FOMO. The C-level executive pacing in front of another C-level executive's mahogany-lined office suite, ready to pounce at the close of every meeting with suspicious looking foreigners in expensive suits? FOMO (also: maybe racist). That Asian dude on Community who like, hangs out on top of bookshelves in the study room because he wants to join the study group? Big time FOMO. Everyone on Facebook who's Facebook-stalking? FOMO, FOMO, more FOMO. Natalie Portman in Black Swan? FOMO (among other things). That time I was in New York and all my friends in LA went to Little Tokyo and ate giant bowls of noodles without me and then told me about it and I cried a little bit on the inside for a few weeks/years? FOMO.
FOMO is everywhere. You've got it, your mom has it, your boss has it, your friends have it. Symptoms include jaw clenching, compulsive sweating, excessive text-messaging, the inability to remove your smartphone from your hand, showing up at places uninvited, high-pitched questioning, stalking, fear of the internet, buying a shirt that declares Jesus as your homeboy, watching Glee, driving a Prius, brushing your teeth, marrying into the Kardashian family, Twittering when you're on the can.
FOMO is, simply put, the worst. But you can, and you will conquer FOMO. Here are some suggestions how:
Invite everyone you know to everything. Ever.
Do not marry into the Kardashian family.
Use FOMO as a persuasive form of manipulation to coerce reluctant people into doing things.
Embrace Neo-Luddism.
Alienate everyone you know and like so you never have to deal with other people.
Get over it.
Now, get out there and fight that FOMO! Fight it like the wind! You show that FOMO who's boss! Just get all up in that FOMO. And, I don't know, maybe invite me to come along? Yeah! Okay so you're going to invite me? I can come, right? Right? Right?
Right?
]]>Presenting a Completely Biased "Top 10 TV Shows of 2010" Listtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7984412010-12-17T16:21:04-05:002011-05-25T18:20:30-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/
Like, it's all my favorite TV shows of 2010, so whatever cred I bring as a "seasoned blogger" or "industry insider" or "obsessive TV watcher" or "pop culture writer" or "self-appointed know-it-all" should just be ignored because it really just comes down to the fact that these are the shows that I really, really loved to watch in 2010.
So, without further ado...
The Top 10 TV Shows of 2010:
Friday Night Lights FNL reinvented itself in its fourth season and I cannot think of any other show that has been able to take on such a task to a similar degree with any sort of success approaching the levels of FNL's general near-perfection. Looking back on the first two episodes of that redefining season, with Coach Taylor's reign in East Dillon just begun, viewers were suddenly introduced to a wide range of brand new characters - and in just that amount of time I found myself caring for them as much as I cared for the original Panther gang. Here we are in the show's final season and I can't help but feel incredibly grateful that this masterpiece has lasted on television for as long as it did, in fact - I feel lucky for every episode of FNL that graces my TV screen. I cannot think of any other show on TV right now that rivals FNL in its near-perfection - and that's something I've felt about the series since its premiere. FNL has set a high bar for acting, directing, writing, editing - especially when you take into consideration the fact this show airs on a broadcast network (primarily - ignoring it's limited early viewing on DirecTV's The 101) - and that network is NBC, of all places. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton are two of the finest actors today and it's their chemistry and the Taylor relationship that enriches FNL so - it saddens me to think that 2011 is the year this mighty work of art comes to an end.
The League
There is no other comedy on TV right now that makes me belly laugh like The League. Every episode delivers incredibly realistic and hilarious comedic moments - it makes me feel like I'm hanging out with the group of friends I grew up with. Sure the humor crosses the line from time to time - but for some reason it does so in a way that doesn't feel offensive or excessive - it's all so light-hearted and jovial and... well, just really damn funny. The fantasy football premise is the perfect basis to enjoy the complexities of relationships between friends. Through these nuanced interactions, The League delivers consistent laughs and sometimes, that's the best sign of quality programming.
Parks & Recreation
Sometimes I think Parks & Recreation's unique brand of humor and storytelling came out of nowhere - but that's not true of course. This show had all the makings of a hit from the get-go (remember when it was called The Office Spinoff?), but it simply took a bit for the series to hit its stride, which definitely happened in the second season. The supporting cast on this show really makes it such a gem, and brings a lively burst of hilarity to every character interaction. The comedy is smart and clever, and though the world of Parks & Rec is small, it provides for an impressively large amount of comical situations. An clearly every comedy needs to find its own Ron "F-ing" Swanson.
Fringe
Like many of the comedies on this list, Fringe is a show that took time to find its stride - but once it did, holy crap did things really get going. I've referred to it before as a "mindblowingly amazing crazypants masterpiece of a television show" and there's really no other way I can think to applaud this science fiction, parallel universe, family and twisted love-triangle tale. In 2011 Fringe moves to Friday nights, where it will hopefully maintain its numbers and small but steady following.
