Bobby Lee - "You are scientist. I am scientist."

A few weeks ago I was given a workplace credit card to purchase office supplies.  I hadn't even used it yet when I learned it had already been hacked.  Someone used its numbers to try to charge $5000 to a hotel in Michigan.  I BLAME NORTH KOREA!

We won't be seeing Franco and Rogen's The Interview anytime soon but we can always watch Bobby Lee's classic clip as a North Korean scientist (and Kim Jong Il) from MadTV.

Jessica Gomes and her eyelids

It is insane to look at swimsuit model Jessica Gomes and focus on her eyelids. I know this, and yet I am fascinated and excited that Jessica Gomes has single-fold eyelids.  I'd be willing to bet if she was a model in Asia (definitely in South Korea) she would have been asked a dozens of times over to get eyelid surgery by now.  Yet, the Australian is a successful model and covergirl so take that fake alien-eye obsessed Koreans with your narrow standards of female beauty!

Have you ever noticed that non-Asian people recognize that Asian eyes are different than their own, but have no idea about single vs. double fold eyelids?  Most of them blissfully are unaware differences like this even exist.  A Mexican friend was trying to describe the different between my eyes (small, moon shaped eyes with single fold eyelids) and those of my husband (huge eyes with deep, full eyelids upon which if he wore eye shadow you could unload an entire Sephora store).  My friend kept saying to me, "Your eyes go sideways more." I shut her down.  What she should have said was, "Your eyes are like happy moons when you smile."

To see more than just Jessica Gomes' eyebrows, watch her and Steven Yeun go on a date for CAPE's I AM Campaign.

Photos via CelebMafia and Zimbio

I'm sold: Tom Hiddleton for Jaguar

Move over, Clive.  There's a new Brit in town whose style and delivery is selling to the fast and furious...and the very rich.  Whereas Clive Owen played the hero for BMW, Tom Hiddleston shows how it's so good to be bad for Jaguar. 

Previously on The Pad

Clive's old, but he's still hot
Clones: Johnny Weir and Loki

Clive goes to lunch on Audi

Men on leather sofas

Two good looking white guys

Clive on Esquire Magazine

Photos via Motorward and Hollywood Reporter

California Lottery holiday commercial

 

This is one of my favorite commercials of all time.  I love the pacing, the use of lighting, and the music.  The people in the ad don't talk but their expression speak volumes.  Whenever it's on TV I stop and watch it all the way through.  I wish California would do a version of this ad with the same music featuring a family walking through their local animal shelter.  They'd encounter a pet in need and add adopt it in time for the holidays.  Cue my heart melting.

Hipster Guinea Pigs

Photos by Dutch artist Megan van der Elst.  I feel like these three adorable piggies are in line at a Mac store or a coffee shop. ☕

See more of adorable Booboo and Friends on Megan's site.

Star Wars Vans

In the words of Twin Peaks Leo Johnson, new shoes!  I wanted the charming hibiscus flower Yoda Vans, but ended up buying the far less subtle A New Hope slip-ons because they came in my size.  See more Star Wars Vans!

♥ Selfie's Mr. Saperstein ♥

My feelings towards ABC's romantic comedy series Selfie ran the gamut from hopeful, to disappointed, to completely turned off, to highly entertained, and now to lamenting its loss-- all in 9 episodes.  Selfie has finally hit its stride with quick-witted writing (especially for supporting characters) and a quirky love-hate relationship between Eliza and Henry.  Through some painfully bad episodes, a particularly well-acted character shined and continues to surprise.  Mr. Saperstein, portrayed by British actor David Harewood, is the fictitious CEO of KinderCare Pharmaceuticals on Selfie.  He is boss to social media-obsessed Eliza and her uptight, mentor colleague Henry. Mr. Saperstein is confident, optimistic, full of life, and oblivious to many social norms that hold others back.  He operates delightfully outside of the box.  Behold, my favorite Mr. Saperstein moments:

Mr. Saperstein calls Henry to the front of a meeting and is so proud of him he plants a giant kiss on his lips.  When Henry protests, Mr. Saperstein assures him Koreans enjoy this type of thing and sends Henry an article titled, "Kissing Koreans" in support of this theory. (Pilot episode)

Eliza and Henry approach Mr. Saperstein with a marketing idea.  Mr. Saperstein gets so into the brainstorming process he begins "riffing;" pretending he's plucking a bass violin.  He tells Henry to play the high hat and Eliza the French Horn.  Eliza has no idea what a French Horn is so she improvises. (Follow Through, Episode 9)

Mr. Saperstein rolls with the times and is no fashion victim.  Henry has a flashback to (I'm guessing the 1990s) when he and his boss created their elephant chewable vitamin.  Mr. Saperstein was sporting braids and Henry a teased 'do.  (Nugget of Wisdom, Episode 4--a good episode focusing on Charmonique, too!)

