"Nickels, aren't you a little too late for award season?"
I mean, just look at this man. I am 100% a part of the #BongHive.
And thus begins the 1st Annual Nickel Awards 2020! WOOOOOOO!
I absolutely adore this movie. I first watched it with my parents on a school night and stayed up until like 1 o'clock in the morning to finish it.
I definitely over-simplified this movie but it's worth just letting the movie tell the story.
"Nickel's Best Podcast That Doesn't Teach Her Anything Productive But Is So Funny That It Just Makes Her Day So Much Better" Award goes to...
This podcast is just two comedian YouTubers, Gus Johnson and Eddy Burback, recording their random conversations, but they are the reason I love Mondays so much.
There are, generally, three parts of a regular Gus and Eddy Podcast episode: Business! Business! Business! Business!, Preguntas, and MAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIL (sometimes 2-minute rants too!). I absolutely made sure to write those exactly how they say it because doing otherwise would simply be an injustice.
My favorite part is Preguntas, which is Spanish for questions (they make sure to reiterate that in probably once every 3 episodes as a bit). These questions, which they get from their Twitter audience, basically drive each podcast. They're usually ridiculous and light-hearted arguments like if eggs should be stored in the freezer or the technicalities of being a Muppet vs. a Sesame Street character.
Most recently, they were asked about whether or not it was socially acceptable to shove more than one pizza bite in your mouth when you hang out with your friends and then proceeded to experiment with pizza bites (AKA see how many pizza bites Gus could shove in his mouth).
I swear, they are way funnier than I'm making them out to be.
It's just two boys being boys. Which is actually preeeeetty appropriate to say because one of their catchphrases is "Boys support Boys". And that's not to exclude anyone of any identity on the gender spectrum. They've said it many times that ANYONE can be a Boy. It's the spirit of being a "Boy".
Said catchphrase actually comes from a collaborative YouTube video they did where they reached out to To Catch A Predator's Chris Hansen offering their support for his up and coming YouTube channel, which was, at the time, definitely struggling with the technological and editing aspects. They told him that they could provide him with any help he needed, saying that boys support boys and Chris Hansen was their boy. They then proceeded to invite him onto the podcast, albeit, the video was very tongue-in-cheek and landed them... A block from Chris Hansen.
Come on, Chris. BOYS SUPPORT BOYSSSSS!!
In last week's episode, Gus said that if they reached 500,000 subscribers on their podcast YouTube channel by his birthday on June 20, then he and Eddy would try to eat 2 whole rotisserie chickens each (as a result of one of their preguntas that episode). And I want to see that so bad so please do us all a favor and subscribe please!!
But if you prefer listening to podcasts without the video (Gus and Eddy actually have a long-running gag where they pretend to hate on audio listeners, so hehe be wary), it's also uploaded on Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Podcasts.
"Nickel's Best Random Internet Discovery That Is The Most Wholesome Thing She Has Ever Seen" Award goes to...
@UnsolicitedDiks on Twitter!
LET ME EXPLAIN.
If you are thinking of what I am thinking that you are thinking of... You would not be thinking correctly.
Um... Anyway.
@UnsolicitedDiks is a Twitter account with just videos and pictures of Dik-Diks!
Like the animal! The name Dik-Dik comes from the sound that the females make when alarmed or frightened. They are basically small antelopes of Eastern Africa and let me just say, they are the cutest things I have ever seen.
LOOK AT THAT CUTIE JUST MUNCHING AWAY.
I literally have nothing more to say besides how adorable these Dik-Diks are so, enjoy these pictures!
"Nickel's Best Novel That Made Her Cry On The Bus Ride Home One Day In The Middle of Spring" Award goes to...
The Seven Ways We Lie by Riley Redgate!
I was actually gifted this book for my birthday but didn't read it until a year after I got it and I'm so happy I did.
The book wasn't anything revolutionary, it didn't tell a tale quite as timeless as To Kill A Mockingbird or Frankenstein (two of other of my favorite books!!) but it felt real. At least, coming from a teenager reading about the experiences of seven other teenagers, it felt real. The characters were complex and flawed, and for some, as much as I wanted to dislike them, I couldn't help but sympathize with them.
