Blaine Anderson - Sexually abused?

WARNING: This post addresses the topic of sexual abuse and may be triggering

I'll be the first to say that I am not well versed in psychology or sexual abuse and I can't pretend I hold in depth or professional insight required to study a potential victim, but as a fan of Glee character Blaine Anderson I couldn't pass this up. Fans have continually speculated that there is a darker side to Blaine's history and looking closely, that speculation isn't without merit. This is an analyse based on a list of abuse warning signs, those in yellow are more obviously present in Blaine's character and those in peach are questionable.

Possible Behavioral Signs of Sexual Abuse

• Sexually-precocious or attempts to mask seductive behavior

Blaine has been developed as a sexually precocious character throughout his entire run on the show; experimental with Rachel and briefly hitting on Finn, continually singing songs that reference sex or contain innuendos (Teenage Dream, When I Get You Alone), and his advancements towards Kurt. Arguably he masks this sexually precocious behaviour in song and by not directly mentioning the behaviour even in conversations with his boyfriend ("To kiss you whenever and wherever you want" "I miss messing around with you" "What am I supposed to do? Hold my breath?").  He is also very vague about his own sexual experiments with Burt saying that he turned to the internet, yet he was very specific when he mentions a potentially abusive sexual scenario afterwards "One day he'll be at a party and he'll meet some guy and start fooling around..." There is a possible that there was some meaning behind these words. 

• Hides secondary sexual characteristics
• Attempts to be unattractive

This is obviously up for debate as Darren and Blaine are both attractive men and everyone has different stylistic tastes in clothing, but I've said before that Blaine's choice of clothing and his hair gell are symbolic or a shield. He continued to wear bowties and dress a particular way despite being repeatedly told by others (including his own brother) that the look was not aesthetically pleasing to the masses, meaning that he is either deliberately choosing to dress in a way that he knows people find unattractive or he is compulsively attached/addicted to that look. As clothing choice is on a small part of whether you appear attractive and he happily removed his bowtie when Sam suggested it in 'Makeover' this may be less likely.

• Abnormal sexual knowledge

(discussed under the first point)

• Radical mood swings 

Blaine's demeanour is quick to change, and his actions can be contradicting (an example being that he cheated despite him voicing his strong distaste for cheating earlier on) and he can go from a calm to an angered exterior exterior or from a happy to depressive exterior very quickly. 

• Sense of danger where he/she lives
• Change in eating habits (bulimia, anorexia, or compulsive eating)
• Inappropriately seductive

'When I Get You Alone' - enough said.

• Apparent boredom w/age peers and age appropriate activities
• Nightmares, insomnia, sleepwalking and other sleep disturbances
• Radical change in school performance for better or worse
• Fearful about certain people
• Over achievement 

Blaine is clearly an over achiever, as he was able to keep up with what must have been a demanding private school schedule. Then in the Season 3 episode 'Makeover' he is shown, as the rightful 'New Rachel' to be signing up for close to every single available club and also runs for class president. 

• Depression, crying episodes, etc.
• Substance abuse/addiction

While only seen drinking on two occasions throughout the show it is heavily implied that Blaine abuses alcohol, as he was drink both times and the lyrics to several songs he has sung on the show feature alcohol. He also compulsively sports bowties and hair gel and appears to have if not an addiction than a highly active sex drive - his sexually knowledge and advances seeming to be unusally active. 

• Expression of "damaged goods" syndrome
• Angry, hostile or aggressive behavior

Blaine was a member of Dalton's fight club, is quick to anger (as seen in several interactions with Sebastian, Kurt and Finn and one interaction with Sam), and can be forceful when drunk. 

• Fear of adult or adolescent
• Fear of being photographed
• Anxiety reaction to authority figures
• Fear of undressing or refusal to undress in gym class 
• Pseudo-mature/overly-compliant or accommodating

Blaine is incredibly compliant and accommodating to the point where it is detrimental to his own happiness. It is seen in his continual accommodation of Kurt's needs (changing schools for him, not originally auditioning for Tony for him etc) and his initial accommodation of Finn and Rory. He also shows Pseudo-maturity in his interactions with others; appearing as a mentor to Kurt despite being established as a year younger (as of Season 3 anyway... but that's another story) and struggling with some of the same issues as Kurt himself. He also has shown incredibly emotional maturity in regards to some respects of his relationship and in his interactions with Burt, his peers and his authority figures. Of course this could all come from his own independent wisdom, intellect and maturity but he has shown a lot of evidence of this.

• Regressive, babyish behavior
• Intense efforts to gain attention/affection from adults

While not specific to adult figures in his life, Blaine is known for craving/seeking affection, even if he is not conscious of, or having a selfish reason for, doing so. Despite being an incredibly accommodating person and a team player he became the lead soloist of the Warblers, and by accommodating Kurt, his friends, and family he is also seeking affecting from those around him - by gaining their approval. 

• Spending inordinate amounts of time in game rooms, arcades. etc

There is only small evidence of this in the montage of Blaine singing up for clubs at the beginning of 'Makeover'. The fact that he signed up for clubs dedicated to Dungeons and Dragons and Superhero sidekicks show that he must spend a significant amount of time participating in fandom and gaming related activities. 

