Halfway there, students, we WILL get to these things, and guilty pleasures

Hey readers--thanks for checking in. B and I took the weekend off. I think we will do that more often because y'all start to miss us after a few days. I have the emails to prove it.

Ok--shout outs!! First up,,,,,I wanna send a shout out to my better half,  Myriam.....thanks for your never ending support. I think you are the most amazing person on the planet and I could not do any of this without you!! Love u boo!! 4LIFE!!

Special shout out to Kimberly, Jackie, Blaine, Catherine, and Ray. Those five peeps brought us above and beyond our $2,000 goal for the weekend. Thank you very much. I want to take a quick minute to thank everyone who has donated to our project. We are more than halfway there. A lot of people are telling us that they wanna wait til the end to see what we still need. Well, here's the deal.....that stresses us out. Don't wait!! We officially have 31 more days to raise $1,945. Y'all know how fragile I am. Don't add fuel to THAT fire. It'll drive Bridget insane. For those who have already donated--your lack of procrastination has earned you a reward. You will each receive a tinysuperstars tshirt with the rest of your stuff. Now that everyone else in the free world is jealous of those 25 people-----I will move on!!

Here is the kickstarter link if ya still wanna help us out:

The Artist Formerly Known as "Trina"

Bridget filmed in class today. It was a great day. Here's a snap of what was happening right before we started. A bunch of students stayed after to be interviewed and I can't wait to see what they said. B won't tell me what people say in the interviews. She wants me to wait until the film is done and I think that's pretty cool. My students are amazing. I've taught about 3,000 people in the least six years and can honestly say that I have been inspired in some way or another by each and every one of them. I've just shown up.....they've done all the work. I don't think I'll ever really be able to leave teaching.

Ok--I had a show on Sunday. Here's a snap of me and some of the other comics. It was a GREAT night.

A few celebrities showed up for this event. I did not realize how much B LOVED one of them. Next time he shows up, I'll make sure to tell him all about her and I'll slip him her digits. She is both excited and embarrassed at that prospect, and that makes me super happy. I picture her punching and hugging me at the same time.

I'll be performing this Wednesday in Costa Mesa and Sunday at the world famous Comedy Store in LA. Let me know if you want more information about the shows.

Ok--B and I ALWAYS follow thru on stuff. That is part of what makes us so amazing. We still need to do the following things and I want everyone to know that we will.
1. Dress like Sophia grace and Rosie for a pic
2. Bake cookies for the rest of the "dedicated" peeps (if u don't know what that means--you missed out)
3. Haikus (I will do that this week)
4. Reenact the DANCE EVOLUTION video and post it on you tube. That will be done before the IOWA show.
5. Sing karaoke (Bridget will do like 20 songs and I'll post all the videos....lol)
6. Six of you get a mix cd. I will send those by Friday.....pinky swear.

In case you all were wondering what B does in her FREE time--here is a snap that she just posted. She is workin a concert tonight selling shirts. If you comment with how badass or sexy she is......I'll do a str8 up flow for my next post in her honor. We need 10 replies and I'll do it.

Ok--I think that is all that I have for today. I'll leave you with a list of MY guilty pleasures since B did it last time AND a sweet youtube video of Ain't nothin but a GLEE thing. Please keep reading and following our journey. My IOWA show is only eight weeks away......a lot is going to happen between now and then.

My guilty pleasures
1. The song SHOOP--it's my all time favorite!!
2. Orange food
3. Spongebob Squarepants
4. Fancy faggy soap and bath stores
5. Expensive shoes and sweaters
6. Marching band music--I frickin love it!!!
7. Cheesy montages
8. White trash culture
9. Lottery scratchers
10. Anything sandwich related i.e. books about, art of, old menus, or just eating one!

Here is the GLEE video--I am a GLEEK but do not feel even a lil guilty about that which is why it did not make the list!! Thanks for reading. Don't forget to comment to hear a flow. Y'all rock!! CREAMSICLES ARE DELICIOUS!!!!

Nuthin' But A Glee Thang with Heather Morris, Matthew Morrison & Sofia Vergara

TJ

Virtual Mullet

This post is going to be a little bit like a virtual mullet, business in the front...party in the back.

Business first...

• As TJ mentioned in her last post...if we can reach $2000 by April 30 we will re enact The Evolution of Dance.  Special thanks to my best friend, Sarah, for coming up with this incentive..  We only have until May 31st to raise the full $4000 or we don't get a penny.  Which would be a damn shame, don't you agree? Click here if you want to see us dance like fools.
• KEEP WRITING TO ELLEN!  We are filming a short video on Monday to submit, but let's keeping harassing them until they have no choice but to put TJ on the show, or file a restraining order.
• And finally, I am SO excited to announce that TJ is going to be performing in San Diego next month!!!  Mark your calendars, MAY 31ST at The Brass Rail.  More information will be available soon.  But here's what's cool (if you've been paying attention you've already noticed) this date coincides with the end date of our Kickstarter fundraising.  The fundraising ends at 9 pm so we will know right then and there if we've reached our goal.  Come out and celebrate with us if we have (and we will), but in the rare event that we don't, you can come out and drink our sorrows away with us!  Either way there will be comedy and booze and other fun things! 

And now for the party!

Here is a picture of TJ's winnings from Tuesday night.  I love that trophy!

As promised here is a list of 10 of my guilty pleasures in life:

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream

Britney Spear's "Toxic"

Real Housewives reunion shows

"The Mummy"

Yankee Candle Co. (home of the most overpriced candles) 

Taco bell (sorry Dominic!)

The broadway musical "Les Miserables"

Hanson 

Sugary breakfast cereal

Anything having to do with weddings

I've been wondering lately how far this blog reaches.  If you think you live the furthest from Long Beach, CA, leave a comment from where you're posting from.  I'll send a post card to the person with the most mileage between us!

That's all I've got for today.  Have a wonderful Friday.  I'm gonna let people pay me to get them drunk and then I'm going dancing!  Just living the dream...