Basically, seven kids, all representing one of the seven deadly sins (greed, lust, wealth, sloth, gluttony, pride, and wrath) come together when a rumor about a student-teacher relationship circulates around their school. Told in first person, switching between each of the seven characters, Redgate creates completely distinct voices for each one of them, all fitting for a teenage mind.
Sometimes, I didn't even have to read whose point of view the chapter was in because the voices were so different from one another. Granted, some were definitely fleshed out more than others, but they all were definitely distinguishable. I especially loved when the chapters were written in the character of Juniper's point of view since she narrated in free-verse poetry whereas all the other six characters narrated in regular prose.
NOT TO MENTION this was the first time I saw any clear representation of an asexual character in any novel I have previously read, which is major in my opinion. You guys know me, I LOVE diversity and representation in the media I consume! Okay, I need to stop bringing this up in literally every blog post. Sorry guys, hehe.
I feel like if I talk any more about this book I will just spoil everything so you just go ahead and read it!
Hehe... Oops.
I know The Oscars took place two weeks ago already but I'm still not over Parasite's sweep on the big awards. I literally cried like a baby when they announced it as Best Picture. I always say it but YES to Asian representation in modern media!! Especially when a movie so deserving like Parasite takes the spotlight.
Bong Joon-ho was totally living his best life at the ceremony, doing everything I would want to do if I were a three-time Academy Award-winning director. (He'd be four-time Academy Award-winning director, tied with Walt Disney for most awards in one night if only Best International Feature Film went to the director and not the country. But still amazing!)
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| Courtesy of Amy Sussman |
I mean, just look at this man. I am 100% a part of the #BongHive.
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| Courtesy of ABC Network |
He totally stole the night, but let's not forget the fact that James Corden and Rebel Wilson announced the nominees and winner for Best Visual Effects.
Did I mention the part where they were in complete costume for their respective characters in the Cats movie (2019)? No?
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| Courtesy of Robert Deutsch |
Well... Needless to say that their make-up and costumes for this 2-minute event were better than the CGI fur of the entire 2-hour movie.
It was no coincidence that those two announced the visual effects award.
If you don't get the joke... Check out my post on the Cats 2019 remake. Just trust me on this, it's not something you jump into without lots of support and comfort. Trust me.
Anyway, The Oscars went another year without a host and it got me thinking—What if I hosted an award show? What if I got full, absolute control over the said award show?
Anyway, The Oscars went another year without a host and it got me thinking—What if I hosted an award show? What if I got full, absolute control over the said award show?
Of course, I take all my desires and secret pleasures to my wonderful blog. So every single miscellaneous love of mine that has failed to make it into a blog post thus far will be awarded in this one because you already know how this goes: this blog is entirely self-indulgent. No shame here.
And thus begins the 1st Annual Nickel Awards 2020! WOOOOOOO!
Let's get into the awards without any awkward and questionable scripted jokes, shall we?
"Nickel's Best Picture That Was Nominated For Best Picture The Year It Qualified But Lost To An Equally Amazing Movie" Award goes to...
Arrival (2017)!
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| Courtesy of Paramount Pictures |
I absolutely adore this movie. I first watched it with my parents on a school night and stayed up until like 1 o'clock in the morning to finish it.
I'll do my best not to spoil it because I want y'all to have the same mind-blowing experience that I did during the third act of the movie.
Adapted from Ted Chiang's sci-fi novella Story of Your Life, Amy Adams plays Louise Banks, a linguistics professor who is called by the U.S government and military to study one of the 12 mysterious alien landings. She works with physicist Ian Donelly, portrayed by Jeremy Renner, to dissect the language of the foreign creatures called heptapods and they teach her something that changes her perception of the world for the rest of her life.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7469305/ArrivalInk.png) |
| Courtesy of Paramount Pictures |
I definitely over-simplified this movie but it's worth just letting the movie tell the story.
Now I don't know all the cool film techniques and stuff like that, but just on my personal preference, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the use of non-linear story-telling and each shot feels so intimate, especially the opening montage of Louise's life. The grey and blue-toned color palette and the score make the movie-going experience just that much better. I am currently listening to the score as I write this because it is so GOOD. Still upset it was disqualified from being nominated for Best Original Score.