• Recruiting other children to become involved with an adult
• Suicidal thinking, gestures, and attempts 
• Hints regarding sexual behavior
• Fear of nurturing/withdrawal/impaired ability to trust

Blaine's impaired ability to trust is shown most clearly in his interactions with Kurt and his brother. When Cooper arrives Blaine doesn't appear to be surprised when he is dismissed by his brother, not trusting his brother due to his experience and perhaps darker influences. He is withdrawn from his brother, as it is established at the beginning of 'Big  Brother' that they'd hadn't had contact with each other for a while and he hadn't mentioned Cooper to Kurt. His distrust of Kurt is more clear, shown most clearly in 'Dance With Somebody'. When Kurt starts texting Chandler, Blaine apparently suspects something is going on judging by his looks of sad resignation. For Blaine to suspect anything there has to be some level of mistrust for Blaine to consider the possibility that Kurt is cheating, since Kurt could've been texting anybody at the time. He shows even greater mistrust and paranoia when he chooses to read Kurt's texts. 

• Self-mutalative behavior 
• Find reasons to not go home (helping teachers, etc.)

There are several instances where Blaine may have been doing this. Prior to the inclusion of NYADA and New York as outside filming locations, and assuming that Dalton was a boarding school, Blaine as a character was shown away from home more than any other character. Throughout Season 2 we see him only at school and public places; such as the Lima Bean, Breadsticks, Kurt's home and McKinley. Only in Season 3 and 4 have we seen him home at all, with the noticeable absence of his parents. There is also a moment in 'I Am Unicorn' where he asks Mr.Shue if he could attend booty-camp, saying that he would like to catch up with the others, which could easily have been a guise. 

• Neurological and verbal expressive delays

It has been brought up by screencaps and fan speculation that Blaine apparently has trouble clapping - this could easily  be a goof-up on Darren's part or fans just looking too far into it, but it could also be a neurological deficit that has affected his hand eye co-ordination. Any damage done to his addiction center due to abuse could also explain his reliance and apparently abuse of alcohol, as well as his compulsive behaviour when it comes to clothing and singing. It would also explain his introvert personality, as his emotions are bottled up due to the delays in his verbal expression. 

• Killing/torturing domestic animals 
• Self-hatred
• Memory loss
• Runaway
• Fear of the dark
• Find reasons to not be with someone they used to spend time with (or any change of behavior toward a friend or family member)

Not explored on the show but suggested by his lack of contact with his friends in the Warblers. As of 'Michael' and the whole Sebastian situation it is understandable that his relationship with the Warblers is now strained but prior to Michael his on-screen contact with the Warblers was solely to invite them to West Side Story. 

• Unable to concentrate, daydreaming, 'spacing out', 'in a world of their own'
• Withdrawn, isolated, or excessively worried

• Excessive or early masterbation

Suggested, albeit only briefly and in passing, during 'The First Time' with the line "That's why they invented masterbation"

• Becomes a perpetrator, targeting a child, sibling, or friend

Arguably this very nearly occurred during 'The First Time' when Blaine ruins his night out with Kurt at Scandals by becoming overly forceful in the car. 

Do you think Blaine has been sexually abused or some other trauma? Or do you think he's perfectly healthy? Let me know in the comments. 

Thank you to http://www.sandf.org/articles/Signs.asp for the initial list of warning signs and Hypable.com's Natalie Fisher and Glee Chat podcast for the inspiration

Review: The Land Of Stories

All who know me will know that I awaited the release of The Land Of Stories with what you could say... 'bias', meaning that I'm a huge fan of Chris Colfer and would probably have loved it if it was the phone book with a fancy cover. Chris Colfer is incredibly talented, and as an avid Glee fanatic I've been emotional invested in his 'Cinderella Story' and the not so Cinderella story of his character Kurt Hummel. You could even call us kindred spirits, since we were both the heads of failed writer's groups in highschool (yay!)

Of course he hasn't been sitting on his backside after getting a cushy role on 'Glee', as of now he's a Golden Globe winner, two time emmy nominee and the writer and lead of his new movie 'Struck By Lightning'. All this was naturally done while writing The Land Of Stories between sets on the national sell out 'Glee Live' concert tour. With all this on his plate many would pass this off as just another actor who thinks he can write, but as someone whose had a passion for writing since boyhood, this first novel will not disappoint.

The Land of Stories follows twin siblings, Alex and Connor, as they are sucked - Narnia style, into a family heirloom, a novel called The Land Of Stories. The book plummets the pair into a world of fairytales, where Classic fairytale characters are living out their surprisingly troubled post-happily ever after lives. To get home Alex and Connor are forced into the greatest scavenger hunt of their lives - gathering familiar fairy tale relics to form the wishing spell. Its a path home littered with danger and familiar characters with untold stories.

The story itself makes the (thankfully not stone) heart of my inner child beat wildly, and sparks my love of the classic stories, the way I'm sure Colfer intended. It's imaginative, homourous and as witty and its author, targeted towards children but appealing to a range of ages. Given Colfer's fame and how 'hot' fairy tales are recently (see: 'Snow White and The Huntsmen', 'Grimm' or 'Once Upon A Time) this debut was bound for success, and success it has had in its cushy position as The New York Times #1 bestseller these last two weeks. There are let downs in the form of cliches and minor repetitive sequences, but there are made up for in character, inventiveness and one liners. Colfer has delivered a truly page turning read rather than the standard 'failed actor-writer' kiss of doom some people experience. Personally I can't WAIT for the next two parts of this trilogy.

