Something To Whine About

BuzzFeed

Alllllright evvvverybody….Congratulations to Matt Bellassai who won a People's Choice Award this week for Favorite Social Media Star. In his own words, 'I do everything. I type, I write memos, I eat sandwiches, I cry in the bathroom. That’s a full day. That’s my whole day.' While both his Twitter feed and blog, Literally Matt both kill it, it's his weekly video series, Whine About It that sealed the deal. 

Turing hard work into chicken nuggets for two seasons (33 episodes), Whine About It is filmed in the New York BuzzFeed offices. There, Matt regularly serves as a writer, but on Mondays at 1pm, he pounds a bottle of wine (or two with a bottle attached to each hand with One Direction tape) and launches into his latest rant. The show always begins with a perky, intelligent introduction from sober Matt before quickly dissolving into drunken complaints from belligerent Matt, sometimes accompanied by his Beyonce song stylings.

Often obscene, Matt's weekly, curse-fueled, desk-set tirades are filled with one-liners that are so awful and true, they are simply irresistible and absolutely hilarious. He covers everything from reasons mornings are the worst, reasons pants are the worst, reasons kids are the worst, and reasons outside is the worst. He is staying away from the sunny side and I love it. I've tried to make a list of his best lines, but that loaf of wonderbread, that delicate flakey pastry, that hungry waffle jackal, he makes it look so damn easy. So you're going to have to find out for yourself, 'thems the rules.'

Congratulations on your well-deserved win, Matt! No scene-stealing, wild-eyed, white-toothed, flailing thumbed, crumpled vanilla saltine can hold you down! It's just one more glorious thing to Whine About. 

10 Shows That Defined My Childhood

20th Television, CBS Television Distribution, Warner Bros. Television Distribution, Sony Pictures Television

The excitement and slow burn fulfillment of the Fall TV Season has me looking back at the source of my fangirling frenzy. While there have been many, many shows, these are the early ones that often had me dancing and singing around my living room.

1. CARTOON EXPRESS
Where did the Cartoon Express go and how can I get back on? I need to reconnect with some early besties: The Hair Bear Bunch, JabberJaw, Fat Albert, Grape Ape, and Yogi's Gang.
2. MEL'S DINER
Mel's Diner gave me one of my favorite childhood phrases, 'Kiss my grits!' - a beautiful blend of smart ass sass and sweet southern goodness. Thanks, Flo!
3. THE JEFFERSONS
Every week when the opening track played, I'd strut around my living room, arms swinging behind me, just like George Jefferson. I also liked him a lot because he kind of looked like my dad.
4. WELCOME BACK, KOTTER
While The Jeffersons track had me strutting around the living room, the track to Welcome Back, Kotter had me to dancing in circles for the full duration of the song. As for the characters, sure Vinnie Barbarino was cool, but I had more fun imitating Arnold Horshack when he knew the answer in class.
5. WKRP IN CINCINNATI
Yet another catchy track! Who wouldn't want to be as cool as Dr. Johnny Fever and Venus Flytrap?! Or draw offices with doors like Less Nessman? Which I still do. Thanks, cubicle life.
6. WHO'S THE BOSS
After school, I usually caught the tail end of either The Flintstones or Scooby Doo, Who's the Boss was the first live-action show to follow, leading into an afternoon, then evening of live-action shows. So basically, Who's the Boss was the gateway show.
7. GROWING PAINS
A BFF named Boner, and guest appearances by Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, yes, please!
8. FAMILY TIES
Who could resist my first Canadian boyfriend, a money-worshipping Alex P. Keaton?? Being a republican never looked so good! Billy Vera & The Beaters' At This Moment will always be Alex, Ellen and a train station.
9. CHEERS
Legendary track. I still want to be where everyone knows my name. For a kid like me, staying up way past my bedtime, this wasn't about hanging at a bar but hanging with my friends. Norm!
10. A DIFFERENT WORLD
Every week, Whitley completely reminded me of my sister with her style, marching to the beat of her own drum, no matter how drab her classmates may dress. To this day if my sister questions whether or not I actually put on make-up, I still smile thinking it's comes from a very Whitley place. Also, who wouldn't root for Whitley and Dwayne Wayne?

HONORABLE MENTIONS
Benson (Robert Guillaume), and Facts of Life (Jo!). LATER CAME: MTV,The Real World (Season 1), 21 Jumpstreet, Life Goes On, My So Called Life, and Friends.