“I don’t like the observational stuff,” she said. “I like tackling the stuff nobody else talks about, like the darkest, most serious thing about yourself. I talk about life and sex and personal stories and stuff everybody can relate to, and some can’t.”

Her humor isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely for me. She seems like the kind of friend you can’t wait to see at brunch on Sunday because you know her Saturday night was a total sh*tshow and you want to hear every cringe-worthy detail. Some of it’s going to be borderline offensive and you’re going to be looking over your shoulder the whole time to see if other people are rolling their eyes, but you’re still going to laugh. Hard.

But Amy showed her serious side at the Glamour “These Girls” after-party earlier this week, and proved that she can be your voice-of-reason friend too, when she’s not nursing a nasty hangover. After sharing her struggle with body image issues earlier, Schumer had this to say about feeling comfortable in your own skin:

“Get your self-image from your relationships with the people who know you. No matter what’s going on, I know I’m a really great sister, I’m a great friend and that’s who I am. And I can feel beautiful and sexy without it all being about feedback.

People get mad at confidence and they wanna knock it down. And you need to know that’s gonna happen and just hold onto it. I have moments all the time when I don’t feel good about myself … but I always find my way back.”

Yes GAWD. That’s how you make sure that even if you got 99 problems, your image ain’t one. You’ve always gotta find your way back to yourself.

How do you guys deal when you’re feeling unpretty?

Featured image via imdb.com

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You can follow the rest of the action over at Cuddles and Rage.com!

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The internet hates change (see also: Facebook’s acquisition of Instagram) and many in the Tumblr community are concerned that Yahoo! is really going to eff things up. Their fear is seemingly well-founded: Yahoo! is significantly less “cool” than their biggest competitor, Google. They’ve been around for 20 years now (which is like, totally ancient) and are widely seen as second rate in terms of search, content and homepage aesthetics.

Translation: “YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US!”

But Marissa Mayer, Yahoo!’s President and CEO, thinks she can change that. More power to her if she can, but in the meantime, here are 5 Things We Hope Yahoo! Doesn’t Do To Tumblr:

1. Add a buttload of ads & banners: They may be a necessary evil, financially, for a site that was purchased for $1.1 billion and made only $13 million in ad revenue last year, but let’s face it: Ads and banners are the worst. Especially when they get too personal and/or are sponsored content disguised as legit content. If I’ve been posting about corgis on Facebook and all the sudden I’m being offered porcelain corgi statuettes in the targeted ads on the right side of my screen, that’s a giant dislike. And if I continue to accidentally click on an ad because it’s placed in such a way where I basically can’t avoid it, I’m gonna have a bad time.

2. Flood the site with Yahoo!-sies: Such as: 1. Trying to make us use Yahoo! mail and like, link our accounts or share what we’re sharing on Tumblr on Yahoo! or whatever. 2. Adding a news ticker. Period. No one using Tumblr cares about the NASDAQ. 3. Trending topics: Let’s just leave that to Twitter. Even so, I’m not impressed to know that “BELIEBERS LOVE JUSTIN” or “Miley Cyrus’ abs” are trending. If anything, that makes me sad for the state of our youth.

3. Adding user-specific stats: One of the greatest things about Tumblr is that it doesn’t resemble a clique. No one cares how many friends you have or how many friends like the photo of your feet at the beach or how many years you’ve worked at your fancy-sounding job that you secretly hate. Tumblr doesn’t discriminate and its users don’t either.

4. Trying to broaden its audience by alienating its current users: As previously noted, Tumblr thinks you’re great — However, it’s not generally used by old folks or young babes. Tweens, teens, young adults and savvy 20-somethings make up the majority of the site’s base and it’s clear that Yahoo! purchased Tumblr in a move akin to virtual botox. The second they try to start sophisticating or censoring, people are going to bail. Fast. Like, faster than Lindsay Lohan leaves crime scenes.