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Recommendation: The Looking Glass Wars

Right now the world is entering an era of fairy tales, with classic tales hitting one of the highest points they've ever reached in recent years. Between 'Once Upon A Time', 'Snow White and the Huntsmen', 'Grimm' and the re-release of a whole host of classic Disney films, you can't walk into a movie theatre or turn on your television without seeing a beloved Fairy Tale. The Looking Glass Wars is no exception. 

'The Looking Glass Wars' is a darker and more adult re-telling of the of Lewis Caroll's Alice In Wonderland. The Author Frank Beddor explores the idea that 'Alice In Wonderland', detailing the life of Alice Liddle, is not an accurate recount, but a distorted and interpretation of an oral history. 'The Looking Glass Wars' is the true story of Alyss and Wonderland.

The story follows Alyss Hart, princess to the Throne of Wonderland - as she witnesses the death of her parents by the hand of her Aunt Redd and Redd's assassin - a man known as The Cat. Saved by royal bodyguard Hatter Madigan, the pair are thrust into our England and separated. A race begins as Hatter and The Cat race to find the princess first, one looking to rescue her and the other looking to finish the job.

The series is a thrilling and clever fantasy trilogy which takes everything you know about Lewis Caroll's Wonderland and twists it on it's head.

The Books: The Looking Glass Wars, Seeing Redd, Arch Enemy

Find out more: http://www.lookingglasswars.com

Exams: hate to hate them

For some the word ‘exam’ is the difference between a diploma and the unemployment line. For others it’s the difference between a dream job and a checkout counter, or perhaps it means a dreaded (and probably embarrassing) trip to a hospital or doctor’s clinic. For second year University students it might mean blogging about exams the night before you have one because you want to avoid the blasted things for just a little longer, but maybe that's just me.

Whatever the word means to you, most humane and rational beings despise exams (unless they go by the name Hermione Granger - and even then the bushy haired super witch gets stressed about them too on occasion). I’m sure you’ve been there at some point, your eyes and back aching as you strain over textbooks, or your blood pressure rising as you prepare for your fate in a waiting room. Then as you sit there, the words flying in and out of your ears like little butterflies – you silently (or loudly depending on the kind of person you are) plea for it all to be over. In my case I frequently visualize exams as a great big punching bag I can pound into. Every time I study I’m jabbing it in, pounding it into the ground on the day of the exam, until hopefully a nice big pass mark shows up and the bag is nothing but dust.

Of course the lucky Americans are on summer holidays right now, basking in their beautiful freedom from study. Here in the future land of reality however (New Zealand), winter is here and I’ll be spending tomorrow and the 21^st attempting to rip my punching bag to shreds – wish me luck!

P.S - all non-citizens of future land should note that flying cars have still not been invented, and the third floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to those who do not wish to suffer a painful death.

Doctor Who: 5 reasons to watch and a theory

5 Reasons to watch Doctor Who

After almost 50 years generations of people have found something fascinating about the sonic-ing Doctor and his wobbly, timey wimey adventures. Whether they hopped aboard the Tardis in the 60s, 2005 or yesterday, the madman with a box has his appeal, but why?

1. Always fresh but always the same
With the ingenious idea of 'Regeneration' the Doctor can completely rewrite his biology, essentially thwarting death and giving himself a completely different body and face. Upon regenerating a whole new actor can take up the mantle of the Doctor while technically still playing the same character. With 11 personalities to discover, a galaxy of alien species', and a host of companions, you'll never be at a loss for something fresh. The core story however, of a lonely alien man looking to heal and find peace, is always there. It’s comfortingly familiar, but spontaneous and different at the same time.

2. Something to interest all
With some of the most witty, creative and outlandish writing ever to hit television screens, Doctor Who combines and interweaves genres better than most. Ranging from Romantic, Comedic, Innocent, and Fun to Dramatic, Intellectual, Tragic, Sad and Dark there are times when the show can have you laughing and crying in the space of 2-3 (literally) all without a single trip in the Tardis.

3. The acting
A character like the Doctor is layered in complexity and needs actors that can fulfil that versatility and range. From talent to talent each Doctor has met the bar and raised it, each catching the heart of different fans. With strong introductions (such as the 11th Doctor's opening speech to the Atraxi) or heart breaking goodbyes ("I don't want to go") the ability the actors have to twist language and tug at your heart strings will have you hooked.

4. Creativity
While the show can be grounded in reality, morality and the bitter/beautiful truths of our world and those beyond, it is for creative and adventurous minds as well. Only on Doctor Who can you find fish fingers and custard or horses on a spaceship.

5. Intellectually stimulating
As popular as it is with kids who enjoy following the adventures and humour, even the mature and sharpest of minds can love it. With an in-depth canon, scientific/grand monologues and concepts that fit together like a puzzle piece, this show won't spell it out for you. Ideas that span over entire seasons will come together, sometimes only an expression of realization or one line of dialogue. For History buffs several historical figures appear, in episodes celebrating the brilliance of their lives, along with in-jokes the historically minded will notice.

