CharleeWith2Es

Recovery

2010-07-20T14:55:00.003-06:00

Hello long lost friends. It has been awhile and that’s my fault. My only excuse is that there are lots of things going on in my world.

Whenever I write/rant about music it typically involves an indie band or an unknown singer/group. I love mainstream too, I just don’t tend to write about it because you should already know about it. How can you not when radio stations, TV shows and music channels inundate you with top hits and chart breakers. But…..this artist is making a comeback and deserves some talk about. Eminem. His new album 'Recovery' is receiving rave reviews and even entered the charts at number one and might I say, well deserved. The lyrics in these songs are more than just words. They are deeply personal to the point that you feel like you are intruding on someone’s private thoughts or as if you are eavesdropping on a therapy session. Bravo to him for putting it all out there. Music is always better when it comes from truth, passion, experience….Life.

I don't tend to find rap music on the top of my favorite lists. In a lot of occasions the lyrics are down right stupid. Enough with the hoe, bitch, booty crap. Sure the beat might be good but if you really listen to it you'll seriously pull a WTF move. This is not the case with this album. You'll feel the complete opposite. Give this album a chance. I promise you, if you need to be won over it will win.

My absolute favorite song is Love the way you Lie featuring Rihanna. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkKx_3pNEDA

Not Afraid is truly empowering and hopeful http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5-yKhDd64s

One thing this album is not is the old Slim Shady. There has been a great departure from the old days but it has been a departure in the right direction.

Eminem, I salute you.

To sample songs off this album go to Eminem’s MySpace page here: http://www.myspace.com/eminem

A Viral Gem

2010-06-09T15:29:00.005-06:00

I watched this video today and literally started a waterworks display. The kind where you laugh so hard you cry, your stomach hurts, you gasp for air then comes the phlegm cough. I had a serious case of phlegm cough after I watched this video. I should have stopped after watching it once but it was impossible. I watched it over and over again. It's just too good to watch once.

This is a video of Salma Hayek, Maya Rudolph and Maria Bello at a press junket for their upcoming film Grown Ups. Watch Salma, then listen to the screams, then watch her climb Maya Rudolph. This my friends is viral video gold. Warning, you just might pee you pants.

http://vodpod.com/watch/3803153-snake-on-a-set-watch-salma-hayek-freak-out

In case you weren’t sure what she was freaking out over….it was a snake.
Watching Salma climb Maya was AMAZING. I break out into a fit every time I even think of it.

Enjoy!

New Music Find

2010-06-03T14:25:00.004-06:00

Hey Friends. I came across this Australian brother/sister group, Angus and Julia Stone on a gossip blog today then went to their MySpace page to check them out. I love MySpace for this reason. I love how easy it has become to share your talents with the world. This is how it should be. I think we would all be surprised to learn how many talents were discovered from their MySpace pages. I can spend hours/days on MySpace searching out new music. It’s not a waste of time; it’s a passion because music just makes life better.

They have nine songs on their MySpace music player with a considerable amount of views. After listening to the full gamut I think Paper Aeroplane and Big Jet Plane are my favorites so far. There is an ethereal charm to some of the lyrics that bring back nostalgic thoughts of your youthful days while others help you ponder the soon to be great moments of your future. It's one of those musical bridges from what has been to what is to become.

Julia and Angus share lyrical responsibility making it feel like you are listening to two different groups. It’s a very unique approach making you less likely to become bored by song 5. I seem to favor the songs sung by Angus but that’s probably because I prefer male singers. Julia has a folk sound while Angus is more alternative. It would be pretty amazing to do something like this with a sibling. My brother and I were at someone’s house once who had a quasi studio so we had a little fun and took a ‘staged’ photo of him playing the guitar in the background and me singing into the mic with my eyes closed and one hand over one ear as if I was really focusing on pitch. We both have that picture framed in our house. It’s a bit of a dream captured in a picture. Who cares if it’s not real? At least we had fun.

Check out their MySpace page here: http://www.myspace.com/angusandjuliastone

Visit their very cool website here: www.angusandjuliastone.com

Angus and Julia are currently on tour promoting their sophomore album Down The Way.

I hope you enjoy the new find.

Movie Trailer on Repeat

2010-05-31T16:07:00.004-06:00

It’s no secret that I have a bit of an obsessive disorder. Not obsessive compulsive. I don’t need to turn the light switch on and off ten times to makes sure it’s off and I don’t wash my hands five times in a row to make sure they are clean. I just obsess over things. Like new favorite foods, music, movies. I develop a very fast comfort zone and I very much enjoy my comfort zone.

Over the weekend I saw the trailer for Matt Damon and Emily Blunt’s new film called The Adjustment Bureau. Oh. My. God. I can’t stop watching it. The emotional build up of the music is so intense. And their chemistry….I never pictured them together but now that I see them it makes perfect sense. Check out the trailer here http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/universal/adjustmentbureau/ then we’ll talk about it.

Okay, did you watch it? Because we can’t talk about it if you didn’t watch it. It won’t make sense.

First we need to talk about Emily Blunt. I’ve decided that she’s my new favorite actress of the late 20’s/early 30’s age generation. I first remembered seeing her in The Devil Wears Prada. I just hated her character. Remember, she was Emily…Meryl Streep’s other assistant. God she was great in that movie. We’ve also seen her in Sunshine Cleaning (a fantastic independent film), The Young Victoria (we all know how much I loved this one http://charleewith2es.blogspot.com/2010/04/young-victoria.html ), The Wolfman - saw this one over the weekend and I must say it was far better than I expected. Think old school horror flick kind of feel. So now she’s doing a movie with Matt Damon. It has a Bourne Identity type of feel with the secrecy and all the running/escaping but with more of a romance element to it. I’m loving the comeback of the fedora in this movie. Matt Damon, can you please wear this hat in all your movies?

In every frame of this trailer you can sense the emotions. The desire, the anxiety, the despair, the confusion, the will, the passion and when it all comes down to it, the choice.

Do you remember hearing the line, “All I have are the choices I make and I chose her.” Please…that line is killer. I would love to write a line like that someday.
This is the kind of movie you go to not only expecting to watch it but also expecting it to pull you in and make you feel like you are them. When Matt Damon says “I need you to trust me,” I automatically want to say, “Yes Matt, I trust you”, and then when the other character says “They’re making a run for it,” I half expect to get up and start running.

This movie hits theaters on September 17th. I will be there for sure. I hope the music in the rest of the movie is as good as this trailer music. Here is the link to the song from the trailer: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rGvDvMEX4U0&feature=related it’s called Breath and Life by Audio Machine

Go ahead, watch it again.

Short Skirts and Armpit Sweat

2010-05-26T09:28:00.002-06:00

Over the weekend we spent some much needed time catching up with two of our best friends. They are busy, we are busy, life gets in the way – you know how it is. Pretty soon half a year has gone by and you’re left wondering where the hell time went. Anyway, a new restaurant/club opened up in the downtown core and we decided to venture out of suburbiaville to try something new. This place was a twenty five and older type of joint. This is a good thing. My friend is a teacher and the last thing you want is to run into your students trying to get into a bar with a fake ID, then witness you letting loose. Oh God the embarrassment. No, you should never actually see that your teachers have a life. There’s just something so wrong about that.

Anyway, as we ate, laughed and told stories about what has been going on in our lives, we all performed the ‘seat dance’ at our table. The music in this place was awesome. Think Dance Mix 94. I’m not kidding. Each time a new song came on, we’d all stop for a second to recognize then a big “oh my God, I love this song” would escape from someone’s lips…then the seat dancing would continue. After awhile we decided to check out the dance scene so we ventured up the stairs to a second level. The dancing was amazing. How can it not be with such great music? But, I’m not really blogging about the dancing or the music. The real point to this blog is the girls.

I haven’t been ‘clubbing’ in a long time. Actually, I’m not much of a clubber to begin with. I’ve always been more of a pub/kitchen party kind of girl. But even when I did go to clubs, I remember the usual club attire being something like a pair of jeans and a bar top like a tank or something. If it was a ‘higher end’ club we would wear black pants and a top. The point was never to look sexy, it was to get drunk and have fun. Well, let me tell you something…the mini dress has become the new black pants. I was shocked. Almost every girl in this club was dressed up like they were attending a winter carnival dance…mind you it would have been a sluttier version of a carnival dance. They had up dos and perfectly applied make up. I felt very under dressed and uncomfortable in my jeans and long sleeved t-shirt. I guess this is a sign of the changing times. Girls like to dress up in skimpy tight dresses to go clubbing in hopes of looking super sexy and ‘picking up.’

I once read in a book that women will subconsciously dress scantily when they are ovulating because it’s nature’s way of attracting the opposite sex to ultimately procreate and at that time they are most attracted to the smell of a man’s armpit sweat. The only conclusion I can come to is that there was some serious mass ovulation going on in this club.

The boys shouldn’t be left off the hook either. Although most of them were pretty normal in jeans and button up shirts, we did witness a few that had been slapped with the Jersey Shore pandemic. They had the spiked up hair, steroid induced biceps, fake tans and I’m sure a closet full of Le Chateau for Men. My husband went to the bathroom at one point in the night and witnessed two Jersey Shore’s complementing each other on their hair. Oh God help the youth of our nation.

In the end, the only thing that matters was that we had an awesome time with our friends. Cheers to that.

Approaching a Clappy Jump Frenzy

2010-05-18T11:19:00.005-06:00

There hasn’t been a whole lot of exciting stuff on the go lately however there are a bunch of things coming up very soon that are setting me on the verge of a clappy jump frenzy. It all started last week when Oprah interviewed those Twilight kids in preparation for the June 30th release of Eclipse. For the past few months I have been happily living my life without the need to call upon my Twilight friends. (Don’t worry; I completely realize that I’m a total geek, you don’t need to remind me). I was patiently waiting for June 30th to arrive but then I watched Oprah. It wasn’t so much the interview that got me excited it was the clips they showed. Boys oh boys, it looks good. Better than the first and second installments. I think the cheese factor has been considerably reduced…let’s hope.

That night, after the vision of those clips had been stewing in my mind, I decided to grab my copy of Eclipse from the book shelf and begin reading. Problem…the reading didn’t stop. I finished the book over the weekend. And it was a beautiful weekend. The nicest one yet this year. I don’t know how this happens to me. It’s not like I don’t know what happens in the end. But still, it sucks me in. Now I really CANNOT wait for June 30th to see this book come to life on the big screen.

TV: The second to last episode of Lost is on tonight. This season has been epic. Just when I thought I could live without Lost, now I don’t know how I will go on without constantly being in a state of confusion. Lost provides me with my weekly WTF moments. It’s one of the only scripted shows out there, which is not a legal or medical drama that makes you think…and think of crazy stuff. It let’s your imagination play.

MUSIC: Today is a great day. Today marks the official release date Band of Horses third studio album, Infinite Arms. My recent obsession with Band of Horses is still going strong, hence the clappy jumps for their new album. Here’s the best part. You can listen to the entire album from their website. I'm listening right now as I write. SO GOOD!: http://stream.bandofhorses.com/ Check it out, fall in love, become a fan, go buy the album and then let’s talk about it.

TRAILERS: I was perusing the apple/trailers website over the weekend and came across Charlie St. Cloud. I’ll be totally honest with you. I had no interest in watching the trailer because it starred Zac Efron. I automatically assumed it would be a teeny bopper type movie. But then I remembered a quote my band teacher always used to say, “Never Assume.” So I clicked on the link and started watching. Um, WOW. Goosebumps immediately. Tears in the eyes. Then all the sudden Zac Efron kind of grows up in front of you. This isn’t a teen movie. This is a movie based on the book ‘The Life and Death of Charlie St. Cloud’ and of course I now must go out and buy the book. Hopefully this movie takes Mr. Efron out of the Teen mold and grabs the attention of a more adult audience. He’s a good actor with enough talent to become great. Take a look at the trailer here: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/universal/charliestcloud/

On a sad note, the 10 part miniseries, The Pacific ended on Sunday. I cried…not so much because it was sad, but because it ended. If you didn’t get a chance to catch this while it aired on HBO then you should pick up the DVD's when they are released. This the phenomenal telling of a true story most people could only fathom as fiction. It was powerful, frightening, nail bitingly amazing and gives me that much more pride for the soldiers who still fight to protect our freedoms and the freedoms of others.

I hope you have a clappy jump moment today.

My Morning Jacket

2010-05-10T16:30:00.005-06:00

Wow, it’s been awhile. Apologies. I have been rather lazy lately, but then this little gem came along and naturally I had this great urge to share it with you. Yes, that’s me, compulsive sharer.

Have you ever heard of the band My Morning Jacket? My music pimp had played them from time to time and I always liked what I heard, but it wasn’t until this weekend that I fell in love. We picked up three of their albums and listened to them all. My favorite is their live album, Okonokos. In the words of Barney Stinson… Legendary. I’m not kidding, I sent one of the songs to my brother and the only thing I said in the email was: “Be prepared to have your life changed!!”

As a side note: Isn’t it great when the person you share your life with enjoys the same kind of music you do? It’s this thing that bonds us together even more than we already are. We have this great passion for great music. I couldn’t imagine it if we didn’t have the same taste when it came to musical artists. There’s nothing better than laying on the couch listening to music without saying a word to each other. Just sitting there appreciating the music…man, that’s a great feeling.

My Morning Jacket is an indie rock band out of Louisville, Kentucky. Notice I said the word Indie. That means, if you like Band of Horses, Iron & Wine, Kings of Leon then you will love this band. When you listen to their music, each track will hit you with a full body blow, immediately finding the beat or the melody then carrying you into the core of it. Your head will bob and your body will rock from the second you press play then lasting long after the album ends. It’s the kind of music that stays with you. You’ll think about the lyrics for hours...maybe days. I could live without television, but don't ever take away my music...EVER!

My favorite song of the moment, which happens to be the favorite song of many people out there, is Wordless Chorus. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OMpaFvTOFk

Evil Urges is another great one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv7v7lQ3Gas

Touch Me I’m Going to Scream part II is pretty wicked also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpdwwa7lsUI

You won’t hear these guys on the radio. Why? They are way too cool for the radio. Listen to this band, fall in love with them then share them with everyone else you know. Your cool factor will go way up, even if you’re the only one who notices.

If you’re lucky enough to see them live, DO IT!!!! Check out their tour schedule here: http://www.mymorningjacket.com/gogo/shows/

Rock on my Friends!

The Boat That Rocked

2010-04-26T09:46:00.003-06:00

Surprise, surprise, I watched a movie this weekend. I had wanted to see this one for months now. First it premiered in London under the title Pirate Radio and it seemed like it took forever to get a North American distribution date and once it finally did it only played in select theaters. Boo! Well, it finally came out on DVD under the title The Boat That Rocked and it sure did rock. The first thing I want to make note of is Tom Sturridge. Where have you been and when can we see more of you? My God – how can you not fall for Young Carl? He’s just the cutest.

This movie is a comedy which takes place in London during the 60’s when rock music defined a generation. At a time when the government tried to control what the people listened to and instead of listening to the government, a group of rogue DJ’s took to the sea’s to give the people what they couldn’t live without…Rock Music. Can you imagine how different the world would be without The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, James Brown…? Ugh, sick…I can’t even think about it.
Pick up this DVD. It’s one of those feel good type of movies. The music alone is worth it. You’ll probably dance in your seat…or at least you will bop your head around a bit.

Check out the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyXu0mC38SE&feature=related

Here is one of the songs featured in the movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc&feature=PlayList&p=9915B00B7FAD4169&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=5

The Young Victoria

2010-04-23T14:08:00.003-06:00

It’s kind of ridiculous how much I LOVED this movie. I watched it twice…in the same day. It’s no secret that I love the British Royal family. I love the monarchy. I love being part of the commonwealth. I love it all. In fact – When Will and Kate get married I plan on taking the day off to watch the ceremony. Of course my dream would be to physically attend the wedding…but I doubt that would ever happen. Anyway…when the movie ended for the first time, I ran downstairs in a frenzy to find my Will to tell him all about it. I was tripping over my own words with the excitement of it all. I wanted someone else to watch it so I could talk to them about it. Eventually I, without too much persuasion, convinced one of my co-workers to watch it…AND….she LOVED it also. Now I have a partner in crime to talk to about it.

The Young Victoria stars Emily Blunt as Queen Victoria and Rupert Friend as Prince Albert and it really focuses on the love story between these two and honestly, it’s epic. The story begins at the point where Princess Victoria is only months away from being crowned the next Queen of England, who would also be the youngest queen – without a husband or children. Many people didn’t have faith in her abilities. They thought she was too young, too sheltered, too naïve. They hoped she would find a husband who would rule for her. Victoria was a stubborn woman. She wasn’t going to let anyone tell her what to do and she made that very clear even if some might have believed her to be cross or stern…but Albert…oh Albert…he could understand her. He loved her and eventually she realized that she loved him too.

I don’t want to tell you too much about this movie because I really want you watch it for yourself. Emily Blunt does such a fantastic job as Queen Victoria. Isn’t she just great in general? I want to be her friend.

Check out the trailer for The Young Victoria here: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/theyoungvictoria/

It’s out on DVD now so go pick it up this weekend.

What am I listening too? Yup, still borderline obsessing on Band of Horses. Have yourself a slow dance to this one, I Go To The Barn Because I Like The: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSjWUcQD-1M

No More No Boobs

2010-04-16T08:36:00.003-06:00

Today’s blog is rather random and comes on the heels of learning some disappointing news and it’s Friday so what the hell. I’ve mentioned my love for Kate Hudson before. One of the biggest draws I had to her was the fact that she had no boobs and didn’t seem to care. She wore skimpy bikinis and tank tops sans bra all the time and she looked great. Her beauty, charm, confidence and ability to wrangle any man she wanted always overshadowed her lack of boobies. She gave all of us no-boob girls hope. She made us feel like we were all silly over having boob insecurities.

Yesterday I read that Kate Hudson got a boob job. No! Why? Kate, you can’t do this to us. You are the no-boob poster girl. Why are you leaving our boobless club? Was it something we said? What made you fall to the pressure of having boobs?

I’m not saying they look bad. Actually they look great. They look like real boobies. Very natural and perfect for her shape. I’m happy to say she didn’t go for the Heidi Montague special. If I was going to take the dive and depart from the no-boob club myself, I would probably pick out the same pair she did. They are still small but defined and they fill a bikini top now. You can tell from the before and after picture posted above. But still….oh the disappointment. Who can we look up to now?

It's Friday. The Coachella music festival starts today. Of course I'm jealous of everyone going. Here is the lineup: http://www.coachella.com/event/lineup

Have a great weekend!

Music Pimping - Lissie

2010-04-15T09:00:00.002-06:00

On my constant quest for new to me music I came across the artist known as Lissie. Um, Wow. I’ve been missing out and if you haven’t heard of her yet, then so have you. But fear not, this is why I’m here. Now we both know about her.

When you listen to her tracks there is one thing you will pick up on. The simplicity of her sound and the roughness to her voice makes her perfectly imperfect. Her deeply endearing lyrics float effortlessly from her lips transferring every emotion of the song straight to your core, fueling your soul with certainty and your mind with clarity. It would be impossible not to be moved from the sound of her voice. It’s chilling yet beautiful if that makes sense. As I roamed from track to track, each song showcased her phenomenal voice and song writing ability. There is something so completely natural about her. Nothing showy or over the top…only truth.

She’s got a country/rock/blues/folk thing going on, reminiscent of Stevie Nicks and maybe a hint of Janis Joplin. I’ve read a few profiles on her. Lissie seems to be one of those naturally gorgeous girls but a badass girl. And you know how much I love badass girls. Flaunt the talent, not the sugarpop, thank you very much.

When I daydream about being a singer/songwriter this is how I sound. The easy sound that every other ‘wanna be’ singer envies. It’s very real.

Lissie was another amazing artist who performed at the SXSW festival this year. Note to self – Must get to SXSW festival someday. She recently toured with City and Colour and is currently touring with Joshua Radin. Yup, tune in now, because she’s going places.

Now to the music sampling.

This song will get you. It’s called ‘Everywhere I go’. It’s hauntingly soulful. Don’t do anything else when you listen to this song. Close your eyes and enjoy it for what it is. You don’t want to miss what this song is going to give you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_P9m8Ejr-Y

‘Little Lovin’ let’s that devilish grin creep onto your face. It’s has a fantastic bluesy folk rhythm. Take a listen, you’ll know what I mean. It will make you want to have your Thelma and Louise moment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H90XghiW4RE

Check out Lissie’s version of Bad Romance here. This is a Lady Gaga cover. Love Lissie’s version. Love it! http://www.last.fm/music/Lissie/+videos/+1-MWe07krS8_E

Check out Lissie’s MySpace page to see her tour schedule. Hopefully you’ll get the chance to see her live. http://www.myspace.com/lissiemusic

Enjoy the new find!

I must be old, because they’re back

2010-04-14T08:43:00.003-06:00

Do you ever have moments when you look back on your personal fashion history and cringe? Of course you do. Come on. We lived through the eighties and nineties.
There is a time in my fashion history that I look back on and shrivel up with embarrassment. I’m happy we didn’t take as many pictures back then as we do today. I’m happy the only evidence of this fashion faux pas resides in my memory.

Remember when all us girls wore little plaid skirts with socks that went up over our knees? Remember when sometimes those socks were crazy colors or they had so called ‘funky’ designs on them? Don’t get me wrong, they looked great on some girls. Not so great on me. But, since I was big on ‘must fit in,’ I just had to have these over the knee socks and I just had to wear them like all the other girls. Problem. My legs were like twigs. Seriously. There were times when some people actually called me Olive Oil, you know, Popeye’s wife. They called me that because of my sticks for legs and arms. They looked like they would break off if you blew enough wind in their general direction. I remember this one pair I had that were bright red. Can you just imagine bright red sticks covered with little white and black hearts all gangly and coming towards you? I’m happy to report that my legs have filled out and they look somewhat normal now. The over the knee socks era was around the same time we all thought animals screen printed on oversized sweatshirts paired with stirrup pants were cool. I’m half laughing and half crying right now.

There is a high school next to my place of employment. Yesterday I was walking to the gym at lunch and passed a group of teenage girls. GASP, HORROR, SHOCK…what did I see???? The socks. They’ve returned. These were a pair of light pink and grey argyle’s. After the shock wore off my mind quickly started jumping to conclusions. She must have an older sister…like at least 15 years older. Those must be hand me down socks. Oh god, is the stuff I wore 15 years ago now considered vintage. How did I get so old?

You can see how easily sidetracked I can become. I spent the next 45 minutes in a downward spiral, denying my age and then panicking about all the stuff I have yet to accomplish. When I got back to the office I quickly typed 2010 fashion trends into my google search bar. What did I see? Yes, you guessed it. The over the knee socks have made their return to the fashion world, set out on a mission to scar the next generation of teenagers. Damn you, over the knee socks, damn you!

What else is back? Hot pants, jumpsuits and the worst…..patterned and printed pants...think palazzo pants. Remember them?

As long as the muumuu doesn’t make a triumphant return then we’re safe. These are just little blips in fashions cyclical history.

Check out all the upcoming trends on this blog: http://www.fashionising.com/trends/b--Fashion-Trends-2010-1509.html

We’re now onto day three of my new band obsession. Yup, still listening to The xx. Check out VCR here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI2eO_mNM88

It's Glee Day

2010-04-13T09:27:00.002-06:00

Remember when you said our time apart would only make us grow fonder for each other? And that it would be hard to miss each other because the time would go by so quickly? I was lost when you left. Forced to sing and dance by myself in the TV room. I listened to your soundtrack over and over for months. Well, you’re back now and I hear you’ve brought Madonna with you. You were right. The time apart did make me love you more. I’m so excited. I feel as though I’m about to spontaneously combust from the excitement that has been building up for the last few weeks. I’ll always be your Gleek.

Yes, that was a love note to Glee. I’ve told you before, my name is Charlee and I’m a Gleek.

Let’s have a big round of clappy jumps because tonight is the long awaited return of Glee. Can you tell I’m excited? On Sunday I spent a good hour putting together song montages of Glee for no real reason at all. Don’t laugh. You all do stuff like that too. Maybe not about Glee but you know you do it.

After reading every article I could get my hands on about the next half of this season, I’ve come to learn that there will be more musical numbers per episode, more Mr. Shuster and Emma and more Jane Lynch…yes, please. This recipe equals legendary awesomeness.

Here is the preview for tonight’s episode titled ‘Hell-O’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK3CgkgM0Ag

For everyone who loves the music in Glee, here is a link to the music played each week: http://www.gleesongs.com/category/audio/23w

If you don’t watch Glee…START….Tonight! And if that picture above of Jane Lynch wearing a Madonna pointy boob bra doesn’t get you excited then I don’t know what will.

If you already do watch Glee...Enjoy.

The xx

2010-04-12T13:36:00.004-06:00

I went to my hair stylist this weekend for the usual cut and color. I have been going to the same stylist for almost six years. It’s part of my control freak nature. I know her. I know she’s good at what she does. I trust her. I know she’s not going to let me walk out of the salon looking like a poodle or a super freak. On top of that, she’s one of the coolest people I know. Not cool like the popular kids in high school. Cool as in she’s 100% completely and totally her own person. Just the sight of her radiates an aura of coolness. If you didn’t know her you would be intimidated by her cool factor. Yes, she’s that cool. I must at least get some points on the cool-o-meter just for knowing her.

Every time I check in with her I learn something new in the world of music, literature, fashion. She’s one of those ‘go to guides’ for upcoming trends in anything and everything. And it’s not like she goes looking for this stuff, she’s part of it. She lives it therefore it surrounds her.

