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Jordan Brooke Hamlin: Musical Magician

I sat down with Jordan far too long ago, and failed to post the interview until now. That's okay - she's still crazy awesome and you will get a chance to see her musical magic show on tour with Katie Herzig this spring! 

Natalie and I first saw Jordan play a few years back and were completely blown away by her depth of talent, sense of humor, and all around radness. She's adorable, head to toe, and will often leave you slack-jawed at her performances. After meeting her, I can safely say that she was just as cool to talk to - I mean, who doesn't love a person who gives "Beaches" as an answer? 

1. How many instruments do you actually play?

It's impossible to know. "Play" is a relative term because I make noise on a helluva lot but in terms of ones I'm proficient on, I don't have a count. Violin? Negative. It doesn't do anything for me. Most other instruments, I've always thought "how does that work?" - I love the challenge of figuring out the logistics of it and what I already know is applicable to that instrument- but in terms of violin, we don't speak the same language. There's something about it that is a disconnect for me. Cello is a different story. 

2. Which can you play the best?

Guitar and french horn are my top two. I have a degree in french horn. That was going to be my life for a while- I made the symphony but saw the rest of my life and thought "I don't want to do that. Instead, I'm going to make a third of the money and have fun." I'm happier. 

I have a degree in English Lit, Fine Art Photography with an emphasis in Large and Medium format, and French Horn. So...I take something useless and make it even more useless. 

3. What instrument do you wish you could play?

There are a lot of things that I wish I could bring the talent fader up on but if I could be a really great Motown drummer, I would love that! And pedal steel.. and clarinet. 

4. You sing amazing harmonies. Have you ever considered singing lead?

I started out as a solo artist and only after college did I start playing with other people- and for my personality, I loved it! It frees me up to do other stuff like play other instruments and be really creative with that and not feel other pressures. I write and record my own stuff every time I'm home- I have about 3 or 4 records worth of stuff sitting there. I got really burned out right after college and I just had the feeling of "just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Does the world really need this record?" and I didn't know the answer. I think there will be a time for that. I'm getting closer to the time to do some of my own stuff, but I don't think I really want to be a solo artist by myself. I could be in a band or a duo but just for me, no. I want to put something out at some point, but I want to wait for the right time.

5. How did you begin producing?

In college a few people asked me to produce their stuff and I did, but I don't think I really knew what I was doing. I just did Lucy Wainwright Roche's new album and that was the first record where I thought that it was the perfect synthesis of my gifts. I am hoping I get to do more production as time goes on.

6. How many different artists do you play with?

It depends on the year and how long I play with certain people. In 2013, I played with 10 people.

7. Who would you love to play with?

I have a list! A long list.. sometimes the people I would love to play with doesn't really make sense. But the artists I think I could really contribute with are Kathleen Edwards, Ane Brun, Anais Mitchell - she's so great and such a left of center artist, and Jonatha Brooke. But I do have moments where, like, if I'm with Andrew Belle, he lets me just wail during his set - and that's just fun to do sometimes. I like going back and forth between different artists because it brings out different parts of me and I don't ever get bored. 

8. What about a Go-Back-In-Time gig?

My parents are old hippies so I grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin - she would have been great to play with. 

9. Favorite place you've travelled because of touring.

I just did a tour with Missy Higgins in Australia and did the main part of the tour in NZ - just the two of us. And we get along so well- I love her so much. The southern islands really made me wonder if I were visually piquing - like it may have been the most amazing thing I've ever seen. 

10. Guilty pleasure?

What genre? I mean Beaches is probably up there. I love movies. I love Mannequin. The Judds-  I grew up listening to them! 90s country.

11. What is something you're into that people would not suspect?

I love tea. Border collies? I love wiring up things. I'm really right brain but I have a pocket of left brain that loves stuff like that. I build a lot of things. I built my dining room table, a murphy bed, and remodeled my house. I just built my best friend's kids a castle. I'm pretty handy. 

12. Best book you read in the last two years.

I'm a sucker for 20th century fiction. In college, I really developed an affinity for southern literature and poetry, but his past month I really got on a kick of various producer biographies. I read Daniel Lanois' "Soul Mining", Phil Ramone's "Making Records" among others. I also just finished Elizabeth Gilbert's "The Signature of All Things" and it was such a wonderfully surprising novel from her.  She did a great job of blowing through people's expectations from her. My writing output level is so often tied to how much I'm reading, so I try to keep one or two going all the time.