Modern Family
I don't know how any Top 10 list reviewing the year could not include Modern Family. Even though recent episodes have begun to see a slight decline in consistency, overall there's no better family comedy on TV right now, nor has there been for a while. The recent episode "Manny Get Your Gun" gets a permanent spot on my DVR, and is one of the best-written episodes of TV from this past year, no doubt about it.
Terriers
There was something magical about Terriers. It was dark and gritty but also sunny and whimsical - the world was small, but filled with realism and consequences and two guys trying to do good. It was a cop show but it was also a serialized drama. It was too hard to define, and maybe that's one of the reasons it never got much of an audience. It was a real shame Terriers was canceled, because this is one show that definitely deserved a second season and a longer life - but I feel lucky we got a full 13-episode season of the show at all.
Cougar Town
I hate that Cougar Town is called Cougar Town and that the first handful of episodes of the show were frankly, not that good. Because when Cougar Town transformed into the laugh riot it is now, somewhere near the end of the first season, so many people who might have fallen in love with the show never gave it the chance. Looking back on the year, there are very specific television moments that stick out in my mind and it was when Cougar Town went for "The Full Shawshank Experience" that the show cemented itself as a weekly must-watch. I can't think of another comedy that so easily and willingly recognizes what it is, and uses that to such an advantage to bring forth some really great comedic moments..
Community
I think of Community as the "little TV show that could!" See, I often feel like Community has all these things working against it - most notable this fall season was the worst time-slot competition ever - yet the show rises to the occasion again and again. Even though it's a not a show that for me, delivers consistent laugh-out-loud moments, it's always fun and humorous and its brand of comedy is simply put, very smart. So often the word "meta" is described as one of the mechanisms employed by Community writers - and while this is true, I think the show is really just the best example of a self-aware half-hour comedy that owes so much of its strength to its delightful cast of characters.
Parenthood
It should come as no surprise that this show makes my list - especially considering it shares the same leadership as FNL. The thing about Parenthood, is that it's so quietly good. The world the Braverman family inhabits feels real, sincere, and authentic - and the delicacies of balancing familial relationships on multiple levels is addressed with such honor. Speaking of addressing issues, like FNL, Parenthood takes on issues that another show might twist into an after-school special, but brings a level of realism that makes everything sincere and refreshing.
Lost
Okay fine - the beginning few episodes of the final season felt like we'd wandered our way into the video game set for Jack Shephard and the Temple of Doom, but I can't think of the last time a show's final season left such a profound emotional impact. And that series finale - "The End?" I have it permanently saved on my DVR but have yet to watch since the original airing, mostly because it makes me cry like a baby. (Maybe sometime soon, when I need a good cry?). The thing about Lost was that it was ground-breaking television and the final season was a glorious send-off for the show. It certainly had its critics and naysayers, but I found the emotional resolution for the series to be immensely satisfying.
Honorable Mentions:
30 Rock 30 Rock is one of those shows that is sometimes better written than anything else on TV, yet when one episode is irreverent, hilarious and impressively risk-taking, the next might be dull, far-fetched and occasionally lackluster. There's no way the show is nearly as funny as it was in its first two seasons, and the episodes that focus on Liz Lemon remain the best - however 30 Rock gets its honorable mention merely thanks to the fact that the writers and producers take some serious risks with their thinly-veiled jabs at Comcast. It's been significantly more fun watching that "ripped-from-the-headlines" story in the fictional Kabletown merger on the world of 30 Rock, and I applaud the show for the incredibly clever self-deprecating humor - no idea how they get it by NBC, but I'm not complaining.
Bones
The fifth season, half of which aired in the beginning of 2010 - including the show's exceptional 100th episode - of this light-hearted procedural was arguably its best, showcasing great storylines and underrated performances by a stellar ensemble cast, in what could easily be just another formulaic broadcast show. From time to time Bones really strives for something more - something beyond its procedural storytelling and systematic metaphors. The reason Bones doesn't quite make my top 10 list (well, despite the fact that - I don't know - it's Bones?) is because its current season, save for the exceptional mid-season finale, has felt off. It's difficult to place exactly why this season of Bones feels so flat. There's a different tone and the chemistry between the two leads isn't quite as electric as it once was - thanks to a new love interest that screams "trite plot contrivance" and appears to be overstaying its welcome. Hopefully the new year will usher in some new life to Bones as well (not literally though - please no zombies on Bones, okay?).
The Walking Dead
Speaking of zombies... The Walking Dead's 6-episode first season run was an unexpected delight. Sure the writing was lacking and occasionally episodes had a tinge of the typical zombie B-Movie vibe, which in my opinion prevented the show from achieving real levels of greatness. But when you wrap your head around the fact that we're looking at a current show about the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse, and that the show is airing on AMC of all places? Well damn, that's just really awesome. Here's hoping the second season steps up its game so we can continue to enjoy graphic zombie kills on our wholesome Sunday nights.
