Cosplay at Comikaze

I love dressing in costume, which is why Halloween is my favorite holiday, but this year, while I attended several fun Halloween events, none called for a costume. Yet, here I was with two costumes from two of my favorite Sci-Fi franchises. What was a gal to do? Then I remembered Comikaze.

I've never been much of a con goer - Ack! Crowds! - but I could not resist the call of all those vendors, nevermind the panels, and so I braved the crowds for Comikaze last year with a Groupon discount for one day and loved every minute of it. I had to go again.

Spoils of Comikaze vendors part 1: Boston Metaphysical Society 1 & 2, Star Trek Tricorder, Star Wars Chewbacca tank, Rocket Raccoon T-shirt, & more.

part 2: Batman bikini & shorts, Tromeo & Juliet, & A Clockwork Orange soundtrack.

We planned to go only one day this year so I had to choose between my costumes: A T-shirt dress styled after a Starfleet uniform (from ThinkGeek) paired with my phaser and communicator or, if I was feeling brave, my newly acquired Slave Leia costume (from Halloweentown).

I wasn't feeling too brave, so I pulled on my black leggings, retro boots, and Star Trek dress, then strapped on my official accessories with an old GM belt and various tool-belt pouches. It was sort of semi-cosplay. Not totally gung-ho, perhaps even slightly half-assed looking, but I was comfortable so that's all that mattered.

Beam me up, Scotty.

I had a lot of fun that day, but only one person complimented me on my costume and no one asked for a photo - not that I was dressing up for that reason, I just wanted to have some fun playing pretend, but I couldn't help but notice all the other cosplayers constantly getting stopped for photos.

While we were aimlessly wondering around we bumped into our friend Ming (of Comic Book Men fame) and I confessed I might be returning the next day in a Slave Leia costume...only if I was feeling brave, to which he replied, "You can totally rock Slave Leia!" and my confidence zoomed. That was it. I was gonna do it. I haven't been doing weights, yoga, and Dance Central like crazy for nothing, after all. The end goal was always to feel comfortable enough in my own skin to wear that wacky metal bikini.*

The costume took hours to put together. I searched the internet for tips on what shoes to wear (most suggested wearing gray Uggs or sandals if you can't get tailored boots to match the movie's), how to do my hair (many suggested using wigs but I have a lot of hair so I went for it, still really could have used extensions - oh well, next time!), and what my makeup should look like. Then once I had it all put together, I checked myself out in the mirror and thought, "What if no one asks for a photo?" and shook it off as no big deal, but then I thought, "Shit, what if someone does?" Panic. So I practiced poses in the mirror until I found one I liked. Just in case.

Suck in the gut. Now don't breathe.

In the end a ton of people came up to me to the point where I kind of lost track of them all and it was so much fun. At first I was a little nervous and shy, but that quickly dissipated because everyone was so cool and friendly and polite. It was just an awesome experience. I'm already trying to think of what to wear next year to Comikaze. This time I want to go all 3 days and dress up in 3 different costumes. I might do Slave Leia again, but get a bigger chain this time maybe, different shoes, a big braid extension, and her weapon if I can find one, but then what else? Maybe Tank Girl? Maybe a nicer Star Trek uniform? The Lollipop Chainsaw girl? That one might be fun, but I'd need to find that specific chainsaw to make it work. Padmé? Death? Kaylee? Who else? American McGee's Alice???

Here are some of the Slave Leia photos:

(*Mine's actually more like plastic but metal sounded way cooler so, y'know, poetic license and whatnot.)

Golden Globes After Parties 2012

A couple days ago I got a text asking if I'd like to attend a few Golden Globe After Parties. It took me all of half a second to text back, "OMG yes!"

I was pretty excited, too, until I got the follow up text asking if I had enough time to get a dress.

Shit.

A dress.

Now, left to my own devices, I'd end up wearing a sweater dress, leggings and combat boots, because that would be comfortable. So, I knew I needed help. I instantly began texting, twittering and emailing girlfriends. It was Alex and Odessa of Sweet As... who came to my rescue, but it wasn't as easy as all that. Nooo. Of course not. This is me we're talking about, after all.

