Ambassador of Kwan

Caught In a Bad Bromance

2010-03-29T17:17:00.011-04:00

The love and affection two straight bros can share with one another is mesmerizing, hilarious and often complicated. Oh, and shit can get weird. Especially when one bro's girlfriend gets jealous of the seriousness of his bromance, but it can happen, especially during the playoffs. I'm happy to say that in the 2000s dudes have become more aware and accepting of their bromances. I think the fact that most girls find it cute and charming when a guy participates in one of the non ice cream cone sharing bromances has only made their popularity sky rocket. Gentlemen, thank Brody Jenner.

So in the spirit of Bill Simmons I have compiled my favorite bromances into aptly titled divisions and, as always, they are in no particular order. Let the bro-ing out commence.

"The Bros Before Foes All-Stars"
This category is defined by men whose BFFL-hood was threatened by some saucy minx. This category was sponsored by Joey Potter.

1. Tim Riggins & Jason Street from Friday Night Lights. This friendship blossomed from "livin large in Texas...Texas forever" to Street punching Riggins in the face while in his wheelchair. Why did this occur? Because Riggs slept with his best friend's gal while his best friend was learning how to be a paraplegic. Nice. However, all was forgiven once "Captain Riggins" was able to procure Street some much needed brews. No regrets.

2. Dylan McKay & Brandon Walsh from 90210. Remember when Kelly didn't choose either of them? What an idiot.

"Real World Bros Inc."
This category represents the bros who cuddle on and off-screen.

1. Andy Richter & Conan O'Brien. Nuff said.
2. Ben Affleck & Matt Damon. They grew up in Cambridge together, wrote a miniscule film called Good Bill Hunting and now vacation together with their families regularly. Yes they both have *real* brothers that are related to them, but they're just not famous enough. Casey didn't get Ben an Oscar, DID HE?
"The Opposites Attract Division"
This division is comprised by bromances that on the surface don't make much sense, but when in action are undeniable forces. Brought to you by Paula Abdul.

1. Landry Clarke & Matt Saracen from Friday Night Lights. Landry is in a Christian speed-metal band and occasionally tutors jocks, while Matty is QB1, dates the coach's daughter and enjoys art and Bob Dylan. Match.Made.In.Heaven.
2. Zack Morris & Screech Powers from Saved by the Bell. Zach was my first encounter with a BMOC and Screech was the alien-obsessed kid who looked permanently electrocuted. This duo makes no sense, but they adored each other in a platonic "you complete me" kind of way.

3. Dr. Gregory House & Dr. James Wilson from House. One has morals, the other doesn't. They really like to push each other's buttons. Spoiler alert: in the series finale their bromance will become a marriage.

"The Squadron of Brothers from Another Mother"
This squad is primarily made up of dudes who are so similar you can't believe they aren't actually bros.

1. Chandler Bing & Joey Tribbiani from FRIENDS. See the episode where they don't leave the recliners and any time they watch Baywatch together. This is what a real bromance looks like.
2. Charlie Epps & Larry Fleinhart from Numb3rs. They intellectually stimulate each other. It's adorable. It may be because no one else understands them...you say tomato, I say ketchup.

3. Ted Mosby & Marshall Erikson from How I Met Your Mother. You know you've got a life-long BFFL-hood on your hands when you can openly weep with a fellow man over a sandwich. True love, er, bromance.

I Live For This.

2010-03-18T16:48:00.005-04:00

In honor of March Madness I'm doing a sports-related post. I don't want anyone to think that this is just me bragging about all the rad sporting events that I've gone to, but essentially that's what it is. Deal with it.

If you don't like sports I still want you to read this post, because sports are electric, and you're missing out on one of the best ways to bond with people. Whether it's the Olympics, World Cup soccer, or the Superbowl, sports are a total conversation starter, and athletic loyalties make for great chats, debates and friendships. For all you chumps who are in the "eh, sports are okay" bracket (pun intended) please see the film Invictus and then try to sell me your shitty excuses.

So, without further ado, here's a short list of some really terrific sporting events that got my blood boiling, my heart racing and my hands looking sunburned from a myriad of high-fives.

1. On one April day in 1995 my mom showed up at my elementary school and yanked me out of class. As we walked out the front door of the school she announced that we were going to opening day at Fenway. "You're kidding!?" I squealed, to which my mother assured me she was not. We scalped tickets outside of Fenway from a man with no legs who smelled of old hot dogs and hadn't showered perhaps ever. As we entered the park I soon realized that this would be Jose Canseco's first game on the Red Sox in Fenway. I don't remember who they played, if we won, or if anyone ripped a homer, but I do remember Jose's first at bat, and the awful sunburn I got on half of my face sitting in right field.

2. Again in 1995 my Dad took me to the last Bruins game every played at The Boston Garden. I met Derek Sanderson. Nuff said.

3. In April of 2005 a roommate of mine (who happens to be the daughter of one of Boston's finest athletes in history) received a ticket opportunity courtesy of her dear old dad to go to opening day at Fenway. I love any home opener, but this one was of particular interest because my beloved Red Sox had won the World Series in 2004, and this game they would be receiving their rings in front of Satan's Children aka the New York Yankees. James Taylor sang, the 2004 pennant was unveiled over the Green Monster, I saw John Rothleisberger and Seth Meyers at the game. It was a banner day (again, pun intended).

Above I'm pictured holding my lucky blue Wheaton blanket freaking out when the Sox won the world series. Below is my view 6 months later when the banner was lowered. I still get chills.

4. On June 9, 2001 my favorite hockey player of all time, Mr. Raymond Bourque, hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time, as he and his Colorado Avalanche won in game 7. I cried. Actually that doesn't do it justice, I sat blubbering doing the old Ray fist pump like I had just scored my first hat trick. It was momentous, and the entire reason he left Boston in the first place. Fast forward to October 4, 2001 and I'm at the Fleet Center for the Bruins home opener watching Ray retire his number 77 and salute the crowd in both French and English. The trusty cleaners of the Fleet Center must not have dusted that day, because there was something in my eye all night long. Sniff sniff.

5. On March 10, 2010 (just last week) I was in Florida on vacation with my family, and we had tickets to a pre-season Red Sox game at City of Palms Park. Little did we know that Nomar Garciaparra would be retiring that day, singing a 1 day contract with the Sox, and throwing out the first pitch at the game. It was serious luck, and a really fun day. Nomahhh forevah.

And now I dare you to not watch an athletic event and feel some sort of human connection. Who the hell doesn't like underdogs? Oh that's right, Yankees and their fans. Aw, snap.

Kindle It On Your Nook...or Whatever.

2010-01-03T19:28:00.004-05:00

I fear that most contemporary people are answering questions not because they're flattered by the attention; they're answering questions because they feel as though they deserve to be asked. About everything. Their opinions are special, so they are entitled to a public forum. Their voice is supposed to be heard, lest their life become empty.
This, in one paragraph (minus technology), explains the rise of New Media (Klosterman, 19).

I have a a fan site for a heart-felt show called Friday Night Lights, I have a Facebook account, I have two Twitter accounts, I have an iPhone, I have this personal blog and I have a MySpace account that I just remembered exists. You could say I dabble in New Media. Or, you could just say I'm a regular 24-year-old. Klosterman, in his latest book Eating the Dinosaur, devotes a lot of time to discussing his profession as a writer and interviewer. As a result of this he profoundly decides that us contemporaries are answering questions for the wrong reasons. I submit that while I do enjoy hearing my own voice from time to time, that this notion of answering questions because we're "supposed to be heard" is an unavoidable social construct if you a) live in America or b) use the internet daily. I hardly think that my life will become null and void without updating my status or deleting my blogs, but it would most definitely become much more boring. I think what Klosterman fails to admit in Eating the Dinosaur is that contemporary people are used to multi-tasking and sharing information at a rapid pace, even if the information is as moronic as "just ate McDonalds, my stomach wishes I hadn't". It's not so much that we think our voices deserve to be heard, as it is that we like attention and networking. Maybe I'm just spitballing here, or speaking for myself, but if any of what I just jabbered about interests you READ EATING THE DINOSAUR IMMEDIATELY. Klosterman is a thought-provoking media guru who somehow manages to reference ABBA, Ted Kaczynski & Friday Night Lights all in 229 rad pages of goodness.

Note to readers: this post is supposed to be filled with book recommendations, but the English major in me just exploded after I typed that astute comment from Mr. Klosterman at the top of the page. From here on out I'll behave.

Things You Should Read:

1. Chuck Klosterman's Eating the Dinosaur. See above, but I should also acknowledge that his other essay topics include, but are not limited to: football, advertising, manufactured laughter, Nirvana (the band), and what it means to interview.

2. Kathryn Sockett's The Help. I majored in English and Africana/Diaspora Studies, so I may be a little biased when it comes to this absurdly good Civil Rights Movement era novel that takes place in Jackson Mississippi, but I'm fairly certain it's excellent all around. This novel is about three brave women who ban together to tell the story of "the help" that raised a generation of southern children in America. This novel reads like the love child of Toni Morrison and Jodi Picoult. Divine.

3. Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson Series. Imagine if the protagonists and the antagonists of Harry Potter were Greek Gods & their half human children. Well, Percy Jackson just found out he is Poseidon's son and that he's gotta learn to kick some ass. Nuff said.

4. Tim Winton's Breath. This is a beautiful and haunting tale of two boys coming of age in Western Australia, and learning to surf from an old dare devil named Sando that has battled more waves than is sane. A taster:

I leant across the wall of upstanding water and the board came with me as though it was part of my body and mind. The blur of spray. The billion shards of light. I remember the solitary watching figure on the beach and the flash of Loonie's smile as I flew by; I was intoxicated. And though I've lived to be an old man with my own share of happiness for all the mess I made, I still judge every joyous moment, every victory and revelation against those few seconds of living (Winton, 35).

You should've bought this book yesterday.

The 00's Were Tolerable Because...

2009-12-31T14:27:00.002-05:00

In the 2000s I managed to graduate from high school, college and graduate school. I got my driver's license, my first car, and got sick from drinking for the first time. When the millennium hit I was watching Carson Daly host some absurd MTV New Years Eve special, with cans of sterno by my side and silver bands bedazzling my braces. I was 15, and obviously incredibly cool. This is one long list of the people, places and things that got me through the 2000s. Cheers to a new decade!

Almost Famous
Friday Night Lights (TV Show)
Alias
The Wire
Gilmore Girls
Harry Potter (books and films)
Tina Fey
Justin Timberlake
Taylor Swift
Twilight Saga (books and films)
Chuck Klosterman
Bill Simmons aka ESPN's Sports Guy
Pixar
Facebook
Twitter
Gmail/Gchat
New England Patriots
Conan O'Brien
Boston Celtics
American Idol
Boston Red Sox
LOST
Will Smith
Beyonce
Oprah
Jay-Z
Robert Downey Jr.
Jon Stewart
Ellen Degeneres
Glee
House
JJ Abrams
iPods
YouTube
iPhones
Arrested Development
iTunes
The Dark Knight
Matt Damon
Six Feet Under
Ray-Bans
The Bourne Trilogy
SNL Digital Shorts
Michael Phelps
Dave Chappelle
How I Met Your Mother
The Departed
Bruce Springsteen
U2
The Office
Juno
Entourage
Weeds
Reese Witherspoon
Rihanna
Ray LaMontagne
Entertainment Weekly
Malcolm Gladwell
The Revival of Alec Baldwin
Crocs
Athens & Beijing Olympics
Uggs
Chelsea Handler
Febreeze
Jodi Picoult
TOMS shoes
Britney Spears
Netflix
Gwen Stefani
Hilary Swank
Coldplay
The Lovely Bones
TiVo
Barack Obama
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Amy Poehler
Julia Roberts
Clint Eastwood
SNL Weekend Update
MGMT
Joshua Radin
Natalie Portman
Jenny Lewis
Wii

Get Busy, Woman

2009-11-23T17:12:00.006-05:00

I haven't blogged in a long time. This isn't for lack of things to discuss, but rather because I got my unemployed a** a job! That's right, I teach the youth of America. For those of you that really know me you'll understand that our future generation is going to be a media obsessed sarcastic lot. Oops. Hey, at least they'll have good taste in music (please dismiss my Sean Paul reference in the title of this post haha)!

I'm genuinely going to try to blog more often, but I thought I'd let you know what's been keeping me busy (other than wee small children who occasionally forget how to spell their names even though they're 7).

1. I'm assuming most of you remember that my friend Amy & I started a site for the critically acclaimed show Friday Night Lights. Well, Amy and I have been so pleased with how www.fridaynightlightsfan.com has taken off, and our good friend Denise suggested we start a podcast to compliment the site. As our Twitter followers (check us out: @FNL_Fan) began to sky rocket we thought that this actually made sense. We have thus far recorded 7 episodes (find them on iTunes here: Friday Night Lights Fan Podcast). I have been overwhelmed by how welcoming people have been, and how much they enjoy hearing Amy and I blab about the best show on TV!

2. I've been reading like an effing maniac. Most recently: Chelsea Handler's My Horizontal Life which is an absolute hoot, but not for the morally astute as it describes in great detail Ms. Handler's naughty and amazingly perpetual one night stands. I also recommend David Gilmour's memoir The Film Club which lovingly describes a father-son relationship that Mr. Gilmour refers to as a "gorgeous time" in which he and his son begin a film club as a result of him being unemployed and his son recently dropping out of high school. It's a gem and a must-read. Dan Brown's latest book The Lost Symbol is so far a piece of crap. I have zero interest in Freemasonry, and wish there was more art involved in this novel. Robert Langdon has lost his edge, and so has Mr. Brown.

3. A few weekends ago I had the chance to meet some of the cast from Friday Night Lights because they were filming in Boston of all places! It was perhaps one of the luckiest and best timed things that has ever happened to me. I got to watch, extra, and take photos with Connie Britton and Aimee Teegarden. To read my entire recap and see photos click here.

4. Last night I went to a concert at Boston's lovely House of Blues. The show was opened by a brotherly duo from Australia called The Kin. They were great, but The Watson Twins were scene stealers as a sultry sisterly duo. I got to meet them afterward and we discussed how much they loved working with Jenny Lewis. Then the headliner: Mr. Joshua Radin. What a delight he is. I just want to go on a pub crawl with him in my favorite waffle shirt and then have him write a silly song about how sauced we are. He is a storyteller in every sense of the word, and shared with the entire audience what all of his songs are about prior to performing them. He is definitely going to be on my repeat offender list for concerts (other artists who I've HAD to see multiple times: Coldplay, Regina Spektor, Snow Patrol).

5. Last but not least, these kids have been hogging a lot of my time and attention. I felt the need to re-read New Moon prior to seeing the movie on Friday (and again on Sunday...don't judge)...and my Tivo is currently loaded with every promotional interview "the trio" did in the past week. I've been Team Jacob since the first time I read the books just over a year ago...I can't help it, I think it's the teacher in me. Jacob Black is the kid you'd want dating your daughter. Go ahead, nod in agreement.

And the Triangle Becomes a Square...

2009-10-18T18:19:00.007-04:00

Cyber high-five if you get the reference of the title of this blog. Feel free to ask, email, tweet, etc. at me to find out where it's from if you're just dying to know. The topic of this blog is triangles. No, I'm not a mathlete, I'm just a sucker for triangles. Love triangles. While I'm not particular about what shape or form they come in (two girls and a guy, three girls, three guys...you can do all the combinatorics - I'm no Charlie Epps), I do enjoy them more on television than I do in a film. This is because on a TV series it can be really drawn out, replayed, rehashed and referenced for years, as opposed to roughly 90 minutes.

Love triangles lead to the most "will they, won't they" scenarios which result in a lot of suck in your breath TV moments. And then there's the teams and the rivalry. Oh, I love rivalries (this kid's a Red Sox fan)...it makes everything so interesting, and fantastic. So obviously "teams" are created when a love triangle forms. Other than the Red Sox and every other Boston sports team the first romantic "team" I joined was that of the PJ'ers...that's right, middle school me was avid about Pacey and Joey (of Dawson's Creek fame) becoming an item. And since then I have formed TV opinions about all triangles and couples on every TV show I immerse myself in. It's just so fun. Below I'm listing my favorite triangles, please respond with your favorites or anyone I forgot, and remember, as always, these are in random order.

1. Jack-Kate-Sawyer from LOST. I have to say I'm going with Jack & Kate on this one. They have a connection from the very first episode. This is a superb triangle because one is a polished doctor, the other a con-man, and they're all trapped on a crazy island. Phenomenal.

2. Lauren-Vaughn-Sydney from Alias. JJ Abrams obviously loves him some love triangles because he has three shows that make this list...or maybe I'm just a JJ Abrams whore, who knows. Anyway...this is a spectacular love triangle because Lauren is an undercover spy with no loyalties to America, and Sydney comes back after 2 years of having amnesia/being a hitman to see her boyfriend married. Let the games begin.

3. Aidan-Carrie-Big from Sex and the City. I can't talk a lot about this one because I'm still not happy with how it turned out. That is all.

4. Meredith-Derek-Addison from Grey's Anatomy. This was a very original love triangle from Ms. Shonda Rhimes because we didn't know McDreamy was cheating on his wife because we didn't know he had one! They pulled out all the stops on this one, and we couldn't help but like Derek for trying to make it work even though we all wanted him to be with Mer. Great TV, great. Wish it was that good now.

5. Kelly-Dylan-Brenda from 90210. This is perhaps the only love triangle that I could go either way on. I saw the advantages of both, and didn't think that Dylan "belonged" with one or the other. Not sure whether that makes it a good love triangle or not...I don't really think you're supposed to feel neutral about them.

6. Jess-Rory-Dean from Gilmore Girls. Typical good boy vs. bad boy situation. What's a girl to do? Pick the bad boy. Obviously.

7. Peyton-Lucas-Brooke from One Tree Hill. This triangle consumed a large part of the show. I'm team Peyton. The end.

8. Pacey-Joey-Dawson from Dawson's Creek. See above. Nuff said.

9. Jim-Pam-Roy from The Office. Love in the work place. Yes and yes. They are the most down to earth couple on TV in a LONG time. Jim's admission that he's in love with Pam is the most earnest thing that has graced a sitcom, perhaps ever.

10. Noel-Felicity-Ben from Felicity. Third JJ Abrams show on here! This was the first show that I thought portrayed college well, and how it is living in a confined place...and having two boys that are the object of your affection. Sigh. If only this was real life.

Four Weddings; No Funeral.

2009-09-30T20:12:00.013-04:00

So my favorite magazine (Entertainment Weekly) just did a cover story on Jim and Pam from The Office...cuz they're getting HITCHED. And then as a little side story they highlighted all of their favorite TV weddings. I'm convinced that their list must've been some sick little joke, because it was overwhelmingly off and mentioned shows that I had never heard of. Let me be clear: for them to recite television shows that I had NEVER heard of is like Ernie not recognizing Bert. With that having been said (Latin lovers, an ablative absolute!), I will clue you in on EW's list, and then give you mine (which will be infinitely better...just nod in agreement.)

Entertainment Weekly's "Best TV Weddings" (in random order):

1. Mike and Carol on The Brady Bunch
2. Mike and Gloria on All In the Family
3. Rhoda and Joe on Rhoda (who the hell are these people?!)
4. Lady Diana and Prince Charles (yes this is TV, but not a SHOW)
5. Woody and Kelly on Cheers (This is the equivalent of if Carlton on Fresh Prince got married - no one would care and it would be awkward)
6. Sydney and Craig on Melrose Place
7. Ross and Emily on FRIENDS (seriously? SERIOUSLY?!)
8. Miranda and Steve on Sex and the City*
9. Phyllis and Bob on The Office
10. Scotty and Kevin on Brothers & Sisters*

*These are choices I agree with, and so I'll only list 8 more.