13. Where do you want to retire?

I love Nashville. I bought a house there 10 years ago and I just love it there. It's really easy, low cost of living - I can drive 10 minutes and be in the woods or 10 minutes and be in downtown. I have a strong affection for Ireland and the Oregon coast. I have an inexplicable affection for it - when I'm there, my heart swells. 

14. What would you bring back from the past?

The only thing that comes to mind - and it's a bit sentimental… My grandmother was the backbone of the family. She was super sassy and spunky, she was the best. I think it would be fun to have her around, now that I'm older, to come to shows and experience this part of life. I think she'd be hilarious. 

15. TV show you marathon.

We marathon Downton Abbey. On the Missy Higgins / Butterfly Boucher / Katie Herzig tour, we were on the bus together and we would watch Homeland. It was not a relaxing way to prepare for bed. It would end at 3am and you'd go to bed wired and paranoid. 

16. What charity would you back if you were loaded?

I have a few. My friend started one called Blood Water Mission. I have an affection for them, and I feel like I know the ins of exactly what happens, so I trust them. I would definitely give them a chunk. We did Cure International on the Andrew Belle tour. And probably something for arts in schools because I didn't have a lot of that in school.

17. If you could do something other than what you're doing now, career wise, what would it be?

Some sort of craftsmanship, woodworking, or something like that. The first two things that came to my mind were conservation or forestry. I would love to work in a forest or be outside and do manual labor. I would love to build crazy things like... an egg shaped tree-house. I love building large fun things. I built a life size paper mache buddha in high school and loved it. I love working with my hands. 

18. How do you stay healthy on the road?

Wish Garden Herbs - Kick Ass Immune. They only sell it in certain places. That's my secret weapon. If I feel myself getting sick, I always take some of those drops for a couple of days and it totally works. I get it in bulk. 

Find Jordan on:

Twitter: @jordanbrooke9

jordanbrookehamlin.com

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NICE GIRLS CREW!

As you know, we are huge fans (as evidenced here and here) of the cast of Nice Girls Crew. What you probably do not know is that Season 2 will be available on VOD on Comcast for free! So catch up on Season 1 tonight and watch Season 2 tomorrow when you've called in sick to work because you're hungover and refuse to get out of your "pajamas" which, let's just call a spade a spade and point out that you will probably still be in costume. 

In the meantime, enjoy this interview with the cast and crew just in time for the premiere! 

How much is Season 2 scripted versus improv?

Michelle Krusiec: Most of season 2 is scripted. Some moments are improvised, but not as many as season 1.

Sheetal Sheth: We always have a fleshed out script that we start with but Christine and Tanuj are awesome in giving us the freedom to play so it ends up becoming a lot of improv mixed in.

What is most challenging about comedic acting? Do you prefer it?

Michelle Krusiec: Knowing timing but trying to find the laugh organically. Learning where the writing wants to go. Comedy is so different from drama, it can be scary when you know there are laughs and you might not find them or if you're working in front of a camera vs. an audience, sometimes the audience tells you where the laughs are, a camera - is pretty silent.  That's why you need a great director.  I prefer to go between the two genres to keep me on my toes!

Sheetal Sheth: Love all mediums and mixing it up!

Lynn Chen: Trying to keep things fresh take after take can be challenging.

How do you prepare before shoot days? 

Sheetal Sheth: My process varies depending on the project and character but in this case, I wanted to be solid in my prep so I could be comfortable enough to let everything go and be in the moment. For me, that best works when I've done my homework.

Michelle Krusiec: It depends on the scene.  I generally get up early and have a warm up.  With something like NGC, you don't have the luxury of a private dressing room because it's pretty micro low budget, so you have to be comfortable with your co-stars, which we all are, but I tend to enjoy private space when I work. And depending on what kind of scene it is, I prep as much as I can on my own and then when I show up on set, I get a vibe from the director on what he/she wants and then I try and prep some more after the rehearsal.  With film shoots, you have to be fairly ready for anything.  With NGC, I really came with the mindset of having fun, challenging myself to not have expectations and seeing how far I could push the comedy.  When you have people around you who you trust, you try and push yourself out of your comfort zone and NGC allowed me to do this.

Lynn Chen: For this particular project, I didn't have much time.  So I just showed up and dove in.

How do you identify/differ from your character?

Michelle Krusiec: Geraldine is definitely an alter ego of mine.  She's probably my inner insane woman.  I see her as some primitive essence lurking behind my put together self.  I don't really believe you're different from your characters, I actually like to think that I find that character which exists in me.  Sometimes that persona might not be my most dominant one, but it's certainly coming from some place in my imagination and we all lead very different personas depending on who we're with and our external circumstances.

Lynn Chen: Sophie is me on crack cocaine.