First of all, it's not just a dress; it's also jewelry, purse, under garments (which is like a whole complicated thing in and of itself - I had 4 layers on UNDER the dress BUT, damn, those Spanx make you lose 10 pounds like that! *snap* I even took a vanity shot of myself in just the layers of under garments I was so impressed with myself but I will most likely not post that unless you pay me beg. Oh, here it is...), hair, make-up, HIGH heels... I am *not* a girly-girl. I was a tomboy until I discovered boys and even then I never really enjoyed the whole make-up, high heels, perfect hair lifestyle. It all just takes too much time. I'd rather spend my time writing, reading, watching movies, playing video games, watering my plants, anything other than primping and preening.

ANYhoo--

I had 2 days to acquire all necessary items BUT I had no access to a car (the better half was working all weekend and we share a car because we're poor "green"). So, I started freaking out. How in the hell am I going to get to Target for Spanx, DSW for shoes, and Sweet As... for a dress with no car? Do I just not go to the After Parties?

Hells no.

So, I did what I do best and tried mooching rides off of friends, but then that didn't pan out. Of course. So, I took a damn taxi (that the better half paid for because, hello, post-holiday broke ass over here).

You might think the fun stops there, but it doesn't, no, the hits just keep on a-coming!

So, I'm in my taxi and the guy's got his windows down, the heat cranked so high I start sweating profusely, ridiculous rave music playing loudly, and he's yammering away on his Bluetooth the whole time.

Then he farts.

I shit you not. The smell hit me like a ton of bricks. I coughed/gagged (not sure which one), he glanced at me quickly with a nervous eye twitch in the rear-view mirror, then went right back to ignoring me. This happened approximately 3 more times. Oh, it was a joy ride, to be sure.

Also, he got lost. And he was using GPS. Really? Sigh.

I got there eventually and it was so much fun and felt so glamorous to be dressed by someone else. I felt like a Barbie doll.

They picked out everything, the whole ensemble. It was a one stop shop!

I should probably skip to the actual after parties now, but I just can't resist telling you the icing on the cake of the day before: so, there I was, full ensemble in tow, waiting for my taxi back home. And waiting. And waiting. 30 minutes flew by, I called back, oh, and what happened? The taxi driver got lost en route so he just decided to not pick me up at all. Not even bother. Took a different fare. Left me stranded. So awesome, right? I just love it when folks put pride into their work, don't you?

Fast forward.

Upon arriving to the Beverly Hilton, we were supposed to get in some VIP HFPA line but the security was so insanely disorganized we were told everyone had to get into the same big line out front in the rain because that was the only fair thing to do. Um, ok.

While we were finding that out, I was checking out my surroundings. Right in front of us was a smartly dressed Evan Rachel Wood and her entourage. She was able to get in no problem, but security stopped and hassled her friends. Then I saw Jonah Hill looking frazzled and seemingly harassed by security. At this point, I was like, if these guys are having problems getting in without queuing, what are our chances?

Once inside, the first party we tried to get into was InStyle. There was a lot of mayhem outside the entrance; actors and actresses being quickly shuffled in and out past a cordoned off section with screaming fans in cheap prom dresses flash-flash-flashing away.

During this commotion, I saw freakishly tall Tim Robbins getting mobbed by fans begging for pics with their giant iPads shoved in his face and a striking Charlize Theron moving through the crowd like lightning - she's one of those people who are so pretty in real life it's mind boggling.

Unfortunately, we were short one ticket, so we decided to check out the Sony party first instead.

Here's the only photo I took there:

I believe it's fairly obvious what my goal was at this point.

The most exciting thing about the Sony party was seeing Tilda Swinton. I thought she looked stunning. Loved her dress and hair. I did not attempt to approach her because frankly she scares me a little.

Next we went over to the HBO party where I pretty much could have happily stayed all night.

HBO had a large spread. We entered into a lobby/lounge area. Upon walking in, a large gentleman in a rich suit pointed me up and down and announced loudly to anyone listening, "Now that is a daring dress." I beamed. Yay!

Then we worked our way right to the bar, to the left were tables and food, but, again, I was seeking refreshments. The first bar we hit was packed and did not look promising for a quick fix. As we squeezed through the crowd, I noticed a giant in front of me so I glanced up and made eye contact with True Blood's Joe Manganiello (Alcide) and accidentally lit up like an Xmas tree with a big old grin I could not hide. He smiled back and gave me a wink. Oh, what a sweetheart...