So - one show, all of time and space, everything that ever happened or ever will, where would you like to start?

A series finale theory

With the show at it's strongest and a 50th Anniversary is on its way it's hard to imagine Doctor Who leaving our screens any time soon. However like all good things it must one day come to an end, and I have an idea of what may happen when it does.

During 'The Wedding Of River Song' two of Doctor Who's biggest constants reappeared, with a subtle Dalek cameo and the biggest question of the show - Doctor WHO being explored. The Time War between the Daleks and the Timelords, as well as that ultimate question, was the beginning of it all. According to Dorium 'Doctor Who?' is the first question, what if it is the last as well?

It was made clear during Tennant's era that The Master suffered from a never ending drumbeat that plagued his mind, a beat that was planted in his head and was ultimately used by the banished Time Lords to try and escape. Could the answer to the question, The Doctor's name, be a weapon in itself? In 'A Good Man Goes  To War' Lorna reveals that 'Doctor' means 'great warrior' in the language of her people, and the Doctor is sometimes referred to as the 'Destroyer of Worlds' by multiple people/races. Think back to the beginning of the Narnia series; 'The Magician's Nephew' where the White Witch held a word in her mind with the power to destroy whole worlds, perhaps the Doctor's name holds a similar power, and the 'Destroyer of Worlds' title is much more than just a misnomer. I believe in the final episode of Doctor Who to ever bless our screens, the final confrontation between The Doctor and the Daleks will occur, and when his name is spoken it will somehow mean the end of the Daleks, The waiting Time Lords and the Doctor himself. Essentially, the final episode will end the Time War once and for all and both of the tired races will find their rest.

and finally... I recorded a version of the Pandorica speech just for funsies :)

My feelings on Team Starkid's Apocalyptour - a song parody

Look at their stuff, isn't it neat? Wouldn't you think their collections complete? Wouldn't you think their the crew, the crew that has everything?

They've got heroes and candy aplenty,
They've got tour stops and melodies galore,
Want a parody for your movie? They'll write four
but who cares? no big deal, I want more.

I want to be where you people are,
I wanna see, wanna see you rocking
travelling around on that, what do you call it again?
Apocalyptour.

Up where its on,
Up in the sun
Up where the fans all cheer and have fun,
wandering free, wish I could be,
part of your tour.

What would I pay?
To spend the day out in LA
What would I pay
To spend the night out at your show
But I hope that they understand that I don't
have the money for tickets.
I'm so sick of sitting, and being stuck in
little NZ

Not wandering free,
wish you will have
fun on your tour

- Part Of Your World Parody (To Starkid)

By Simone/StarkidSims

Sweet Tooth's message to the On-line populace

Hello Internet!

As you've no doubt noticed I've taken the liberty of spicing up this corner of webspace with my own personal touch of sugar coated mayhem. See now a ragtag group of oddfellows going by the name of 'Starkid' have seen fit to release a video presenting me as quite the dud. I was even foiled by that overgrown Bat and his little friend Skybar (or something like that). The point is you have been FOOLED.

Let me make one thing clear, the only foiling that will happen wll be the undoing of Batman, the boy wonder or a sucker. On no account should you see this toxic waste of a show, unless you're revelling in the glorious bit-o-honey that is my actor Jeff Blim. Otherwise boycott this 'Holy Musical Batman' piece my Musketeers, along with their little 'Starkid Potter' channel. After all, they cleaned me out of my fucking candy!

Gotta 'split',

Sweet Tooth

[please note: this piece is reverse psychology and I adore the show :)]

My favourite Myths/Legends/Historical events

The Titanic

As human beings we feel fear and/or fascination in the name the unknown, and quite frankly when it comes to space and the ocean's floor my fear often outweighs my curiosity. There is, however, something about the horrifying disaster that was the sinking of the RMS Titanic that strikes me. The thought of the once illustrious marvel of a ship (now a grand crypt) lying at the bottom of the Atlantic along with it's treasures makes me feel awe just as much as it sends shivers down my spine.

The Trojan War

Helen Of Troy: the famous face said to have launched a thousand ships; the world's most poignant beauty conquest, a wooden horse, a divine spat and a war that could have resulted in the foundation of the Rome, this was the Trojan War. Arguably the most well known and discussed war in ancient times, the myth (or is it???) has been given some credibility through the discovery of the site of Troy. Unfortunately more than one city of Troy was built on the site (8 in total) and we have only guess work, assumptions and faith to tell us which of the Troy's the famous Troy was and whether such a war actually took place in history.

Nessie: 'The Loch Ness Monster'

Ahhhh Nessie... Scotland's beloved mythical sea creature and one of the most highly debated modern myths in existence. 'The Loch Ness Monster', affectionately dubbed 'Nessie' has been said to be a surviving Plesiosaur and is the subject of a multitude of sightings and scams. The long necked loch dweller is also the star of TV shows, movies and expeditions made by those that believe in Nessie or want to profit from the myth. Today the myth still catches the eye of tourists and it is among my favourites.