We were chatting about our love for Iron& Wine and Band of Horses when she said, “Hey, have you ever heard of The xx?”
My response: “No, who are they?”
“They are an awesome indie rock band. You’ll love them. I know the music you like and I know you’ll love them.
“Wicked, I’ll check them out when I go home.”

First I went to their Wikipedia page, then YouTube followed by their website. I opened about a dozen of their songs while I roamed their site and random articles about the band. One thing was clear. Yes, I love them already.

I’ve come to learn that The xx is a small indie rock back from London, England. They originally started with four members back in 2005 but now are down to three, two guys and a girl. They trade off with lead male and female vocals…I love this. It feels like two bands warped into one. I’d say it’s one of the stand out features of why this band is great. Their sound is uncomplicated and very far from mainstream. It’s a quiet rock...not to be mistaken with that soft rock crap. It’s the kind of music you expect to hear on the soundtrack to an independent film or on an iPod commercial. Or the kind of music that you hear at a music festival that causes you to stop in your tracks and take notice. Maybe you didn’t recognize them on the featured list of bands but now you’re hearing them and now you love them. It’s that quick.

You would expect to hear them in a small venue. At a place where everyone else knows all the lyrics to their songs too and although you don’t know a single other person in that venue, you are united through wicked music. Ah, music nirvana. Damn, why can’t I live in a cooler city?

I love finding bands like this one. There is a naive youthful pureness to their sound which can only get better with age. You aren’t fighting with overproduction to get the real feeling of the tracks. If you don’t like this type of music, and if I could persuade you to try at least one song, then it should be Crystalised: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZzjHMfz4_E&feature=related

You want to replay it, don’t you? Trust me, I know.

Sometimes music can be like trying a new food. For some reason you have a preconceived notion in your mind that you won’t like it, even though you haven’t tried it. Maybe it’s because of the way it looks, or the way it smells, in some cases maybe even the name just grosses you out. There’s just something about it that turns you off. Then at some point in your life you will try it and love it and beat yourself up over not introducing this to your palate years ago. As I age, I’ve come to realize that turning your nose up at anything is a colossal mistake. You could be walking away from ‘the greatest’. And if it’s not your thing, fine, whatever, walk away. But at least you said you tried it. Stay open minded – there are far too many great things out there patiently waiting for your attention.

Now, if you liked that first song I persuade you to try, then follow along and listen to these:

The Intro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L73OLaG4_kA

VCR: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI2eO_mNM88

Heart Skipped a Beat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HThCnCjikQ

Stars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA-de7O_7N4

Check out their website here: http://www.thexx.info

You’ll find music videos, upcoming tour dates, and their MySpace page among other things.

Rock on my friends!

Today Will Only Happen Once

2010-04-06T14:39:00.001-06:00

I had the chance to hang out with one of my younger cousins this weekend. I always love catching up with him. He was an old soul even at the age of three. I can remember having a conversation with him when I was twenty three and he was thirteen. Here’s the kicker. He was giving me advice on life. Advice that made perfect sense. And it wasn’t the kind of stuff he simply regurgitated after hearing it somewhere else, it was deep seeded wisdom. I don’t know where he gets it, but he’s got it.

Anyway, he’s nineteen now. At an age that makes me jealous of him…in a way. Jealous because he’s so young and he has so much ‘time’ and opportunity to figure out what he wants. But then I’m not jealous of him because I was that age once and I had the ‘time’ to figure it all out and now I must say I have a great life. Not to brag or anything, but I feel very happy…very satisfied. Then you turn around and look at this nineteen year old again and say to yourself “Wait, am I satisfied? Am I happy with all this? Maybe I should sell everything and travel the world.” Then about two seconds later your rational self overtakes your youthful thoughts yet again and reminds you that your ship has sailed. But has it? Maybe I should have taken a year to travel the world, but then maybe I wouldn't be where I am today.

I’ve come to the realization, the same one most people come to, that we deny ourselves those so called youthful experiences because of fear. Fear that we don’t have enough money to pay for it after we’ve paid the mortgage and all the other bills. Fear that we won’t have a job to come back to. Fear that we’ll be taking three steps back instead of two steps ahead. Every time I struggle with this I always come back to the same thought. You only live once and it’s a short ride so you might as well enjoy it. My dad always said we should extract as much as we could out of life. The good and the bad all get rolled into life experiences and in the end it makes you who you are.

I promise you I do have a point to this blog. One of the best shows on television today is called Departures which airs on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN). Now in its third season, it’s a show about three best friends (two travelers and one cameraman) who travel the world in search of life experience off the beaten path. The stuff they stumble upon is just amazing. For example, on the last episode they were in Papua New Guinea venturing through the town of Rabaul which is basically a ghost town now after the volcano destroyed everything back in 1994. This is not a travel show. No, it’s far more than a travel show. This is a show about life. It’s about best friends set out to extract as much as they can through their experiences on this earth.

I envy these guys because they are doing what they really want to do and they are getting paid to do it. Most of us enjoy what we like in the form of a hobby, and we could only ever dream of getting paid to do it.

Check out the promo for Departures http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oXyyHs1ZU8

Here is the show website with the episode schedule: http://www.oln.ca/details.php?id=12

You can watch episodes online as well. Check it out. It’s definitely worth a watch. The cinematography is mind blowing. The scenes Andre can catch on film will give you the chills and take your breath away. The travelers, Justin and Scott are exactly like your buddies from home. After the first few minutes you’ll start to feel like you must have known them at some point in your life, or you must have drank with them at a party. Check it out; you’ll know what I mean.

Their motto: Today will only happen once.

My Motto: Make it a good one.

What song am I listening to? Unthought Known by Pearl Jam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxs7KgZFKuI

Movie Weekend

2010-04-05T10:23:00.003-06:00

I don’t often go to the theater to watch movies. I would say I average around six theater movies a year. I prefer to enjoy films in the comfort of my home. I love to lie on the couch, wrapped in my favorite quilted blanket with a snack – guaranteed to be better and cheaper than anything you can find at a movie theater. I like to be able to press pause if I need a bathroom break. I’m one of those people who will not leave the theater. I don’t care if my bladder is about to explode. I can’t stand missing a part of the movie, especially when I paid $15 to see it. Instead I will squirm in my seat, re-positioning myself a dozen times and when the movie ends I practically stampede my way out of the doors and to the nearest washroom. That doesn’t sound like fun does it? You’re exactly right. It’s not. So I usually wait until the movie comes out on DVD and I watch it at home, that is unless it’s a movie I have been aching to see or it has great effects (i.e. Avatar). Some movies are just better on the big screen.

I do wish, however, and I say this at least once a week, that I was some important person in the film industry who received advanced copies of movies so I could watch them in the comfort of my own home and not have to wait for their DVD release. It’s a good dream to have. I’ll keep holding onto it.

This past weekend was out of the ordinary for me. I went to the theater twice. I know. it blows my mind too. The first movie we saw was “How To Train Your Dragon.” I hadn’t heard much about this movie before the weekend. I’m usually all over upcoming movies but this one slipped my radar. It’s an animated 3D film which in my books means that it’s theater worthy. And was it worth it? Yes, Yes, 100% Yes. This movie was fantastic. Because I hadn’t heard much about it before, I really had no expectations. The storyline was magic. It was the perfect combination of imagination and reality and the musical score was like a character itself. The only thing I found strange were the accents. This movie is supposed to be about Vikings but they had Scottish accents. Maybe I’m crazy, but I thought Vikings were Nordic? I came to the conclusion that everyone just preferred Gerard Butler’s accent over any Nordic accent so they stuck with it.

Here is the synopsis: Set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida Cowell, the action comedy tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t exactly fit in with his tribe’s longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Hiccup’s world is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges he and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different point of view. Jay Baruchel lends his voice as Hiccup and I must say it is the most perfect voice for this character.

Check out the trailers here: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/dreamworks/howtotrainyourdragon/

The Pacific

2010-03-30T15:02:00.005-06:00

This is my latest obsession. It’s a good obsession. THE PACIFIC is a ten part miniseries airing on HBO on Sunday nights brought to you by the same production team who gave you Band of Brothers. I’m talking about Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and Gary Goetzman. Already three episodes in, I can honestly say this miniseries is more than epic. This miniseries is story telling at its best.

I often find that people of my generation think of the world wars and remember stories their grandparents would tell them. And when you look at your grandparents telling these stories you forget they were once young too. You forget how tough they must to have been to go through this time and survive. I feel so privileged to say that not only I could I not ever even imagine going through what they did but I’ve never even had to consider it and this is all because of the sacrifices they made whether they consciously decided to or were forced to.

When you watch this show you will see how these soldiers or rather boys, endured intolerable circumstances which ruined their souls all in the name of survival. Fighting to win was quickly disregarded the moment they realized they had been abandoned. This became a mission to live another second, another minute, another day. You think you're tough? No, you're not. Not until you've experienced what they have.

I’m so happy shows like this are made. I’m so happy the history of our past is not being lost. To know why we are here, we must first understand how we got here. The wins, the losses, the struggles, the inventions, the discoveries, each of these are a spec on the frame to create a whole picture of life.

THE PACIFIC tracks the intertwined real-life journeys of three U.S. Marines across the vast canvas of the Pacific Theater during World War II. The miniseries follows these men and their fellow Marines from their first battle with the Japanese on Guadalcanal, through the rain forests of Cape Gloucester and the strongholds of Peleliu, across the bloody sands of Iwo Jima and through the horror of Okinawa, and finally to their triumphant but uneasy return home after V-J Day.

If you enjoy war stories or if you are a history junkie then you will love this miniseries. You can check it out Sundays on HBO. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3kQP2jSoa0&feature=fvst

“History is full of wars fought for a hundred reasons. But this war, our war, I want to believe, I have to believe that it’s all worthwhile because our cause is just.”

It's a Food Revolution

2010-03-29T15:56:00.003-06:00

All aboard Jamie’s train. Next stop, Healthyville.

I can’t tell you how happy I am that this movement is in place. I think many people for many years now have been trying to get ‘the system’ on board with healthy eating to promote healthy lifestyles to combat the HUGE problem of obesity in America. Sometimes it takes a little glam and celebrity pomp and circumstance to make a difference. Think of all the celebrity telethons over the years to raise funds for those in need. Or how about Oprah’s book club? Think of how many people read because she told them to. There is no doubt that Influential people have the power to not only make people listen but to make them act. Well, it’s HAPPENING!!!!!!!!!! Yes we can, Yes we can, Yes we can.

On Friday night I sat down to watch the first two episodes of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, which aired on ABC. This show serves up a heaping pile of rude awakening and I really hope the viewers don’t leave the table until that pile has been digested.

For the length of this show, you will follow Jamie’s progress in the West Virginia school system to implement healthier food choices for students and you will also follow the progress of some choice families set on Jamie’s plan. Justin is a twelve year old boy who is part of one of these choice families. About three seconds after Justin was introduced I started rooting for him. You will too. He is the sweetest, kindest kid. He’s got a long road ahead of him but he can do it. Jamie Oliver himself has personally agreed to take young Justin under his wing by teaching him to cook his own meals and create food plans for him. This show is not celebrity fit club or the biggest loser. Yes, there are touching stories of personal angst but really this show is about creating a movement and the prize at the end is a better life…hopefully a longer life. It’s about getting into your homes and each person making that step to choose to live a healthier life by making good food choices and promoting a healthier life through food, exercise and family. Jamie said it best. In the hectic pace our life has converted to, although it may be easier to grab take-out on your way home from work and let your kids eat it in front of the TV so you can have a few moments of peace, there is nothing better than breaking bread with those you love. Actually, you should consider yourself lucky that you have your family around you to break bread with.

I have always been an advocate for healthy eating. Sure I like to eat out every once and awhile just like everyone else, but eating out to you may be very different than eating out for me. My fast food vice would be Vietnamese food….not McDonalds. Spring rolls on a bed of vermicelli…heaven. I think a lot of my healthy food choices came down to my parents. They have always been conscience of what they are eating and cooking with; more so in later years, but that has caused me to be aware of what I’m using to fuel my body. Children will mimic their parents, so set a good example.

This show is worth a watch. Some of it will disgust you and other parts will elate you for having already changed your habits. You will learn tons of facts, pick up excellent new recipes and hear some wonderful stories of hope and change. Jamie Oliver is the perfect guy to start this movement. He’s as real as you get. He isn’t afraid to get messy, both with food and personal lives. He’s the kind of guy you would love to have over for dinner then a few drinks after that. He’s the kind of guy who cares enough to leave his own family behind just to help others. Others who didn’t even ask for help but need it. Others who at first turn their backs on him. Jamie Oliver is a food hero.

Yes, there are some critics and others unwilling to budge. Fine. Be that way but don’t shorten the lives of others because of your own laziness.

If you are an American, then please sign this petition http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution/petition. The goal is to get 1 Million signatures then bring it to the U.S. Government in hopes of improving what the school systems serves the students.

To learn more about The Food Revolution, please visit: http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution

All Aboard. Choo Choo!!!

Are you Ready for Some Terminal Romance?

2010-03-26T10:52:00.002-06:00

Let me start by saying “You’re Welcome.” After you listen to this song then this album you will be thanking me for changing your life. For educating your musical palate. For making you cooler. So, you’re welcome.

Today I’m delivering to you some very fine East Coast music. And not East Coast USA. I’m talking about East Coast Canada. Nova Scotia to be specific. The East Coast of Canada breeds some very incredible singer, songwriter talent. It must have something to do with the salty air, the easy attitudes, the Scottish/Irish roots and the booze. I’m sure the booze helps.

Matt Mays formerly of Matt Mays & El Torpedo is among the great talent I speak of. One of my favorite albums is called Terminal Romance. It was released back in 2008. It’s the kind of album that will match any mood you’re in and the kind of album you don’t leave home without. EVER. My favorite song on the Terminal Romance album is actually called Terminal Romance. It is 7 minutes and 40 seconds of musical gold. The lyrics are genius. “She sang rock and roll with the devil.” Please…do I even have to say anymore?

Some people hear East Coast Canada and they assume the lead instrument must be a fiddle and the on stage performance must include step dancing. I’m here to tell you this is not the case. The East Coast is home to many indie rock bands. Really, really good rock bands. Bands who should get more press but don’t just because they are where they are. These people are just born with talent. There’s no way around it. It’s natural.

Here is a link to Terminal Romance. This is one of those songs you’ll need to turn the volume way up on to get the full effect. It’s also a great driving song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A41FfpVJrT8

If you like that song, then you’ll probably really like the rest of the album. His songs are kind of hard to find on YouTube so just do yourself a favor and buy the album. Check out his MySpace page to find upcoming tour dates, songs and blog entries. http://www.myspace.com/mattmays

Rock on my Friends. Rock on.

Water for Elephants

2010-03-25T14:42:00.006-06:00

I know what you’re thinking. A book about the circus? Seriously? Give me a break. Well, let me start by saying I never thought I would LOVE a book about the circus so much. I was skeptical about this book. A friend of mine told me to read it a year ago and every time I went into the bookstore I would veer towards it, thinking “this time I will pick it up,” but I just couldn’t do it. Even though she raved about this book. And every time I walked passed it, I could hear it yelling at me, “Get over here and read my jacket cover.” I couldn’t believe that a book about the circus would be appealing to me. At the time I was obsessed with all things vampire and supernatural for that matter so a book about the circus was beyond the realm of possibilities. I’m happy to report that I have let go of my vampire addiction and have moved on to greener, much more livable pastures. No worries though. My Twilight series remains close by just in case I need a quick fix.

A few weeks ago I made another trip to the store and sitting in one of the well positioned displays was Water for Elephants. I walked over to it, picked up a copy and read the back. I decided “what the hell” and purchased my copy. When I went home I did a quick IMBD search to see if there was any talk on turning this book into a movie. I don’t know why I do that but I do. I always check to see if the book I’m reading will become a movie. Turns out it is. And three excellent actors have signed on. Reese Witherspoon will play Marlena. Christoph Waltz will play her husband and animal trainer August and Robert Pattinson will be the lead, Jacob Jankowski. This got me excited. I flipped to the prologue and was hooked. Prologues can be iffy. They can set up a book perfectly or they can destroy it. This prologue set me on the edge of my seat for a ride I only ever expected to take at the circus, not just reading about the circus.

Here is the basic synopsis from The Booklist: Life is good for Jacob Jankowski. He's about to graduate from veterinary school and about to hook up with the girl of his dreams. Then his parents are killed in a car crash, leaving him in the middle of the Great Depression with no home, no family, and no career. Almost by accident, Jacob joins the circus. There he falls in love with the beautiful performer Marlena, who is married to the circus' psychotic animal trainer. He also meets the other love of his life, Rosie the elephant. This lushly romantic novel travels back in forth in time between Jacob's present day in a nursing home and his adventures in the surprisingly harsh world of 1930s circuses.

It was easy to fall for Jacob Jankowski in this book. His naïve innocence makes you want to wrap him up and show him the way. You will root for him and the animals he cares for in the same way you would root for the underdog baseball team at the final game of the World Series. This was one of those books that had a stellar opening then a bit of a drag in the middle but led up to a superb finale. The world created by author Sara Gruen became so real to me that I half expected to bump into Jacob, Marlena or August in real life. Just the other night Rosie the elephant and the star of the circus act made an appearance in my dream. You know a book is good when you fall asleep thinking of it, dream about it, then wake up thinking about it. The characters become actors in the dreams your mind creates. In the direction you would have taken the story long after the last printed word has been read off the page. This is what makes a book live forever.

What song am I listening to as I write this blog thinking about Water for Elephants? Rewind by Paolo Nutini http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vylvoD-ZZk

Enjoy. Pick up your copy and let me know what you think. IMBD has the film set in pre-production stages. Looks like it will be awhile before they start filming. I wouldn’t expect the movie to hit the big screen until late 2011 so you have plenty of time to read it first.

UPDATE: I just read that production for the film version of Water For Elephants will begin this May. Yay, Clappy Jumps. Looking forward to it.

An Education

2010-03-24T16:52:00.003-06:00

To really know me you must understand how much I love British Films. They are my secret crush. I wish they would get more attention in North America but then maybe they wouldn’t seem as special to me. Maybe it’s because I often secretly wish I was British. When I come across one, which is usually an independent art house type film; I exult in clappy jumps and squeals. I love the dry humor most people never get. I love the drama. I love the accents. Intense moments just seem so much more dramatic when the lines are delivered with such an accent. My sister in law lives in London. I am jealous that she gets to hear it all the time.

So I have been waiting for months to see An Education. I saw the trailer on Apple/trailers ages ago and have been salivating over it ever since. This film stars this year’s BAFTA winner for Best Actress, Carey Mulligan and American Born, acting as a British lad, Peter Sarsgaard. My expectations were high and they were met. There was no disappointment with this film. Great story line, great acting, great music, great setting. I laughed, I cried, I held my breath and when it was over I wanted to watch it all over again. I’m definitely one of those people. Someone who can watch a movie 50 times or more and not get sick of it.

Here is the synopsis of the movie: It’s 1961. Attractive, bright 16-year-old schoolgirl, Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is poised on the brink of womanhood, dreaming of a rarefied, Gauloise-scented existence as she sings along to Juliette Greco in her Twickenham bedroom. Stifled by the tedium of adolescent routine, Jenny can’t wait for adult life to begin. Meanwhile, she’s a diligent student, excelling in every subject except the Latin that her father is convinced will land her the place she dreams of at Oxford University. One rainy day, her suburban life is upended by the arrival of an unsuitable suitor, 30-ish David (Peter Sarsgaard). Very quickly, David introduces Jenny to a glittering new world of classical concerts and late-night suppers with his attractive friend and business partner, Danny (Dominic Cooper) and Danny’s girlfriend, the beautiful but vacuous Helen (Rosamund Pike). David replaces Jenny’s traditional education with his own version, picking her up from school in his Bristol roadster and whisking her off to art auctions and smoky clubs. Just as the family’s long-held dream of getting their brilliant daughter into Oxford seems within reach, Jenny is tempted by another kind of life. Will David be the making of Jenny or her undoing?

Here is the trailer for An Education: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/sony/aneducation/

I think Carey Mulligan has an incredibly bright future ahead of her. She is making fantastic choices when it comes to scripts and characters to portray. Her next film is titled The Greatest where she stars alongside Susan Sarandon and Pierce Brosnan. After that you’ll see her in Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps with Shia LaBeouf (her current boyfriend) and Michael Douglas. So, would I like to be Carey Mulligan for a day? Yes Please.

Music Pimping

2010-03-23T14:47:00.004-06:00

I was away during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival this year so I missed most of the scoop. I started rummaging through articles and blogs on the festival which took place last week and found some excellent acts to introduce or re-introduce myself to. Before I dive into my recommended pick I should explain what the South by Southwest festival is. It’s a music/film festival which occurs every spring in Austin, Texas. This festival is where it’s at. It’s where all the cool kids go, and I’m not taking about cheerleaders and prom queens. I’m talking about the people with their own identity, their own sound, their own spirit. SXSW kind of reminds me of a large scale folk festival where original music and independent films are showcased. You won’t hear the latest top 40 pop bands here or see the up and coming blockbuster. These singers can actually sing, without the help of over production and the actors can actually act. The art of the craft is exemplified at festivals like SXSW. God, I love this stuff. Here is the SXSW link if you want to check it out yourself http://sxsw.com/

One of the musical groups that performed during the festival was Band of Horses. They are an indie rock band originally from Seattle but now residing in North Carolina when they aren’t on the road touring. This band is gold. Seriously. Like always, I became curious and started running various searches on them. I checked out their Wikipedia page, then their website followed by countless YouTube loads. I instantly became lost in their sound and lyrics. It’s the kind of music that could easily become the soundtrack to your life. When high or low points cross your path setting the tone to slow motion while a smile spreads across your face then the music hits you. The beat of the drum, the strum of the guitar, the voice breaking through to create the perfect moment where dream meets life. I could waste away a day laying on the couch listening to their songs on repeat. Imagining all the possibilities of ‘what’s to come’ in my life.

I have three favorite songs at this point but I know that list will grow by tonight.

The Funeral: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibE7IqEjni4

Is There A Ghost: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK716RqoUms

No One’s Gonna Love You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93OTv6Cjk6U

Band of Horses is currently on tour. Follow this link to see if they will be in your area. http://tour.bandofhorses.com/

If they are in your area I’m jealous. I will have to catch a plane to see them, but I know it would be worth it. This May they are opening for the Midwest and East Coast portion of Pearl Jam’s tour. I don’t think it’s possible for me to express in words how badly I want to go to one of those concerts. These guys plus Pearl Jam. Please. Life just doesn’t get better.

Enjoy the Tunes!

The Outcast

2010-03-22T10:17:00.004-06:00

I’m back from holidays and the time away was fantastic.

I picked up 'The Outcast' a couple of months ago. I don’t really know why I didn’t crack it open until now. Instead it rested on my nightstand for months eyeing me, wondering when I would fall in love with it. And that is exactly what I did. I fell in love with this book. Or maybe I fell in love with Lewis the main character. It’s hard not to. He’s the type of guy a girl shouldn’t fall for but does. Oh and Kit…you will love Kit. You will become Kit and you will want Lewis to save you. No not want…you need him to save you. He’s the only one who can save you. Oh geez…now I want to read it again. The emotions in this book are so real. You feel their pain, their desperation, their anger, their loneliness, their love, their loss as if it’s your own. I took it in my carry-on thinking I might read a few chapters if the movie selections on board weren’t appealing. After about an hour I reach into my bag and cracked the spine to begin reading. By the time I reached the third page I already forgot where I was. I fell so deeply into this story and the characters and actually didn’t want to get out and I didn’t. I sat in my cramped economy class seat for hours on end, until the plane reached its destination and I had only five pages remaining. FIVE PAGES!!!! I couldn’t believe I was only five pages from the end. I wanted to stay on the plane to finish it but I had to get off. By the time we reached the hotel I was like a crack addict in desperate need of a fix. I couldn’t sit or stand still. I had to learn the fate of Lewis, Kit and all the other characters. I sat and read in silence then brought the book to my chest terribly delighted with the ending but terribly sad it was over. I love it and hate it when a book does that to me. I want to rush to the end to find out what happens but I don’t want my journey with the characters to be over.

The Outcast is from first time author Sadie Jones and most first time authors are not this great. Most authors require a least a few tries before they get it right. Not Sadie. She hit the nail on the head with this one on the first try. Here is the basic synopsis of the book: The story begins in the year 1957. Nineteen-year-old Lewis Aldridge is returning to his home in Waterford, England where he has just served a two-year prison term for a crime that shocked the sleepy Surrey community.

Twelve years earlier, seven-year-old Lewis and his spirited mother Elizabeth are bringing Gilbert (Lewis’s father) home from war. Lewis was nervous about the impending reunion because he would be meeting a man he didn’t remember. The father he never knew. Their relationship was strained from the beginning. Gilbert and Lewis coexisted as strangers while the one other person they both loved stitched them together, Elizabeth. When Elizabeth is tragically ripped from their lives, Lewis spirals out of control, falling so deep within himself he becomes almost invisible.

Two years later, upon his shamed return, the town continues to treat Lewis as an outcast. Only Tamsin’s little sister Kit, now a young woman, sees in him the golden boy he once was. She had become infatuated with Lewis years earlier when he had casually protected her from bullies and broken bicycle chains. But she now faces a much darker and more dangerous sort of bullying at the hands of her father. It is up to Lewis once again to rescue her, redeeming himself through tremendous courage and terrible sacrifice. And perhaps Kit holds the power to rescue him, too.

There are so many times in this book where you will say, out loud, “Oh God no, this can’t be happening. No way.” You will become desperate with anxiety for them. You will want to leap into the pages to be with them. Please, PLEASE go pick up this book and read it yourself. It is a torturous romance to the core. And for the love of all that is good in this world, PLEASE turn this book into a movie.

