BuzzSugar

Shopping at the Buy More . . . I Mean, Visiting the Set of Chuck

BuzzSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 06:30:00 PDT

My first instinct upon stepping into the Buy More was to reach for the brochure for the store credit card. Hey, maybe I could get even better deals at the green-and-yellow big-box store if I just got one of the store-branded pieces of plastic . . .

I pulled my hand back just in time - the brochures, like everything else, were props on the set of Chuck during my visit on the TCA press tour. But it was hard to convince myself we were on a set, not just a Best Buy or CompUSA that had given the Warner Bros. TV crew the go-ahead to film there that day. As much as the set of ER felt like a real hospital, the set of Chuck felt even more like a place I might go to pick up some new DVDs and an extra controller for my Wii.

"We went to a lot of Best Buys, a lot of CompUSAs," said Paul Marks, the Chuck producer who oversees the set. "Just so it looked as real as possible."

There aren't a lot of signs that the 17,000-square-foot store isn't real, so to hear more about it, just

The walls are lined with 50 TVs of various size and screen quality, all on. Every computer is functional, as are the video games. Even the DVD racks are full of real movies - "If you have so many choices, it doesn't feel like you're favoring one thing," said executive producer Josh Schwartz. When the show was first getting started, the producers needed an entire sound stage just for shipping and receiving, painstakingly cataloging each product for three weeks. To film the season one episode where there's a shootout at the Buy More, the crew took the entire store apart, transported it wholesale to a hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, and reassembled it in exactly the same layout.

Chuck embraces the geek love for Hello Kitty, with one whole end shelf dedicated to pink-and-white Sanrio products. There's also a big display for the RoboSapien and another with various guitars for Guitar Hero and Rock Band. It doesn't look like it would be a soul-sucking place to work. In fact, it looks . . . kinda awesome.

"We don't want it to feel like a bummer every time you go to the Buy More," Schwartz said. "For us, we go into a Best Buy and it's really fun - there's lots of cool new stuff you can buy, there's video games, there's music. It's a fun world. That's what we wanted to reflect here."

It certainly worked for this busload of critics, who wandered around flipping through CDs, checking out the HD TV displays, and reading the rules for deployment of a Nerd Herd car. I leaned in to read the fine print on one sign, which listed a special deal where you could have your own personal Buy More nerd set up your computer, and came across this little gem: "Additional Charges May Apply. Like Felony Possession of a Really Lame Computer."

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. TV

9 Ways to Earn Extra Cash When Money Is Tight

Wise Bread — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:51:58 PDT

I'm sure everyone can do with a little more cash in their wallets. Here are some great suggestions by Wise Bread for you to make extra money.

Even though I'm self-employed full-time, I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to make more money.

Earlier this year, I wrote a Wise Bread post on websites that can help you earn extra cash. More recently, I came across a blog post on Zaarly titled, "10 Ways to Make Money Without a Job." After reviewing the latter post, I thought it was time to revisit the topic and let you in on a few more ways to get paid.

The ideas that Zaarly presents are perfect for the unemployed or those who just want to pad their pockets a little more. In addition, there are moonlighting jobs that I do that I thought you should know about. Thus, if you're without a steady paycheck or you just want to build up a rainy-day stash, here are some of your options.

1. Offer Experiences to Strangers

I recently learned about a new site called Vayable, which allows people with specialized knowledge and talents, local info, and time on their hands to create experiences that others can purchase. It's basically a touring and activity company without the company. Anyone can join the site and set up an experience. For instance, the Kan Brothers offer motorcycle tours of San Francisco - which include helmet rental, a drink at a local hot spot, and a city map - for two to four people at $75 per person. In New York City, Kim G. is offering a personalized painting lesson for groups of two to six for a flat rate of $300; the experience includes acrylic paints; canvas board and supplies; studio space; wine, cheese, and crackers; and Kim’s undivided attention. Consider this tip if you're interested in joining Vayable: Browse the site to see what other people in your area are offering. By creating a unique experience that no one else has established, you have a better chance of getting booked.