I'm not saying that Arrival is underrated or anything because after its release it definitely made waves. But, it was totally robbed at the Oscars. ROBBED. Amy Adams needs her award for Best Actress and she needs it now. LIKE HOW WAS SHE NOT EVEN NOMINATED FOR BEST ACTRESS IM STILL UPSET OVER THIS
But you know what? It's got a Nickels Award now, so there you have it, Academy.
"Nickel's Best Podcast That Doesn't Teach Her Anything Productive But Is So Funny That It Just Makes Her Day So Much Better" Award goes to...
 |
| Courtesy of the Gus and Eddy Podcast |
This podcast is just two comedian YouTubers, Gus Johnson and Eddy Burback, recording their random conversations, but they are the reason I love Mondays so much.
I don't have the time every Monday to just sit and listen to their podcast, so I spread it out throughout the week and I literally never get bored of it.
 |
| Via @JohnsonGus on Instagram L to R: Gus Johnson, Eddy Burback |
There are, generally, three parts of a regular Gus and Eddy Podcast episode: Business! Business! Business! Business!, Preguntas, and MAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIL (sometimes 2-minute rants too!). I absolutely made sure to write those exactly how they say it because doing otherwise would simply be an injustice.
My favorite part is Preguntas, which is Spanish for questions (they make sure to reiterate that in probably once every 3 episodes as a bit). These questions, which they get from their Twitter audience, basically drive each podcast. They're usually ridiculous and light-hearted arguments like if eggs should be stored in the freezer or the technicalities of being a Muppet vs. a Sesame Street character.
Most recently, they were asked about whether or not it was socially acceptable to shove more than one pizza bite in your mouth when you hang out with your friends and then proceeded to experiment with pizza bites (AKA see how many pizza bites Gus could shove in his mouth).
I swear, they are way funnier than I'm making them out to be.
It's just two boys being boys. Which is actually preeeeetty appropriate to say because one of their catchphrases is "Boys support Boys". And that's not to exclude anyone of any identity on the gender spectrum. They've said it many times that ANYONE can be a Boy. It's the spirit of being a "Boy".
Said catchphrase actually comes from a collaborative YouTube video they did where they reached out to To Catch A Predator's Chris Hansen offering their support for his up and coming YouTube channel, which was, at the time, definitely struggling with the technological and editing aspects. They told him that they could provide him with any help he needed, saying that boys support boys and Chris Hansen was their boy. They then proceeded to invite him onto the podcast, albeit, the video was very tongue-in-cheek and landed them... A block from Chris Hansen.
 |
| Courtesy of Virginia Sherwood Center: Chris Hansen |
Come on, Chris. BOYS SUPPORT BOYSSSSS!!
In last week's episode, Gus said that if they reached 500,000 subscribers on their podcast YouTube channel by his birthday on June 20, then he and Eddy would try to eat 2 whole rotisserie chickens each (as a result of one of their preguntas that episode). And I want to see that so bad so please do us all a favor and subscribe please!!
But if you prefer listening to podcasts without the video (Gus and Eddy actually have a long-running gag where they pretend to hate on audio listeners, so hehe be wary), it's also uploaded on Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Podcasts.
"Nickel's Best Random Internet Discovery That Is The Most Wholesome Thing She Has Ever Seen" Award goes to...
@UnsolicitedDiks on Twitter!
LET ME EXPLAIN.
If you are thinking of what I am thinking that you are thinking of... You would not be thinking correctly.
Um... Anyway.
@UnsolicitedDiks is a Twitter account with just videos and pictures of Dik-Diks!
Like the animal! The name Dik-Dik comes from the sound that the females make when alarmed or frightened. They are basically small antelopes of Eastern Africa and let me just say, they are the cutest things I have ever seen.
LOOK AT THAT CUTIE JUST MUNCHING AWAY.
 |
| Via @UnsolictedDiks on Twitter |
 |
| Via @UnsolicitedDiks on Twitter |
 |
| Via @UnsolicitedDiks on Twitter |
 |
| Via @UnsolicitedDiks on Twitter |
 |
| Via @UnsolicitedDiks on Twitter |
"Nickel's Best Novel That Made Her Cry On The Bus Ride Home One Day In The Middle of Spring" Award goes to...
The Seven Ways We Lie by Riley Redgate!
 |
| Courtesy of Abrams Books |
I was actually gifted this book for my birthday but didn't read it until a year after I got it and I'm so happy I did.
