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Mar 21 2011
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Nerd News

Nerd News: Teen Nick Brings Back The 90′s

Who loves orange soda?

Source: Google Images

Do you hear that? It’s the sound of every twenty-something FanBoy and FanGirl rejoicing over the (long-awaited) arrival of the thing we most hold dear . . . our 90′s television. Yes, you heard me correctly. This Fall Teen Nick will finally bring back our favorite shows in a 12am-2am retro programing block. The network plans on dusting off some of those classic old VHS tapes like Clarissa Explains it All, All That, Kenan & Kel, and The Adventures of Pete & Pete; then hopefully adding more to their catalogue. Dare we hope for reruns of Rocko’s Modern Life, Hey Dude, Double Dare, Salute Your Shorts, and Legends of The Hidden Temple sometime in the not to distant future? Please let it be so!

You know, it seems just like September when we were contemplating this very idea. Clarissa explained why I miss 90′s television, and imagined what it would be like if there was a channel dedicated to the awesome power of 90′s TV. Now, it seems we are that much closer to the real thing.

(via EW)

Tell me, are you excited for the return of your favorite Nick shows? Do you think Disney will follow in this journey into classic 90′s TV? What shows do you hope will make the cut? What 90′s shows do you miss and want back? Tell me in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

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Nov 19 2010
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Press Play Friday

Press Play Friday: I Love the 90′s

You’re Tearin’ Up My Heart

Source: Google Images

Time and time again, I’ve expressed how much I miss 90′s television, jelly shoes, and cassette tapes. Wait. Scratch that last part. I really don’t miss cassette tapes. The one thing we never reminisced about was the music. Yes, the music. Days filled with boy bands, bubble gum pop, grunge, and rock. Yeah, good times. Good times. It was a time when it was acceptable, no, required for you to have your favorite band’s posters covered on your walls from floor to ceiling (I plead guilty to this one. I just wish I took pictures). It was a time when you made your mom drive you to your local Target store before school, just so you could get that new Nsync album, even though you couldn’t listen to it until you got home (Guilty. Again). While I can’t complain about the quality of music today, in fact I truly can’t. It’s cool (I’m using appropriate 90′s slang here). There is something about scrolling your iPod touch for a piece of popular music, then discovering a song you haven’t heard in the longest time. Maybe it’s Mr. Jones by the Counting Crows, or My Heart Will Go On from Titanic (That song played on repeat for about a year), or maybe even that classic that was perfect for every single nostalgia video ever made in the 90′s, Time of Your Life by Green Day. No matter what song, artist, or boy band it was, I know that you know, there is that part of you that just wants to rock it out and confess your love for even the most taboo of songs or bands. That’s right. I’m talking about . . .

Find Out What Songs Made It After The Cut!

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Sep 07 2010
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Press Play Friday

Press Play: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

We’re going ‘Home’

Source: Photobucket

When you first press your ear to that oversized or undersized headphone and hear the radiant sounds of Edward Sharpe, you feel as if you’ve been transported into another time. The 60s’; a generation centered around an ad agency with less than moral characters. Wait. That’s Mad Men. The 60′s; a time of rock and roll, a summer of love, hippies, and the raw power of song. Now, that describes Edward Sharpe. The rough grass-roots band can only be described as cross between Sgt. Peppers and the Mamas and The Papas, but you’ve probably heard that before. They don’t copy their predecessors, but create their own flower power mix of great melodies and lyrics. Of course after listening to their debut album, you might want to grab your peace sign necklace and mood ring, but don’t let that scare you off.

I’ve been a fan of theirs for a little while now, after hearing what is now one of my favorite songs of all time, Home. The song is reminiscent of Mickey & Sylvia‘s Love Is Strange, if Love Is Strange was a foot pounding, bohemian, ear worm of a song. The openings whistle tune and intermediate HEY!’s are amazing accessories to the foot tapping, tambourine accompanied song.

“Home, let me go home, home is wherever I’m with you.”

More Music After The Cut!

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Sep 06 2010
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TV

Clarissa Explains . . . Why I Miss 90′s Television

Hey. Dude. I Double Dare You Not To Love This.