Pretty Little Liars Pretty Little Liars has all the makings of a show I would hate - in fact, when I first read the pilot script after the initial pick-up I tossed it aside with little interest. However, after hearing some positive buzz I gave the pilot a shot and was pleasantly surprised - now this is in no way the same high-caliber show as some of the shows on my Top 10 List (it's no FNL, that's for sure), but it deserves an honorable mention for really blowing the lid off the teen drama formula. Compare PLL to its peers on the CW, and it's no doubt that the writing is snappier, and the drama - while ridiculous - is more addictive. I'm so thrilled this show took off, it's certainly my guilty pleasure, and I can't wait to see what happens when it returns in January 2011.
Here's to more happy watching in 2011!]]>All I Want for Christmas Is for Justin Bieber to Try a New Haircut (Among Other Things)tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7912062010-12-03T10:08:05-05:002011-05-25T18:15:22-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/last year's. Pop Culture Santa Claus gave me a few things on my last list, (Emmy noms for FNL stars! Avatar didn't totally suck! Thanks to a new roommate, I got a Nintendo Wii! I went to Disneyland!), but I must say, looking back on my requests, quite a few of my wishes remain unfulfilled. Which brings us to -- my Pop Culture Christmas List for 2010.
I want...
Tron: Legacy to not suck
Justin Bieber to try a new haircut
Tom Brady to try a new haircut
"cosmic" to replace "epic" in the daily pop culture vernacular
Angry Birds to give me back my soul/ability to focus
a totally badass unknown actress cast as Katniss in The Hunger Games movie
no more scandalous pictures to leak of young Disney starlets
Taylor Momsen to wash her face
some consistent story lines on Glee
all the Ke$ha-haters to just shut-up and embrace the glitter
no more TV shows about vampires
no more TV shows that are musicals
no more TV shows that are spin-offs of NCIS or CSI or other similar-sounding acronyms
Booth's weird girlfriend to make a swift exit from Bones so he and Brennan can totally do it already
a third X-Files movie to be announced
a Celtics-Lakers rematch in the 2011 NBA Finals, but this time the Celtics win
someone to make a TV show and/or movie that features a unicorn
a whole lot of people start watching Fringe, Community and Cougar Town so ratings skyrocket and these three TV shows are universally recognized for being very, very good
the incredible drama Terriers gets picked-up for a second season
Sarah Palin and Bristol Palin (and all other Palins) to go away
whoever Amber the "Teen Mom" is to go away
John Mayer to go away
Kanye West to keep being his crazy self
Lady Gaga to keep being her crazy self
Courtney Love to stop being her crazy self
Willow Smith to keep whipping that hair of hers
John Stamos to headline his own TV show* (*preferably this show will be the reality competition show Stamos vs. Stamos, but I'd settle for a half hour comedy)
Scream 4 to be just as horribly amazing as we're all hoping
Four Loko to remain legal and readily available in California. Forever.
And if I could get someone to buy my screenplay, pilot, life rights, whatever -- that'd be just peachy.
Happy Holidays to all the Pop Culture Junkies out there -- please comment with your own requests and may all your Pop Culture Christmas wishes come true!]]>Can Somebody Give John Stamos His Own Show Already?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7750312010-10-28T14:33:20-04:002011-05-25T18:10:25-04:00Annie Stamellhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-stamell/The Rocky Horror Picture Show is ever remade, let it be known that the official lobbying campaign for John Stamos as Eddie began with "The Rocky Horror Glee Show." Was this, in fact, a good episode of Glee? Who cares! John Stamos made his return as Dr. Carl in an appearance that transformed into an homage to Meat Loaf, Uncle Jesse, and the 1980s. The entire decade.
You see, John Stamos is eighties. No qualifiers or auxiliary verbs necessary. From his facial expressions to his ability to pull off head-to-toe leather, to the salt and pepper hair, the man has retained this loose eighties vibe that makes the Stamos persona forever connected to his stint as Uncle Jesse on Full House. A persona that had him rocking leather, a mullet and jam sessions with The Beach Boys. All of which is still believable when considering present day Stamos, and especially after watching him sing and dance his heart out on Glee. He is forever Uncle Jesse.
But back to everyone's favorite dentist. It's nice to see Emma (Jayma Mays) have a connection with Dr. Carl. I mean, those two have some real chemistry, don't you think? Far better than she does with resident creeper and most inappropriate teacher ever, Mr. Schuester (Matthew Morrison). Yes, I'm completely biased toward Stamos, but Mr. Schue makes me cringe. If I could I would fast forward through all his scenes (in fact, sometimes I do). Then there's Dr. Carl. Cool Carl, the Rocky Horror Picture Show Aficionado, the guy who drives through a wall with a saxophone strapped across his back. Fine, he was in character as RHPS's Eddie, but it had me wondering why Dr. Carl isn't a full time member of the Glee cast.
Better yet, can someone give John Stamos his own show already? We could use a little more Stamos in our lives. By the way, I'd be totally amenable to making a cameo. You know, in case you were considering a Stamos vs. Stamos segment or something.
For the ratings on the Stamos-Meter, a nice pic of John Stamos in his mullet wig, and a poll -- a poll! -- check out the original version of this article at Zap2it.com]]>