5. Bundling it with Flickr: This is a definite reality. By joining up with Flickr (which Yahoo! purchased in 2005) and making Tumblr a photo publishing and blogging platform, they could attempt to give Instagram a run for their Facebook-fueled money. Right now, one of Tumblr’s biggest assets is that it’s both aesthetically functional and aesthetically pleasing. Smushing them together is going to be (in the wise words of Tim Gunn) “a lot of look.” Besides, can’t you just like, make Flickr cooler on its own and LEAVE TUMBLR ALONE?!

Featured images via SocialSteak.com, Tumblr

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After the episode aired, Amy and Samy took to Facebook to post a lot of hate-filled status messages which included too many curses and insults to be reprinted here. They even admitted that their pastries – which was the one highlight of the restaurant for Ramsay – weren’t made in-house, but repackaged from other places. In summary: They’re right, you’re wrong, they’re amazing, and your tastebuds are obviously broken because it’s not their fault their excellent food has been critically panned. These messages were deleted later, and replaced with this:

Sure, guys. Sure.

The truth of the matter is, unfortunately every terrible boss out there doesn’t have the opportunity to humiliate themselves and ruin their reputations on reality television. That’s the American Dream for the constantly harassed employee. Not every under-tipped waitress like Katy gets a chance to spill her side of the story to people who truly care about her well-being after a three week job stint. Horrible bosses are everywhere, and they have the power of pretty much ruining your life. It sounds like an overstatement, but when you’re depressed with how you’re treated at work, you often carry that depression home with you. You lose faith in your ability to be a functional human being. You dread each day, panicking over what you might be screamed at for next.

It’s especially tough now; I graduated college in 2006, right around the time when jobs started to become difficult to get. So do you suffer in silence, or risk losing your job to stick up for yourself?

The best way I’ve dealt with it is to try and keep your head up high, as difficult as that might be. If your job was televised, think of how the country would be rooting for you the way they rooted for Katy. Kill them with kindness, and realize that you’re not the problem. And while you’re doing that, send your resume out to everyone you can think of, to try and get yourself out of the situation with a solid backup plan.

I also used my own frustration to do a lot of writing. After suffering through one job in particular, I penned a screenplay that served a larger purpose to me as therapy, than a ticket to Hollywood. (It’s not the greatest screenplay in the world, but it served its purpose.) If you do have the dedication to have your work seen by others or produced into something greater, realize that your monster of a boss will be an amazing, dynamic character – because surely, everyone has known or has worked for someone similar.

It’s why people are so invested in the future of Amy’s Baking Company. While we realized these two individuals are real people (and Amy has a criminal past, by the way) they’re also amusing characters on a reality show, that – as far as numerous witnesses can attest to – weren’t edited in such a way to make them seem worse than they are. These are two people so far removed from reality that they assumed Gordon Ramsay would come to their shop (on a show titled “Kitchen Nightmares”, mind you) and praise them for being amazing at what they do, to spite all the “haters” on the internet that posted negative reviews of their establishment. Meanwhile, there’s video footage of Samy physically shoving his customers and screaming at them – which to me, is much more offensive than someone’s Yelp review about undercooked pizza dough.

A highlight from the episode was Gordon taking the time to interview two past employees, one who claimed that Samy made him wash his car during his shift as a bus boy. Talk about abusing your staff! If a task isn’t in your outlined job description, and humiliates you as a person, you should have the right to say no. Remember that your pride and your health are more important than eight bucks an hour. While a job interview might ask why you’ve only stayed at a job for a certain amount of time, telling them that it “wasn’t the best fit” for you is a reasonable and acceptable response. Trust me on this – everyone has had at least one job where they clashed with a boss, or were treated in a less than ideal way. Unless you unleash your frustration of the situation on a possible new employer, a short term job rarely needs any more explanation.

With a boss like Amy, you need to come to terms with the fact that sometimes your absolute best just won’t ever good enough for them. And just because they sign your paychecks doesn’t mean they know everything about running a business. If anything, this episode shows that sometimes it’s not cowardly to flee if the situation becomes so bad that it’s dangerous.