Read on for more.

Brad Pitt Tells a Cannes Crowd That He and Angelina Have No Wedding Date Yet

Allie Merriam — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:39:00 PDT

Brad Pitt began his tour of Cannes this morning on behalf of his new movie, Killing Them Softly. He rose early for a photocall with director Andrew Dominik, producer Dede Gardner, and costars Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, and Ray Liotta. The gang was together as well for an afternoon press conference. In addition to chatting about the film, Brad spoke about his personal life. He said that fiancée Angelina Jolie unfortunately will not be with him on the red carpet tonight, and that they have yet to even set a wedding date. They may, though, work on a movie together soon. Here are highlights from Brad's talk:

On making another movie with Angelina: "We'd love to."
On why Angelina isn't at Cannes: "She's not here now. She's prepping for a movie that she starts very soon."
On having set a date for the wedding: "We actually really, truly have no date."
On if, as a dad, he had a hard time playing a violent character: "Not at all. Violence is an accepted part of the gangster world. I'd have a harder time playing a racist than some guy who shoots another guy in the face."

Charlize and Kristen Stun as They Take Snow White to Mexico City and Tokyo - See Their Latest Looks

Hannah Weil — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:37:00 PDT

With the Snow White and the Huntsman premiere and photocall world tour well underway, it's safe to say its leading ladies haven't disappointed us with their dynamic red-carpet glam. For the film's first premiere in London, Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart both set the bar high in their respective sheer black gowns. Kristen made a jaw-dropping arrival in a black lace Marchesa gown with delicate embellishment and sheer paneling, while Charlize stepped onto the scene in a sultry Christian Dior confection, with a full sheer skirt and peekaboo bodice. For the latest film photocalls, the actresses took on two separate cities and styles - Kristen stepped out in a menswear-inspired outfit courtesy of Marios Schwab and Vivienne Westwood in Mexico City, while Charlize opted for a supersexy fitted The Row leather dress in Tokyo. If you've missed a moment, it's all right here - click on for the latest SWATH looks from the film's stars.

Casper Smart Pays Jennifer Lopez a Visit on the Idol Set

Lindsay Miller — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:54:15 PDT

Jennifer Lopez headed to her judge's chair on American Idol last night in a pale pink suit and metallic heels. Her boyfriend Casper Smart was spotted on the set of the FOX show, after he also accompanied Jennifer to the premiere of her new movie What to Expect When You're Expecting on Monday night. Jennifer's latest film hits theaters this weekend, and once AI comes to a close, she'll be heading out on a world tour in support of Love?, her new album. The singer and actress's movie and music career have both been keeping her busy, and Jennifer admitted she's not sure she'll return for another season of Idol during her recent stop at The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Stay tuned for our latest episodes of I'm a Huge Fan featuring Jennifer, to hear her talk candidly with our winner about her career, her kids, and staying connected to her roots.

Link Time: Beachy Homes and the 50 Shades of Grey Apartment

Elka Karl — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:30:17 PDT

A new book showcases beach homes in the Bahamas, Morocco, and beyond. - Houzz
Try these tips for white living room decor. - House Beautiful
See the tower where 50 Shades of Grey is set. - Curbed
Take a quick trip to Ohio to tour this sweet farmhouse. - Country Living
These colorful Summer decor pieces will perk up your patio. - California Home+Design
One of these 5 pretty vases will be perfect for your home. - Real Simple

Casa Capsule: A Miami Kitchen Update, Mother's Day Gift Options, and Philippe Starck's New Design Hotel

Elka Karl — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:00:52 PDT

Take a tour of this Miami kitchen's rocking update.
This classic country wedding is absolutely lovely.
The lovely lilac inspired this roundup of lavender decor pieces perfect for Spring.
There's still time to make one of these DIY Mother's Day gifts.
Get some great ideas for eco flower arranging, perfect for Mother's Day.