Eventually we made our way outside and over to another bar where an odd mix of music boomed. The HBO DJ was without a doubt the best worst DJ I have ever experienced. Katy Perry (ugh) into New Order (ok getting better) into - wait for it - Su-Su-Sudio by Phil Collins (se-se-seriously?). Time for more booze...

This time near the bar I saw Jared Harris (Mad Men) and Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords.) Coolness.

After acquiring more social lubricant, we made our way over to the awesomely bad DJ so I could rock out to Roy Orbison and photo bomb Californication's Evan Handler's (Charlie Runkle) friend's photos. Heehee. Then I made my way over to the HBO wall to get my photo op on.

All the other gals went with "sexy" while posing, but I opted for "goofy" (like I have a choice).

We proceeded to circle around the party, mix and mingle, until I had a heart attack near the buffet when I saw The Walking Dead's Norman Reedus chatting with the one and only Nathan Fillion looking dashing as ever. Other squeal worthy moments at HBO included seeing Game of Thrones' Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) and passing by Penny Marshall in a crowded pathway. She looked rather displeased and like all she wanted to do was get the hell out of there and quick but people were mingling in the pathway, blocking traffic and largely ignoring her, so when I made eye contact I shot her the most dazzling smile, parted the crowd, and got down on my knees bowing to her legendariness whilst repeating, "I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy."  (Ok, maybe not that last part.) In return, I actually managed to get her to crack a smile for a split second. It was awesome. Laverne!!

Then I ran into Stephen Spielberg, pitched my script and he offered to produce it.

Ha ha ha. I wish!

Seriously, though, it was getting late, the party seemed to begin winding down, so we had to make a decision fast: stay at HBO, continue on to Fox, or try InStyle again (with the hopes we could get another ticket or get walked in). Unfortunately for me, we chose the latter and I got shafted but that's ok. I had fun milling about the lobby with the crazy culture clash of rabid fans and Golden Globe winners, nominees, and randoms. Some drunk chick told me I looked beautiful. I saw Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston (Walt) posing for photos with fans and Aaron Paul (Jesse) - who I almost walked up to like I knew him because for a split second I thought I recognized him from, well, y'know, real life and then it dawned on me that, in fact, no, I did not know him IRL, he's on a fucking TV show. Clearly I need to get out more.

All in all, I had a blast at my first Golden Globes after party. I used to go to similar events as a seatfiller, which is like lower than a PA, so it was nice to have VIP passes to a big, Hollywood event instead of being a lowly peon (oh, I have stories from those days, I tell ya!). Next time, tho, I'd like to go as a nominee for best original or adapted screenplay.

No, no, no, not really. It's not about the awards and prestige, it's about the storytelling...

Oh, who am I kidding? Please give me an award. Thank you.

So, I popped my E3 cherry...

On Wednesday, June 8th, I had a ton of things to do, people to see, and places to be, but when I received a phone-call at 8:30 am from a friend with an extra guest pass for one day only to E3, I instantly knew I had no choice but to be totally irresponsible, drop everything, and go. No regrets!

My very own guest pass!

Prior to arrival, I was nervous and giddy with anticipation. After circling for parking for an eternity, we finally met up with my friend's friend who suddenly was one guest pass short but had a VIP wristband - he got the wristband, I got his pass, we all crossed fingers, and approached the tiny, uniformed woman checking badges - success!

Upon entering the main room, I was immediately sucked into a giant screen showing a teaser for a new Star Wars game. I was stopped dead in my tracks, lost in the amazing graphics and detail and in a moment I knew I was among my people - this was home (like a U2 concert).

So many gamers.

Most of the next few hours are a blur because my brain was so overwhelmed by all the - all the - all the EVERYTHING! Games, flashing lights, people, costumes, everything!

Thankfully, I took some photos and made notes of my favorite games before my battery died. (I am absolutely positive I missed stuff - impossible to cover E3 in a day so if I missed something that you saw at E3, please, share - or not, y'know, whatever floats your boat. It's all good.)

My friend demos Daedalus 3D.

Here are the games I enjoyed the most (in no particular order):

Want.