As for Amy’s Baking Company? Good luck on your re-launch, you guys. It’s a bummer that your newly hired PR firm decided to part ways with you shortly taking you on board. If you guys want to see the full extent of these boss monsters, here’s the full episode. (courtesy of Hulu)

And for all the bosses out there who think they can treat their employees in a similar fashion, let me tell you this: While I might not have too many years of experience under my belt, something I’ve learned is that if you treat people with respect, they’ll most likely respect you in return.

Image Credits: eonline.com (Featured) huffingtonpost.com (Katy)

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Let’s face it: we all judge each other’s relationships (even if and when our own are far from perfect).  But is it ever appropriate to share our opinions?  Conventional wisdom says no, and I’m generally inclined to agree. It only takes losing one friend after commenting that I didn’t think her boyfriend was good for her to realize that I’d rather keep my mouth shut and keep my friendship, even if I do think the guy she’s dating is a complete idiot.  One of my most regrettable decisions was sending a scathing email to a friend after learning from Facebook that she’d gone on vacation with her on again, off again ex.  I gave her my opinion of the guy in no uncertain terms, and felt like a complete jerk two weeks later when I realized it was no ordinary vacation; they’d actually eloped.  They are now happily married with a beautiful baby daughter, and I am amazed and so thankful that this girl still talks to me after what I said.  The experience taught me many lessons, chiefly among them: we really don’t know other people’s relationship situations, and as such, it’s usually best not to comment on them.

It’s a hard urge to resist, though.  So before you go speaking your opinion, here are some things to consider:

Why am I judging this person?  I find a lot of the time, we judge our friends’ relationships out of jealousy, either because they’re dating someone and we’re not, or because we’re jealous of all the time our friend is spending with her new significant other.  If this is the case, it’s best to step back and try and look at the situation objectively: is the person they’re dating really a tool, or are you trying to find fault with them on purpose?  If your main issue is something superficial (dresses weird, likes some band you hate, or has a funny laugh), you’d best keep it to yourself.  If the person is actually awful (kicks puppies, has a drug problem, hasn’t paid taxes in 10 years), you may have a legitimate beef.  (Also, if you’re concerned your friend is dating someone truly terrible and might be in an abusive relationship, it is definitely okay to say something.  Some suggestions on how to help in that situation can be found here.)

How serious is this relationship?  If your friend is just casually hanging out with someone who’s not the best influence, it might be best to just let things run their course.  It’s not worth risking your friendship over something that’s likely to be short lived anyway.  If, on the other hand, she’s about to marry someone who actually lies/cheats/steals/is actually bad news, it’s perhaps time to have a heart to heart with her about what she wants out of her relationship, and making sure this person is providing it.

Am I prepared to have my love life criticized?  If you do decide you should say something, you should be prepared that your friend might get defensive.  After all, you’re calling her out on someone who’s really important to her.  Are you ready to hear what your friend really thinks of your relationship (or lackthereof), or would you rather your friend not say anything?  If the latter’s the case, then perhaps you’re not in the position to criticize.  As the saying goes, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

What do I think will come of this?  Questioning anything about a friend’s relationship isn’t just making conversation.  You’re essentially suggesting that they change or end a relationship that technically has nothing to do with you.  If you’re going to do this, you need to be prepared to deal with the fallout, whatever form it might take.  Is what you have to say so important you’re willing to lose a friendship over it?  Are you okay with being the catalyst for a friend breaking up with their significant other?

If you’ve thought about all of this and still think you should say something, then I suggest you think carefully about how you want to frame the conversation.  There’s a huge difference between “Ugh, why would you kiss that loser” and “Hey, I know it’s none of my business, but I just wanted to check and see how things were going with you and Justin, I know it’s a lot to deal with when he’s threatening paparazzi and passing out at concerts and losing custody his primate in a foreign country.  I just think you deserve to be with someone who has time and energy to really focus on you, but no matter what happens in your relationship, I’ll always be here for you.” Above all, you need to come across as supportive, and not judgmental; if you’re saying something, it should be because you think it’s in your friend’s best interests.

