Celebrity Skin (And The Times I've Come In Direct Contact With It)

I'm almost embarrassed to admit that one of the main reasons I decided to become a Communications major is the opportunity that comes with it for interacting with famous people.  I'm pretty sure that my entire life can be categorized into obsession periods.  It started with Peter Pan when I was a toddler, then moved on to S Club 7 when I got to elementary school.  Shortly after they (tragically) broke up, the Jonas Brothers began gaining momentum, as did my new love for them.  Obviously, my attraction to Nick Jonas has not ceased, despite the fact that these band members also went their separate ways.  In high school, I personally related to Rachel Berry from "Glee," and so began my entrance into the Glee fandom.  Since the beginning of college, I have learned that there is more to life than one phenomenon after another, so I've shortened my obsessions to shorter love affairs with various shows through Netflix-binging.  But more importantly, I've learned that an extensive knowledge and deep love for the entertainment industry and celebrity culture can actually be turned into a profitable career.  During my time at Fordham, I've met a group of friends that conveniently have the same loves as I do, and we've spent many times shamelessly sleeping on the streets of Manhattan with the hopes of meeting one celebrity or another.  Some of our experiences have been really positive, some have been disappointing, and a few were just unexpected and strange.  Here are some that come to mind.

1. Don McLean: When I was a kid (I'm not even sure what age I was) my Dad somehow came to the conclusion that it was time for me to attend my first concert.  To this day, I have no idea why he decided that my first concert needed to be Don McLean, but it was.  I went to the show only knowing one of his songs (American Pie) and it was such an old person concert that I ended up falling asleep in my seat until he sang "American Pie" which was of course his last song.  Anyway, the venue was so small that afterwards, he came to the lobby of the hall to sign people's CD's and posters.  My Dad decided that instead of having an album signed, he would make me pose with Don McLean so he could get a picture of us.  We still have the picture, and my Dad still has the same beard.

Please ignore my gross hairstyle and the sweatshirt (I was convinced it fit me perfectly)

2. Nick Jonas: I've actually met Nick twice (which shows the intensity of my love for him) but the second time was the best.  In October 2013, the JoBros announced that they would be cancelling their upcoming comeback tour, and a few days later, mysteriously declared that they would be going their separate ways--but WAIT.  They were doing one last appearance at Good Morning America in order to explain their decision.  This obviously meant that I needed to go to GMA myself and personally say goodbye to the boys and their band.  This encounter made me swoon because not only did I get to meet Nick, Joe, and Kevin, but I also HUGGED Nick and took selfies with each of the brothers.  Approximately 48 minutes of crying followed.  #RIPJoBros

Any real Jonas fan will know that the fact that Nick is ALMOST smiling in this picture is a real gem.  Nick Jonas never smiles.

3. Lea Michele: During my "Glee" phase, I somehow had the stamina to sleep on the street outside of a store during a snowstorm so that I could secure my entrance into a Lea Michele album signing the next day.  I only got to speak to her for about 5 seconds, but she was just as perfect as you could imagine.  She profusely thanked everyone for coming to see her and buy the album, and was very apologetic when her security tried to move me along. I've met her a few times since then, but we're basically just like old friends now. Not really. But I wish.

I'm still bitter that I didn't get an actual picture with her. (Also this is from a different signing but oh well)

I think you can tell in this picture that I'm freaking out inside

 4. Demi Lovato: Aside from having one of the best voices of my generation (in my opinion) I have worshiped Demi since she was in "Camp Rock"back in 2008 (?) and I've seen her in all of her tours since then.  I love that she's all about positivity and staying happy and healthy, so when (once again) the opportunity came about to camp outside of Good Morning America and meet her, of course I took advantage of that.  She was much quieter than I had been expecting, but she was still super nice to me and my friends.  We ended up being in the front row of her performance on the show later that morning, and she laughed at us when we were crying during a completely non-cry-worthy song.  So what I took away from that experience was that Demi Lovato thinks I'm funny.

That's Cole and I, just taking a picture like old friends...Whatever

5. Cole Sprouse: The thing about meeting Cole Sprouse (aka former child star from "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody") was that the encounter was so completely random, I'll never forget it.  During my sophomore year at Fordham, I needed to take a class on Physical Anthropology in order to fulfill my science requirements.  I am terrible at science, but luckily my roommate at the time (who was an anthropology major and a genius) took the class with me and helped me study.  Our professor encouraged the class to take advantage of an extra credit opportunity (um, YES) by going to a lecture on human development at the Natural History Museum.  She added that yes, there would be an open bar at the event, and that we should dress formally.  So, me and my roommate made our way to the museum and sat in the back of the lecture with finger sandwiches and took notes on the presentation.  When we got up to leave at the end, I saw a familiar-looking man bun a couple of rows in front of me, and soon realized that yes, it was Cole Sprouse.  After some debate, I decided that I just had to ask for a picture with him because
a. Cole Sprouse is no longer in show biz. and
b. I was a big fan back in the Disney days.
We ended up having a pretty normal conversation with the guy.  He was talking about how he was a Junior at NYU and that he was the president of the school's Anthropology club.  He was a little weird and awkward, but at least I still got my (poor quality) picture!