Bridget

Pics, winner video, don't wait to help, and that's pretty much it

Sup readers? Hope you have all been keeping up with what's been going on. All is well with both tinysuperstars--we are just a bit tired. It's been a very busy, intense, emotional, and fun week.
Here's a recap:
Photoshoot was amazing. Both B and I are super stoked to be working with Carrie and Matt again. Str8 up brilliance!!Here are some of the shots:

 The Improv show was one of the sweetest nights in my life. I killed it on stage. It was a combo of confidence, great material, lookin all sexy in my 7 Diamonds attire, the amazing audience, my family there to support me, and a lil Patron tequila. I won the competition--got a lil trophy and a lil cash--it was awesome.

 Here--click the link below and watch them announce the winner. Watch it all the way to the end--the best moment is at the very end. I promise.

And the winner is......

Special shout out to e'erone at the Improv. Thanks for letting us film and thanks for being so awesome. Extra special shout out to Friendly Frank, Darryll Blackshere, Scott the DJ, and all the other comics. It was a brilliant show!!

Str8 up OG full on shout out to the 250 people who came to my show. I love you all so very much and was in awe of your presence. Each and every one of you make me believe that I can do anything so for that--I thank you.

I'm pretty sure B and Dustin had a great time. I'm just pumped that this show made up for The Palms one. It was like what I'd imagine the differences between heaven and hell would be. She got some great footage, some quick interviews, and got to see me at my finest. It may've been a bit overwhelming at times--but--that's the way it is with me.

Ok--if you have donated to our kickstarter page--thank you VERY VERY much. Our most recent donors are Sarah, Juan, Jamee, Jamie, and Jennifer. Your support means the world to us. For those who are thinking about donating--what are you waiting for? Every single dollar helps. Do not give because you have a lot; give because you know what it feels like to be chasing a dream.

The DVD of the film is gonna cost $20 dollars anyway--donate now and you get that and a bunch of other stuff too. PLEASE--don't wait til the last minute. It causes us stress:) Here is an incentive: If we reach $2,000 by Sunday night--B and I will reenact The Evolution of Dance and post it on youtube. If we get up to $2500--we will also do a video blog and I will do some freestyle hip hop--with special shout outs in the rhymes to those who have and will donate before Sunday night.

We might even do some other stuff--if you can give to this project or find someone who can--tell us what you want us to do for you and we str8 up will do it. 3 rules--no spiders no snakes and no bacon soda!! Please give what you can. We really do need your help.

The Artist Formerly Known as "Trina"

I think that's all I have for today. I have a show on Saturday and B will be filming in class on Monday.
Also, The Ellen Show wants me to send them a short video so please keep writing to her--I want to be on that show--it could be life changing. Remember all those letters of rec I wrote? YOUR TURN!!
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/show/respond/?PlugID=10

See--I told all y'all there was a lot going on. Thanks for the love. I don't have any lists today--just signin out--no jabs at B either--guess I'm just exhausted from the week. TJ

And the winner is....

TJ!!!!!   That's right ya'll.  TJ won the OC City Stars competition at The Improv in Irvine last night.  And we got it on film!!  It was an amazing night.  In case you missed it, here is a brief recap:

- TJ brought in upwards of 250 people.  I saw almost her entire Speech 1 class sitting front row (holla!)

- After being told otherwise, we were granted permission to film last minute.  Literally one minute before show time.  I was already sitting in the audience with my fruity drink.  I didn't have my tripod so the footage is a little shaky (it's hard to hold the camera still while you're laughing!) Also, the waitress did not get the memo that we had permission and threw her hand over my lens in a very "Lindsey Lohan meets paparazzi" style moment.

- There were some VERY funny comics, it wasn't an easy competition but....

- TJ won!!!  

And it was a MUCH deserved win!  TJ rocked the house.

The night was a lot of fun but I think I speak on both of our behalf when I say...I'M EXHAUSTED!  In addition to our whimsical artist night lives, TJ and I both have our "day" jobs as a teacher and a bartender, respectively, which we both returned to this morning.  Worth it though!  I wish you all could have seen it!  I'm sure that TJ will have a much different perspective to share tomorrow!

Thanks so much to everyone who came out last night, especially those of you who agreed to be interview!  And thanks to everyone who has emailed, donated, commented, Facebooked or Tweeted.  It means so much to us.  If you haven't done so already...check out our KICKSTARTER here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/757866528/the-artist-formerly-known-as-trina  Be a homie and share it on Facebook with your friends!  Anything helps.

Friday I will be sharing a list of my guilty pleasures.  The new ad for Google Chrome is dangerously close to making the list.  I don't think I've ever been so moved by a commercial before (not in the Sarah McLachlan save a puppy type of way either).  I'm going to leave you with that today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTjHCCU2E4c  

B Naj

Pets, snaps, Improv, and a lil love

Hey e'erone.  Thank you for reading the Tiny Superstars blog. As B posted on Friday, we took the weekend off for a lil r and r. Well, we are back and I have some great stories to tell.

First I will give you my list of 5 favorite comics and animals that I'd like to have as pets.

Comics:
1. Wanda Sykes
2. Chris Rock
3. Wendy Ho
4. Ellen
5. Larry The Cable Guy.

My least favorite comics:
1. Dane Cook

Isn't that nice that my least favorite comic is one of B Naj's favorites? What am I going to do? I guess I will just continue to love her and move on.

Exotic animals I'd like to have as pets: BTW--definition of exotic pet is as follows:
Exotic---attractive or striking because colorful or out of the ordinary
Pet-------a domestic or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure and treated with care and affection
1. Wanda Sykes
2. Chris Rock
3. Wendy Ho
4. Sloth
5. Tiny horse

Yes--I think all of the above would make amazing pets!!

Ok--lots going on!! We had our photoshoot on Saturday. Here is the sweet logo that Matt and Carrie made for us and one snap of my gangsta self. We will post more pics as we get them.