Source: Google Images

Grab your jelly shoes and your Spice Girls cassette tape, we’re going back in time!

I miss you 90′s T.V. I miss not waking up to “Swiper, no swiping. Swiper, no swiping” after falling asleep to Nick At Nite. I miss watching Saturday Morning T.V that didn’t consist of That’s So Raven reruns and Power Rangers spin-offs. I miss quality children’s programming, like CatDog, Hey Arnold!, Tiny Toon Adventures, and Muppet Babies. So, where did you go? I know of several channels that play only reruns, but where is your channel? Where is the channel dedicated to the awesome power of 90′s T.V? You know if I had my own channel dedicated to 90′s T.V . . . Well, it would look a little something like this:

First of all, on this channel there are no commercials, so never mind thinking you’re going to get a baby in a rolly chair chasing a dog through a house. It’s out of the question. From 5am to 11am we cater to the younger generation. We begin with Lamb Chop’s Play Along with her friends Hush Puppy and Charlie Horse . . .“This is the song that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friend” . . . Yes, we get it Shari. Then we move along to Allegra’s Window. Puppets, people. Puppets. After that, a ride in The Magic School Bus with Ms. Frizzle. We do like to learn here, too. Maybe then, we go to The Big Comfy Couch or Shining Time Station (Either George Carlin or Ringo era). And of course, a little known gem, Under The Umbrella Tree. But, how can we not forget, a childhood favorite: Sharon, Lois, and Bram (Skinnamarink . . . Oh, sorry). To wrap it all up we end with The Gummi Bears, Kids Incorporated, M.M.C, Kidsongs, and Bear In The Big Blue House. He’s a huge, adorable, talking bear. How can you not love him?

More T.V Memories After The Cut!

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Aug 27 2010
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Press Play Friday

Press Play Friday: Marcus Foster

Our featured artist this week is newbie Marcus Foster

Source: Marcus Foster – MySpace

As you start to read this, some of it might seem familiar. It might sound really familiar. But, rest assured, I’m not repeating artists. Marcus Foster is . . . Marcus Foster. Any similarity to another favorite Press Play artist (*cough* Bobby Long *cough*) is merely because they might be friends and share coincidentally, a similar sound. Both are unique musical talents and should be respected as such. Anyways, onwards and downwards!

You might have heard that Marcus Foster is similar to another artist we have previously featured. I don’t know where you might have heard this . . . but it’s only semi-true. Marcus Foster is a singer/songwriter with a tremendously beautiful folk/bluesy sound.

He is another artist who recently acquired another little place in my heart (Florence + The Machine is currently taking up most of the living space, but don’t worry, there is lots of room in there). I first heard Marcus’ music (More than just a song or two) just over a year ago, after purchasing his EP. But, even before that, I was listening to his music. How, you ask? Well, he just happens to have contributed “Let Me Sign” off the Twilight soundtrack with a fellow friend: Bobby Long. Surprised? Probably not, if you know anything about me or anything about Twilight, for that matter. But, that’s neither here nor there.

Marcus Foster is one of those artists that have soul. That have a fixed position amongst amazing songwriters. He brings a large amount of storytelling to his music, and a large amount of love and attention, as well. He carries more of a blues feel to his music, unlike that guy that these people keep comparing him too. (Sheesh! Their different, people! Understand?) His rough voice is a perfect companion to his songwriting.

Marcus is a musician. He’s not another flash in the pan. He is music (Please don’t start singing Manilow’s “I Write The Songs” here. Don’t do it!). By that I mean, he resembles all the things that music should be. He cares. He sings from the heart. He sings about life.

* Side note: I trying to prevent myself from going into a rant here. So, please stop listening to crappy music and I won’t have to go off on these rants. Okay? Okay.

I love music. So, when people who deserve recognition for their work don’t get it, I have to say something. This is me saying something. Listen. I’ll guarantee you’ll love him.

Wait! There’s More After The Cut!