• Blacklight Retribution - not a game demo, just a walk-through, but, man, the graphics were intense.
• Darkness II - never got a chance to play, but the monster looked wicked.
• Dead Island - I was most impressed by this game - again, I did not get to play myself, but my friend did (it was a console game demo; I'm a PC gamer) and, man, it was just the most realistic in terms of how you'd think fighting a zombie would be. And you can throw teddy bears (or whatever you can get your hands on) at them and they react. Plus you're on a freaking island. Like Fulci's Zombie or the end of James Gunn's Dawn of the Dead.
• Elder Scrolls - All I saw was a trailer, but, man, it looked cool.
• Name Unknown - I cannot for the life of me remember the title and my battery had already died, but it was a Japanese game called Dream something with beautiful, sparkling, fantasy animation.
• All games with Kinect - Ok here's the thing - gaming consoles are not intuitive to me like a mouse - I know that most PC gamers are all about keyboards but I DO NOT TOUCH TYPE so the whole W A S D thing doesn't really work for me so most games that use that, I suck at BUT still love playing. (If all I need is a mouse for control, walking, running, crouching, etc, I rock the house!)
• Vindictus - I enjoyed this game so much, I just may need to learn how to touch type. Yes, I'm serious I am a writer who would only learn to touch type to enhance my gaming skills. (As a side note: I told that to Jeremy and he said, "That's the only way I ever imagine you learning it." Haha!)
• Daedalus 3D - Awesome 3D game - LOVED it. Again, though, same problem with moving (WASD) but looked cool and I enjoy first-person shooters.

Free wig with Kinect demo.

Now back to Kinect. Ok, as I stated, I am a PC gamer. However, there are no real good exercise games for PC (obviously) and I decided, after trying to workout at a gym and hating it, I had to get a console for fitness. Enter the Wii - I knew going in that the graphics weren't as good but I needed that Wii fitness board. I also found I could handle the Wii controller much easier than I ever could the Sega Genesis (I ruled at Mortal Combat, btw) and by extension PS3 or Xbox.

The Kinect changes all that! With Kinect YOU are the controller, so it's hassle free once you get the movement down. Also, it's crazy good exercise. I was sweating and my heart was pumping wicked fast. I know it's not brand new, but it's new to me and the first time I ever got to play with Kinect was at E3 (my RL friends just don't game mostly, especially the girls - man, I wish I had more RL girlfriend gamers).

Anyhoo, so I played this game the name of which I now cannot for the life of me recall - it may not have even been a game booth, just a Kinect booth so maybe it's the game that comes with it - REGARDLESS I am in love with Kinect!

So, now I need to find some spare money so I can get an Xbox and Kinect and Kinect Star Wars, which, OMG, looks like the coolest game ever!

Zachary Levi demos Kinect Star Wars.

BTW, while I was checking that game out, Zachary Levi showed up with a camera crew and demoed the game. I'm not a big fan or anything; he's actually the cousin of a long lost friend of mine and that's how I first heard of him before Chuck ever came out, but I never met him or anything. However, it was cool to watch him play!

End all be all, I totally have to find a way to go back to E3 in the future.

I have no idea what this game is.

I learned so much about games and gaming and gamers and I felt so at home.

Now, I shall end on my absolute number one favorite game that I demoed at E3 - The Sims 3 Pets.

Where do I begin? It was like a religious experience! Ok, so first I played the game, then went to the 15 minute demo where I learned all about the new pets - now also including horses! - and how you can now play as them - Pets are Sims, too! Also, the new town looked crazy familiar, so afterwards I said to the Sims 3 guy, "I noticed autumn leaves on the ground..." (I was thinking, "Does this mean Seasons?") And he explained that they created a new town based on New England. HOME! How cool is that? Yay!

And then I got my very own pet collar...

My E3 experience now complete.

Oh, and I also jumped in a bouncy castle.

TL;DR: E3 was awesome and I want The Sims 3 Pets now. Also, Xbox and Kinect.

If you see only one tour this year, make it NIN|JA

In the early nineties I got a photo assignment for my college paper to cover a Nine Inch Nails show at this tiny theatre in Boston's Back Bay. I had listened to Pretty Hate Machine a million times over but hadn't seen them live. I had no idea what I was in for... At one point the crowd went so crazy that the security guards pulled me over to their side to protect me so I could do my job. They even let me stay there after the third song, which was a wicked bonus. That night I fell in love with Trent Reznor. Trent may not move around the stage like Bono, but he had a presence about him that commanded attention. His energy was intense and focused. The sound enveloped me and transported me to another realm without time or worry. I was hooked.



