Which isn’t to say this is nothing more than cruel book that simply picks apart and makes fun of the hipsters of the world. It’s not just a mean girl ripping on a bunch of people who are unlike herself. It’s more like a super hip mean girl who can make fun of herself and her friends as though she were an outsider. But also she’s funny, so you’ll allow the occasional malicious remark to just slide on by. In fact, I’d venture to guess that author Kara Simsek would fall happily under one of her own hipster categories of which she makes so much fun.

The observations contained in the book are hilarious and entertaining and suprisingly accurate. It’s almost as if Kara plopped herself down in the urban wilds of New York, San Francisco, LA and London and studied the various species of hipsters in a Jane Goodall kind of way.

She takes you on a case-by-case journey of 50 types of hipsters, complete with illustrations (excellently executed by Paul Parker) of each different type of hipster, including: Trust Fund Artist, Fashionista, Film Maker, Vegan, Aspiring Novelist, Cupcake Baker, and more – like my personal favorite, Headdress Idiot.

As a former dweller of New York and a current dweller of Los Angeles, I can attest to the accuracy of the portraits painted, both verbally and illustratively. Obviously the book includes a lot of sweeping generalizations, but I was thoroughly impressed with how each type of hipster had at least one or two notes that I would be able to go, “Yep! Accurate!” And then raise a finger in a superior feeling of victory over how my dumb personal idiosyncrasies are slightly different than those of a hipster. Not tons. But enough to feel superior. Whoops. Is that hipstery of me?

The book also has sections dedicated to style, going over the various types of moustaches, hair cuts and tattoos one might find on a hipster.

If you wanted to nitpick, one might argue that the book covers hipsters not represented in their truest form, but the sort of hipsters that would shop at Urban Outfitters and buy a book about hipsters. But I think Kara manages to get those pseudo-hipsters in the end, quite literally. The final hipster case study is about the “Wannabe Hipster” and essentially takes to task these lazy pretentious pretenders.

This makes a great gift for yourself or the hipster in your life. Or the hipster-hater. Probably hipster-hater. Or also if you like cute dogs. Get this if you like cute dogs in fashion scarves.

So You Think You’re a Hipster by Kara Simsek is published by Dog ‘n’ Bone at £9.99/$14.95 and is available from www.cicobooks.com

Images via cicobooks.com, atomicvoodoo.blogspot.com

The post Book Review: ‘So You Think You’re A Hipster?’ by Kara Simsek appeared first on HelloGiggles.

If someone in real life tells me they love to read, they automatically go up about 100 points on my Official Friend-o-Meter. If someone tells me they don’t necessarily love to read but love fictional characters who love reading, they get points for that, too. I love books and I love the people that love books. I especially love the fictional characters who love fiction.

My favorite fictional characters who love fiction include:

Lisa Simpson from The Simpsons

Lisa is basically me as a child, except replace some of her book choices with the BSC and Saddle Club  series. Remember that episode decides to be cool and turn her back on books? Yeah, that never happened with me. But Lisa found her way back. We always find our way back to books.

Suzy Bishop from Moonrise Kingdom

Suzy brings a suitcase filled with books when she decides to run away for good. Suzy is awesome. Okay, so Wes Anderson is probably actually the awesome one. Or whoever his production designer is. Anyway, if you haven’t faced the dilemma of deciding which books to bring on a trip with you, you haven’t faced trouble, my friends.

Belle from Beauty and the Beast

Sure, this movie is basically just a gal’s story about a superbad case of Stockholm Syndrome plus some dancing dish ware, but she sure loved her some books! Most of the people in her village wouldn’t know a book if it bit them in the bum, but Belle knows there’s more out there than her provincial life. She wants all the books to bite her bum. All the books!

Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls

We all know Rory brings books wherever she goes. And even if people look at you weird when you start reading a book in the middle of a party, they can go suck an egg. The book’s probably more interesting. Better idea: start a book club that meets at parties! Anti-social behavior subverted!

Matilda Wormwood from Matilda

This telekinetic wonder finds solace from the terrors of the real world in books. This was one of my favorite books as a kid, the film is timeless, and you better bet your sweet bippy I’ll try my darndest to see Matilda on Broadway.