Read it, fall in love with it, then write me. I can't wait to hear what you think of it too.

Unplug

2010-03-10T10:16:00.004-07:00

Have you ever tried to kick your caffeine habit? Have you ever tried to leave your cell phone and computer at home when you go on vacation? I am attempting to do both. Recently, under a doctor’s recommendation, I have been advised to kick my caffeine addiction. I never really drank a ton of coffee I just really enjoy my one or two cups in the morning during the week day and my three or four cups on the weekends. The first week was the roughest. Honestly, I wanted to rip out of my own skin and start scaling the walls. I didn’t realize how addicted I was until I was forced to stop. I’ve never been a smoker but I imagine it’s kind of the same feeling. I’m on to caffeine free tea now. It’s a substitute I will have to live with for awhile. Oh coffee, I love you and I miss you…sigh. I’m not breaking up with you…we’re just on a break. Wait for me.

I’m taking a holiday soon and on this holiday I have decided to unplug completely. What does that mean? Well, I’ve decided I will not take my blackberry with me (A.K.A. my lifeline to the rest of the world) and I will not be checking email. This is a completely crazy and ridiculous concept but I know I can do it. I imagine I will want to rip out of my skin and scale the walls on the first day but after that I will be fine. I can’t tell you how thoroughly excited I am to completely unplug. To not feel responsible to call or write anyone back. To not care about what’s going on with the rest of the world. I’ve also decided I will not wear a watch. I will eat when I’m hungry and sleep when I’m tired. I can’t tell you how pumped I am to slip into this fantasy world. Clappy jumps and Über bingo indeed.

While prepping for this unplug I started to make a playlist full of Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Ryan Adams, Dave Matthews Band, Paolo Nutini, Ray LaMontagne, Jeff Buckley, Eddie Vedder, Kings of Leon and Damien Rice. All tunes that pick you up and float you away to better places. All tunes that remind you of what and who is important to you. All tunes that will be the soundtrack to the memories I will make.

See you when the music stops.

Burn One Down by Ben Harper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyk2-ezzE4U

Über Bingo

2010-03-09T11:11:00.002-07:00

Yes, there were many great Oscar speeches but honestly, the only two words from any speech of the night which I will remember are ‘Über Bingo’. That’s what Best Supporting Actor Christoph Waltz said when he took to the stage to accept his statue. Über Bingo because not only did he win the Oscar but he had Penelope Cruz present it to him. Yes, that would be an Über bingo indeed. A few months back I blogged about how much I hated this guy and only because I hated his character in Inglorious Basterds so much. This is the reason we all hated him and this is the reason why he won. He was so good at acting as this total Nazi asshole we believed him. His Über bingo comment made me love him. See, I don’t hold grudges. I can turn hate into love.

I’d say all of the actors who took home Oscars were expected to win. The biggest/best upset of the night was the little movie that could hauling ass for best picture and best director. Yes, I’m talking about The Hurt Locker and the first female director ever to win an Oscar, Katherine Bigalow. How great was that? That was like the mom and pop burger joint crushing sales over McDonalds. In this case McDonalds was Avatar and The Hurt Locker was the mom and pop shop. Did you know The Hurt Locker was supposed to go straight to DVD? Nobody would pick it up to until Summit stepped in. Another brilliant move on Summit’s part. I loved The Hurt Locker…if you haven’t seen it, watch it.

The most awkward and embarrassing moment of the night can also be known as ‘Kanye round 2’ when the co-producer for Best Documentary Short winner ‘Music by Prudence’ pulled the mic away from the director and started on a ridiculous rant. What an idiot. Who let this loony tune in? Seriously. On the plus side, at least everyone knows she’s a crazy bag of hammers and hopefully she won’t be invited to anything else. Here’s the click if you feel like cringing through it: http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/b170772_best_oscar_drama_interrupted_prudence.html

If you’re interested in checking out all the dresses from the Oscars then click here: http://www.popsugar.com/Photos-From-Red-Carpet-2010-Oscars-7660596

Another award season has come and gone. Now we must prepare for the spring/summer blockbusters. On my list – Robin Hood, Eclipse, Iron Man 2, Prince of Persia, The Last Airbender

I hope you have an Über Bingo moment today!

Oscar Weekend

2010-03-05T16:27:00.002-07:00

If you didn’t know it, the Oscars are this Sunday. I have been waiting for this day since last March. I love the Oscars. Everyone pulls out their best for the Oscars and Hollywood Glam is at a high point.

So a co-worker of mine printed off an ‘Oscar prediction’ sheet for a number of us and we all filled it out based on who we thought would win for each category. Kind of a pool type thing except we didn’t bet money on it, only bragging rights. As far as pop culture trivia goes, I am the queen of this game at work. Naming movies and missing actors would be my strong point. I have no idea why my brain stores this information but it does. I’m hoping the point to all this storing will show itself someday. I guess I’ll just keep waiting for that.

So I filled out my predictions sheet, passed it in and now I’m having a bit of prediction remorse/anxiety, whatever you want to call it. I’m just not sure about some of the categories. Lead actor – that’s a toughie. I marked George Clooney but now I’m leaning towards Jeremy Renner. I think Christopher Waltz from Inglorious Basterds is a shoe in for best supporting actor. As for leading actress I went with a wild card, one whom I really hope wins, Carey Mulligan. I’m rooting for her. I struggled with best supporting actress as well. I mean I LOVED Anna Kendrick in Up in the Air and she deserves the nomination but I think it might go to Maggie Gyllenhaal. As for Best Picture, I’m pretty much with the rest of the world right not teetering between Avatar and The Hurt Locker. Loved them both so much and in totally different ways. I’m going to be on the edge of my seat on Sunday – covered by my favorite blanket, nachos in hand with a fruit smoothie.

View a full list of this years nominees here: http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/82/nominees.html

I’ll be sure to post a recap next week.

Enjoy your date with Oscar!

Designer Shades

2010-03-03T09:36:00.006-07:00

I never cared much for designer sunglasses. I mean, I thought they were cool, and would love to have them, but I could never bring myself to spending the money on them. Instead I would settle for the cheaper knock off versions, knowing I would scratch the hell out of the lenses, break off the arms, lose the screws and eventually forget them somewhere anyway. Last year I decided I was old enough to take on the responsibility of having a nice pair of sunglasses and realized that maybe I let my former sunglasses engage in such battle wounds because I always saw them as easy causalities. I figured they were cheap to begin with so who cares. Terrible on my part, I know. Anyhow, I got the idea in my mind that I wanted designer sunglasses and when I get an idea in my head I basically obsess about it until I get it or accomplish it. It’s part of the whole ‘type A’ personality thing. At times it can be ridiculous and exhausting but for the most part I’m left with a feeling a satisfaction. I run off the whole ‘goal must be achieved’ notion. Wow, that digression was rather deviated wasn’t it?

Back to the sunglasses. I went to the sunglass store last spring and made the big step to purchase my very first pair of designer sunglasses. They were brown (actually I think they call the color tortoise) Dolce and Gabana’s. Very glam. Loved them. I should have been satisfied, right? Wrong. Instead I just wanted more. I wanted a cool, funky pair and a trendy pair and a sporty pair. Naturally I became obsessed with checking out designs, colors, brands – imagining which ones I would buy if I had a money tree in my back yard. This built up for about a month and I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to get myself another pair. This time they would be Red framed Ray Ban Wayfarers. Shit they are cool. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Instead of getting them from the sunglass store, I went to my optometrist and they ordered them for me for considerably less cash.

I’ve let my sunglass obsession brew for a few months now and it’s almost to the point where I can’t take it anymore. I have the next pair in sight. I know what I want. I dream about these sunglasses. Honestly. Giant pairs of them chase me in my dreams screaming, “buy me, try me on, we’ll look so good on you.” I think it’s time to give in again. This time I want silver Ray Ban Aviators. The small ones. The big lenses make me look like a cricket or something. I don’t know. I think I have a small face.

Anyway, I found a sunglass store outlet and hopefully I can pick them up at a decent discount. To go along with the sunglasses I plan on picking up a black bikini then setting myself down on the beach in Maui. Yes Aviator sunglasses, you do look good on me.

Testing the Waters

2010-03-02T11:50:00.004-07:00

It was inevitable. It had to happen. Millions of girls all over the world willed this to happen. I’m sure they believe their prayers in unison finally made this happen. That’s right. Kristen Stewart showed up at the Remember Me premiere last night in NYC. The reason girls all over the world are rejoicing today is because the lead in Remember Me is the world’s most famous imaginary boyfriend, Robert Pattinson, and if he can’t be with them, then he must be with Kristen and only Kristen. I get it. She’s his Bella, he’s her Edward. She’s badass and he’s the hottest piece of property. I’m happy he’s with her and not some no-name supermodel.

Anyway, Robert is back on US soil to promote Remember Me, his first ‘real’ movie following the enormous success of the Twilight Saga films. This movie was filmed in NYC this past summer on a break between the filming of New Moon and Eclipse. Early reviews are in and they said Robert P. did a fantastic job on this film. You won’t see ‘Edward’ when you watch it. This is a good thing. He is steering away from the ‘one hit wonder’ track and towards the ‘legit actor’ track. Kristen is already there. It would be impossible for Kristen to be a one hit wonder. Seriously…she is one of the most uniquely individual people in the business. She wears what she wants, says what she wants, hangs out with only the people she likes….she is fierce. I love it.

Kristen showing up at the Remember Me premiere last night was a huge surprise. Nobody expected it although everyone secretly hoped for it and she delivered. No, they didn’t pose together on the red carpet…I doubt they ever will…they’ll be like Gwyneth and Chris…together but not together. This week has been quite the week for “Robsten” – yes, that’s what the kids call them. They first attended the BAFTAs together. Of course they didn’t sit together. Then they were seen leaving the after party together – same car. Could have been a slip up – like the holding hands walking to the airplane in France – or if could have been a ‘who gives a frig’ moment. Apparently they were both seen pub crawling around London together last week. Finally they showed up together at the NYC airport on Friday night. Good on them. Have some fun.

Next stop! Kristen will be heading to the West Coast to be a presenter at the Oscars this Sunday, March 7th with the wolf, Taylor Lautner. Robert is not expected to attend but maybe it will be his turn to surprise us. After Robert finishes up his quick US promotional tour for Remember Me, he’ll be heading back to London to resume filming on Bel Ami.

Kristen and Rob seem to be testing the waters. Feeling it out to see how freaked out people get seeing them together. In the midst of twilight hype I would have guessed the water would have been scalding. Too hot to even dip your toe in. But now, after the storm, in the middle of the calm before the next storm, the waters are lukewarm. Comfortable enough to walk in and slowly submerge your body. They'll get out before their skin wrinkles and leave us all wondering again.

Here is the trailer for Remember Me. It opens this weekend. I’m sure it’s going to make a killing at the box office: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/summit/rememberme/

Here are some pictures from last night’s NYC premiere: http://www.popsugar.com/Photos-Robert-Pattinson-Kristen-Stewart-Remember-Me-Premiere-NYC-7589052

Music Pimping - Paolo Nutini

2010-02-23T08:11:00.004-07:00

Love this guy. First of all he’s Scottish. I don’t even have to go any farther. You love him already, don’t you? Who doesn’t love a Scottish guy? Run into a Scot and you’ll be sure to down a few pints, enjoy a few laughs, hear some great stories, listen to a few tunes and maybe, just maybe find yourself in the middle of a brawl. Sounds like fun, eh? Ah yes, for me it sounds like home. Other great things about Scotland? Scotch, men in kilts, Gerard Butler, St. Andrews Golf Course, Haggis, Ewan McGregor, wicked cool accents, bagpipes and the one you must never leave out...Braveheart. Now you can add Paolo Nutini to the list of all the great things about Scotland.

I know what you’re thinking. Shouldn't his name be Angus or Dougal because Paolo Nutini doesn’t sound like a very Scottish name. It’s the crazy phenomenon which occurs when you see a person from one ethnic background then hear them speak in an accent which doesn’t match their looks at all. It blows my mind every single time. I love it. Have you seen the Starburst ‘contradiction’ commercial with the Asian bagpiper sporting a Scottish twang? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHgo4tPIjvk

Well here is the explanation. Paolo Nutini’s father is of Italian descent but his family has been in Scotland for four generations.

The first time I heard Paolo was after a repeat performance on Austin City Limits. I’m sure I heard his tunes before on one of the many shows they appeared on, but it wasn’t until the ACL performance that I took notice. Actually it was my music pimp, a.k.a. my husband, who noticed him and passed on the likeness to me. The first song set to repeat was ‘Rewind.’ Fantastic compilation of music, lyrics and voice to create the “man that’s a wicked song” feeling. Here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vylvoD-ZZk

If you are interested in watching the Austin City Limits performance, please click here: http://austincitylimits.org/typography/eps/item/root/3307-paolo-nutini-grupo-fantasma See a live performance by Paolo Nutini has been added to my "Things to do before I die" list and yes, it is a must.

Feeling the need to dip into my library and pull out a few slightly used goodies, I came upon my Paolo tracks and have fallen in love all over again. Right now I’m very much digging White Lies, Loving you and Autumn from his “These Streets” album. These are the songs that make you want to lie in the middle of your floor, headphones on, eyes closed, soaking it all in. Isn’t it remarkable when music can bring you clarity and understanding? When I wikipedia’d him I was surprised to learn he was only 23 years old. It amazes me when such youth has experienced life in such great depths to write so truthfully and honestly delivering a sweet innocence meshed perfectly with a soulfulness. It’s the true expression of an old soul. It’s a beautiful thing.

Here are some links.

White Lies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muJlVnOXjOE

Loving You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHvkyP_L3CM

Autumn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGBDXR3EPjE

Have a listen. It’ll be a nice surprise.

Friday Wrap Up

2010-02-19T11:48:00.003-07:00

It’s Friday!!! I am still obsessing over Lunik. I’m trying to come up with my favorite songs from all of their albums to create a ‘Lunik Genius Wicked Album’. I have the chills just thinking about the awesomeness that is to be. I still have the YouTube page open with K.D. Lang’s Hallelujah performance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_NpxTWbovE – goose bumps – check and yes, I still want a pair of Christian Louboutin heels. These ones to be specific: http://www.christianlouboutincom.com/christian-louboutin-black-patent-leather-pigalle-pumps-p-242.html

The BAFTA’s (British Academy Film Television Arts) are this weekend in London. Here is the full list of nominees http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/01/21/the-2010-bafta-nominations/ . I really hope Carey Mulligan and Colin Firth take home awards this weekend. My sister in law lives in London. Am I jealous? Yes. Ridiculously jealous. I would be on celebrity high alert if I was her. She, on the other hand, wouldn’t recognize a celebrity if she tripped over them, yet somehow she ends up at wicked cool events, hob knobbing with the best of em. FML

After taking a five year break from Survivor I decided to tune in last night. My favorite reality TV show character ever is Boston Rob. I heard he was on this season’s “Hero’s vs. Villains” Survivor and decided to give it a go. Loved Boston Rob on his first Survivor appearance. Loved Boston Rob in Survivor All Stars, Loved Boston Rob on the Amazing Race and I have to say the Love for Boston Rob is still there. Boston Rob is a hard working, no bull, straight shooter and his wicked Boston accent doesn’t hurt. I hope he wins this season. As long as Boston Rob is on the show I will watch….but after that, I’m out.

I’m going to use the rest of this post to give you a bit of a celebrity news update.

Today Tiger Woods took to the airwaves to apologize for his “foolish” behavior. Whatevs…get back to playing golf and remember that your wife is the woman most men can only ever dream of hooking up with so stop douching it with the skanks.

It was announced yesterday that Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner will be presenters at this year’s Oscars, which will air live on Sunday, March 7th on ABC. No word yet on the presence of our favorite vampire Robert Pattinson.

It was made public this week that Nicole Richie and Joel Madden are officially engaged. Apparently they have been for awhile but news only broke this week. Two kids, long term relationship, charities, yes…this is definitely a good thing. Congrats to them.

Brad and Angelina’s rarely seen twins were photographed this week in Venice. The Jolie-Pitts will stay put for the next three months while Angelina begins work on a film with Johnny Depp. Little Knox and Vivienne are just a gorgeous and the original chosen one, ‘Shiloh.’

Ask and you shall receive…maybe…if enough people become fans of your facebook group. That’s what the folks rooting behind Betty White to host an upcoming SNL are hoping for. I’ll admit it…it would probably be a funny show. That lady is funny. Did you see her at the Critic’s Choice Award? Balls.

Robert Pattinson’s Details Magazine cover and article were also released this week. The photo shoot is….interesting. He thinks it resembles an 80’s porn type of scene….some of the pics are pretty hot. The article is kind of weird…I don’t know, I think this dude needs a vacation…have a read and take a look. http://www.details.com/celebrities-entertainment/cover-stars/201003/twilight-star-actor-robert-pattinson-remember-me

Have a great weekend!

Visualize, Visualize, Visualize

2010-02-18T08:11:00.003-07:00

I have this re-occurring dream that runs through my mind daily/nightly. It’s not a normal dream which happens by accident each night while I’m unconsciously sleeping. No. This is a dream I whip up myself while at stop lights or making dinner. I’m one of those people who organize their dreams. Have I lost you yet? I’ll explain.

On most nights, unless I’m too exhausted to think, I’ll pre plan what I’m going to think about before I fall asleep. I know, it’s like control freak to the next level. So usually I’ll set the stage – where my dream is going to take place – geographical location and venue. Then the outfit – what cute, sexy, glam item of clothing will I wear which everyone, naturally will think I look amazing in – it’s my dream – I’m allowed to do this – then I’ll pick the characters – Will it involved people I already know or will it be actors, musicians, random famous people? Seriously, I should put all of this thinking to good use and write a book or a screenplay or something.

So the dream that I return to the most is the one where I am at some sort of awards show or Film Festival. Depending on my mood, and the time of year it could be the Oscars, SAG’s, Golden Globes, Cannes International Film Festival…whatever you get the point. Sometimes I’m just attending and sometimes I’m the underdog nobody expected to win accepting an award. My speech is brilliant by the way. I rehearse this all the time as well. I’m always dressed in a black strapless designer dress – snugly fit from my chest to my knees and the best part is the shoes. The dream is worth it for the shoes. I don’t know if I’ll ever own a pair of these shoes in my actual life so I’m forced to enjoy them in my dreams. What shoe could possible do this to me? Classic Christian Louboutin black pumps with their signature red soles. Good Lord they’re a sexy shoe. I would work those shoes. This is the epitome of shoe porn for me. I would take one hundred blisters on my feet just to wear those shoes for one night then I would go to sleep with them on. I normally have a rule about no outside clothes allowed in bed, but these shoes would be the exception.

I completely see myself at one of these events at some point in my life, dressed in a similar outfit to what I dreamt of then waking up the next morning with the shoes still on. Visualize, visualize, visualize. It’s a technique I’m working on and have been working on for years. If you see it and believe it, it will happen. I think Oprah had a show about this once.

I don’t think this blog really has a point, which is why it's filed under 'random'. I just felt the need to purge. I am completely quirky, weird and uniquely me and if I do ever end up at an awards show someday, outfitted in a black strapless designer dress and quivering over the Louboutin heels supporting my feet, then I’ll look back on this blog happy to know the visualizing worked. Remember the whole “If you build it they will come” quote from Field of Dreams? Ya, I’m kinda going with that.

New Music - Lunik

2010-02-17T08:34:00.003-07:00

As promised, I have a new discovery to pimp out to you. I have a co-worker from Germany and his buddies from back home often hook him up with wicked new tunes and because he knows how much I love new music he usually shares with me.

Last week he hooked me up with a new album from a band out of Switzerland. Although they are new to me, they are not a new band. They’ve actually been around since 1997. Their name is Lunik and the group consists of three dudes and one chick. The chick is the lead singer. Normally I’m not a huge fan of bands whose lead singer is female. I’m not 100% sure why I’m like this. I guess I prefer the deeper voice of a male singer. The deepness feels like it reaches my core and gives me a full bodied experience. But this lead singer is sublime….seriously sublime.

I hit play on the first song without holding any expectations. I prefer to be surprised. It started soft and slow, with the singers voice sweetly lamenting to lost love in the background, then it hits you. Not so much the power of the music, but the power of the lyrics. I listened to the entire album in sequence and by the end of it I felt strange…in a good way. Strange because the lyrics were so deeply personal I felt as if I’d just finished reading someone’s diary. Most of the lyrics follow a theme of new and lost love, all thoughts or actions which many of us have experience. That’s what makes this album deeply personal, allowing each listener to draw their own personal connections. You’ll actually pause for a moment wondering if the lyrics where somehow written for you, delivering a message to you. When you listen you can see the movie of your life playing in your mind. Don’t you love it when music does that to you? God I do.

This is one of those albums that you’ll listen to without skipping a single track. Frig, I love finding albums like this one, when you are perfectly satisfied with each song and how it was compiled. It just makes sense. It’s definitely a melancholy album so don’t listen to it hoping to feel uplifted in any way. Expect to let go, become lost and do some deep thinking.

The new album is called ‘Small Lights in the Dark,’ which is such a perfect name. Listen to the album. You’ll understand what I mean. Check out their website here: http://lunik.com/

My favorite song on the album is the first track ‘Everything Means Nothing’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2fpwnUc0cs

Recommended listening strategy for this song: Headphones on, lay on the floor, close your eyes, press play…enjoy your 4 minute and 58 second escape.

Are you listening to any new sounds? Please share them with me. I love finding new-to-me tracks.

Hallelujah Indeed

2010-02-16T09:15:00.005-07:00

I have been so out of touch lately. I apologize. I miss my blogging. As you know, one of my favorite things to do is think. Think, think, think. So, while I have been so busy, I have been stockpiling blog posts. I have so many movie reviews to share with you and new artist to pimp out. I’m excited. In the midst of the chaos which sometimes is known as ‘my life’, I take refuge in movies and music. Music helps me think and movies help me forget. I become equally lost in both worlds, a place where the lines of reality and reverie are lost. But for today, we’re starting with this. Thank God, Heaven’s Above, Hallelujah Indeed.

Did you watch the 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies on Friday? Here are my top three moments. K.D. Lang, K.D. Lang and K.D. Lang.

When the camera focused in on the barefoot songstress dressed in white cocooned by the orange glow of simulated candles (plastic flashlights made to look like candles) held by the audience and the first note broke through the silence, I was moved.

My god….that performance was perfection delivered in the form of music. It was intensely haunting, perfectly pitched, gracefully delivered all while being wrapped in soulfulness and truth. It was one of those performances that picks you up and carries you away with each note. K.D. Lang’s voice fused together so perfectly with the instruments, the audience, the ambiance. Everything molded into one. I can only imagine what it must have felt like to be there.

After talking to my Gramma…yes my Gramma, I found out that K.D. Lang has recently released a new CD. It’s titled “Recollection” and yes it’s true, Hallelujah is a feature song on the track list. If you weren’t a fan of K.D. Lang before you are now. If you didn’t know of K.D. Lang before, you do now. She is a talent far too great to be missed.

The original video from the opening ceremonies has been impossible to find on YouTube. Here is a live version she performed back in 2005: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_NpxTWbovE

Watch her get into it. It’s amazing. You literally witness this singer become the music, as if she herself is a note dancing on the sheet of music. It’s beautiful, it’s profound, It’s the reason I love music.

Enjoy!

Listen to This

2010-02-02T13:08:00.005-07:00

I had great intentions of writing a blog each day however my life had other plans and it seems to be steamrolling over me. Using the word ‘busy’ to describe my current state is a seriously grotesque understatement. Most days I forget what day of the week or which month of the year it is. The only thing I know is that it’s winter; I know this because it’s cold and dark. Frick……Please don’t let me wake up one day and wonder where the last ten years of my life went.

Anyway, in times like this I look to music to keep me going. This song I’m about to introduce you to was the 2010 FIFA World Cup Anthem. I don’t watch football (soccer) however this song made me want to see a game live. I’ve heard the crowds/fans at these are just off the wall and something to experience in your life…actually that’s a good idea, I think I’ll add this to the things I want to accomplish in my life.

The singer goes by K’naan and he’s a hugely talented Somalian/Canadian Dude. His sound is uniquely fantastic with a mix of reggae, hip hop, African type feel. This song in particular makes me want to dance foolishly in a crowd of strangers. It makes me happy. It makes me feel like we can get along with everyone….can’t we?

The song is called Wavin’ Flag and its lyrics are empowering. Have a read, then take a listen.

When I get older, they'll call me freedom
Just like a Waving Flag.

[Chorus]
When I get older, I will be stronger,
They'll call me freedom, just like a Waving Flag,
And then it goes back, and then it goes back,
And then it goes back

Born to a throne, stronger than Rome
but Violent prone, poor people zone,
But it's my home, all I have known,
Where I got grown, streets we would roam.
But out of the darkness, I came the farthest,
Among the hardest survival.
Learn from these streets, it can be bleak,
Except no defeat, surrender retreat,

So we struggling, fighting to eat and
We wondering when we'll be free,
So we patiently wait, for that fateful day,
It's not far away, so for now we say

[Chorus]

So many wars, settling scores,
Bringing us promises, leaving us poor,
I heard them say, love is the way,
Love is the answer, that's what they say,
But look how they treat us, Make us believers,
We fight their battles, then they deceive us,
Try to control us, they couldn't hold us,
Cause we just move forward like Buffalo Soldiers.

But we struggling, fighting to eat,
And we wondering, when we'll be free
So we patiently wait, for that faithful day,
It's not far away, but for now we say,

[Chorus] 2x

(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And everybody will be singing it
(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And you and I will be singing it
(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And we all will be singing it
(Ohhh Ohh Ohh Ohh)

[Chorus] 2x

When I get older, when I get older
I will be stronger, just like a Waving Flag,
Just like a Waving Flag, just like a Waving flag
Flag, flag, Just like a Waving Flag

Genius eh?