Shortly thereafter I got to see NIN at a larger arena in Boston that was absolutely insane. Security guards roamed the seated floor area forcing people to dance only directly in front of their seats. I can't even tell you how many times I was yelled at for dancing a little too wildly and spilling out into the aisle. So when a cardboard sign with the words "Rush the Stage" made its way back to me, I did just that. I found myself on the opposite side of the mosh pit, this time lamenting my lack of a photo pass. However, a very large dude approached me asking, "You want to go up?" and before I could answer, "No!" I was hoisted up into the air and passed forward. I thought I was going to die. I was also very thankful I was wearing pants. Suddenly I was dropped to floor, accidentally kicked a guy in the head, was nearly punched in the face by said guy until he realized I was a girl, and, once all was settled, found myself front and center to Trent Reznor once again. Oh, I was in Heaven. Sweaty and bruised in Heaven, but in Heaven nonetheless.

Not too long after that, I found myself at the front again -- this time with camera -- for NIN at Woodstock '94. However, the crowd was even crazier and I was eventually pulled out after being severely beaten by some jerk behind me.

I took a break from NIN after that.

I still loved Trent live, but I was over the fans. I'm just not that into being kicked, punched, pinched, and slammed all because someone else feels they deserve the coveted 'rail' spot more than I.



However, when I recently heard Trent decided to end Nine Inch Nails I thought, "Well, fuck the fans, I gotta see him live one last time!"

And, despite that one drunk bitch who thought she deserved my coveted rail spot, I am so glad I braved the mosh pit one last time... Trent hasn't lost it one bit in twenty years. He is as amazing live as he ever was, if not moreso now after all these years of touring.

The thing that I noticed the most this last time round was his emotion. Perhaps it's because he is waving goodbye, but it just seems like he was pouring every bit of himself into every song. By the end of the set I was emotionally spent, tears spilling from my eyes as he sang a heartfelt Hurt. The gal next to me said, "Oh he got you, too. I must have seen Hurt 20 times now and he never got me like he did this time."



I am saddened that I may never have a chance to see NIN live again but incredibly grateful I made the trek to Vegas to catch NIN|JA and I urge you to do the same. Heck, if NIN isn't enough for you, then original line-up Jane's Addiction should win you over. I mean, who can't sing along to Been Caught Stealin'?



Also, as a side note, if you have a little extra money you can donate to a cause and get a meet/greet opportunity with the band. I would SOOO do this if I could!!! Help Eric

My Favorite Movie of 2008: Repo! The Genetic Opera

Last night Jeremy and I returned some videos to Rocket Video where Darren Lynn Bousman and Bill Moseley were appearing for a DVD signing of Repo! The Genetic Opera, my favorite film of 2008.



Jeremy, a fan of Bill's, took me to see it at Laemmle's a few months back. I had no idea what to expect. I hadn't heard a single thing about it! However, I immediately fell in love as soon as it started. The visual effects, costumes, sets, and songs were all stunning. Its originality in style and delivery absolutely blew my mind.

Repo! The Genetic Opera is a musical about a futuristic city where patients can get organ transplants on a payment plan. However, if the patient fails to pay of his or her debt, the repoman shows up to collect the organ. Sounds kind of gruesome, I know, but it says a lot about capitalism and the tremendous badness that can arise from privatized healthcare.

Albeit dark, the film is also fun. The whole mise en scen is wild, it's the most unique film I have ever seen (and I've seen a lot of films!).

I don't want to give too much away in case you see it (which I hope you do), but I will say this: It has been compared to Rocky Horror. It is no Rocky Horror. Rocky Horror is a campy film about sex. The only similarities are it's darkness, stylized look, and musical nature. The film has also been panned, namely, it seems, for not really being like any other film ever made. I don't know why Hollywood has to put a stamp on every film. I don't know why new films have to remind you of such and such meets so and so. It seems that studio folk fear the truly unique vision of such a film, but I applaud it! How many remakes and sequels can one really watch? How many times have you sat through a supposedly new movie only to realize that it echoes so many before it?

