CharleeWith2Es

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 rat...

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 ...

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...

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 tri...

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...

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’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 be...