[SPOILER POST] Glee Spoiler speculation: Seven people, Seven theories

Recently a Glee Spoiler has been released after Dianna Agron tweeted this picture with the caption 'at work' and it was confirmed that they were filming a car accident scene

The fact that Dianna tweeted this suggests that she could possibly be involved in the crash or connected to the person who was. So here are my theories of who could be in this crash...

1. Quinn
One of the top candidates considering who tweeted the original photo. This would be an interesting way to wrap up her storyline, whether completely (via death) or by injury. Quite frankly I think killing off Quinn's character would be too sudden and extreme for Glee but Quinn still takes the top spot for most likely victim in the crash
2. Shelby & Beth
Obviously Quinn is heavily connected to Shelby and Beth through Beth's adoption so that would explain her presence. If Shelby died it would be a good plot device for keeping Quinn in Ohio if she chose to stay for Beth. A death would also provide a parallel (since Glee is so fond of those) to Season 2, which also featured a wedding and funeral episode.
3. Artie
If Glee went the flashback route this could always be a flashback to Artie's accident, possibly brought up while Quinn is driving Artie to Regionals rather than his dad this season. It would explain Quinn's presence and there has been talk of a Quinn/Artie relationship going somewhere in the past. Of course this is also possible without Quinn if she is not involved in the accident at all and were being thrown for a loop.
4. Rory
A possibly obvious candidate if the powers of Glee have decided to give Damian a quick exit
5. Santana
One of the most unlikely and far fetched candidates but possible. Santana's always talked about living on 'the wrong side of the tracks', would that be the city or rural? If it was rural Ohio it would explain why she was driving in that area.
6. Cooper Anderson
As the episode this scene is being shot for is assumed to be 'Big Brother', the episode where Blaine's brother Cooper Anderson is being introduced, it could very well be him. We haven't been told which side of the crash Quinn would be on (if she is) she could have been the one responsible for the crash if she hit Cooper.
7. Burt Hummel
a drive to Washington gone wrong? Another unlikely candidate since Burt has been victim to a near death incident on Glee already and both Burt & Mike O Mallay are much loved members of the Glee verse but still plausible. It would also again bring up the question of who is going to run the tire shop which I've been wanting addressed again.

Some of these are completely unrelated to Quinn but the trick of a actor having nothing to do with he scene being on set, or tweeting photos for someone else, has been done before.

The weirdest feelings a Glee scene has ever given me

So I am perfectly comfortable with saying that I was born with Turner's syndrome (which affects people in different ways; abnormal height, hearing loss, inability to conceive etc etc) so I have seen my fair share of hospital rooms, sickness and operations. Strangely this scene gave me really strange feelings (mostly not Klaine related) and I probably shouldn't have watched it at night.

Just the distant, tired and spaced out look on Blaine's face makes me feel like I'm watching Blaine going through pre-op before a serious surgery and it just reminds me so much of times when I was in similar situations. He's only hurt his damn eye but I felt like I was watching something far more intense. The addition of the music ('Ben') over the muted clip probably added to the atmosphere. I can't describe what was running through my mind while watching this clip it just took me to a very personal and slightly creepy place. It definitely says a lot about Darren's acting skills because he moved me here in quite a few ways, from an unbiased perspective.

From a biased perspective as a fan of the Kurt & Blaine relationship this looks like it will be a beautiful moment for the couple. I can't wait for the Michael Jackson episode airing in about an hour :) as you were.

Entertainment: Podcasts

In the last couple of years I've gotten involved as a podcaster listener, absolutely loving the feeling of community, entertainment and fandom enjoyment that comes with it. Here are a few that have stood out to me for several reasons, and if you're involved in the Glee, Harry Potter and Hunger Games fandoms you'll want to listen to these. Each of these are available for free download on Itunes and Hypable.com, so if you like my review head over and listen :)

Glee Chat

As the most recent addition to my array of fandoms, I thought I would cave and begin the hunt for a Glee podcast to indulge my love for the show with. I found and listened to a grand total of three and Hypable's 'Glee Chat' came out on top. It falls under the 'new and hot' category, but at less than a year old there is no feeling of mediocrity or anything that suggests it's as amateur as it's little infant legs make it seem. The chemistry and balance held by a fresh and likeable cast of hosts allows the show to flow easily and makes you feel like it's been around a long time. With an bunch of humorous, informative, and interactive content (including news and episode recaps), as well a high quality production/hosting crew, any Gleek can enjoy this. The show is run on rotation by host John Thrasher and co-hosted by Coty Chanley, Jessica Oneal, Megan Stoll, Mitchel Clow, Natalie Fisher and Roxanne Clarke. If you want to be entertained while listening to a group of people that are proud to have you in their audience then you've found the right place.

