After a long hiatus (but not nearly as long as Mad Men‘s), 30 Rock graced the screen again. Amanda and I ordered takeout, uncorked some wine and enjoyed seeing Liz, Jack, Tracy, Jenna and Kenneth all together again. There’s just something about a comedy that you can comfortably watch with your parents, friends, partners, bosses, etc. The writing is just fantastic and it’s a show I’ve never been disappointed with, especially with all of the guest stars that just happen to swing by.
While watching, my friend LeBaron texted me saying “Um. The day is almost coming when I may think about comparing you to Liz Lemon…” It’s an honor many people have told me. Mainly because we both wear glasses, are funny, witty, completely comfortable with ourselves, have just bizarre dating stories and dance to our own beats. But as LeBaron pointed out, these aren’t the things that sealed the deal for him. “The dancing and spraining the ankle did something to contribute. And the joint pain medication.”
Could this be the season Liz finds love while dealing with arthritic joints?
Came across this today in my daily blog reading. It’s basically the only type of bar I would ever feel comfortable in (aside from Irish pubs).
Los Angeles has quite a number of these popping up, so I’m hoping the trend sweeps its way East. Paging Chicago, it’s time to begin your chapter. I propose bookending this by Fadó. Okay, closing the book on lame book jokes.
As usual, Liz Lemon captures my emotions and feelings and thoughts on the Bar and Books bar.
Your It List had a bunch of their contributors write in on their favorite things of 2010. I wasn’t asked this year, but there’s always next year, so I stole their questions and will answer them here.
Favorite Film As a film addict, this is a dangerous question. A very dangerous question. We saw two much anticipated serial movies in Harry Potter and Toy Story. Black Swan is just as crazy good as everyone says it is. And the Film Fest delivered some gems in Trust and Nice Guy Johnny this year. If I’m going mega blockbuster style, I’ll have to throw in Inception as well. So really, this year delivered in movies for me. But okay, hands down favorite that I want everyone to see? Convictionand/or The Town. Ben Affleck proved he’s still got it in Town (both on camera and behind) and Hilary Swank delivers another character driven piece in Conviction.
Favorite Album It’s no surprise how much I love Mumford & Sons. But sadly, Sigh No More came out in 2009, at least, that’s when I first heard about it, then it crossed over the pond to here. That’s probably the album I listened to the most this past year. And then David Gray‘s Foundling wasn’t a personal fav, but it sure was when he played it live in Millennium Park this past summer. But Brandon Flowers‘ Flamingo was quite surprising and duh, Kanye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy proved he’s still got it. Favorite: Kanye.
Favorite Book I really got into non-fiction books this year and the best was Jerry Weintraub’s When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead. He literally knows or did know anyone worth anything in Hollywood. And his stories are insane. He’ll make you rethink your sales techniques. Close runner up: Jonathan Tropper This is Where I Leave You.
Favorite TV Show 30 Rockwill forever be a favorite/staple in my life. But I’m so excited I finally hopped on the Modern Family bandwagon. Also to note: Mad Men really delivered this past season. So props goes out to the people of Sterling, Cooper, Pryce & Draper.
Favorite Twitterer He was late coming in the game, but man, he is fantastic. @lord_voldemort7
Favorite YouTube Video Every week a fantastic one comes out. But this one from Google that premiered during the Super Bowl is epic. And it also has paved the way for the latest Google Ad.
Most excited for in 2011 Having one W-2 form. After multiple years of multiple jobs, I’m ecstatic to have just one for the 2011 year.
Who you want to kiss at NYE Jake Gyllenhaal. But I’m sure he won’t be where I am. But just in case, I’ll be sure to curl my eyelashes!
Holiday Gift
Seeing as Edward Burns broke my camera during the Film Fest (yea, I’m never going to let this one go or stop believing it), I should probably get a digital camera. But Mom did get me some stellar rubber boots for the Chicago winter!
I won’t lie, I resisted 30 Rock for quite some time. In high school, Senior Year Charlar Time in Spanish 4 to be exact, José (that was his Spanish name, his real name was Kyle) said for his Charlar point on the day: “Yo pienso que Felipa es Tina Fey”. Roughly translates to “I think Hanna is Tina Fey.” Yes, my Spanish name was Felipa and I will still answer to it. But ever since this moment, I vowed to not be like Tina Fey. I wanted to be my own person. Then I wised up and realized that homegirl is fantastic. And Kyle/José quite possibly fed me the best compliment I have ever received in my life (and I received a lot of “Well done you”s in Ireland).
Ever since I caught myself up on 30 Rock while living in the desert, I have found I am much like Liz Lemon. And my Jack is every Kansas boy I still hang with (mainly Chris, BLB, Pat and Donovan). Tracy Jordan/Morgan’s character would obviously be Manch.
And now that it’s winter, I can’t help but think of the gem Liz Lemon said a couple of seasons ago about the danger of the puffy coats people wear during this time:
“You can do some serious subway flirting before you realize the guy is homeless.”
And I’m pretty sure I earned the nickname of “Manna” from Mike Maniaci after he ate my pudding. I’m sure the moment was something like this:
Hanna (Non)Tana 