The book wasn't anything revolutionary, it didn't tell a tale quite as timeless as To Kill A Mockingbird or Frankenstein (two of other of my favorite books!!) but it felt real. At least, coming from a teenager reading about the experiences of seven other teenagers, it felt real. The characters were complex and flawed, and for some, as much as I wanted to dislike them, I couldn't help but sympathize with them.
Basically, seven kids, all representing one of the seven deadly sins (greed, lust, wealth, sloth, gluttony, pride, and wrath) come together when a rumor about a student-teacher relationship circulates around their school. Told in first person, switching between each of the seven characters, Redgate creates completely distinct voices for each one of them, all fitting for a teenage mind.
Sometimes, I didn't even have to read whose point of view the chapter was in because the voices were so different from one another. Granted, some were definitely fleshed out more than others, but they all were definitely distinguishable. I especially loved when the chapters were written in the character of Juniper's point of view since she narrated in free-verse poetry whereas all the other six characters narrated in regular prose.
NOT TO MENTION this was the first time I saw any clear representation of an asexual character in any novel I have previously read, which is major in my opinion. You guys know me, I LOVE diversity and representation in the media I consume! Okay, I need to stop bringing this up in literally every blog post. Sorry guys, hehe.
I feel like if I talk any more about this book I will just spoil everything so you just go ahead and read it!
"Nickel's Best Web Comic That Makes Her So Happy That Websites Like Tumblr Require No Extra Fees" Award goes to...
Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu!
It still blows my mind that even though Ngozi is now working with a publishing company and physical copies of Check, Please! are being sold internationally, she is still providing all of the previously published chapters with regular updates as the story continues online FOR FREE.
This is a single woman's hard work, writing and illustrating all by herself, and she is letting us have it without extra cost unless you want to support her by buying the book.
I seriously cannot believe it.
Now, for what feels like my entire life, I've been in a hockey family. That's all that's ever playing on the TVs at home. Doesn't matter what room I'm in, there is always hockey. Our kitchen has two mini-practice nets and hockey sticks that I'm certain my brothers strategically place so that they can catch me off guard and trip me, the living room has my brothers' Playmobil hockey rink laying around on the rug at all times, my brothers' room is covered with drawings of hockey players, and our basement is packed with their hockey gear. Can't do anything on Saturdays because that's hockey practice day!
I'm just full-on ranting now, oops.
Anyway! Just when I thought I could escape it, I found this gem of a webcomic. About... Hockey.
But its more than that, really. It's about Eric Bittle AKA Bitty, your typical southern sweetheart who's also a former ice-skater turned baking vlogger/hockey player.
You're taken through a journey of his self-discovery when he becomes a member of the Samwell University Men's Hockey Team in Massachusetts. He learns to overcome his fear of being pushed around and physical contact (specifically, what is known as a body check, hence the title), becomes more willing to let others in after getting over his fears, and teaches a certain someone to be more willing to let others in.
Wink wink.
And he's gay.
Hockey is definitely a hypermasculine sport. And Bitty defies that. He's comfortable in his own skin, choosing to do what he wants to do regardless of the "femininity" of it while also loving being a part of his hockey team. Right now, there are no openly homosexual players in the NHL but this story definitely opens doors for that. We're taking further steps towards LGBT+ inclusivity in sports in general, something society would have never imagined just a few years ago. Its truly important for us to acknowledge athletes of the LBGT+ community and to encourage closeted athletes to speak their truth and embrace themselves, another reason as to why I love this webcomic. And as serious as it is, it's also humorous and heartwarming and just gives ya aaaaalll the good feelings.
The other reason I love it may or may not be because I absolutely adore Samwell's Québécois Captain Jack Zimmermann but let's not talk about that shall we hahahah... oops
And there we have it, my dear readers, what a night for awards!
"Uh, Nickels, must I remind you that this isn't actually an award show meaning it's not going to be night time probably when people see this?"
Stop ruining the fun, nagging voice in my head, jeez!
I know this was another one of those, "Nickels just talks about things she wants to talk about for 10 minute straight", kinda blog post again but hey, maybe you'll find something you love out of it, eh?
We'll see ya next year with the 2nd Annual Nickels Awards 2021!
Until next time,
Nickels :)
 |
| Courtesy of First Second Books |
It still blows my mind that even though Ngozi is now working with a publishing company and physical copies of Check, Please! are being sold internationally, she is still providing all of the previously published chapters with regular updates as the story continues online FOR FREE.