Mugglecast

In contrast we have the long time running world renown Harry Potter podcast Mugglecast, adored by a cult fandom of Potter fans. It is the foundation of my love for podcasts and without it I'm not sure I would ever have gotten into this medium of communication. It's one example of a fantastic (it is also the very first) 'Andrew Sims' brand podcast, catering to any and every need a Potter fan could possibly have, from news to book discussion. What's kept people coming back is the collection of short, entertaining and informative segments, keeping the show current and involved with it's audience. With a simple, professional and well planned out show structure, the show manages to stray from feeling automated and scripted due to skill and spontaneity brought to the podcast by fans, for the fans. Hosted by Andrew Sims and co hosted on rotation by Micah Tannenbaum, Eric Scull, Matt Briton, Laura Thompson, Ben Schoen, Jamie Lawrence, and Elysa Montfort, Potter heads can't go wrong with this podcast. Andrew notes this in the first episode but if you haven't read the books you may want to, since Mugglecast discusses a lot of spoilers. (Actually if you haven't read Harry Potter I am in shock and you should do that before anything but to each his own)

Hunger Games Chat

In case you've been living in Atlantis, space, Narnia, under a rock or any other place where word of mouth and media marketing might escape you, then you've probably heard of the Hunger Games. It's an incredible young adult trilogy by Suzanne Collins which is literally 'Catching Fire' within it's audience as excitement for the movie release heats up. Seeing this podcast on Hypable I thought I would invest myself in yet another fandom and have a listen. As another 'Sims' brand podcast, I came into the first episode prepared for quality entertainment and I wasn't disappointed. It's zany, funny, analytical, enthusiastic and informative, from a blow by blow discussion of the latest trailer to the Capitol's nail polish line, you'll be satisfied. Like Mugglecast this is probably not one for new listeners who haven't read them you might want to give this a miss until you have, as details are discussed at length and spoilers are aplenty. It's brand spanking new and has already fast tracked into my top three so if you are a fan I couldn't suggest this more. It's hosted by Andrew Sims, Richard Reed, Nick Meyers and Selena in a collaboration between Mockingjay.net and Hypable.com

Notable mentions:

Due to living in Narnia (New Zealand) where perfect internet connections are apparently non existent and air dates for American shows are mystical creatures, Smash is one show I won't be able to catch. However I want to promote Smash Chat, the new work of my Twitter friends and Glee Chat hosts Jessica Oneal, Coty Chanley and Mitchel Clow. The TV show Smash premiere's on February 6th and has been hailed as 'the adult Glee' so if your interested take a listen to 'Smash Chat', I can guarantee you'll be in for quality entertainment.

Hunger Games Fanmix: Night Lock

Download Here

Harry Potter is totally a kids series [sarcasm]

So people believe that Harry Potter is a childish series. This is true because an everday child..

1. Watches a madman murder their parents, and attempt to kill them, at the age of 1. (Harry)
2. Is forced to hear the dying words of their parents when you grow up (Harry)
3. Lives with physically and emotionally abusive family members for the majority of their life. Suffering starvation, neglect and being locked up repeatedly (Harry)
4. Is raised by their grandparents because their parents were tortured into insanity and will never recognise or communicate with them again. (Neville)
5. ^^ Has said torturer taunting them with things such as. 'How are mum and dad'? (Neville)
6. Faces slander and ridicule by corrupt news sources and a corrupt government (Harry)
7. Is forced to go on the run for their life at 17 years old, with only a radio to tell if anyone you love is still alive.
8. Is forced to carve lines into their arm in their own blood by a corrupt teacher (Harry)
9. Watches their friends and family being tortured and killed in front of them.
10. Is forced to wipe their parents memories of their very existence because alternatives are worse (Hermione)
11. Is mentally tortured with images of their worst fears and regrets
12. Fights in a war

A series made of preteens. Right?? Right??

Poem: I Miss When

Mummy I miss the days when my only cares were who stole my dolly,

And feeling okay took just your hugs and a lolly

Daddy I miss the days when you would lift me where I couldn't reach,

How to and why are things you can't teach.

Baby I miss the days when our road of bliss was bump free,

When my heart was unlocked because you had the key.

Baby I miss the days when no other woman was reflected in your eyes,

Dinner and movies or nights under skies

Friend I miss the days when our tie of friendship could never be severed,

When laughs and smiles alone kept us tethered.

Over miles of ocean and continents of land,

From todler to senile our friendship would stand.

Mummy you helped me hold on like you helped me to stand,

You left me with the strength of dry eyes and 'I can'

Daddy I can reach on my own now, my ladder is raised to the skies,

Baby our time gave me faith in 'true love never dies'

Friend you showed me theres always someone to dry my eyes,

Someone to bring me through malice and lies.

- Simone P.H

Poem: Black

Black is the doomed, damned and depraved,
The lost hope of an unspoken plea,
Black is the touch of a misguided hand,
the mirth of a manic man's glee

Black is night's blanket,
woven on the loom of the sky,
Black is the desperate, the sneak, lie and spy.

Black is the window to the souls of the lost,
the pit of the fallen true,
for Lady Deception and Horrid Misfortune Black is the hardest glue

Black stirs in the most painful of hours,
Strikes pure hearts that are burdened by grief,
Black prowls for the bitter, cheated and proud,
flashing cold Vengeance's teeth.

Black is the picture of mystery,
The heart of the darkest traitor,
Black is the carrass of temptation and elegance,
The deepest hidden league of sea

- Simone P.H

Glee Review: Extraordinary Merry Christmas

Extraordinary Merry Christmas is a prime example of the ultimate cheesy Christmas episode. It's the kind of episode that fans either love, hate, or hate to love. For me it was a mix of all three with great and not so great moments.