Why'd You Have To Go And Make Things So Underrated?

I'm proud to say that I come from a LONG line of music-obsessed folks.  There's recordings on my iPod of my Grandfather singing "The White Cliffs of Dover" when he was about four years old (he would later join a world-traveling Irish singing group after he retired, and tried to convince our family members to join it until he passed away, no matter how badly we sing) and my Dad has an album collection that takes up more space than all of my possessions combined.  I was encouraged to play the piano beginning before I could read books, started learning the flute and saxophone in elementary school, and even briefly took up the ukulele before I went away to college.  My parents encouraged me even more to listen to as many different artists and types of music that I could.While this meant that growing up, I basically never got to choose what we listened to on the radio, my upbringing has turned me into the ultimate walking, talking Spotify playlist.  I often find myself referencing obscure songs from the 1970s and confusing my peers.  But I've learned to embrace that.  I think now's the time to use my knowledge for good by tossing all of my traditional pop favorites out the window and providing you all with a list of my TOP under-rated, or less-known songs.  Rather than explain why I love each of them, I've just attached YouTube video links to each of them so that you can listen to them (and love them all) yourself!

1. "Run" by P!nk

2. "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor

3. "Tears Dry On Their Own" by Amy Winehouse (RIP Amy)

4. "Don't You Wanna Stay" by Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean

5. "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers

6. "Santa Barbara" by Nick Jonas (DO NOT JUDGE ME HE'S TALENTED AND YOU KNOW IT)

7. "See You Again" by Carrie Underwood

8. "One" by U2 featuring Mary J. Blige

9. "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen

10. "How to Love" by Lil' Wayne (bonus points if you've heard Demi Lovato's earth-shattering cover)

Giving My Regards To Broadway

One of my favorite (and most underfunded) loves in life is seeing shows both on and off-Broadway.  Since I was too young to remember, my Christmas presents from my Grandparents were tickets to see shows with my parents, which falsely convinced me by the time I reached adolescence that I, too was talented enough to star in a Broadway show.  Since then, I have learned that my singing abilities are best kept to the confines of my own bedroom, but my passion for seeing shows has yet to disappear despite my college student budget. Without further adieu, here are my top 7  musicals, with a few bonus honorable mentions at the end.

Full Disclosure: This list only includes shows that I've seen performances of.  I am fully aware of how amazing Hamilton is, and if someone is willing to give me a ticket to see it, I'll gladly put it on this list.



1. Wicked: I was lucky enough to be able to see this show during its first year on Broadway when legendary performers like Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth were still performing in the show.  Despite having seen the show over 10 years ago, I still remember how amazed I was by intermission, and shortly after seeing this show, not only did I have the entire soundtrack memorized, but my Mother and I re-did my bedroom to make it Wicked-themed.  My walls and carpet are bright green, and I still have a giant mural of the show's poster painted next to my bed.  I have no bad things to say about this show except that the tickets are too hard to get for me to see it again.  No matter how many shows I see, Wicked has remained my favorite.



2. Spring Awakening: Even though this show is definitely not for children due to its adult themes and strong language, but it does have some beautiful songs and it's a really unique production.  If you're like me and felt like you really need to see the original Broadway cast of the show, (Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff, anybody?) there are some semi-decent recordings of it on YouTube.  If you see the show, you'll understand why my bedroom at home is Wicked-themed rather than Spring Awakening-themed.  Still, this show is amazing and if you're ready to have some feelings, go see it.

3. Finding Neverland: This was the most recent show I've seen, and it definitely deserved all of the Tony Awards that it won last year.  There's nothing that makes me feel less accomplished than seeing a small child having a successful career in show business before hitting puberty, and this show is FULL of those kinds of kids.  They're all brilliant. Seriously.  On top of that, this show (as well as the one below) provide a really interesting (and heartbreaking) backstory to Peter Pan, which was my absolute favorite movie as a child.  You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll leave the theater saying "OHMYGOD that was SO good!"