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Aug 23 2010
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Movie Review

Movie Review: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

This is your Kim Pick for the week

Welcome to Kim The FanGirl; picking movies since 2010. What movie can I choose for you today? We have a wide selection to choose from. Maybe, I can interest you in selecting a Gene Pick. His pick for today is Weekend At Bernie’s II. No? That does not interest you? Well, may I suggest a Kim Pick. She has a good taste in movies, at least she think she does. Her pick for today is Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. *

*This has been a reference to the classic 90′s sitcom Seinfeld. You must be at least 20 years old to understand this reference. Yadda, yadda, yadda, Seinfeld is awesome.

Nerds! Nerds! Nerds! It’s my Scott Pilgrim vs. The World review! (This is where you jump up and down with excitement) First of all, going into this, I knew nothing of Scott Pilgrim the video game, graphic novel, etc. I only knew that one of my favorite directors was directing this little piece of epicness: Edgar Wright (Director of such amazing works as Shaun of The Dead & Hot Fuzz (Two of my favorite movies)); which means, I probably lost some nerd points. Damn.

So, when I entered my local cinema, little did I expect to see a 8 bit (For all you younglings, that is like the original Nintendo) rendering of the Universal theme song. Um, awesome. I will admit, I might have choked out a little fangirl squee right about then (1000 coins to Edgar Wright!). From there, there is really no grace period between introduction and story.

The Story: Scott Pilgrim is an unemployed, self-centered, semi-charming 20 something (Michael Cera) from Toronto (That’s in Canada!) who spends most of his time rehearsing with his band, Sex Bob-Omb, and has been recently dumped (1 year ago) by his thought-she-was-the-one girlfriend who left him for a bigger and badder music career. In an attempt to get over her, he starts dating a high schooler called Knives Chau, much to the dismay of his sister (Anna Kendrick) and gay roommate (Kieran Culkin). The relationship seems to be a comfortable, convenient situation for Scott. Then, he meets Ramona Flowers. She’s beautiful, interesting, aloof, and trying to get away from an overbearing ex boyfriend. Immediately, Scott is captivated by her – he must have her. But, he can’t break-up with Knives, because that would just be too hard. So he pursues Ramona, while seemingly dating Knives. But, not so fast, Scott Pilgrim. There is a league of 7 evil ex’s trying to kill you!

Wait! There’s More After The Cut!

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Aug 09 2010
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Must Watch Movies

Must Watch Movie: I Sell The Dead

Grab your pet zombie and settle in with the horror-comedy I Sell The Dead

British. Comedy. Do I need to say more?

Well, if you need more. Dominick Monaghan.

No? That won’t do it for you? Are you saying you need more than just that? Jeez. Okay.

I Sell The Dead has the makings to be the Murder By Death of its time. What? You’ve never seen Murder By Death? One of the most hilarious satire’s in all of time?! Oh. What am I going to do with you? Alright. Stop whatever you’re doing now, go watch Murder By Death, then come back and we’ll talk. Okay? Okay.

For those who have seen Murder By Death, hello. How are you? Isn’t that a great movie. It’s one of my favorites. Oh, you want me to talk about I Sell The Dead? Not how much I love Murder By Death? Okay. Onwards!

If you couldn’t tell already, I love British comedies (I’m probably an Anglophile). So, it was a little surprising that as soon as I Sell The Dead started, the only thing that came to my mind was the similarities to the American classic, Murder By Death. Just as Murder By Death was a hilarious satire dedicated to murder mysteries, I Sell The Dead does the same to the classic horror B-movies of the 1950′s and 60′s.

Set in 19th century England, I Sell The Dead is the story of grave-robbers Arthur Blake (Monaghan) and Willie Grimes (Larry Fessenden). It seems that the years of stealing the dead have caught up with them, as the movie begins with Arthur sitting in a jail cell, waiting for the guillotine. Father Duffy (Ron Perlman) is set to take down Arthur’s last words, but seems more interested in how he began selling the dead.

Wait! There’s More After The Cut!

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Aug 04 2010
2 Comments
Book Review

Book Review: Looking For Alaska

For my first book review, we’re starting with an semi-oldie but a goody.

