New Meditations (07.14.16)

I'm taking part in the new meditation series hosted by Oprah and Deepak... It's intense and taught me that I'm a terrible meditator because my brain wanders like a baby Ibex on a cliffside looking for water. I'm a good breather but my brain wanders, that's all it is. And, I've noticed just how stressed I am. Dude, I am so bad at this... but I'm getting better... this new self I'm inventing at the moment. Woot!

But, man, HE IS GOOD! Well, God is good, but this man, wow! Deepak from Getting Unstuck is really awesome. I was pissed this morning, angry because... well, the awards shows always had the issue of being TOO WHITE and though the Emmys are including Black people now, they're forgetting there's a SPECTRUM OF PEOPLE out there between Black and White. It's never been the issue of White people against Black people, it's ALWAYS been the issue of a colorblind Hollywood and entertainment industry.

I had a friend who asked, "Why don't the Asian people just try harder for the roles?"

...

MOST ASIAN ROLES ARE CAST TO WHITE PEOPLE for BUDGET purposes. Just because there hasn't been a popular Asian show doesn't mean they won't be popular. It probably means that when there is a good drama out there, they will WIPE OUT ALL COMPETITION because they are more determined to succeed!! And I've been in cable networks pitching rooms... THEY KNOW IT and yet, they're too scared to be the first. Even AMC, which took a risk with 'Mad Men'...

So... there's nothing left to do but to keep writing and pitching and pray that my AWESOME shows can be picked up. Because, I CAN GUARANTEE a steady audience and high ratings... cuz I'm THAT MUCH MORE determined to succeed.

Ya feel me?

Strong Women Part I - Shows Before 2010 (written 03.08.16)

Didn't get a chance to post this on 03.08.16 ~~ So here it is!! Yay!!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!!! OMG!! Remember "Deadpool"?? What THEY did to celebrate? Hahaha, so funny!!

So, 'Umbrella Thoughts' wanted to do something a bit less conventional but also more traditional. Each series brought up contains SPOILERS and details that, if you want it to be a mystery, SKIP AHEAD!! But please enjoy and look forward to more on this!!

First discussed is "Xena: The Warrior Princess" (1995). Chris and I got into our pros and cons of this show, who and what we loved and how character development truly brought us up to be who we are. Everything about this show inspired Chris and myself into our current life roles, giving us strength and power. We LOVE Xena!!! We love Lucy Lawless!! And, okay, Renee O'Connor is okay, too.

Second discussed is "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997). I collected all the series and then sold it after watching it all. It was the college days that I did all this and loved it all. But, we talk about Buffy and Willow, the two powerhouse women who grow to become their most memorable personalities. Also there are story arcs discussed that highlight both women and their changes, which we LOVED!! And then, came Faith talk and some Kendra, but the story is set and the family is real. We love them!

There is a slight comparison between Xena and Buffy that Chris and I went into. Things happened and well, we moved on, slowly, but we couldn't help geeking out! Forgive us, we are merely fans!!

I managed to move things along into sit-com television's "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" (1996) series. The balance, the relatability, and the lessons learned that really get to us all. And then Chris brought his up, "That's So Raven" (2003). Chris REALLY loved the show and I liked the show a lot, but didn't keep up with it so much. From Raven's history on "The Cosby Show" (1984) to where she is now, on "The View" but, her show on Disney really grew her up and changed her into the womanist she is today.

And this conversation, inevitably, led Chris and myself into the lack of diversity in Hollywood. Oh, yes, we got started and things got good. "Family Matters" (1989) was brought up... Be sure to listen to it all and the takeaway is that INCREASING DIVERSITY IS NOT REVERSE RACISM and FILMS SHOULD REFLECT THE DIVERSITY OF THE WORLD WE LIVE IN.

So, take a listen and @rainbridgeS for your thoughts!! Or @tiffrz me on Twitter!

Fuller SPOILER Thoughts From This Review House (02.26.16)

There are SPOILERS in this blog post. So if you don't want anything ruined for you prior to your viewing experience, STOP READING FROM HERE ON OUT!!

To tell you the truth, I've been holding off on blogging until after I've either watched a new movie, started a new series, or fish ed a cat out of a hat. And though I haven't watched a new movie yet, I decided to buckle down and watch the Pilot episode of "Fuller House" (Netflix).