My Favorite TV Weddings:

1. Chandler and Monica on FRIENDS

2. Lucas and Peyton on One Tree Hill

3. Izzie and Alex on Grey's Anatomy

4. Trista and Ryan on The Bachelorette

5. Kitty and Robert on Brothers & Sisters

6. Marshall and Lily on How I Met Your Mother

7. Billy and Mindy on Friday Night Lights

8. Nathan and Haley on One Tree Hill

WHO DID I FORGET? Let me know!

If You Like It You Should Make A Ringtone Of It

2009-09-29T19:59:00.002-04:00

I'm obsessed with my iPhone. I've had it for over a year, and still thank my lucky stars that such a gizmo exists. And so, the topic of this post is related to my favorite gadget, and that topic is the complex picking of a ringtone. Yes this might seem odd, but ringtones are something that I think long and hard about before committing to. It used to be that I was very thoughtful about ringtones because I had to pay for them, but now with sites like Myxer I can make anything I want fo' free. This is ridiculously tempting, but I have stuck to my guns about my criteria for a ringtone, and not gone nuts. Allow me to share my requirements with you:

1. The song has to be undeniably one of my favorites.
2. The song must have a catchy 20 second part that I don't mind listening to on repeat.
3. The song must be loud enough for me to hear in my ridiculously large purse.
4. The song needs to not be overly embarrassing, especially if it rings by accident in a public place like, oh, I don't know, a classroom.
5. The song needs to be appropriate (see classroom scenario above).

So, once a song has met all the ringtone requirements I feel like I can commit. However, I try to limit myself to about 1-2 ringtones per year, because if I change it too often then my phone rings and I think it's someone else's cellular device. This can lead to a lot of missed calls, and I DESPISE missed calls.

So, I thought I would share with you the ringtones I've had over the years (yes, I've had a cell phone for about 9 years now, nuts, I know). I have to say they've all been enjoyable, and I've only regretted one of them, which I will note in the list below. What I'd also really enjoy is if you all shared with me the ringtones you've loved and hated so that we can all put a ring on it.

Current Ringtone: The coda section of La Rocca's Non Believer, the part with the great bell/xylophone solo. I legit have gotten compliments on this ringtone FROM STRANGERS.

Prior Ringtones:

Alabama's I'm In a Hurry
Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone
Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter*
ELO's Fire on High
The Office Theme Song

*This didn't meet requirement #3...I had missed calls up the wazoo.

I've had friends that had ringtones that put me over the edge, specifically one friend had Kelly Clarkson's Behind These Hazel Eyes which I love, but not as a ringtone, and another friend had Take Me Out to the Ballgame. These are songs that on the surface I would've thought would be enjoyable to hear multiple times a day. I was dead wrong and almost had to physically fight these friends in a duel.

So what ringtones do you all have? What ringtones do you regret? I'm seriously considering a Christmas themed ringtone for December...any suggestions?

Also, I would love for there to be some sort of blog/online outlet where celebrities shared what their ringtones are. I think this would be absolutely hysterical...although a lot of them would probably lie and say "Jay-Z's I Just Wanna Love You...that shit's for real." And yes, that was directed to half of the NBA.

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose

2009-09-15T17:48:00.003-04:00

Two years ago, as I began graduate school, I finally caved and began watching a television show that two of my friends had been recommending to me all summer. The show was Friday Night Lights. Obviously if you're reading this you know enough about me to realize that two things I absolutely adore and obsess about are sports and TV. So you're probably wondering why I was so hesitant to start watching this show, and I can explain it pretty easily: I read H.G. Bissinger's book Friday Night Lights in high school, and saw the film in theaters in 2004. I figured why watch the TV show? I already knew the plot line, and didn't think a TV series was necessary.

I don't know how to adequately explain how terribly wrong I was. NBC's Friday Night Lights is the best family drama I've ever watched. It is a show that is able to exhibit passion, consequences and grace in the most breathtaking displays against the backdrop of a little town that loves football, Jesus and Texas with an unwavering affection. The characters are real in the sense that they are not ashamed to be who they are, and they screw up often, and in big ways.

It's nearly impossible to describe each character on the show and do them justice, but know that should you choose to watch Friday Night Lights you will encounter mothers, fathers, grandmothers, brothers, sisters, politicians, car salesmen, booster club fantatics, QBs, Dairy Freeze employees, Applebees' waitresses, and church goers who are fiercely loyal to their town and its Dillon Panthers despite themselves. They can't help it, and their efforts to fight it are always fascinating. While Dillon appears as an inescapable football town with nothing to do and no where to go, I consistenly find myself wishing I lived in a place that had one thing that unified the town and community (for better or worse) like football does for these folks.

Kyle Chandler plays the head football coach on the show, and he consistently delivers advice on and off the field to his players and their families, and this one particular quote hammers home everything that "Coach Taylor" and Friday Night Lights represents:

Coach Taylor: "Every man at some point in his life is going to lose a battle. He is going to fight and he is going to lose. But what makes him a man is if at the midst of that battle he does not lose himself. This game is not over, this battle is not over."

The title of this blog is "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose", which is and continues to be the mantra of the show, usually yelled by football players in the locker room. I urge you all to watch this show and be amazed and inspired in the ways that I have been. And then when you become as infatuated with the show as I am you will realize why I had no choice but to start another blog with Amy. I hope that you'll all watch, and follow us over at FridayNightLightsFan.com

You can all thank me later.

It Takes a Villain...

2009-09-09T17:00:00.007-04:00

Last night I was sitting in my living room with my favorite Wheaton College blanket, a hot chai and the remote and was watching TV when Dan Scott of One Tree Hill fame pulled one of his regular despicable charades on his ex-wife Deb and it got me to thinking: I love villains. Any time I want to punch my TV screen it means that somewhere out there in TV land two things are simultaneously happening: a screenwriter is creating a horrible up-to-no-good villain, and an actor is making that villain come to life. I started considering other shows that I watch that have consistently good villains, or one villain that sustains the show's bad side throughout the entire series. I came to a new realization: not many shows are fulfilling my need for a baddie.

Is the TV villain becoming an extinct species? Are TV villains being avoided because the general public likes a show less when there is a distinct villain? Perhaps we should blame sitcoms for our current lack of villains because often comedies don't need a villain in order to continue their storylines. Or maybe we should be accusing all the crime shows that exist in every major network's line-up because their weekly rotation of villains and convicts is overloading audiences already. Do people get their share of villains via Jerry Springer and Judge Judy? Has the uprising of reality TV squashed the need to create villains (Amarosa anyone)?

As I compiled my list of favorite TV villains I found myself hard-pressed to put together ten great TV villains because my generation has not seen that many, and surprisingly I found that most current villains are gracing the screens of the CW and all of its utterly enjoyable teen dramas. Are teenage girl/queen bees really the best we can come up with? I challenge the TV writers of America to do better, I dare you.

As always, these are in random order, and please feel free to add your own favorites in the comments!

1. Benjamin Linus from LOST. He is undeniably creepy, and has managed to trick everyone into helping him without revealing very much about his sacred island. He is mischievous, mysterious, conniving and clever. Great baddie all around.

2. Dan Scott from One Tree Hill. He killed his brother, propelled his son into taking steroids for basketball, blackmailed his other son and all with his car salesman smile. He is the opposite of trustworthy and lies ooze out of him. He is not afraid to take anyone down, and is perhaps one of the most competitive people to grace the small screen. Also, the fact that he's been able to remain a constant portrait of evil for seven seasons of this show are a true testament to Paul Johansson.

3. Lex Luthor from Smallville and The Adventures of Lois and Clark. Nuff said.

4. Valerie Malone from 90210. She's part con-artist, part bad influence, and she looks good while doing it. Throughly enjoyed her stint as a baddie on 90210.

5. Arvin Sloane from Alias. He is a corrupt ex-CIA guy who is pushing 70, and owns a list of every hitman in the entire world. He's also driven by the desire to live forever. Terrible combination, but makes for a terrific villain.

6. Sylar from Heroes. Don't watch this show, but know that he's supposed to be irritatingly good as a villain. See how hard up I am for villains? I don't even know anything about Sylar and he made the list!

7. Celia Hodes from Weeds. This woman consistently screws things up for other people and honestly has never felt guilty about it in her life. She likes to be on top and doesn't care who she has to take down to get there...even her daughter! She's also the character I think I've seen bribe the most people.

8. Spencer Pratt from The Hills. What's great about him is that he's not just pretending to be an a**hole, he actually is one all on his own! I'm fairly certain he was born without a conscience and has the potential to lead the Hedonist movement should they ever need a leader with frosty tips and 3 iPhones.

9. Tony Soprano from The Sopranos. Dude runs a tight New Jersey family mafia and kills people in cold blood regularly. And somehow, he charms audiences? VILLAINOUS.

10. JR from Dallas. My Mom said that he was required on this list, so there he is. I have no idea why he's a villain, other than he uses people and is somehow involved with Texas oil. Sounds like George Bush Jr. Whoops.

Singing the Songs of Summer

2009-09-07T18:00:00.004-04:00

So back in February I posted a blog about a Boston radio station that I really enjoy (105.7 WROR) and I had it on in the car today while I was doing errands. WROR is notorious for doing top 40 themed countdowns on weekends throughout the year (no wonder I've loved this station for so long!). So this weekend they were doing the top 40 songs of summer, and I have to say I was pretty satisified with their choices, but I obviously had some to add of my own. I will say that WROR is a classic rock station, so they were fairly limited to a songbook they could choose from, and I get to choose from anything I damn well please. I am including their list (of what I heard), and then I'll list ten that I wish they could've included.

WROR'S CHOICES:

Mungo Jerry's In the Summertime. I don't care if this makes me sound like a sad individual, but when this song showed up on the Wedding Crashers soundtrack I was legitimately disappointed. This was mainly because I really enjoyed including this song on mix CD's for my friends and impressing them with my eclectic taste and the fact that I know all the words to this song. So thanks Wedding Crashers for making this song popular and ruining it for me simultaneously.

Don Henley's Boys of Summer. I love this song, reminds me of Cape Cod League Baseball, and everything I love about the Eagles. I also love the shout-out to wayfarers in the last verse. Well done.

The Beach Boys' Kokomo. This song should not have been on a summer top 40 list. This song is about going on vacation. I play this song in February when I'm about to poke my eyes out with an icicle and am seriously questioning my sanity for living in New England.

Bryan Adams' Summer of '69. This song is about drinking lemonade on your porch and buying your first guitar. Teenager summer to a T.

Alice Cooper's Schools Out. Nuff said.

Nick Giler's Hot Child in the City. This should be the anthem for every 20-something in the country being forced to move into an apartment or dorm on what is consistently the hottest day of the summer.

Lovin' Spoonful's Summer in the City. This song is just okay for me, WROR might've picked it just because summer is in the title.

Beatles' Here Comes the Sun. Huge fan of this song, but it's more of a spring song than a summer song for me.

Bob Seger's Night Moves. Again, I loved this song before The OC made it super popular, and would jam out to it in my car regularly. Yes, I still do, but I wish I was part of a smaller population who does this.

MY CHOICES/ADD-ONS:

Justin Timberlake's Summer Love. Great vibe, great dance song.

Rascal Flatts' Summer Nights. This song is just fun, and makes me want to grab a lawn chair and a frosty brew.

Katrina and the Waves' Walking on Sunshine. Yes this has been over-played, and you usually hear it in the dentist's office, but I dare you not to get your boogie on during it.

U2's Staring At the Sun. This is a good tune to listen to in a park while you're reading or having a picnic.

The Drifters' Under the Boardwalk. Nothing says summer like corndogs, beach blankets and tourists.

Martha and the Vandellas' Heat Wave. Nuff said.

Allman Brothers' Blue Sky. This song reminds me of summer and being in love all at once. That is no easy task.

The Band's Up On Cripple Creek. This song is my grilling song of choice. And when I say mine, I mean when I watch my friends and family grill.

Creedence Clearwater Revival's Looking Out My Back Door. This song has a great beat, and great banjo in it, and I just thoroughly enjoy listening to this with my windows rolled down.

Blondie's The Tide Is High. This song is so funky, and there's obviously the ocean reference, and it just makes me want to throw on a bandana and dance in my flip-flops.

So that's my list...what songs do you dig in the summer?

Books as Movies? Mayhaps.

2009-09-03T13:54:00.009-04:00

Let it be said: I love going to the movies. Sometimes if it's a big Friday night I'll say I'm going to the cinema, just to make it sound more glamorous. But in all honesty, going to the movies is always exciting for me. I have no idea why. I also love to read. I read books at a fast pace, and I'm even in a snail mail book swap with my friend Steph. So you would think that I would love books that become films. WRONG. Most of the time I'll go see a movie if I've read the book, just to see how they handled it. I've always been interested in screenwriting, and to see a book transferred into dialogue and a film is a fascinating process to me. However, most of the time, the powers that be screw it up. It's unfortunate.

Well, this summer it seems that original screenplay writing has become a dying art form, because every other movie is based on a book. None of them have been impressive. Even Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince left something to be desired...in the words of Entertainment Weekly's Dalton Ross it had "too much romance, not enough abracadabra". I didn't hate HP6, I just thought that the book deserved more. It almost seemed as if the screenplay writers were attempting to lure in the Twilight crowd. Sigh.

So I'm including a list (not a top ten) of my favorite books that became movies, and the ones that irritated me, as well as movies based on books that are on the way. Please feel free to add your own, or just comment on what I came up with.

Best Books to Film:

All the Harry Potter Films, based on JK Rowling's books. It's quite the task to adapt the most famous books in the world into 2 hour films for kids/families. Everyone involved does great work, it's just hard to compete with a 700 page book that I've read four times.

Stand By Me, based on Stephen King's novella. What an outstanding film, boss even. The book is a little edgier, but the film perfectly engages the audience in one of the best coming of age stories ever written for the screen. The addition of Richard Dreyfus as the narrator is the icing on the cake: "Now he said, 'Sic'em, boy!' But what I heard was, 'Chopper! Sic balls!' "

Mystic River, based on Denis Lehane's novel. Fantastic casting, even if some of the Boston accents could've used a little tweaking. The story was disturbing and simultaneously moving, and Sean Penn as the tortured father was breathtaking.

The Bourne Trilogy, based on the Robert Ludlum novels. It may be my unwavering love for Matt Damon (since I was 12 and Good Will Hunting came out), but I'm fairly certain that these are the most riveting action movies to come out in the last decade. It's not just the fight sequences, but also the deliberate planning on the part of Bourne. He's practically a superhero!

Gone With the Wind based on Margaret Mitchell's novel. Nuff said.

Slumdog Millionaire based on Vikas Swarup's novel Q&A. This is the ultimate underdog story, that involves trivia, love, memories and an unwavering tie to India. This makes me wish that I felt a stronger connection to my own country.

Shawshank Redemption based on Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. If you haven't seen this movie you are either Amish, or a pop culture hermit. This movie is unbelievably moving, and has perhaps the most triumphant ending of any film ever. Andy Dufresne and Red Redding are the best duo I've ever seen, and Morgan Freeman's narrations give me goosebumps no matter how many times I watch. I think this is the only movie I've ever liked more than the book it's based on. There, I said it.

High Fidelity based on Nick Hornby's novel. Normally I don't support films that have a different setting than the book they are based on, but in this case it worked magnificently. Hornby's book takes place in London, but in order to perfectly cast John Cusack, they changed the location of the film to Chicago. Thumbs up on that call all around. Even Hornby approved! Cusack is the most lovable dumped boyfriend I've ever seen, and obviously I dig that he does "top fives" of nearly everything.

Worst Books to Film:

My Sister's Keeper based on the novel by Jodi Picoult. Any film that completely alters the ending as it appears in the book does not deserve my time. This was a huge disappointment for a book that is among my favorites.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy based on the novel by Douglas Adams. Normally science-fiction is not my bag, but I actually laughed at this book and enjoyed it. The movie was beyond weird, and the acting and set design made it abysmal.

I Love You, Beth Cooper based on the novel by Larry Doyle. This is a charming little book about a high school senior confessing his undying love for the most popular girl at school during his valedictorian speech. Hilarity ensues. Unfortunately in the film it's all very awkward and forced as opposed to awkward and surprisingly touching.

Time Traveler's Wife based on the novel by Audrey Niffenegger. This book is odd in that it treats time-travel as a reality, but it exhibits how the strength of love can transcend time and reason. Unfortunately in the movie they eliminate characters as well as key flashback/time travels that occur in the book. A huge let-down for me.

Books to Film that I'm Anticipating:

Where the Wild Things Are
The Lovely Bones
Informant!
Youth in Revolt
Invictus

Please, please please let me get what I want. I don't want any of these new films to be an upset!

Moms Are a Must (A Top Ten)

2009-08-10T21:17:00.009-04:00

Moms rule. I think this is a globally accepted statement and belief. I started thinking about Moms on TV and in movies that fit my description of a good Mom. I managed to find ten that I think are courageous, ballsy, trendy, beautiful, strong-willed, brilliant and funny. Here they are, and feel free to contribute your top choices as well.

1. Frances McDormand as Elaine Miller in Almost Famous. Okay, so she's a little militant about holidays and what kind of music her kids can listen to, but she fiercely loves her kids and To Kill A Mockingbird, she scares the shit out of rock stars on a regular basis, and I adore her for all these reasons. She'd do anything for William and Anita, therefore she absolutely makes my list of Must Moms.

2. Connie Britton as Tami Taylor on Friday Night Lights. Tami is an independent woman. She is a high school principal fighting for a bigger budget, she is a mother to a teenager and an infant simultaneously, she is a supportive wife and football fan. She puts up with Buddy and his boosters. She tells her husband exactly what she thinks and feels, but does it in a respectful and therefore admirable way. I want to be her. Minus the living in Texas part.

3. Alley Mills as Norma Arnold on The Wonder Years. Yes Kevin referred to her as the "maker of mashed potatoes", but she spoke up at the really crucial times, and wore some killer outfits under those aprons. She seemed like a cool lady.

4. Sally Field as Nora Walker on Brothers and Sisters and as M'Lynn Eatenton in Steel Magnolias. What is there to say? This woman is pure acting perfection, and I'm pretty certain that she's the real deal off-screen too. Whether she's decorating her home for her gay son's wedding, or giving her kidney to her diabetic daughter she absolutely ROCKS.

5. Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich in Erin Brockovich. She's badass, speaks her mind, fights for others' rights, wears slammin' outfits, is a single mother, and doesn't put up with any bull. In another life she and I would be BFFLs.

6. Renee Zellweger as Dorothy Boyd in Jerry Maguire. Another single mom totally owning it. She sacrifices everything for little Ray, and seldom does things for herself. Heck, she just wants to be inspired. Love her.

7. Lauren Graham as Loralei Gilmore on Gilmore Girls. Nuff said.

8. Carol Potter as Cindy Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210. She acted as a mom to Brenda and Brandon's friends constantly. She always gave consistently good advice, she got mad at all the appropriate times, and she kept her kids grounded in a zip code that churns out Paris Hiltons. Cindy was the bomb.

9. Catherine Hicks as Annie Camden on 7th Heaven. She's probably the edgiest reverand's wife I've ever seen. She tried to spend an equal amount of time with all of her kids, was always there to guide them in a not too imposing way, and managed not to freak out too much under dire circumstances. She's a keeper.

10. Debra Jo Rupp as Kitty Forman on That 70s Show. What a little ball of delight she was. She put up with a lot of crap, and did it with a smile. She also got her way most of the time...deceiving that Kitty was.

You've Got A Friend (A Top Ten)

2009-07-22T20:00:00.009-04:00

Okay, so hopefully by now you all realize that I've got an addiction...to television shows. I'm not going to admit how many shows I'm "committed" to currently, because it's too absurd to put out here on the internet. Just know that I'm REALLY into TV shows, and that if it weren't for the genius of cable & their decision to air new seasons of shows during the summer months I'd probably be ripping my extremely chlorinated hair out of my head right now. So recently while watching one of said cable shows (Weeds) I realized that there are a lot of characters out there in TV land that I'd like to be friends with...and that there are a lot more that actually NEED friends. So I compiled a list of TV characters from past and present that not only would I love to become BFFs with, but also are in dire need of a BFF to watch out for them and have their backs. Script writers take note, this top ten may offer fantastic future castings. As always, in disorderly order.

