New Look

The Media Maid got a slight makeover!

Thanks Liz for the awesome photo. Very fitting.

What do you guys think? Maybe when I get better with CSS and HTML, I'll really jazz this baby up.

Our Song

This is not a love story.

This is about me being in love with a movie named, "500 Days of Summer."

I'm not ashamed to say that I am kind of a romantic. That's right. You heard me, I am a total whispy daydream-about-Prince Charming, longing-for-happy endings, hopelessly-optimistic, fan-of-grand-gestures marshmallow trapped inside this 5 ft. 7 wall of sarcasm and self-deprecating humor.

Take a look at my favorite movies; Amelie, A Walk to Remember.

Take a look at my favorite books; The Time Traveler's Wife, Eat Pray Love.

Someone should just hit me over the head with a reality stick and say, "hey you! Wake up! Never gonna happen to you!"

So it could be kind of surprising- or maybe not- that I like 500 Days so so much. So much that I want to bake it chocolate chip cookies, leave it adorable post-it notes, plant a radio over my shoulder and wait for it to come out of its bedroom.

True, 500 Days is a whimsical little doozy; all classic 50's-styled costumes and comforting, Pushing Daisies -esque narrator voice and cute hero and quirky heroine but it's also a very raw and realistic portrayal of a romantic relationship between a boy and a girl. It captures so much of the misunderstandings, the awkward stares, the uncertain feelings, the ways your mind can alter details obstruct facts. There is no happy ending in the traditional sense. The story wasn't even told in the traditional sense-what with spontaneous dance sequences and music video-like screen shots.

Speaking of music, the movie's soundtrack was awesome and it (along with reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower just the week before) introduced me to The Smiths. (what - I'm a late angster, okay?)

In an LA Times article, the co-writer, Scott Neustadter had this to say about the film's musical choices:

"We always felt that every relationship has a soundtrack," said Scott Neustadter, who co-wrote the film with Michael H. Weber. "Music plays a role in any kind of relationship, and it would not have been as real-feeling if we didn't acknowledge that."

Seriously. As someone who can't listen to Jason Mraz's The Remedy without smiling, Mika's Happy Ending without frowning and Taylor Swift's...any of her songs, actually-without flaring up, I totally get that. Each tune flashes back a particular time in my life, a certain connection (or dis-connect) I made with someone else, the type of person I was at the moment.

Right now, the sad ballads in my "relationship soundtrack" has overtaken the happy, warm-fuzzy tunes. But I'm certain that when time comes, He'll bring about that one song that will outshine all the other. That'll be the song I'm keeping on repeat. (And as my sister can attest, I hate repeating songs)

And you can bet that whoever makes it into my relationship soundtrack in the future has best gots to like 500 Days.

Society Girls

You know those fabulous writers and journalists who get to hit all the hottest clubs and parties and events around the city for a living, schmoozing with power players and socializing for the sake of their job?

Liz and I aren't quite like that but we'll get there.

We've already named ourselves, "Society Girls" and we're planning on hitting the next hip party near you! (BTW: if you think up an even cooler name, please share...)

Society Girls: Saga 1:
We hit up Wokcano in Santa Monica to listen to Kamala Harris speak to the mostly Asian American crowd on why she should become California's next Attorney General the other night.

Photos of the speech and accompanying article will be revealed once it's published (eeks!) but here are some snaps Liz took after work was over. (And sometimes during but what are you going to do. Sigh...life of a journalist.)
This here is Dawen. He just moved from Chicago. He sings pretty songs. Listen to him here.
This here is Kelly Hu. First Asian American Miss Teen USA. She's so gorgeous and it's great to see her supporting Kamala and the Asian American community.

At first, I have to admit, I didn't recognize her. When an organizer who knew we were reporting on the event gestured that she was someone we should talk to, I had whispered to Liz, "who's that?"

Liz was like, "ask her."

But what would I say? Who are you? Um...are you Kelly Hu?

Lucky for us, someone came by and introduced themselves to her and she replied, "I'm Kelly." Jackpot. Now I know what to do next time I don't know someone's name. Just introduce myself to them. Genius!
And this here is Lisa Ling! There are not too many role models out there for a young female Asian American reporter so what she's done with her career has been thoroughly admired on my behalf for many years now. I can't completely express how blessed I am to have such amazing opportunities like this. I am one lucky girl. I need to remember not to take my life for granted. Work hard!

Harvest Crusades

The Angel Stadium is a gigantic outdoor amphitheater.
Last Friday, it was filled to the max with people. But instead of a usual baseball game, the event was the 20th annual Harvest Crusades. An epic Christian evangelical 3-day event celebrating the One and Only!
Interspersed with fabulous bands and musical acts, pastor Greg Laurie also presented the gospel to over 126,000 believer and non-believers.
I attended with the fabulous Miss Wong and CFBC's biblestudy group, enjoying a great night of listening to an amazing man preach the gospel, some rockin' music and watching soooo many people get up off their seats and onto the field, declaring their love for Jesus. I had goosebumps the entire time.
The event had some really great musical acts, which got me thinking that a lot of my favorite musicians also happened to have started off as (or still remain) Christian bands! Below are my top 5.