Hermione Granger from Harry Potter

This witch uses books to be a better witch. She could probably just lazily witch her way to better witching, but no. Like, witches can probably just point their wands at a book and absorb all the knowledge and adventure in one flick. But not Hermione. If you need her, she’ll be in the library.

lisasimpsonbookclub, flavorwire, favim, croissantparisiense, planetpooks, wikia

The post My Favorite Female Fictional Characters Who Love Reading appeared first on HelloGiggles.

As an owner of a pooch who is not a Pug, I still have great enthusiasm for all things dog-related. Dogs are our little champions. Our merry jigging gentleman. The madames of adorability, if you will. That’s why when I discovered A Pug’s Guide to Etiquette by Gemma Correll, I was thrilled.

Gemma Correll is an amazing illustrator and cartoonist based in the UK and the proud owner of two beloved Pugs. I originally came upon her on a blog wherein I saw the following cartoon:

I think Gemma basically hit the nail on the head in terms of how we socialize at parties. I immediately needed more cartoons about being awkward and ridiculous in a variety of situations.

As I delved further into Gemma’s world, I wished more and more I could live within it. Gemma’s style is simple and whimsical, turning the every day creatures and people around us into bite-size treats for the eyes and mind. And what cuter subject is there to tackle than A Pug’s Guide to Etiquette?

If you’ve ever been acquainted with a Pug, you’ll know there are certain rules that every Pug should, must, or does follow. Even if you’re an unfortunate stranger to the world of Pugs, this book can still help any dog learn to mind its manners. And, actually, many of the rules can apply to our own trivial human trials and tribulations.

Many important topics our covered, such as

Encountering Ignoramuses

First of all, the term ‘ignoramus’ is used far too sparingly in day to day life, so kudos on that front. Secondly, this particular section hits close to home as a human who has to deal with ignoramuses almost daily. People make rude remarks about my non-Pug who, I’m the first to say, is no beauty queen but it still makes me want to punch them in their stupid fat heads when they feel the need to remark on his less than stunning apperance.

But you know, Gemma’s right – they simply don’t know any better. And I should pity them. Pity all the ignoramuses!

Gemma also touches on

Appropriate Bath Time Behavior

Entertaining Guests

Useful Applications of Energy

and much more!

A personal favorite topic covered is Farting, designated by the sound ‘Parp’!

I totally agree about farting after a heavy meal. I find it rude when my dog doesn’t do it, and I know people always seem oddly upset if I don’t give a resounding toot to show my appreciation at dinner parties.

From Pug owners, to Pug enthusiasts, to Pugs with bad manners or those in need of a quick refresher - A Pug’s Guide to Etiquette has something for everyone. So if you feel need to inject you and your dog’s life with a little decorum and class, please read this book and take it’s astute advice to heart. And fart.

The book is available for purchase at Amazon.

Images via Gemma Correll

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I’m sure all these stars are great though. If they’re even half as great as the versions of themselves they play on screen, you can sign me up to fall in love with each and every one.

Kelsey Grammer on 30 Rock

Kelsey is a master con artist and a founding member of The Best Friends Gang, along with Kenneth and Jenna. Kelsey is truly a master of mischief, helping Jenna and Kenneth bilk the Carvel ice cream store out of tons of money and free ice cream cakes. He also puts on a mean one-man show as Abe Lincoln. I like to think Kelsey is just as cunning in real life and that Carvel gives him all the free ice cream he can eat.

Oprah on 30 Rock

“I’m snitting next to Borpo!” Liz excitedly proclaimed. And we were all jealous. Even though Oprah really just appeared as a hallucination of herself via Liz Lemon’s medicated imagination. The Oprah Liz thinks she sees, is in fact plucky tween superstar, Pam. Oprah does an amazing job playing both Liz’s version of Oprah and hybrid imaginary Oprah/Oprah-as-spunky-tween-Pam-as-Oprah. Way to GO-prah!