Who would your dream guest star be?

Michelle Krusiec: Hmmm. A tough one. Maybe a love interest for Geraldine? Someone tall dark and handsome like Henry Cavill. He falls hard for Geraldine but she can't believe he'd fall in love with a crazy like her, so Geraldine tries to become someone who she isn't and then he breaks up her.

Sheetal Sheth: My goodness- there are so many fabulous actors out there, impossible to pick. This season was great to have the likes of Tsai Chin- such a legend and loved that she played with us and got down and dirty!

Lynn Chen: My buddy Tamlyn Tomita!  She would make such a Nice Girl.

Are there any story lines you're hoping to see in the future?

Michelle Krusiec: Haha. See previous question. I pitched to the producer and director that Geraldine has a twin sister.  I'd love to see Gerry's twin!

Lynn Chen: Vacation to Cancun.

How have your experiences (in life) shaped how you play characters?

Michelle Krusiec: Well, that's what acting is really.  It's how you bring your life experiences and imagination to fill in story, character and creativity.  All of it goes into my work as an actor and a writer.  Acting is about truth on many different levels and if your experiences are left out of it, acting isn't quite as fun or compelling for either the performer or the audience.

Are there any roles you wish you would have played differently?

Michelle Krusiec: Many but if I said what they were, that would probably not be very healthy for either myself or the people involved. Lets just say, that you have to accept the performances as they are and let them reflect where you were at that point in your process.

Sheetal Sheth: Always. Feel like I get the best ideas once we are done shooting. Lol. That's the curse. 

Who has inspired you to do what you do? (write, act, blog)

Michelle Krusiec: I'm inspired by so many people. I'm often inspired by real people in the news, when I hear them overcoming great life hurdles or immense strife. Things I don't have to deal with because I live in a mostly privileged world where our wealth here in the US is a fantasy for most people in other countries.  I don't have one person per se, but acts of courage, small and large often move me. Kindness to others inspires me.  People who seem to have clarity in their work inspire me. I could name a number of people who I respect and admire, but I don't follow any one person's career. There is an author I really love named Pema Chodron whose writing is a constant source of inspiration for everything I do.

Do you see yourselves producing your own visual content in the future?

Michelle Krusiec: Absolutely.

Sheetal Sheth: yes.

What are some shows you are obsessed with right now?

Michelle Krusiec: Obsessed? That's a strong word. I was obsessed with The Fall, which I blogged about, the good thing about it is it's so well done I can't wait for the next season, the bad thing is it is so well done, it makes a lot of other TV shows look like bad TV.  So obsessing over other TV shows is kinda hard after that.

Sheetal Sheth: The Newsroom, Breaking Bad, Dexter, Shark Tank, and People's Court.

Lynn Chen: Breaking Bad, Orange is the New Black, and I just finished The Sopranos a few years late.  All binge-watched.  

If you had a completely alternate career, what would it be?

Michelle Krusiec: Rocket scientist because who doesn't want to build rockets or a time traveler because who doesn't want to travel in time without disintegrating?

Now for some behind the scenes information...

(Tanuj Chopra, director and Christine Kwon, producer)

What is it like to direct these three girls?

They know what they're doing.  I watch and admire like everyone else on set.  Occasionally you try to give them a curve ball or fix things for the camera but it's a joy.  They each work very differently and respond to different notes so it's important to consider who you're talking to but the girls are very driven and want the best results so my job is a breeze.

Why was the format changed so drastically from season 1 to 2? Do you see the format changing again?

I don't think it changed too drastically.  On the writing end, Christine and I tried to develop the characters a bit further and experimented with some other tones besides humor.  Tsai, Leo, Parvesh and Anthony were big additions as we expanded our character universe.  Shooting with the great Anne Misawa also upgraded some of the look and camera direction.  But I think we were mostly coming from the same place.  The beautiful thing about stuff for the internet is that we can keep growing and expanding without the same consequences as a regular TV show. We can keep taking risks and tacking new creative challenges - I hope we continue to change, grow and evolve.

Will there be a season 3?

I hope so.  We should do this well into our 80's.

What is your hope for the show? What would you like the audience to take away from it?

I hope people laugh and are entertained.  I hope people see the possibility for Asian Americans on TV.  I hope we can continue to do it bigger and better.  I hope it sparks the mind of some 15 year old AA kid in high school and she changes the world when she's grown.

Do you have other shows in development?

TV, film and internet -- yes.

What drives you to produce content for CAAM?

CAAM has always been there for me when mainstream festivals and outlets weren't there.  I feel a sense of loyalty to CAAM.

What is a dream project you'd like to work on?