Daniel Tanner ... Who is that woman?! What is she doing here?! Why is she here?! Is she the new step-mom? So many unanswered questions that I don't like asking without getting answers. Introducing a brand new character in the Pilot of a reboot? SO NOT COOL!! But Danny was fun and loving, as usual. Not as funny as the past, but I suppose age does wear one down.

Joey Gladstone ... Silly, big-kid, and as loving as always. Not too sure... is he a clown or a magician or a comedienne now? Nothing is really clearly noted, but he is still lots of fun an that's what's important, right? A definite keeper and ringer for the past. Truly wonderful, and I still want an Uncle like him in my life!!

Uncle Jesse & Aunt Becky .. As ageless as ever!! Love their chemistry and endless love. FOREVER!! Definitely was hoping they would stick around to make like more interesting!! And... did I read right as to why the "ship has sunk"?? Can't help but love their dynamic, regardless of how more gooey they seem. And their TWINS... Alex and Nicky... That was a bit strange. I know what I was expecting and it was NOT that!! Know what I mean? I mean, the twins were nice, family oriented, not dumb kids with helium in their brains. How did they turn into those duds??

DJ Tanner-Fuller ... Not sure if I like her just yet in this new 'Danny Tanner' role. Can she handle it? Will she be entertaining enough to fully uphold the funniness, sweetness, and unconditional love Danny Tanner had led us to expect from the show? Of course, it being a reboot, very much has been left to be desired, but I'm not sure if she is being portrayed true to her character.

Stephanie Tanner ... Wear a BRA! I was NOT comfortable with how much skin she was showing. Show off her wild and edgy life style in another way! Why are you accosting my eyes with view of her side boob and voluptuous figure?! Wow. I was not expecting that! But, at least, my impression of her can only go up from here, right?

Michelle Tanner ... M.I.A. -- The breaking of the 4th dimension wall was pretty cute on the show's behalf!!

Kimmy Gibbler ... WOW. The kama sutra knowledge was a bit too much, the separated from her husband was wildly weird, and somehow, her daughter, Ramona, seems too much not like how most children of strange mothers turn out to be like. If you get what I mean... Still, her humor does help ease the strangeness of the overall reboot, and adds a sense of familiarity to the already wild mix in that house... I just wonder how much of reality will she return to by the end of the series?

Steve Hale ... Why does he own Comet Jr. Jr.?? Why can't we see him want to be friend and then slowly have her turn to more in the relationship? Having him nearly beg for marriage right off the bat is strange. Has he been around during the first year she has been back in the house? Have they kept in contact at all since she got married and etc.? Again, more questions than answers... hate it!!

So, I guess, yes, this is just the Pilot so there won't be so many answers, but there ought not be so many questions as well, right? I mean... SERIOUSLY?!?! I was a bit disappointed, aggravated, annoyed, and over all, I felt my heart strings tug every time I felt an ounce of disappointment. This show is too awkward to carry the same weight of the show I watched when I was a kid. Not to mention, WHY ARE THEY ALL WHITE?!?! OMG... it started waaay back when and it continues!!

ADD SOME COLOR IN THERE, "FULLER HOUSE"!! Your rating will likely go up if you do so!

Final score based off of the Pilot for "Fuller House", I give it a weak but solid B. There's plenty of space for growth... They will either rise to the occasion or sink from the expectations.

Here's hoping for the best!! What did you think??

*A new episode of Umbrella Thoughts soon to come!!  Take a listen to our previous conversations!!

Tea ForeCasts (02.05.16)

I'm no one special. Truly, there is nothing special about me. My outlook on life may be a bit strange and my way of expressing my emotions may be a bit extreme, but... I am still just a me that you perceive and you wish to. There's nothing I can do about how you choose to see me. And, now that I'm 30, I have to release the overbearing desire to do just that; control how you see me.

Fudge it. Why should I waste my time on something that will never happen? Instead... let's be free.

Think of the possibilities coming up! Are you excited? I kinda am. Let me tell you why.

I absolutely LOVED "Intouchables" and, well, once you watch it, you'll see why! But, that was a French movie about buddies from different worlds. (You have to watch the trailer to keep up with me!!) Now, America has made "Me Before You" and, after watching the TRAILER, I am soooo... EXCITED to see it! It features the adorable Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin! I love those two's talents separately and can't wait to see them share the big screen! Think of it as a Nancy Meyers film with old souls in young bodies. Isn't it romantic?