Source: Photobucket

Looking For Alaska is the 2005 Printz Award winning debut of author John Green (Remember him?). And I must say, that out of all of his novels, this has to be my favorite.

The story is centered around Miles “Pudge” Halter who is fascinated by famous last words. He finds himself sick of his non-eventful life in Florida. So, he seeks out what poet Francois Rabelais called the “Great Perhaps.” He want’s to experience life by getting into a little trouble and having a lot of fun. To seek out his “great perhaps,” Miles leaves for boarding school in an attempt to ditch his former boring life and friends.

At Culver Creek, he meets several odd-ball characters like the Colonel, his roommate and consequently his best friend, who never seems to have money to supplement his cigarette habit. Takumi, a wannabe rapper. Lara, who becomes Miles’ girlfriend for all but one eventful day. And Alaska Young; a moody, beautiful girl whom Miles can’t help but love.

Alaska is his catapult into the “great perhaps.” In a year filled with pranks, moments of great insights, cigarettes, and too many bottles of cheap strawberry wine, Alaska Young changes Miles’ life in more ways than one.

John Green’s characters are realistic, smart-alecky, funny, and have just the right amount of sentiment to them. He brings you on an emotional roller-coaster, that has you laughing on one page, then crying on the other. He constructs a beautiful labyrinth of emotion and heart that will have you questioning life after you read it.

When I read this, I find myself caught up in the characters lives and stories so much, that it’s hard to put the book down and go to sleep. I think that as an author, that is something you always want to achieve. You don’t want your audience to put the book down. You want them staying up until one o’clock in the morning reading until they can’t read anymore and pass out from sleep deprivation. All of John Green’s books have that effect.

I’m not going to lie to you. You’re going to tear up. You’re going to laugh. You’re going have a great time reading this book. Looking For Alaska is a witty joy-ride that might leave you in a ditch crying in the end, but getting there is so much fun.

Book Rating: A+

Have you read Looking For Alaska? Or any of John Green‘s books, for that matter? Will you read them? Tell me in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

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Aug 03 2010
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Nerd News

Nerd News: MythBusters: A Nerdist Interview

Source: Mythbusters Facebook

I know a lot of you are Mythbusters fans. And I know a lot of you didn’t make it to Comic Con to see the Mythbusters panel (moderated by Chris Hardwick). Well, fear not, dear nerds. It’s the Nerdist Podcast to the rescue!

All five Mythbusters are in tow: Jamie, Adam, Tory, Grant, and Kari, for the awesome panel. Made available by the Nerdist Podcast HERE

Via Nerdist

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Aug 02 2010
6 Comments
Discovery Monday

Discovery Monday: John Green

We uncover the awesomeness of nerdfighter & author John Green for this Discovery Monday

I guess it’s not a surprise that John Green is one of my favorite people. See that quote at the top of the page? Yep. John Green.

He is the New York Times bestseller of Looking For Alaska, Abundance of Katherines, and Paper Towns, and has one of the most viewed YouTube channels in all of online video history. His most recent novel is Will Grayson, Will Grayson which he co-wrote with David Levithan.

John Green is an author that actually connects with his audience in more ways than one. He has taken advantage of the digital age we live in, by going out and communicating with his audience not just through his novels, but through social media. I think that if more new authors did things they way he does, than maybe we can get more people to read more often.

As an author, his novels are filled with a unique humor and sentiment that you have to read to understand. I really can’t tell you how he writes, because we all experience something different as we read through a characters eyes. But, I can say that as I first starting reading Abundance Of Katherines, I immediately pulled out a highlighter to keep track of his amazing quips and expressions. I never do that. I hate writing in books, it distracts me (We can talk about my weirdness, later).

His characters are realistic with realistic conversations in high school hallways and messy teenage boys rooms. He creates a depth to the characters that most writers fail to understand or do these days. John Green is definitely one of my favorite authors of all time. I find my self laughing out loud, then crying during and after I read his novels.

If you take only one author recommendation this year, make it John Green. This ad has been approved by Kim The FanGirl.

Wait! There’s More After The Cut!

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