The episode opens with All I Want For Christmas. The performance was fantastic and probably one of the best of the episode. The hair, makeup and costuming was absolutely stunning here and throughout the episode, particularly on Amber. As always she nailed it vocally. My only possible problem with it was near the beginning when a line was cut. It messed with the flow of the song and made the transition between lyrics sound really rough and un-natural. The number All I Want For Christmas also seemed like it was meant to be at the end of the episode, since Kurt is wearing his ring (which was given to him by Blaine in a deleted scene) and Rachel says 'best Christmas ever' at the end of the number, which is what Sam says at the end of the episode. All in all it was a great way to open up the show.

So after the fabulous opening number we cut to Finchel discussing holiday presents. I wasn't a huge fan of this subplot in the episode since I've grown bored of the pairing and the continual focus that is placed on them, but also because Rachel is at her worst. She is being a nightmarish demanding girlfriend and she was insanely selfish for asking so much of Finn. She's lucky he's so used to her attitude and took it so well, as he very well could've dumped her for the way she was treating him. Also Rachel, YOUR JEWISH. Celebrating Christmas, let alone obsessing over it, doesn't make sense when you should be celebrating Hanukah. Why not ask for 8 Hanukah presents, one a day, so that your demands at least sound reasonable. I repeat: YOUR JEWISH. The scene was saved with the two bits of humour added to it though; the addition of Kurt's one liner and Finn's 'holy crap I'm dating Kim Kardashian' just MADE IT. You are dating her Finn, you are.

Cut to Sue's office where she is meeting with 'Wheels, Porcelain and Other Gay' (Artie, Kurt and Blaine). First of all I love Sue's nicknames, and it was a nice throwback to Season One Sue. I haven't enjoyed her this much for a while. Second of all: WE HAVE CONTINUITY! As they seem to have remembered that Sue considers homeless people urban campers and loves to give out personalised nicknames, so kudos for that. I also loved Blaine's reactions throughout the entire scene. His pained expression while hearing about dwarves dying and his little smile when Sue labels him 'Young Burt Renalds' were adorable. Darren is a great expressive actor and it shows here.

Next we have the second number: Blue Christmas. Now I adore Damian's voice as much as the next person and I do think he sounds gorgeous, but I was a bit bored during this song. They need to give him something more upbeat to let him shine like he did in The Glee Project. Either way the number is followed by yet more continuity (GASP) as Tina explains what happened to Artie's magic legs before Shue comes in and tells them they'll be filming a Christmas Special on TV.

Here we have a possible Glee fail. Didn't they get disqualified from Sectionals last time they were on TV? Did they get paid for the Christmas special in any way? If so I'm not sure how they would have been able to do this. I also love how Christmas specials seem to be Puck's guilty pleasure given his shock when Shue said the usual Christmas special got cancelled.

Moving on to the McKinley corridors where poor Rory is getting bullied again (give the guy a break!) and Sam kindly offers to be his Christmas host. It feels like this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship (and maybe more??? anything's possible, it's Glee) between the two of them, not much else to say.

We have yet another cut (everything's going so fast!) where the producer(?) of the Christmas special is discussing the show with Artie. Artie tells him he wants to film it in black and white and incoporate both the Star Wars and Judy Garland Christmas specials into his segment. Personally I thought the additional of Star Wars was un-neccesary and took away from what was otherwise a good episode but to each his own.

Musical Number 3 is Rachel solo 0129380298308: 'River'. My problems with this were similar to my problems with Blue Christmas- the song was beautiful, as was Lea's voice, but I couldn't help but be bored with the overall performance. It reminded me a little too much of 'Merry Christmas Darling' in last year's Christmas episode. Artie objects to it for similar reasons, as it finds it too depressing. He wants a more 'merry' vision for his special.

I found it hilarious that Sebastian seems to be the only character that doesn't ship Kurt and Blaine together like it's their job, as the setting of Artie's special has Kurt and Blaine living together. Sam objects to Artie's idea saying Christmas should be a little sad so people can enjoy the good things. I understand this but I can't help feeling like he was being a bit of a downer.

Next up is douche-Rachel moment two, where she complains about Artie's dismissal of her performance and demands yet another expensive gift. I was probably not the only one that wanted to punch her when she says 'where's my bling' and is completely ungrateful for the gift he got her. Granted a pig for slaughter is an insensitive present for a Jewish vegan but the thought of the gift is still lovely.

Musical performance #4 (so many!) is Blaine and Rachel singing Extraordinary Merry Christmas. The performance was fun and lovely and it's one of those songs that is much better when it's coupled with a performance rather than just audio so I liked this one. However it was auto-tuned way too much and could've done with less vocal editing. If anyone doesn't need auto-tune it's Darren Criss and Lea Michele. The people working for you can sing Fox! They don't need it. Also they somehow manage to look like siblings and lovers at the same time. Someone needs to sit Blaine down and give him the 'you are gay and incest is wrong' talk. I loved it though :)

Sue walks in just as the song is ending to confirm the club is in for the homeless shelter, and the group very quickly abandons that idea to film the Christmas special, which they would be filming on the same night. I felt really bad for Sue here because she looked so genuinely disappointed in them, I'm glad Quinn at least had the decently to look a little guilty/upset.

