TresSugar

Flashback: Gene Kelly Tapping Into His Roller Skillz

GiggleSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:00:00 -0800

In this day and age of special effects and stunt doubles, we'd be remiss not to stop and appreciate the masters of old. Take Gene Kelly here - singing, tapping, skating, acting, and charming the ~~pants~~ skirts off of all them swooning ladies. Gene was a bona fide quintuple threat. We don't see that kind of talent these days, so sit back and let Mr. Kelly show you how he rolled. . .

7 Things I Learned About Girl Power From Watching "Whip It"

TresSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0700

It's rare to see empowering chick flicks (even that genre name is a little annoying), but Whip It, starring Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Wiig, and the terrifyingly awesome Juliette Lewis, was fun and inspirational.

The film is about teenager Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page), who would rather skate on a roller derby team than don an evening gown and compete in beauty pageants as her mother wants her to. The following is what I learned about that outmoded term "girl power" from watching it:

1. Your mom may not realize she's keeping you down with the same things that kept her down. Communicate with her - it may help you both.

2. Being true to yourself may not just make you happier, it may make everyone around you happier. A lot of unnecessary tension ensues in Bliss's life because she hides her true self from her family.

3. Boys can be fun, but they aren't everything. Wait for the right one (if that's your thing), and in the meantime, find yourself. To find out what else I learned, read more.

4. It's OK to be competitive with other women if you aren't hurting or undermining anyone. Competition between women abounds in both of Bliss's worlds, the pageant world and the roller derby world, some good and some bad. It may not be as culturally acceptable for women to be competitive with each other, but a healthy dose of it keeps you in top form.

5. It's important to find an activity that not only challenges you but brings out your signature strengths. Bliss is certainly challenged by beauty pageantry - but not in a good way. Roller derby brings out her best traits.

6. Friends really can be the family you wish your family was. (Although you should give your family a chance!)

7. Taking risks in your life can pay off. It would have been just as hard for Bliss to continue with the pageant world, but by going out of her comfort zone and reaching for something that scares and excites her, she comes out on top.

Say What? Roller Derby Queen Gets Gussied Up to Kick Ass

TresSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0700

"I can wear bright red lipstick and go out and play because I want to look good while I'm hitting somebody or while I'm taking somebody out."

- Lyndsay Trader, an education administrator who skates for the roller derby league RollerGirls under the name "Mitzi Massacre." She's part of a growing number of women joining roller derby leagues, which were big in the '60s and '70s - on television, anyway. A true sign of its cultural relevance? Whip It, the Drew Barrymore-directed film starring Ellen Page about roller derby leagues opens today.

Flight of the Conchords Dudes Know What the Ladies Want

GiggleSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Even with a '70s porn 'stache, Jemaine rocks my world. (Sorry, Bret!) Here the sexy boys prove that even on roller skates, they define hotness. Mreow!

GiggleSugar Best of the Week

GiggleSugar — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:59:00 -0800

Celine Dion is no longer just amazing. Celine Dion is better than you.
An itty-bitty baby beagle learns the call of the wild.
Gene Kelly tap dancing on roller skates? Gimme, gimme more! Gimme more! Gimme, gimme more!
Science fairs create lively forums for the public display of ~~knowledge~~ awkwardness.
Fabulous rule of thumb: when all else fails, insult their willies.
Get your sex ed crash course here.
Which has more appeal? Fuzzy, wuzzy penguins or waddling, naked humans? It's a toss-up.
Fly the unfriendly skies: angry airline passenger gripes about his sh*tty seat assignment.

Flashback: Xanadu

GiggleSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:00:00 -0800

The early '80s were a magical, innocent time - a time when a movie about Greek muses coming down to earth to help mortals build a roller skating rink was not billed as a comedy. And who doesn't love Olivia Newton-John or Electric Light Orchestra? The costumes (and music) from this film make me want to watch it again.

Remember Your First Crush?

GiggleSugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 07:00:00 -0700

I sure do. 6th grade. Aaron D. We passed notes hidden in pens, went roller skating together, and held hands during films in class. (Scandalous!) This lovely animated film is based on actual interviews with people regarding their first crushes. I can't believe this is a student film--it's so good!