So what do you think?  Is it ever okay to comment on someone else’s relationship?  Have you done it, and had it go well?  Or horribly?  Do you support Selena getting maybe getting back together with Justin, or is Taylor totally right?

Featured image via

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At any rate, from the moment I met the Bluths I wanted to be part of their family. That’s the sickest part for me. I watch them and all I can think is, “this seems like a fun family!” I definitely am legitimately concerned I’m going to name a child of mine Maeby because I think it’s adorable and I can’t remember ever wanting a frozen banana before watching this show. I’m actually overwhelmed by the idea of discussing this show, so in preparation for Sunday (when I probably watch the new season in one sitting) here are five ways Arrested Development ruined my life:.

Steve Holt!

1. This Show Has Ruined Me For Guest Stars On Other Shows

I mean you just can’t compare with the guest stars (and just stars) Arrested Development has and also the way they USE these guest stars.

I love Say Anything and then we bring in Ione Skye as Ann’s MOM?! Yes, please. I’ve loved Christine Taylor for years and we get her AND Ben Stiller? I mean, it goes on and on. I was elected to be “Fern” with my friends when casting Jawbreaker so I’ve always had a fondness for Judy Greer. (How good is she and everyone else from Arrested on Archer, by the way? Love.)

But then we have genius things like Henry Winkler JUMPING OVER A SHARK and Scott Baio coming in to drop some Happy Days jokes on us (with Ron Howard, obviously).

I don’t even know what to say. Here is a brief list of other amazing guest stars and oh my god is it Sunday yet?

• Liza Minnelli
• Ed Begley Jr.
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus
• Charlize Theron
• Amy Poehler
• Jane Lynch
• James Lipton
• Zach Braff

2. I Feel Like I’ve Never Seen a Chicken 

One of my favorite jokes on this show is everyone’s chicken dance. It starts with GOB and then we find out everyone has an amazing chicken dance, which eventually causes Michael to say, “has anyone in this family ever even SEEN a chicken?”

Of course, one fateful night in 2006 in NYC (we call it Tattoo and Piercing Night) some friends and I went with a friend to get a tattoo (and I ended up getting my cartilage pierced) and basically we ended up in Washington Square Park each doing a different Bluth family member’s chicken dance.

I pretty much can’t even think about calling someone chicken without mimicking one of these dances.

3. Forever Link Segways With Magic

I don’t know about you, but GOB is one of my favorites…in a cast where everyone is my favorite.

GOB taught us that tricks are what whores do for money (or candy!) but that he does ILLUSIONS, Michael.

I once received a gift from my BFF labeled “DEAD DOVE” (the DO NOT EAT was implied) and whenever I see a segway I think the person on it is probably a magician.

Also, I mean, there’s no way I can ever hear “The Final Countdown” without thinking of GOB, sorry.

4. I Think In Tobias Funke Comments

Tobias, like Bob Loblaw, is a mouthful. Or, says a mouthful…of things. Whatever.

Don’t show me a sausage if you don’t want me to go full Mrs. Featherbottom and talk about how here in the States we call it a sausage in the mouth.

I’m definitely buy-curious about many new trends and I would consider myself a leather daddy while trying to go to the Gothic Castle, thank you very much.

If I ever dressed up as a Smurf I’d definitely say “I just blue myself” all night. And I even, in real life said a phrase my husband deemed to be very Tobias Funke.

Said I gave people information to “get their balls going.” Then asked Jimmy if I was Michael Scott. He said, “No, Tobias Funke.” Touche.”

I AM afraid I just prematurely shot my wad on what was supposed to be a dry run and there are many things I want to put on my business cards and “analrapist” is definitely one of them.

5. Okay Pretty Much I Want to Say Every Line from Arrested In Real Life

Did a seal bite your linus off?

I’m a monster!

Marry me!

Her?

He’ll be “all right.”

You’re gonna get some hop-ons.

Look at banner, Michael!

Family first.

Spring Break! Whooo!

I’ve made a huge mistake.

Say goodbye to these.

No touching!

Mayonegg

A million f*$king diamonds!

