Tag: Darren Criss

Just For Fun, Lists, TV Junkie, Uncategorized

The Guilty Pleasure Gods Are Smiling – Here’s Proof!

Go Jules Go

Alvin, Theodore, Simon. All my awesome little chipmunks. I don’t even know where to begin.

Since my last post, so many amazing things have happened. I think it’s because the guilty pleasure gods finally realized they have wi-fi, and have subsequently read my blog, and are letting me know they’ve heard me.

I know. My, I mean the gods', best work yet.

(SPOILER ALERT IF YOU DIDN’T WATCH THE “GLEE” PREMIERE YET! BUT SERIOUSLY. GET ON THAT SHIZ!)

PROOF #1: Blaine. Is. In. New Directions!!!!

That’s right. Like with any husband of mine, soaring instantly to success is inevitable. Darren Criss, a.k.a. Blaine Anderson on “Glee”, a.k.a my Second Husband, has left Dalton Academy to join the rest of the cast at McKinley High. That is no easy feat (except for the 10,000 people they let win “The Glee Project” this summer). I sure do hope they keep The Dalton Academy Warblers around, though.

Side note: Second Husband is coming to Broadway in January for 3 weeks, to replace Third Husband Candidate, Daniel Radcliffe, in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” I mention this because it means I have approximately 3 1/2 months to work on my “Why Polygamy Is The Right Choice for You” presentation. Powerpoint tips and public speaking pointers are welcome.

PROOF #2. The Good Greatsby imparted his timeless words of wisdom upon me today.

I plan on putting his advice into action immediately. You can check out the post here.

 

PROOF #3. I discovered a wickedly funny blog recently: Not Quite Old.

If you haven’t already read Nancy’s blog, head on over now! She was just given a Versatile Blogger Award, but I think she is better suited for the Wear-A-Diaper-Before-You-Read-This-Cause-It’s-That-Funny Blogger Award (though she certainly does show versatility in the subject matter she manages to turn into comedy gold – who knew orphans could be so chuckle-worthy?). In that way we are strikingly similar.

That’s all for now. Don’t forget to say your prayers tonight*.

*I should explain. The guilty pleasure gods are not all about genuflections and formality, if you catch my drift. They prefer you pass out on the couch after eating too many E.L. Fudge cookies, and you really, really need to make sure you leave the TV on. Well, I mean, only if you want to show your true devotion, that is.

Just For Fun, TV Junkie, Uncategorized

Dear Ryan Murphy

Go Jules Go

Dear Ryan Murphy,

Can you blame me? Photo credit: kfcplainfield.com

I don’t usually do this (except the one time I did, when I was 9 and in love with Neil Patrick Harris. And by the way, he totally sent an autographed black-and-white headshot in return. And I still kind of love him. A lot. I wish I knew where that picture was. I hope I didn’t throw it out when Elijah Wood stole my heart), but I had to tell you how I feel.

You used to scare me, Ryan Murphy. You’re very intimidating, and I’m very not. I thought you might be another Simon Cowell, except without the creepy winking, deep V’s and fondness for female models. But now “The Glee Project” is over and I find myself empty inside. You really cared about those kids; heck, you even let most of them win. What’s more, you recently told Perez

I see through this prickly exterior, Ryan Murphy, right into your little gummy bear heart. Photo credit: movieline.com

Hilton you’d write him into an episode “Glee” whenever he wanted. These are not the actions of a scary writer/television producer.

These contestants touched you. I saw it when you’d let a smile pass your lips; your eyes would

definitely twinkle a little. I liked the way you talked about who you could write for and why. I want to hear more. I want to know you, Ryan Murphy.

Also, if you could please tell Darren Criss there’s a 29-year-old, married project manager from New Jersey who may or may not have green hair who’s wondering why he hasn’t returned any of her calls, that would be great. Thanks, Ryan.

Sincerely,

gojulesgo

Just For Fun, Lists, TV Junkie, Uncategorized

The Glee Project Announces Winner and I Explore Life’s Purpose

Go Jules Go

On Sunday night “The Glee Project” announced their winner, and I soooo nailed it – the guy with the dreads (Samuel) won! In a delightful everyone’s-a-winner twist, though, they also gave the Irish kid (Damian) a 7-episode contract, and both runners-up (Alex and Lindsay) will be appearing in 2 episodes! Like I wasn’t pumped enough for Season 3.