So go check out Repo! The Genetic Opera. I command you!

Btw, if you're curious about my least favorite film of 2008: Rachel Getting Married wins hands down. Did that movie even have a plot? And what was the deal with all the Indian themes? It tied to nothing in the story!

Yes We Did! *updated with video*

Yesterday I decided I had to be out and about with other folks on such a potentially momentous day. For better or worse I needed the comfort of community, so I joined one of my friends at the Obama Phone Bank at Sunset Gower Studios.



The energy was amazing. So many people came out to help on election day. As electoral results came in, folks cheered, jumped up and down, clapped, and chanted YES WE CAN while watching MSNBC projected on the wall.



After the polls closed and victory was certain, the remaining few crowded around a computer monitor to watch McCain give his concession speech. As much as I hate McCain, this was the best speech ever by him!



Later we headed over to the Hyatt for the Obama Victory Celebration. At first, it did not look promising that we would get in. Crowds gathered, mingled, and periodically broke out in cheers and chants as the LA Fire Department pleaded with everyone to just go home, but how could we?



Thankfully, fellow Phone Bankers had secured a room, so we were in!

We crowded around TVs watching results pour in whilst pouring champagne in celebration.



Eventually, we made our way down to the big party. So many drunk, dancing Democrats!



What a night! What an election! What a race!

I couldn't help but camp it up for this shot...



At one point a whole slew of people climbed up on the stage in crazy celebration.



A night to remember forever!!!

The Obamanators:

The Book of Lists Horror Reading @ Skylight Books

This past weekend I went to Skylight books for a reading/signing of the Book of Lists Horror.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming as zombies poured us Bloody Marias -- like a Bloody Mary but made with tequila instead -- and passed out Hemorrhages (which were totally disgusting to look at).

The reading went a little long, but I caught a few highlights on my little digital camera to share with fellow fans of lists and horror.

I should note that I am wicked enjoying reading the book. It's a veritable who's who of the horror genre. I recommend it to both the enthusiast and the casual observer.

Enjoy!

Ray Bradbury's Five Horror Films That Most Influenced Him As A Youth read by Del Howison p. 5



James Gunn's Nineteen Favorite Reasons God Made Humans So Squishy p. 38



Josh Olson's Ten Best Horror Movie Sex Scenes p. 149



R. B. Payne's Top Ten Best Horror Pulp Magazine Covers p. 396



And here are a few of the autographs I was able to get at the end while everyone mixed.

Bono & Edge perform with BB King @ the Kodak (video) *updated*

I was lucky to get tickets to an amazing event at the Kodak Theater: Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition & The Blues and Jazz: Two American Classics Honoring B.B. King and Paul G. Allen in association with The Recording Academy® Los Angeles Chapter.

I went not just to broaden my musical horizons but also because Bono & Edge were scheduled to appear. How could I not go?!?

Sneaky camerawoman that I am, I got some footage of a once in a lifetime performance of When Love Comes to Town. (I was in the nosebleeds with a point 'n' shoot, so please forgive the distance & low quality!)*

Otherwise, enjoy!



More footage of BB, Bono, Edge and others from this legendary night!





*Featured on U2's official website! Check it out here: http://www.u2.com/news/index.php?mode=full&news_id=2265

FEAST 2 DVD signing at Dark Delicacies

Saturday the Boy and I took a trip back over to Dark Delicacies to say hi to Clu and the Feast 2 gang and get our copy of the DVD signed as well as my Cut! 2008 photo with zombies.

He asked for a copy, too, but I only had one. D'oh! Next time, Clu! And this time I'll sign it! 

Many horror movies come and go but few and far between are the truly unique ones that last forever, especially sequels. Dimension's Feast II: Sloppy Seconds serves up a film worth remembering.

At the DVD signing I raved over the first Feast to director John Gulager telling him how it sufficiently creepified me. Well, Feast 2 delivers even more creepification with new twists and turns and an interesting shift of focus on the science of the beast that can turn any iron stomach. Heck, just recalling the dissection gets my stomach churning! Nevermind the bit with the baby! Holy Moley, they took horror to a whole new level on many layers. Not to mention that I'll never look at my cats the same again...

Horror fans I urge you to feast your eyes upon this sequel from the writers of the Saw sequels and be sure to watch on an empty stomach!