Finally we have the actual Christmas special! I had mixed feelings about this at first because I couldn't get into the ridiculousness and cheesiness of it but I came away LOVING IT. The acting and intentional over-acting was divine and they all looked so fantastic in their outfits/black and white. I could tell how much fun they all had filming the segment and the chemistry between Lea, Chris, Amber and Darren was brilliant. It was incredibly entertaining and the shout-outs to the era were so good. I can why some people wouldn't be into this though, especially if they weren't huge Glee fans. You have to embrace the cheesiness.

I think I'll bullet point my thoughts on this since my review is getting long:

• "Mike Chang and Tina Cohen Chang (no relation!)" "Brought to you by breadsticks! Now with even more breadsticks!" - got giggles out of these lines, Glee humour at it's best.
• Let It Snow: vocally and visually gorgeous. Loved the dancing and the fun of the number. Darren and Chris work so well together in moments like this.
• The introductions: "My best friend and Holiday Room-mate Blaine Anderson" everything about Klaine introducing themselves was hilariously over-acted, loved it.
• Rachel and Mercedes intro: the way they looked into the camera and Rachel's little 'were on television?! hello.' was adorable and perfect. Black and White is very flattering on the four of them.
• My Favourite Things: Julie Andrews would be proud. The vocals and the harmonies between the four of them were flawless. I like that Amber got to show off her vocal range a little bit more too. My Favourite Things might not be a Christmas song but I think it's associated so much with Christmas because it reminds people of gifts. The funny thing is this goes against the message of the song and the episode, which is to appreciate the little things in life rather than luxuries
• The voices: the inflections in their voices and the overacting of everyone was brilliant.
• Puck and Finn's intro + Santa Claus is Coming To Town: Puck and Finn immediately felt quite out of place considering they were dressed so modernly and took the audience out of the era. It wasn't the best way to incorporate Star Wars at all but Santa Claus is Coming To Town sounded great. A little odd that it was kept in however, since Samuel from The Glee Project was in the original song.
• Christmas Wrapping: may possible be my least favourite number of the episode. It was really nice and fun, the ribbon dancing and everyone looked great but I wasn't a huge fan of the song. I think I would have perferred one of the deleted scenes in it's place
• Rory reading from the bible: this also felt a little awkward for some reason but it was good that they incorporated a bit of the religious side of Christmas into the show considering some of the characters are Christian.

So with the special over the club joins Sam, Quinn and Sue to help out at the shelter. They sing the adorable 'Don't They Know It's Christmas'. It was incredibly sweet, the vocals were on point and the addition of the children was sweet. Did anyone think the kids and the shelter was a bit too clean though?

In the first of the final two scenes Rachel shows Finn that she has accepted the pig and put it in her locker (although how she got it back since he had it is a good question...) Finn kindly gives Rachel two more gifts she doesn't deserve (which she soon realizes herself). He gives her a star named Finn Hudson because there's already a star named Rachel Berry. This is the kind of Finn I like, it reminds me of the star necklace he gave her in the last Valentine's episode. Next he gives her the earrings she asked for and she finally feels guilty for being the selfish douche she's been the entire episode, so they agree to trade in the Ipod she gave him and the earrings he gave her (she got him something too- THANK GOODNESS. Now I can hate how she'd been behaving a little less).

They end up joining Sam and Rory raising money for the Salvation Army, donating the money they sold their gifts for. Rory asked Sam if he could be his Valentine's host, to help him get a girlfriend for Valentines. Sam declares it was the 'best Christmas ever'

Overall it was a lovely episode :) not the greatest but DEFINITELY not the worst. It had several great moments. Matt Morrison also did a fantastic job directing despite they copious amoutns of hate he gets from so much of the fandom. The episode was visually stunning so great job on his part. So that's it for Glee until the 17th.. but bring it on! :)

My Favourite Lines

• "Aww all I want for Christmas is you too, and five things on that list." - Rachel
• Finn: "Who told you? Kurt?" Rachel: "No." Kurt: "Yes."
• "Holy crap I'm dating Kim Kardashian." - Finn
• "Wheels, Porcelain, Other Gay." - Sue
• "And now in the spirit of Christmas.. Get the hell out of my office." - Sue
• "Mike Chang and Tina Cohen Chang (no relation!)" "Breadsticks, now with even more breadsticks." - Christmas Special narrator
• "And this is my... best friend and holiday room-mate Blaine Anderson." - Kurt
• "If they get stuck in the snow they can always hitch a ride on Santa's sleigh." - Blaine
• "Christmas is cancelled!" - Kurt
• "Were on television!... Hello." - Rachel
• "Truly a Christmas knock off." - Mercedes.
• "It's a bowtie with little Christmas trees on it." - Rachel
• "And you know what the best thing is? I don't already own a pair." - Blaine
• "After these messages from our sponsors" - Blaine
• "And then I said to Justin Timberlake: that's not egg-nog" - Kurt
• "Any resemblance to Starwars characters is purely coincidental." - Finn
• "I named it Finn Hudson. Because there's already a star named Rachel Berry." - Finn