1. Claire Fisher from Six Feet Under. She lives in a funeral home. She lives in a funeral home that her dead father used to run. Then her two charming but unstable older brothers take over. Did I mention she's in art school and drives a lime green hearse? Claire needs someone she can rely on and confide in on a daily basis and have a few drinks with at the end of the day. I'm completely available.

2. Ari Gold from Entourage. Okay, so he can be a real effing a**hole. However, he's hilarious, and gets the job done. The only people he legitimately trusts are his wife and his personal assistant Lloyd. The thing is: I'm not sure he genuinely likes either of them. Ari needs a BFF, and it needs to be someone that doesn't make him money. It also needs to be someone that isn't financially supported by him. Ooo, ooo, pick me!

3. Nancy Botwin from Weeds. Her husband dies and she begins selling pot to everyone she can think of. She gets involved with the wrong crowds. She has to burn her own house down. Her sons start selling the Mary Jane. Nothing can go right for Nan. And to top it all off, her brother-in-law who helps take care of her family might have a thing for her. And he's the only person she'd actually consider a friend! Nancy needs some female companionship pronto. I'll hop in your prius for some iced coffee any day Nancy!

4. Det. Jimmy McNulty from The Wire. His entire life is devoted to busting drug traffickers, hustlers & lords in Baltimore. He once used his own child as a spy. Nuff said. Dude needs a BFF. And no, Bunk does not count.

5. Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights. He drinks too much, doesn't study enough, and loves football to no end. He's endlessly charming, but could use a lot of guidance since mom and dad disappeared before he could even tie his cleats. He has one liners for every situation, and takes freshmen under his wing and tells them what bars they'll be able to get into. He needs a BFF, and I think it might even do him some good to have a female friend that is just that: only a friend.

6. Sydney Bristow from Alias. She is an undercover agent that travels the world and questions who she can trust on a regular basis. She needs someone that she can be just herself around...and no, her dad does not fit this description. She's one of the most honest, charismatic and courageous female characters to ever be on TV and they didn't really let her have a BFF!

7. Rebecca Harper from Brothers and Sisters. She inherits a family she never knew she had pretty much overnight, only to find out that they're not really related. Then decides to start dating a guy she once thought was her brother. Through all of this she fights with her mother, and consistently has no friends. She needs a BFF to give her a daily reality check fo sho.

8. Andy Bernard from The Office. He was going to marry Angela, and almost no one stopped him. The guy couldn't need a BFF more. Also, the dudes from his a cappella group probably don't count.

9. Kate Austen from LOST. She is such a loner. And she takes on too much! Battling gun wiedling others in the woods, adopting a kid from the island and pretending he's hers, and ridding her mother of her abusive husband are just a few of the tasks she took on. Through all of this she doesn't have any close friends, and unless she wants to start seeing a shrink, I suggest she gets some bar buddies quick.

10. Jason Stackhouse from True Blood. Jason is the definition of a bonehead, and he lets his love of the ladies, and his love of V lead his life into chaos. His moral compass needs some adjusting, and I think if he had a true friend he could ultimately become a good guy. Someone help the guy out!

READy or Not.

2009-07-20T19:46:00.007-04:00

So my friend Steph and I (who I met via the Southern Gothic Productions website/blog...google it and look up their podcast on iTunes!) started a book club a few month ago. Essentially we both realized that we love to read, love to not pay overdue fees at the library, and can't afford the Barnes & Noble shopping sprees we deserve because we're teachers. Thus a Midwest-East Coast book club was born. It works like this: I write in a little molskiene notebook what I'm sending her, the date, and why I love it then I mail it to her in Chicago. She in turn writes back to me in said molskiene notebook and mails is back to me in Boston. Word. It's divine. So my loyal readers, I thought I would bestow upon you the books that have made the cut since we started this shindig back in April. I'm also including brief descriptions so you can decide whether the books we've read are the right vibe for you.

1. Coal Run by Tawni O'Dell. This book takes place in a coal town in Pennsylvania where the characters are as quirky as they are loyal. The narrator of the book is an ex-football star turned cop after an almost fatal accident. Someone from his past shows up and the plot thickens...a lot. Great, fast-paced read.

2. Stiff by Mary Roach. Fascinating read about the stories behind the use of human cadavers. Roach describes how the average dead John Doe becomes an intriguing and vital piece of experimental use for everyone from embalmers to oncologists. My favorite chapter, although it was overly graphic was about tissue decay and scientists that are using cadavers to improve autopsy reports for murder victims.

3. Killing Yourself To Live by Chuck Klosterman. I'm obsessed with Chuck Klosterman because he writes about anything and everything pertaining to pop culture. I've read articles from Spin Magazine that he's written on topics as far ranging as The Real World, The Sims and why KISS is the best band on the planet. He rocks. This book is about a journey he took to the locations of dead rock icons, such as the place where Kurt Cobain killed himself. Klosterman discusses his love life in this road trip memoir as he explores why some people become much more famous after they die. Definitely a relevant read in relation to the death of Michael Jackson.

4. Sister Mine by Tawni O'Dell. Again, this O'Dell book takes place in a coal mining town in Pennsylvania, but the narrator is a woman who finds out that the sister she has thought to be dead for over a decade is alive and well, and has just rambled back into town. The characters and one liners in this book are just icing on the cake of this fantastic novel.

5. The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Just received this one in the mail today, so I can't say anything about it quite yet...however, I saw the trailer for the movie, and it looks to be a very interesting tale that twists a little fantasy, with a little love, and leaves people gasping at every vanishing moment.

So that's it...I'll be sure to update you all once Steph and I have rummaged through some more books. If any of you have read this, or begin to read them, please post away...or feel free to Tweet at me about them! The English Major in me always wants to discuss literature!! Also, I love reading suggestions!!

Summer Round-Up

2009-07-07T22:10:00.006-04:00

It has been over a month since I blogged. I should receive some sort of blog punishment...bunishment if you will. I've been extremely busy applying for teaching jobs, and taking lifeguarding/Water Safety Instructor crash courses, and just have not had the free time or the motivation to blog. I feel like an arse for not doing so. Especially since this summer has proven to be VERY interesting in the world of media. So, I thought I would do a large round-up of all the things that have happened in the past month since I last blogged just to prove to you how weird I think 2009 has been and continues to be.

1. Conan O'Brien began hosting The Tonight Show.

2. Sarah Palin resigned as the governor of Alaska with two months left in her term.

3. Bernie Madoff got sentenced to 150 years in jail.

4. Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick's twins are born from a surrogate mother.

5. Sandra Bullock made an official comeback with her film The Proposal.

6. Steve McNair & his girlfriend are found shot to death.

7. Farrah Fawcett died of anal cancer.

8. Rupert Grint aka Ron Weasley got the Swine Flu.

9. Ed McMahon died.

10. Andy Roddick & Roger Federer played the longest Wimbledon men's final to date.

11. Jon & Kate filed for divorce.

12. It rained a record amount for the month of June in Massachusetts.

13. Billy Mays died of a heart attack.

14. Michael Jackson died of a heart attack.

15. Former US figure skater Nicole Bobek got arrested for selling meth.

THAT HAS BEEN IN THE PAST MONTH FOLKS!

Does anyone understand what is going on in the world right now that all these crazy and horrific things have occurred? In New England everyone has been saying that we've skipped summer because it has rained or thundered almost every day for the past month. I think we've had a total of 6 sunny days in almost 5 weeks. This is unheard of where I live. It's like the earth is short-circuiting right now, or we are having continuous full moons or something. It's insanity. And it's not just in the media that things are blitzing out of control, but also very bizarre and sad things have been occuring in my own reality. Is anyone else feeling this funk? Is the summer of '09 a beast to be reckoned with, or what?

Promise to blog regularly once again. And I apologize to the lovely lot of you that actually read my blog :)

And I leave you with this:

Question: What has been the best movie you've seen this summer and/or what movie are you heavily anticipating?
My answer: I loved The Hangover as well as UP. I'm looking forward to 500 Days of Summer as well as Funny People, and the latest installment of Harry Potter!

Got It Covered (A Top Ten)

2009-06-02T10:31:00.007-04:00

So recently on a little show I love called One Tree Hill two characters got married, and during the ceremony they played Ingrid Michaelson's cover of the Elvis Presley classic "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You". If you haven't encountered this version yet, please get on it, for your ears' sake. It's beautiful and yearning, and soars in all the right places. Sigh. Anyway, it made me think about all the other covers that I thoroughly enjoy, and bam! a top ten plopped itself in my lap. As always, these are in chaotic order.

1. Romeo and Juliet by the Indigo Girls. This song, originally written and performed by Dire Straits (see the Empire Records' soundtrack) is a quirky little love song with fantastic lyrics and a great beat. The Indigo Girls turned it into a heart wrenching song with unbelievable vocals that are on the very hard to attain level of yelling/singing. Think Brandi Carlile at her best. This song is the epitome of rock chick love anthems.

2. Such Great Heights by Iron and Wine. The Postal Service wrote this song with an up tempo catchy beat that made it classic for TV (the original Grey's Anatomy intro song) or for the clubs, or for a road trip. Look at the list I just mentioned above and you'll understand why this song is popular: there's something for everyone. Iron and Wine however, slowed it down and made it this whispering ode that haunts your ears in a sentimental way. If I had to choose which version I liked better I could't...it's like they're two different songs, equally fantastic in their own way.

3. Time After Time by Tuck and Patti. We all are familiar with Cyndi Lauper's original version of this song. It rocks. Tuck and Patti brought it to a whole new organic level. Stripped down to Tuck's unbelievable acoustic guitar skills and Patti's booming deep alto voice this song makes me melt. They are one of the best duos around!

4. Blackbird by Sarah McLachlan. She did Sir Paul McCartney proud. Nuff said.

5. Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley. Leonard Cohen wrote this song and recorded it in 1984. In the past 25 years it has been covered by over 200 artists. I've heard probably ten different versions myself, and Jeff Buckley's version is by far the most melancholy, aching, beautiful sound. I love his ending that goes on and on with him just crooning in falsetto as the song finally fades away.

6. Stand By Me by John Lennon. This was a really tough decision for me, because this is my favorite song of ALL TIME. It's my numero uno. Forever and ever, amen. Obviously Ben E. King's original 1961 version will always be the perfect rendition to me, but John Lennon's take in 1975 surpasses all the other covers that have been created over the years. Lennon's guitar, phrasing and signature voice took Stand By Me from a motown feel to a 70s acoustic vibe, and it's delicious. Also look for a live version that Bono and Bruce Springsteen did together.

7. Songbird by Eva Cassidy. All I can say is that Ms. Cassidy was able to take Fleetwood Mac's beautiful love story of a song and turn it into the most tender and elegantly sung song I've ever encountered. It literally has moved me to tears more than once. This version will definitely make it to my funeral song list and will crush everyone with it's beauty.

8. Hurt by Johnny Cash. Only Cash would tackle a Nine Inch Nails song with such original arrangements. I have to admit I don't even like the NIN version, but the Cash version? Breathtaking. It's one of his last great recordings off his aptly named American IV: The Man Comes Around album. And if you haven't seen the music video for this, please youtube it...it's irresistibly haunting, much like Johnny's voice in this song, which after seeing his life story played out in Walk the Line seems fitting.

9. With a Little Help From My Friends by Joe Cocker. I constantly refer to this as "Ringo's Song", because let's face it: he didn't have many. It's a funky song that has become an instant friendship classic throughout the decades that Joe Cocker somehow managed to turn into a soul song! Cocker's version hits heavy on the nostalgia and the raspiness that goes along perfectly with some lemonade and a little reminiscing of your youth. Tasty to say the least.

10. Heartbeats by Jose Gonzalez. This song was written and performed by Swedish brother and sister duo The Knife. It's original recording is a catchy yet creepy techno/electropop type thing. It's definitely not something that I would load onto my iTunes, but when Jose Gonzalez got a hold of it he turned it into this soothing acoustic song about new, fresh and terrifying love. I'd say Jose's vibe fits the emotions of the lyrics a little better although I give props to The Knife for creating such a fantastic song.

So that's it: my top ten of covered songs. Download away. And please, give me some recommendations! What are your favorite covers?

Have You Ever Fallen Asleep While Eating Ribs?

2009-05-30T21:06:00.006-04:00

It's been a while, so I have a lot of random thing to say. Surprise, surprise. The title of this blog is in reference to How I Met Your Mother, which is on heavy rotation at my house currently...if you don't want this show, you are missing out on what I consider the FRIENDS for dudes. Enjoy my random thoughts, and as always, please leave a comment if you're feeling it.

1. Kindles. So Kindles are all the rage in the reading world right now, and my brother has been getting on my case on owning one. I'll tell you why I'm not buying into this any time soon: as far as I know, if you own books for your Kindle, and you want to lend them to someone else (who has a Kindle) you can't. I own books so that I can share them (or resell them on the Cape at my family's annual yard sale). Kindles are ruining book sharing. And I also don't think you can rent books...I'm a frequenter of the public library so this Kindle business does not seem like it would fit my reading needs.

2. Roland Garros. Ultimately we all want a Rafa vs. Federer final on the hideous orange clay courts of Paris, but there are some other showdowns that are happening as we enter the final week of the only clay court slam. Andy Roddick is making a splash- he just made it to the Round of 16 for the first time ever, and with up and comers like Verdasco, Murray, Tsonga and Monfils still grinding it out we're in for some major slugfests. Oh, and on the women's side we still have Sharapova, Serena Williams and all the young Russian & Serbian women (who make me feel like I should live at the gym) still rocking it out. You should tune in. Oh, and if you don't have the Tennis Channel, I feel badly for you.

3. Everwood. Okay, so from 2002-2006 The CW/The WB had a little show called Everwood. This was a phenomenal show that not enough people watched, and it got cancelled way before it's time. The first season came out on DVD a few years ago, and I (and many others) have been patiently waiting for the 2nd season to come out. Well, it's finally here! On June 16th it's coming out and you should all hop on the Everwood Colorado bandwagon.

4. California Supreme Court. California powers that be: You don't want all people to be loved in an official way? This will never ever make sense to me, and you aren't treating all your citizens in an equal manner. Shame on you.

5. SoGoPro. Everyone should check out Hilarie Burton, Nick Gray & Kelly Tenney's new website www.sogopro.com It's the official website for the Southern Gothic Productions company, and they soon will be airing their new webisodes, as well as vlogs and blogs about their upcoming feature length film Pedestrian as well as various other projects.

6. New Moon & The MTV Movie Awards. I mean, I'm sorry if you aren't a little fan girl inside like I am, but Robert Pattinson literally makes me swoon, and in a weird way so does Andy Samberg. It just so happens that Andy is hosting the MTV Movie Awards Show Sunday night (tomorrow), and RPattz has front row seats! Not only will we get to see his smiling face, but there is also going to be a TRAILER for New Moon premiering during the Awards show. This is almost better than the Golden Globes!

Fads? No thanks, I'm full. (A Top Ten).

2009-05-18T15:59:00.008-04:00

"I need a drink. I'm not embarassed or apologetic about the craving. Needing a drink isn't any worse than needing to collect Beanie Babies. I'd rather be a drunk than a moron" (O'Dell, 53).

So I'm reading this fantastic novel called Coal Run by Tawni O'Dell, and in it, the narrator discusses a fad that took over my life for a good two years: Beanie Babies! I'm not ashamed to admit that I was heavily involved with the scramble and purchasing of Beanie Babies because I was 11, and there were adults that were way more hardcore than I was and should've known better. Therefore, I feel it's okay to share that I have like 200 of them. Anywho, as a result I started thinking about other fads that I either took part in, or occurred around me in my daily life, and low and behold: I had ten!! Thus a top ten ensued. As always, in random order.

**Author's Note: if any of the things listed below are not a fad, but a reality in your current every day life, my apologies, but seriously? I urge you to reconsider.

1. Beanie Babies. See embarassing info revealed above.

2. Pogs. I never owned any of these, in fact, I'm not even sure where you purchased them, but I had tons of friends who collected them and "played". I put the word play in quotations because none of my friends wanted to give up their precious cardboard circular chips, so kids would play, "but not for keepsies". As far as I know you stacked the pogs and threw your "slammer" on them. I have no idea, I was too sophisticated for this shit. But they made a splash at my elementary school, that's for sure.

3. Tomogatchi/Virtual Pets. I wanted one of these so badly, and when I finally got one, I ended up throwing it in the trash because it kept beeping and waking me up in the middle of the night to announce it was hungry or needed to be changed. Essentially this was birth control for 10 year olds. However, when I threw it out it still beeped in the garbage, and I couldn't figure out how to get the batteries out, so I ended up hammering it and then tossing it again. Really hated it. And it was weird that it was in an egg shape, what was that all about? If you're gonna have a virtual pet make it look like a puppy for crying out loud!

4. Snap Bracelets. These things effing rocked. I think I got my first one in a goody bag at a rollerskating birthday party. They came in a variety of colors, and they snapped to your wrist..so it was fashionable and fun to play with! Needless to say my elementary school deemed them "dangerous" and they were banned from my school. I was bullshit. I hope these things make a comeback, I wouldn't mind owning a Red Sox or Celtics one.

5. Umbro Shorts. A softer than mesh, silky sports short with diamond shapes on it that comes in a variety of colors? YES PLEASE. Who cares that I never played soccer...in 3rd grade these were all the rage and if you didn't have a pair you were on the fast track to the loser table at lunch.

6. Scrunchies. A decoration for your ponytail OR a bracelet. They were cheap enough so that you could own one that matched every outfit. Not gonna lie about it...I was known to wear one as a bracelet while having another one in my hair. I was, in many regards, too cool for school.

7. Jellies. In my lifetime I owned 3 pairs of clear plastic with glitter jelly sandals. I loved me some jellies. All were purchased at KMart. Attempt not to judge me.

8. Rat Tails. Nuff said.

9. Sticker Albums. I still have mine, and continue to be proud of it. I organized mine by theme: a page with heart stickers, a page with bird stickers, a page with "winter" animals, etc. I used to trade stickers with my friends at sleepovers, and legitimately learned how to bargain because of stickers. They were kind of the girl version of baseball cards in the late 80s and early 90s. That being said, don't think for a second I didn't collect baseball cards and had a subscription to Becketts.

10. Cabbage Patch Dolls. These dolls aren't even that cute, but I still have my newborn named Emily who smells like baby powder because they install it in the heads of the dolls. Anyone remember that Punky Brewster episode where Punky really wants a Cabbage Patch and all the parents stand in line overnight at the store for the new shipment of them to come in? Yeah, well now it's people getting shot over XBox's. Way to go America.

I also would like to give a special shoutout in this segment of my blog to the brands ESPIRIT and B.U.M. Equipment. Thank you for "rounding out" my childhood wardrobe. Miss you.

I Like This Ship! It's Exciting!

2009-05-13T16:31:00.006-04:00

Today I will be providing you with an assortment of topics...all my choosing, all relating to "media" as advertised atop this blog o' mine. As they say at Chinese restaurants: enjoy!

1. In reference to the title of this blog....I loved Star Trek. I thought it was fabulous. If I could high-five JJ Abrams I would. I've never been a Trekkie, but the casting in the movie was superb, and Anton Yelchin was fantastic as I predicted. It was really entertaining to see how Spock, Kirk, Scotty and the gang became the cream of the crop of Starfleet. Also the one liners were fantastic, and I had no idea that they got Leonard Nimoy (original Spock) for the movie! I recommend it to anyone who digs action flicks.

2. Not since the Octomom debacle have I despised a media related topic as much as the demise of Jon & Kate (plus 8)'s marriage. Maybe China has it all wrong and 8 is an unlucky number? I'm really sick of hearing the "he cheated first", "she cheated with the bodyguard first" arguments. Bottom line: you have 8 children. Probably don't cheat on your spouse. Especially when it's all being played out on your REALITY TELEVISION SHOW.