Take a listen the World Cup version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syjqTV4Ubag
This is the version that makes you want to be friends with everyone.

The original is called Wavin’ Flag and has become a sort of anthem of strength and courage for the people of Haiti: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC8V8S_REhk&feature=related
This is the version that makes you want to change the world.

I hope this keeps you going a bit longer today too :)

Until Next Time.

One Year No Radio

2010-01-26T11:02:00.008-07:00

This week I’m celebrating my one year anniversary living without music radio. That’s right…I said celebrating. Don’t get me wrong, I still listen to music, and plenty of it…but since I removed the radio from my daily routine I am no longer bombarded with contests, terribly annoying advertisements, songs on far too high of a rotation or over the top excessive radio personalities. I do listen to the news radio station but only to receive traffic updates and road reports. Other than that…my life has been freed from it.

I spend a lot of time in my car. A LOT. This is because I live in the burbs and have no choice but to commute. Honestly, I don’t mind the commute. It’s my ‘me’ time in the day. It’s the time when I do my best thinking. Good thinking requires music. Because music has the ability to make you think deeper. I love deep thinking. It’s cathartic.

There was a time when the radio was very much needed. When the internet didn't exist. When the only way you could hear a new song was from the AM frequency or the ALL American Bandstand show. But today we have the ability to be our own DJ.

So, what do I do without the radio you ask? Well, I went old school and started making mixed CD’s again. Remember those. They came after mixed tapes and before iPods. I now have an addiction to making mixed CD’s. There are piles of them in the arm rest of my vehicle, in the drawers of my desk and on the CD racks in my house. I like to tell myself it’s a healthy addiction. I wish all car manufacturers had iPod adapters.Seriously...what's taking so long? This is 2010. iPod's have been out for how many years???With no sign of going away...EVER.

Most people I tell this to say I should invest in satellite radio to avoid the constant ads and annoying personalities. Yes, that is an option but here is my problem. I will not be guaranteed that I will LOVE every song that comes on the satellite radio. When I take music listening into my own hands I give myself that guarantee. I’m a stickler for routine…fear of the unknown, living life on the safe side. Why? I don’t like to mess with a good thing. I’m the kind of person who drives the same route every day, signaling into the appropriate lanes and the same point. I leave for work at the same time each morning after giving myself exactly 20 minutes to shower and get dressed then 12 minutes to eat my breakfast. I know I will be fine if I break the routine…but it’s hard. The thought of it gives me anxiety. Oh God help me one of you.

I challenge you to break free from the radio. Bring back the mixed CD, mixed playlist, whatever you want to call it. Love music again because you really love it and not because someone else wants you to hear it. Go on MySpace and Youtube to find new bands, new sounds. Search message boards and other blogs. The world is missing out on some seriously untapped, fantastically talented artists all because their music doesn’t play on the radio.

Here are some non radio alternatives for you to find and listen to:

Bon Iver
Jeff Buckley
Damien Rice
Ray LaMontagne
Thirteen Senses
SIA
Elliott Brood
Paolo Nutini
The Shins
Iron & Wine

Welcome to the better side!

Sundance Film Festival

2010-01-24T15:03:00.006-07:00

I have been in Salt Lake City a few times while the Sundance International Film Festival was taking place in the nearby mountain town of Park City, Utah. I never took the drive up to Park City during the festival. I’m sure it would be chaos. A wicked fun chaos to say the least. When there isn’t anything special going on, Park City is a pretty cool mountain town. I can definitely see the appeal.

Unfortunately I have always been there on business…never pleasure. And each time I was accompanied by middle aged business men, which means they have no idea or no care for movie stars. I on the other hand was salivating at the mouth each time I came so close but so far away.

Being at the airport during the festival was the closest I came to seeing what it was like. Terminal restaurants were packed with reporters, critics and other actors (mind you the not so famous ones). Of course I would eavesdrop on their conversations. I loved being a part of the illusion of it all.

This year’s Sundance Film Festival kicked off on Thursday and runs until next Sunday. There are so many wicked movies premiering this week. If I was there, the one I would be the most pumped to see would be ‘Hesher,’ which stars two of my favs, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Natalie Portman.

Kristen Stewart is there this weekend promoting two upcoming films. “Welcome to the Riley’s,” where she portrays a stripper / pole dancer and ‘The Runaways,” co-starring Dakota Fanning. It’s a biopic of the 70’s female rock group fronted by Joan Jett.

Robert Redford began this festival back in 1978 to bring awareness to Utah, since he was a resident of the state. Now it’s the world's largest showcase for independent film.

You might be surprised to know that the following films emerged during the Sundance International Film Festival in previous years.
• American Splendor (2003)
• The Squid and the Whale (2005)
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
• Frozen River (2008)
• Precious (2009)
• An Education (2009)

Check out the festivals webpage here: http://festival.sundance.org/2010/ You’ll find pictures from events, premieres, Q&A’s over the past few days.

You can find a full list of screenings here: http://sundance.bside.com/2010/schedule/day/city/Park%2BCity

Attending a film festival is on my list of things to do in my life. Ideally it would be TIFF, Cannes or Sundance. Here’s to hoping that happens one day.

Hope for Haiti

2010-01-22T20:32:00.004-07:00

I’m watching the Hope for Haiti telethon right now and I am moved by the collective efforts of the world. In moments such as this one I feel great hope for humanity. We can unite not only in times of need but in love, in hope, in faith. In times such as this, race and social class disappear uniting us as part of the human race, as brothers and sisters who share this great earth. We have a duty and a responsibility to protect each other, to help each other, to support each other not only in times of great distress but always.

The musical talents represented on this telethon are phenomenal. You can purchase all of tonight’s performances on itunes…itunes/Haiti

Haiti will need your help for years to come. Every little bit helps. You can help. Please don't forget about them.

Thank you for opening your hearts to others.

http://www.hopeforhaiti.com/
www.canadaforhaiti.com

George, great job pulling your famous friends together.
Here is a slideshow of pictures from the telethon: http://www.popsugar.com/Photos-Celebrities-George-Clooneys-Help-Haiti-Telethon-7137825

Thank you World. I'm Proud of You!

Golden Moments from the Globes

2010-01-18T10:53:00.007-07:00

Of course I watched the Golden Globes last night. I fully expect to be sitting in that room someday. I have no idea how, but it will happen.

I love the Golden Globes because of the set up. Everyone is casually eating dinner while receiving awards, listening to acceptance speeches and getting sloshed from endless glasses of champagne. There is a lot of table jumping too. Did you see Julia Roberts do a tradesies with someone at Sir Paul McCartney’s table to get a quick chat in with him? It was a golden moment.
I also love the Golden Globes because it combines Television and Movies…see they can be friends.

Ok, first let’s talk about the dresses. OMG I had an instant girl crush on Jennifer Aniston or rather Jennifer Aniston’s right leg, the moment she walked onto the stage in that black number. http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/01/18/article-1244083-07E6618B000005DC-186_306x727.jpg It was a definite F You statement to the men who screwed her over throughout the years. Yes, she’s still got it. Keep flaunting it Jennifer.

Can we talk about that ridiculous hip accessory attached to Drew Barrymore dress? http://cdn.buzznet.com/media-cdn/jj1/headlines/2010/01/drew-barrymore-golden-globes-2010-red-carpet.jpg Boobs up she looked gorgeous. Loved the hair, loved the makeup, hated the weirdness going on at her waist. At least if her right arm got tired it had a nice place to take a rest. Her acceptance speech was a little of the wall. I completely get that she was overwhelmed with excitement, but the word which came to mind when I was watching her was “Strung” as in completely strung out.

Next monstrosity which needs to be discussed was Chloe Sevigny’s dress. What was that? http://media.nj.com/entertainment_impact_celebrities/photo/chloe-sevigny-golden-globesjpg-a06637c44caa4355_large.jpg Oh god, it scares me just to look at. It’s like it’s about to eat her. Run Chloe, run.

There were loads of hits and misses last night. I’m not going to talk about all of them. You can see them here and pick your favs: http://www.popsugar.com/7082852

Let’s talk about the Golden Moments.

Robert Downey Junior, hands down, had the best acceptance speech. I tried to find it on YouTube but all the clips have been removed. He basically said, “I’m the star, I’m not thanking anyone, without me this movie would have been crap.” It was awesome.

Meryl Streep (A.K.A. T-Bone Streep) gave a dizzy but touching speech. Sometimes I wonder about her. Like maybe she took one too many valiums mixed with the right amount of Champaign. Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjYQXD5CuOY

Most touching acceptance speech was given by Mo’Nique for her best supporting role in ‘Precious’. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yam2BFC0rrA She graciously and eloquently experienced her dream last night. It was moving to watch.

It would be impossible for me not to mention this one. Glee won for best comedy TV series. YAY Glee. I’m so proud of my little show that could. Many clappy jumps were performed when they announced Glee as the winner and the acceptance speech from Ryan Murphy was superb. “This is for all those kids in high school who received wedgies.” Yes, loved it. Why? Because geeks rule the universe.

Here is a full list of the winners. I wish Up in The Air won more. Here’s to holding out for the Oscars.

Best Motion Picture, Drama - Avatar
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama - Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama - Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy - Meryl Streep, Julie and Julia
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy - Robert Downey, Jr., Sherlock Holmes
Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical - The Hangover
Best Television Series, Comedy or Musical - Glee
Best Director, Motion Picture - James Cameron, Avatar
Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture - Christoph Waltz, Inglorious Basterds
Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture - Mo’Nique, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Chloe Sevigny, Big Love
Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - John Lithgow, Dexter
Best Television Series, Drama - Mad Men
Best Foreign Language Film - The White Ribbon
Best Actor in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical - Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Best Actress in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical - Toni Collette, United States of Tara
Best Screenplay - Motion Picture - Up in the Air, Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner
Best Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Drew Barrymore, Grey Gardens
Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance
Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Grey Gardens
Best Actress in a Television Series, Drama - Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Best Actor in a Television Series, Drama - Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Best Animated Feature Film - Up

George is Calling in the Troops

2010-01-15T11:26:00.003-07:00

In times of such catastrophes the world’s celebrities put their high profiles to good use as they band together to bring awareness to those most in need. To those who have lost everything and everyone. To those to hold onto their own life with the tiniest thread of hope. They did it for the 2006 Tsunami and again for after Hurricane Katrina and now they will do what they can to raise funds towards the Haitian Earthquake relief fund. A devastation so vast it has left the world saturated with grief and heartache.

George Clooney is heading up this effort by staging a star studded telethon to air on MTV, January 22nd. Other celebrities haven’t been named yet but apparently Clooney has been reaching out to the most influential individuals in the industry and I’m sure anyone he asks will jump at the chance to help. I can guess that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will have something to do with it. Along with Wyclef Jean who has already raised millions of dollars towards the relief efforts. Rumors are swirling that George is asking Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner to lend their support as well.

The world’s best in search & rescue, medical aid and military personnel have already descended upon Port-au-Prince to assist in the massive rescue and recovery efforts and the citizens of the world have responded with great haste sending millions of their own dollars to help in any way they can. It’s impossible not to feel helpless when something like this happens. To wish you could somehow do more.
Please donate if you can. These people need help in the most desperate way. Let them know the rest of the world hasn’t forgotten about them. Show them that we will rally round them. Be the light that shines in someone else’s darkest hour.

The telethon is expected to air Jan. 22 on all MTV Networks - which include VH1, Comedy Central and CMT - as well as on ABC, NBC, HBO and CNN.

HIMYM

2010-01-12T10:46:00.010-07:00

Do you know what that stands for? If you don’t then you’re missing out on one of the best shows on television. HIMYM stands for How I Met Your Mother. The only thing you need to know about this show is that it stars Neil Patrick Harris and Jason Segel. AWESOME, I know.

Neil Patrick Harris (who grew up as the child doctor known as Doogie Howser – you have the synthesizer theme song playing in your head right now don’t you?) plays a womanizing, suit loving character named Barney Stinson whose life goal is to be “AWESOME”. You love it already…I can tell. He is my favorite character on the show. I would gladly accept a Barney Stinson spin off. Check out the all time best Barney Stinson lines here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQTCUU4N7DU This character is so amazing he even has his own book. It’s called the bro code. I’m a chick and I own this book. It’s basically the bible for dudes. It’s a guide to awesomeness.

Let’s talk about Jason Segel for a minute. I had myself a mini Jason Segel marathon the other day, more by accident then by choice. I Love You Man was playing on the movie network followed by Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Best line from I Love You Man? Slappin Da Bass http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2alBPk2gkPo
You know you’re going to be saying that all day, right?

Here is a bit of trivia for you. Did you know that Jason Segel wrote the screenplay to Forgetting Sarah Marshall? So good. I love that movie. I can watch it over and over again and never get sick of it. I’m pretty sure I could recite most lines in the movie. Best scene in that movie is Russell Brand’s rendition of Inside of You. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHBMfmCc2EM Check out his stellar dance moves at the 1:04 mark. GOLD! Russell Brand you are my new hero.

But the best performance hands down was Peter's (A.K.A. Jason's) rendition of Dracula the musical. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ZtwbzUFZE You just went pee pee in your pants, didn't you?

More Trivia, Jason Segel is only turning 30 next week. Crazy. I thought he’d be older than thirty. He is part of the next generation funny pack which includes Seth Rogan, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann (who is married to Judd Apatow – the genius behind the funny pack), Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Bill Hader, Kristen Wigg…seriously can I please be invited to a party with these people. Crap, now I want to go home and watch Knocked up, Superbad and 40 Year Old Virgin. Damn these people are funny. I want in!

I just learned today that a spoof movie is currently in the works titled "The 41 Year Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall and Felt Superbad About It". Here are the details: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1498870/ It has awesome potential, but I'm not sure if you can ever beat the real deal.

Wow, that was a serious digression from the original reason for this post. To make you watch How I Met Your Mother. To all of the Canadian readers, there is a Canadian character on the show and they often write in great ‘odes to Canada’. There was even an ode to Tim Horton’s the nation’s beloved coffee brand.

Here is the basic premise of the show: The main character, Ted Mosby (played by Josh Radnor, with narration by Bob Saget)recounts to his son and daughter the events that led to his meeting their mother. The show has been on since 2005 and we still don't know who the mother is. The five pack of friends in this show is what keeps it going. You will love them. You will want them to be your friends. It's kind of like the show "Friends" but younger, funnier,raunchier and replace a coffee shop with an Irish pub.

How I Met Your Mother airs Monday nights on CBS. Check your local listings for times. It’s worth your time.

T’is the Season for Chick Flicks

2010-01-07T15:43:00.003-07:00

Ah yes, Valentine’s Day is only five weeks away and what does that mean? Chick Flicks invade the box office, that’s what it means. Love it! It’s my favorite time of year to get my fill of girlie movies. As you can tell from the various movie recommendations I’ve posted I’m a fan of all genres. There are certain times when I feel like watching a gritty independent film or a duck and cover/over the top explosion film but during the season of love I indulge in the chick flicks. Remember when The Notebook came out on DVD around Valentine's Day a few years ago? Still love that movie.

The opener of the chick flick season this year is Leap Year. It hits theaters tomorrow, January 8th. I already secured a girlfriend to go to this movie with me. She reads this blog, she knows who she is. We can squeal together at the ridiculous romance of it all. Yes, I fully expect co-squealing.

Here is a list of the chick flick season movies in order of their release dates.

Leap Year – January 8th, 2010 View the Trailer Here: http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/leapyear/
Quick rundown: A girl (Amy Adams) travels to Ireland on a whim to propose to her boyfriend (because apparently it’s something that goes on in Ireland in February on a leap year – the girl can propose to the guy) Anyway, her plans get messed up, she meets another dude and falls for him. Who will she choose?

When In Rome – January 29th, 2010 View the Trailer Here: http://www.apple.com/trailers/touchstone/wheninrome/
Quick rundown: A girl (Kristen Bell) travels to Rome for her sister’s wedding. She picks magic coins from the fountain of love (which you are not supposed to do) causing the people who put the coins in the fountain to fall in love with her. But really she’s only interested in one man, a dude played by Josh Duhamel.

Dear John – February 5th, 2010 View the Trailer Here: http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/dearjohn/
Quick rundown: I read this book and fell in love with it. I can’t wait to see it. A dude (Channing Tatum) is back home in North Carolina on leave from the military for two weeks when he meets and falls in love with the girl of his dreams. After their blissful two week romance he flies back to Germany for another year. Throughout the year they write romantic love letters to each other with the promise of being together forever some day. But the letters fade as does their expectations for the relationship. What happens when he comes home?

Valentine’s Day – February 12th, 2010 View the Trailer Here: http://www.apple.com/trailers/newline/valentinesday/
Quick rundown: This is the mother of all chick flick/valentine’s day movies. Everyone is in this movie. I’m being 100% serious. Everyone! This movie follows the intertwining storylines of a group of people as they find their way through romance over the course of one Valentine’s Day. Very niche, but cute.

I’d like to add one honorable mention which would have been perfect for the Valentine’s Day, sap loving crowd but for some reason it is being held until March.

Remember Me – March 12th, 2010 View the Trailer Here: http://www.apple.com/trailers/summit/rememberme/
Quick rundown: A rebellious guy (Robert Pattinson) living in New York is at a loss with his life since a tragedy separated their family. He didn’t think anyone would understand him, that is until he met Ally (Emilie de Ravin) through an unusual twist of fate. Love heals him but what happens when circumstances which brought them together are revealed? Will their love be lost?

I LOVE MOVIES. I need to figure out how to get advanced screenings of these films oh and my own cozy movie theater in the basement. Ya, that would be perfect.

I will be sure to blog my recommendations.

Yes It's Genius!

2010-01-06T13:14:00.003-07:00

I’m writing this blog because I was shocked to learn that so many people out in the world don’t know about the genius application for iTunes. "What the fudge?"

Let me back up a few steps first. Although I’m using a PC to write this blog (I know, blasphemy!), I am 100% without a doubt a Mac addict and have been for as long as I can remember and there are two reasons for this. First, one of my teachers in high school was an early adopter of Mac products and brought his students into the cult at an early age. Once you go Mac you never go back! The second is my husband. We are a happy Mac family.

Apple has done the most amazing job when it comes to building a brand. In fact they are more than a brand they are a culture, a lifestyle, a way of life. Buy an Apple product and coolify your life. The interesting thing about Apple is that its early adopters were rather out of the box, off the wall, not following with social trends type of people. Then the followers of the world wanted to be like them. They too wanted to have fun colored computers and white headphones.

In my opinion the iPhone has been the best personal device created to date. It’s more than a phone it’s a lifeline connecting you to everything imaginable. It’s all you need wrapped up in a 3.5 inch package. I wonder how we lived before the iPhone existed?

Anyway, back to the genius. Here’s how it works. You find a song within your iTunes library, left click on the mouse and find the ‘create genius’ and let it become your musical pimp. It will create a list of songs which will blend perfectly with the song you chose basically giving you the ideal playlist. Hence the name Genius. I tend to fall into the habit of only listening to new songs or new to me songs, and often forget about the old goodies but my genius friend is fantastic for reviving the tunes.

Over the holidays I created a genius list based off of Ben Harper’s Amen Omen (I know, it’s been a few weeks but I’m still loving him). Anyway, this list brought back some old favorites and another revived musical love affair with a different artist. This time it’s David Gray. Always loved David Gray but he would go quiet for a bit and I would forget. Anyway, it’s back on with him.

Here is the partial list Genius came up with which I re-named December Genius Wicked.

1. Amen Omen – Ben Harper
2. Burn One Down – Ben Harper
3. The Horizon Has Been Defeated – Jack Johnson
4. Cheers Darlin’ – Damien Rice
5. Tuolumne – Eddie Vedder
6. Hold You In My Arms – Ray LaMontagne
7. Cry Freedom – Dave Matthews Band
8. Raining In Baltimore – Counting Crows
9. Another Lonely Day – Ben Harper
10. Traffic In The Sky – Jack Johnson
11. Sail Away – David Gray
12. Last Goodbye – Jeff Buckley
13. Come Pick Me Up – Ryan Adams
14. If I Had It All – Ryan Adams
15. Out Loud – Dispatch
16. Older Chests – Damien Rice
17. This Year’s Love – David Gray
18. Orange Sky – Alexi Murdoch
19. Everything – Ben Harper
20. Society – Eddie Vedder
21. If I Could – Jack Johnson
22. See You Soon – Coldplay
23. Let You Down – Dave Matthews Band
24. Perfect Blue Buildings – Counting Crows
25. Be Mine – David Gray
26. Lover, You Should’ve Come Over – Jeff Buckly
27. Amie – Damien Rice
28. Two Points for Honesty – Guster
29. Far Behind – Eddie Vedder
30. Angel – Dave Matthews Band

500 Days of Summer

2010-01-03T23:16:00.007-07:00

Finally got around to seeing this little movie that could and loved it just like I thought I would. In the first few minutes a narrator will say, “This movie isn’t about a love story.” It is and isn’t true. It’s a movie with a great love story in it, but the movie itself isn’t a love story. It’s a movie about life. The awesomeness and the crappiness of life. You win some and you lose some kind of thing.

Let’s talk about Joseph Gorgon-Levitt for a minute. I’ve blogged about him before and I’ll say it again. I think JGL is one of the best actors of my generation and I’m looking forward to watching him give his acceptance speech at the Oscars someday…..soon. Also can’t wait to see him in Inception (Check out the trailer here. It’s going to be badass: http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/inception/)

The relationship between his character Tom and Zooey Deschanel’s character Summer is superb. You fall in love with them both and you will find little parts of yourself in each of them. Here is the basic plot to the movie. Tom, played by JGL, grew up believing that he will only experience true happiness in his life when he finds the one. And he’ll know who the ‘one’ is because he’ll just know. He’s the kind of guy who believes in love at first sight, happily ever after, destiny, fate, fairytale type stuff. You love it! I know….I love it too. Summer, on the other hand, doesn’t believe in true love nor does she believe in being held down by labels or confinements of a relationship. So basically they are like vinegar and oil when it comes to their feelings on love. Well frig…doesn’t that just suck?

My favorite scene, hands down, was after Tom completes the ‘hookup’ with Summer. There is a fantastically choreographed dance routing through the streets. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2seAJsrtIbQ
Watch that and now tell me you don’t just want to eat him up. It looked like so much fun to make, I was seriously jealous. Frig, why can’t I do cool shit like that? I kid you not…scenes like this play in my head on a daily basis. When I’m pumped about something that scene plays out in my head but I’m the lead character. I’m basically like a walking musical, except I’m the only one who can hear the music.

But I digress. 500 Days of Summer is a very sweet movie. One of those that you’ll never get sick of and want to watch it over and over again. I hope it scores some awards this season as they would be very well deserved. Check out the trailer her: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD0NpFSADM

Found this weekend gem on youtube. It’s a music video for a song in the movie. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrUTWTv9hzc

AVATAR = Best Movie I Have Ever Seen

2010-01-02T21:48:00.002-07:00

I’m not exaggerating at all. Avatar, hands down was the best movie I have ever seen. Most movies give you approximately one and a half to two hours of entertainment. Well Avatar went far beyond merely entertainment. Avatar was an experience.

The second you put on your ‘made to look like Ray Ban’ 3D glasses you step into the mind blowing imagination of James Cameron. I always thought I had an overactive imagination but it’s nothing compared to the magical world James Cameron has created. I almost feel jealous that his mind was able to create such a place. But then again, after costing somewhere between $300-$500 Million to make, he did share it with us. You feel, no wait, it’s not good enough for me to say you feel….You are transported to this other planet with the characters. The 3D experience allows you walk through their world with them. As you run through the forests nearly missing the passing trees and stumps on the ground, you can almost feel the breeze on your face. When you dive off cliffs or sore through great valleys your stomach drops to your toes. I don’t think you’ll get this same experience watching Avatar on DVD when it comes out so please go see it in the theater. Let yourself experience their world the way James Cameron intended you to.

Avatar is full of symbolism so perfectly suited for today’s worldly conflicts. Here is the synopsis from IMDB: When his brother is killed in battle, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora.

Check out the trailer: http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/avatar/teaserlarge.html

Please go see this movie.

Nine was a 10

2009-12-31T12:09:00.002-07:00

For the first hour of the musical movie Nine I had major boob envy. Seriously, it was ridiculous but then Kate Hudson appeared and represented for those of us who are still waiting for puberty to strike at any moment.

Loved Nine! Loved it! It was like Glee but on a major sexy overdrive. The costumes in this movie were amazing and the musical numbers were outstanding. I wanted to be in all of them.

Here is the basic plot of the movie: Guide Contini (played by Daniel Day Lewis) is an arrogant, self-centered movie director committed to filming a movie in a week, but has no script. Major problem. Considering he’s supposed to be the one writing the script. He looks to his wife, mistress, muse, costume designer, and his dead mother for inspiration to make the next great film. Nine is jam packed with old Hollywood Glam from the clothes to the cars.