The shoot was str8 up awesome. Carrie and Matt took a lot of time choosing the best location for us. They were even mindful about the number of snakes that might be seen by me so I appreciated that. The funny thing about the location was that they told us it was a short hike up a hill. FYI--"short hike" is defined by me in a VERY different way. HA! Readers--they took us one mile straight up a frickin mountain and B, my family (Jeremy, Blaine, and Myriam), and I ALMOST died on the way up. Also, since Myriam decided to wear big healed bootie shoes--going down was just as difficult. Here is a snap of M and J trying to make it back down to civilization:

I don't have any pics of B yet:( Some will be up soon !! The hike was totally worth it --once we stopped sweating--we had a blast. Special shout out to Carrie and Matt for being so amazing. Also, Tom and Brianne--thanks for coming up to surprise us and to say hi:)

Bridget saw a snake once she made it down the hill. Though I hesitate in doing this--here is a snap of the snake. When she sent it to me (after I was safely in my car--because she's awesome like that) I started to cry. For the record--if I would've seen this snake--I would have died right there on the mountain. NO JOKE!!

Ok--if you haven't seen our kickstarter page/video--PLEASE check it out. If you can donate a buck or two--it would be awesome. Please and thank you. We need and appreciate your support!! Give not because you have a lot, but because you know what it's like to have a dream!!!!  Here is the video

The Artist Formerly Known as "Trina"

Ok--My Irvine Improv show is TOMORROW NIGHT!! I ended up with 275 peeps on my guest list! BTW--the Improv holds 500 and there are 9 other comics. I feel so supported right now. If you are gonna be at the show--I can't wait to see you. If you cannot make it to the show, please send me some love and try to laugh really hard at about 9:30. Imma win this time:) B will be there--make sure to say hi and give her a hard time about the following things:
1. No adequate safety space while driving
2. Not showering for 5 days
3. Liking Dane Cook
4. Making me cry on a regular basis--JK
5. Eating a whole box of cookie crisp dry because she was too lazy to get up and get milk and a bowl.
Love u Boo!!

Ok--that is all I have for today! Life is good. My cousin Blaine and his husband Jeremy are visiting. Tomorrow they will be seeing me perform for the first time. Blaine is one of my biggest supporters and I could not be happier that he is here!!!

I will leave you all with another list--let's see......what will annoy Bridget the most.............can't think of anything so I'll just call it a night. B will post tomorrow. She is also working on a FB page for us so maybe she will tell us all about it! Can't wait! You all rock!!!

TJ

What do Dane Cook and a teacup pig have in common?

Okay so the DMV wasn't that bad.  I made an appointment so I was in and out in under 25 minutes.  Just had to fill out some forms and get my picture retaken (my last ID picture was from when I got my permit 9 years ago!)  I have had TERRIBLE allergies lately, mostly affecting my eyes.  My right eye weeps uncontrollably all day long.  When I got back to my car and checked my review I discovered that I had weeped black eye makeup all over the place.  That should make for a GREAT picture.  We'll find out in 2 weeks.

As per request, here is a list of my top 5 favorite comedians (not including TJ)
1) Donald Glover
2) Bea Arthur
3) Daniel Tosh
4) Steve Byrne
I'm gonna catch a LOT of flack for this one butttttt...
5) Dane Cook
I know, I know.  Every person you know recited his material for 2 years straight and ruined it.  But you know you laughed your ass off during his 30 minute "Comedy Central Presents...".  And yes, I can and will be one of those annoying people who recites almost the whole thing. "Suck my back"

Top 5 wild animals I would keep as pets
1) Ferret (Not wild but illegal in the state of California)
2) Giraffe
3) Elephant
4) Lion
5) Teacup Pig

Tomorrow TJ is doing a photo shoot complete with a TinySuperstars logo! How dope is it that someone took the time to make one?  I am so excited to see it, maybe we can put that on our t-shirts!  Carrie (the one conducting the shoot) contacted me and asked if I'd like to participate.  I said yes.  So hopefully next week will have some sweet pictures to post!  I think it's going to be a blast.

Check out TJs podcast with Duke Fightmaster from this morning here: http://www.dukefightmaster.com/apps/podcast/podcast/show/220046#.T5GUYv1ggjU.facebook

IF YOU WANT TO BE IN THE FILM
We have posted so many ways you can be involved in making the film.  This is for those of you who want to be IN the film.  If you are comfortable being on camera, we are conducting multiple interviews for this film.  We are looking for an assortment of people: friends, family, current students, former students, fellow comedians, colleagues, or even if you are just a fan.  If you are interested you HAVE to email us at tinysuperstars@gmail.com.  You will NOT receive a response regarding interviews if you send it to TJ's personal email.  We realllllly want you all to be involved but we need you to meet us half way. :)   In your email please include the follow:
-Name
-Relation to TJ (friend/fan/family/etc.)
-Favorite TJ story/memory (optional...but extremely helpful)

We are taking the weekend off but TJ will be back on Monday to regale you with tales of adventure, and maybe even some pictures!  So until next week...

Bridget

"Face of 16 year old, thirst of a frat boy"

Buenos Noches.  I'm on double blog duty today and tomorrow so I'm gonna keep this one decently short. Plus I lost my ID at Coachella (or sacrificed it to the festival gods, as I like to say) so I have a DMV appointment bright and early.  Having the face of a 16 year old and the thirst for beer of a frat boy requires me to carry an ID at all times, so the sooner I can take care of it, the better.  But as you all know going to the DMV is like entering the 7th circle of hell, so I'd like a good nights sleep before hand.


I am dedicating today's post to one of my best friends, Dustin Santillan.  He is a bartender, light tech and manager at The Brass Rail here in San Diego.  He is also a panel member on the web show "They Said" (check out the latest episode here: http://blip.tv/hsss/they-said-4-18-12-6095289).  Maybe he will even give us a little plug every once in a while! Today will be Dustin's first time reading TinySuperstars because he is one of the few people I know who actually does not check Facebook on the regular.  Everyone say "Hi Dustin!!" Dustin is helping us set up a comedy show featuring TJ at The Brass Rail and I am SO excited.  For that, he is awesome.


