Listening to a Pop Culture Aficionado on the Pod!

Early this morning, I listened to a podcast and the guest was Kristine Eckart. I dropped her name on the blog this week as her new Gilmore Girls-related book, “Meet Me at Luke’s” will be released next Tuesday. The name of the podcast was called “We Ship It”. The We Ship It Podcast goes into detail about the most famous couples of lit and culture history. Judging by this podcast, the hosts were probably going to ship Luke and Lorelai. Also, who was the better boyfriend for Rory. If you ask me what team I’m on, it’s going to be Team Jess. 

In this instance, what does it mean to ship? In the context of relationships, to “ship” means to wish for or believe that two people or fictional characters would make a good romantic couple. This slang term, derived from the word “relationship,” is primarily used in fandom and online culture by fans to express their desire for a pairing, whether the pairing exists in the source material (canon) or is a creation of the fans (fanfiction). 

On the podcast, Kristine talked about why Fall is such a romantic season. She also took part in a game of “Would You Ever” involving famous literary and TV couples. Jim and Pam made it in to the podcast as did Chandler and Monica. She wasn’t afraid to show her excitement for the release of the book and even announced who will be narrating the audiobook release. It’s Keiko Agena, who played Rory’s best friend Lane on the show. Kristine even talked about Harry Potter and what book or movie relates to Fall the most. That would be Prisoner of Azkaban. She also mentioned the Yule Ball from Goblet of Fire. Let’s be honest, we all know that Sorcerer’s Stone is an unofficial Christmas movie. 

I don’t know if this guy is in the same category of pop culture aficionado, but on Instagram you have @retroblastfromthepast. This guy does videos that show what was on TV during a particular season and even on a day in history. He also tells you where the show placed in the ratings during that year. If you see his videos, please like, comment, and share them. 

In other news, last week a couple of Toastmasters from the Johnstown chapter led a communications workshop for students in the Leadership program at the Hiram G. Andrews Center. Students from programs like Culinary Arts, Medical Office Technology, Networking, and Welding took part in it. Lots of fun exercises were featured in the workshop including impromptu exercises.

It warms my heart to see my old school get a mention whether it’s in the news or on social media. Also, they’re still making a difference in the lives of the students who attend. It has garnered a bad reputation for drama, but that’s everywhere.

Bible study is back Monday night, albeit in a new location. We are meeting at Twin Lakes and it’s at the same place we’ve had a few of Annabelle’s birthday parties. While I won’t be able to order cute coffee before my Bible Study, I may be down for some Chick Fil-A. I shall wait and see. Is this the last study for the year? Maybe. Not sure on that but at least we have a spot for tomorrow night.

After having read some not-so-kind words about my favorite coffee shop, I fought back on Facebook with kindness. I have nothing but praise for Cutie’s and all the other local cafes including Nico’s. That one I have yet to go to but Mr. Clougherty says it’s really good.

On Friday, I stopped in for a Caramel Apple Matcha Latte. Unsure whether to get it either hot or iced, since I drank my pumpkin spice latte hot, I picked the former. That was a good choice as I really tasted the apple and caramel. I didn’t make my usual Sunday trip because I was wrapped up in the NFL action. I’ll wrap up September with a Cherry Pie Chai Latte.