Penelope Cruz’s character was hilarious. She definitely deserves her nominations for this movie. There has been a lot of chatter as to why Fergie was in the movie but honestly she did a great job. I wouldn’t say she really acted much. Her portion was more of a music video which I desperately wanted to be in…so much fun. She gained loads of weight for Nine and it was weird to see her so plump, but it fit the character perfectly. Nicole Kidman didn’t really do much for me. She wasn’t in it a whole lot so I feel like I couldn’t love her performance or hate it. The great Judy Dench was remarkable as always. Loved her like I love her in the Bond movies. She is perfection when it comes to acting. Marion Cotillard was beautiful and Daniel Day Lewis deserves one of the awards this season. Fantastic performance on his behalf. My favorite character by far was Kate Hudson’s. She made the movie for me. Please, can someone get me her costume so I can perform my own ode to Guido. My god she rocked it. Huge bonus!!! You can listen to the entire soundtrack from the Nine Website here: http://www.nine-movie.com/#/the-soundtrack
The song I'm referring to is called 'Cinema Italiano'

So happy I saw this movie in the theater. I think it deserves a theater viewing to really appreciate the grandness of the musical numbers. It makes you feel like you can jump in with them and bust a move.
Here is the trailer for Nine. I have been repeating Guido, Guido, Guido since last night. It won’t get old. http://www.apple.com/trailers/weinstein/nine/

One Week

2009-12-28T19:59:00.002-07:00

So the question becomes. What would you do if you knew you only had one day, or one week, or one month to live? What life boat would you grab on to? What secret would you tell? What band would you see? What person would you declare your love to? What wish would you fulfill? What exotic local would you fly to for coffee? What book would you write?

These are the questions asked in the fantastic film ‘One Week’ starring Joshua Jackson (who is Canadian by the way). Amazing movie! Amazing! I had goose bumps from the first minute to the last and a ball at the back of my throat with tears on the edge of spilling out from the corners of my eyes. If you are Canadian, watch this movie and be proud of your Country like you always are. If you’re not Canadian, do yourself a favor and watch this movie to understand why Canadians are so proud.

One Week follows Ben Tyler as he travels across Canada in search of a final great adventure after he is diagnosed with stage four cancer. It certainly isn’t a light topic but it does stir up many questions running through your own mind. What would you do if you knew you had only one week, one month, one year to live? I would hope to never know my looming expiration date and to live my life in the best possible way that I can.

We often ask ourselves these questions when we hear of someone else going through a life changing event. Isn’t funny how we come up with similar responses when asked ‘what would you do if you won the lottery?’ Why don’t we do the things we really want to do now? Why do we always wait for a reason, some divine intervention to give us a sign, pushing us towards these things? Usually it’s because we’ve become complacent. We live our routinely busy lives full of work and extracurricular activities and occasionally looking forward to a destination vacation or anything out of the ordinary from our habit filled lives. Imagine if we didn’t need to work and all the free time we’d have to do all these things. But then there’s the issue of money. Most of the things we want to do require some sort of payment. I’m still wishing for a money tree to sprout up in my backyard. Now I’ve come full circle, if I could only win the lottery. What would you do with your winnings?

This movie is jam packed with fantastic Canadian musical artists, both contributing to the soundtrack and on screen performances. You will see a cameo by Gord Downey of The Tragically Hip. You will also see and hear Joel Plaskett while Wintersleep and Sam Roberts contribute to the soundtrack. The only thing this movie was missing was the Maritimes. I’ve got a soft spot for the East Coast of Canada and I truly believe it’s the best place on earth.

Check out the trailer for One Week here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCy6ijUlI7A

Now go rent the DVD or check it out next week when it premieres on the Movie Chanel.

Aspen Is The Place To Be This Year

2009-12-27T18:37:00.004-07:00

Have you noticed how many celebrities made their way to Aspen this Christmas? It was a little out of control. Is it always like this? Or is Aspen becoming the ‘new to you’ winter playground for the who’s who in the celeb world? Back in the day Aspen was always known for a place of refuge for the world’s rich and famous but for awhile it seemed to have been playing second fiddle to hot destinations like Cabo San Lucas, St. Bart’s and Nevis. I guess it’s making a comeback.

Here’s a quick rundown of everyone seen in their ski bunny suits over the holidays.

Golden Hawn & Kurt Russell along with their kids, Kate, Oliver (plus preggo wife), Wyatt and grandson Ryder
http://x17online.com/celebrities/goldie_hawn/the_king_and_queen_of_aspen-12272009.php

Charlie Sheen and the wife where they certainly experienced a little trouble in snow filled Aspen paradise when Charlie was booked on domestic assault charges against his wife Brooke. Yikes! Not cool, chill, seriously.
http://x17online.com/celebrities/charlie_sheen/charlie_sheen_arrested_for_assault_-12252009.php

Heidi, Seal and the clan arrived a few days before Christmas in their puff jackets ready to brave the cold temperatures
http://x17online.com/celebrities/heidi_klum/heidi_and_her_baby_snow_bunnies-12272009.php

Antonia Banderas and his recently rehab released wife Melanie Griffith (sans black eye) were also seen around the ski town.
http://x17online.com/celebrities/melanie_griffith/no_more_black_spots_around_the_eye_just_on_her_coat-12262009.php

90210 Mom Lori Loughlin along with her kids and husband, designer Massimo Giannulli were seen shopping and skiing.
http://x17online.com/celebrities/lori_loughlin/hows_your_aspen_lori-12262009.php

Elle MacPherson and her giant fur hat even showed up on the streets of Aspen. http://x17online.com/celebrities/elle_macpherson/biggest_fur_hat_ever_fur_hat-12262009.php

Sounds fun, but I’d rather be in Park City Utah during the Sundance International Film Festival.

Holidays are still in full swing at my house. Progress was made today...meaning I showered. Now it’s time to go back to movie whoring. This vacation could only get better is if a chef and cleaner showed up on my doorstep. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T19:39:00.001-07:00

The laziness factor is at an all time high today, exactly where I wanted it to be and a Merry Christmas indeed was achieved. Am still wearing the sweatpants and sweatshirt I put on when I woke up this morning. Yup, that means I didn’t shower yet either…don’t you just love the holidays.

We finally joined the rest of the world this afternoon by watching the movie “The Hangover.” Oh my god, hilarious. Loved it! Made me want to get in the car and drive to Vegas immediately. I giggled, (yes giggled) my way through the whole movie. It had a low budget, independent feel which I love. Low production = fantastic acting in my books and it was certainly the case for ‘The Hangover,’ even the baby rocked a solid performance. Here is the trailer if you want to check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB0pGnzsAZI

Anyway, after the movie we ate a traditional turkey dinner while listening to a wicked iTunes genius list full of Ben Harper (yes, I’m still obsessing over him), Jack Johnson, Damien Rice, Eddie Vedder, Coldplay Dave Matthews Band and a few others….very chill, very perfect on this festive day. Listening to mellow, melancholy songs like that always cause me to think about stuff. Today I couldn’t help but think how lucky am I for the life I have.

Christmas is a time to think of others who have less than you. Let’s try to keep the spirit going all year round. It’s easy to forget about the less fortunate when your holidays end and you head back to work, but the hardships of others last all year. If you can, remember to help your fellow neighbors when they are in need no matter what day of the year it may be. You’ll feel good about it, I promise you.

Also remember to think of our servicemen/women and veterans who have served and continue to serve to protect the quality of life we all enjoy. We all may not agree with wars and everything that goes with them, but I think we can all agree on peace.

I wish you and your families, whether you are in the same room or across the Country, a fantastic holiday season full of laughter, love, wonder and peace.

Merry Christmas!

The People's Prince

2009-12-23T20:01:00.004-07:00

His mother was one of the most stunning, gracious and well spoken public woman in history. Princess Diana of Wales, the people’s princess. The world lost a beautiful soul the day she was unexpectedly taken away in August of 1997 but now she lives on in her children.

Prince William is my favorite, always has been and I seriously can’t wait for him to be King. I love the monarchy. I love it so much that I know I’ll be one of those eighty year old women with a cross stitch pillow of William and Kate (Middleton) on my sofa sipping tea from a royal commemorative cup also with their faces on it. Oh do you think the mint will reprint our money with his face on it when he becomes King? Oh my, clappy jumps! Can’t wait for the day when King William is on our money.

It was always Princess Diana’s desire for her children to enjoy the normal experiences in childhood but to also accept their responsibilities and duties within the royal family. Prince William in particular has followed his mother’s example and has taken interest in various causes around the world. Yes, I understand Harry has his fair share of charities as well, but we’re talking about William here. He continues to work closely with HIV/AIDS prevention charities, which were so close to his mother’s heart and also the inner-city disadvantaged through a charity known as Centrepoint, whom his mother served as patron until her death.

Last week Prince William was found sleeping outside on the streets of London in -4 degree weather all to help bring awareness to the issue of teenage homelessness. He was stripped from all the princely comforts and left with only what a person living on the streets would have. He slept in an old sleeping bag and used a cardboard box as shelter. There was no media blitz; in fact nobody even knew he did it until it was over. Someone did manage to snap a picture of him, the one posted above, which Centerpoint later made available.

I love to see stories like this and this is the reason why he’ll be a good King. He is taking the time to understand the issues faced by his people so he can figure out how to help them. I could have seen Diana doing something like this, but never Charles… and Camilla….forget it. Although he may live a life of entitlement, I’d doubt he ever takes it for granted. In the short time they had together, it’s very evident that his mother raised him well.

William is quickly becoming one of the most handsome, gracious and well spoken public men in history. He is after all his mother’s son. He is Prince William, the people’s prince.

Read the full story from CNN here: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/12/23/prince.william.homeless.uk/

My Superficial Christmas Wish List

2009-12-23T09:30:00.008-07:00

I know I’ve said this to so many people, but I’m not sure I’ve ever typed it. Just to cover the bases I’ll recap my thoughts on the whole Christmas gift giving thing.

Will and I don’t exchange gifts. Instead of buying multiple small presents for each other, we save the money to purchase bigger ticket items for the house or we save it for vacations. We are in the stage of our life known as the ‘building years.’ Furnishing a house is expensive man, therefore ‘want’ items get tossed to the bottom of the list and ‘need’ items become top priority.

Here is the second reason we don’t do the whole gift exchange. A few years ago we came to the realization that the exchange of material goods for specific holidays was baloney. I understand this isn’t the case for everyone. Some people really look forward to birthdays and holidays for the presents. People love presents, I totally get it. Awesome, love it,keep it up it's good for our economy. I on the other hand would prefer a bouquet of flowers or a surprise dinner reservation on an unassuming day other than a marketing, um I mean national holiday. I don’t know maybe I’m just fighting against the man, not wanting to conform to his ruling of when I need to buy stuff for people.

I’m not a Grinch at all. I really love Christmas. I love decorating the house and putting up the tree. I love baking Christmas cookies and watching all the movies on TV. I love going to midnight mass and visiting with family & friends sharing a drink or two while catching up on old times. What I’m most looking forward to this Christmas is hang out time with Will. Staying up late watching movies, spending lazy afternoon reading books and listening to music, simply enjoying each other’s company. Life is too busy, Christmas gives us a chance to chill out together with no agenda or expectations. Christmas gives us time with each other, which to me is the best gift I could ever get. Frig I can’t wait!

We are big fans of giving to others who may not be as fortunate as us which is the true spirit of giving anyway, isn’t it? Or have I been getting the wrong message all these years. I get so frustrated with the ‘buying for the sake of buying’ garbage we so often get wrapped up in. Let’s bring back the concept of ‘buying for those who need it’.

But with that said, it’s the thought that counts, right? Don’t get me wrong, I certainly would never turn down a gift, I just think we have let it get out of control. A single well thought out gift has the ability to mean so much more than a dozen gifts with no real purpose.

In the spirit of Christmas I thought I would type up my over the top, material wish list. These are all the things I’d ask for in no particular order, if my Secret Santa was uber rich.

Christian Louboutin high heels, black with the red sole. Seriously the sexiest shoe on earth. http://www.edopter.com/images_user/ideas/200805/53x3by

BMW M3 Convertible in Interlagos Blue. Need I say more. http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/mseries/m3convertible/2008/visualizer.html

Kara James Ella Handbag in brown. Have loved this bag for over a year, but can’t bring myself to spend the money on it http://www.karajamesbags.com/handbags.php

Tickets to the Cannes International Film Festival http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en.html

A winterized house built on my own island within the Bras D’or lakes of Cape Breton Nova Scotia. God’s Country http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bras_d%27Or_Lake

A Mini Missle Stan Craft wooden speed boat to keep at my private dock on my island http://www.stancraftboats.com/styles-5.html

A trip around the world http://www.bootsnall.com/tripplanner.shtml

Tickets to the Oscars http://www.oscars.org/ The Christian Louboutin heels would come in handy here.

Tickets to a tapping of Austin City Limits http://austincitylimits.org/

Everything Apple….EVERYTHING www.apple.com

Wow that was fun! I’m sure the list could go on and on. What would you ask for on your dream wish list?

Merry Christmas!

The Seven Rays. I Want This Book!

2009-12-21T16:19:00.005-07:00

I have been hearing about this book for the past couple of months. It’s called The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger who is actually an acclaimed Hollywood screenwriter, love it! She was the one who wrote Bring it On. Remember that movie with Kirsten Dunst.

I tend to swim in the popular opinion pool. Don’t get me wrong, I like to dabble my toes in the quirky, weird and independent streams as well, but for the most part if something is hugely accepted by the general population, I’ll most likely accept it too. Prime example, Twilight. The Seven Rays has been getting huge publicity and this is a prime example of media hype and marketing done very well. Advanced copies of the book were sent out to celebrities and other influential people who then were seen photographed with book in hand.

Here is the premise of the book as described from The Seven Rays website. The story follows 17 year-old, Beth Michaels, who uncovers elements of the supernatural on her journey of self discovery. The words: “You are more than you think you are” mysteriously present themselves to Beth and ultimately drive her quest. The novel reaches well beyond the interest of young adults, appealing to all as it explores the universal question—“Are we making the most of our lives?”

Cool, right? I know. I can totally see myself getting lost in this story.

As I was scanning the book’s website I came across the most genius marketing campaign EVER!!! The website has launched ‘The Seven Rays Script-a-Scene Adaptation Competition’. Seriously, this is a marketing/PR Managers dream. Think about how many people, whether they have a dream of becoming a screenwriter or not, will buy this book so they can enter this contest. Here is the link to the contest if you want more details: http://www.thesevenrays.com/script-a-scene/

I need to keep talking about this website. If I wrote a book and launched a website, I would want it to be like this. Another genius move…there is a soundtrack on the homepage to go along with the book. Brilliant…I always thought authors/publishing houses should do this. I naively thought this was my idea, but apparently someone beat me to the punch. Shit.

You can also download the first chapter of the book online, just enough to suck you in turning your desire for wanting this book to NEEDING this book. They are tapping into every social network possible. You can find out everything about this book from twitter, MySpace, Facebook, RSS feeds. They even have a book trailer, another genius move.

Here is the website for you to check out, http://www.thesevenrays.com/

Maybe Santa will leave this in my stocking.

Enough!

2009-12-20T22:49:00.003-07:00

I like many other people were shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Brittany Murphy today. It wasn’t the same sort of shock I experienced when I heard of Michael Jackson’s passing or of Heath Ledgers, but it was still shocking. Isn’t it funny how you feel like you know these people you’ve never met just because you see their face all the time? It’s like being introduced to someone at a wedding or party and feeling like you know then from somewhere, then realizing it’s because you creeped their facebook profile. Sometimes I feel like that about celebrities. Especially when the US Weekly issue has those candid shots of stars doing so called ‘normal’ activities. I know, I’m weird…whatever.

Back to Brittany. She hasn’t been the most high profile actress on the playground these past few years but she certainly left her mark in history with films like Clueless, 8 Mile and Girl Interrupted and had a busy year coming up with three films already in post production and two in pre production which now will need replacements. Check out her list of past and future rolls here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005261/

Early reports are claiming she died of cardiac arrest caused by a drug overdose. I don’t get it honestly. Can a high be so good you would actually risk your life to get it? I guess…otherwise addiction wouldn’t be such a problem. Brittany now becomes another name added to the list of actors/celebrities who have died this year from drug overdoses…an easily preventable death. Doesn’t matter how old you are, death by drug overdose always results in a life too short.

Hopefully this is a wakeup call for not only the celebrities we love to watch but also to the youth of the world. Enough! It’s not worth it. Drop it, move on and live your life. It’s too short not to and honestly it's an insult to those hanging onto their lives by a thread because of disease, illness, violence or anything beyond their control. Don't throw your life away, it's too precious.

Shut Up In Your Face!

2009-12-17T09:43:00.004-07:00

Best line in the movie ‘How to Be’. Can’t stop saying it! I watched this movie for the second time a few weeks ago and really loved it. It’s an independent British film full of the very best kind of dry humor, British dry humor. The characters are quirky, bizarre, strange, weird and perfect at the same time. The main character is named Art played by Robert Pattinson and yes, he is more than just a vampire and a pretty face. In fact in this movie he is terribly unattractive with his horrible hair cut and poor choice in clothes. I liked him a gazillion times more in this movie than in Twilight.

Art is pathetic. You spend most of the movie feeling completely embarrassed for him. The kind where you say, “Oh my god, No” over and over again as you continue to re-adjust yourself in your seat full of the ‘I’m so embarrassed I can’t sit still’ kind of feeling.

Here is the basic plot of the movie. Art is having an existential crisis so he uses his uncle’s inheritance to convince a Canadian self-help guru to come to London and become his personal life coach to help him become more normal as he puts it. Hilarious! Art’s parents don’t like him at all; honestly, they are annoyed by everything about him,their own child, it’s terribly tragic, yet tragically funny at the same time. Art’s true passion is music and his dream is to be a singer/songwriter, but here’s the problem. He’s terrible. Just awful and incredibly socially awkward. This movie is Art’s journey to acceptance.

How to Be is a gem. I know I’m going to be watching it over and over again. We have been repeating lines and actions from this movie in my household for weeks and it just doesn’t get old. Shut up in your face being the most commonly used repeat phrase and the thumbs up no thumbs down action. Watch the trailer you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Here is the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQBPAmnAlOk

The soundtrack in this movie is fantastic. Robert Pattinson does a great job pretending not to be a good singer. In real life he is a fantastic singer. You can hear him in this song from the soundtrack. Chokin’ on the dust: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXCBeTiv23A

Pay attention to the 1:52 mark of the song where you can really appreciate the vocal talents of this dude.

Well done Oliver Irving, well done.

Basterd Love

2009-12-16T21:13:00.003-07:00

Finally watched Inglorious Basterds. And boy were those basterds ever badass. Loved it!!! Loved it in the way that you feel guilty about loving it. This was a true Quentin Tarantino masterpiece. The characters were genius, especially Brad Pitt and their dialogue was skillfully written and delivered. The music was a mix between a Mexican standoff and an old fashion western = Gold!

I thought it was going to be full of violence, and yes, there certainly was, but in the “yes, kill them,” root for the good guys, destroy the bad guys kind of way.
There was one character in particular that I just hated, which means he did a great job acting out the role. And I mean, I HATED him. So much that he’s going to have to vindicate himself in his next movie or I’ll hate him forever. His name is Christoph Waltz. He plays the very ruthless Col. Hans Landa. He’s the guy you love to hate. Not just because of how slimy he is but also because you can hear the spit in his mouth when he talks. Don’t you just hate that. Ugh, it’s like nails on a chalkboard to me.

Anyway, Inglorious Basterds just received a golden globe nomination for Best Motion Picture which means it has a good chance of being nominated for an Oscar. We’ll see. Not sure if it will win at the globes. It’s up against some tough competition to the likes of Up in the Air (Can’t wait to see this movie), Precious, Avatar and the seriously neglected, The Hurt Locker.

Here is the trailer for Inglorious Basterds: http://www.apple.com/trailers/weinstein/inglouriousbasterds/

Note to Brad Pitt. Please make more movies like this!

Love Actually

2009-12-15T09:45:00.002-07:00

Love begins and love ends. Love Actually is all around us. That is the premise to this movie. My god it’s a good movie. It follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely and interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England. Almost the entire cast is made up of the greatest British darlings of acting. Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy…the list goes on and on.

This movie came out in 2003 and it has become a Christmas tradition for me, much like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, but instead of only making me excited for Christmas it picks me up and takes me away to the land of love and true romance, especially with Colin Firth’s character. If you don’t know what I mean then you seriously must watch this movie.

It’s probably mostly a chick flick but dudes can enjoy it as well. It has some wicked British humor, and the placement of certain songs throughout the movie will cut straight through your heart, especially Dido’s Here with Me…epic part in the movie…epic. Here it is if you want to watch it:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk-EboYtFPc&feature=fvw

Here is the trailer for Love Actually: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0WkpA_zGns

Here is the Dido song played to clips from the movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTvccE7HPpI&feature=related

Jonesing for Ben Harper

2009-12-13T17:03:00.003-07:00

I basically have been held hostage in my house by the weather outside. It’s -50 degrees Celsius out there with the wind chill. I know, time to move.

I decided my iTunes needed a library update so I went to my musical pimp, my source, I also call him my husband, for the goods. This dude has incredible taste in music. All I need to say is, “Hey, I feel like something mellow,” and he’ll ramble off a dozen songs for me to add to my mellow playlist, some hidden gems and some familiar beats but every single one = gold.

I did that today and ended up listening to Ben Harper for most of the day. Listening quickly moved into obsessing over, now I can’t stop myself. I always liked Ben Harper. He’s one of those artists that you’ll hear his song in a store or playing the background of a movie and you go, “hey, I know this song. I like this song.” Then you go home and find it in your playlist and put in on repeat. Or at least that’s what I do.

One of my most favorite Ben Harper performances to watch is when he joined Eddie Vedder on stage at a concert in Madison square garden’s to sing Indifference. Great performance! How much do you wish you were there? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF5LG2rHQSU&feature=related

Side note: These guys must be really good friends. Did you know that Eddie’s second daughter was named Harper? Possibly after his good friend Ben Harper? Doesn’t matter, with a name like Harper and Eddie Vedder as your dad, you’re going to be badass no matter what.

Here’s a fun one: When It’s Good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP157mjrBHk

Here’s one for the heart: Forever: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHzAVDg4m1Q

Here’s a sexy one: Touch From Your Lust: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56kdjYfT7cY&feature=related

Here’s a mellow one: Amen Omen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NNj-T4Tqkk

Enjoy the chill!

Oh Holy Night

2009-12-12T14:00:00.003-07:00

I needed to run an errand today and the place I was going to was at least 40 kilometers from my house. It’s a snowy, cold day here and I knew the poorly salted roads would result in a longer commute. I decided to take the Paul Potts CD with me to keep me company on my long drive today and I’m so happy I did. Do you remember Paul Potts? He was the guy who won Britain’s got talent a few years back. Great story, amazing singer…this guy has ‘it’. If you don’t know who I’m talking about, then grab a tissue and watch this youtube video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA

Anyway, since I was feeling in the mood for a little Christmas music, I jumped ahead to the bonus Christmas tracks, the first one being Oh Holy Night. Paul’s performance in this song is hard to beat. You can feel the power in his voice and in the words of the song which represent the true meaning of Christmas which by the way is not the celebration of commercialism.

Naturally, the first thing I thought of was church, midnight mass actually. Christmas is made for me when the choir sings this song at midnight mass. There is something so pure and emotional, listening to the voices of undiscovered talents, particularly in a church. The way the sounds echo off the stone walls or the high ceilings has the power to make you feel connected to something…everything.

Paul singing this song made me think of my father who is an amazingly, beautiful and talented undiscovered singer, much like the people in a small town church choir. I guess I took his voice for granted my whole life, not really knowing that other people didn’t sing like him, but now I understand that my ears had been spoiled and because of him i can appreciate great music.

Here is the link to Paul Potts singing Oh Holy Night. Turn it up nice and loud and let yourself feel the power of the words and the volume of his voice. It’s beautifully moving and peaceful. It will remind you what Christmas is supposed to mean. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aVDtapVnwo

A Precious Breath of Fresh Air

2009-12-10T09:36:00.003-07:00

I haven’t seen the movie Precious yet, but I am impatiently waiting to see it. It premiered at the Sundance International Film Festival to rave reviews and early Oscar buzz is predicting possible nods to the lead, newcomer Gabourey (Gabby) Sidibe. Love this girl!!!!! Why can't there be more girls like this in Hollywood?

You’ve heard of Precious, right? Well if you haven’t, then here is the lowdown. Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, Claireece Precious Jones played by Gabby is living a horribly neglected life. She is abused by her mother, raped by her father and unnoticed to everyone else in this world. This is the story of adversity, love, hope, strength and courage. This is the story of life.

The first interview I saw Gabby give was on Conan O’Brien a few weeks ago. I wasn’t expecting much to be honest but I watched it anyway. Within a minute I was literally peeing myself laughing and I’m sure Conan was too. She was recanting the story of when she first met Oprah, who is an executive producer on the film. No joke, her retelling of the story is hilarious. I don’t know why, but her personality was so unexpected. She is so honest and down to earth and being new to the scene she is so naively star struck about everything. I hope she never changes, no matter how famous she gets, and believe me, she will be very famous.

Here’s the amazing thing. Gabrourey wasn’t even an actress before this movie. She reluctantly went to the audition and ended up beating out four hundred other girls for the role. Four Hundred!!! She was born and raised in New York City. She is the second of six children. Her father is a cab driver in NYC and her mother is a teacher by trade but has been singing her whole life. Love this story. Seriously, how much do you love this story?

Check out the trailer here: http://www.apple.com/trailers/lions_gate/precious/

I can’t find her Conan interview but here she is on Jay Leno: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5ei9Q7KwVY

"Sometimes I wish I was not alive," Precious says. "But I don't know how to die. Ain' no plug to pull out. 'N no matter how bad I feel my heart don't stop beating and my eyes open in the morning."

Precious is in theaters now. Do yourself a favor and go see it.

It's a Glee Day!