Also, I am dead set on getting TJ on the Ellen show.  In fact we are going to tape a short video to send in. BUT the more people that email them, the better chances we have!  Again, here is the link.  All it takes is a couple of lines! Please and thank you!
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/show/respond/?PlugID=10


TJ listed her favorite documentaries last time.  I only have two: "Dear Jack" and "Food, Inc."  Oh yeah, and this one.  The truth is documentaries have never been my favorite genre.  I always got the impression that they were going to be dry or  something.  But making one sure makes you change your mind about them.  It's all about the subject and how you choose to portray it.  Lucky for me, my subject is incredibly dynamic.  And I have spent an extensive amount of time deciding the best way to lay out this particular documentary to ensure that it is anything but flat.  I don't think you're gonna be disappointed! 


I also wanna take a minute to thank our most recent donators: Erin, Wendy Jo, Kim and Janice!  And a very special thank you to two of our donors: Janice and Mary.  These donators are also our mothers!  Not only did they birth us, change our diapers, etc., now they are helping us achieve our dreams as adults.  That is about the coolest thing I can think of.  #ourmomsrule


Tune in tomorrow for information on how you can be in the film, the TinySuperstars photo shoot and a random Top 5 list (TBD...suggestions and requests welcome).


B Naj

Ice cream, new focus, what you can do, and sweet documentaries

Thanks for checking in. All is well with both tiny superstars. As you know, Bridget had an awesome time at Coachella, but I am glad she is back.

Today, B Naj and I got to reconnect over ice cream and waffle fries. After all, that is the lunch of champions. It was actually one of the best, most productive meetings we have ever had.
We have a little bit of a new focus now and I could not be more excited about it. B truly is brilliant and I know now more than ever that this is going to be an amazing film. #inspired! I don't even care if she spends the next ten blog entries talking about the rad bands at Coachella; her newest ah ha moment has earned her that right. I am grateful that she is back to showering, though, and I'm pretty sure she has increased her "safety space" while driving. Well done B.


Ok so, our kickstarter page is up and the response has been overwhelming. Special shout out to Cris, Mary, Tosti, Courtney and Jay, Stevie, Langley, Heather, Samantha, Julian, Jerry and Jody, and Katie. Our first 11 sponsors will receive some extra special gifts. PLEASE check out our video and help us with what you can. We have to raise $4,000 or sadly, we cannot do the project. Here is the link:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/757866528/the-artist-formerly-known-as-trina

I did show this video to both of my classes today and B was thoroughly annoyed. She is not a fan of watching herself on screen and I think that is hilarious. They loved it. She hated it. It balanced out.

I know that for some of you, giving us money is not an option. That's ok. There are a bunch of other things you can do. For one, here is a link to the Ellen Show. Simply click on it and tell them about how awesome I am, tell them why I should be on the show, and why people should care about what I have done and am doing.

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/show/respond/?PlugID=10

You can also send us an email to say hey, come to a show, offer higher power shout outs, donate stuff, help me find a gig, be interviewed for the film, etc etc etc. Email tinysuperstars@gmail.com and tell us how you can help.

There are no new questions to answer so I guess I'll leave you today with a list of my favorite documentaries of all time. Since we are making a documentary--I thought it was the right thing to do. Hopefully Bridget will follow suit and we can see if there are any parallels. We are very similar in a lot of ways. We are also very different in other ways. It's fun.

1. For the Bible Tells Me So
2. Jesus Camp
3. Capturing the Freidmans
4. Dear Jack
5. Bill Cunningham New York
6. The Trials of Ted Haggard
7. The Farm: Life inside Angola State Prison

That's it for now. Thanks for reading. Please post our blog link AND our kickstarter link to your fb . That would be AMAZING!!!!! Thanks for the love. Right back atcha. TJ Out!!

KICKSTARTER

I JUST got the word that our KICKSTARTER page has been approved and is LIVE!!! And I wanted you all to be the first to know!!

We've got 44 days to raise the funds for this project.  If we don't meet our MINIMUM goal, we don't get ANY of the money.   You all said you wanted to help TJ be a superstar, this is a big way you can do that!

Without any further ado, here it is!  

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/757866528/the-artist-formerly-known-as-trina

Coachella hang over and back to business!

I'm baacccck.  I feel like I was never really gone though.  In fact, Coachella feels like it was just one long, marvelous dream.  Luckily the grief of Coachella being over was softened by the announcement of the Outside Lands line up in San Fran.  I am a festival junkie.
  
Here are some BRIEF thoughts on Coachella (because TJ will never let me hear the end of it is my entire post is about it!):
-The Black Keys blow me away every time I see them.  Plus they had the world's largest disco ball on stage.
-Tu Pac's hologram was one of the scariest things I've ever seen.  
-Florence Welch is effortlessly astonishing.  I'd bet her bodily functions even sound like beautiful harmonies.
-When you're trying to see the stage, everyone in front of you suddenly becomes 7 feet tall.
-I truly did not shower from Thursday morning until Monday afternoon.  And I didn't care.
And finally...
-I am certain that if I had a job that sent me to music festivals, I would be the happiest person on planet earth.  It is my new goal to find a job that fits that requirement.  Maybe as a music blogger, what do you  guys think?


There are about 10,000 other things I could say, but I'll spare you.  Shoot me an email if you wanna talk more about it! tinysuperstars@gmail.com


OKAY, back to business.  TJ compiled a list of the unanswered questions for me from last week (how awesome is that??) so I'm gonna try to knock those out first.