A Bollywood film set on the moons of Jupiter.

What have been the biggest challenges with making NGC?

Probably coordinating everyone's schedules.  Once we get the ball rolling we're pretty good.  I think raising finances and getting everyone to the party is the hard part.  I think there was something involving a septic tank explosion at one point but I can't remember.

If you could have an alternate career, what would it be?

Astronaut.

How do you budget for production when you are producing for a non-profit?

Kwon does that.

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Nice Girls Crew, Season 1

Nice Girls Crew on your TV!

Website

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Etiquitte Post: The Battle Against Ignorance

I grew up in a small town with a relatively poor schooling system. I was a sponge for learning new things, but history wasn't one of them. This is baffling to me now, as I have become insatiable for all matters of the past, but as a school kid, history class was virtually non-existent.

I have a nephew currently in his sophomore year of high school, who is growing up where I grew up, and his interest in history (taught in school) is pretty level with what mine was at his age. He soaks up as much information as possible when he comes down to LA for a visit and we make sure he gets a good healthy dosing of history, politics, health, music.. but after a fun-filled week of visits with Auntie Ami, he heads back to his school where someone throws a book at him and asks him to memorize "facts". 

As a young girl who knew there wouldn't be money to go to college, I plugged into the internet as early as possible (24k AOL, baby!) and looked up ANYTHING. I loved encyclopedias, dedicated websites, Napster.. Our local library was anything BUT impressive but I spent hours there anyway, checking out books, learning about classical music and poetry - and yet, still.. no history. 

It wasn't until my early 20s that I had learned what WWII was about. I knew the music, very well, but the actual black stain of it all was completely off my radar. We were never taught about WWII in school. Not once! My recollection of history was of building pyramids out of sugar cubes as a 6th grader and building California Missions out of cardboard. (BUILDING them, people - not buying a prefab kit from Michaels.)

After learning about WWII, I suddenly began to wonder what ELSE was left out or glossed over in my history classes. For the past ten years, I have been soaking up my FREE education from the internet, books, films, documentaries, and museums. Learning the history of how America came to be has been the most painful and shameful.

We (as a global unit) make history everyday. From wars waged to freedom achieved, each step forward and backward in this dance of the ages is a mark- a story in the big book of LIFE, on planet Earth. 

That being said, when I woke up this morning, I was completely disturbed by the ignorance and racism that runs rampant in this country. Last night, Miss New York, an Asian-American of Indian decent, won the Miss America pageant. Twitter was abuzz and a platform for the most ridiculous accounts of racism I have seen since Obama was elected. (as evidenced by this collection that BuzzFeed rounded up) These users vocalized their ignorance by expressing that America is best represented by blonde hair, white skin, and the love of shooting guns. It's easy for us to point to these people and call out their ignorance, maybe assume that they are from some backwoods two-toothed community, maybe toss them in with groups that protest funerals.. but these are our kids! This is our failed education system. This isn't just a matter of being a racist because, "hey my Daddy was a racist so I am too!" - this is about knowing where you came from and what you live on.

America was built on the backs of slaves - of many ethnicities. Asians (yes, that includes transplants from India!) built your railroads, making it possible for commerce! Africans, stolen from their homes, built and worked to make the very country that abducted them, prosperous! Every single person here, Natives excluded, is an immigrant. Your ancestors came to America, a stolen country, for a chance at a better life. Inside the pedestal of the statue that represents America (given to us by France, btw) is a plaque of The New Colossus poem by Emma Lazarus that reads, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Guess what! They were INVITED! 

As many who know me, I have a tendency to get into a Julia Sugarbaker tizzy when confronted with ignorance, and I am trying very hard not to explode into that today-in this post. Instead, I ask that the pride that comes with being "American" also includes being an educated one. You cannot just wave a flag, drink beer and bbq, and think that is what it's all about. EDUCATE yourselves! Educate your kids! Ask your teachers what is being taught in school and make SURE you are asking your children what they are learning, or IF they are learning. Ignorance by actual definition is "lack of knowledge or information." So today, let's not battle ignorance by pointing fingers and calling names, but by doing what we can to PROVIDE the information. To EDUCATE. To make sure that kids like my sophomore nephew, do not walk out of high school saying things like "feather or dot". That my grade school nephews know that their ancestors were enslaved to build those railroads. That my niece knows that women were such a larger part of history than is ever taught in our schools. I implore you not to trust a failing education system.

Use the internet!

Use the library!

Use KEN BURNS! 

You cannot fight ignorance with insults - that battle can only be won with the spreading of knowledge.

Teach someone something today.