5) Relient K
Pros: catchy songs, witty lyrics, pretty boy looks
Cons: overplayed (on my playlist), sound can get mumble jumbled with other bands
Fav. songs: Sadie Hawkins Dance, My Girl's Ex-Boyfriend, Pressing On

4) Switchfoot
Pros: been around for awhile, distinct sound, created my favorite song ever.
Cons: overplayed, sometimes all their songs sound the same.
Fav. songs: It forever and always will be SOMEDAY WE'LL KNOW (ft. Mandy Moore)

3) One Republic
Pros: hecka pretty sound.
Cons: None that I can see as of right now.
Fav. songs: Apologize, Stop and Stare

2) The Fray
Pros: deep, sorrowful stuff that totally speaks to those in the midst of tragedy
Cons: kinda depressing
Fav. songs: How to Save a Life, Over My Head, Heaven Forbid

1) Sixpence None the Richer
Pros: lead singer Leigh Nash (literally) has the voice of an angel.
Cons: None!
Fav. songs: Kiss Me, My Idea of Heaven, I Need to be Next to You

Oh -- and Katy Perry as well! (You know she was a former Christian artist?) But... I think she belongs in a category all her own.

Hollywood High School

This was awhile back but I just realized I had never posted about this. I post about almost every other single thing going on in my life including the state of cleanliness my bedroom is in so it would be a shame to not blog about this.

This being that my sister acted in a movie this past summer! She was part of the cast of Easy A, a teen dark comedy coming out in 2010. The movie is almost like Scarlet Letter but set in modern-day high school times and boasts an amazing ensemble cast. (and I'm not just saying that 'cause Jess is in it.) Lisa Kudrow, Stanley Tucci, Amanda Bynes, Thomas Hayden Church, Penn Badgley, Emma Stone, the list is impressive. Take a look-see for yourself at some of the pictures we took at the after-party.

Star Emma Stone - she was in Superbad, The House Bunny, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Former stars of "Aliens of America." I heard this was an awesome show but like all awesome shows, it ended up being...cancelled. *sigh

Aly and AJ! OMG I totally listen to their music! (They rock, ok?)

Me and my new best friend/lover, Tyler! He's a cutie!

So when people say that Hollywood is like high school, they aren't exaggerating. Some of my sister's behind-the-scenes stories are unbelievable. A star of the movie with a total nice girl/guy reputation acted like she/he came straight out of Mean Girls(slash Guys?).

It makes me mad because unfortunately, my sis was one of the poor lambs getting picked on but what can you do? Our ultimate payback will be for Jess to become a mega-star and watch that bully's face one day as Jess sashays past her on a red carpet as people are screaming for my sister's name and ignoring her/him. When that day comes, it will be sweet!

But until that day, we just gotta suck it up and do the best work we can.

Jess, keep it up. You're amazing and I have every confidence that you win over the world with your acting talents. Cheers to the future!

PS. You should check out my sis' IMDB page. I can only link you to that since someone still hasn't purchased their domain name from Mr. Creeper. Get on it, girl!

Beautiful

Wow. Thank you, Glamour magazine for showing such a confident, natural, real figure in your September issue.

{ Jezebel }

Creep

This cracked me up for the most part of my day.

I've been looking to buy www.jessicajann.com and www.janicejann.com so the Jann sisters can begin our global web domination.

Well, turns out Jess' name has already been purchased by a third party who probably spends a lot of time buying domain names of actors who pop up on IMDB because those are the ones who'll eventually need their domain names to start websites with. (Smart!)

When I emailed him asking how much he was willing to sell www.jessicajann.com for, he responded with the following email:

Make me an offer. Are you related to the Jessica Jann that is listed on imdb.com who appeared on iCarly? If so, the price would be cheaper if there is an autographed photo of Jessica included in the deal. That would be a nice addition to my collection.

I had a field day reading that! Which I did. Out loud. About 500 times. In different accents.

I especially like the last line, it's extra creepy.

PS. Trying to build own website! Anyone have tips/tutorials or would like to just volunteer to make it for me?

I Always Knew I'd Be On CNN Someday...

The Curious Case of Gwen Stefani's Abs

There are a few concerts that I need to watch in my lifetime:

1. Justin Timberlake: Need to get my "Sexyback."
2. Janet Jackson: Homegirl can dance.
3. Black Eyed Peas: Cross that off the list. Thanks CeCe Jie. :)
4. No Doubt. <<<<

This is the Cricket Wireless Ampitheatre. A few Coyotes and I headed down south to Chula Vista, San Diego after scoring some amazing $20.00 to see Gwen Stefani & Co. yell, "Hey Baby," to us.
Yea, yea. No Doubt rocked. They played all the awesome oldies. They had an awesome stage. They looked great. But in all honesty, Gwen's abs stole the show.
Want a closer look?
We were mesmerized. We were entranced. We were captivated. How can you be 39-year old, have two kids and look like that?