3. I have to clear the air on this one: I'm a big One Tree Hill fan. And even if you aren't, I'm sure you heard that Hilarie Burton and Chad Michael Murray were unable to negotiate contracts for next year's 7th season of the show. I'm extremely saddened by this, but I'm hoping that the show will continue to be entertaining because everyone else is staying on, including the phenomenal creator Mark Schwahn. Will it ever be the same? Will it always feel like someone/something is missing? Time will tell. I'll stick with it, I hope others give it a fair shot too.

4. Did everyone see Idol last night? Holy shit it's gonna be a tight race to the finish! I have to say I was super skeptical about Kris Allen doing a rendition of Kanye's Heartless, but he worked it out on acoustic guitar and it was friggin awesome. I could've lived without Adam's screaming in one of my faves: Aerosmith's Crying, however, you can't deny the dude is seriously talented. Danny proved why he made it to the final three, but didn't really wow me. Hopefully Paula won't be pretending to be Britney Spears again tonight in the results show.

5. I'm a huge Boston sports fan. Huge. I feel like it defines a large part of my personality and attitude towards other realms of my life. When Manny Ramirez "graced" us with his presence in left field for 7 seasons we loved him. We loved him even when we couldn't stand him. The guy has a serious homerun stroke that any member of the Fenway Faithful could not dismiss. Even when he tried to wear MP3 Oakleys while in the field, and even when he had lame "injuries" or would take a piss in the green monster scoreboard. We put up with him, because the guy had serious hitting talent. Now to find out that he was on the juice is devastating. I really feel for the kids on this one, because I'm heartbroken and I'm 24. Sure he's not on my team anymore, but he was on my beloved Red Sox when we won 2 World Series Championships and that is something that is important to all of us in Sox Nation. Apart from Manny being a long time member of the Red Sox, this news especially disturbed me because we're finding out about his steroid use while he's still a current player. How do you explain to kids that use of steroids only warrants a 50 game suspension? Shame on you Manny. Shame on you.

6. On Earth Day the Disney movie Earth came out. I finally got around to seeing it this afternoon. It was fantastic to say the least. The scenery and James Earl Jones narrations were spot on, and breathtaking. Everyone should see it...Caribou, Polar Bears, Humpback Whales, Elephants, Lions, Birds of Paradise...all of it was completely fascinating. Also, be on the look out for Disney's new movie called Ocean on Earth Day 2010. It's going to be a divine underwater adventure, Disney style. Think real life Finding Nemo. YESSSS.

My Top Ten Songs From a TV Show

2009-05-06T18:53:00.007-04:00

Here's the deal...television shows are the latest way to promote new music and artists and it's freaking awesome. My iPod is jammed up with music that I have discovered because it was on a show I watch (thank you Ms. Lindsay Wolfington). So I decided it was time for me to compile a top ten of songs that have been featured on TV shows and instantly take me to a scene or memory...whether it's the make-shift boat sailing away from the island on LOST or Lucas sitting in a hospital bed after winning the state championship basketball game the music made the difference. As always, in random order.

1. Mary Beth Maziarz's cover of Daydream Believer featured on Dawson's Creek. This was Dawson and Joey's song...and even though I've already announced on here that I was always a PJ'er I think that Mary Beth's voice on this version of the song is angelic and that she really captured the innocence that used to encompass the friendship of Dawson and Joey.

2. Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars featured on Grey's Anatomy. Everyone downloaded this song, and Snow Patrol became the success that they currently are because of Grey's Anatomy. Chasing Cars was featured in the scene where Izzie loses it after Denny dies and Alex has to carry her out of the room so they can take him to the morgue. And all throughout that scene, and the scene in which Izzie quits her job you hear Gary Lightbody belting out "If I lay here, if I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world?" I'm not going to forget that any time soon, even if Grey's does suck now.

3. Joe Cocker's cover of Have A Little Help From My Friends from The Wonder Years. Brilliant cover of a Beatles classic...acted as this phenomenal show's theme song with the classic reel of "home" movies played out while the credits displayed. I get goosebumps nearly every time. Nostalgia at its best.

4. Jeff Buckley's cover of Hallelujah from The O.C. This song played a crucial part in multiple scenes of this short-lived show. It first appeared on a mix CD that Marissa made for Ryan in season 1 (when the show was actually good). It plays as Ryan attempts to drive Marissa away because they're from "two different worlds", and eerily continues in the background as Luke and Ryan fight and burn the model home down. Hallelujah also plays when Ryan has to move back to Chino, and Imogen Heap's version of this song plays when Marissa dies in a car accident. Jeff Buckley takes the cake though...every time I listen to this song I can't help but think he knew he was going to drown...insanely creepy and brilliant.

5. Gary Portnoy's Where Everybody Knows Your Name from Cheers. This served as the theme song for this show about a little Boston bar. The song has showed up in numerous ads through the years, most recently for Dr. Pepper, but it will always be associated with Sam, Cliff, Woody and the gang.

6. Will Smith's Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Nuff said.

7. Sia's Breathe Me from Six Feet Under. This song has since been on like a thousand other shows, but it all started with the series finale of Six Feet Under. Sia's breathtaking and haunting vocals were the backdrop to the final scene of Six Feet Under as we watched Claire drive cross country in her lime green Prius and the show flashed the future deaths of each character. Perhaps the most stunning television these eyes have ever seen, and enhanced that much more by Sia's music being a part of it.

8. Instrumental song Shannonigans from LOST. This is the delicate instrumental music that comes on the show at any emotionally jarring moment or scene on LOST. I believe it first appeared in the Exodus episode at the end of season 1 as everyone waves goodbye to the brave souls who are attempting to sail a crappy boat out into the ocean in hopes of saving everyone from the island. Since then it has popped up at every funeral or goodbye scene that occurs regularly on the show. It is deeply moving, and well placed every time. When it appears, you know something overwhelming is about to happen.

9. La Rocca's Non-Believer from One Tree Hill. OTH fans will most likely argue with me about what song most reminds them of the show, but that's because this show is so dedicated to showcasing new artists and well-placed music. The song that really triggers memories of this show for me, however, is Non-Believer. It's the song/album that Max the Record Store Guy (played by series creator Mark Schwahn) gives to Peyton when Lucas has a heart attack during a basketball game and is laying in a coma in the hospital. She is having a really difficult time believing in anything, and Max tells her she's too young to give up believing yet and gives her the record for free. The song is PHENOMENAL, as is the band. She plays the song on her earbuds and puts them in Lucas's ears. Great moment on the show, capped off by fantastic music.

10. Theme Song from Doogie Howser, M.D. I dare you to listen to this song right now and not get it stuck in your head. Somehow though, I don't mind it. Ha.

What songs remind you of your favorite shows? Post away in the comments!

Come & Play, Everything's A-Ok....

2009-05-04T20:31:00.008-04:00

I have a lot of random un-connected things to say, and this is where I do that. Enjoy.

1. Has anyone else noticed that the most lovely and talented ginger in Hollywood (next to Mr. Ron Howard) the Jason Bateman is apparently attached at the hip/obsessed with the Garner/Afflecks?! First he was in The Kingdom with Jen Garner, then they played a married couple in Juno...most recently he was in State of Play with Ben, and he just wrapped a film called Extract in which Ben plays his stoner BFF. I'm surprised Jason isn't little Seraphina's godfather! And for those of you that haven't heard about this movie Extract, Bateman plays the owner of a flavoring company (think Equal, or Splenda) and it's about his life in the corporate world, and all the strange people that surround him. I'm psyched for it, because let's face it: Jason Bateman had me pining for him as David on the Hogan Family.

2. If they make a Clueless sequel NOW I will puke on myself. And there's no way in hell Paul Rudd would ever involve himself, therefore it's not worth making.

3. For those of you that are Twitter obsessed like myself check out this site: www.valebrity.com It lets you know who all the celebs on Twitter are, and identifies them as frauds or the real deal. They also have an on-going list of celebs who have their personal assistant's tweet for them. I have found it very helpful, but am curious to know how they validate a celeb's Twitter account...who is running Valebrity.com that is so in the know?

4. Do you ever think about really bizarre events, inventions etc.? I know I certainly do. Yesterday at Dunkin Donuts over a delicious hung over breakfast I started contemplating how machines get the ketchup into the little condiment packets. This shit consistently makes my brain hurt. Tune in next week for when I ponder how the pull-out handles are inserted into Hefty bags.

5. I've been tuning into Chelsea Lately and haven't looked back since. I dig her books, and she says everything that I think without even blushing, which ranks her high on my list. She's rude, crude, abrasive, honest and HYSTERICAL. I think she could make RuPaul nervous. I know I saw her totally make Lil Bow Wow wriggle in his seat a few weeks ago. All I'm saying is that when Leno moves down to the 10pm time slot, he better watch out. He should probably get himself a midget sidekick if he wants to compete...sorry Kev, you'll have to get a new gig.

6. New magazine alert...and I may be behind the times on this one, but still, sharing is caring. I recently bought the latest issue of Nylon Magazine at my grad school book store. I was initially attracted to it because it was the Young Hollywood issue and Kat Dennings was on the cover with the girl who played Juno's BFF. The mag is super kitschy and has a young hip vibe to it. The actual layout of the mag is a little overwhelming, and if you're not paying attention you could miss a lot of good stuff in the fine print, but I found myself liking how much they could fit on one page! Not to mention that some of the young stars they covered are favorites of mine: Gaius Charles, Taylor Kitsch, Dev Patel..yes please. Also, kudos to Anton Yelchin's (Charlie Bartlett, Alpha Dog) kick ass summer soundtrack compilation...psyched to see him in Star Trek!

And I leave you with this:
Question: If you could pick a movie to live in, what would it be?
My answer: American Graffiti

My Top Ten Least Favorite Places

2009-04-28T21:28:00.002-04:00

So recently I realized that are a lot of places/areas I dislike...and my dislike of these certain places is most likely universal, so I thought I'd share, and you all can just nod along. As always, these are in random order.

1. The Dentist's Office. When I was a kid I had to get fluoride treatments which was gooey and disgusting and had to cake onto my teeth for 3 minutes. And now, as an adult I still can't stand having someone pry my small mouth open with a mini pitchfork, scrape at my teeth and polish them all while I'm attempting not to drool all over the bib clipped to my clothes. Yeah, the dentist sucks.

2. The DMV. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I realize Dane Cook has been all over this one, but what I'll add to his definition of "satan's asshole" is that the misery is that much worse when your license always has to be renewed on your BIRTHDAY, and the people working at the DMV always act like you should know every form and protocol off the top of your head. Consistently brutal encounters at the DMV.

3. Any business on the day of their free giveaway. Recently Denny's and Ben & Jerry's have both had big food giveaways and all of their locations were simultaneously bombarded by college kids and other cheapos and these lovely establishments didn't think to over-staff on those days. Brilliance. Anyway, I avoid places that give out free stuff on the day of because it's too insane and usually not worth the wait. I do appreciate the thoughtful notion of honoring customers though.

4. Public restrooms, specifically at concert venues. Do I sit on the seat and risk landing in someone else's pee, or half squat and risk peeing on my own ankles? Always a toss-up. Weigh in on this dilemma in the comments.

5. Any school, mode of public transportation or dorm when it's over 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Nuff said.

6. Emergency Room of any hospital. You're there when something lousy has happened to you or someone important to you and then they have you wait for 3 hours with a green bracelet on, and a johnny that covers everything besides your ass.

7. Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day traffic on Cape Cod. These are the busiest weekends of the summer anywhere in the U.S. but especially so on the Cape. On top of that Cape Cod is pretty much one road once you get over the bridge, so imagine everyone vacationing there all driving on the same one lane street. Hell on Earth.

8. Any autobody or place where cars are repaired. Cars are an unfortunate necessity for most people, and if you're at the autobody then it means you're dumping money into your car. No one wants to dump money into their car because it's literally the worst investment ever...yes it gets you to and from where you need to go, but you will never ever make money off of it (unless you're Jay Leno).

9. Parking Garages after a concert or game. They smell, you have to wait in line to get out of them, you have to pay to leave, and no matter how new your car is it makes an awful screeching sound when you turn. Oh, and I have a real fear that the parking bar lever thing that raises after you pay will come down on my car before I get through it. This isn't paranoia, it's a legitimate distrust of sensors.

10. Any store the day after Christmas. Everyone gets shit they need to return and exchange, and our greedy little capitalistic ways make us have to do it the VERY next day. Instant gratification is necessary during the holidays. Santa made me do it.

And I leave you with this...
Question: What is your favorite ice cream topping?
My answer: Marshmallow.

I Like to Dabble.

2009-04-26T20:12:00.007-04:00

I'm dabbling...in many topics! Let the rambling begin.

1. I went to the first of two Boston shows that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band put on at the Garden. It was my first show. I am not nearly the Bruce fan I once thought I was. He played tons of old stuff for the first hour, and I found myself knowing like 2 songs. Despite this, the Boss and the band rocked it out and I had an excellent time. They closed the show with Rosalita. Be still my heart.

2. Until two weeks ago I was oblivious to the online comic community. I'm talking comics that are run strictly on the internet, and are not published in newspapers or magazines. I didn't know this occurred. However, a friend of mine from high school happens to run a clever and successful online comic called Daisy Owl that I urge all of you to enjoy on a daily basis at http://www.daisyowl.com

3. Is anyone else bored with Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake? They are the most yawn-worthy couple out there in the celeb world right now. They live together, and aren't married, and it seems like they don't fight. But there doesn't seem to be much spark there either. That bit where she showed up on SNL dressed as Jessica Rabbit was funny, but as a celeb power couple they just aren't doing it for me. I felt the need to put that out there.

4. Filming is about to begin on a new movie called Date Night. It stars Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, Mark Wahlberg, James Franco, Kristen Wiig, and Common. From what I've heard/read the movie is about a couple (Carrell and Fey) who get mistaken for crooks while out on date night. Leighton Meester (from Gossip Girl) plays their babysitter, and Wahlberg plays a private investigator who attempts to help the couple get out of trouble. I am already pumped for this movie!

5. In my mid-season replacement TV blog from a few weeks ago I mentioned a show called Southland that I thought was very promising. Well, I have started to legitimately love this show. And I have a feeling that it's going to be my new show that I push (like Friday Night Lights - which just got picked up for 2 more season!!) so here it is...my first promotion of this show. The entire cast is solid, and the documentary style filming makes it very gritty and organic unlike other cop shows currently airing on TV. Oh and Ben McKenzie is nice to look at.

And I leave you with this: What is the biggest thing you have ever accomplished?
My answer: I just handed in my grad school portfolio and will get my Masters in education in two weeks...I'm feeling accomplished, haha.

Top Ten Celeb Siblings

2009-04-19T15:34:00.003-04:00

So over the weekend I was channel surfing and one of my favorite movies happened to be on - High Fidelity. As I watched it I realized how much I love it when John & Joan Cusack work together...then I started thing about other siblings in show bizz...and obviously arrived at the fact that I was due for a Top Ten. So here it is, as always, in random order for your enjoyment.

1. Jake & Maggie Gyllenhaal. I really fell for Mags when she played the spunky liberal Wellesley student in Mona Lisa Smile, and never looked back. Jake has always been one of my favorites, and I think his work in Moonlight Mile was completely underrated. They also summer with their family in Martha's Vineyard, so I give them mad Massachusetts props.

2. River, Joaquin & Summer Phoenix. I was swooned by River Phoenix at the tender age of 7 when he was the ring leader in Stand By Me (I have a jumbo promo poster of the movie still in my room). Joaquin started off as the quirky kid in Parenthood, and then proceeded to dazzle me twenty years later in Walk the Line. I have no idea what movies Summer has been in, but she married Cambridge Mass native Casey Affleck, and I salute her for that.

3. Ashlee & Jessica Simpson. They're loveable goofs. I remember buying Jessica's single I Wanna Love You Forever back in the day and thinking she was going to be a star. Hmm. I may have said too much.

4. John & Joan Cusack. Have you seen Say Anything? Or High Fidelity? Or Martian Child? Or Grosse Point Blank? Or a little movie called 16 Candles? I could go on. They are a dynamic duo.

5. Ben & Casey Affleck. I was wooed by both of them in Good Will Hunting, and when they teamed up again for Gone Baby Gone (Ben was the director, Casey the lead) I again realized how much I love them, and how unfair it is that some families get all the talent.

6. Luke & Owen Wilson. I would've enjoyed growing up in this household. They're bonafide members of the Frat Pack. Need I say more? Bring on the glory days of Old School and Wedding Crashers por favor.

7. Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen. Nuff said.

8. Warren Beatty & Shirley MacLaine. They define what it is to be an American idol. They belong in the very elite category of actors such as Ron Howard, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholsen. Note what I said about some families getting all the luck.

9. Serena & Venus Williams. They've won a combined 19 grandslam Tennis titles. They are machines.

10. Donny and Marie Osmond. They really kicked off the whole famous sibling thing. They've done like a trillion talk/variety shows together. Ultimate sibs.

*People who didn't make the cut: Kirk & Candice Cameron, The Kardashians, the Duff sisters, Brit & Jamie-Lynne and the Hiltons.

The Replacements

2009-04-15T20:08:00.007-04:00

So it's April, and this is the time when the mid-season replacements start to show up on all your favorite TV channels, in all the weird, vacant time slots. This spring I have found myself hooked to a lot of the shows already simply because they're in time slots that I don't currently watch something. Lucky for them! Some might say that mid-season replacements are a tease (they usually only shoot 6 episodes, if that), and that they usually don't pan out to much. To those of you that are nodding your head in agreement I will say this: Grey's Anatomy was a March 2005 mid-season replacement. Oh look, the theories are fluttering out the window with that Grey's gust of wind! Here are the shows I know a little bit about...

Southland airs on NBC during ER's old time slot at 10pm EST. This time slot was interesting to me because I realized that ER has commandeered it since I was in fourth grade, thus I have never watched anything else then. However, to those of you that are interested in this Los Angeles Cop show don't get too used to the 10pm airing time because once Jay Leno's show starts in the fall (assuming Southland gets picked up) then it will be tossed to another time and perhaps another day. The show is super gritty. I can't think of another word to describe it. In the pilot episode we meet Ben McKenzie (Ryan Atwood from The O.C.), who is a rich kid that has become a copy instead of an attorney like his daddy. His partner, who still has to sign off his training log is a tough, no bullshit, lifer in the LAPD played remarkably well by Michael Cudlitz. The other members of McKenzie's squad include the talented Regina King as a missing persons officer, That Thing You Do's Tom Everett Scott as her partner, and the loveable Shawn Hatosy (Tim Dunphy from Outside Providence) as a cop in the gang unit. The show is shot almost in a documentary fashion, and the audience gets a full peek into what an entire day in the LAPD might look like. If you like any of the Law & Orders, this is for you.

Parks and Recreation airs at 8:30pm EST on NBC. The geniuses from The Office decided to write a show in which they could cast Amy Poehler as the lead, and Rashida Jones as her BFF. Then just for kicks they threw in Chris Pratt (the most aptly named Bright Abbott from Everwood) and the hilarious, dead-pan Aziz Ansari. This is a fantastic cast, to say the least. Yes the pilot may have seemed a little bleak, but the one-liners were fantastic, and there is so much room for this show to grow. Let us not forget that the first time we all saw The Office we were confused by Kevin, Creed and the gang. Let the P&R crew grow on you, and I guarantee you will fall in love with its quirkiness!!

The Unusuals airs at 10pm EST on ABC. Amber Tamblyn had me with her crazy lipstick and wigs in Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. She's edgy, and she's quick-witted. I like her. I REALLY like her as a rookie detective in NYC's second squad...the cops who deal with the real weirdo whackos. And to top it all off, she's a richy rich and trying to hide it from everyone on her squad! Harold Perrineau plays a detective who is terrified of his age because his father, uncle and grandfather all dropped dead at the very age he's currently living, and his partner (played perfectly by the deliciously neurotic Adam Goldberg) is living with cancer he opts not to treat or tell anyone about. Throw in a fishy murder of a could-be crooked cop, and you've got a very intriguing show!