    (post by Ami Lum)

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NEW MUSIC: Bastille

Earlier this year, Ami was asking for a song called "Laura Palmer" that she had heard a snippet of and was entirely mesmerized by. She has a love/hate relationship with Twin Peaks, so when it is referenced in anything, she wants to know about it but at a far off distance. 

Soon after, the radio (of all the avenues!) won some credit when they practically blurted out Bastille's first single "Pompeii". With its chanting chorus, word spread around the world like wildfire, introducing them to top of the charts. They are anthemic without being cheesy, empowering without being bubbly, and damn good to sing along with while blasting the speakers in the car. Bad Blood is packed full of singles, with my personal favorites "Laura Palmer", "Overjoyed" and "Daniel In The Den". The album has an expansive range of sound- they slow it down with "Oblivion" and "Overjoyed" but make sure to bring you back up with tracks like "The Silence", never letting you rest in one emotional state for too long. 

The instrumentation is beautiful from beginning to end, with harmonies and choruses that make you swell with the music. The album is lyrically poetic with a depth that encourages intelligence and is definitely at the top of my list of albums I recommend to friends.

Bastille has technically already released 2 EPs, 6 singles from this album, and 2 Mixtapes (1 + 2) of covers that they have recorded with other people, so you are definitely not without an abundance of tracks to soak up. 

They are headed to the states for 11 dates this month and will be touring all over the world from now until March 2014.

Internet Life:

Facebook

Tumblr

Official Site

  (post by Natalie Wali)

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Etiquette Post: Be Natural (the film)

One of my favorite internet finds in the last month has been the project Be Natural, a documentary about the first female filmmaker and director, Alice Guy-Blaché. What? You haven't heard of her? Seems like we all should have in this day in age where Hollywood and the media rule over almost everything in our lives. However, our historians had covered up almost all traces of Alice and her films. 

  WHY.

You see, Alice was not only the first female director, but she was also the first to make a narrative film, the first to have an entirely African-American cast, the first to feature a close-up, the first synchronized sound film, and probably would have been the first female to win an Oscar, if they had existed back in the 1890s!

Pamela Green and Jarik van Sluijs, the founding partners at PIC Agency, stumbled upon Alice by accident and were stunned that they hadn't heard of her - and so, set out on a mission to uncover an integral part of our history by launching a Kickstarter campaign to cover the costs of a dedicated documentary called Be Natural. They surpassed the goal a few days ago and are still taking donations on their website for licensing stock footage, stills, audio, articles and books. 

Take a look at the trailer and figure out how you can get involved!

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Tech + Design Post: Cintiq Companion Hybrid

If you do any form of digital art, you are already using a Wacom or some form of pen/mouse combination. (If you are not - please help yourself and start drawing like the normal robo-human that you are.) 

My go-to for a digital canvas is Cintiq - who make it so easy to create in a digital landscape. I currently use the Intuos5 Touch and Inkling (but have been lusting after the Cintiq 13HD for a couple of years.)

Now, my sights are greatly distracted by the Cintiq Companion Hybrid - which is an on-the-go drawing tablet that hooks directly into your computer for you to continue your creation or transfer to your home workspace. (Imagine drawing on your iPad only a million times better.) 

Retail for the Cintiq Companion Hybrid is currently at $1599 (16GB) which hurts the heart a bit because I know some of the most talented and creative people who could never afford to pay for a tool that high in price. But we can still fantasize from afar...

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Book: Behind the Beautiful Forevers

Behind the Beautiful Forevers is a book by Katherine Boo that I read on a whim because it was featured on the front page of my library's website. The tagline reads, "Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity" -- which sounded promising. (I have a fascination with India presently, so I ravenously soak up whatever piece of their culture is around me.)

This is such a stark book. I cannot find another word to describe it. Knowing absolutely nothing about its contents before I began reading, I found that the stories within are actually true stories! (Which, if you read this will terrify and delight you all at once.) 

Boo spent a great deal of time in Annawadi, a makeshift settlement that lies on the outskirts of the glorious Mumbai airport, learning about the lives and experiences of these people who make something from nothing. 

I am not a professional book reviewer, so I feel that this verbiage does not do the book justice, but I urge you to read this with friends. I found that it sparked some deep discussions between an Indian-American college professor and myself that opened my mind a great deal. I believe that is the best thing a book can do for you - inspire you to talk about it and change you from the inside out.

(post by Ami Lum)

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New Music: B∆SEC∆MP

Natalie and I have been sitting on the B∆SEC∆MP tracks for about a month now, just waiting for the music to be released so that we could share with you! Lucky for you, yesterday the electronic group released a 4 track ep.