2009-12-09T08:36:00.007-07:00

Today is a good day and a bad day. Good because it’s a Glee day and on tonight’s episode the club performs at sectionals, something they have been working towards since September. Clappy Jumps, can't wait! It’s a bad day because tonight’s Glee will be the final episode until April. Why is that, you might ask? Because Fox has decided to hold back episodes of Glee to make room for yet another season of the show that will never die, American Idol. Yes, American F’n idol. I can’t believe people still care about that show. The winners have a shelf life of an already expired can of beans. Nobody remembers them after the first week, so come on, enough already. Why are they putting their best scripted program on hold for ridiculous bullsh&t reality TV? For fear of seriously offending some people I will not tell you the reason why I think they keep the show running and let you come up with your own ranting conclusions.

North America has been quick to embrace Glee. It has become the hit sensation of the season. The story lines are witty and fun, the characters are fantastic and the overall production is supurb. For anyone that is quick to dismiss Glee, trying to make themselves feel better or cooler by saying that Glee and Drama is for losers, I will pose this question. If Glee and Drama is so stupid then why do you bother buying movie tickets or albums of your favorite bands? Actors and Musician are Glee and drama kids. And if you say “no way, glee kids and drama kids are weird”, I’ve got news for you. Actors and musician are weird…they even admit to it. You need to be a little out there to be that creative.

Drop the act and embrace the Gleeks. You know you want to.

Here is a song from tonight’s episode; you can’t always get what you want: http://www.youtube.com/user/gleevideos?blend=2&ob=4#p/u/2/Kf1gPu4vLJE

Are you ready for it?!

True Story, Great Song

2009-12-08T08:52:00.003-07:00

The gossip well has been a little dry lately giving me nothing to really talk about except for Tiger Woods and I just can’t do it, why? Bottom line: I just don’t care. Cheating is not cool, he’s a douche, end of story.

Last night while surfing the world wide web of information I came across a list of the 100 best oldies love songs and on that list was Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by the Platters. Love that song. After the first few notes I already had one of those awake daydreams going on in my mind, involving a dance floor, a silver dress, my husband in a tux and an open dance floor. And me being me, I listened to the song at least a dozen times, mostly because it’s a short song at only 2:30mins so it’s difficult to live out your awake dream in that short of time.

As I was sitting there my mind began to wonder, trying to figure out why the name ‘The Platters’ sounded so familiar. Then it hit me. I recognize the name because I talked to one of the group members before. Yes, it’s all coming back now.

It was during the summer between my first and second year of University. I was home Leslie Knopeing it at my town’s parks and recreation department. The phone rang and on the other end was a man. I could tell he was an older man and I had a feeling he was a black man but couldn’t be 100% sure. He first started by asking me if I knew of the Platters. My response, “The Planters?” He was immediately insulted by my non recognition and said, “No, PLATTERS, not PLANTERS”. “Are you a tribute band?” “No, we’re the 50’s hit sensation R&B, soul and rock group.”

Yikes, sorry dude, but no I don’t. He began to tell me all the hits they had back in the day, which by the way was roughly thirty years before I was born. The conversation went on for a few more minutes with him ultimately asking if our small town of 3500 people would want to pay them to perform in our 500 seat auditorium. My boss wasn’t in that day so I left her a note. Yes, I seriously left her a note.
50’s hit sensation the platters wants to play at our auditorium, call them back at ### ### ####

My town is poor so of course we didn’t end up hiring them.
Bottom line. In fifty years, some kid that isn’t even born yet is going to be working at a recreation department in a small town when they get a phone call.
“Hello”? they will ask.
“Hi, this is one of the Jonas Brothers. Can we come play in your town.”

Here is the youtube link for Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htmIjfNuZqs

It really is a beautifully romantic song. You’ll need to play it a few times to get your daydream just right.

Taken = Best & Most Ruthless Movie Dad…EVER!!!!

2009-12-04T23:32:00.005-07:00

I just finished watching the movie Taken and I can’t tell you how happy I was to see a father doing anything to protect his children. Take no mercy, blow their brains out kind of stuff.

I usually hate watching any kind of violence or torture but that was not the case for this movie. In fact, I was so excited through most of it I could hardly sit in my seat. Strange, I know.

Let me go back a few steps and give tell you the basic plot of the movie. Brian, played by Liam Neeson , is an ex U.S. spy now retired and on a mission to make up for lost time with his only daughter Kim. Kim goes to Paris for the summer with her best friend whatsherface and they get kidnapped by Albanian prostitute traffickers. While Kim is being ‘Taken’ she is on the phone with her Dad who uses his mad spy skills to tell her what to do. Long story short – Brian now has 96 hours to find her before she is lost forever.

If there is one thing this movie brings, it’s the Don’t F-ck with the Dad factor. Liam Neeson’s character does exactly what a father should do in this situation. Running off pure adrenaline he does whatever it takes to find his daughter and bring her back, even if that means killing, torturing and blackmailing. This dad is ruthless in the best kind of way. The vengeful way. The way you would be if someone took your kid. Ignoring right and wrong, and eliminating anything that gets in your way. No second guessing, just do it.

This movie dad is everything that the “Last House on the Left Dad” was missing. Did you see that movie? OMG, the dad was such a tool.

Here is the trailer for Taken: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvUxdQ4q-Lg

I highly recommend this movie. Enjoy a hour and a half of wicked badass action. The only downside…the girls are really annoying, as in super duper annoying. I don’t get all the running around. Watch it, you’ll know what I mean.

Oh ya, and a side note to the whole human prostitution trafficking thing. If you need to pay someone to sleep with you because you're too lame to get a girl based on your own charm or whatever, then maybe your dick is a wasted one and you shouldn't be allowed to keep it. I'm just saying.

Into the Wild

2009-12-03T09:17:00.006-07:00

“And now I walk Into the Wild.” Those were the written words of Christopher McCandless as he walked into the Alaskan wilderness on his great adventure.

Into the Wild is a movie based on a book based on the true life story of Christopher McCandless, a twenty something middle class American kid that felt the need to rid his life from every obligation and all possessions to find his ‘true’ existence on this earth.

Into the Wild tops the list for me when it comes to best book, movie and soundtrack. I feel like I’m always talking about this story or sending people songs from the soundtrack. I can’t get enough of it myself.

Emile Hirsch played the role of Christopher MacCandles (A.K.A. Alexander Supertramp) in this movie and his performance blew me away. Honestly, I’m pissed that he didn’t get more recognition than he did. He put his heart and soul into this performance and you can truly see it in the real life transformation he went through to look like a man dying of starvation. It’s shocking to see him and unbelievable that someone would do that to themselves just to make the story feel that much more real for us.

Some people watch this movie and they don’t get it. They don’t understand why this kid would leave everything behind, nearly getting killed dozens of times, then walk into the Alaskan wilderness without a map. I don’t understand how people don’t get this story.

It’s not about a spoiled kid looking for freedom from his parents. It’s about a human trying to find his place in this word. Trying to prove to himself that you don’t need all of this ‘stuff’ to be happy. Every time I watch this movie it makes me want to be a better person. It’s so easy to get wrapped up with everything going on in life, especially at this time of year. We all run out to the malls walking around for hours and hours trying to buy the ones close to that perfect gift. The one thing that shows them how much we love them, care about them, think about them. Money can’t buy what that represents. All the money in the world can never truly show how much you love your children, parents, spouses. And since we can never find that one thing we end up sending each other sweaters, tools, baking dishes…you get sick and tired of searching and just end up settling for something, anything. When it comes down to it time is the best gift you can give anyone. Time together because as Christopher McCandless realized too late in his life is that Happiness is only real when shared.

Seriously people, this story is epic. Please watch this movie or read the book. It will change your life.

And can we take a minute to appreciate the awesomeness that is Eddie Vedder. The front man for Pearl Jam did the entire soundtrack. The lyrics and overall delivery of the sound, placed in the perfect moments of the movie, will shoot a bolt of emotion through your heart which will break it and filled it up all at the same time. I don’t know how that’s possible, it just is.

Here is the link to the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LAuzT_x8Ek

Here is the link to one of the songs, ‘Hard Sun’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpkeJWXY4ZA

Christopher McCandless once read somewhere how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong but to feel strong. To measure yourself at least once, to find yourself at least once in the most ancient of human conditions and that if you want something in life, reach out and grab it. That was his great Alaskan adventure.

Let this movie inspire you.

Didn't This Already Happen?

2009-12-01T13:55:00.005-07:00

Are the gossip wells so dry that the magazines are regurgitating stories? Well, let me back up. We all know they regurgitate stories but usually they try to space them out a little.

The latest headline involves Tiger Woods and his alleged affair. Here’s how the story goes: Tiger cheated on his beautiful wife with a woman who claims to have text messages and voice mails to prove. Wife finds out, kicks him out, feminist lawyer Gloria Aldreds enters the picture. Which by the way, does she take her own photo crew with her just in case she happens to stumble upon the latest female claiming to be having an affair with a celebrity?

Why do I feel like I’ve heard this story before? Oh my god, because I did hear about this. Three weeks ago but replace Tiger Woods with Josh Duhamel (Read my rant about that here: http://charleewith2es.blogspot.com/2009/11/well-that-didnt-turn-out-as.html)

Seriously, you’d think we’d forget that soon. Come on! And Tiger Woods? Does anyone really care?

If he is a cheating a-hole then that sucks for his wife and I feel terrible for her and their children.

IMDb is my Celebrity Facebook

2009-11-30T08:44:00.002-07:00

IMDb stands for Internet Movie Data Base. I love this website and if you love movies you'll love it too! I open this site several times a day to see what the celebs are up to. It’s sort of an addiction. I don’t know why I care about what these people are working on but I do.

I've come to the realization that IMDb is basically like my celebrity facebook but the best part about it is, unlike Facebook, you don’t have to be their friend to see their profile.

You know how you go on Facebook to search for friends, see their pictures, find out what they are up to…well IMDb is the same sort of thing, but for actors/actresses.

It’s not like Facebook in the sense that they don’t post the pictures themselves and they don’t post messages or status updates, but who really cares about that stuff anyway?

Let’s face it. We all use Facebook to be nosy, a peephole into the personal lives of other people. The best is when a friend comments on a picture of someone you don’t know and you therefore get access to that random person’s photo album…jackpot!!!

IMDb lets you search actors/actresses then gives you a detailed history of which movies/TV shows they’ve been in, what they are current filming and what they have signed on to film. It tells you where and when they were born, who they are in relationships with, who their good friends are that are also in the business. Sometimes it will even tell you their height and how much money they make per film.

Go to www.imdb.com and snoop around. Have some fun.

My Almost Run In With Leonardo DiCaprio

2009-11-26T10:31:00.007-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a blog about the movie Almost Famous (http://charleewith2es.blogspot.com/2009/11/its-saturday-night-and-im-almost-famous.html) and in the blog I briefly told you about my almost run in with Leonardo DiCaprio but instead of elaborating on the story I told you it was for another time…well today is that other time.

Here it goes. I was on a 10 day high school trip traveling through Europe. It was the cliffs notes version of a European sightseeing trip. We would wake up at 5:30 am, walk until our feet were covered in blisters, saw every major sight you can imagine, went to bed at midnight and did it all over again the next day. We had a blast to say the least. The second night that we were in Paris, another girl on the trip came into mine and my best friends’ hotel room to tell us that Leonardo DiCaprio was at the Ritz doing some promotional stuff for The Man in the Iron Mask. This was the film that came out after Titanic, so as you can imagine Leonardo was the “it” boy of the moment. He was today’s version of Robert Pattinson. It’s funny now because when I look back at pictures of him during that time he seemed so scrawny and young looking, just coming out of that awkward teenage stage. Not quite filled out yet but not a baby face either.

At the time I really didn’t think I cared much about celebrities. Well I was wrong, horribly, horribly wrong. The second I heard the words come out of her mouth I did the shaky hands to face thing repeating the words, “oh my god, oh my god, oh my god”. We put our coats on, and because we were on a high school trip we needed to be supervised and that meant everyone had to come…even the boys…and headed to the Ritz. When we got there it was evident that the rumor mill runs fast because there were tons of girls and paparazzi in front of the hotel. I couldn’t believe it. I had never seen a famous person before. We were standing next to a group of girls from Italy. They kept yelling out “Jack, it’s me Rose” (From the Titanic Movie) and “We love you Leo”. I got pretty annoyed at them pretty fast and it only heightened when we saw the limo pull around that was supposed to pick up Leonardo. The Italian girls started to get frantic..pushing and shoving..screaming louder and louder…”Jack, it’s me Rose”. I then reacted in a way that even I myself couldn’t believe. I spread my arms out in each direction and screamed at the other girls, “If anyone here is Rose, it’s me” and that was the point that my teacher/chaperone thought that we had engaged in enough celebrity gawking for one day and told us to start walking to the train station.

I didn’t get to have my moment with Leo. I was crushed. But I was young, and when you’re young you move onto other things very quickly.

This morning my co-worker sent me a link to the teaser trailer for Inception. That’s the movie that Leonardo DiCaprio is filming now with Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Then he sent me a link to a local newspaper article. In the article, it said that Leonardo DiCaprio would be in my area for ski lessons and to film part of the movie. I don’t know exactly what happened, but my high school freak out came back. Here was my reaction: “What? When? Where? Are you serious? Oh My God". Then I had a little laugh with myself. I didn’t think I cared about Leonardo DiCaprio. Had I gotten the chance to actually see Leonardo in Paris I don’t think I would have cared very much that he would be close by filming a movie.

I’ve come to the realization that I just need closure from my long lost Leonardo DiCaprio crush. I’ll be on the lookout for him now, hoping for a second chance to see him. I doubt that I’ll ever manage a run in with him since the trendiest place I spend my time these days is at the discount rack in Crate & Barrel and I doubt he’d be roaming the local mall.

It’s possible that I might always have a soft spot for him since he was my first real celebrity crush. Actually, when I was really young I had a poster of Patrick Swayze on my wall from Dirty Dancing but I don’t think that counts. Now that I think about it, it was kind of creepy that I had that poster. He was like 30 years older than me. Sick…what was I thinking?

Until next time Leo.

Check out the teaser trailer for Inception. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HilwtqaN4Gs

A Catchy Tune by Elliott Brood

2009-11-25T13:54:00.007-07:00

I do this all the time. I hear a new song, decide whether or not I like it and if I do, I listen to it over and over again pretty much until I get sick of it. This is no different.

Last night I was on the sofa finishing up my book when Will turned the stereo on. The song that played was really catchy and fun...the kind that instantly puts you in a good mood. You know the times when you hear a song and you immediately get a smile on your face because it just makes you feel great about life? This is one of those songs. It’s called The Valley Town by Elliott Brood. I can totally picture this song at the end of a movie, closing scene, where the guy gets the girl or figures out the big conundrum in his life and as he's driving off into the sunset in a sweet vintage car this song starts playing. Ya, that sounds about right.

A good friend of ours sent the youtube link to Will saying that he might like it and that he just spent the evening at a bar with these guys while visiting North Carolina. Very Cool. Why doesn’t cool stuff like that ever happen to me? My dream run in? Oh that’s easy. I’m walking down the street, bump into Caleb and the boys from Kings of Leon and after some chit chat and light banter they tell me how cool they think I am and say…”you know what? You should be in our next video.” Yup…that would be my dream run in.

Moving on….

Since I haven’t heard of Elliott Brood before, I did some quick research on them and this is the short version of what I found out. Elliott Brood is a three-piece alternative country band from Toronto and their instruments of choice are the guitar, banjo, ukulele and the harmonica…sounds fun right…well it is.

Here is the link to the song that I’m talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfjq4F5nTWc&NR=1

Turn your speakers way up. Have some fun with it.

They are currently touring around. Check out their site for details:http://www.elliottbrood.ca/News.shtml

May I Recommend - Dear John

2009-11-24T11:05:00.007-07:00

I have been trying to keep myself from writing this blog. The reason is because I haven’t finished the book yet but I can’t help it. I know, patience is something I need to work on. This book is too good not to tell everyone about it and I feel like I can’t wait to purge it on you. It’s probably better that I haven’t finished it because I won’t be able to give too much away. Must practice self control.

I started reading Dear John the other day and instantly fell in love with the two main characters. The story is written by Nicholas Sparks, the same guy that brought us the Notebook. I need to make a side note here. This is a dude author writing these horribly romantic love stories, like amazing love stories – do guys really think like this but they are too man to show it? Show us the romance boys. I guarantee you it will be worth it.

Anyway, back to the book. You read the story from John’s perspective…a rough around the edges US soldier on leave for 2 weeks visiting his dad (who raised him as a single parent) in North Carolina. The other main character is Savannah…a do gooder naive church girl building houses in North Carolina for Habitat for Humanity on her summer break from University. In those two weeks they meet and fall in love with each other (I know it seems crazy right? Falling in love in 2 weeks…crazier things have happened I’m sure) but the end is near as John must return to his base in Germany. There, I’m not going to give anything else away because you need to read it for yourselves, but I will tell you this – The love letters they write to each other (hand written by the way, none of this impersonal email stuff – so old fashioned, I love it) are so deep and personal and amazing that you will fall in love with your significant other all over again just by reading them. It brings you back to the time when you first fell in love. Love that transforms you in ways you didn't think were possible.

Every time I put the book down I want to pick it up again immediately. I’m desperate to see how it turns out but I’m sad too because I don’t’ want it to be over. Isn’t that always the way. At least I’ll be able to see it on the big screen in a few months. This book has been made into a movie and it stars Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried. Hits theaters in February. Check out the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3nA9AG1AWk

Here come the goose bumps!

Dear John is lovely, exciting, heartbreaking, gut wrenching and beautiful all at the same time. If you love a love story then pick up this book then tell me what you thought.

If you're wondering what the song is in the second half of the trailer it's "Set the Fire to the Third Bar" by Snow Patrol featuring Martha Wainwright.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4P4CH2tV6I
Ahhh, so good!!!

The Clock is Ticking

2009-11-23T15:28:00.003-07:00

Levi Johnston Peek a booed his “package deal” last week in Playgirl magazine, which now is an online only publication. Here are some of the pictures http://www.popcrunch.com/levi-johnston-playgirl-pictures/ you can click on the playgirl link for all of them but I’m warming…Not Work Appropriate.

I’m sure you’ve heard his name over water cooler talk. In case you didn’t here’s a recap. Levi dated Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol, knocked her up, the world found out during the 2008 presidential election campaign, Sarah lost, Tripp was born, Levi and Bristol broke up and everyone became media hungry.

Levi must realize that he only has 15 minutes of fame and he needs to run this well dry. So what if he posses nude for an online magazine? As long as he doesn’t start running the celebrity reality show circuit, we’ll all forget about him and he can go back to being whatever he was before. Nobody is going to remember him and as long as he sticks to the short term plan he’ll be laughing his way to the bank. That’s if he makes wise investment decisions of course. Given the circumstances, Levi should be accepting all the short term offers he gets (aside from porn and weird ass crap like that) and stock pile it for his kid. This is his chance to make some cash out of a shitty situation. Get in, get the job done, get out, walk away and forget about it.

Exploit the kid…definitely not. Exploit himself…Absolutely.

Apparently he has offers to be on Dancing with the Stars and Survivor so I guess we’ll have to wait and see what he does. (pssst…don’t do Dancing with the Stars). The clock is ticking, he better make a move fast, because he only has a few minutes left.

Too Desperate?

2009-11-23T09:16:00.004-07:00

I have been stewing over this for a few days now…not judging…just making observations and trying to figure it all out and I’ve come to this conclusion. Ashley Greene hooks up with a lot of people and she doesn’t seem to care. In fact, I think she wants the world to see. She wants the reassurance that she’s hot and that other hot people want to be with her.

If you don’t know who I’m talking about then next time you are walking by a magazine stand take a look at this month’s Maxim cover…she’s on the front…and posing hard. She’s hungry and she wants the fame bad. But it’s coming off as desperate in all areas. We already have a Megan Fox in this world and she’s doing great on her own.

Back in April, Ashley was photographed with Ian Somerhalder..don’t know who he is? He played Boon on Lost and he now plays Damon on the Vampire Diaries. http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/04/15/ashley-greene-ian-somerhalder-couple/ What’s the connection here? Hmmm, let’s see. We both play vampires so let’s hook up. Ian Somerhalder doesn’t seem like a girlfriend kind of guy..no, definitely not..definitely more of a one nighter. But seriously what’s up with the instant PDA? Do the guys really like this? Or are they just putting up with it until she puts out….later that night. All of this instant PDA makes me wonder if she’s like the character Kate Hudson plays in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days when she makes a photo shopped album of their future children…I know it’s scary to think of…but girls like this actually exist. That was the one and only time we saw Ashley with Ian but this was early in Ashley’s game. We’ll call Ian her practice run.

After some practice rounds, we then saw her with Entourage’s Adrien Grenier. http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/06/18/ashley-greene-adrien-grenier-dating/He’s much older and she and they both claim that there was no hookup, but, I don’t know. Entourage was about to have their season premiere at the time, which makes him mildly popular, meaning he would have paparazzi attention which means Ashley saw an opportunity and went for it.

The next one came out of nowhere and was a huge surprise. Practice must make you better because the night after the Teen Choice Awards, Ashley was seen at LAX on route to Vancouver, but the crazy part was who dropped her off. Chase Crawford from Gossip Girl. http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/08/10/ashley-greene-chace-crawford-kissing/ This was the day those nudie photos first appeared on the internet for the world to see but instead of a, Oh my god how embarrassing moment, it was more like…check it out boys..these are the goods…now who wants some. She was caught giving him a good bye kiss…a nice way to end their one night hook up I guess. Now that’s service. I think Chase wanted it more than she did. Hook up then get a personal drop off at the airport. It almost made people thing that they were a couple. Oh god no, Ashley has no time for that. I mean Chase is a TV actor..she is a serious movie actress. Time to move on.

This brings us to last Thursday night in NYC. Here are the pictures of her leaving a party with Kings of Leon hottie, Jared Followill. Look at the pictures http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/11/20/ashley-greene-jared-followill-birthday/ The way she is holding his hand…guiding him through the paparazzi..seems like they have been dating for days? But no, that was just another hook up. And smart too. Kings of Leon are super hot right now, especially in the celebrity world. Everybody wants to hang out with them and Ashley conquered. It’s like he’s following her around like a puppy. Run Jared…Run. Nobody messes around with a King…they mess around with you and why is that, because their sex is on fire, not yours, theirs. That’s the rule.

So here is the question. Is she desperate or does she dominate?

Long Queues and New Moon

2009-11-20T11:02:00.008-07:00

I didn’t think these people really existed…..Turns out I’m one of them.

It was very much like a dream; very much like an out of body experience. I knew I was sitting outside in the cold, waiting in a long lineup. What am I doing? I’ve never waited in a lineup, for anything. “It’s just a movie” I keep telling myself, but I just had to see it and I had to see it opening night.

Early in the afternoon I got a call from Lacey updating me on the situation at the theater. It turns out that people had been camping out since 7:00am to see the movie at 10:00pm. What? Are you kidding me? I felt panicked, nervous, and anxious and without really thinking I packed up my stuff and was on my way to the theater, ridiculously early but I couldn’t handle it if even more people were in front of me... and then I waited.

I waited in that line for 7.5 hours…outside, wrapped in blankets and scarves that Lacey brought down to me. I was the designated line holder until another friend showed up. We chatted, read, ate and waited. I was about the 10th person (before the other “friends” showed up which bumped me to about 15 or so) in line of almost one thousand people. Yah, 1000 people came out to the theater that I went to last night to see New Moon at the 10:00pm showing.

Was it worth it? Do you even have to ask? Yes…100% Yes It was worth it and this is what I thought.

I kid you not, I actually ran into the theater and up the stairs so I could secure my favorite spot. Very back and center. My friend Chris and I saved two seats. One for Lacey and one for Will. They showed up with enough time for me to go over “the rules”. Most important rule, No talking...as in at all. If you didn’t hear what the actors said don’t ask, just try to figure it out. I was very pleased that everyone followed the rule. We didn’t speak to each other for the next 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Warning: The following may contain spoilers.

I’m going to provide a quick recap first then if you care about the details you can read on.

First up, the movie was actually funny. I laughed throughout a lot of it which I didn’t expect because I wouldn’t say the book was funny. If anything, the book was rather depressing. The “humans” in the movie (i.e. Jessica, Mike, Bella’s dad Charlie, Harry Clearwater) provided fantastic comedic relief. Jessica is actually hilarious and Anna Kendrick’s timing with the delivery of those one liners was perfect.

The way they showed the development of the relationship with Bella and Jacob on the screen, in my opinion was better in the movie than in the book. In the book I actually found myself a little bored during these parts but this was not the case with the movie. Kristen and Taylor did a great job and I can honestly say that Taylor’s performance made me develop a soft spot for the wolves that wasn’t there before. He is a rising star and I think he gave the best performance out of anyone in the whole movie.

The CGI wolves were better than I thought they would be. When they growled you jumped in your seat. In the book it's only Edwards voice that comes to Bella when she is doing something reckless or dangerous but in the movie they had Edward actually appear as a sort of ghost and I thought this was better. More Robert Pattinson screen time is a good thing

Everything shot in Italy was so beautifully done. It was very similar to the book which made me happy. Dakota fanning with the red eyes was so badass. More on this in “the details”.

Overall it was fantastic. I’m probably slightly blinded in being able to provide a critical review because I love these books so much. So if you loved the books you will love the movie. Some parts will make you frustrated but that’s because you can’t fit all of the details of a 300+ page book into 2 hours. Unfortunately some things must be compromised. The acting was much better in New Moon than in the first Twilight movie so I was happy about that. The whole production in general was much more professional. It was a real studio movie.

And here are the details.Warning...SPOILERS!!!!

The beginning of the film was bang on with the book. If you’ve read it then you know I’m talking about the dream Bella has the night before her birthday where she is looking at what appears to be her grandmother but as it turns out, it’s Bella herself as an old lady.