Mr. Saperstein invites Henry and Eliza to his Santa Barbara estate.  When Eliza suggests sitting by the pool, Mr. Saperstein throws on his orange Speedo and meets everyone poolside.  (Even Hell has Two Bathrooms, Episode 5)

 

Good news for Selfie fans: ABC is releasing six unaired episodes on Hulu.  Maybe we'll see if Eliza and Henry finally profess their love for each other.  Mr. Saperstein would be thrilled. As he pointed out to Henry, their offspring would be exquisite!

Photos via Getty Images, Hypable, A Fistful of Soundtracks and Entertainment Monthly

Why I drive stick

My husband of twelve years frequently tells me how more practical life would be if I traded my manual transmission car for an automatic.  He's right, but I cannot fathom going places in a regular old car.  I grew up driving a stick-shift.  I passed my drivers test in one. All my cars have had manual transmissions. My most recent car, a 6-speed GTI, is mine after leasing it for two years. Deciding on the next step at my lease's end was a big moment--should I get an automatic that my husband can drive, in which I won't fear for my life on hills, that won't fatigue my left leg pressing and releasing the clutch in bumper to bumper traffic?

I'm a dodo head for purchasing my VW since it's not what I'd call reliable.  The "check tires" and "check engine" lights come on all the time.  I doubt it's going to reach to 150K miles.  But on a scale of 1 to 10 for being fun to drive it's a 22.  When I'm on the roads I feel like Han Solo racing through space in the Millennium Falcon.  For me it's not just about getting from points A to B, but also the experience along the way. When I'm old I'll have to give up my manual transmission.  Until then I'm going to enjoy the ride.

Photos A Man's Life and The One Ring

Beauty secrets by Ajumma

A person like me dispensing beauty advice is like Quasimodo offering advice on good posture.  However, I've come across a product that so far has offered only GOOD HAIR DAYS so I want to share it with the world.  This hair product is not tested on animals so if you believe in kindness, karma, or the slight possibility of going to heaven, this product is up your alley. Behold, Neuma Moisture Intensive Masque!

I first came across Neuma Moisture Intensive Masque as a sample packet from my local salon.  I now use it once every two weeks or whenever I feel my locks need a boost.  I apply it in the shower like I would any regular conditioner.  My hair is somewhat course, full, and wavy. If I don't blow dry after washing it my hair becomes a gigantic puffy helmet of brownness. With 100% sincerity, Neuma Moisture Intensive Masque makes my hair smooth, manageable, and shiny.  I don't know what it offers people with hair unlike my own, but those with similar hair will agree Neuma ought to rename their product, Neuma Best Damn Hair on the Block Intensive Moisture Masque.

Here's a bizarre tip that I swear works: Rub a teensy amount of Paul Mitchell Super-Charged Conditioner across your brows after showering.  They'll look fuller within a few weeks.

Keanu Reeves' mom and dad

How have I gone years without looking up what Keanu Reeves' folks look like?  Today is the day!  Keanu, who is a genetic mix of Caucasian, Chinese, and Hawaiian, has a stunner of a mom and a Hawaiian pops with a full head of hair.

Keanu spent his childhood in Hawaii, but moved to Canada where his mother, a British performer, raised him and his sister.  Keanu appears to be close to his mother, Patricia.  He is currently estranged from his dad, Samuel, however.  Samuel Reeves feels his own drug use and incarceration has likely been the cause of their separation.

I love Keanu Reeves in old interviews.  He seemed so authentic, open, and ready for anything, much like Leonardo DiCaprio in the 90s and Shia LaBeouf back in the day. I'd think it would be extremely challenging to operate in the Hollywood machine and maintain the same integrity and openness. 

Photos Honolulu Star-Bulletin, NetGlimpse, People Magazine