Hailing from Nashville, (the city of never-ending musical talent) three producers, Aaron Miller, Aaron C. Harmon, and Jordan Reyes formed B∆SEC∆MP. Haunting and melodic vocals sit and then soar over the minimal downtempo electronica of each track. There is a ethereal quality to each sound and a spatiality between your ears and the music, which is a quality that is mostly lacking in music these days. 

If I had to trace the (fictional) genetics of B∆SEC∆MP, I would say that Burial had a baby with The Weeknd and James Blake was made Godparent.

GET IT:

Single: Emmanuel (free download)

Free Track: 2 Thingz (so much free!)

EP: B∆SEC∆MP 

(post by Ami Lum)

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Game: The Last of Us

It is a rare thing to find a video game that draws everyone to the couch, riveted by what they are experiencing and the story being told as if they were watching The Walking Dead. The Last Of Us (by Naughty Dog) brought my entire house together each evening for a week- we shed a few tears, were frustrated by seemingly impossible-to-beat levels together, screamed in fear as one, and all were in audibly in awe when a beautiful animal suddenly entered the frame. TLOU is definitely for mature gamers and is no surprise that it has been consistently rated as a 9 or 10 across the community. Watch the trailer!

  The Story

  The Good

The emotions in the story and the characters keep you playing long after your hands have cramped in the shape of your controller. Though some of the action scenes of just complete slaughter and massacre are tough to get through, it is a sad thing when the credits roll. We realize that it is a kill or be killed world and we have something worth living for- or someone worth living for in their case. When faced with the deterioration of a ‘normal’ person into the infected, we fear for our lives and take no risk in having sympathy for them- even when that means taking an axe to their bodies, a shiv to their necks or firing a shotgun right into their face at close range.

  You carry a backpack and gather endless amounts of weapons and tools to craft new ones. You can make your own medical packs and blades with the right items, saving you from having to wander in desperate search while you are completely vulnerable.

  Gustavo Santaolalla created the original score- accenting the beautiful visuals of the cut-scenes, as well as the intense moments in which you’re being chased by a crazed clicker. The music remains fairly minimal and does not intrude yet alerts you to the moments in which you can relax in or a threat is nearby.

  The Not So Bad

The only complaints that I had while playing were a) the scenes in which Joel is hiding from a clicker and b) that of ammunition. The rule is that if you don’t make a sound, the clickers can’t hear you and don’t know where you are. Fine, I’m with you at this point. However, Ellie or anyone else in your party at that moment can run into them or right next to them, all the while talking and making noise, yet the clickers hear nothing. As for ammo, as the enemies seem to have an endless supply of it and yours is generally minimal, one would assume that after killing a bandit who was shooting at you moments ago he’d probably have some on his body…but you would be wrong. A body here or there might have 2 or 3 bullets on them (or the occasional arrow you just used to bring them down) but when you are in need of some ammo, this is a very frustrating and inconsistent part of the game. However, once you are aware of this, you quickly adapt to conserve every bullet you can and this con becomes quite small.

  The Conclusion

This game was absolutely brave in its pacing and scripting, and I have never played anything like it. It is story-driven and visually stunning, while going into depth with our two main characters. We understand them and why they are the way they are, which somehow makes this world okay and worth exploring. I played via PS3 and it’s a hell of a way for that console to go out with a bang. I’m not one for zombie-type games but this one is one hundred percent worth checking out. I give it a 10/10. 

(post by Natalie Wali)

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Tech: LOCKITRON

After being rejected by Kickstarter in attempts to raise funds for production, Paul Gerhardt and Cameron Robertson created Selfstarter and funded their project, Lockitron.

If you're a bit neurotic, like me (which you are probably not, and if you are, I'm sorry) then Lockitron is like Xanax for 1% of your anxieties. Operating via wireless, Lockitron is a deadbolt that is placed very easily and securely over your existing lock and is enabled and disabled from your phone - not just a smart phone! Wake up at 3am and wonder if you locked the front door? No problem! Just pick up your phone and lock it! (Now if only they made something like this to make sure you unplugged electronic devices after you've left the house! Hint hint, guys!)

I am really excited to try this product. I love the idea of being able to have and grant access to any dwelling without keys. (The local librarian has teased me twice now about my janitor keys, saying that I have a hoarding problem.) But what really intrigues me about this product is how it can be hacked! (in a good way, of course) Because the inside of the Lockitron is made with Arduino compatible micro controller, you can customize the device in a variety of ways. (Can I somehow use my Sphero to lock/unlock the door?)