4. Peter and the Starcatcher: Surprise, this one is another Peter Pan prequel, but it's a play, not a musical.  I'm usually not a fan of plays, so the fact that I loved this show, means that it had to be really good.  It can be another tearjerker if you're a crier like I am, but it's also really clever and has some comedic moments too!  I'd recommend anyone see it if they had a chance (a.k.a. if it comes back to the stage).

6. Rent: So, everyone probably knows this show's most popular song "Seasons of Love," but not as many are aware of this musicals other amazing songs, such as "La Vie Boheme," "Out Tonight," and "Finale B."  The show tells stories that take place during the AIDS crisis at the end of the 1900s (wow, putting it that way makes it seem like ancient times) and will somehow make you feel every emotion possible, despite it's potentially depressing background topics.  It's definitely worth the watch/listen (if you only have access to the soundtrack)

7. The Last Five Years: I'll admit, I was only able to see this one in movie form, but it was really great.  It has some fantastic songs and has a plot that many people can relate to in some way (falling in and out of love with your "soulmate").  The ending also goes against the stereotypical musical ending, which is pretty interesting, and in my opinion, Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan did the show justice in their 2015 movie version.

The Secret to my Random Knowledge

Anyone who knows me well is probably aware of one of my strangest habits: Almost every night before I go to sleep, I lay in bed and I watch at least one documentary.  Not just a movie or a television episode on Netflix, it has to be a documentary.  I tend to watch ones that are either focused on social/cultural aspects of society or health, but I've dabbled in all areas of the genre.  Because of this habit, I've gotten pretty good at figuring out which documentaries are worth watching, so I'm declaring myself a legitimate film critic.  Here's my list of the TOP documentaries I've seen.  Most of them can be viewed on Netflix.  I've attached summaries to each of them because although I'm good at many things, summarizing movies without spoiling anything AND making them still sound interesting is definitely not one of those skills.  All photo and summary credit goes to Rotten Tomatoes.

1. "Tig": An unflinching documentary look at comedian Tig Notaro, who underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, but has continued to tour rigorously while inspiring a new generation of survivors.








2. "Dear Jack": The West Coast pop-punk quartet Jack's Mannequin experienced a sad and difficult day in 2005, when frontman Andrew McMahon - then only 23 years old - received a diagnosis from his physician that he had contracted cancer. In response, McMahon began shooting a deeply personal, self-reflexive video diary of the days in between that initial diagnosis (which coincided with the first Jack's Mannequin album, Everything in Transit) and the onset of his treatment; that footage appears in this intimate release. The material also interpolates footage from McMahon's childhood in the 1980s and 1990s, and behind-the-scenes material documenting the production of Everything in Transit. Former Mötley Crue drummer Tommy Lee narrates.

3. "Twinsters": This full-length documentary follows Samantha and Anaïs as they meet in person for the very first time. Their unique experiences are documented through a series of video blogs, Skype conversations, and real-time footage. Every intimate moment is captured, from their first meeting, the DNA test results, home visits, to their first visit back to Seoul. The film explores the ideas of family, adoption, nature vs. nurture and the power of social media.




4. "Louis Theroux Most Hated Family In America": Louis struggles to come to terms with the infamous family who pickets the funerals of soldiers in protest against an America that tolerates homosexuality.



5. "Mondays at Racine": Racine Salon de Beaute & Spa is a salon in the Long Island community of Islip, New York owned by two sisters, Rachel Demolfetto and Cynthia Sansone. Like most beauty salons, Racine offers a variety of hair care and make-up services, as well as manicures, pedicures, and facials, but on the first Monday of each month, they open their doors to a special clientele. Rachel and Cynthia lost their mother to cancer, so once a month, women living with cancer are welcome to come to Racine for a day of beauty on the house. For these women, it's not just a chance for some free pampering, but an opportunity to bond with other women with a first-hand understanding of the long, painful journey of cancer treatment, as well as knowing how devastating the treatment can be to one's self image in a culture that puts a high price on appearance. Filmmakers Cynthia Wade and Robin Honan introduce us to some of Racine's regulars as they and their families confront cancer and the rough road of treatment and recovery in the documentary Mondays at Racine. The film was nominated for a 2013 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject.




6. "Beyonce: Life Is But a Dream": A look at the life and music of singer Beyonce Knowles.




 




7. "The End": One of the most powerfully intimate films ever made about the final stages of life, The End is a profound and moving chronicle of five hospice patients whose stories are in turns honest, humorous, and heartbreaking.




8. "Citizenfour": In January 2013, Poitras (recipient of the 2012 MacArthur Genius Fellowship and co-recipient of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service) was several years into making a film about surveillance in the post-9/11 era when she started receiving encrypted e-mails from someone identifying himself as "citizen four," who was ready to blow the whistle on the massive covert surveillance programs run by the NSA and other intelligence agencies. In June 2013, she and Greenwald flew to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with the man who turned out to be Snowden. She brought her camera with her. The film that resulted from this series of tense encounters is absolutely sui generis in the history of cinema: a 100% real-life thriller unfolding minute by minute before our eyes. Executive Produced by Steven Soderbergh.