Bridget, so far what has been the hardest part of this? What about the best part? Also, when will we get our cookies? Ray

The hardest part has been trying to balance making a documentary with the other parts of my life.  Most people think of a documentary as a 24/7 gig.  And it would be amazing if we had the resources to do that but that is simply not an option.  I work about 30 hours a week as a bartender.  While they have been SUPER flexible with my time off, I have to make sure at the end of the month I can still pay my rent and bills.  The best part (besides reconnecting with TJ) is that this project has been really motivating for me.  I was in a post-college rut and working on this has been really inspiring.  As far as cookies go, you tell me the best way to get them to you, and I will have them done in 72 hours.

Do you have a favorite knock knock joke?

I do.  But I don't think it translates to text.  Ask me to tell you in person.  Or maybe TJ and I will film it and post a mini video of it.

Why is B scared of working with TJ? How is TJ scary cuz I cant imagine her bein scary? Also, what do u guys do to release stress. Matt

Sometimes I forget my sarcasm does not translate over the internet.  TJ isn't scary at all!!  What makes working with TJ scary is that I don't want to let her down.  As far as stress, I bake, I clean, I listen to music or I go for a drive.  

If you could compare your movie to a mainstream movie--what would it be. Like, is it gonna be like Rocky where everyone is cheering for the underdog or like a superhero film or a rom com type thing. I guess what I'm trying to ask is what movie should I watch to get an idea of what this movie will be like? Thank you. Kevin O

Hahahahahhaa, I love this question.  I picture TJ as Rocky or Superman and then I picture Teej and Myriam in a rom com.  Thank you for that.  I am having a hard time  answering this question because most mainstream movies are not documentaries.  I'd say it's sort of an underdog story meets a going home tale.  Maybe a little like Cool Runnings meets Sweet Home Alabama (where TJ is the Jamaican bobsled team/Reese Witherspoon).   Bet you're more confused now than you were before.

Following TJ's lead...here are 10 of my favorite movies:

1) (500) Days of Summer

2) Across the Universe

3) Annie Hall

4) Love Actually

5) A Knight's Tale

6) Forrest Gump

7) Juno

8) Big Fish

9) Moulin Rouge

10) Disney movies.  I realize that is a category, not a movie.  Deal with it.

A LOT of you have been asking how you can help TJ.  Here are two links you should check out:

How perfect is TJ for the Ellen show?  We think so, too.  So let's start writing some emails and get her on the show!  This link takes you right to the form.  Easy peasy.

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/show/respond/?PlugID=10

As some of you know, TJ is from New Hartford, Iowa, which was devastated by an F5 tornado in 2008.  We will be going back to New Hartford as part of the documentary.  Follow this link below to vote for New Hartford FEMA Lot Restoration Committee.  Edy's will plant an orchard in the winning city and New Hartford is already in SECOND place.  Let's make this happen for them!

http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/

Props to TJ, of course, for keeping this baby going while I was away.  I thoroughly enjoyed catching up on the posts and comments, TJ did a great job while I was away!  As much as I looveeeed every single second of Coachella, it's good to be back!

Bridget

Welcome back Bridget and don't be a slacktivist

Hello blog readers! Thanks for checking in with tinysuperstars today. Special shout out to Adriana Tosti. She has commented on e'er single one of our posts AND whenever she sees that a new entry is up, she drops everything to read it. Thanks for your support Tosti. You are our #1 stalker--I mean fan. lol

All is well in the world of filmmaking. B returned from Coachella safe and sound. She will actually be back here tomorrow with her usual snark, wit, and love. I secretly think she missed us--but we will never know.

Y'all send so much love in your comments and I really do appreciate it. I'm always overwhelmed by your kind words. Having and chasing a dream is one thing, but knowing that people believe in you--that's taking  things to a whole new level.

Ok everyone. We are getting ready to do some big things. Y'all can't be slacktivists though. Don't just cheer us on from the sidelines--get involved. I need each and every one of you to offer what you can. Come to a show, be interviewed, repost the blog, donate $ or cool stuff, call a newspaper, email Ellen, send words of encouragement, find me a gig, help B Naj find an awesome job, write us a haiku, buy Bridget imported beer or chocolates,  buy me a bowtie, send us good energy and love, talk us up, etc etc......Every single act of support will be recognized and acknowledged. Believe that. I think I've written like 300 letters of recommendations over the years. Well, it's your turn now.

If you want to know what we need or if you just wanna say hey or offer us some help--email us at tinysuperstars@gmail.com. It might just change your life. It will definitely change mine:)

Kickstarter will be up by Wednesday or I will eat a cilantro sandwich in a snake pit while listening to Rush Limbaugh.

I have a show TOMORROW night in L.A. at the Hollywood Studio Bar and Grill. Here is the address: 6122 W. Sunset Blvd (Sunset & Gower) Hollywood, California. 90028

I have ANOTHER show on April 24th at The Irvine Improv. Hit me up for free passes.

Bridget did not shower for four days while at Coachella. I just thought you'd all like to know that.

I thought I'd leave you all today with a short list of my all time favorite movies. Hopefully B Naj will follow suit and we can see whose list you think is more awesome. Dominic--we will want your feedback for sure. Mine are weird--I already know that but do not care.

1. SAVED
2. ROCKY
3. OVERBOARD
4. THE OTHER SISTER
5. THE WOMEN OF BREWSTER PLACE
6. HAIRSPRAY (both versions)
7. FORREST GUMP
8. SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
9. KALIFORNIA
10. KILL BILL VOL 1 and 11

That's it peeps. thanks for the love. B is back tomorrow. I'm glad she's back and I'm sure you are too.

TJ

I'm having a blast and struggling at the same time......wanna hear about it?

Thanks for checking in. BTW, this is TJ. Shout out to Myriam for her awesome post yesterday. I've never been called a wind up toy before so that was pretty cool.

I'm sure that you've all noticed that one tinysuperstar has been MIA. Bridget (A.K.A B Naj or B) has been on a much needed vacation. She will be back on Wednesday, so if you have any questions for her to answer--feel free to put them in the comments. Until then, I will of course continue to offer you my amazing insight.