David Bowie in Zoolander

Nothing better than David Bowie popping into a movie out of the blue. And what better role could he ask for than that of a male model walk-off judge? Bowie is discerning and demanding, and just look at that frosted feathery hair! Beautiful, like a future robot male model walk-off judge angel.

Daniel Radcliffe in Extras – and Kate Winslet – and Ian McKellan and David Bowie – okay, just everyone who appeared Extras.

Extras is an amazing piece of television. A show where all stars play themselves and they’re all outstanding. Highlights for me include sex-crazed Daniel Radcliffe and his condom, and Kate Winslet, the naughty nun.

Patrick Stewart also deserves recognition. And Ian McKellan. All the stars on Extras do. Just go watch Extras and revel in the stars playing themselves. Just do us all a favor and watch it.

Carl Weathers on Arrested Development

He might not be the acting coach of whom Tobias dreamed, but he’s still a stud. What can I say? The man knows his stew.

Images via broadwayworld.com, tvjunior.wordpress.com, tumblr.com, listal.com, katewinsletrevolution.wordpress.com,

The post The Best of Stars Playing Themselves appeared first on HelloGiggles.

And I take these scientists very seriously. Here are some of the best:

1) Rick Moranis as Wayne Szalinksi in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids!

He’s a bumbling dope, but he’s also a genius. He shrinks a bunch of children. Irresponsible? Yes. Impressive? Yes. But it’s a total accident, so he shouldn’t get too much credit. Then he almost gets them killed by tossing them in the trash, subjecting them to the horrors of their own backyard.

Way to go.

2) Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown in the Back to the Future trilogy

I may prefer the sequel to the original, but without the original, we certainly never would’ve gotten to the sequel! We would’ve never met Doc Brown, one of the best movie scientists ever.

He’s a scatter-brained human wizard who invents time travel. With one tool – the flux capacitor – that looks sort of like a model of fallopian tubes made out of those glow necklaces you get at a Bar Mitzvah, Doc Brown changes the world. Sure, he basically only uses this tool to help his high school intern make sure his family is cool and safe, but what better use of time travel is there?

Doc Brown’s not here to change the world. He’s just here to make sure Marty McFly‘s kids don’t go to jail and also to go to the old West for no good reason other than why not!

3) Jodie Foster as Dr. Ellie Arroway in Contact

No one wants to listen to poor Ellie! Except aliens! Jodie‘s character was inspired by actual, real, awesome scientist Jill Tarter. Just check out this combo of crazy jacket/killer thumbs up. A champion. A science champion.

Dr. Arroway not only talks to aliens but also follows their alien IKEA instructions to build a pod to go on a road trip to visit them. A human that aliens don’t want to kill or enslave? Sounds A-OK in my book. In my book of things I rank on a scale from “Thanks, But No Thanks!” to “Sounds A-OK.”

4) Gene Wilder as Dr. Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein

Is there any finer scientist than a mad scientist? He reanimates the dead and he does it with style and comedy! And passion. Loads and loads of passion. Dr. Frankenstein is especially notable for his ability to tap dance with a man made up of formerly dead pieces.

5) Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler in Jurassic Park

Queen of all the scientists. She gets elbow-deep in dino poops. ‘Nuff said.’ Well, not quite. What’s with lady scientists being named Ellie? Is that some sort of prerequisite?

P.S. There are seriously not enough stills/clips of this scene captured on the internet. What the hey is that about? Document this more! Now!

BONUS Scientists!

Jeff Goldblum in everything he’s a scientist in and, boy howdy, never has a scientist been more topless!

Jurassic Park

He’s so right.

The Fly

Nothing says scientist quite more than crouching naked in your science machine.

The Life Aquatic  

Rich, dangerous science!

Independence Day

He thwarts aliens with a USB drive, so he must be a genius. And he sure is lucky aliens have the same inputs for their computers that we do. Just look at all the science on that whiteboard! He means business. He knows the aliens are attacking Earth. It’s labeled. He’s a smart guy.

The Double Helix

He eats so many snacks in this movie, so it counts more than ever!

Honorable Mention:

Denise Richards as Christmas Jones

Because it’s HI-LARIOUS!