What a fun, sexy time for you!

(Images screengrabbed by me or my own)

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First of all, I’m all for equal gender representation in media. I think it’s important to show well-rounded and interesting  female characters who are successful across a wide range of fields. There’s no doubt that the things we see on TV affect our societal outlook and it’s important for young girls AND BOYS to see successful females on TV. With that being said, I’m not entirely sure why whether or not these successful TV career women have children is an issue. Feminism is fundamentally about gender equality. Yet, no one is asking how many of the working male television characters are fathers. No one’s asking, since it’s assumed that the burden of raising children falls primarily on the mother. Being a working mother is presumed to be a major struggle for the female character, yet I can’t think of a single straight male television character who struggles for more than one episode between career and parenthood. We view the burden of being a working parent as a solely female trait, which isn’t fair.

Furthermore, I’m not entirely sure why “a mixed bag” is a bad thing. The segment criticizes the show Modern Family in which none of the female characters work outside the home. It then goes on to criticize shows like Scandal and Homeland for portraying only career-obsessed women without children. They don’t cite any statistics as to how many working mothers are on TV, they just say that “nearly all” TV women consumed by their careers don’t have kids. Yet, off the top of my head I can think of nineteen* current on-screen working mothers. So, I guess I’m just not sure where the problem is. Why is it wrong to show women across all experiences? I grew up with a stay at home mom. When I watch Modern Family, I can relate to Claire Dunphy’s hectic life and it makes me appreciate everything my mother did for my sister and me. One day I hope to be a successful working mother. So when I watch The Good Wife I relate to Alicia’s desire for both children and career and admire how she makes it all work. At the same time, I can watch a show like Scandal and see that as a woman, motherhood doesn’t have to be the end-all-be-all to happiness (banging the president is). By showing a “mixed bag” we’re saying each path is valid. That women have a choice between motherhood, working and working motherhood and each path can lead to happiness. Isn’t that the entire point of the feminist movement? To allow us all the opportunity to choose our own paths in life?

Lastly, I don’t feel as though it’s important for TV to directly mirror real life. The segment spends a lot of time comparing real-life statistics to on-air statistics. It states that working mothers make up 60% of the female workforce, yet that figure is not adequately reflected on TV. So what? A very small percentage of Americans are CIA agents, brain surgeons, detectives and lawyers, yet so many of our shows feature these types of characters. I live in the real world every day, when I get home and turn on the TV I want to escape my reality and journey elsewhere. I want to solve crimes and save lives and fall in love with hot vampires. Yes, I do love shows like Parenthood and Switched at Birth which are more grounded in reality, but I don’t think that every show has to fit those standards. Jennifer suggests that viewers are uncomfortable watching mothers work so hard, which might be the case for some, but to me it’s all about the story. If Carrie Mathison is in the middle of a sting operation or Olivia Pope is trying to catch the person who shot the president, I don’t think it’s crucial to the story for them to stop and worry about if their child forgot their lunch money. If I sit down to watch a family drama, I’m expecting family drama. If I’m sitting down to watch a show about a ballsy bipolar CIA agent, I’m not expecting family drama, I’m expecting guns and bombs.

So, when it comes to working women on television, maybe a mixed bag is best. Actually, let’s go wild and mix it up even more! Throw in some racially diverse women over forty who excel in math and science and really shake things up! In all seriousness though, I understand the intent of the segment. It’s important to show the next generation that women can be both successful CEOs and great parents. However, I feel as though it’s equally important to show them that women can be great stay at home parents and career women without children. It’s not the television industry’s job to reflect the real world, but to entertain it and on some level shape it.

*Alicia Florrick, Kristina Braverman, Sarah Braverman, Rayna James, Regina Mills, Elizabeth Forbes, Bones, Frankie Heck, Meredith Grey, Miranda Bailey, Callie Torres, Arizona Robbins, Selina Meyer, Jules Cobb, Joan Holloway, Pam Halpert, Angela Martin, Jackie Peyton, Cathy Jamison

Feature images found here, here and here.

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