Glee airing on Fox after American Idol in the near future. This show looks hysterical! I have heavy anticipation and big expectations for this show. Loads of singing, tons of weirdo high schoolers...do I smell a musical version of Freaks & Geeks?! FINALLY!

And I leave you with this...
Question: What show did you love that got canceled way too early on?
My answer: Well, obviously Freaks & Geeks, but also My So-Called Life.

Top 7 Idolatry

2009-04-14T19:59:00.002-04:00

So about two weeks ago I wrote a blog about my favorite songs from movie soundtracks...little did I know that the top 7 on American Idol would be singing tunes from, wait for it....MOVIES. Obviously my inner eye told me to write it. So refresh your memories here, and see below my takes on what the Idols picked.

Allison singing Don't Wanna Miss a Thing from Armageddon. Solid choice! Left it off my list (sort of by accident). I loved the violin arrangement she had going, it made it a little more haunting. She sang subtly at first, then ripped it apart with her smokey vocals! I really enjoyed it despite a few flat notes in the middle.

Anoop singing Everything I Do from Robin Hood. All I'm saying is that Anoop can croon to me any day. He effing nailed this song. And for the record I voted for Anoop at least ten times during his hunt for a wildcard slot!

Adam singing Born to Be Wild from Easy Rider. This was like a psychadelic, Lady GaGa version of a badass timeless Steppenwolf song. This guy is super talented, but I'm still not convinced that I would buy his album should/when it comes out. However, should he become a lead singer of a band a la Chris Daughtry then sign me up baby, sign me up. PS Simon was dead on with the Rocky Horror Picture Show commentary, but hey, we all know there's a serious market for that.

Matt singing Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman from Don Juan. Reader warning: I'm a little biased on this performance because this is an outstanding song. He picked the right song. No doubt about it. He put his falsetto in at all the right times, and he's got some serious chops on the piano. I really didn't agree with Randy and Cara. I don't think he can win, but I'd love to see him in the top 3.

Danny singing Endless Love from the movie Endless Love. This song was really boring until half way through when he started crescendoing and then he then he sang his heart out and it was beautiful. I wish it had been as powerful the whole way through. Basically I was bored until half way through. But I dig Danny in general!

Kris singing Falling Slowly from Once. Way to pick a relevant song! This song is from the most recent movie out of all the picks tonight. However, it might hurt Kris that the general Idol population (that votes) probably hasn't seen Once.

Lil singing The Rose from The Rose. *Poking my eyes out that I didn't think of putting this on my own top ten!!* I really wanted to like this performance. I thoroughly enjoy Lil, and Bette Midler is one of my favorites...I mean anyone who's good enough for Johnny Carson is good enough for me! I saw what Lil wanted to do with it, and I think she just didn't get there overall. We might be saying goodbye to Lil, but maybe they'll save her!

Favorites for the night: Allison and Anoop. Thank ya!

Funny is A Life Requirement

2009-04-12T20:29:00.007-04:00

Just blurting about whatever I want...you know, the usual.

1. I just saw I Love You, Man for the second time. I really dig this movie. Paul Rudd is hitting his stride right now, and I would watch Jason Segel in anything. Plus Rashida Jones is Paul Rudd's delightful love interest (loved her in the Parks & Recreation pilot)! I'm currently praying to the clothing Gods for her entire wardrobe from the film.

2. Anybody got a little Peet's Coffee love? I went there the other night and forgot how much I enjoyed it. It's just got a good vibe...plus good bevs. I wish there were more of them because it would allow me to ditch Starbucks for good. Why aren't they more popular??

3. One of my favorite things about an actor/actress that I love coming out with a movie is the fact that it means they'll have to promote the movie! This means that I can YouTube the shit out of their name and it will come up with them on every late night and early morning show in the country. YESSSS. Jason Segel made the rounds in the past few weeks, and my favorite was when he showed up on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon with the old men Muppets Statler and Waldorf. Priceless. Segel just finished writing the latest Muppet movie, in which he told Fallon "I'm really trying to bring back like Muppets Take Manhattan. That movie meant a lot to me." I hear you Jason! Oh, and my other favorite thing was when Fallon gave Segel a hard time about not being on Facebook to which Segel responded "Here's the deal: I don't not keep in touch with you because I can't find you...it's because I didn't like you in high school, and I don't want to reconnect now." Gosh I love YouTube. Now I'm getting excited about Jennifer Garner's new movie because she'll be all over Leno and Letterman in no time!

4. Adam Sandler has a new movie coming out this summer, and he's teaming up with Judd Apatow! It's called Funny People, and Sandler plays a comedian who gets cancer and hires Seth Rogen to be his personal assistant. Sandler thinks he's dying, but manages to come out of it, and tries to rekindle an old love with Apatow's real life wife Leslie Mann. Mann is married in the film, and so the conflict of the film ensues. Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman and Eric Bana all start in the film as well. Apatow wrote and directed the movie, and his hilarious real life children (the kids from Knocked Up) are also in the film. This will pretty much be the Must See movie of the summer. Please check out the trailer and report back what you think.

5. Another reason you all should subscribe to Entertainment Weekly Magazine (other than the outrageously good deals you can get right now): I just got free movie passes to see a sneak preview of Grey Gardens in Boston. There was an index promo card in the issue I got a few weeks ago, and you could just sign up online to get the passes. I got the passes in an email a week later! 2 free passes to the movies? Yes please! Oh, and for those of you that don't know about this movie...it stars Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange as the real-life reclusive Bouvier women that were blue-blood cousins of Jackie O.

And I leave you with this:
Question: What book do you wish would become a movie?
My answer: Last Days of Summer or My Most Excellent Year both by Steve Kluger

Communication, A Telephonic Invasion

2009-04-08T20:48:00.007-04:00

Oh, hey. It's been a while. Here's the deal: I know excuses are like assholes and everyone's got one, but mine are legit. I had pneumonia, and my portfolio for grad school is due in 2 weeks. So yeah, my blog has been abused as a result. However, I just revamped this sucker with a sweet new layout (new font colors, and a super classy Henri Rousseau painting in my header...he's my favorite artist), so don't lay into me too much.

Since it's been so long, I will not limit myself to one topic today, but rant at you in my usual rambling manner.

1. While I had pneumonia I was laying around a lot...not sleeping because I was coughing up a lung, but lounging. While I lounged I launched myself back into the glory that is season 1 of Alias. And this is when I decided that if I could look like anyone else on the planet, I would choose Jennifer Garner or Evangeline Lilly. These are the facts and they are indisputable.

2. I know I talk about Friday Night Lights a lot, but I just have to say here and now: big kudos to Entertainment Weekly for calling this week's Friday Night Lights season finale MUST SEE TV!

3. UNC winning the NCAA basketball championships was a bore. Totally predictable. I can't even be happy for Anoop because I just wanted Magic's alma mater to win so badly! Just for something exciting to happen!

4. Bryan Greenberg wishing out loud on Twitter that he invented the plastic window on envelopes had me LOLing. One of my students told me that he's looking into inventing healthy food that tastes like candy. I told him to keep me posted.

5. Speaking of inventing things...I wish I had come up with the idea for Pandora bracelets. I got one for my birthday...they're the bracelets that you buy beads for and they screw on, and you can mix and match what you want...my favorite bead so far is a turtle one that looks the same on both sides. Anywho, the bracelets and beads aren't that cheap, but are a great Mother's Day or Grad gift because you can add to them whenever! Why can't I come up with something like this? I need a Zack Morris get rich quick scheme pronto. My grad school days are almost over!

6. If Michael Emerson aka Ben Linus from LOST doesn't win an Emmy soon I will flip out. He's unbelievably good.

7. Celebrities I want to get on Twitter...like, will start a petition if I think it would persuade them: Michael Cera, Julia Roberts, Jennier Garner, Jason Segel, Jonathan Papelbon, and many others.

8. I don't care what anyone says - Lindsay Lohan is not going to kill herself. She enjoys herself too much, and loves living a drama-filled life. She lives for drama. I bet she wishes she could kill herself and then watch how popular she gets post-mortem. I'd apologize for being harsh, but it's effing true.

Top Ten Songs from Movie Soundtracks.

2009-03-27T21:13:00.002-04:00

There are a lot of songs that I associate with films, in some cases the music originated from a movie soundtrack, in other instances the song was around, but didn't become big until it was featured on a soundtrack. Either way, I compiled my top ten songs from motion picture soundtracks below. Feel free to comment about songs you love or think I missed! Also, note that I did not include musical movies (West Side Story, Moulin Rouge, Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz etc.) because it's impossible to pick one song from the entire soundtrack. As always, these are in random order.

1. Take My Breath Away by Berlin, Top Gun Soundtrack. Any time this song pops on the radio I think of pre-crazy Tom Cruise in his aviators...wish Jessica Simpson hadn't ruined it.

2. Change the World by Eric Clapton, Phenomenon Soundtrack. I love this movie, it may not be on anyone else's radar but Eric Clapton teamed with a superpower enhanced John Travolta = amazingness.

3. Footloose by Kenny Loggins, Footloose Soundtrack. Nuff said.

4. I Will Always Love You, by Whitney Houston, Bodyguard Soundtrack. It still boggles my mind that it was Kevin Costner's idea that Whitney record this Dolly Parton classic. The entire soundtrack is mind-blowingly good, I hope that Whit can have a comeback a la Britney Spears.

5. Wind Beneath My Wings, by Bette Midler, Beaches Soundtrack. If you say you don't know the words to this song, you are a liar. I'm calling you out. This song portrays the film's themes so well...ultimate female friendship.

6. Stayin Alive, by the BeeGees, Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack. What else could Travolta shake his groove thing properly to??

7. Mrs. Robinson, by Simon & Garfunkel, The Graduate Soundtrack. This song will stand the test of time...it fits the movie like a glove.

8. Don't You Forget About Me, by Simple Minds, The Breakfast Club Soundtrack. If I'm in the car, my room, wherever, I break out the Ally Sheedy & Anthony Michael Hall dances to this song. Long live the 80s and all it's glories.

9. March, by John Williams, Indiana Jones Soundtrack. Someone toss me a manly fedora immediately! I don't even like horses, but I'd saddle up to this tune!

10. Main Theme, by John Williams, Jaws Soundtrack. Baaaa-num....baaaa-num, baaaa-num, ba-num, ba-num, BA-NUM, BA-NUM!!!!! Goosebumps galore. John Williams, you're a delight.

Celebrities' Musical Taste (or Lack Thereof)

2009-03-25T18:02:00.003-04:00

So you may or may not know that iTunes has this feature called "celebrity playlists". This feature and I are in a relationship, mainly because I want to know what they all are listening to, but also because I can properly judge them. Usually every Tuesday new celeb playlists pop up, and it can be anyone from a movie director, to a writer to an athlete. It's fabulous. I especially like that each celeb posts comments for why each track was chosen and what it means to them. I'm considering starting to do this for future mix CDs that I make...just to see if my feelings about a song change over time.

So, I thought I'd break down my favorites, and lure you into checking the celeb playlists out on iTunes!!

Most laughable playlist: Matthew McConaughey. Too many reggae and soul beats, mixed with Latin music. Yawwwwn.

The "True to Himself" playlist: Jimmy Kimmel. So what if he likes Neil Diamond and Cyndi Lauper? He's effing Ben Affleck.

The playlist that pleasantly surprised me: Evangeline Lilly. She's one of my girl crushes anyway, but once I saw she had Morrisey and Damien Rice forget it...she's all mine.

The All Dude playlist: Vince Vaughn. He gave no love to the ladies on his personal soundtrack! It was all Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry manliness!

Playlist I was too afraid to view: The Miss Universe Pageant Contestants. Nuff said.

The "I Tried Too Hard" playlist: Jeremy Piven. His set included The Clash, Jimmy Cliff, the White Stripes, the Fugees, and Common. WTF.

Funniest Playlist: Michael Cera. He has two playlists, one when he was promoting Juno, the other when he was promoting Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Some of his comments included: "I Wanna Be Like You, from the Jungle Book soundtrack - Drive around listening to this as loud as you can handle". "And It Stoned Me by Van Morrison - This is the new up and comer, he's going to be big". Just love him, love him to pieces.

Most unified and uneclectic playlist: Josh Hartnett. It was all Ramones, Bowie, White Stripes, Iggy Pop. If he had chosen his favorite Britney track and included it I would not have had to make this category.

Playlist that made me smile: Jason Segel. I adore him anyway, but when he announced on iTunes for all the world that Eric Clapton is God, Neil Young gave him hope that he could play music and Astral Weeks "makes me feel like myself" I was swooned. Entirely.

Playlist that shouts "I'm invested in music as art": Robert Pattinson. The ridiculously handsome lad is very into music both as a listener and performer and his choices of Neil Young's Ambulance Blues along with D'Angelo's One Mo'gin only exemplify that.

Most Uneventful Playlist: Taylor Swift. The majority of it was Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. C'mon, what do you really listen to??

The A+ Playlist...the winner: Jason Bateman. His set included the Smashing Pumpkins, Belle & Sebastian, Wilco and Led Zeppelin's Darlene!! Jason, next time you're having a jam sesh, invite me! I'll watch.

Oh, and if this post didn't sufficiently convince you to start checking out the celeb playlists, I'll leave you with this: PAUL McCARTNEY HAS A FREAKING PLAYLIST ON iTUNES!!!! Nuff said squared.

Ooo Eee Ooo Ahh Ahh Ting Tang Walla Walla Bing Bang

2009-03-21T20:20:00.009-04:00

This is one of my random ranting posts where I have too much to say and not a lot of time to say it. So here goes nothing.

1. March Madness is fun...I have no idea what I'm doing, but it's fun. I follow the Celtics, and not really NCAA hoops. I blame this on the fact that I went to a college where all of our sports were Divison 3, except for our synchronized swimming team, which was D1 and was featured in that Julia Roberts movie Mona Lisa Smile!! Anywho, my brackets are pretty busted, due to BC, Texas A&M, UCLA and Florida all losing. Good thing I didn't put any money where my mouth is.

2. I'm obsessed with the new Kelly Clarkson album. It's soooo catchy, and upbeat, and fun. And I hope she tramples all that is Lady GaGa. My favorite track so far: I Do Not Hook Up.

3. I freely admit that I don't know a lot about Natasha Richardson's career, however, Liam Neeson is such a gem, I love him in everything that he does, and his family has just had their hearts ripped out and stomped on. Incredibly unfair and devastatingly sad. My thoughts go out to them.

4. I really love twitter, but I'm getting sick of celebs tweeting bible verses or asking others what their definition of God/religion is. While I think that these philosophical conversations are worthwhile and interesting, I'm not sure that their place is in the twitterverse, especially after Shaq so aptly announces that he doesn't care if he gets fined, "I'ma tweet at halftime anyway".

5. I didn't go at midnight last night to get Twilight on DVD, but you're damn skippy that I went this afternoon!!

6. I don't really care that LeAnn Rimes had an affair, and I'll tell you why: she's not Angelina Jolie, and her smooching partner is not Brad Pitt. Also, she got married when she was 19...raise your hand if you thought it was going to work out. That's what I thought.

7. Does anyone else think it's odd that you can scalp tickets online (stubhub etc.), and yet you can get arrested for doing the same thing on the street? I found out it has to do with your vicinity to the arena of the event...that's the dumbest shit I've ever heard.

8. Idris Elba popped in on The Office this week as Michael Scott's new boss. Idris Elba is a total smoke show. I would act like Kelly and Angela if he became the new principal at my school. Not to mention that he was Stringer Bell on The Wire, who is only one of the most bada** characters to ever hit TV. Oh, and he produced a track on Jay-Z's American Gangster. Ohh I'd love for him to stick around on The Office.

And I leave you with this:
Jason Segel is writing the next Muppet movie (*claps in celebration*), if you could suggest to him a topic/theme for the next movie what would it be?
My answer: I would love to see Fonzie making it as a comedian on his own talk show (think Jimmy Fallon), with Kermit as one of his go-to guys (a Ryan Seacrest type), and Gonzo, Ralph and Animal as the house band for Fonzie's show. I also would love Miss Piggy to be a Perez Hilton type in the movie. Think of all the celebrity cameos they could squeeze into the movie and have Fonzie interviewing them! Someone call Obama!! DONE.

Superstar, Where You From? How's It Going?

2009-03-18T18:07:00.004-04:00

On Monday night I saw Britney Spears perform on her Circus tour at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston. Let this be said: I have never been to a glitzy, commercialized concert before...I'm more the type to blow wads of cash on Coldplay and Rilo Kiley, however, Britney is back, and I had to see her in action...my inner eighth grader was out and about.

My friends and I went to a pub near the Garden before the concert, and ended up entering the arena about ten minutes before the Pussycat Dolls opened the show. Has anyone else figured out that they're the new Spice Girls minus the British sassyness? If there is an article out there about this someone please forward it to me, because I had this epiphany during their set. My friend and I were in the souvenir line when we heard the Dolls go on and every gay man and sparkly gal in the place stared SPRINTING and SCREAMING to their seats. It was insanity. I really enjoyed seeing girls in stilettos try to run, but the funnier part was that a lot of the girls that were totally strung out on Brit were my age OR OLDER. Apparently everyone let out their inner eighth grader for the evening.

The Pussycat Dolls sang all the songs I knew and managed to strut around a pretty low-key stage in knee high f*ck me boots for 40 minutes. This is the best pic I got seen below:
After the Pussycat Dolls got off stage there was an intermission in which a bunch of different circus performers came out and did their various specialties. Everything from clowns to acrobats to capoeira style dancing to break dancing. It was fantastic! And throughout the show when Britney needed to make a costume change more circus performers would come out and entertain us with their amazing abilities until Brit could come out and dance her legs off once again. Circus highlights: this girl who could hula hoop 25 hoops simultaneously, then proceeded to put her foot up by her ear and hula a hoop on her ankle...unreal. And then this other girl who was standing on a long towel twisted into a rope so that it was about the width of a gymnast's balance beam was bouncing on it (with the help of the two guys on either end of the rope), and was tossing herself into the air and doing all these unbelieveable twists and flips. It looked like she was on a trampoline rather than a rope made of terry cloth, AND THEN she would nail every landing. It was out of control.

Then there was Britney. Lord that girl can dance. And rock high heels while doing it. All of the songs were great as was the choreography, but these were my favorites: 1. when a huge sparkly umbrella came down from the ceiling and she sat in the hook of it and swung in the air around the stage, 2. when two guys wearing chest harnesses were suspended from the ceiling, intertwined their legs and made a bench for Britney to sit on and be elevated all over the arena, and 3. all the cages with wheels that Britney got rolled around in. It was hot. All of it. Oh, and did I mention that for the majority of the show Britney was rocking various sequined bikinis?? She would occasionally add in a feathered boa, police uniform, or a sparkly circus ring leader jacket...but mostly she was in glitzy underwear the entire show. Love her. Below is the pic of how she entered the arena and kicked off her new hit Circus:

Top Ten Massholes

2009-03-15T13:58:00.002-04:00

For those of you not familiar with one of my favorite terms, a Masshole is someone who is originally from Massachusetts and exhibits Massachusetts behavior, which can be but is not limited to: dropping Rs from your words, living off of Dunkin Donuts, summering down the Cape, being a devout member of Red Sox Nation, etc. There are some exceptions to the rule when it comes to Massholes, because a lot of people flock here to go to college and never leave...these people can become Massholes if they decide to raise their families here and take on all of our silly customs and bitterness towards winter. However, in my mind these rookie Massholes should probably have to pass some sort of test, which I may devise at another time and post in my blog. So, all of that being said, here are my top ten Massholes and as always: in random order.

1. Matt Damon. Jason Bourne makes me swoon. It also helps that he's wicked smaht and went to Havahd.

2. Amy Poehler. She's easily in my top ten SNL cast members of all time (look for that one in the future), and her cross over into movies has been such a success that I think she'll be great in her upcoming sitcom Parks and Recreation. She just cracks me up.