This is a single woman's hard work, writing and illustrating all by herself, and she is letting us have it without extra cost unless you want to support her by buying the book.
I seriously cannot believe it.
Now, for what feels like my entire life, I've been in a hockey family. That's all that's ever playing on the TVs at home. Doesn't matter what room I'm in, there is always hockey. Our kitchen has two mini-practice nets and hockey sticks that I'm certain my brothers strategically place so that they can catch me off guard and trip me, the living room has my brothers' Playmobil hockey rink laying around on the rug at all times, my brothers' room is covered with drawings of hockey players, and our basement is packed with their hockey gear. Can't do anything on Saturdays because that's hockey practice day!
 |
| Courtesy of Playmobil and the NHL This is currently my brothers' favorite toy |
I'm just full-on ranting now, oops.
Anyway! Just when I thought I could escape it, I found this gem of a webcomic. About... Hockey.
But its more than that, really. It's about Eric Bittle AKA Bitty, your typical southern sweetheart who's also a former ice-skater turned baking vlogger/hockey player.
 |
| Courtesy of Ngozi Ukazu |
You're taken through a journey of his self-discovery when he becomes a member of the Samwell University Men's Hockey Team in Massachusetts. He learns to overcome his fear of being pushed around and physical contact (specifically, what is known as a body check, hence the title), becomes more willing to let others in after getting over his fears, and teaches a certain someone to be more willing to let others in.
Wink wink.
And he's gay.
Hockey is definitely a hypermasculine sport. And Bitty defies that. He's comfortable in his own skin, choosing to do what he wants to do regardless of the "femininity" of it while also loving being a part of his hockey team. Right now, there are no openly homosexual players in the NHL but this story definitely opens doors for that. We're taking further steps towards LGBT+ inclusivity in sports in general, something society would have never imagined just a few years ago. Its truly important for us to acknowledge athletes of the LBGT+ community and to encourage closeted athletes to speak their truth and embrace themselves, another reason as to why I love this webcomic. And as serious as it is, it's also humorous and heartwarming and just gives ya aaaaalll the good feelings.
| Courtesy of Ngozi Ukazu |
And there we have it, my dear readers, what a night for awards!
"Uh, Nickels, must I remind you that this isn't actually an award show meaning it's not going to be night time probably when people see this?"
Stop ruining the fun, nagging voice in my head, jeez!
I know this was another one of those, "Nickels just talks about things she wants to talk about for 10 minute straight", kinda blog post again but hey, maybe you'll find something you love out of it, eh?
We'll see ya next year with the 2nd Annual Nickels Awards 2021!
Until next time,
Nickels :)
UPDATE 10/26/2021: After watching the accounts of Abelina Sabrina on her YouTube Channel, I no longer support Gus Johnson. I do not condone any of his actions and send all my love to Sabrina. For resources on domestic violence, please visit www.thehotline.org or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233
I love the pictures of the deer! They're so cute! I like the humor in this post, can't wait till your next post!
ReplyDeleteYou are the cutest human being ever! I love this post so much, I love how you are comfortable enough to let out your fangirl moments out (I SCREAMED WITH PARASITE). And I also love Arrival, Not gonna lie, I will probably watch it tonight just cause you reminded me of how good it is. I actually have been looking at new podcasts, so I will check that out too!. You are such a fun and creative writer!!. I ca't wait for your next post! :0.
ReplyDeleteum hello I love this??? Pls do an awards show part 2!!! First, I love the creative titles for the awards like YES also I love the diversity in all of your awards like the Grammys need to take notes just sayin... also I love that it's all different medium of media because there's a lot in here I would have never discovered on my own like podcasts and online books and the dik-dik twitter account (SOOO cute btw). I will definitely check some of these out! :))
ReplyDeleteYour post is super funny! I should really watch Arrival, I saw the ads for it ages ago but I thought it would be one of those lame movies that's only popular because of the stars in it. Also, Dik-diks are so cute!!!
ReplyDeleteWait I'm super intrigued by Seven Ways We Lie now. I'm definitely putting that on my list! Also, I love the idea of the Nickel Awards. It's really fun, and I love how you included things outside of movies! I especially love the dik-diks :))
ReplyDelete