The flowering branches and table settings at this David Stark-designed gala is absolutely dreamy.
This terrarium DIY is a great option for Mother's Day.
These amazing designer bespoke lights also benefit a great cause.
See what Pixar's cofounder's home looks like.
Take a look at Philippe Starck's design for the new hotel Mama Shelter Marseilles.

Jennifer Lopez Glows and Commemorates 10 Years With Coty

Katie Henry — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:49:00 PDT

Jennifer Lopez has accomplished many things in her career, and last night she celebrated another major milestone. The signer, dancer, and beauty icon was feted by her fragrance partner, Coty, at an intimate party to mark the 10-year anniversary of her first scent, Glow. Since its release, Glow has garnered a whopping $1 billion in retail sales, won numerous awards, and was the foundation to which the House of Jennifer Lopez - which includes 18 fragrances in total - was built upon.

According to Jennifer, her newest scent, Glowing, was "created to pay homage to the fragrance that set it all up for us." Glowing's bottle is Baccarat crystal-inspired and lights up when the actuator is pressed. (Even Jennifer's four-foot celebratory cake, which Coty presented to her after the press conference, lit up on the top layer.) In addition, the fragrance is prominently placed in the hot new video for her latest single, "Dance Again," following Jen's sexy dance sequence with boyfriend and fellow dancer Casper Smart. The pair are embarking on an international tour this Summer, and when asked what beauty item she'll bring on the road, Jen replied, "Sunscreen!"

Kristen Stewart Heads to Paris For Snow White and the Huntsman

Allie Merriam — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:12:53 PDT

Kristen Stewart arrived in Paris last night for the first stop on her European press tour for Snow White and the Huntsman. She's due to meet up with costar Charlize Theron, who arrived in France a few days ago. Charlize's son Jackson Theron went along for the continental fun, too! A stop in London is also in the cards for Kristen and Charlize in the coming days. Kristen was just in NYC for a few days to attend Monday's Met Gala. Kristen wore Balenciaga to hit the red carpet and mingle inside the Met Gala with friends like designer Nicolas Ghesquière and her former The Runaways costar Dakota Fanning. Kristen's month of jet-setting will wrap up at Cannes. She and her costars from On the Road will be at the film festival for the global debut of their Walter Salles-directed movie.

When and When Not to Use a Travel Agent to Save Money

LearnVest — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:02:20 PDT

Will using a travel agent help you save money for your upcoming trip? LearnVest has the answer.

Are travel agents back?

This question, posed by The New York Times, got us thinking. According to the piece, nearly one in three leisure travel agencies is hiring, and in 2011 travel agencies experienced a second consecutive year of growth; in fact, their bookings accounted for a third of the $284 billion US travel market.

Silly us, we thought travel agents had become passé.

But if the travel agent business is thriving, we started wondering - is there something to this? Could using an old-school travel agent actually save us money on travel?

To find out, we consulted Barbara Vong, a travel agent with Wright Travel Agency, the 2011 winner of the Best of the Best Globe Award from Travel Impressions.

Globe Award From Travel Impressions.

The first thing we learned? Travel agents usually don't charge customers for their services! Their payment actually comes through the hotels and wholesalers, meaning that we can simply tap into a free service. That also means using a travel agent should never be more expensive than booking by yourself online . . . and these are experts well-versed in where to find the best deals.

Of course, booking your flights in 30 seconds with a few clicks sounds a lot easier than playing phone tag with a live person, so it pays to know when a travel agent can help the most, and when you might as well DIY it. Vong let us in on the best times to call an agent, and some money-saving travel tips she's picked up in her line of work:

Use a Travel Agent If . . .

You're Traveling With a Group

For group bookings that involve coordinating travel for multiple people, it's always easier to use a travel agent, says Vong. “I just had a bride call me because one of the groomsmen booked his own trip through a discount travel site, and he wanted to add someone to the room,” says Vong. "The customer service representative from the travel site he used told him they couldn't do it, but they were probably just being lazy. This is a great example of when you’d rather hand the responsibility of changing that booking to a travel agent, rather than trying to fix it on your own."

Read on for more.