3. Steve Carell. If they had cast anyone else to be Michael Scott The Office would've been a disaster. Also, you might've heard of a few movies he's been in: Anochorman, 40 Year Old Virigin, Get Smart. Nothing big, you know.

4. Ben Affleck. Not only did he co-write Good Will Hunting (one of the best set in Boston films ever), but he also directed Gone Baby Gone which is another fabulous film set in Boston. Also, he had me at Leaving on a Jet Plane in Armageddon. And he married Jennifer Garner, which makes him one of the smartest guys in Hollywood.

5. Dr. Seuss. Nuff said.

6. John Krasinski. He's charming and delightful, and used to be a writer for Conan before he made it as an actor portraying the clevery and adorable Jim Halpert.

7. Denis Leary. No one wants to admit that he's hilarious, but let's be serious: he is. He obviously could learn to bite his tongue occasionally, but then he wouldn't be as funny. Oh and Rescue Me is supposedly good, but I've never seen it.

8. Conan O'Brien. I love this man. He's funny in a physical and intelligent way. His red hair is swoonworthy and like the other love of my life (Matty D.) he went to Harvard. I would gladly take a permanent seat in the Cone Zone any day and twice on Sunday.

9. Dane Cook. You win Grandma...my little sweet baby angel. His old stuff is hilarious, and his new stuff has its moments. Either way the guy definitely knows how to set up a joke.

10. John F. Kennedy. Arguably the best prez in the last 60 years.

Things About Spring '09 That Excite Me.

2009-03-14T15:31:00.008-04:00

The winter months in New England are long and brutal, and this winter was particularly consistent in pummeling the Boston area with snow. Thus at this time of year with spring's official start date only a week away I get a little antsy and excited. Apart from the weather changing and actually being able to exercise outside, here are a few other reasons you should all be as thrilled as I am about spring 2009:

1. WARDROBE CHANGE. Adios sweaters, scarves and Uggs, aloha TOMS, t-shirts and pastels.

2. BASEBALL. Well, more specifically for me the Red Sox, but MLB fans all over the country rejoice in opening day and the start of America's Favorite Pastime.

3. GRADUATION. This May I will be graduating from graduate school so it's particularly resonant with me, but every year around May and June I get a little sentimental about the exciting culminations and celebrations people are having with the completion of whatever degree they've been working towards and the fond memories I have of my past graduations. Plus I just love hearing Time of Your Life and I Will Remember You on the radio every other song. I'm a sucker. I also always get the inclination to pop in my Can't Hardly Wait DVD. Yikes.

4. EASTER CANDY. I apologize to Jews everywhere, but hey, you can still enjoy our decadent Easter candy!! The Cadbury Eggs, the Cadbury Mini Eggs with the hard shell, the Reeses in the shape of eggs. All delicious! I already have been previewing/sampling all the Easter treats from CVS, and I have to say, the candy options at Easter are far superior to what's offered at Halloween. Just saying.

5. SPRING TV SWEEPS. Who doesn't love a cliffhanger or grand season finale of their favorite show? Personally I'm looking forward to seeing how they wrap up the seasons on One Tree Hill, The Office, Grey's Anatomy, Fringe, Brothers & Sisters, LOST and Numb3rs. I've already seen the season finale of Friday Night Lights and it is a doozy! Also, the new American Idol champion will be crowned...so much excitement during the sweeps!

6. MIDSEASON TV REPLACEMENTS. Let me remind you that Grey's Anatomy was a midseason replacement in March of 2005...there have been successful midseason replacement shows, and I'm almost guaranteeing that Amy Poehler and Rashida Jones' Parks and Recreation premiering Thursday April 9th at 8:30pm EST is going to be pee your pants hilarious.

Idol and Federer in the same Vlog...YUP.

2009-03-13T20:48:00.001-04:00

My take on American Idol, Kanye West, and baby Federer.

For Your Enjoyment.

2009-03-12T20:54:00.001-04:00

Bono, Friday Night Lights, Entertainment Weekly deals and Poop for Power on my 4th Vlog ever. YA DIG?

Jumbalaya

2009-03-11T17:39:00.001-04:00

This is my first ranting vlog...I recorded this yesterday so you're gonna have to wish Chuck a belated birthday.

Top Ten TV Couples

2009-03-10T21:05:00.000-04:00

How Would You Feel If I Traded You?

2009-03-09T20:20:00.003-04:00

I think I'm getting the hang of this...any suggestions on how to upload these vlogs in a quicker manner? It's really trying my patience haha.

Oh No I Didn't!

2009-03-07T19:34:00.004-05:00

I'll try to keep this briefer next time and actually watch the recording clock (instead of myself).

Top Ten "Kid" Movies Animated vs. Live Action

2009-03-05T18:39:00.002-05:00

So today in my classroom we had a big discussion during snack time (sometimes I realize how much my job really rocks) about our favorite children's movies...and after realizing that none of my second graders have seen The Mighty Ducks, I decided a top ten was a must. However, you are getting double whammy'd because I'm doing a comparison of animated movies for kids, as opposed to live action films. As always, these are in random order. Hold on to your hats.

ANIMATED FILMS:

1. The Little Mermaid It has the best music, and I love fish and sea life in general. Plus all the mysticism around mer-people is fascinating! It also helps that this movie came out when I was in kindergarten.

2. Wall-E Sends a really great message and the main character doesn't even speak! That says a lot about the film!

3. The Lion King Elton John composed music, Matthew Broderick and James Earl Jones' voices, African animals. DREAMS DO COME TRUE.

4. Finding Nemo Not only are the dentist's office scenes hilarious, but Ellen Degeneres rocks my world.

5. Ratatouille Animation + Food = Delightful

6. The Brave Little Toaster I dislike this movie, but my brother has adored it since he was a toddler, so this one is dedicated to him.

7. Aladdin I don't think anyone will ever be able to surpass Robin Williams' genie. He's an unstoppable force.

8. FernGully: The Last Rainforest This movie was so before it's time...and again, featured the man, the myth, the legend: Mr. Mork himself, Robin Williams.

9. Horton Hears a Who Give me more Seuss all the time. This movie was very cleverly done.

10. Sleeping Beauty I adore the fairy godmothers in this...plus it depicts one of the great villains of all time.

LIVE ACTION/REAL PEOPLE

1. The Mighty Ducks Trilogy I learned how to ice skate because of this movie. Also, Charlie Conway was the first of many underdog crushes for me. He made me a fan of the underdog.

2. The Sandlot You're killing me, Smalls. Not really Smalls, I love you.

3. The Wizard Fred Savage, Jenny Lewis, Christian Slater & 80s video games. "I love the power glove...it's so bad." What is NOT to love?

4. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Nuff said.

5. E.T. If this movie doesn't warm your heart, then you are dead inside. Joey Tribbiani was right.

6. Hook Spielberg directed, Robin Williams as Pan, Dustin Hoffman as the Captain and Julia Roberts as Tink. Can you say BANGARANG?!

7. Harry Potter Series I can't believe how real they make Quidditch look, and Rupert Grint is divine.

8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas Jim Carrey rocked this out...and Ron Howard created a universe of Seuss. Just fantastic.

9. Matilda Loved the book, the movie did it justice.

10. Little Giants I'm just a sucker for sports movies with underdogs...I can't help it. Also, I miss Rick Moranis. Where is he?

And I leave you with this
Question: What's the first movie you can remember having an obsession with?
My answer: The Little Mermaid. In elementary school I had half days on Tuesdays and I would watch it every Tuesday afternoon (plus the weekends).

Employment...in Stride

2009-03-04T21:29:00.004-05:00

So it's March...which is right around the time that teachers start looking for jobs in the fall. It's right around the time that I start to freak out, and employment becomes my main focus. However, I'm not freaking out as much as I usually do. What's the change from last year? I'm wiser. Ha, not really. But I am a lot more patient about the whole process.

This past year I went to grad school full-time and worked odd jobs...nothing very consistent, traveled a bit (San Francisco, Vermont, Florida) and took things in stride. I realized that it wasn't worth panicking about that I didn't have steady employment because in May I'll be done with my Masters degree and I have my whole life ahead of me for steady employment.

So now I'm beginning to think about back up plans because let's face it - this isn't the year to be applying for jobs...there's hardly any teaching jobs being posted right now (in New England), and I'm realizing that given the choice to do whatever I want is kind of daunting and overwhelming.

Maybe I want to write. Maybe I want to move to a new city. Maybe I want to learn how to cook (finally). I'm just going to make my best effort to not worry about any of it. And in the meantime, I'm going to finish writing this TV pilot that I've wanted to finish since September.

And I leave you with this
Question: What is your favorite smell?
My answer: a burning fire, lilacs, or grapefruit.

Breaking Through the Celeb Wall

2009-03-03T20:41:00.003-05:00

So here's the deal. Not only do I have a sickness called media, I'm also invested in (certain) celebrities. For whatever reason knowing what's in Halle Berry's purse on a daily basis really thrills me. That being said, you can understand why I'm all over this whole Twitter thing. Celebs are on Twitter! The reason that this is so fantastic is because a lot of celebs are too lazy or don't have enough free time to blog, and so: TWITTER.

Twitter offers celebs a great way to communicate with their fans. Why is this so vital and so popular right now? Because with the internet we are able to get any information we want about celebs (where they are, who they're with), but with Twitter, fans can find out what projects their favorite celebs are working on, and what it is that they're doing with their day.

For example, today Demi Moore was at some kind of photo shoot, and with her iPhone she posted a twitpic of her getting ready for the photo shoot. This insider stuff is awesome to me (and I know I'm not alone). My only complaint about Twitter so far is the imposter fake celebs! I was a follower of "Tina Fey" until today when I found out that it isn't actually her. Stephen Colbert had someone impersonating him on Twitter, and had to get the person kicked off when he wanted to actually have his own Twitter account. Now for people like Britney Spears who have their assistants Twitter for them...I have no problem with that, because I'm still getting access to the Britney info I'm interested in.

I'm really intrigued by this whole networking movement on the internet, and I'm excited to see where it goes and whether more celebrities will take advantage of it so that they can converse with the fans that support them.

A shout out to Hilarie Burton at www.southergothicproductions.blogspot.com for being the accessible, professional actress and producer that she is. You're setting a great example for how networking (blogs, Twitter, Facebook etc.) can be beneficial for both fan and actor.

And I leave you with this:
Question: Who is your favorite on American Idol so far?
My answer: Alexis Grace...or Danny Gokey, but here's my issue with Danny - I really like him, but I'm not sure I'd buy the type of album he'd put out.

Oh. My. Goodness.

2009-03-02T12:38:00.002-05:00

This was just released in the Boston Globe:

U2 is pulling out all the stops to hype its new CD, "No Line on the Horizon," which hits stores tomorrow. Bono and the boys played a surprise gig Friday on top of the BBC building in London, and tonight the lads take up residence on "The Late Show With David Letterman," where they'll be Dave's musical guest all week. (It's the first time a band has been given five nights on Letterman's show.) That's not all. According to the Hartford's Courant Eric Danton, the guerilla marketing campaign continues Friday, when Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. play what was supposed to be a "secret show" on the steps of Keating Hall at Fordham University. (Profs have been asked to cancel all their classes, but not told why.) So what, you say? Well, it's very hush-hush, but we hear that the Irish icons are looking to play a similarly stealth club show in Boston. No one will confirm it - or deny it, for that matter - but word is the mega-selling band, which had no difficulty selling out seven shows at the former Fleet Center in 2005, may return to its roots with a show March 11 at the Paradise. Why not the more spacious House of Blues? U2 is nothing if not nostalgic, and the band played its first headlining show in Boston at the Paradise in 1981. Of course, this would not be the band's only New England show promoting its 12th album. They're expected to play at Gillette Stadium in September.

Does this sound like Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist or what??
I might just try and catch them because I doubt I'll get tickets in September.

Snowy Sunday Evening

2009-03-01T23:29:00.002-05:00

I'm snowed in. Literally. We're getting at least a foot of snow between now and Monday afternoon. But since I'm a teacher I get the luxury of having the day off so I don't have to drive the treacherous roads like some unlucky folks might have to do.

I apologize now to those of you that might not like my format, but I'm way better at listing my thoughts rather than trying to organize them.

1. Today my garbage disposal exploded and now both the disposal side of the sink and the regular side of the sink is totally clogged and gross. I'm waiting for the drano to do it's job. What the hell is in drano that it can solve that crisis? It's terrifying to me what might be in there. All I remember is in one episode of Punky Brewster a little boy drinks drano from under the sink and his sister is illiterate and can't read what to do if swallowed. Thus I am petrified of drano.

2. I'm reading a book right now called Sister Mine by Tawni O'Dell and it's kind of a mystery/coming of age story that is set in a coal mining town in Pennsylvania. And some of the characters are dealing with PTSD because of a recent mining accident. I've never read anything about coal mining towns and I'm finding the setting fascinating. I recommend it to anyone who's into fiction.

3. Today I got a Twitter account. It's trouble. I'm on it all the time. The fact that I can follow Rupert Grint and Matt Damon simultaneously on my iPhone is blowing my mind and I'm addicted. Anything to do with networking, the internet, celebs or TV shows ultimately swallows me whole. I have a sickness and it's called media.

4. Barack Obama cracks me up. I adore him. Sorry to get political on here, but I really do love him. Anywho, this past weekend he did two funny unpresidential things: first he went to a Washington Wizards game and both teams looked starstruck when he rolled in. It was too funny watching guys that are 7 feet tall look like ten year old boys. Then, I guess everyone in DC has been freaking out about the snowfall they've had in the past few days because they're not used to it. Obama goes "DC'ers need to learn to tough it out, this isn't that much snow" (that was a paraphrase). He's great. I can't believe we landed someone cool as our president...hopefully he's brilliant as well, but I guess we can't ask for TOO much.

5. I forgot to give up something for Lent. My bad. It just really snuck up on me this year. I think next year instead of giving something up I'm going to do something. Like exercise every day, or do something kind for someone else. I know it's not the same notion, but I don't think I'd get any complaints.

And I leave you with this:

Question: If you could be (accidentally) locked in any store, restaurant, place of business overnight, where would you choose?
My answer: Barnes and Noble. There is no debating on this one for me. It'd be a dream actually.

Top Ten Children's Books Vol. 1

2009-02-28T17:25:00.002-05:00

I was inspired to do this top ten because Dr. Seuss' birthday is on Monday...

1. The Lorax By Dr. Seuss. Could this story be any more relevant? Seuss knew what it meant to be green and save trees way before it was cool or realistic.

2. The Giver by Lois Lowry. A Newbury winner that is set in a "utopia" where children are assigned jobs and being the giver is essentially the task of a memory keeper...but the memories aren't just the black and white ones from within the utopia. A brilliant, brilliant book.

3. The Stinky Cheese Man And Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieska, illustrated by Lane Smith. Scieska is now the Ambassador of Children's Literature in the United States, and his books are hilarious as well as clever. We need more people like him.

4. Flotsam by David Weisner. This book is stunning. It's wordless, and follows a little boy whose ordinary day at the beach quickly become fascinating when he finds a camera that has washed up on shore and develops the pictures it has taken underwater throughout the past century.

5. Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar. This book is quirky and funny and silly and outlandish. And it's wonderful for all of these reasons.

6. The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau, illustrated by Gail De Marcken. The illustrations in this book are vibrant and detailed, to the point that I get something different out of it every time I pick it up. This story is about a quiltmaker who makes the most fabulous quilts, but only for the very poor who need them for warmth. The King wants one for materialistic reasons, and the Quiltmaker convinces him to give away everything he owns in order to obtain one. Everyone can learn a lesson from this story.

7. Frindle by Andrew Clements. If you had a very mean teacher who was obsessed with rules you'd probably convince the whole school to call a pen a frindle, right? Just for kicks. Well the main character in this book does that, but then manages to get on the news for it!

8. Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl. You can't help but cheer for Mr. Fox as he tries to outwit the disgusting farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean - one fat, one short, one lean.

9. The Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume. I adore Judy Blume. In fourth grade I did an author study on her that was supposed to be 3 pages long, mine was 10. I couldn't get enough of her. When I was in college I did another author study on her because my love for her has never dwindled. This book is a great example of sibling relationships for kids to read.

10. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel. This friendship rivals Kermit and Fozzie. Nuff said.

And I leave you with this:

Question: Who was your favorite fictional character growing up? And do you find that the characters you like in books now are similar?
My answer: I liked Pippy Longstocking because she was such a free spirit, and I really liked Annemarie Johannsen from Number the Stars because she was so brave defending her best friend who was Jewish in Nazi invaded Denmark. I still like wild hippie characters and admire brave women. I guess some things never change.

This and That

2009-02-27T18:38:00.002-05:00

Another smorgasbord from my rambling mind.

1. You should all check out the artist Holly Conlan. She rocks, and is a throw back to singers like Patty Griffin. She's a delight.

2. One Tree Hill is back for a 7th season...really fantastic news. It will now surpass Dawson's Creek by an entire season, which makes me wonder if fast-forwarding through the college years will be the new trend for teen dramas. Mark Schwahn you're brilliant.

3. I just found out that there is an ocean called the Southern Ocean which is located right near Antarctica. Am I the only one that didn't know about this? Thank you second graders.

4. Only four and a half months until Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince comes out in theaters! Any time an HP book or movie comes out I feel like I'm having an extra birthday. And honestly, every time I see the trailer and Dumbledore says "you mean did I realize I had just met the darkest wizard of all time?" I get chills!

5. Is it safe to eat processed peanut butter again? No one has been discussing it on the news anymore.

6. I usually don't watch Dancing With the Stars unless my mom has it on, but with Shawn Johnson on the program I'm legitimately excited! It will be serious competition now and I secretly hope that Denise Richards breaks down in tears because she's too frustrated (and jealous) with how athletic Shawn is! Haha.

7. The NAACP Image Awards were on a bit ago, and Will Smith was a winner, and then he showed up as a presenter for the Oscars. Could he be any cooler? I think his level of cool has only escalated through the years, and every time I see him in an interview he's just incredibly charismatic...no wonder Dev Patel loves him so.

8. TGIF...which reminds me: watch Friday Night Lights!!

And I leave you with this:

Question: In your opinion what do you think is the best chain restaurant?
My answer: This is tough, but I think Ruby Tuesdays or Panera.

Top Ten Artists That Started in Bands/Groups

2009-02-24T20:41:00.003-05:00

This morning when I was driving to work I had my iPod set on shuffle and Justin Timberlake popped up twice. And it got me to thinking about what a success he is, and how strange it is now to associate him with *NSYNC. So then I started thinking about other successful artists that started in bands...and I realized, lo and behold, there are ten of them! Thus, a top ten Tuesday for you.

1. Justin Timberlake. Yes he was the shining star in *NSYNC, and we all loved him from the Mickey Mouse Club. I just can't believe he managed to bring Sexy Back and have a single with Madonna!

2. Michael Jackson. He had me at Rockin' Robin when I was in preschool twenty years ago and I'm still rocking out to The Way You Make Me Feel. He broke free of the Jackson 5 and was married to Elvis' kid! I still like that song that was in Free Willy. I said it.

3. Beyonce. She started out as Destiny's Child, got Jay-Z thinking she was Bootyliscious and ain't a single lady no more. I can't believe someone who once sang "you pay my bills can you pay my telephone bills can you pay my automo'bills then maybe we can chill I don't think you do
so you and me are through" was nominated for an Oscar just a few years later!

4. Annie Lennox. The Eurythmics were freaking great. And then boom Annie Lennox belting out the achingly beautiful "Why" all by her lonesome. Star.

5. Don Henley. His voice has become instantly recognizable because Hotel California is such an anthem in the states and I can name 4 songs that (currently)get play on the radio that are from his solo albums.

6. Eric Clapton. Dude rocked it out in Cream as well as Derek and the Dominos and The Yardbirds, and then went on to have a (still) stellar solo career. He's the definition of staying power.