And the winner is…all of us. Photo credit: avclub.com

I actually had such a downer post ready to go up today (let’s just say a disturbing episode of “Restaurant Impossible” made me worry I’m one night of boob tubing and two vodka tonics away from being Kevin Spacey’s new ‘sloth’ victim [side note: isn’t “Se7en” the best scary movie ever?]). But then the skies parted and my little guilty pleasure guardian angels flew down and typed “Darren Criss” into my Google search engine (they really LOVE to do that). Which led me to…

A Darren Criss flash mob! (Done at a Chicago fair where Darren recently performed.) Sure, it’s amateurish, and goes on a little too long, but aren’t they cute? It lifted my spirits, and I hope it does the same for you!

Darren later tweeted that he could finally cross “witness a flash mob dance to your songs” off of his bucket list. People are always surprised to hear I have a bucket list, but doesn’t everyone? What’s that one water sport you’ve always wanted to try, or that one country/state you’ve always wanted to visit? See, ta da, bucket list started!

Here are a mere few of my bucket list items – I even included some I’ve already done to show you that guilty pleasure dreams really do come true (as if this post wasn’t proof enough!):

They say it’s the happiest place on earth, but I’ll be the judge of that. Photo credit: disneystore.com

  • Water ski

  • Climb a rock wall

  • Go on a cruise (preferably one that houses dueling pianists and a rock wall)

  • Ride a hot air balloon

Probably with this guy. Photo credit: buckscountyrivercountryblog.blogspot.com

  • Take a road trip through the Redwood forest

  • Get a book published (and subsequently become besties with Stephenie Meyer and J.K. Rowling)

  • Buy a baby grand piano and perform for my imaginary fans (and possibly film and share the evidence)

  • Make Darren Criss my second husband

    Mr. gojulesgo the second. Let's pretend I took this picture right before he proposed. To throw off his rabid fans, though, I shall give "photo credit" to: teen.com

 What’s on your bucket list??

Booze, Everyone Loves a Braggart...Right?, Music, New Jersey is breathtaking, TV Junkie, Uncategorized, Uncle Jesse

How to Have a Guilty Pleasure Weekend in 4 Easy Steps

Go Jules Go

Guilty pleasure bubbykins, I know it’s been a few days since my last post, but get ready for me to make it up to you!! That’s right. Simply follow these 4 easy steps and you’ll be GOGP-ing in no time.

Step #1: Find out you rule even more than you originally thought, as does Lady GaGa, and brag about it shamelessly on your blog.

On Friday morning, thanks to a colleague, I discovered my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification test scores were higher than I thought. I wasn’t particularly keen on being called “moderately proficient” in all 6 test areas, but as it turns out, even scoring “below proficient” on some sections earns you a passing grade. Man. I don’t even know how I keep my head up with all these brains inside it.

On Friday I was also exposed to this brilliant GaGa performance, thanks to Hubster’s Howard Stern-listening ways:

 

Step #2: Throw caution (and your dog’s leash) to the wind and loudly sing Bruno Mars songs in the woods.

On Saturday morning, we welcomed a gloriously sunny, 80-degree day here in western New Jersey, so the fam went for a hike in the Round Valley reservoir area. Why is that a guilty pleasure, you ask? Because, aside from belting out “The Lazy Song“, we let the dog off his leash for the whole 4 miles (shhh)! Who’s a good boy? Uncle Jesse is, yes he is! Look at these little tree huggers:

I really hope my very first stalker sees this and uses it to figure out how to find me on a fair-weather weekend.

Step #3: Do anything that requires you to wear glasses like these:

Photo credit: istockanalyst.com

As for my Saturday evening guilty pleasure activity, it looks like not many of you were as interested as me in seeing the Glee 3D Concert movie, which is supposedly playing for

Work it, girl! (Photo credit: pansophiatree.tumblr.com)

only 2 weeks. Babs, my sister and I were 3 out of only 10 people in the theater. I won’t hold it against you, though, because it isn’t nearly as cool as seeing the concert live in the flesh (they filmed the 3D movie during one of the New Jersey concerts; sadly, not the one I attended). They had some touching ‘underdog’ storylines rolling between songs, but it really was a concert movie, and it’s just not all that fun to sit still and watch a concert, even on the big screen in 3D.