I know that everyone has to be very tired of hearing this but this time it's for real!! Our KICKSTARTER page will be up this week. Once it is up, y'all can begin supporting us on a whole new level--so get ready. I'm looking forward to that thing finally being up so we can start showing you what in the hell we have been talking about.

I want to take a quick minute just to say thanks to each and every one of you for your support. This process has been really fun and really difficult at the same time. Truth be told--right now I am exhausted in every sense of the word. When I say that, I mean that I am exhausted emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually. I wish there was an 800 number I could call for a free pep talk or an IPhone app or something because I would go to it str8 away. I'm having a really great time though--so no need to worry. Just finding my way--e'er day! It's cool that I "stand out." That makes me a great subject for a film. On the flipside, "standing out" means not fitting in--so sometimes.......well, you can figure out the rest.

Here are some things that I have learned since starting this project:
1. For every hour of footage, there is like 10+ hours of editing
2. If one of us doesn't want to quit at least three times a week we are doing something wrong:)
3. Gas is fu**in expensive.
4. Balance! E'er day in e'er way.
5. B Naj's music recommendations are better than xanax. She speaks through music which I think is pretty cool. That's why y'all are gonna want the mix cd of the film.
6. There is a fine line between pressure and encouragement.
7. We have a lot of people who want to see us do well. Our support system is amazing. People love our blog!
8. I am a lot to handle. I've been told that by like 10 people this week. Time to take a step back and calm the f*** down.
9. Bridget does not keep an adequate safety space with the car in front of her when she drives:)
10. Silly putty is the best gift ever.
11. People need to be persuaded to be interviewed on camera. For some reason--that surprised the hell out of me.
12. Both B and I are great at writing haikus.

That's all I have for today. I have a very busy few weeks ahead of me including my show at The Improv on the 24th. Please email tinysuperstars@gmail.com if you'd like to be interviewed at the show. If we don't get anyone to be interviewed--I will look like a total loser so please--do not be shy. There are 225 of y'all on the guest list......so I hope at least a few of you will say a word or two.

Thanks for the love. Keep sending it. We cannot do this without you. Comments are awesome--they inspire us to keep writing!! I will leave you today with a short video of one of my new heroes. Please watch it. You'll be blown away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBj0pzxsBLw

TJ

Guests Are the Bests

I, Myriam, TJ's shorter, darker, bilingualer half, am today's guest blogger!

The topic I will be discussing is what its like to have your favorite white person/BFF/pretty-much-spouse-except-the-state-of-California-won't-recognize-because-its-marriage-laws-are-wack be the subject of a documentary.

First, I'm incredibly relieved that I'M not the subject of the documentary. I'm not built for the limelight. TJ is. She is essentially a witty wind-up toy with a great big heart, beautiful smile, and cute glasses.

When TJ first told me that a former student wanted to make a movie about her adventures as a comic, I began to sweat a little. I imagined a National Geographic-worthy film crew taking up residence in our house, monitoring moments that ought to be private, moments like unscripted farts. So far, this project has been nary an intrusion. On occasion, I find Bridget, TJ, and camera guy, Scott, stationed in our living room, filming. The first thing I thought when I saw Scott was, "Wow, he looks like the stupid thief from Home Alone."

TJ keeps a video diary for the film. She prefers to film in an empty house so sometimes, she chases me out, and I go run errands while she sits at home, talking at a camera, telling it intimate things such as: "As a child, I hoarded canned foods in preparation for the apocalypse..."

The first night that Bridget filmed TJ doing stand-up was also Bridget's very first night seeing stand-up EVER! This was sad. The cabaret show she attended was a WEAK representation of the beautiful beast that stand-up is. The hosts made the show more about themselves than the acts. The crowd heckled, yammered, and drooled. As a first time stand-up experience, it was the equivalent of getting your cherry popped by a loser.

I guess its moments like those that stoke an audience's pathos.

Comedy is a beautiful beast and Bridget will capture its power and passion. She will see TJ dancing with this beast in all its glory.

TJ loves to make fun of me. And I'm around all the time.

P.S.: If you wanna be part of the film, contact tinysuperstars@gmail.com
And try to make it to TJ's show at the Irvine Improv April 24th at 8 pm!

It's not a reality show, 7 Diamonds, answers, and banjos

The Tinysuperstars blog hit 2,000 hits so that's pretty sweet.

Shout out to Carrie Barkschat and Matt Huss. They str8 up made a tinysuperstars logo for a photoshoot. Now all I need to do is talk Bridget into getting her picture taken. Please comment with "let's put B Naj in the shot" and hopefully that will persuade her to give us a pose or two. Also--first of many shout outs to 7 Diamonds Clothing Company. They have offered to provide me with amazing clothes for my shows, and I think that is WONDERFUL. Check out their stuff at 7diamonds.com.

Myriam (my girlfriend) was going to write on today's blog, but she is caught in the rain. She will post tomorrow for sure. Ok--I think there were a few more questions so let me get to those. Here's the first set of questions:

So TJ, are people just following you around all of the time? How does that work? That sound like a nightmare but could also be kind of neat. I think you should get used to it though because you will be a superstar. In many peoples eyes you already are. Bridget, so far what has been the hardest part of this? What about the best part? Also, when will we get our cookies? RAY


First off--I have 3 friends named Ray so whichever one this is--you are my favorite. Thanks for the love. Ok--I am not in a reality show, just a documentary so NO--people are not following me around all of the time. Although there is this odd man that sometimes just pops out of the bushes--but that's a different story I guess. 


B Naj and Scott--the cinematographer come to my shows and get footage there.  They are also doing interviews with me and with some people who know me, and I do daily videos that I send to Bridget so that is a lot of stuff. B works like 30 hours a week and has a very full life outside of this project, so our time together is very limited. I am certain that whatever footage she gets--she will piece it together to create a brilliant documentary. The focus of this film is on my comedy career and even though I am literally making people laugh every single minute of every single day--there is no need to capture my every move. I will let Bridget respond to the rest of the questions when she returns next week. I do know that all y'all will get your cookies and it will be worth the wait.