9. "Spellbound": Eight kids of wildly disparate ethnic, class, and regional backgrounds are followed from their individual hometowns to Washington D.C. for the National Spelling Bee Finals.








 

10. "20 Feet From Stardom": Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names. In his compelling new film 20 Feet From Stardom, award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonizing with others. These gifted artists span a range of styles, genres and eras of popular music, but each has a uniquely fascinating and personal story to share of life spent in the shadows of superstardom. Along with rare archival footage and a peerless soundtrack, 20 Feet From Stardom boasts intimate interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger and Sting to name just a few. However, these world-famous figures take a backseat to the diverse array of backup singers whose lives and stories take center stage in the film.

If You've Caught the Travel Bug...

In the wake of last weekend's blizzard (which trapped me in my apartment for 3 days due to my lack of appropriate footwear for the weather) I've been thinking a lot this week about sunnier times.  Last semester, I was able to study abroad in Rome, Italy.  My semester abroad not only allowed me to eat ridiculous amounts of pasta and gelato, but also gave me the opportunity to do more traveling than I had ever done in my life.  I visited 10 countries during my time there, and even though every city I traveled to had its own charming aspects, there were some that stood out more than others.  So, here's my definitive list of the top 5 vacation cities that I've visited.

Literally, no filter needed.

1. Santorini, Greece: This was by far the most amazing place I've ever been to.  Santorini has been the filming location for many movies, including Mamma Mia and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and these films definitely do the island justice.  It's full of all kinds of volcanic beaches and is a great setting for anyone looking to snorkel, scuba dive, hike, or just shop.  In between climbing the island's very own caldera and watching the sunset from Oia, the island's capital, I even found time to get a fish pedicure.  10/10 would recommend.  During my 5 days there, my friend and I chose to rent an ATV so that we would be able to see the whole island, and it was definitely worth it.  If you're looking for a vacation that has the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure, Santorini is the perfect place to go.

I refused to leave Krakow without getting a picture with a horse.

2. Krakow, Poland: Krakow gets the number 2 spot mostly because of what a pleasant surprise this city was.  Being in the center of Krakow feels like going back in time to a medieval village.   There's castles throughout the town, horse-drawn carriages everywhere, and cobblestone streets.  On top of the beautiful scenery, their pierogis can't be beat.  About an hour from Krakow is Auschwitz, which is an incredibly moving and educational location to visit.  Krakow is a great city for learning about the history of Eastern Europe!

The famous Tower bridge

3. London, U.K.:Similarly to Krakow, I wasn't expecting to love London.  I really only went there to visit my friend, who was also studying abroad there at the time.  As it turns out, I could probably be happy living in London.  The history of the city, combined with its modern culture made it seem almost like home to me because of its slight similarities to New York City.  I was able to stay in Camden, which is the neighborhood where Amy Winehouse lived and still has a large "punk" influence in its culture.  I was amazed at the diversity between different neighborhoods in London but sadly, I didn't have too much time to spend appreciating every single one!  London is a must-visit for any European traveler. 

The port definitely held most of the activity in Copenhagen.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark: Copenhagen is one of the most unique cities I've been to.  First of all, this city houses some of the nicest people I have ever met.  It's an incredibly serine city filled with laid-back people.  Plus, one of the most famous authors of all time, Hans Christian Andersen
 (made famous by The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and Thumbelina) lived in Copenhagen.  In fact, one of the houses he lived in is still intact, and it is located in the city's magnificent harbor.  Copenhagen is the perfect location for a peaceful getaway.

My last Italian gelato. Smiling on the outside, crying on the inside.

5. Rome, Italy: I couldn't make this post without giving credit to the city that I called home for 4 months of my life, and it's really hard to summarize my time there.  It's a great place to visit for people who are looking for a completely different culture from the U.S., and even though living there meant a lot of getting used to those differences, I grew to love it and still miss Rome today.  It's my personal belief that literally everything in Rome is beautiful (especially the cuisine).  Rome is another very laid-back city, so I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who's in a rush to see everything.  Nonetheless, there's an endless list of must-sees in Rome, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Roman Forum, and Piazza Navona.  Another perk of being in Rome is that it's in a central location, so doing day trips to other cities such as Florence or Naples is really convenient.  As cliche as it sounds, Rome will always have a piece of my heart, and I think everyone should visit it during their life!