You can reserve your very own Lockitron for a pre-sale price of $179 or wait until it retails for $200. (Don't wait.)

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Book: Someday, Someday, Maybe: A Novel

It's probably more than accurate to say that we girls love our Lauren Graham.  Whether she's ripping our heart out on Parenthood or thinking of her as the best friend you miss and get to visit when you pop an episode of Gilmore Girls into your DVD player, she feels like a natural part of our lives.  As a fan of her onstage and onscreen work, I knew I'd give her a shot as a writer before tossing her into the growing pile of actors turned authors who let their fame sell the books rather than the material.  I have to say as an English major and a true lover of vast literature, it was a pleasure to read Someday, Someday, Maybe: A Novel.

Graham's story of Franny Banks begins in New York, circa 1995 and with a deadline: she must achieve the goal of doing "important" work as an actor, be it on broadway or on the screen. She gave herself three years to "make it" in the industry and has six months left- the stage is definitely set for a self-deprecating but humorous tale of a girl that exists in all of us that have ever dreamed of such things. Most of the hilarity takes place in Franny's head as the reader is privy to her inner monologue; every thought of insecurity, every terrible interpretation, every moment of confusion and every awkward question.  When you think to yourself "Come on Franny, pull it together!", she's thinking the same thing and puts herself back in line. She is absolutely human and incredibly tangible. 

I recommend the audiobook (available on Audible), as it is Lauren Graham herself reading to the listener. I always enjoy the experience of the narrator and author being the same as it seems much more raw- I imagine the listener is then able to hear the way the words were actually said inside the author's head as they wrote it and conjured the ideas- each inflection, accent and laugh feels true to their intention. It is of course available for your kindle or e-reader as well as a hard copy at every major retailer. It's a quick read so find a nice overstuffed chair to sink into and give Franny some love and support!

(post by Natalie Wali)

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Etiquette: The Icarus Deception

Seth Godin's name is famous all over the world as an author you probably haven't read unless you are in marketing or you are an entrepreneur. Which is unfortunate because I believe that every single person could benefit from reading any of his books, but particularly, The Icarus Deception. 

The Icarus Deception is one of Seth's most personal books and can be read as a personal attack on your fear of succeeding at anything. He chronicles some of his failures and celebrating the successes of others while pointing out exactly why he failed and others have succeeded. His matter of fact way of writing and speaking will have you paying full attention to what you read (or hear if you are listening on an audiobook). 

Godin also explains why we are at this plateau in our passions and our industries. The industrial age is gone and it's time to move on and move up. But how? Read the book. :)

You can buy The Icarus Deception or, if you are broke, you can borrow it from your local library. (I am a huge fan of the eMedia option at the library - if you're not familiar, check it out ASAP. Totally worth it.) After you obliterate the myth of Icarus and profit from your passion - buy the book for a friend. They'll thank you later. 

Read it and want more Seth tidbits? Subscribe to his emails or follow his blog. Still not enough? No worries! Seth has made some of his books and manifestos FREE for your consumption. No excuses. The man will inspire you, daily. 

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Gaming: Sphero by Orbotix

Sphero (by Orbotix) is one of my favorite tech toys for pranking someone or tormenting my dogs. (I'm sending one to Ellen, in hopes that it will be the next Taylor Swift prank) The size of a tennis ball with a robot inside, Sphero is controlled by your Android, iPhone, iPad, or if you want to get really nerdy, you can run it from KidsRuby with the Artoo plugin. Similar to a remote controlled car, you can control Sphero with the Sphero app or gaming apps made specifically for the Sphero. 

The actual ball itself is surprisingly durable. You can roll it through water, step on it, shoot it with a rifle, and let your dogs attack the heck out of it - it rolls with whatever situation you throw at it.

Even President Obama is a fan!

Not a dog person? That's okay - check out Sphero and Nyan Cat!

In addition to the Sphero is the Peacekeeper, which is my personal favorite. Think, Sphero x 500. Fun for crushing things, scaring people, and playing with wild cats. Really really big wild cats. 

If you get the chance to catch Sphero on tour, you'll likely be lucky enough to meet the hunky Ross Ingram. We met up for E3 this last month and then played 3 very intense games of pool. (I won all.) Perhaps if he had been using the Sphero, he might have been spared my pool sharking. :)

(Ross and I after said sharking.)

(post by Ami Lum)

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20 Feet From Stardom

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, TWENTY 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. 

FANTASTIC new flick about the unheralded singers who stand at the back of the stage. Who are some of your favorite backing vocalists? 

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Interview: Allie Moss!