Here's the next question:


TJ, How did you get to be so kind, hilarious, and fucking awesome?
Do you have a favorite knock knock joke?


Well hello, Tosti. Thanks for the love. Your words mean a lot to me--I do not see myself that way most of the time, but I am glad that you do. I've been funny since I can remember--I've used my humor to get through life and to help others do the same. I grateful that I was given the gift to make others laugh. I think it's one of the greatest things in the world. Hopefully, I will use this gift wisely. As far as being kind--I think that being kind is just a really important thing to do. We choose the stories we want to be.  I always want to be the cool nice person that someone meets and talks about in a positive way, so that is what I put out there. I'm also big on empathy--!! I know what it is like to be lonely, rejected, scared, hopeless, etc and I sometimes just offering a kind word or two can make all the difference in the world. "I give not because I have a lot, but because I know what it's like to have nothing." 


Just an FYI--there are five people in this world though that I would never be nice to:
1. Rush Limbaugh
2. Dick Cheney
3. Donald Trump
4. Arnold Schwarzenegger 
5. Kevin Federline


I do NOT have a favorite knock knock joke but I know that Bridget does. I'll let her tell it next week. My favorite joke of all time is: Did you hear about the two peanuts that were walking down the street? One was assaulted ( a salted) It's ok to laugh really hard cuz that is a great joke. 


I will be performing on Tuesday, April 17th at Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill 6122 W. Sunset Blvd (Sunset & Gower) Hollywood,California 90028


I will be performing on April 24th at the Irvine Improv. If you'd like tickets please let me know. Bridget and Scott will be filming at this show and anyone who wants to be interviewed for the film should contact Bridget at tinysuperstars@gmail.com. Don't be shy. If no one talks about how awesome I am--that won't look good for my future:)


I think that's it for today. Since I left you with Bridget's favorite video yesterday I will leave you with one of mine today. Watch the dude on keyboards--seriously--you have to watch. Also--TONS OF BANJOS!!!


http://vodpod.com/watch/5571282-bob-dylan-at-grammy-awards-2011

You all pretty much rock the world. Thanks for your support. Please leave comments. We love them!!
TJ

I'll try to answer questions, kickstarter, and neon trees

Hello everyone. Shout out to all the readers and a special shout out to everyone who has left an awesome comment.

As you all know, B Naj is away so I will be blogging for the next 5 days. I'm sure that makes you all warm and fuzzy inside. There were a few questions from yesterday's post. I don't want to speak for Bridget so I'll just answer what I can.

 1. What are the goals for when this is over? Will this film open doors for either of you and if so what would like to happen? I guess my question is what's next after the film? What will come out of this for you and for TJ? 2. Has the process been harder or easier then you thought it would be? Why do you think that is? 3. If you could compare your movie to a mainstream movie--what would it be. Like, is it gonna be like Rocky where everyone is cheering for the underdog or like a superhero film or a rom com type thing. I guess what I'm trying to ask is what movie should I watch to get an idea of what this movie will be like? Thank you. Kevin O


Hey Kevin. How's it goin man? Thanks for the questions. 


PART 1:Of course I'd love for this film to open up doors for both of us. The interesting thing is that by the time this film actually comes out (goal is Dec 2012) I will already know whether or not this whole comic thing was a good or bad decision. So when everyone comes to see the film--it will either be a great beginning to a dream come true OR whatever the opposite of that is. I'm currently working on several projects that will hopefully open some doors for me. The film will be awesome--no matter what happens with me--so I am very hopeful that this film gets B one step closer to fulfilling her dreams.


PART 2: It's definitely harder than I thought it would be. I'm not really sure why. I like it though--the amazing things we do in life are never really easy-- so all in all, I'd say it's going the way it should.


PART 3: I have NO idea. This is B Naj's vision. Right now it feels a little like One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest meets Ratatouille but that's because I often feel like an insane yet fun cartoon. I'll let B answer that one next week. NEXT QUESTION


2. Will there be music in the movie and if so, what kind? Bridget mentioned that she liked Indie but I know that TJ likes hip hop and banjos. Who gets to decide that? Also, I think TJ is a big frickin deal. If this movie makes a fuck ton of money who will get it? Will it be split between you? You probably already have that worked out and it's kind of a personal question but I'm just curious how that works. Brian T


Hey Brian T. Hope you are well. Thanks for the questions. I don't know about the music because there are so many legal things that go along with that, but if we could have music it would probably be a combination of all three. That would make the most sense. The second part of your question is weird. Thanks for thinking that I'm a big deal--but the bottom line is we are not in this for the money. B and I are close--we will always support one another because that's what friends do but money is a very tricky thing to deal with--so I guess for now I will just say that I do not know how it all works and it's kinda none of your business. Love you though.


Please keep the questions coming. Some lighter ones might be nice--but we like all kinds. I believe that our kickstarter page was finally submitted for approval. A lot of work goes into getting all that stuff in order so B Naj did an awesome job with it. Quick shout out to B for all your hard work on the kickstarter page. Once we have approval--the page will be up. You will all love it, I promise. 


That's all I have for today. Tomorrow we will have a guest blogger. My wife Myriam is gonna post. I'll also post a short video because we did technically get more than 20 questions. Let's hit 2,000 views by tomorrow. Read the blog and pass it on to a friend. Please also check out my blog at ghettopolitan.blogspot.com.


Remember that you can also be interviewed or otherwise included in this project. Just contact tinysuperstars@gmail.com. I'll leave you all with a cool music video. It's Bridget's favorite right now.


Neon Trees - Everybody Talkswww.youtube.comMusic video by Neon Trees performing Everybody Talks. (C) 2012 The Island Def Jam Music Group


Thanks for your support. There is no way this can happen without each and every one of you. TJ

The Long and Short of it....but mainly long.

1. Okay so this is my last post before I leave for Coachella.  Thank god more questions came in last night because my mind has become nothing more than a loop of set times, my packing list and the new Neon Tree's single on repeat.  It is a confusing place up there right now, so I'm gonna get straight into questions.