Images via contentunrelated.com, wikipedia, cavmengo, tower, hotflick, wearecinemaniax, sharprightturn, thatfilmguy.net

The post The Best Movie Scientists Ever appeared first on HelloGiggles.

There are a lot of things to be angry about every single day: your job, your lack of job, your family, your lack of family, your giant pile of money, your lack of a giant pile of money, people who are hungry, people who aren’t hungry enough, and not being able to find pajama jeans in your size. And there are all sorts of way to deal with one’s anger.

Some people like to deal with their anger head on, with confrontation and pointed words. Others prefer to physically express themselves, whether punching faces who upset them or punching the air their Tae Bo instructor tells them to. Lord knows Billy Blanks taught me to air punch through a lot of my anger.

I think I air punched my way through most of my teenage anger. Thanks, Billy!

Another Billy who helped me deal with my anger was Billy Elliot.

He would get so mad he’d just have to dance because there was no way to express his rage. Through his twinkling toes I learned to twinkle mine, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve busted out a Foxtrot while dealing with poor customer service at the post office. Or Charlestoned my way through the quiet parts of movies in a theatre when someone starts talking on their cell phone.

There are so many creative solutions to your anger problems. Easy solutions. I know I usually look to TV and movies to solve my problems, but today I urge us all to look inward. Check out my tips in the video below and I hope they help you out. I really really do.

What makes you mad? And what are some of the ways you all deal with anger?

Images via wordpress.com, wikipedia

The post How To with Laura: How to Deal with Anger appeared first on HelloGiggles.

People say it’s the little things that count, but it’s really the little things that upset and enrage you and/or make you giggle like a baby who just realized it could communicate with the family dog. So, yeah. I guess what I’m saying is what people say about little things counting is right. Except they need to get more specific in their meaning of ‘count’ but whatever. I guess I’ll just do everything for everybody.

Today’s video explores what happens when I forget to replace the toilet paper roll in the bathroom – an occurrence that happens far too often – and the unexpected pleasures one can find in one’s coat pocket. Please, enjoy:

Imagine the things Steve Jobs would have thought of if only he had been trapped on the toilet with no minions to fetch him more toilet paper – we’d have amazing tiny toilet entertainment systems that probably broke a lot for no reason and the people at the Genius Bar would say our hard drive was busted but then an hour later the computer would magically fix it self and the mystery would continue -but none of us would care! He would’ve probably invented a portable toilet-like device that would fit in your pocket, thus eliminating the need for paper altogether. It probably would’ve come in some zany color – like white! Ah, the iToilet. No, the iPoop.  Yes, the iPoop. How would you function? Alas, we’ll never know. Both Steve and his toilet-ideas have been flushed, so to speak.

And the wonder of a pocket is only fully illuminated when you explore the dark depths of its powers. It can conceal and preserve everything from money to objects to edible objects! Will wonders never cease? They never will.

Have you ever been stranded on the toilet? Ever found something weird in your pocket? Cause I sure have and did. Let’s bond!

The post Clams And Cupcakes, Episode 1: Toilet Annoyances and Pocket Miracles appeared first on HelloGiggles.

Sister, Sister

Mr. Ed

The Addams Family

Best Opening Sequence That Has Nothing to do with the Actual Show

FRIENDS

The Cosby Show

Best Family Fun

Step by Step

Full House

So this show should kind of be disqualified since there’s no embeddable version of their credit sequence available. Basically what their It Factor boiled down to was a baby riding in a convertible in their opening shot. Nothing says it-factor like baby in a convertible.

Best Sequence with No Cast or Show Clips

Cheers

Most Awkward Cast Intro

Family Matters

Again, another one that should be disqualified because there’s no embeddable version. But Family Matters is one of the kings of awkward cast introductions – especially season 1. You have characters doing things specifically for their intro that they don’t really ever do on the show. Carl stares off into the distance, Harriet gets ups from a piano she wasn’t even playing, kooky Estelle reads Rolling Stone, and the kids do weird generic kid things. A baby gets it’s own intro moment. And the aunt is just kind of enjoying standing in a garden. Awkward success.

Family Ties

Best Overall

The Jeffersons

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

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