The best part of the concert (aside from any moment featuring Blaine [Darren Criss]) was Brittany (Heather Morris) performing Britney Spears‘ “I’m a Slave 4 U.” That girl can dance! (Sorry, I couldn’t find any quality concert clips of this on YouTube.) Mercedes (Amber Riley) singing one of my favorite Aretha songs (“Ain’t No Way”) was goosebump-inducing, too. Those kids are nauseatingly talented. Can’t wait for Season 3 of “Glee” (airs Wednesday, Sep. 21st on FOX)!

Step #4: Drink [heavily] and practice saying, “The pee-pee does the picking.”

You can take the girl out of Jersey... (Photo credit: http://www.castingduo.com)

On Sunday, all the rain that was ever in the sky decided to fall at once, giving me the perfect excuse to stay inside and do nothing (though it did put a damper on previous ‘mini swim party’ plans I was looking forward to). If drinking vodka tonics and watching reruns of my new favorite show, “Millionaire Matchmaker“, counts as nothing, that is. And I kind of like to think of it as conducting research for you fine people. I may write a post dedicated to this startlingly amazing show, but in the meantime, tune into Bravo since they’re airing marathons practically ’round the clock. If you hate the matchmaker (Patti Stanger) for the first 5 minutes, beware. So did I.

Uncategorized, Wipe the Drool

What Happens in Your Head, Stays in Your Head

Go Jules Go

What’s a fantasy summer fling amongst guilty pleasure friends?

That’s right – it’s time to play: Name Your Top 5!

You know, it’s the game where you get to pick 5 celebrities you can hook up with -no strings attached- should you ever get the chance. Freebies!

Here’s my current Top 5!

#5 – Mila Kunis

#4 – Brody Jenner

This stand-by is purely physical. Photo credit: http://www.mtv.co.uk

#3 – Emma Watson

Photo credit: the-best-top-desktop-wallpapers.blogspot.com

#2 – Robert Pattinson

Yum. I think I'll need a bib, too.

#1 – Darren Criss

Photo credit: Out magazine

Now it’s your turn! Post your Top 5 in the Comments section below! …Pretty please, with lots and lots of whipped cream on top (or wherever you want it)?

…Wait, wait. A picture for #1 just wasn’t enough, was it? Duh. Here you go (a little piano, a little guitar, a whole lotta hot):

Music, TV Junkie, Uncategorized, Wipe the Drool

The Real Warblers REVEALED

Go Jules Go
Photo credit: musicbleed.wordpress.com

Boys and girls, do I have some news for you. Although apparently, much like Blaine Anderson, this has been out for a while.

The Warblers, as in those blue blazer-sporting Dalton Academy crooners you hear on Glee, are really Tufts University‘s Beelzebubs!! So cool, right?!

…What, you mean you never went out of your way to see them perform, and by out of your way I mean really just to a church in the next town over? Well, I have, because let me tell you, the Beelzebubs are THE top college a cappella group in the country.  Nay, the world!

As a long time college a cappella fan, you can take my word for it.

Now you might be asking – who the heck are those guys on the show, then? They’re the ones who do the background vocals for Glee, all those ‘boo bop bop bops‘ you hear as the football bullies go slush-happy or Sue Sylvester hatches another evil plan.

Before you start to think it’s all a sham, rest assured that Darren Criss is indeed the killer voice behind the lead vocals, and the Beelzebubs re-record their hit tunes specifically for Glee. Besides, isn’t it super spiffy that they’re using real a cappella kids??

For a fun article on this, including some Warbler vids, click here.

P.S. – Mini Warbler is back, and I think the ‘Bubs should save a place for him in about 12 years!

Music, TV Junkie, Wipe the Drool

My GLEEful Summer Starts NOW!

Go Jules Go
Lucky Little Gleeks. Photo credit: timessquaregossip.com

I felt the presence of angels on Sunday night, and I think I can die a happy woman now. The only problem with that is I’d miss the remaining episodes of the Oxygen network’s new show, The Glee Project.

Take 1 part Glee, 1 part American Idol and 1 part (preferably the eyes) Darren Criss, and you get my new reason for living.

This show is a dream come true for anyone who ever fantasizes about a) getting on Glee,  b) casting the talent on Glee, or c) making Darren Criss uncomfortable with your crazy eyes (click here and skip to minute 8:47). During the first ‘intro’ episode, they narrowed it down from 40,000+  to just 12 contestants, who will now compete for a 7 episode contract on Glee. 7 episodes? You know I’m going to say it: AMAZEBALLS!

I’ve got my eye on the nerdy guy (top right) and the one in dreadlocks, what about you?