7. Gwen Stefani. I know 6 year olds that sing "this ____ is bananas. B.A.N.A.N.A.S". Anyone catch that performance she did on Ellen where she had all Asian dancers wearing yellow? She's the funkiest pop star we've got. Plus she's got her LAMB line which makes her fabulous as well as talented.

8. John Lennon. Imagine...life without him. No thank you.

9. Paul Simon. Anyone who wants to make music with these guys is a brilliant happy soul I'd like to be friends with.

10. Neil Young. His voice is a display of what yearning means. He already made it onto my top ten list of most influential and famous Canadiens. Heart of Gold? Yup, you got it Neil.

Okay, so should people who were leaders of bands be included on this list? I couldn't make a judgement call on people like Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews and Sting. I mean, if they weren't in those bands (E Street, DMB, The Police) then you wouldn't have listened to the group in the first place, right? Whereas Cream probably could've had a career without Clapton.

Person I Can't Believe Hasn't Flown Solo: Bono.

I leave you with this:
Question: If you had to pick one pivotal series, and only one...what would it be: Harry Potter, Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings?
My Answer: HP alllllll the way. HP is by far the coolest out of all these things. The force is weak.

On a random note: my fortune cookie just read "Fortune favors the brave". Seriously? Has JK Rowling been scripting fortunes for restaurants again?

Video Games Can Have a Positive Influence, Occasionally.

2009-02-23T18:58:00.002-05:00

I teach 2nd grade and many of my students have been singing or humming FANTASTIC songs. Yes the girls all love Taylor Swift and I appreciate that and her...however, the boys in my class are singing tunes such as "Hit Me With Your Best Shot", "Sunshine of Your Love", "Slow Ride", "Livin' on a Prayer" and other great classic rock.

At first I was amazed that these kids were listening to classic rock, but then I found out that all the credit goes to Guitar Hero. These kids are not only learning the lyrics to classic hits, but they're memorizing all the riffs as well because they want to get to the much coveted expert level.

You heard it here first...kids are learning about pop culture of decades past thanks to a video game!

And I leave you with this:

Question: What upcoming concert tour has you the most excited?

My Answer: Well...I'm pumped about Britney's Circus Tour and Bruce's Tour because I'm attending both. But I'm also attempting to get tickets to Keith Urban/Taylor Swift!!

Hey Oscar.

2009-02-22T20:51:00.005-05:00

Here's what I love and hate about the 2009 Oscars so far...

Best Earrings: Ms. Angelina Jolie

Best Dress: Ms. Marisa Tomei

Best necklace: Taraji P. Henson

Biggest Sexy Surprise: Tina Fey

Most Hideous: Tilda Swinton

Random thoughts on a Sunday Evening

2009-02-22T17:53:00.003-05:00

I've got too many random things to say to adhere to just one topic tonight, so again, it's a mixed bag.

1. Octo-Mom makes me sick. I don't want to see her Angelina Jolie wannabe face anymore. She couldn't afford 6 kids so she had 8 more. Even though her parents BAILED ON HER and WARNED her that they would if she did anymore IVF. She is batshit crazy and now is going to live off the media. She's like some weird maternal version of Heidi Montag. Psychoooo.

2. Happy 23rd birthday to Rajon Rondo.

3. There's this new movie being produced by Hilarie Burton and Kelly Tenney's company Southern Gothic Productions called Pedestrian, and it's going to be phenomenal. From what I can tell it's going to have a dark yet comedic turn to it, and it sounds reminiscent of Igby Goes Down minus the drugs. If you are interested in film production and want to track the progress of this movie and their company check out their blog

4. Did anyone else see Conan's last Late Night? I couldn't handle it when he was giving his shout-outs for the last ten minutes of the show and his voice kept cracking because he was so overwhlmed with emotion and gratitude. Especially when he said he owed his career to Lorne Michaels. Incredible. I am beyond excited for his move to the Tonight Show, and the fact that he'll be on at 11:30!! If you want to see his last episode (which included a pretty great performance from the White Stripes) you can watch it here

5. I am beyond excited for the Oscars tonight. The clothes, the glitz, the speeches, the red carpet interviews. AHHH. When I watch I pretend that I look like this

6. I strongly dislike Miley Cyrus...and yet she is at the Oscars?? Who invites her to this shit? Also, I got really irritated when she ruined Taylor Swift's Fifteen at the Grammys. If you haven't read the cover story about Taylor Swift in Rolling Stone Magazine you should check it out...she's just down to earth and knows how to write songs. Love herrr.

7. I think I'm going to start a new thing on my blog in which I leave an open-ended question at the end of each entry I'll always leave my answer, and I'd love it if you left yours too!

Question: What artist's voice would you most like to possess?

My answer: Bonnie Raitt or Joni Mitchell.

Tidbits

2009-02-20T11:58:00.005-05:00

So I'm still on vacation, and I haven't really had internet which is why I haven't been posting very much. My apologies. But here's a little rant about what's been going through my head.

1. Fuck Chris Brown. Seriously. I loved him. I especially loved him and Rihanna together. Now he's this horrible person who no one has respect for. He issued a really lame apology which makes me think that this might not be the first time he's hit a girl. And while I think everyone should respect Rihanna's privacy at this really emotional time the media is going nuts with this story because it's kind of unprecedented. Sure we've had celebrity spouse abusers in the past (OJ anyone?), but never a couple who has been at their peak in superstardom, and the perp has never been a 19 year old kid. God help both of them.

2. Florida has a restaurant called Bob Evans. Everything on the menu is terrible for you and could give you an instantaneous heart attack or diabetes, but it is DELICIOUS. Chicken noodle soup delightfulness poured OVER mashed potatoes. Yes please. Blueberry pancakes with a vanilla custard sandwiched inbetween. Of course. If you're ever on the highway passing a Bob Evans, please check it out. You can thank me later.

3. The Oscars are on Sunday. They're kind of the culmination of all the awards shows that have been going on for the past 2 months. I'm really rooting for Slumdog Millionaire as well as Kate Winslet. Other than that I don't really care. And what's with Wolverine I mean Hugh Jackman being the host? Really? What happened to Ricky Gervais doing it? He would've been stellar. Oh, I am excited about one more thing: Rob Pattinson presenting an award! He's come out of hiding (British pubs)!!!

4. I don't really like Lady GaGa's music, but I just read a little article about her in Entertainment Weekly and I'm intrigued by her. She's this weird pop star who dislikes wearing pants (even in the dead of winter in NYC), aspires to be a female David Bowie and claims her "art" is Andy Warhol all over again. People who are this into themselves make me laugh, but at the same time she's making some serious statements with her wardrobe and catchy pop tunes. She claims to be an artist, but admits that when she's writing songs she's looking to find the hook that will get people to buy her record. Huh. A pop star admitting she wants fame, now there's something fresh.

5. I love JetBlue. Honestly, having the cable tv ON THE PLANE, genius. Not that complicated. Why isn't every airline doing it?

6. I feel like we need a music revolution right now. In the early 90s we had stuff going on like the Lilith Fair. I want more musical collaboration. I want more girls that can actually sing, rather than girls who pretend they can sing and wear whore outfits (ahem, Pussycat Dolls).

7. The Grey's Anatomy-Private Practice cross over hooked me in. I now watch Private Practice. Mainly because I forgot how much I liked Addison, but now I'm probably going to stop watching Grey's, so I don't know how successful their ploy was. Ha.

8. Watch Friday Night Lights tonight. I'm not kidding around anymore. Watch it. You will be amazed. I can't handle losing another quality show (oh Everwood) to lousy ratings.

Boss Band Names

2009-02-14T13:26:00.003-05:00

I'm going on vacation tomorrow...but was inspired by the radio to do a little top ten of my favorite band names. You know the drill: in random order.

1. The Pretenders I like this name because pretending is not something you necessarily associate with adults, even though we still do it.

2. The Who This name wouldn't be nearly as cool if they hadn't put "the" in front.

3. The Clash I just like the word clash, despite the fact that I avoid the verb.

4. Led Zeppelin This is a great band name because no one knew what the hell it was supposed to mean (people eventually figured it out), but I love the mysteriousness that has always been associated with this band...they're one of my all-time favorites.

5. The Barenaked Ladies Nuff said.

6. The Grateful Dead This name suggests an interesting concept. An aptly named band considering so many of their lyrics revolve around time (on earth and in general) and trying to keep on keeping on.

7. Guns N Roses This image of guns with roses I think is most relevant in times of war, just an overall badass name.

8. Nirvana An interesting Buddhist concept intertwined with music.

9. Pearl Jam No definitive idea of what this means, but I heard it has to do with peyote?

10. Phish Not only a ridiculously clever and simple name, but also refers to a great type of animal and it spawned one of the best ice creams ever.

My Top Seven Traveling Perks

2009-02-11T22:41:00.004-05:00

So I'm a teacher, and teachers (in public school) get April vacation. I'm leaving for Florida on Sunday morning and thought that I should do a top seven (it's late and I couldn't think of ten) list of perks involving travel, apart from the fact that you get to travel to a new and exciting destination (usually).

As always, these are in random order.

1. Purchasing magazines at the airport. Now, I'm not suggesting that I don't allow myself a magazine from CVS here and there, but when I'm at the airport I buy 3 or 4 magazines because I can and because they're entertaining when you're on a flight next to a snoring octogenarian.

2. Dining out...all the time. Let's be real: does anyone actually cook when they're on vacation? Of course not. Restaurants for every meal...love it.

3. Listening to music as a solo activity. Usually when I'm listening to music I'm working out or driving in my car. However, when you're traveling (specifically on a plane) you can listen to music as its own activity. Glorious.

4. Someone else cleaning up your mess! Most often if you're traveling, you are staying in a hotel. You leave a tag hanging from your door when you leave for the day, and when you arrive back exhausted, everything has been straightened up and your sheets have been changed. Clean sheets daily...yes please.

5. Postcards. I love writing them and receiving them. In fact, when I was in college I sent out Wheaton postcards. The postal service loves me.

6. Free hotel stuff. Towels, notepads, pens, mini shampoos. Mine.

7. Appreciating your house when you return. This happens to me no matter whether I leave for 2 days or 20, I get home, unpack all my stuff and ease back into having all my possessions as well as my own bed exactly where I left them.

Ahhr-Ohhh-Ahhhr

2009-02-08T19:11:00.005-05:00

So, when I was in high school people actually listened to the radio. Crazy, right? In 1999 and 2000 high school kids didn't have cell phones let alone an iPod, so on the way to school we cranked the local radio stations in hopes that they'd play one of those songs that was great, but unfortunately was on an album not worth owning. Well, in Boston we have a lot of classic rock stations which is perfect because that's what I'm into and always have been, and one of them is 105.7 WROR. This station could not have a more perfect name because WROR really exemplifies all that you can do with a Boston accent. To this day I love hearing people from Quincy or Revere call in to request their favorite Allman Bros. song because they sign off with "you're listening to 105.7 W ahhhr O ahhhhr", or if they're a real hardcore listener just " 1057 ahhhr O ahhhhr".

I didn't really start thinking about my radio days until about two weeks ago while my mom was ironing. An iron made me think about the radio. I'm not kidding. It made me think about the radio because I WON IT from the radio when I was 16. I guess win is kind of a strong word, but it was sent to me from WROR because I participated in their now extinct "Seven Song Super Cyberset". In fact, the extremely magnificient DJ who used to run the SSSC, JJ Wright, has since moved on to work at Oldies 103.3 and I'm still grieving about it. JJ is way too much of a groovemaster to be spinning records for a radio station that has "Band of Gold" on repeat. Anywho, the point of the matter is, in high school in Boston you could submit your name on the WROR website and get picked to DJ your own set of 7 songs.

JJ Wright phoned my house (because email wasn't as popular then as it is now) to tell me that I had been selected to play my set and that he would be pre-recording it with me the next night at 5:30pm. I had to introduce each one of the songs I selected, and after every other song remind people that they were in fact listening to 105.7 WROR. Out of the seven songs that I selected I can only remember three: The Rolling Stone's Sympathy for the Devil, Tommy James and the Shondelles' Crimson and Clover, and Cream's White Room. I know I must've had a Zepp song in there, but it escapes now which one I chose.

Back to the iron. When my mom was ironing a few weeks ago she said that she thought the iron was finally giving out and that she was surprised that we got almost 8 years out of a free iron. I was puzzled by her comment about the iron being free and she laughed and said that I had won it from WROR. Apparently JJ Wright and his lovely ex radio station were sponsored by a company that makes irons and coffeemakers, and I received an iron in the mail a week later for participating in the Seven Song Super Cyberset. I wish that they still did this on WROR because it was mostly teenagers that called in and it was always funny to hear them try to DJ from their bedrooms in Newton. I also liked it when JJ would try to crack a joke about whether any of the songs were dedicated to "anyone special out there listening".

I'm telling you, kids these days are missing out with their iPods and iTunes...I know how great it is to have such accessibility to music, but I still miss the days where I would get excited because I had heard one of my favorite songs on the radio. You knew it was going to be a good day if it was Friday morning before school and Eye of the Tiger popped up as you scanned the stations. Sometimes it's nice to have others in control of what you're listening to...and I'm always down for a free iron.

No Lightness Here.

2009-02-04T19:41:00.003-05:00

I'm re-reading Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being and I was really struck by this line: "In the sunset of dissolution, everything is illuminated by the aura of nostalgia, even the guillotine" (Kundera 4). Now, pardon my inner English major (how I miss those days), but Kundera's suggestion that nostalgia has a way of enlightening things - specifically endings rings so true with me it's startling. While I might not have used the guillotine as an example, I understand Kundera's sentiment that endings, whether they're harsh, jubillant or sad are all significant because of the effect nostalgia has on our memories.

I think a lot of people would judge Kundera after reading this quote because a lot of people mistake nostalgia for sentimentalness. Kundera is in no way saying that you can be sentimental about a guillotine, what he is saying is that nostalgia illuminates the memory of what happened with said guillotine. I agree with Kundera in that all the endings that have occurred in my life have been noteworthy although they range in what emotion I associate with them in hindsight. My high school graduation was exhillirating while my college graduation had a doomsday effect on my spirits, because I was leaving a place I had lived for four years, and was venturing out into the "real world". Either way my nostalgic self definitely makes those memories vivid even when I don't want them to be.

This novel is remarkable, and its allusions to Anna Karenina make it that much more worthwhile for the reader interested in philosophy and literature.

I like to rant rant rant apples and bananas.

2009-02-01T21:09:00.002-05:00

Random thoughts on this Super Bowl evening:

1. Props to the Boss and his E Street Band. Could they be any cooler? And the crowd at the Bowl were SO into the music that it amped it up even more! I'm still disappointed that he's releasing that Greatest Hits album exclusively to Walmart, but I'll blame it on the economy.

2. The commercial with House of Pain's Jump Around was priceless, and I've been jamming out to that song since 7th grade...it's currently on my work out mix. Sooo good, way to give it some legs Bridgestone Tires.

3. I called Mike Tomlin Mike Timlin at least 3 times this week. Phew, glad I got that off my chest.

4. Is anyone as upset as I am about Michael Phelps and his bong rips? Probably Bob Bowman, and Principal Phelps...but seriously, I get that he wanted to have a good time in his off season, but it didn't occur to him that drug use ISN'T ALLOWED IN THE OLYMPICS?! Somewhere Milorad Cavic is laughing his ass off.

5. Cash4Gold.com is brilliant. Broke ass celebs MC Hammer and Ed McMahon hawking their gold medallions and gold toilets for cash...amazing. That one is sticking with me.

6. Friday Night Lights is still the best show you're not watching. Just saying.

7. I'm excited about Dakota Fanning joining the Twilight cast. She's been around for a long time, she's a solid actress and she's actually the correct age of the character she's playing. This almost never happens. My British boyfriend Rob Pattinson is like 23 and playing a forever 17 year old.

8. I'm pissed that the Garner-Affleck family named their kid Seraphina. I mean, Violet was such a cute (yet still alternative) name choice and then they follow-up with Seraphina? I bet she thought she was having a boy and had to come up with a girl name on the fly. Shitty.

9. Go to Circuit City immediately. The deals are outrageously good. I'm sad that they're going out of business because they always had better service than Best Buy, but such is life. Definitely go get like a flat screen TV. Tomorrow. You know you need one.

10. Did anyone else hear about Amy Winehouse saving a drowning swimmer while she was on vacation? I'd insert a joke here, but I'm literally at a loss for words.

11. Rod Tidwell, er, Cuba Gooding Jr. rather is at the Super Bowl!! How fitting seeing as he played a fictional Arizona Cardinal! Love it. I mean the movie was 12 years ago, but whatever!

12. LOST is back. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but damn time travel is confusing and unbelievably badass.

13. I thought Jennifer Hudson did a fantastic job with the National Anthem...my only complaint was that it sounded like Disney World arranged the backgound music. I was waiting for Tink to soar over the field.

Just Say No...To Resumes

2009-01-17T16:50:00.003-05:00

I dislike resumes, especially mine. I hate tweaking it, updating it, making my activities sound more enthralling than they actually were. I'd rather the job application process involve a sheet where I brag about cool things I've seen and done. Can you imagine walking into an interview and handing over your college transcripts, letters of recommendation and a packet bragging about all your favorite things you've done? This sounds phenomenal to me. Tell me that a brag sheet wouldn't lead to enjoyable interviews. One of the best interviews I ever had was in New York and it was because I started ripping on the guy for having Mets memorabilia all over his office! We hit it off because I found common ground between us that he never would've found in my resume, but definitely would've figured out from my brag sheet!
On my brag sheet I would include the fact that I'm a third generation Masshole...my family just can't escape all that is Taxachusetts. I would brag that my first game at Fenway was against the Yankees and that Clemens was on the mound for the BoSox. I'd mention that I've been to South Africa, have a Bruins hat that Mr. Ray Bourque signed and have seen every episode of American Idol...ever. I'd give a shout out to Locks of Love and say that I'm in the process of donating ten whopping inches of hair for the second time. I would announce that I have documented the events of my life in a calendar/organizer thingy since the sixth grade and have ALL OF THEM shoved in my nightstand. I would casually admit that I can type 121 words per minute (permitting there aren't many numbers or symbols) and attended the last ever Bruins game at the Boston Garden. Depending on if I thought I needed to put myself over the edge for this particular interview I might throw in that on my better days I can swim the butterfly.
I think this brag sheet thing could really take off. I mean, other than what school you attended or what prior experience you have, a brag sheet is a much better representation of who you are as a person. If ever I was in the position that I had to interview people for possible jobs I would love to see some sort of brag sheet, because lets face it, if the person lists that they know how to scuba, have won 3 limbo contests and can juggle you know you want that guy in your office.

Chelsea Handles It

2009-01-09T17:54:00.009-05:00

I read. A lot. I thoroughly enjoy reading. I love to read blogs (Perez, Beantown Bloggery), magazines, local newspapers, whatever. However, when it comes to book reading my taste is pretty specific. I almost exclusively read fiction or memoirs. It's what I find myself drawn to, and what holds my attention. Fiction was always a favorite of mine, and after being an English major in college I realized how much I love fiction. Memoirs are always attractive to me because the people who write them usually have led outlandish lives or have had so much crap happen to them that they need to vent and I enjoy the drama that does not belong to me.
I tend to read more than one book at a time, and the books that I read simultaeously tend to have very opposite topics and tones. Right now I'm reading an outstanding memoir by Michael Greenberg called Hurry Down Sunshine that is incredibly heavy in its subject manner: mental illness. Greenberg very earnestly writes about his daughter's mental breakdown at the age of fifteen. One day Sally was immersing herself in Shakespeare's sonnets, the next she was having a manic episode that resulted in complete psychosis and her father having to commit her to a mental hospital. The intensity and speed at which Sally became manic is terrifying, but the gait and grace that Greenberg uses in his narration makes this memoir both unforgettable and intimately informative.
In order to balance out the sadness of Hurry Down Sunshine I'm also reading Chelsea Handler's (sort of) memoir called Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea. To say this book is hysterical is an understatement, however, this is a memoir that will not suit everyone's taste. Chelsea Handler is a comedian who has her own show on the E! channel. This book is about her coming of age as a comedian (starting at age 9) and throughout the book she shamelessly portrays her compulsive lying and get rich quick schemes that made her the person she is today. In one chapter she narrates her first (and only) DUI experience that led to her spending two nights in jail and manages to make it a comical experience with gems like this: the officer said "Miss, you can either take a breathalyzer here, or we can test your urine down at the station. Which would you prefer?" to which Chelsea responds, "That depends. Is there any way to detect marijuana through a breathalyzer?" (Handler, 44). This type of humor is not a fit for everyone, but if you're interested in reading about how a Jersey girl (and the youngest of six kids) made it into the entertainment industry and you don't mind racy commentary, this one's for you.
I highly recommend my system of reading two polar opposite books at the same time. It allows me to read according to my mood without feeling neglectful towards one of the books. If anyone has any good pairings for me please let me know, I'll list a few that I think work well below.

