In Remembrance: Sophie Kinsella

Oh wow, I am so shocked and sad to hear about author Sophie Kinsella, (pen name, her real name was Madeleine Sophie Wickham) dying at the age of 55. It's funny that I just today I bought Love Your Life written by the now late author. The first book I ever read by her was Confessions of a Shopaholic which is the first book in the Shopaholic series. I still need to read the eighth (Shopaholic to the Rescue) and ninth (Christmas Shopaholic) books which I have sitting on my shelves. There are still a few more of her books that I want to read.

Is there a Sophie Kinsella book that you want to read?

Entertainment News #40: Station 19, André Braugher, Abbott Elementary Teaser Trailer and Author Loses Book Deal

Happy Wednesday! Here are a few news bites:

- Update on the Station 19 petition as of now it has over 32,000 signatures and counting. The fans have really been rallying around trying to save the show. They also plan on having a Watch Party to rewatch and promote the show. I'll write more about it in another post.

In Remembrance: Norman Lear

A belated In Remembrance to legendary sitcom creator Norman Lear who died at the age of 101 on Tuesday, December 5th. I love watching TV and I watch a lot of old shows including many of shows created by Norman Lear. What I like about his sitcoms is that they have an interesting way of tapping into family life. And not to mention ushered in more diversity and representation that didn't feel like stereotypes or tokenism during those times.

What also like is that the characters were well-rounded and well-crafted. And the shows did such a good job of depicting so many moments from happy and loving to the wacky and zany to the tough and difficult. All these moments brought the show and characters to life.

Another thing that I enjoy about his shows is that there are so many memorable characters along with a cast that work so well together. They knew how to hit a comedic mark along with witty repartee. And when there's a controversial character or storyline there was also this note of hopeful and positive social change included.

Norman Lear brought a lot of good changes with his shows that has help shaped our modern TV shows. From one TV fan to a creator, you will be missed Mr. Lear.

Video: Stephen "tWitch" Boss

I was thinking about Stephen "tWitch" Boss and then I saw this video by Lewis Howes which I figured I'd post. tWitch was an inspiration to so many dancers and from so many of the comments and tributes I've read, he showed tremendous amounts of compassion for others. Although I'm not a professional dancer, I do love to dance and I've been a fan of tWitch's for quite a while. I really feel for his family and friends and send them plenty of love because although we were his fans, those that personally knew him are dealing with a lot.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lewis Howes (@lewishowes)

In Remembrance: Stephen "tWitch" Boss

In saddening news, it's being reported that Stephen "tWitch" Boss has died at the age of 40 years old. It's also being reported that he committed suicide. Although tWitch was most known for being the DJ and later co-host on the talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He was also an actor and dancer. He played the character Jason in one of my favorite dance movie franchises, Step Up (movies Step Up 3, Step Up 4: Revolution and Step Up 5: All In) and was in the recently released The Hip Hop Nutcracker on Disney+.

I've posted this before (and I'll continue to post it) but if you find yourself struggling or feeling overwhelmed by mental health issues please seek help. In the US, the national suicide prevention hotline number is 988, please call and talk to someone if you need to.

In Remembrance: Jason David Frank

As a big Power Rangers fan, it's heartbreaking to hear the news that actor and mixed martial artist Jason David Frank has died at the age of 49. Although he was best known for his role as Tommy Oliver in the Power Rangers franchise, he was also a very skilled martial artist. An official cause of death of has not been released but it's being speculated that he may have committed suicide.

If you find yourself struggling or feeling overwhelmed by mental health issues please seek help. In the US, the national suicide prevention hotline number is 988, please call if you need to.

Fandom Friday: Random Fandom Thoughts #27: Project Runway, Kevin Conroy and Buck, Connor and Kameron

Happy Friday! I can't believe it's already the end of the week, time is moving along way too fast. Anyway, here are some of my fandom thoughts. What are yours?

- I've been rewatching Project Runway and I'm currently on the 10th season and after rewatching all of these seasons back-to-back, there were so many times where I didn't understand the judges decisions. Something else I also noticed is that the judges were never consistent with their judging. They would love something one minute then hate it the next or call it polished and sophisticated then calling it cheap. There were some really cute and well made clothes that they didn't like throughout those seasons I've rewatched so far. I feel like they were looking at the clothes through their editorial (Nina Garcia) or designer (Michael Kors) lens instead of seeing it from a potential customer's point of view. Because there were a lot of looks that would have easily sold out in stores but they dismissed them for various reasons.

One of my favorite looks was by Bryce Black during the ninth season seventh episode Can't We Just All Get Along?, where he designed a pair of black and white pattern shorts and an orange top (which I highlighted in the picture below). Although his look was part of the winning Team Chaos collection, they didn't like his outfit because they felt it was not as sophisticated as the other pieces that were in the collection. But it was sophisticated but with a cute and casual feel and I thought it was a perfect look for summer. The only thing that was missing was a cute tote bag or purse.

(models wearing the Team Chaos collection    Project Runway season 9 episode 7: Can't We Just All Get Along?)

Fandom Friday: Random Fandom Thoughts #16: Betty White, Moose and Charlie's Angels

Happy New Year's Eve, I can't believe it's less than hour until it 2022. Before the year ends, I wanted to know what are some of your fandom thoughts?