I'm putting aside some of my hiatus projects and keeping them there as I start a new YA urban/fantasy fiction. I want to make it a series but I can also end it whenever. I'm hoping to go places with this one, for sure!! It is based in Los Angeles, so that's always fun! I utilize my knowledge and have been researching like crazy to see what I can do and where I can go with the stories! I'm excited about it. It ties together a lot of what I want to make and the world I want to create. I just hope the readers are still out there. And i do know, for a fact, that it will make a compelling film. Maybe it's because I'm more of a filmmaker than an author, but I know how it's supposed to look and, believe me when I say, it will be my best debut as an author yet!! For now, keep on the look out for 'Resonance: Gate & Gatekeeper'!! Sounds like quite the story, right?? I can barely stop writing it, so I'm sure hoping my readers will barely be able to put it down!

For Umbrella Thoughts, we're getting ready for another intense and educational episode. We should feature the wonderful Celso along with Chris and myself (Tea), and we're hoping a rep from D.A.R.E. will come aboard and we can talk about their program, what they're doing, how to do more, and bullying in schools and life. It'll be exciting, so keep an eye out!! As for the usual podcast, CoTangent, here is the most recent episode from Ed & me!

I probably shouldn't say anything yet, but my small team and I recently pitched an Asian drama series to AMC. A bit over two years ago, we started pitching it. We went from Showtime to HBO to Starz to Fox 21 to Lionsgate and yesterday, we were at AMC. It's been SUCH a trip and even if we don't sell it, I have gained more experience than I thought possible. So, bless my lucky stars and thanks the Lord for the doors He had opened for us regardless  of what happens. Because, in the pitch room, we received the initial 'yes' and it wasn't until later that it was passed on. But now, with diversity being such an issue that is trending, I feel it has a chance. Know what I mean?! DIVERSITY!!!

Once Upon A Time... Quantico met Brooklyn... Not Really!

I think I shouldn't try to figure out any clever titles anymore... It's not like anyone appreciates them... and I can't really think of much. LOL. -- As promised!! Here are my TV reviews for the most recent episodes! Enjoy the read and leave me a comment!!

"Once Upon A Time" Season 05 :: Episode 02

I’m relieved to see Hook very set on saving Emma and continuing his love for her. In the past and in the present, the two’s love story will torment viewers this season because of the inner darkness that threatens their lives in different ways. Somehow, though he was always the one to save her and help her, I feel this season’s turn of events will really test their relationship, and either make or break them. Oh, the great twists and turns of the Storybrook heroes!!

Getting on with it, I liked how Regina was knocked off her high horse when she realized she was a long way from redemption, even having claimed herself as the Savior. Snow and Charming’s protectiveness over Emma is sweet and, somehow, their parenting of Regina is also very well thought out of the creators. Henry is growing up, which makes me happy, and the dwarves and their usefulness returns in these episodes, I believe it!

This season opened with the signature memory wipe and as bits and pieces return to us, I want things to move faster, but the carefully wrought details in each and every scene of the show is captivating and very inspiring. From the form of the tree that Merlin is stuck in all the way to the rock and sword that Excalibur is stuck in, in the basement of Emma’s Storybrook house. I’m glad Hook noticed the door and lock, I wished he could have stayed with her a while longer so that I could decipher what their relationship was, but the creators have kept the mystery alive for so long and I do appreciate it.

I look forward to seeing how Rumplestiltskin or Mr. Gold will react when he wakes and meets Emma as the Dark One. Will he have any powers? How will the story progress? What an interesting thing to ponder on until he wakes, right?

My overall score for the show, given I felt it a bit slow, is 7 of 10 Stars. Slow and steady may win the race, but some races are won with speed without regard to beauty. So… here’s hoping… 

"Quantico" Season 01 :: Episode 02

I… expected more. There is a sappiness to the story that came out in this past episode and… I’m not liking it. Miranda’s revelation of Liam’s feelings towards Alex was a bit too much too soon. I did NOT appreciate it, especially since I’ve not seen anything at that point to corroborate that story. I’m enjoying the Natalie and Alex rivalry, also Ryan Booth’s struggle as to which one to focus on. Simon’s friendliness with Nimah is interesting, especially when he is being hit on by a cutie. Something about Shelby and Caleb really offset me and annoyed me. THEIR relationship is SUPER “high school” to me.