P.S. – For some clips, as well as exposure to another fly WordPress blog, click here.

P.P.S. – In case you didn’t know, it’s now 2 days and counting ’til the first NJ Glee concert, so if you’re expecting any other kind of subject matter this week, slushie in the face for you!

Photo credit: fanpop.com
Music, Uncategorized

Guilty Pleasures, Big and Small

Go Jules Go

You know what, guilty pleasure buttercups? I bet you think this post is going to be all about Sunday’s MTV Movie Awards, especially the part where they showed a sneak peek of “Breaking Dawn.” And also when the adorable Emma Watson introduced a “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” trailer. Oh and when Robert Pattinson kissed Taylor Lautner for the ‘Best Kiss’ acceptance speech!

Well, I want to, I really, really do. I mean, come on. Nothing says guilty pleasure like a 29-year-old staying up way past her bedtime -not to mention sitting through full, MTV-length commercials- to watch the cast of Jackass don laser boners.

Master Thespians

But I fear I’m becoming too predictable. So, without further ado, I present to you:

Mini Warbler! This kid even got Darren Criss‘s attention via Twitter! (All right, all right. This was pretty predictable. I can’t help myself.)

And click here to check out a hilarious clip of the Gleeks hanging out backstage on the “Glee Live” tour. One week and two days ’til they come to Jersey! Is anyone going to see Darren Criss perform solo at Irving Plaza on June 15th???

Music, Uncategorized

A Particular Fella + A Cappella = Hella Good

Go Jules Go
Gleeking out, old school style.

Well, you knew this post was coming, but what you might not know is that I’m a little behind on the times. See the above picture? That little plastic case I’m holding contains something called a Compact Disc, or “CD,” and that’s how I listen to music. I thought I’d be missing out on adorable pictures of [and secret love messages to me from] Darren Criss in the insert if I took the virtual route when purchasing the latest Glee soundtrack – an entire album of songs sung by the Dalton Academy Warblers. I’ve learned my lesson, and will try to pull myself out of the 20th century and buy my next album the normal way, from iTunes. Hopefully, this is the method you chose.

In case you haven’t memorized all of my posts (like I encourage you to do), this is now the third time I’ve mentioned Darren Criss (click here or here if you haven’t committed these to heart yet). There’s a reason for that. He’s the p.b. to my jam, the hair of the dog to my hangover, the fake stomach ache to my hooky day. Wait, what? …You know what I mean.

Unlike my love for Darren Criss, my love of a cappella goes far back in time, to my first favorite band, Boyz II Men. I’ve been to dozens of a cappella shows since listening to “Yesterday” on repeat, and my musician husband would say the reason none of them are as good as the Warblers comes down to this: Auto Tune. Well, he might be right, but tell me you can listen to any of the tracks and NOT bob your head and smile. (I recommend “Animal” or “Raise Your Glass” for this exercise.) Even my hubster can’t deny the sound mixing quality of Glee soundtracks.

So, what do you think of the album? I hope I’ve biased you [in my direction]. Did I mention I really, really, really enjoy these 13 tasty tracks?

Darren, you sing it sister! I mean, solid tunes, man.

Project Management, Uncategorized

Change Mismanagement

Go Jules Go

Change management, much like project management, is big these days. With companies going under or being bought by other companies, a lot of people feel like they’re up a creek without a paddle. Or, they’re not sure if they’re even in a creek, but they have a paddle and they’re using it to hit themselves over the head.

To see if you work in a place of constant churn, ask yourself if you’ve heard any of these things in the last week (also I encourage you to play B.S. Bingo at your next meeting):

“It’s like the blind leading the blind.”

“Well I can tell you how we USED to do things.”

“I don’t think we’ve met. I’m your new boss.”

“Hold off on that until we know more.”

That’s what I thought. Well, I’m here to help you. I’m here to share what I learned recently in change management training (by the way, there’s good money to be made in this field, if you don’t mind tears, hysteria and people being escorted from buildings by security).

Change Management training tells you the following:

People Are Like Sponges.

Everyone Has A Maximum Saturation Point.

Some People Reject Change Passively, Others Let You Know How They Feel About It.

Some People Simply Cannot Accept Change.

If you’re dealing with the last issue, there seems to be only one solution. And that solution is something I learned a long time ago from despair.com, so we might have all just wasted our time here. I’m sorry. I’ll let us both get back to Googling “how to find Darren Criss‘s cell phone number” now.