- It's definitely sad to hear of about the death of Betty White. She was an icon, a pioneer, a humanitarian and a advocate. She had the longest running career in TV and was the first woman to ever produce a sitcom. She was nominated for 21 Emmy nominations across 10 different shows. Over the years, I've watched so many shows that she had appeared in: The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Mama's Family, Golden Girls, Hot in Cleveland, an episode of My Name is Earl, and one of my favorite movies Lake Placid, she really was one of the best. Rest in Peace, Betty White.

In Remembrance: The Pulse Nightclub Victims

There is so much tragedy in the world and I know that as time goes by people tend to forget things. However, I hope that we never forget the victims. The Pulse Nightclub shooting happened five years ago and it's still so horrific. I really hope the victims will continued to be remembered. I'm sending love and comfort out into the world because I wish the world was a better place for everyone.

In Remembrance: Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher was more than her legendary role as Princess Leia Organa from Star Wars. She wasn't just an actress but also a writer and a mental health advocate. It's hard to believe it's been four years since she died but her inspiration still lives on. In honor of Carrie, live life to the fullest but also make it meaningful and inspire others as she did.

Rest in Peace, Carrie Fisher and May Your Memory be a Blessing.

In Remembrance: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg sadly passed away yesterday September 18th at the age of 87 years old. This amazing woman who was a history-making jurist, feminist icon and national treasure will be sadly missed. As a trailblazer for women's rights, she became only the second woman to sit on the country's highest court. She was a true champion for justice and equality, it's such a sad loss for the world.

May we all take a deep breath and hold the light of peace and love during this difficult time. My heart goes out to her family and friends, may we all remember her and all that she fought for.

Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time. ~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg

In Remembrance: Chadwick Boseman

When I heard the news of actor Chadwick Boseman's death, I was so shocked. This is absolutely heartbreaking. According to reports he died at the age of 43 from colon cancer. Although he never announced his diagnosis, he continued to speak of the pain and suffering of so many others. While he fought his own private health struggles, he was inspiring people to be kind, thankful and to help others.

He was an inspiration whose impact went far beyond films and characters. As a big fan, my heart and thoughts are with his family and friends. Your legacy will live on, may you Rest in Peace, Chadwick Boseman.

In Remembrance: John Lewis

It's hard to write a remembrance for someone who has done so much to make the world a better place. It makes a simple post feel as if it's not enough. Senator John Lewis never stopped fighting for freedom, equality and the right to vote. He was and will always be a hero. Rest In Peace, John Lewis and know that you have inspired so many who will continue to fight for a better world.

Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Do not become bitter or hostile. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble. We will find a way to make a way out of no way. ~ John Lewis

Not to be forgotten, I will post a belated remembrance for Naya Rivera and Kelly Preston.

In Remembrance: The Pulse Nightclub Victims in Orlando

Today is the fourth anniversary of the 49 people who were murdered at the Pulse nightclub. It's hard to forget so many people losing their lives in a senseless tragedy. In loving memory, here are the names of those who were lost.

We honor them.
We say their names.
We will never forget them.

In Remembrance: Carrie Fisher

It doesn't feel like it's been three years since actress, writer and advocate Carrie Fisher died. She had such a remarkable wit and an innate grasp of human nature just read her books or watch some her interviews to see it. I always found it interesting that she never tried to pretend that her life was perfect instead she was honest about her mental health and her struggles with addiction.

She will be forever loved and remembered not for her iconic role as Leia Organa but for her vulnerability and compassion. Carrie Fisher was and will continue to be an inspiration to so many.

"Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."

Happy May the 4th (or Star Wars Day)!

How are you celebrating the day? Wearing your favorite Star Wars t-shirt, having a movie or animated series marathon, reading a Star Wars book, having a lightsaber duel, etc. Well, no matter how you plan to celebrate the day, I want to wish everyone a Happy Star Wars Day!

I also want to post a belated in remembrance to actor Peter Mayhew who died recently. May The Force Always Be With You.

(Photo Credit: Penguin Random House)

In Remembrance: Luke Perry

The news about the death of actor Luke Perry is so shocking, my heart goes out to his family, friends and fans. As a fan, I had hoped that he would have recovered, I guess I didn't realize how bad his stroke was, it's really sad to hear that he didn't make it.

Some of my favorite roles of his were: Pike (Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie), Dylan McKay (Beverly Hills, 90210), Todd (What I Like About You) and Fred Andrews (Riverdale). His death is hitting fans really hard because his career has spanned several decades. Something I find interesting is that his fan base is multi-generational.

Rest in Peace Luke Perry, you will not be forgotten by fans.

Carrie Fisher: In Remembrance

Carrie Fisher is still an inspiration to so many fans that I hope her legacy will continue to live on and that fans will never stop honoring and celebrating who she was.

“Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.”

In Remembrance: Stan Lee

It's being reported that legendary writer Stan Lee has died at the age of 95. He created so many amazing characters and told so many amazing stories that it's hard to image how the Marvel universe would be without his immense contribution.

Stan Lee may be gone, but his stories and characters will always live on and he will certainly never be forgotten by fans.

Rest In Peace.

Stanley Martin Lieber (1922-2018)

In Remembrance: Margot Kidder

It's so sad to hear that actress Margot Kidder has died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 69, it's being reported that her death happened on Sunday (5/13). Her role as Lois Lane in the Superman movies is still my utmost favorite version of the character. She brought so much emotion and strength to Lois who was intelligent, fearless, independent, flirtatious and unbelievably feisty. 

Aside from her guest role on Smallville, I haven't seen many of her other movies but when I get the chance I'm going to order a few such as The Amityville Horror and Black Christmas.

For now, Rest in Peace Margot Kidder, you will never be forgotten.