Allie Moss is an east coast singer-songwriter who, in my opinion, is an expert at writing and singing a happy song that isn’t annoying. (Sounds easy but is actually really difficult!) Not only is she a successful songstress, but she is also a pro-harmonizer. (You’ve probably seen her blending voices with Ingrid Michaelson)

EditKit pinned her down for our list of standard and ridiculous questions.

What is a staple tour item you must bring with you?

My travel pillow & a satin pillowcase.

Guilty pleasure for down time? (keep it PG)

I love reading cookbooks. I only feel guilty about it because I have a stack of novels on my nightstand staring at me.

Tell us something you’re into that people wouldn’t assume.

Sports movies! And lacto-fermentation.

Best book you’ve read in the last two years.

The Food Matters Cookbook by Mark Bittman.

If you were being forced to get a tattoo, what would it be of?

Something colorful & abstract by Amanda Wachob.

Where would you like to retire?

Somewhere warm where I can have a garden.

What would you bring back from the past? (a trend, an animal, a person)

I recently learned that in the last 100 years, 93% of US seed varieties have gone extinct. I’d bring them back!

TV Show that you have marathoned.

LOST. And, full discloser, a season of The Biggest Loser when I was sick on the couch one Christmas. And yes, I cried.

If you had massive funds to back one philanthropy, which would it be?

Can I have 2? I’d donate to the Tick-Borne Disease Alliance & The American Red Cross.

(and now some music related questions)

When is your next album out?

I’m working on it now and hope to release it early next year.

What is your favorite song you’ve written?

Dig With Me.

Who have you been most influenced by, as an artist?

I’m most influenced by people I’m surrounded by. Being in a band with Ingrid, Chris, Bess, Elliot, Saul & Dan for the last 5 years has made me a better musician. They raise the bar. Also Wendy Parr, whom I started studying with in 2005, helped me find my voice.

Who would you do a dream tour with? (can be dead or alive musician)

Tour is about the people you’re working with as much as the band you’re opening for. I get to tour with friends who are like family, and it’s like a dream. But I also would love to sing harmonies with Bjork and share a stage with David Bazan. And maybe open up for Coldplay at an arena?

Any news, upcoming tours, singles, fun stuff that fans should know?

Yes, I’m doing a StageIt show Wednesday, July 31. You can watch in your pajamas, eating ice cream at your kitchen table.

Why music? Why is this what you want to do?

I’m creative in other ways, but I feel most alive when I make music. I’ve worked hard at this quietly for years and count myself lucky to be able to call this my profession.

What was your worst/best show to play at?

In the summer of 2011, I was touring completely solo through the UK and had a travel day from hell: it started at 9:30am with a heavy suitcase with a broken wheel, moved on to heavy rains & train delays, ended at 1:00am with a grossly overpriced hotel room in the wrong city. But when I played to the downstairs bar room of 100+ Scots in Glasgow, they listened intently, spontaneously sung all the words to my song, rallied with me. It was life-giving and so worth it to get there.

What is your best environment to write in?

Anywhere without the internet.

If you could play another instrument, what would it be?

Cello. It sings like a tenor. …Lastly, tell us about some of your non-musical interests!

My recent non-musical interests are sewing & ice cream making. I’m giving away a few handmade bags as prizes to StageIt attendees. I’ve been gluten & dairy free for 16 months and, at the beginning of summer, I decided I wanted to take my ice cream life back. I was sick of watery, weird, expensive non-dairy ice creams. I’ve been experimenting and I think I’ve got something good going. I’ve gotten enough requests for recipes that I decided I’m starting a food blog. More on that soon! Don’t forget to catch Allie’s StageIt on 7/31/13 and be on the lookout for her food blog - which I know will be super fun. A confession: Allie and I met online about 8 years ago, because of a vegan oatmeal raisin cookie - so you know… the food blog will be worth it. :)

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Apologies for the hiatus!

The EditKit Team was entirely swallowed with prep for this year's ComiCon, which was amazing, but now it is time for us to get back to work!

Lively posts to follow...

(image via bunnygifs)

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Noteworthy Podcast: The Actor's Diet

I used to listen to podcasts and host my own back in 2006 - but grew very bored of the shows out there. However, with the relaunch of The Actor's Diet podcast, not only have I subscribed, but I have started to poke around at what has been created in the last 7 years. (Hint: a lot of awesome content!)

The Actor's Diet podcast is slightly different than Lynn's blog, of the same name. While she is only two episodes in, you can see that these conversations about food, foodies, restaurants, and origins of eating habits are going to be delicious for the ears! (right, I made a pun and I'm not proud.)

Check out The Actor's Diet Podcast in iTunes or Stitcher!