My personal theory is that she's an alien robot.

Anyway, after the show, we decided to try our own No Doubt moves.
And jam to our own No Doubt beat.
Next step: cloning Stefani's abs.

You Never Forget Your First

I celebrated my first paycheck with a haircut!

*Just so some of you don't get confused by the chronology of the posts, this was a couple of weeks ago...

I'm Such a Jezebel

Comments, critiques, laughs welcomed below.

PS. Conversation with the sister...

Me: Oh crap, I totally forgot that I'm going to be unleashing my number and email to the world.
Sis: No! You can't do that!

The computer screen flashes my number and email in the Youtube video

Me: Too late.
Sis: You're going to get all these stalkers!
Me: But other anchors put their contact information on their Youtube reels
Sis: But they're not pretty!

She has a point.

Bill Clinton Brings Arrested Journalists Home from North Korea

Twitter delivered me the best news I have heard in days: North Korea has pardoned and released Laura Ling and Euna Lee!

Ling, 32 and Lee, 36 were arrested in March while reporting undercover near the borders of the communist country, under the dictatorship of Kim Jong Il.  The pair was sentenced to 12 years of hard labor by the North Korean government in June.  While their tragic arrest stirred the hearts of many, the media coverage of the incident was less than influential. I'll bet walking out to the streets right now, most of the people you ask would not even know who Laura and Euna are.

Nevertheless, our government and our hero of the hour by the name of Bill Clinton finally stepped in and took action.  According to CNN, the former president "met with top North Korean officials in Pyongyang to appeal for the release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee."

For more, read the CNN Wire blog here.

Awesome day, awesome day. I wish I were still at Koream so I could help craft a feature for this news.  Nonetheless, I thank God for the return of these two journalists, who can now go home to their young families (Laura is married, Euna is married with a four-year old daughter).

And now, it is not so tasteless to post up a picture of Laura's hoooot husband, Iain Clayton.

I know, RIGHT? And they're even cuter together to boot.

The Power of a Nap

The sandman is a flirty little fella.

And he loves seducing me. He lures me in at all hours of the day and begs me to fall into him. I try to resist, I really do. I say, "no no, not right now." Or, "I can't." Or, "you better stop that or I'm calling your mother!" I tell him now is not a good time. People will see, they will judge. They might even laugh at me. But his embrace is far too strong, his kisses way too magnetic. I do what I can to take my mind off him but somehow, he always manages to creep back into my consciousness and dance into my radar.

I am only a weak, mere mortal. I make mistakes. I sin. So I nap.

Once I found out that my one-hour lunch break was far too short to go to a sit-down restaurant, far too long to eat a sack lunch, far too hot to walk around the Beverly Hills residence, and far too cold to stay in the office, I found the perfect activity to spend the remaining minutes after having gobbled up my ham sandwich.

Lo and behold, the makings of a power nap.

I usually doze off for about 30 minutes each day and wake up (at first) feeling groggy and pissed off and (later) alert and rejuvenated. Here is how you can recreate my amazing auto-power-nap experience:

1) Pillows.

People think that they can make do with just sleeping under their arms or lying flat on their backs but let this pro tell you, pillows are a NECESSITY to a delicious power nap. They add the extra oomph and keep your poor neck from feeling stiff. They're comfy and remind you of that other place in your bedroom at home which you (hopefully) blissfully slumber into the night each day. I took old cushions from my home and wrapped them in t-shirts to prevent developing creases on my face when I woke up. Feel free to do likewise.

2) Lighting.

I'm lucky because my garage is underground and fairly cool but for those of you out there that must succumb to parking under the sun, a nice shaded area is recommended. This is so you won't wake up all sweaty and gross, and also so that you will... actually wake up and not have died from heat stroke or something.

3) Air circulation

Please please please roll your windows down when you sleep so you don't end up like some poor babies whose parents left them in the car and they suffocated to death. I know it's rather worrisome to have it rolled when you know you will be unconscious while other people might possibly be passing by your car but just think of it as napping on a park bench or at the school library. There are no windows separating you from the world there, are there?

4) A cell phone alarm

It is pretty vital that you wake up on time so that you can go back to work and make your boss a happy man/woman.

5) Enjoyment

Please enjoy the powers of a power nap. Notice how much brighter the world looks after you have one. Thank the heavens for these small pleasures in life. This is the best thing you will get out of taking one. If you just wake up and cry and complain about how you wasted your lunch break sleeping, then I'm afraid this is not for you. You can read a book or something lame like that. (Just kidding, I read books all the time at work but I seem to always lose concentration during lunchtime. Sandman's hold on me is strong.)

Nap on.