   First, a lot of people are asking how they can be part of this film.  Send an email to TINYSUPERSTARS@gmail.com.  I check and answer email's almost everyday.  Just make sure you include your name, your relation to TJ (friend, family, student, fan, etc.)  and how you'd like to be involved.  Thanks!

   Are you really getting shirts made? When will the Kickstarter page be up and how will we know where to find it?  Who would you say has the hardest part in the filmmaking process? The subject or the film maker and why? Brent

   I absolutely want to get shirts made.  What should they have on them??  The Kickstarter SHOULD be up next week.  Kickstarter approves all of the projects that it puts on it's website so we will have to wait for approval , it just depends on how long that will take!  As soon as it's up the link will be posted her, on my facebook and on TJs facebook ad nauseam.  You won't be able to get away from it!  This last question is a hard one.  I would definitely say TJ has it harder.  Her and I have said, she can't think of her life as a project and I can't think of this project as my life.  This documentary is tied into her ever moment whereas I have the opportunity time and again to separate myself from it.  

   How is it working with TJ? I am one of her students and can only imagine how incredible that must be? Thanks. Megan

   Working with TJ cannot be summarized in one word. It is awesome, intense, inspiring, fun, hilarious and even a little scary sometimes.  But not because TJ is scary, you know her..she is anything but scary (sorry Teej)!  But this is a big change that she is making and it's gonna be quite a journey, and I called "shot gun" on the proverbial ride.  It's exciting but I think TJ will back me up, it's a little scary too.

   I think that TJ's life should be made into a musical where do we find out about stand up shows and what is the main goal of this process-film?

   Obviously I could not agree with you more about the musical.  TJ posts all of the information about upcoming shows on her facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tj.huberg   The main goal of the project is to chart TJs transition from professor to comedian and to document her trip back to her home town in Iowa.

   What is so special about Iowa? Why is that the big show? Also, is this like a full film or just like a short one? Does TJ have a fan page?  Lilly

   This is an interesting question for me to answer on TJs behalf and the answer is also a big part of the film but at the most basic level Iowa is special because it is where TJ grew up.  In fact she spent her first 18 years there.  A LOT of TJs family still resides in Iowa and many of them will be attending her show.  I am hesitant to answer WHY it is the big show beyond that, as I find that to be an integral part of the documentary.  That question will be answer, just not quite yet. ;)   The length of the film will be determined post production once we piece all of our footage together.  And as far as a fan page, I have not seen one, although her facebook tends to look like one!

   Were you and TJ friends before you did this project? How has this process been on the friendship and do you both think you will stay friends after its all done?  Nikki M.

   TJ was my public speaking professor my freshman year of college.  Our whole class bonded with TJ that semester.  I would say I considered TJ a friend even then.  I left Long Beach after my freshman year and TJ and I hadn't seen each other since (though we were facebook friends and I followed her blog).  It wasn't until TJ had posted on facebook that she had an idea for a documentary that we reconnected.  That's my long way of saying yes we were, but we are more friends now that the project has started.  I think it has been an interesting dynamic because of that.  We are excited about our new found friendship but there is also a professional balance to be found.  And we will definitely be friends when this is over.  No question.

   What is the name of the film going to be?

   The working title is "The Artist Formerly Known as 'Trina'".  Everyone back in Iowa, and pretty much anyone that met TJ is her first 20 years, knows TJ as Trina.  In my opinion, "TJ" represents the person that she is today and "Trina" is a representation of who she was before she was able to just be herself.  Obviously, that is just my interpretation!

   Phew! I am exhausted.  Thank you again for the insightful questions!  

   Until next week!

   B Naj

Heathenism at it's finest.

I'd like to start with an email I got regarding yesterday's post, with the subject line "OMG":


"Well it is official I am going to hell.  I never told you Easter was about the rising of Christ from the dead! Sorry about that.  Oh well brunch and chocolate eggs are good too! Love, Mom"


First of all, in order to spare my mom from eternal damnation, I should clarify that I am ACTUALLY aware of what Easter is supposed to be celebrated for. I'm just an incredible smart ass. But I mean really..how do rabbits and candy represent the resurrection of Jesus?  I think my confusion should be understandable! Secondly, I aspire to be as cool as my mom someday.  Love you Mom!! 


Now onto the Q&A section.


"What aspects of TJ's personality will you be showcasing?  Will you be looking at just her comedy or will you be looking at the elements of queerness or both? " Jason  


This is actually something that TJ and I have discussed at length.  TJ is incredibly diverse and has led such an interesting life!  If you were making a documentary about me, chances are you'd have to start at birth and go all the way to present day to fill an hour.  TJ could have a series of documentaries made about her, and you'd probably never run out of material.  It makes her a GREAT subject, but it makes my job as a director a little difficult.  We have had to narrow our scope to focus on TJ's pursuit of a comedy career.  That being said, TJ is a vibrant personality and her personality will shine through no matter what we're focussing on.  Her identity as a queer individual is especially important to her and as a filmmaker I will not let that pass under the radar.


"What song describes this project so far?" Juan
I'm going to go with "Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise" by The Avett Brothers.  There is a line in there that says "Decide what to be and go be it."


"What words make you giggle?" Adriana
Penis.
Phalange.
Butterscotch.
On a related note.. my favorite word is "archipelago".


"Do you think comics should be at Coachella? Why or why not?" Diamond
I have no objections to there being comedians at Coachella.  In fact, I think TJ should be featured next year!  Coachella is really a celebration of all things art, not just a concert.  Last year I saw the Lucent Dossier Experience, which is like a sadistic circus, and I loved it!  There are also art installations scattered throughout the site. Why shouldn't there be some comedy?  In fact, last summer Outside Lands in San Francisco had a performance by Gallagher (the comedian who smashes stuff with a giant mallet)!


Thank you to everyone who submitted a question! If you missed out today, there is always tomorrow.


B Naj