The first time you really see Edward it’s kind of cheese…but all the girls swooned. He gets out of his Volvo, and starts walking towards Bella, in slow motion of course, with a great song playing in the background, shirt unbuttoned, wind blowing in his hair. Forget Bella, he was walking towards me…I know it. Oh, then they have this great moment and Jake shows up and he’s buff (actually I think those are Bella’s exact words). Side note:Taylor's abs really are amazing. I don't feel right saying that because I'm so much older than the kid, but he deserves credit for that. Well done Taylor. The first time the "abs" appeared on screen cheers erupted in the audience. There was an appropriate wait time before dialogue picked up again. I guess they realized people would need to collect themselves after that display.

The birthday party scene is everything I thought it was going to be. It's really sweet when Carlisle stitches up her arm after the ‘incident” and I’m happy they kept that part in the movie. Jasper is creepy…like really creepy. I wasn’t a fan of his hair either..what was up with that?

Then the break up. Oh. My. God. They chose the best song to play in the background, it’s Roslyn by Bon Iver and it actually breaks your heart to watch it. I thought that Kristen Stewart did a fantastic job here. Remember in the book when they represent the passage of time with Bella’s depression of Edward leaving you to flip pages and they just have the month on the page (October, November, December), well in the movie they expressed this perfectly. I remember actually feeling Bella’s depression when I read this part in the book and when I saw it in the film it brought back the same feelings. The way they were able to represent this was fantastic and so well done. Throughout the time that the Cullens are gone Bella writes Alice emails to express what she’s going through and how she’s dealing with everything. Loved that!

The time that Bella spends with Jacob fixing up the bikes is so well done. You start to root for them at this point. You want Bella to pick him and forget about Edward. But then Alice shows up and Jacob’s reaction is heartbreaking. You will feel like crying for him.

The stuff in Volterra was probably my favorite part of the entire movie. The landscape and the colors were perfect and adding the slow motion scenes made the “rescue” much more intense. I was disappointed that they didn’t kiss immediately, I thought that would have made the moment much more climactic. Then you are faced with the red eyes of the Volturi. Michael Sheen as Aro was perfect. Jane inflicting her “pain” ability on Edward was powerful. Felix beating Edward up was exceptional and I loved this part because of Bella’s desperation to save him. This part wasn’t in the book and I think it was a fantastic addition to the movie.

The movie wraps up pretty quickly and it a little different from the book but you’re still satisfied…kind of. You’ll see what I mean.

That’s it. I left out a gazillion details and as much as I want to provide a play by play on each scene I won’t. I’ll leave that to my Sunday visit with Lacey :) Go out and get your tickets. You won’t be disappointed. Legendary!!!

The Cheese That Changed My Life

2009-11-18T10:42:00.002-07:00

Have you ever had Boursin cheese? This cheese is so amazing that the first time I had it my boobs got bigger..well not really…at least in my mind they did. That’s how amazing this cheese is. It makes you believe that the impossible is possible.

Ever since I first tried this cheese I have made it my mission in life to share it with the world. I bring it to dinner parties, wedding & baby showers, birthday parties and I force feed people into trying it while I stand next to them saying “isn’t it amazing? Isn’t it the best cheese you’ve ever had? It’s changing your life right now isn’t it? Quick, check your boobs, are they getting bigger?”

It’s a soft cheese, you’ll need a cheese knife. I prefer the herb & garlic flavor spread on a cracked peppercorn cracker...delicious...my mouth is salivating right now. And today must be a really good day because I just received an email that will change my mashed potato experience FOREVER.

Boursin Mashed Potatoes – Ahhhhh, I hear angels rejoicing

Here is the recipe:
Serves 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 package (5.2 oz.) Boursin® Garlic & Fine Herbs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil the potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander. In a bowl, mash the potatoes until they are smooth. Add the Boursin cheese and continue mashing until the cheese is thoroughly mixed. Add the milk and beat in to the potato mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.

I can't wait to try this.

All Hail the New King

2009-11-18T08:49:00.006-07:00

The People (as in People magazine) have spoken and they have announced their new King (as in sexiest man alive for 2009) and the winner is…..Johnny Depp.
Hugh Jackman sat in the throne over the past year and I think we can all agree that he was a good King. Remember that scene in Wolverine? Yes, you know the one I’m talking about…see he was a good King wasn’t he and now he is passing the crown to Johnny Depp, the well deserved recipient.

Johnny Depp is badass. He’s so badass that he can have a scarf coming out of his back pocket and look cool. So cool that instead of mocking his fashion sense, the world bows down to his awesomeness.

Depp just secured his paycheck for the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie at just over $30 million. Yes, you read that correctly, $30 million. But he shares well. It has been recently reported that Depp is helping out his friend Nicolas Cage with his financial issues; He uses his riches to help the poor. This makes him a generous King.

It’s a good thing that People chose a man that has credibility in the industry. I’m sure most people thought Robert Pattinson would be crowned King, but that would be foolish. He has only been famous for a year. The sexiest man alive must first seek out the approval of the other leading men in the industry before he can take the crown. Do you see Robert hanging out with Clooney or Pitt? No, not yet, but If Robert is still a hot commodity when he is 30 then I’m sure his sexy radar will be off the charts and he will be granted the honor. Until then he must pay his dues and work his way up. That’s just how it goes. You must be a man to be called sexy..Robert is still just a guy.

This is Depps second time around as a royal. He was first crowed Sexiest Man Alive back in 2003 and I’m sure his loyal followers will embrace him again as their leader.
For the complete story visit: http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20315920_20320494,00.html

Robin is Wright and Ditches the Penn Name

2009-11-17T14:54:00.003-07:00

Oh Robin Wright you’ll always be “My Jenny” from Forest Gump, but holy hotness! Have you seen her recently? She’s gorgeous to begin with and has a rockn’ body. A few weeks ago she traded in her signature blond locks for a new dark brown do and some insanely hot & edgy outfits. *sigh* I have a new girl crush.

Robin has been on again off again with Sean Penn for the past several years but this time it’s really over…maybe…we’ll see. The 43 year old is legally removing hyphenated Penn from her name and going back to just Wright and in celebration of this new single status it looks as though she’s ready to step out from behind her exes shadow and into the sexy stratosphere. Last night she was at the premiere of her upcoming film, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee and just look at this hotness: http://www.popsugar.com/6245140?page=0,0,7 The entire look is just amazing, I mean she nailed it. This is how beautiful people look.

Live Feeds and Holy Matters

2009-11-17T09:08:00.005-07:00

The holy trinity, also known as Rob, Kristen and Taylor, the leads in New Moon, were fresh off their European promotional tour and back in L.A. for the official star studded premiere of New Moon. Earlier in the afternoon I found out through my twitter feed that the Twilight MySpace page was going to be broadcasting the red carpet via a live feed. Originally I had no interest in watching this. I figured I’d just look at the pictures tomorrow online, but then 7:00 pm hit and it took everything in my body to not go to the computer to check out the live feed. I was compelled to watch it. My nosiness level was at an all time high. I wanted to see if Rob & Kristen would be on the red carpet together (which they didn’t, they didn’t even pose together). I wanted to see if Taylor Swift would show up (she didn’t). I wanted to see what other celebrities would come out of the woodwork and show the rest of the world that they were Twilight fans too…and by the way..strangest woodwork appearance came from 50 Cent…ya, the rapper dude. So anyway, what I’m trying to say is that I fell into the live stream black hole. I should have known better because Lacey warned me about the live stream black hole when she fell into it this summer with Big Brother

I watched it…so what. I loved it and I’m not ashamed. There was so much hoopla that it seemed more like an awards show than a movie premiere. My favorite interview and best personality surprise of the night was with Elizabeth Reaser. She plays Esme Cullen. You know, you never really get to hear much from her. In press interviews, they usually clump her together with the other “Cullens” and she never gets a word in. This chick is hilarious. Let her talk more! She seemed so happy to be interviewing by herself, it was like she had verbal diarrhea. My god, I fell in love with her. It was kind of shocking at first to see this person emerge that we never get the chance to see and I also couldn’t really tell if she was nervous or a little drunk. I hope she was a little drunk..that makes me love her more.

Back to the holy trinity. Smiley faces all around last night. I guess the whole “emo” trend isn’t “in” anymore. The smiles can be explained. Let’s start with Rob. After countless interviews with him saying “Ya, I’m famous, but I can’t get a girlfriend,” he’s finally getting some with rumored GF Kristen Stewart. And he must be getting it all the time now because he has a perma grin fixated to his face…which by the way is starting to resemble Wolverine…somebody trim his face. Kristen is all smiles because she has finally accepted the Twilight craze, no longer cares about the gossip of if all oh and she’s F&#$ing Robert Pattinson. You’d be smiley face too. And then there’s Taylor, which by the way, isn’t it so cute how he wears a suit to everything, acting all grown up and business like. He’s just happy to be a star and he’s soaking it all in. He wants the fame…bring the fame on.

Here is a link to 120 pictures from the night. http://www.popsugar.com/6266930 Everyone looked very glam. I loved Kristen’s Oscar de la Renta gown but wasn’t a fan of the hairstyle or lack thereof. Reports are saying she ditched the dress as soon as she got in the theater and changed into her signature skinny jeans and vintage T..rock star..I love it. Dakota Fanning was sweet in her strapless black number. Loved the red heels. Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli, please…they are like the cutest married couple in Hollywood oh and I love the wolf pack guys. They were so friendly and humble.

When the premiere ended everyone headed to the Armand Hammer Museum for the after party. Pictures here: http://www.popsugar.com/6272793

Oh ya, and my rubber arm has been twisted. I know I said I’d wait to see New Moon after the craziness of opening weekend dies down…well, now I’m going on this Thursday night.

Becoming a Big Girl

2009-11-16T12:45:00.003-07:00

I’m sure the first time I noticed Dakota Fanning was the first time you noticed her too back in 2001 when she starred as “Lucy” Sean Penn’s seven year old daughter in I Am Sam. It’s a trip to watch the trailer now and see how young she was then, which by the way was only 8 years ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EROTbDCr5ag

Crazy, right? She was so good in that movie. It was kind of amazing to watch her. She was seven years old when she that movie came out. Seven…when I was seven I’m sure I was trying to remember that eating play doh wasn’t good for you and she was spending her days with Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer. And she wasn’t just the token cute kid that has a few lines; she had a huge part in it where she had to express true emotions. At the time she was seen as a bit of a child prodigy because of how good she actually was.

Dakota’s performance in I am Sam really set her up in the movie business. After that film she appeared in the sci-fi miniseries, Taken, directed by Steven Spielberg, followed by the Cat in the Hat, Man on Fire, War of the Worlds and Charlotte’s Web to name a few. She went through a bit of an awkward stage and I actually found her annoying…particularly in War of the Worlds, but luckily she seems to have grown out of that as most kids do. She always chose very age appropriate films, but now that she is a teenager you can see her starting to make that transition from child actor to adult actor. Earlier this year Dakota took on a much more mature role in Push and this week she will be stepping out onto the screen as Jane from the Twilight Series, where she gets to play the villain for the first time in her career. She also scored her first Teen Vogue cover for this December/January issue. The picture above is from that shoot. Legit Magazine Covers = Growing up and Teen Vogue = Growing up with Class. Well played Dakota.
You can check out the full interview here: http://www.teenvogue.com/industry/coverlook/2009/11/teen-vogue-cover-girl-dakota-fanning
She talks about her new BFF KStew which kind of surprises me. Kristen seems a little too rough around the edges for Dakota's sweet demeanor, but I guess I could see how they relate, both being child actors and all.

You can tell this kid is solid. Her parents must keep her that way. Although she is a full time actress, she’s also enrolled in a private school in L.A. where she is a cheerleader…so all American mixed with a Hollywood privilege, oh what a life. But you can tell she’s not a bragger or a one upper,although I’m sure most of her girlfriends are jealous of her at times. I imagine a conversation like this.
Friend says: “Hey Dakota, do you want to come to my birthday party?”
Dakota: “Um, no I would really love to but I have to go hang out with Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, but thanks for asking”.
Friend politely says “That’s ok” but is thinking “Die bitch, die.”

In all fairness I think she really does want to have that “normal teenage life” as much as possible and good for her for giving it a go.

Dakota was on Ellen today to promote New Moon and she looked so grown up and super cute. Check out the video here: http://ellen.warnerbros.com/videos/?autoplay=true&mediaKey=09669bf2-05ef-46f5-be8f-da9dbf7d6646

I think the future is bright for Dakota as long Lohan version 2.0 (Lindsay’s younger sister Ali) stays away from her.

It's Saturday Night and I'm Almost Famous

2009-11-14T19:06:00.006-07:00

It’s Saturday night and my only plan is to sit on the couch and veg. I turn the TV on, start going through the program guide, nothing, nothing, nothing…oh, “Almost Famous, “ I love that movie, I think I’ll stay put and watch it. Kate Hudson is great in this movie, isn’t she? She played the ultimate band aid. I wonder if “band aids” still exist. Do they still follow the bands around from city to city, partying with them, watching the concert from the side stage night after night? Imagine getting to do that. Even just for one week. Back in the day they were groupies, totally acceptable to the scene. People that follow bands around now from city to city have a new name….stalkers.

The plot of the movie as described by IMDB goes like this: William Miller is a 15 year old kid, hired by Rolling Stone magazine to tour with, and write about Stillwater, an up and coming rock band. Can you imagine if that kid was you? Like holy shit. Going on the road with your favorite rock band to write a story about them in Rolling Stone…that kid is legendary. I like to think that it would be the coolest thing in the world, but it would take a lot of guts to do it. I mean interviewing rock idols...that would be beyond intimidating. Do you play it cool and act like their awesomeness doesn't faze you, or do you fall all over them with compliments repeating the words "Oh my god, you're amazing". Hard to say..I guess you'd have to be in the situation to really know how you'd act. When the movie "Titanic" came out I found out that Leonardo DiCaprio was at a hotel in the area I was staying. I didn't think I was one of those girls to freak out over a movie star. I was wrong, horribly, horribly wrong...anyway, that story is for another day.

The thing about this kid is that he never fit in anywhere at any point in his life, but while he’s out on the road with these musicians, band aids and groupies he manages to find his place. He gets the chance to feel “cool” for the first time in his life. For someone that never got to be part of anything, all of the sudden he’s in the middle of it all. It’s his Rock Star moment.

If you haven’t seen Almost Famous, rent it. It’s a fantastic movie that will make you want to be a rock star. If you have already seen Almost Famous, watch it again.

Here is the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk0XnyrENrE

And here is the best sing along in the movie:"Tiny Dancer"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qn3tel9FWU&feature=fvw

Here come the chills...I love sing alongs :)

1133 Days Left

2009-11-13T10:58:00.004-07:00

According to the Mayan long count calendar that’s how many days we have left until the end of days here on earth. December 21st, 2012 is a mere 1133 days away. How does Hollywood react to such an ominous date in time? …exploit it of course.

Today is the worldwide release of the film 2012 starring John Cusack. I need to make a side note here: Doesn’t this seem like more of a Nicolas Cage type movie (Knowing)? I was surprised to see John Cusack playing the lead. The first thing I thought was that the original lead must have dropped out and John was the fill in. I’m not intending to be mean at all. I thought John Cusack was fantastic in Serendipity (great movie – it’s on TBS all the time) It just doesn’t seem like his thing. Hopefully I’ll see this movie and eat my words...I’m rooting for ya John.

The plot of the movie is described like this: An epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors. Check out the trailer here: http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/2012/

Funny, I feel as though I’ve heard of this movie before. Am I having déjà vu? Yes, I did hear about this before except the title wasn’t 2012 it was “The Day After Tomorrow”, “12 Monkeys”, “Strange Days”, “Deep Impact”, “Planet of the Apes”, “Apocalypse Now”, etc, etc, etc. There have been dozens of “End of the World” type movies and all of them drum up some sort of “What if” hysteria among people. 2012 will come and go just like Y2K did. None the less, there are always those out there that will try to make a profit off of the fears of others. Enter the 2012 supplies website. Yes, this really exists and their tag line is “Be Smart, Be Ready”. Um, if the end of the world is coming, and if it’s anything like the movie 2012 says it will play out, do you think a can of dried chicken and rice is going to save you? Doubtfully, but if you want to see what constitutes “end of the world” supplies then check out this site: http://2012supplies.com/

If anything, I’m sure the movie 2012 will be entertaining. It’s loaded with big explosions and special effects and it’s the kind of movie that lets you turn your brain off for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Are You Watching Glee?

2009-11-12T16:06:00.001-07:00

Are you watching Glee….because you really should be watching Glee. It’s such a good show. At times it can be a little cheesy but we all need a little cheese from time to time. Hey, it beats watching yet another crime drama or ‘has been’ celebrities in a dance competition. Real scripted programming is a rare find these days…we need to work with what we’ve got.

Last night the song Gravity was a feature song on the show. Gravity is from the amazingly fantastic Broadway show “Wicked”. Lea Michele, who plays the ultra annoying but seriously misunderstood Rachel gave a tremendous performance. You’ll get the chills when you listen to it. Now, click on this link and turn your speakers up…way up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx-pdyNvWq0&annotation_id=annotation_784717&feature=iv

Next, do yourself a favor and start watching this show. Become a Gleek!

Well that didn’t turn out as planned…Maybe if I apologize we can all be friends

2009-11-12T13:58:00.004-07:00

That trashy hoe bag piece of crap stripper that allegedly had an affair with Josh Duhamel is now offering an apology to his wife, Fergie. In this statement given to the highly credible (sense my sarcasm) “Extra” program, the stripper said the following: "I thought, 'Nobody's gonna find out. It's not gonna hurt anybody," she said. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I didn't think of it like I think of it now." Oh god, she even talks like a trashy hoe bag.

So let’s just back up the horse for a minute. When she initially felt the need to confess her romp with Josh, naturally she ran to the most reputable news agency in the world….WRONG….she told (a.k.a. sold) her story to the National Enquirer. I mean come on, this is the same publication that claims Alien creatures deliver octopus children and that Brad Pitt is actually a six headed donkey in disguise sent on a mission from plant Zohan. Seriously…are you that big of a tool? Telling the National Enquirer doesn’t do much for your credibility.

The most annoying thing about this chick is the fact that she claims she doesn’t want any part of this. Ummm, do you have selective or short term memory issues? Just to re-cap, YOU were the one that broke the story and the last time anyone checked you weren’t tortured or blackmailed into telling it.

Maybe Josh was lost in complete inebriation one night, (because that’s the only way I can possibly see him thinking he’d want a piece of that mess) did hook up with her. Whatever…Who CARES!!!! I’m not saying I’m condoning it…I’m just saying WHO CARES!!!!!! And after all of this she has the nerve to say “Too bad Josh just can’t admit it”.

Seems like this chick, who is struggling to raise two children, needed some cash and thought this might be a quick fix and that obviously didn’t work so now she’s back peddling by trying to apologize to Fergie. Seriously woman, you didn’t think it was going to hurt anyone? So if this is true I’ll ask you this question, who knowingly and willingly sleeps with a married man? That breaks the code honey, so F$%& Off!

Hey Joe, It’s been awhile

2009-11-12T11:13:00.015-07:00

Remember this guy? He was the kid on that T.V. show 3rd Rock from the Sun back in the 90’s. I vaguely remember having a crush on this guy. I remember watching that movie “Angels in the Outfield” over and over again. I loved that movie. He was also in that movie “Ten Things I Hate About You” with Heath Ledger. He played the nerdy kid that was always ditched for the more popular person and never got the girl. Oh god he was cute in that movie, right? At that time Joseph Gordon Levitt (we'll call him JGL) was at that awkward stage in life, transitioning from a teenager to an adult, lingering in a place that most child actors can never come out of. He could have easily dropped off the face of the earth, in fact some people might suggest that he did, but that’s not the case at all. He did take a hiatus from full time acting from 1999-2004 while attending Columbia University all the while keeping his feet wet by doing a few guest appearances a year in TV.

Although we haven’t heard a lot of buzz around him for the past few years, he has been quietly perfecting his craft by involving himself various independent projects, gaining accolades from both critics and fellow actors.

2009 has been JGL’s comeback year, if that’s what we’re going to call it. We first started to re-notice him back when 500 Days of Summer, co-starring Zooey Deschanel, received fantastic reviews from the independent film festival circuit last spring. I remember seeing the trailer and saying to myself, "oh ya, that guy, I didn't know he was still acting." I'm sure a lot of people were thinking the same thing. Rotten Tomatoes gave this film a 90% rating and it was recognized as a huge success. Check out the trailer here: http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/500daysofsummer/

Shortly after the release of 500 Days, he starred in this summer’s blockbuster G.I. Joe, although for most of the movie you wouldn’t even recognize that it was him. JGL wrapped up filming the lead in Hesher, opposite Natalie Portman due out in 2010 and is currently working on Inception Point with Leonardio DiCaprio and Ellen Page. Solid choices Joe, solid. Because of these solid choices, JGL has gained amazing street cred over the past few years. He's the farthest thing from a "has been", in fact, he's becoming one of those real actors, prepared to sit on the stage of fame for years to come.

On November 21st, JGL will host Saturday Night Live for the first time.This means he’s popular again and even more people will start to recognize this guy. He’s not one of those attention seeking types of people. You’ll rarely find him in the tabloids so it’s easy to kind of forget about him. Although JGL has been working as an actor for the past 20 years, it’s only now that people are starting to recognize him and put him in the league with the big boys and girls. He never seemed to have sold out to get on top. He slowly and methodically made his various moves to stand in the position he’s in today. JGL was patient and now his time has come. This is his opportunity. JGL has proven his talent and therefore doesn’t have to worry about taking the impractical roles just to stay in work. This guy will have an Oscar someday. I can’t wait to say “I told you so” to all the people that don’t agree.

Check out the trailer for Uncertainty that opens this weekend. http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/uncertainty/

Up in the Air

2009-11-11T20:55:00.004-07:00

I am in love with this movie and I haven’t even seen it yet. The expected release date for “Up in the Air” is Christmas Day, December 25th; however I have been hearing that reviews are so good, like potential Oscar nominations good, that they might move the release date up. Not sure, will keep you posted.

The first time I saw the trailer I felt a sense of Déjà vu, then it hit me, I totally had this exact conversation with my boss back when I first started working. I was so much like Anna Kendrick’s character Natalie. Fresh out of University with the business suites (such a grownup / take me seriously look, non?) and all of the naivety in the world but not recognizing even an ounce of it. I was focused and driven, but I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to be doing in my career, I just knew that I wanted to be good at it. Then you work for a few years…..you gain that experience and things change. Life happens, other things become far more important and you realize that everything you thought was so easy isn’t, and that sometimes life downright sucks. But you learn and move on, because moving is living and you try to remember the good things.

I have put together a list of the best quotes pulled from the trailer all said by the great George Clooney and all of these quotes come from the scene that I’ve already lived in real life, except maybe my boss didn't say those exact words :) This is where George Clooney's character is trying to teach Anna Kendricks character how to navigate the crowds at the airport. Only a true frequent flyer would know these tricks.

• “Never get behind old people their bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left.”
• “Asians, they pack light, travel efficiently and they’ve got a thing for slip on shoes, god love them.”
• “I’m like my mother, I stereotype, it’s faster.”

Up in the Air is rated R which pretty much guarantees some delicious sauciness. I have a feeling that it’s going to be one of those “real” movies. One that you can totally agree on the fact that all of the events could really happen. I will guarantee you that over the holidays you will find me in the theater, very back, center seat, eating this movie up. I can’t wait. Hopefully my photo and trailer assumption hasn’t built this movie up to be something far better in my mind that what it actually is…I doubt it…I know I’m going to love it.

This is the story of a man ready to make a connection: View the trailer here: Select the Theatrical Trailer: http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/upintheair/

Come Pick Me Up

2009-11-11T08:43:00.002-07:00

Have you ever listened to a song and you can just feel it run through your soul. It doesn’t really matter what the lyrics say or mean, but you totally and completely connect with the music, right to the core. This would be one of those songs that does it for me. It’s called Come Pick Me Up by Ryan Adams. I heard this song last night for the first time in a long time. Come Pick Me Up emanates feeling and emotion and it has actual meaning unlike most of the “popular” songs out today. It’s one of those thinking songs, when listening to it you can sort the shit out in your life, figure out what you want, get back on track. It’s amazing that a song can do that, isn’t it? I do my best thinking in the car by myself listening to music.

Usually, wait, who am I kidding, Every time I find a song that I connect with I’ll listen to it over and over again while images of events in my life or things I would like to happen in my life run through my mind…almost like a movie trailer..and this song goes along with the images. There I go again…lost in my own thoughts. I can’t help it. I’m a total dreamer. That’s probably why I search for meaning in songs and try to figure out exactly what the writer was trying to convey...what they must have been going through when they wrote that particular track.

Have a listen to this song. It’s sexy and soulful and all those good things in life:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM0mjukDGRw

If you liked this song, you’ll probably enjoy the entire album. It’s called Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams and if you don’t know of Ryan Adams, get to know him, otherwise you’re missing out. His music has the ability to make moments a little sweeter; it will change your life.

Time for a Time Out

2009-11-10T18:25:00.003-07:00

Dear Lindsay Lohan,

I’m sending you for a time out. That’s right. Now go find a nice quiet corner and think about what you’ve done to your life. It’s a disaster and you need to go away for awhile and figure it all out. In fact, your entire family needs to go away for a while. I’m not saying you can’t come back to the party. Actually you’re more than welcome to come back but not until after you’ve completed the following tasks. Lay off the booze and drugs…you’re acting like a crazy person and nobody needs to see that. Throw away your spray tanners. With your complexion it’s obvious that you don’t have a real tan so you end up looking fake and trashy. So just get rid of them and go see a dermatologist while you’re at it. Stop Tweeting…NOW…end it. I know it can be addictive, but you need to give it up. Oh and you really need to find something else to wear other than black leggings…please for the love of all that is good…put something else on. Now, I understand that you haven’t worked in awhile and you need to make money and I have a crazy idea that just might work. Now this might sound insane, but just hear me out. I think your parents, who have been leaching off you for the past 15 years should get real jobs and they should support you, the child, for a change. And just so we’re clear…telling family secrets to the tabloids does not constitute a “job”.