The editing style is a bit jarring. I understand the fast pace being important, but there needs to be more of a focus on what Alex sees and how it’s relevant for me to follow. Past shows like “Burn Notice” and “Leverage” did things very well, despite being in a cornier way, and the one that takes the cake on diligence to the art of film would be “Sherlock Homes” Guy Ritchie can do no wrong by me. SIGH! But if this show manages to harness this artful way of editing and super-stylized method of storytelling, then “Quantico” should be able to last at least a few more seasons.

My most favorite part of the entire episode is the ending, when Booth wakes and takes a call from Alex. There seems to be something still between them, perhaps cohorts, or did he already jump over to her side and Liam was the one who shot Booth? Who knows, but I want to see the next episode so I can figure out just WHO is pulling the strings and WHO is being puppeteered in the strings… and WHO is trapped in the strings. As of now, the show has it set up that Liam is the one pulling the strings, Booth is the puppet, and Alex is caught in the strings. For all intents and purposes, I believe that Alex will end up as the string puller, Booth remains in the middle, and Liam will fall into the entrapment of the strings.

I rate Season 01 Episode 02: 7 of 10 Stars. Here’s hoping the show gets better and not worse from this point on!

"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" Season 3 :: Episode 02

I LOVE the whole Jake and Amy relationship. Super down-played felt weird but now seems perfect for the type of show it is. There is such a sweetness between Terry and Captain Ray Holt, both of whom are wonderfully written characters. The Linetti-Diaz-Boyle triangle continues to make the episodes funnier and funnier, along with Hitchcock and Scully who are rather absent in this last episode. And, golly, I don’t like the Vulture! OMG! But I do hope Captain Holt will return to the Nine-Nine, Jake and Amy will keep on going strong, and someone for Boyle to love. It would also be nice for Terry’s issues to pan out and his mango yogurt be restored to the shelves, Linetti needs a steady lover as weird as she is, and progress between Diaz and Holt’s nephew would be a good touch of well-rounded family-feeling fun! As always, it’s nice to see everyone doing quite well, despite being at a funeral.

So, because this show is much lighter than the other two, I gladly rate this episode 8 of 10 Stars!

***

Agree with me? Disagree with me? Let me know in the comments below!! I love a good discussion!! Otherwise, look forward to more and enjoy this episode of CoTangent podcast!!

SOOOOOOOOO THE DRAMAS!! (SPOILERS!!!)

*Out of respect for audiences of all ages and professions, I must warn you that there are SPOILERS in this post!!!*

I don’t watch TV.

Let me rephrase that. 

I don’t own a television, nor have I cable and such. So, I don’t watch TV. Any show I watch, I watch through online streaming sites. I’m not proud of this, but the fact that most shows can be found online, I really don’t NEED a television, know what I mean? By the way... For television standard purposes, I rate on a 1-10 star scale. So… here we go!

'THE BIG BANG THEORY' Season 09 Episode 01-02 Review (8 of 10 Stars)

I love this show. I’ve watched the first until the last episode recently aired and I still love this show. It’s not an on-and-off again thing for me, but a watch over-and-over again show. Whenever a new episode is up, I hunt for it online and watch it. Otherwise, I cycle through the entire series until I need something else to drone in my ears as I type and write and work on other projects.

First of all, Amy Farrah Fowler is awesome for breaking up with Sheldon Cooper! OMG! I want him to feel the need and realize the love he has for her and a break up might just do the trick! I do wonder how their relationship will change when they get back together but I guess we'll have to wait and see about that, eh?

Secondly, I wanted Leonard Hofstadter and Penny to be married in a chapel of sorts... I wanted their family to be there and hoped to see the rest of his amazing siblings and who they would cast for them!! Also, maybe bring their group of friends to Nebraska for the wedding!! That sounds like fun and I think Sheldon could just about piss EVERYONE off, or be quite at home seeing the parallel it is with East Texas... LOL!! We all know how caffeine and alcohol affects him... that could be quite fun!

Third, I wonder when Emily Sweeney and Rajesh Koothrappali will jump onto the more officially together band wagon or will Raj drift away because Emily and Penny don't like each other? Maybe instead of this, the writers will make Bernadette pregnant?! Holy COW, that would be something, eh??

Lastly, I wonder what will happen to Stuart Bloom?? Will he finally find someone to connect with? Will he marry and open a cafe in his comic book store? Maybe have an open mic area for interviews with Will Wheaton and, maybe even, Stan Lee?? I think that would be a cool idea, and I think Stuart deserves love. HAHAHAH!! I once wrote a spec script with such a storyline, I guess it never reached them. LOL. It's okay, if they accept me, they'll have to start accepting other Asians into the mix and... we all know TV doesn't feel like changing all that much.

I'm a bit annoyed because the Asian population keeps growing and yet... no worthwhile representation on television. All we have are random techie and nerdie roles on sci-fi shows, or "Fresh Off the Boat", which is neither complimenting nor encouragement. *sigh* Wish I could break that glass ceiling... I wish... wish... 

'QUANTICO' Season 01 Episode 01 Review (7 of 10 Stars)

It’s not as bad as I thought it would be. Very much with the feel of “Burn Notice” mixed with “How to Get Away With Murder”, this show is quite heavily influenced by “Alias” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” without the supernatural element. I was interested because of the trailer and because I was such an on-and-off again fan of “Alias”, but I found Alex Parrish so much more likeable and real than most of the doe-eyed strong young women in the shows up until now. Piyanka Chopra is strong, independent, honest, and quite a model citizen, just like Jennifer Garner in “Alias”. These two shows are quite similar, but the non-verbal “burn Notice” feel is also present.

Because this is a review, there will be SPOILERS!!! So, stop reading if you don’t want to hear about the spoilers.

The moment we “met” Alex, I liked her. She seemed so much a bad-butted female who took what she wanted and did as she pleased, all the while trying to do and say the right things. From lying to her mother about where she was going to the sexy encounter in the car with undercover Agent Ryan Booth,  to befriending Shelby Wyatt and comforting Eric Packer, the kid who shoots himself due to the instability of his own mind. (I TOLD YOU THERE WERE SPOILERS!!)

The scene I liked best was the interrogation/interview scene, when Nimah/Raina Amin questioned Simon Asher. The way she delivered it was so wonderful, the acting and blocking of the scenes was quite intense altogether. I enjoyed it and was pulled into the world much faster than I had thought I would be. The cutting, lighting, and overall tone of the episode was so attractive and well done from where I sat staring at the screen.

What I hated most from this first episode was when it was revealed that Agent Booth is on the other side that is framing Alex!! OMG!! NOO!!! I wish they held that information back a bit so that I would keep guessing about him. Somehow, from the trailer, I predicted that he would start on the odd end of things and then be turned onto her side. But to have it seem to be most likely to happen, I hated that it was revealed so soon. Why can’t they keep us guessing more? Oh, the sadness. And, thought I appreciate the jumping around of the editing because it keeps me on my toes, I DIDN’T like it too much because it made me dizzy to some degree.

Overall, I look forward to finding out about the nine months before the major explosion and about those who were involved in it. I have a sneaking suspicion that it might by Wyatt or the Amin sisters being blackmailed into such an act, but I guess I’ll just have to wait and see about how Joshua Safran writes and Marc Munden directs it.

It can only go up from here!!

***

Jumping back to my “The Intern” love, I actually really connected with Becky (Christina Scherer) because I’ve been there and done that. So, I tweeted her a question and she actually answered it! I was floored and so, I wanted to share it with all of you!!

I can't wait to see what movie she's in next!! She's so cute of an actor!!

HERE IS COTANGENT EPISODE 31 

According to Ed...

According to my CoTangent Podcasting Cohost Ed (@edMgonzalez), Mondays and Thursdays are the best times to blog because that's when people read it the most. Is that true? Then, am I just off the time schedule by that much? I like blogging on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Haha.

So, what to write about? Well, I have always been a bit obsessed with the Phoenix and Dragon stories, especially in Chinese mythology, and I have found a GREAT project to put together. I can't really make it into a feature because I don't have the support or the man-power to full that successfully off, but I am capable of doing a small sort of series on my own.

Luckily, a dear old friend of mine has agreed to be featured in my action-packed story!! I actually "googled" her and found this shot of her. She's a looker but she's VERY INTELLIGENT and BRILLIANT when it comes to working. I have no idea why she hasn't gone for modeling or the like, but she has an AMAZING personality and lots of stamina. In short; she's incredible.

My number 2 in command who will be the neurologist and I've casted another good friend for that role... a nutty professor/doctor type person who I've yet to cast, and I need a brilliant and great fighter who doesn't LOOK like he can fight for the last part. Anyone know anyone looking for footage for their reel or... anyone want to try the part?

All of it is set in Los Angeles, maybe we'll shoot in San Francisco later on and, most likely, China, too!! Anyways, the podcast should be up soon!! For now, here's Episode #29 from last week!!



GOOD NIGHT ALL!!