That’s what I would tell Lindsay if I had the chance. That’s what the people around her should be telling her. This girl is a mess. She was so cute when she was a kid, the very promising young Disney star. But that ship has sailed and if she doesn’t go for a time out soon she won’t have a chance to board the next ship…the last ship as far as she’s concerned. The only other thing after that would be either the porn commuter train or the dancing with the stars shuttle bus.

It’s your move Lindsay. Make it a good one.

Are You Popular?

2009-11-10T14:44:00.001-07:00

It’s that time again. The nominations for the People’s Choice Awards were announced today. It’s no surprise that the Vampire genre which consists of True Blood, The Vampire Diaries and of course Twilight are leading the pack this year when it comes to Movies and TV shows.

They really should re-name it the Popular Choice Awards show. Sure, the “people” get the chose who they want to win, but that’s based on pre-selected nominees who have been part of either a top grossing film, a hugely rated TV show, or a top selling artist. Basically…the projects that bring in the most amount of cash get the nominations. It’s like a high school student council election. The popular kid always wins the vote. Everyone wants to be friends with the popular kid.

Let’s be real. If Slumdog Millionaire didn’t make all that money at the box office do you really think it would have won an Oscar? Probably not, and I’m not knocking Slumdog. I thought it was a brilliant movie. But it was an independent film that almost didn’t see the light of day. I’m so happy that Slumdog did get such great accolades. I wish more independent films got the praise that they deserved.

But that’s the way this business works. When you’re hot, you’re on top until someone knocks you off and the fans will follow that next “big star” or until you make what they will call a “comeback”. Brutal!
If anything, I’m sure the people that attend this event will enjoy the parties and all the free shit they get at those gift suites. I want free shit.

Full list of nominees can be found here: http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b153015_twilight_true_blood_taylor_swift_suck.html

We Have Finally Reached the Acceptance Stage...Let’s be Friends

2009-11-10T08:33:00.003-07:00

Most people don’t really like Kristen Stewart. They find her bitchy, ungrateful, messy and unapproachable. I love this chick.I could be friends with her, easily. She is independent, sassy and fierce and she has her own rockin’ sense of style. Let’s not forget…she’s 19 years old. She’s trying to figure herself out and attempting to do that in the public eye. Can you imagine if everything you did during your University years was publicized on Entertainment Tonight or People.com daily. Or if your relationships, whether they are real or fabricated, were cover stories in gossip magazines. Oh God…how embarrassing that must be.I can't even think about it. It would suck a lot of the time. I completely understand why she is so guarded with her personal life.

If you saw any press interviews with her from last year you’ll notice that she was really awkward. I mean, REALLY awkward. It was painful to watch at times. I often did that thing when you feel embarrassed for someone else..you cringe, biting your lips and covering your face with your hands,repeating the words "oh god, this is embarrassing",over and over again,as if that will somehow magically make the situation any better for them. She had such a hard time expressing what she was trying to say and she fumbled on her words all the time. The media gave her such a hard time about this. They were the ones that labeled her as "moody" or "bitchy" and everyone else just ran with that. I’ll admit that I wasn’t too sure about her either. In interviews with the press she seemed pissed off most of the time…or stoned. It seemed like she had a hard time being gracious with the public…the people that made her a star.

As part of the New Moon promotion tour, Kristen Stewart emerged last week as a confident, polite, well spoken young woman. She’s still sassy and fierce, but she’s much more certain of herself. It seems as though she decided to give up on the denial and anger of becoming and ‘instant’ star and has moved to the acceptance stage. She seems to have reached a sort of “comfort zone” with the situation and can deal with it much better. She has been very upfront about the fact that she doesn't like it when people tell her what to say or how to act. For the first Twilight film she was supposed to take part in media training but basically told the studio to "F&%$ Off". Taylor Lautner on the other hand took the training. You can tell. He's the current Sumit show boy. Anyone that knows media training can pick this up when watching interview with Taylor. He knows how to bring non related questions back to the film he is promoting. He knows how much to give away and how to keep the audience intrigued. Job well done on the PR firm that trained him. He'll rebel someday..you'll see. But anyway, back to Kristen.

She has been in the business for 10 years already. Her first big break was staring as Jodie Foster’s daughter in “Panic Room”. She is a staple in the independent film scene, starring in movies like "Into the Wild" & "Speak" and that is where she likes to be.This is her comfort zone. She was never groomed to be a blockbuster movie star so I can understand why it took her a bit of time to adjust. But she made it and although she has been working for the past ten years, this is just the beginning for her.

The picture above was taken today in Paris at a photo call. Love the dress, love the hair, love the makeup. Lainey had a great post today (http://www.laineygossip.com/Kristen_Stewart_Robert_Pattinson_Taylor_Lautner_with_Chris_Weitz_at_hotel_balcony_in_Paris_.aspx?CatID=0&CelID=0) about how the fans now treat them like royalty. Standing on balconies…waving to their loyal followers. Next, people will be asking them to bless their babies. I’m being totally serious here. These fans are hard-core.

It will be interesting see what happens to Kristen, and Rob and Taylor for that matter after all of the Twilight movies have been filmed and released. Will the fans let go of their obsession with these characters after Bella, Edward and Jacob fade off the page? Will this all go away? Maybe...maybe not. In the meantime, she's keeping it real and I love her for that.

Celebrity Scoop for Monday, November 9th, 2009

2009-11-09T15:24:00.003-07:00

This is what happened in celebrity news today:

Dakota Fanning is growing up. She looks like Amanda Seyfried here, non?
http://www.popsugar.com/6095004

Demi Moore covers W magazine. Would you call her a cougar or a fox?
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/11/09/demi-moore-w-magazine-december-2009-cover/

It’s safe to say that Ashley Greene has perfected the “sexy” look. Now, let’s try something new:
http://www.celebuzz.com/ashley-greene-maxim-izes-appeal-s153101/

Spotted! Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel at a Jay-Z concert this weekend:
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/11/09/justin-timberlake-jessica-biel-hit-jay-z-concert/

The scandalous Gossip Girl “threesome” episode airs tonight. Will you be watching?
http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/11/09/gossip-girl-threesome-will-you-watch-tonight/

Remember that script I read…Source Code…Jake Gyllenhaal is going to play the lead:
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Script-Reaction-Duncan-Jones-And-Jake-Gyllenhaal-s-Source-Code-15602.html
ScriptShadow is happy about this too: http://scriptshadow.blogspot.com/2009/11/source-code-gets-green-light.html

Source Code Gets a Green Light

2009-11-09T14:57:00.004-07:00

This is pretty fantastic. Last week I blogged about another blog I found called ScriptShadow where you can read scripts that have either been purchased for production or not. The first script I read was called Source Code. See my blog entry here: http://charleewith2es.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-new-favorite-thing-reading-movie.html

Great news...Source Code has just been given the green light. That means they are going to start production and turn this into a real movie. And guess who is taking the lead....Jake Gyllenhaal.

ScriptShadow is pretty pumped about this as he should be.
He said " You guys did it. By putting Source Code at the top of the Reader List, you convinced Hollywood to take the project seriously and put it into production."
The power of the internet is incredible isn't it. If you want something, demand it.

This is very smart for the movie studios to boot. By having so many people so interested in the story before any money is actually invested is a dream. The people spoke and "The Man" listened. Well done.

Sometimes I Pretend To Be a Rock Star

2009-11-09T11:12:00.003-07:00

I have a split personality when it comes to my wardrobe. One side of me reflects the office fashion which basically makes me a walking advertisement for places like Banana Republic and Mexx. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love the classy business look. Sometimes classy attire screams “this bitch means business”. I love having that kind of power based on the outfit I wear. It’s so liberating. I started in the business that I’m in pretty young so I really felt the need to dress older so people would take me seriously. Isn’t that horrible? There are so many stereotypes out there. Just because you’re young it doesn’t mean you don’t know what you’re talking about. Sure, we don’t have the years of experience that seasoned veterans have, but we have amazing fresh new ideas and we aren’t afraid to take risks. We’re young, we still have time to mess up and make up for it.

The other side of me, which is the side I wish I could be all of the time, is the rocker chick. This girl comes out on weekends or on holidays and sometimes only in my head. Skinny jeans with a vintage T, throw on a sweet pair of ray-bans and you’re there. I have built up this whole “cool” person in my mind. She is in a band, plays the guitar and is an amazing singer, naturally. She has play dates with the who’s who of Hollywood and gets invited to everything imaginable. She’s kind and generous. She makes her own decisions and never lets anyone tell her what to do or how to represent herself. She’s a trendsetter, a free thinker and everyone wants to be her friend. Either I have an incredible imagination for someone that is no longer a child, or I’m completely delusional. I like to think it’s more of a great imagination thing. I think everyone pretends to be something they're not, even if it’s only in your mind. Being someone else let’s you cross your own boundaries…gives you the confidence to do things that people wouldn’t expect you to do. Kind of like when Clark Kent turns into Superman. It’s all about the red cape.

The picture above is of a pair of Steve Madden boots (called Buck) that I purchased over the weekend. They are so cool..wait, no, cool isn’t the word. Cool is the word a mom uses to describe them. They’re bitchn’…ah, much better. Check out the Steve Madden Website here: http://www.stevemadden.com/category.aspx?id=127

Try something new and introduce yourself to another side of you.

Bring On The Swifty

2009-11-08T21:46:00.007-07:00

I’m old. Staying up late is really hard to do and I don’t own a PVR (DVR)...I know, crazy right? It’s like I’m living under a rock. So that meant I needed to stay up long past my bedtime to watch Taylor Swift host Saturday Night Live last night. Ever since that whole MTV/Kanye West debacle I’ve become a fan of little miss Swifty. She has one of the best personalities in the business, so I’ve decided I like her and I want to see her do well out there.

If I was 19 again and could choose to trade places with one “celebrity” I would probably pick her. Her wardrobe is beyond fantastic. I would do pretty much anything to go tradsies on outfits with her and raid her closet. I’ve never ever been one to share clothes…but I would with her. In interviews she comes across as funny, sweet, a little humble, mixed with some nerves…she’s real. She writes lyrics that are real. Every time I hear one of her songs for the first time I get goose bumps because I remember the exact point in my life when I went through the same thing. People can relate to her.

That’s why we need more role models like Taylor Swift. Whenever she wins an award or is honored with something she never does that annoying…”Thank you God” crap a la Miley Cyrus. She thanks her friends, family and fans. She has had an active MySpace account since the beginning and is committed to staying connected with her fans through video postings and twitter updates and she never goes off on crazy rants. Maybe that’s because she is highly censored by handlers or she’s just not crazy…as in she’s normal. I would bet she’s normal.

Back to her gig on SNL. The opening monologue was superb. She used what she had, musical talent mixed with life experienced. Telling Joe Jonas to suck it was just about the best thing that ever happened to the tween world. Loved the fact that she didn't directly comment about her co-Taylor relationship, she simply blew a kiss into the camera and gave a little wave. Let the over analyzing and teen fantasizing begin. If you haven’t seen it, check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InehgXYKbg0
Her personality definitely came out from the get go in that monologue and set her into a comfort zone for the rest of the night. Taylor did double duty on SNL as she was also the musical talent. Her live performance act was great and made me what to see her in concert someday.

I hope Taylor stays around for a long time to come. The good news is that all signs are pointing in that direction. We just need to make sure she doesn’t pull a crazy like Spears or Lohan. We cannot let that happen to her. She’s one of the good ones; we need to keep it that way.

This one is my favorite at the moment and the video is so cute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw9QMSl9Xic

Follow Taylor on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/TaylorSWift13

Weekend Scoop, November 8th, 2009

2009-11-08T20:50:00.002-07:00

Here is what happened in celebrity news this weekend.

Free to roam. Usher’s divorce is final
http://www.wenn.com/archives/12553

Taylor Swift’s gig on SNL. Here are the clips:
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/11/08/taylor-swift-hosting-snl-video/
And talk that it was the best show of the season…so far this season
http://watching-tv.ew.com/2009/11/08/taylor-swift-saturday-night-live/

A Christmas Carol wins this weekend’s box office with $31 Million
http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/11/08/box-office-report-christmas-carol/

The New Moon crew was in full promotion mode this weekend.
Check out Kristen Stewart”s interview here: http://www.celebuzz.com/video-kristen-stewart-talks-robsten-s152781/
Robert Pattinson’s interview here: http://www.celebuzz.com/video-rob-pattinson-calls-wolf-s152791/
And the wolf pack here: http://www.celebuzz.com/video-new-moons-wolf-pack-s152701/

And all the cast photos here: http://www.popsugar.com/6077508

May I Recommend - Kings of Leon

2009-11-07T10:33:00.002-07:00

Back in May I was lucky enough to see Kings of Leon live in concert and they were amazing to say the least. The coolest thing about the Kings of Leon concert was that my husband and I traveled to a different city than the one we live in to see them. We didn’t know a single other person at that concert but that didn’t matter. When you get into a space with people that love the music as much as you do, you quickly become friends…just for those few hours…and rock out together, never caring how you look or sound, just getting lost in the music. For me, that is the best thing about a live show. I love it when the crowd has their hands over their heads clapping in unison. Or when the band starts to play and lets the crowd sing the song. These are the times when I stop rockn’ out for a minute to take it all in, to remember how I’m feeling at that moment and make it last forever - days, weeks, years after the concert is over. And every time I YouTube a live concert or put in one of those concert DVD’s it makes me want to go to a concert again. I quickly start looking up my favorite bands to see where they are playing next and usually attempt to persuade my husband into getting plane tickets and flying to the next stop on their tour. However, I usually don’t win and settle for the YouTube version - watching the concert through someone else’s camera, listening to their poorly pitched voice, but man, are they ever having fun. You can feel it, even through the computer screen….but I digress.
When Caleb belts out those tunes in his raw, sexy rocker voice even the lesbian chicks and straight dudes feel the quiver for him and it’s intense.

I always wondered what it would be like to be a musician on stage and the crowd starts singing your lyrics back to you. Imagine what it must feel like the very first time that happens. Maybe they get the same feeling that we get when we hear them singing live. Music can heal a heartbreak, fuel a rage, sweeten a memory, rock your body. In a lot of ways it’s the expression of your life and the soundtrack that you chose to go along with it. So the next time you find yourself at a live rock concert take a minute to close your eyes and get lost in the rock n’ roll.

Check out Use Somebody from Kings of Leon here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCZfJ5ai07U
And Fans here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1hgRDRc3ug

Celebrity Scoop for Friday, November 6th, 2009

2009-11-06T11:42:00.004-07:00

This is what happened in celebrity news today:

Ellen finally gets her wish and covers O with Oprah
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b152513_ellen_degeneres_finally_gets_her.html

Ben Barnes signs up for a new film “Bono’s Doppelganger”
http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&aid=73&rid=4282678&tpl=archnews&only=1

Rumor alert! Is Adam Brody hooking up with a Gleek?
http://www.popsugar.com/6065760

Katy Perry is a fan of her boyfriend Russell Brand’s favorite Soccer Team http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/11/06/katy-perry-russell-brand-soccer-team/

Pepperoni Please, But Hold The Pepperoni

2009-11-06T10:43:00.001-07:00

Is it weird that I love pepperoni pizza but I take off all the pepperonis and don’t eat them? I have been doing this for as long as I can remember. There is something about processed meat that revolts me but I love the flavor their grease leaves behind. Um…that sounds pretty gross when I say it out loud.

It’s kind of like food cheating. You know, when you take a square and cut it into quarters promising that you will only eat one of those quarters. Oh but what’s another quarter? They’re just little bite sized pieces, and when you cut the square into quarters like that you’re cutting the calories…right? When I take off the pepperonis I am still left with the flavor minus the actual meat. Does that still count?

I do all kinds of strange things like this…no, let’s call them quirky things…not strange. It’s what makes me, well, me. Throughout future blogs you will pick up on other quirks of mine. Believe me; I have a lot of them.

Contests & Movie Premieres

2009-11-06T09:24:00.004-07:00

The premiere of New Moon is two weeks from today. I previously mentioned that Lacey and I, as much as we can’t wait to see this movie, will wait until after opening weekend has passed so we can take it all in minus the young teenage fangirls. I am an old fangirl…big difference. That means I must prepare. I have set out on a mission to sign up for every contest imaginable to win tickets to the premiere in L.A. Yes, I completely understand that it’s a long shot but if you don’t enter you never have a shot at winning. Here enters the all important “only for online contest e-mail address”, a.k.a. “spam e-mail”. Being in marketing myself, I completely understand these contests and how they work. Contests are used as sales promotions and lead generation campaigns. Usually when you enter a contest online you must check the “I agree to have promotional materials sent to my e-mail” box before you can complete the form. For something like New Moon or any blockbuster for that matter these contests are genius. People and teenagers in particular, want to have that connection with the characters that they love, whether it is the same item of clothing, the same choice in music or even the same car. The influence these film studios have on the “teen” group is immense. And who has the most disposable cash? That’s right….teenagers. They will exploit the crap out of this movie because when it comes down to it, it’s not about the movie…it’s about the money the movie takes in.

I will certainly play my part in this cash cow. I will buy my ticket to see the film in theater (maybe twice), and I will pick up the blu-ray when it comes out. There is no sight of this machine slowing down anytime soon.

I realize my chances of winning any of these contests are very slim and that’s ok. Whether Lacey & I are watching it in L.A. or Calgary we'll be loving every minute of it.

Celebrity Scoop for Thursday, November 5th, 2009

2009-11-05T15:46:00.001-07:00

This is what happened in celebrity news today:

Rihanna talks about moving on in her GMA interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpyc9RBCfhk&feature=player_embedded

Gwen Stefani sues the makers of Band Hero
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b152296_gwen_stefani_aint_no_hollaback_boy_sues.html

Dear Lohan’s…go away!
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b152302_lindsay_lohans_mom_on_tape_shes_mess.html

Check out the photo gallery for the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards hosted by Katy Perry
http://www.celebuzz.com/photo-gallery-2009-mtv-europe-s152251/

Shia & real life girlfriend Carey on the set of Money Never Sleeps today in NYC
http://www.celebuzz.com/photo-gallery-shia-labeouf-hot-s152291/

My New Favorite Thing - Reading Movie Scripts

2009-11-05T09:01:00.004-07:00

A few days ago I tweeted (www.twitter.com/charleewith2es) about a blog I found one night while surfing the web. It was called ScriptShadow. I can’t remember exactly how I stumbled upon it, but I’m so happy that I did. I love movies…no, really….I LOVE movies. I watch a couple movies a week. It’s my favorite thing to do. I can’t deal with movie talkers. You know those people that talk during a movie or ask questions. No asking questions…just watch! I love getting lost in a movie. I love the feeling you get when you are really into a movie or the characters. I’ll watch a movie several times over just to get that feeling again. Some people don’t understand the point to that. In their mind, you’ve seen it once already, you know what’s going to happen, why watch it again? But that’s me. When I find something I really like I almost become obsessed with it. I’ll do everything to learn more about it…throwing myself into information overload. I can’t help it. I do it with everything. If I hear a new song that I love I’ll listen to it on repeat over and over again until I know all of the words. Eventually I’ll make myself sick of that song and find a new favorite song.

So I was browsing this ScriptShadow blog and started reviewing his “top 25 picks” for scripts out there. Some of these scripts are being made into movies and others haven’t been purchased yet. His top pick is a script titled “Source Code” by Ben Ripley which hasn’t yet been purchased by a studio. ScriptShadow was raving about this script, going off about how good it was. It’s listed under Sci-Fi – and the quick description goes like this - A man wakes up on a train that is being targeted by terrorists, a train that has already blown up hours ago. That got my interest, so I thought…well, I’ll give it a go. So I downloaded the script, yes you can download scripts from this blog…amazing find, I know, and started reading. I was hooked by page 3 and didn’t move from the sofa for one hour and 25 minutes (the length of time it took me to read the entire 121 page script). It was awesome. I loved it. I’ve never read a script before so I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to visualize everything going on. In a book there is so much description making you feel like you have been transported onto the page. Well, while reading this script I found myself completed lost within the story.

I downloaded another script to read tonight called “Salt”, another thriller type. I think that this has become my new favorite thing. If you think it’s something you’ll enjoy, check out www.scriptshadow.blogspot.com.

Celebrity Scoop for Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

2009-11-04T16:37:00.003-07:00

This is what happened in celebrity news today:

The much anticipated Harper’s interview with Rob and Kristen is here. If they aren’t sleeping with each other yet….they should be.
http://www.harpersbazaar.com/magazine/cover/robert-pattinson-kristen-stewart-new-moon-1209

Nicole Kidman just seems like too much of a square to admit to this
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/11/04/nicole-kidman-ive-explored-strange-fetish-stuff/

Natalie Portman looks fierce on the cover of V magazine
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/11/04/natalie-portman-covers-v-magazine/

Gwyneth spends time with her adorable mini-me's in London
http://www.popsugar.com/6007617

V brings the ratings, but will it last?
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20317547,00.html

Check out Taylor Swift’s first SNL Promo shot poking fun at Kanye West.
http://www.celebuzz.com/video-taylor-swift-disses-kanye-s151801/

Nicole Kidman rumored to be teaming up with Robert Pattinson for new film Bel Ami
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/11/04/nicole-kidman-robert-pattinson-bel-ami-bunch/

Kidman and Some GQ

2009-11-04T16:26:00.006-07:00

I saw the UK GQ cover featuring Nicole Kidman a few times today on several gossip sites and quickly dismissed it each time. But it kept showing up with headlines like “strange fetishes” and “Exploring sex”. No, they can’t be talking about Nicole Kidman the actress I thought. The one that previously was married to Tom Cruise and is now married to Keith Urban…can they? But she seems like such a square. What brings on this rare attention seeking behavior?

Finally I decided that I needed to investigate and do a quick check on IMBD to see what she has coming out because I figured there must be a reason for this interview knowing full well the press it was going to stir up. To my surprise she has nothing coming out this month or next rather two films in post-production with no release date until sometime in 2010.

Maybe she realizes that people see her as a square and she wants to show the world that she’s not. But why would she care? She’s Nicole Kidman. Maybe she's trying to one up the new Mrs. Cruise...well played Nicole...well played.

Regardless of the reason, Nicole looks super hot. She’s 42 years old! She doesn’t seem to age and claims that her only beauty secrets are sunscreen and plenty of water. You’ve got some great genes Nicole…use them while you still can.

For more from Nicole, check out the December issue of GQ UK!

Life Imitating Art

2009-11-04T13:21:00.003-07:00

It seems to happen quite often and more so with the younger generation of actors. The cast of Gossip Girl has this one covered. You’ve got Penn & Blake, Ed & Jessica, Leighton & Sebastian. Well, if anything, it must be convenient. I’ve heard some people comparing the “Hollywood” scene to high school. Makes sense if you really think about it. When you’re on top of your game you’re usually paired up with others who are on top of their game. You work together, present at awards shows together, get asked to the same parties and events. The circles start getting pretty small and these people become your “friends”.

Some actors say that when you become a character for the length of the shoot, the process is so intense that at times, yes, maybe you do start to develop feelings for the person you are playing opposite and it may become hard to draw the line between reality and script. I mean hell, it’s your job to spend however many hours a day “pretending” that you are in love with the person. I’m sure it takes years to develop the ability to not become emotionally connected to the characters you play. In order to portray them I’m sure you have to in some way become them.

Then there is the whole “reaching super stardom together” thing. As in, you were nobodies yesterday, then your film broke records over opening weekend now teenage girls are desperate to have your babies and chase you down dark alleys for locks of your hair and the most mundane activities (like picking up dry cleaning) are reported as “news” in entertainment magazines. The only other people that can relate to you are those going through the same thing.

Anyway, there is a point to this blog. As you know, Glee is one of my favorite shows on TV. A couple of weeks ago this sighting popped up on the internet: http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/10/17/lea-michele-casino-party-pretty/
At the time I had a feeling that they were more than just friends. Then this story came out today: http://perezhilton.com/2009-11-04-just-friends-4
Looks like I’m not the only one to think that “Finn & Rachel” oh wait I mean Cory and Lea are hooking up. I think they would be a great match. At this point I would consider them freshman at a new school. They are just getting their feet wet, trying to figure out where they belong and what clubs to join. They’re both fresh faces to the social scene but eventually they will go in different directions. It’s rare for high school romances to go beyond that...high school.

Celebrity Scoop for Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

2009-11-03T16:32:00.002-07:00

This is what happened in celebrity news today:

Rihanna opens up to Glamour Magazine about the whole Chris Brown mess
http://www.glamour.com/women-of-the-year/2009/rihanna

Outtakes for “Robsten’s” Harper’s photo shoot showed up online today. Check them out here: http://www.popsugar.com/5993110
And evidence of their “real life” romance here: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/robert-pattinson-kristen-stewart-spend-the-night-at-chateau-marmont-2009311

Chris Martin says he did not cheat on Gwyneth with Kate Bosworth
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/chris-martin-never-kissed-kate-bosworth-says-rep-2009311

Carrie gives a shout out to her Senator
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/11/03/carrie-underwood-to-mike-fisher-i-love-you/

Brad Pitt is in Tokyo Too
http://www.popsugar.com/5989758

Sienna and Balthazar spotted together in NYC
http://www.popsugar.com/5975489

Katie Holmes reports to the set of her new film
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/11/03/katie-holmes-adam-brody-the-romantics/