Steve Kluger's Last Days of Summer with Bob Dylan's Chronicles
Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper with Sloane Crosley's I Was Told There'd Be Cake
Kent Haruf's Plainsong with Chuck Klosterman's Killing Yourself to Live
Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking with Jacee Dunn's But Enough About Me
Robert McG Thomas' 52 McGs with H.G. Bissinger's Friday Night Lights

Under-Over

2009-01-04T23:19:00.006-05:00

It's 2009 now. Thank Jesus. 2008 sucked the big one. So, I thought I'd do a little list of what I think has been underrated and overrated in the past year. Feel free to dispute, argue or suggest other people, things, movies, shows etc.

Concert:
Underrated: Ray LaMontagne's Gossip in the Grain tour. I saw him play at the Opera House in Boston and his set was unbelievable. His new disc is no doubt his best, and he really changed it up with some twangy, bluesy tunes. His vocals are undeniable, I dig his flannel shirts, and the fact that he has a slide guitarist in his back-up band for every song. Phenomenal all around.
Overrated: The Jo. Bros...Yes the Jonas Brothers have catchy tunes that they write themselves, and Nick claims to be a huge Elvis Costello fan, and they registered people to vote (for Obama), but their vocals aren't that great, and their songs are melodically pretty simple. They're cute, I get their appeal, but nothing spectacular. Hanson is far superior as far as I can tell, I mean it's like my brother said: "back in the day, even adults knew MMMBop, no adults know the title of any Jonas Brother's songs." Truth.

TV Show:

Underrated: Friday Night Lights. I've written about my love for this show before. You've got adults acting or attempting to act like real role models, kids playing football, kids falling in love for the first time, kids trying to figure out how to grow up...all set against the backdrop of a charming (and sometimes frustrating) Texas town. The show starts it's third season on NBC on January 16th so be sure to tune in. You won't believe that you didn't already watch it.

Overrated: Gossip Girl has been sucking the life out of teenagers and moms for the past year and a half and it needs to stop. Yes the clothes are gorgeous, and the apartments are unbelievable, and you wish you got to ride to school in a limo with Chuck Bass, but it's total shit TV. It's predictable, and silly. It's not even a guilty pleasure because it takes itself so seriously! Shows like One Tree Hill and The OC know/knew how to make fun of themselves and crack a joke, but Gossip Girl is dramatic all the time and it's just too much.

Other Underrated things from 2008:
La Rocca's album OK Okay, the Boston Bruins, Jim Carrey in Yes Man, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck's marriage, One Tree Hill's comeback, Leona Naess' album Thirteens, Fringe, MarioKart for the Wii, Chuck Klosterman's book Downtown Owl, The Ting Tings, James Blake.

Other Overrated things from 2008: Eva Longoria Parker, clothing with skulls on it, Miley Cyrus, Lady GaGa, youTube videos of small children dancing to Beyonce's Single Ladies, Katy Perry, Grey's Anatomy, The View, Lindsay Lohan, Posh & Becks, the Lakers, Katie Holmes, Rolling Stone Magazine, Rob Pattinson's hair (but not Rob Pattinson).

Things from 2008 that are just right: The Obamas and The Dark Knight.

United with the Pale Force

2008-12-29T10:35:00.006-05:00

Recently I went on a trip to New York City with my brother and a college friend of his. The main reason for our excursion: tickets to Late Night with Conan O'Brien. I called the Conan ticket hotline every other day for 3 months to get free tickets to his show before he heads out to L.A. to take over the Tonight Show. Let me tell you: worth the effort. Not only is Conan hilarious, but he is an unbelievable presence on the tiny stage during taping and inbetween cuts. Conan's 6'5'' frame and his awkwardly comedic dance moves and gestures are that much better live in person.
I think the most fascinating aspect of the show is that it's essentially a live taping in the sense that it is pre-recorded, but Conan only does one take of everything. There is little to no editing between the 5pm taping and what you see at 12:30 that night. To say that is impressive is an understatement. And between takes the audience gets to listen to Max Weinberg and the Weinberg 7 jam out.
Highlights: my brother getting to shake Conan's hand when he came out to greet the audience prior to the taping of the show, getting to sit front row on the desk side of the stage, Conan screwing up his Christmas card segment and making fun of himself, Carson Daly being an (unexpected) interesting guest and dissing TRL.
Conan also announced that the last taping of Late Night he'll be doing is on February 20th and that if you're interested in getting tickets you should email your name, address, phone number and email address to: ConanGoByeBye@nbc.com

My Top Twelve Canadians

2008-12-17T20:28:00.003-05:00

Today it snowed in Massachusetts. I'm feeling a kindred spirit with my northern neighbors in Canada. I thought I would send them a little love. So here they are, my top twelve Canadians (they have so many good hockey players I couldn't pick just one, thus my top ten became a top 12), in random order.

1. Ellen Page/Michael Cera. C'mon, they made teenage pregnancy seem do-able and funny. Not to mention the fact that Page was a total scene stealer in Smart People (as get this: a young Republican!!). And Cera was everyone's favorite in Arrested Development and Superbad.
2. Ray Bourque. Love love love him. I have a poster of him in my basement, I met him when I was 13 and was unable to speak. I cried when he won the Stanley Cup WITH THE AVALANCHE. That's dedication. I was at the Garden when his 77 was retired and when he gave part of his acceptance speech in French I loved him even more.
3. Jim Carrey. He's Andy Kaufman. He's the Grinch. He's Ace Ventura. It's pretty rare when someone can make you laugh so hard you cry, and is an undeniably good actor (see Man on the Moon and The Truman Show).
4. Matthew Perry. He's the Chan man, the Binger. What more could you ask for?
5. Alanis Morrisette. You know. You oughta know.
6. Shania Twain. She can sing country or irritatingly catchy pop music. I liked her back in the day, before she told everyone she was feeling like a woman. I miss the Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under Shania, and I think thanks to her cheating husband Mutt she may be making a comeback.
7. Pamela Anderson. She made Baywatch a success story. No one from Canada has ever looked that good in a bathing suit. Evangeline Lilly may be giving her a run for her money.
8. Neil Young. He's such an important figure in folk rock that I wish we could claim him, but Canada gets him and all of his glory. Anytime I hear Helpless or Keep on Rocking in the Free World I am reminded that an artist like Neil won't come around again for a long time.
9. Wayne Gretsky. The Great One. Nuff said.
10. Gordie Howe. The Great One until some piss-ant named Wayne showed up.
11. James Cameron. He made this little movie called Titanic. It might've won a few things. People might've seen it in the movie theaters 7 times a piece. It was 1997. People were nuts.
12. Celine Dion. She's the current queen of ballads. She stole the title from Whitney Houston. Any chick who can rock out in Las Vegas for 3 years wins...at life.

Beedled Down by the Bard

2008-12-14T10:57:00.004-05:00

I caved. I think in my heart of hearts I knew I would. I walked into Barnes & Noble and there it was: a huge display of J.K. Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard. I grabbed a copy immediately and walked around with it in my arms as I shopped around the store for another hour. I brought it home. I devoured it. I loved it. In fact, I loved it so much, that in the week since I bought it I've re-read Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince AND Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. And let me tell you, it was a different experience the second go-round. I highly recommend it.
So the last time I blogged about The Tales of Beedle the Bard I explained my qualms about it and why I thought it would be a disappointment. This was a rash thing to do because I honestly didn't know that much about the book. I can now tell you that it's worth buying, mainly for two reasons: first, because there are commentaries written by DUMBLEDORE after each of the tales, and second because the net proceeds of the book are going to J.K. Rowling's charity the Children's High Level Group. Oh, and did I mention that J.K. illustrated it herself!?
The phrasing of the book, the remarks in Dumbledore's eloquent and odd rhetoric, and even the font are all reminiscent of the wizarding world I immersed myself in for the past decade. Heck, I even brought out my Harry Potter mug because of the high spirits this book put me in. It's a great gift, so stuff it in everyone's stocking! I'll leave you with the words of Sue Corbett who recently reviewed the book in People Magazine: "The true appeal here, though, lies in the explanatory after notes, ostensibly written by Albus Dumbledore. His wry comments won't mean much to Potter neophytes, but for fans they're an irresistible reminder of a much missed world."

Accio Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone...here I go again.

My Top Ten Romantic Comedies

2008-12-10T20:50:00.003-05:00

In random order:

1. Say Anything...I'm fairly certain that I now compare guys to Lloyd Dobler, even though he's a fictional character. John Cusack rocked in this role because he made Lloyd quirky and realistic.
2. Love Actually...This movie is fantastic because it portrays so many different types of love and the sacrifices people are willing to make for it. It also has an excellent cast!
3. Almost Famous...Cameron Crowe's self-proclaimed love letter to Rock 'n Roll. I could quote lines from this movie all day, and I secretly wish that Stillwater was a real band.
4. When Harry Met Sally...I really like the style of this movie: a couple that is friends, then best friends, then a romantic couple and continues to randomly bump into each other over the decades.
5. Jerry Maguire...Crowe is a genius yet again: a romantic comedy masked as a sports movie! Brilliance all around.
6. A Lot Like Love...a 2000s version of Harry & Sally that features the lovely Amanda Peet.
7. Pretty Woman...If you haven't seen this movie you do not live on the planet Earth. This movie made Julia Roberts America's Sweetheart, and she was playing a prostitute for crying out loud!
8. The Wedding Singer...This movie is hilarious and sentimental and portrays the 80s in a very cliche laugh-out-loud way. I dig that Adam Sandler actually sings on the soundtrack.
9. 10 Things I Hate About You...The world's introduction to all that is Heath Ledger. A combo coming of age story that depicts some hilarious teenager love. Plus it's an adaptation of Taming of the Shrew!
10. Big...Another coming of age (very rapidly) slash romantic comedy. Tom Hanks and Penny Marshall are an unbeatable combination. If you need more proof of that netflix A League of Their Own.

Any other suggestions? I thought about putting Juno on this list, but after much deliberating I held off. Maybe some day.

Hype

2008-12-07T21:21:00.003-05:00

So I recently watched an interview with Rob Pattinson and he discussed the pressure of being in Twilight, and how he was fearful that the fans of the books would be disappointed and harsh in their reviews. He attributed all his anxieties about the movie to hype: "Anything to do with hype - especially when no one's controlling it, and it kind of feeds itself...and the more hype there is, the more people question it and hype it up unintentionally." Whoa, unintentional hype? I had never really investigated this idea. Sure we've all heard "there's no such thing as bad press", but I never considered the fact that hype most often leads to let-downs. When was the last time a movie exceeded your expectations after reading good reviews? I mean The Dark Knight is one fat exception that will most likey never occur again.
Hype can do all sorts of things to our media obsessed society. It makes us buy books, go see movies, buy a certain brand of clothes etc. Why have I never analyzed hype and all its ridiculous patterns? Well don't worry, I'm not going to ramble too much about it, because my favorite New England crazy (Stephen King), already did so in an article from Entertainment Weekly. The man who brought us The Shining was able to coherently explain hype vs. buzz.
On an entirely different note I'm re-reading Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and it's blowing my mind all over again. Here's a series that has a rightfully earned monopoly on buzz. Also, why has no attempted to invent a pensieve yet? Screw cloning. Someone get the Kindle or Google guys on it.

Ramble On

2008-12-05T15:56:00.003-05:00

It's Friday, and I feel like talking about a lot of things, and it's been a long week, so I'm not going to try to fit this all into a nice article. Instead, I'm blogging bullet-style.

I thought there was such a thing as overexposure, but I was wrong, because the cast of Twlight has literally been ALL OVER the place and I still can't get enough of them. Whether it's Letterman, Ellen or a crappy youtube video of Kristen Stewart being harrassed by fans and paparazzi while waiting for her ride I will glady watch it. I think I have a problem.
Ellen's 12 Days of Giveaways just started yesterday and it's the bomb. To kick off the first day she gave away all electronics including a Wii to everyone in the audience. She's also still scheming to get her WB Studios neighbor George Clooney on her show, and Noah Wylie told her yesterday that the way to his heart would be to get the '75 Reds on the show...it would definitely lure him in. Dr. Carter, er, I mean Noah Wylie also said that parading women over at his office all the time is like taunting Santa with elves. This goes along well with the advice Ellen got from Brad Pitt, which she executed today: Chippendales!
About a week ago I saw Paul Pierce at the mall, then waited on Rajon Rondo at the store I work at the following day. It was absurd. I was literally giddy after both encounters. Paul Pierce just kind of smiled and we had no conversation. Rajon Rondo and I talked. I told him I had seen Paul Pierce the previous day and in a low voice he asked me "was he nice to you?" He legitimately thought I was going to have some horror story about Pierce. When I mentioned this to my brother his response was, "Yeah, well a few years ago Paul Pierce denied me an autograph so I get it...but I'm surprised Rondo brought it up". It's obviously cuz we're BFF now. Ha, I wish.
I'm tentatively planning on going to see Britney in concert in March. I'm not thrilled that I'll have to endure the Pussycat Dolls as her opening act, but as long as she sings Crazy (I loved Adrian Grenier way back then!) then all will be forgiven.
Are Spencer and Heidi really married? They originally broke up because Spencer wanted to elope and Heidi wanted to have a wedding in a church with her family. What ended up happening? He made her lose all her friends and her job, then got her to elope! Heidi Montag = role model for young girls.
I'm having a debate with myself about whether I'd pay more for Beyonce or Rihanna tickets. When are they going to do a duet? Jay-Z would piss his Rocawear.
I'm going to see a taping of Late Night with Conan O'Brien right before Christmas...I've been cooking up my ideal guest list (which would never happen), but here's what I'm thinking: "Tonight on Late Night...Matt Damon, Ellen Degeneres with musical guest Coldplay"...OR "Tonight on Late Night...Rob Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon with musical guest Joni Mitchell". These are like my dream shows. If I get one celeb I relatively like I'll be happy because Conan himself already rocks.
Happy Weekend!

Amazon Authors

2008-12-04T12:21:00.003-05:00

I call my favorite authors my "Amazon Authors" because I pre-order their books months in advance on Amazon, and then the book usually gets shipped to me a day before the book comes out in stores. It's freakin' awesome. J.K. Rowling, Jodi Picoult, Faye Kellerman and Chuck Klosterman are my "Amazon Authors". However, I did not pre-order J.K.'s new book The Tales of Beedle the Bard, which became available today.
J.K. Rowling's new book is a collection of stories that people in the wizarding world tell their children. It's my understanding that these stories are quite popular in the fictitious world of wizards, and that they can be compared to Aesop's Fables. I am so underwhelmed by the fact that this is J.K.'s first writing endeavor since Harry Potter I am beside myself.
I'm genuinely concerned that these Tales are not going to be overly entertaining, and my main reasoning is that my love for J.K. Rowling grew out of my adoration for her characters. I felt like Ron, Hermione, Harry, Dumbledore and Hagrid were my friends. I don't see any relationship developing between me and some short stories.
My choice to not pre-order this book was solely based on the fact that I did not want to be disappointed. If The Tales of Beedle the Bard is as lousy a follow-up as I think it will be then J.K. Rowling will be ruined for me forever. J.K. is royalty to me, and if I read this new book and didn't like it, she would essentially be de-crowned in my mind. It would be like meeting Matt Damon and finding out he had terrible B.O. My world would be shattered.
So keep me posted on whether it's worthwhile, and I'll wait patiently, and probably buy it eventually.

My Top Ten Websites

2008-12-03T00:11:00.002-05:00

In random order:

E!Online: For everything pertaining to celebs and pop culture. It's great for TV show spoilers...I live for posts from "Watch With Kristin".

ESPN.com: All my score reports, highlight reels and my favorite blogger: The Sports Guy. What more could a Boston girl ask for?

IMDB: This is the ultimate search engine for a celeb-a-holic like myself. Great resource for movie quotes and trivia. You want to know how much Ms. Reese made for Sweet Home Alabama? Done!

Netflix: This has changed the way and the rate at which I see movies.

Entertainment Weekly: As far as magazines go, Entertainment Weekly runs the sweetest website I've encountered. They run great daily blogs, print their articles directly from the mag and do a lot of reader correspondence (I recently responded to a thread entitled "Songs you want played at your funeral"). Basically they rock.

Perez Hilton: The guy invented words like "shiteous" and "celebuspawn" and considers Rob Pattinson "completely gratuitous". My hero.

Amazon: What don't they sell? Once I was recommended a heart defribilator based on my recent purchases. This place is like the BJ's Wholesale of the internet except you don't have to have a membership!

TV.com: This was formerly TVTome.com. If you own a TiVo, buy seasons of shows on DVD or are just a plain TV addict this will be your new temple. They have everything recorded for every episode of every show. Want to know what song was playing the first time Peyton said she loved Lucas and the original airdate? Done and done. Can't remember why that old lady looks familiar on LOST? Check the recaps, trivia, notes or allusions sections. This place is the most phenomenal TV resource.

Google: They give me my email. They technologically support this blog. Fuck Dunkin Donuts, my life runs on google.

Facebook: The ultimate networking tool. I'm stalking you right now...whoa, probably untag that shiteous photo.

Celebrity?

2008-12-01T20:29:00.005-05:00

There are some people in this world that exist in this country as celebrities. They either acted, sang, or posed for something at one point in time, and now live an existence as a celebrity: paparazzi candy seen out and about at clubs, restaurants, or shopping. Sure they probably do normal things as well, but working isn't one of them. These professional celebs are go-getters like Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie. You can't remember the last time they had a paying gig, and yet they keep popping up wearing designer everything at charity events, awards shows, movie premieres, etc.
Wouldn't it be nice if our lives actually worked like this? Imagine being an "actor", or absurdly rich person (Paris Hilton) that gets lucky in one movie and then lives off the fat of the land for eternity being famous. Sure Lindsay might have to poke her in at a lame club event once in a while, but she gets PAID to party and be seen. Or what about the "actors" that suddenly decide that acting isn't enough for them and that their real calling is music. Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Heidi Montag have all recorded albums. This all occurred because they're celebrities. Someone somewhere along the line thought they could sell records based on if the person "singing" is already insanely famous. Recently record producers realized that this isn't the most lucrative idea because despite the fact that the public has already made these toolbags rich and utterly recognizable, we the people still want to listen to musicians, not wannabe "actors" turned pop stars. I'll admit that I had high hopes for Scarlett Johansson's cover album of Tom Waits songs, but it was complete trash, and the only reason I believed it might not be trash is because she can actually act, I thought she might have all-around talent. This is false.
There are a few rare talents out there that can act and sing. These people generally win Academy Awards (think Catherine Zeta-Jones and Reese Witherspoon). Ladies like Catherine and Reese could record albums but op to be full-time actresses. This is a smart move because they realize that double dipping is unnecessary (and dangerous) when they are already exceptional at one thing. Someone who has defied serious odds and managed to balance his acting and singing careers is Harry Connick, Jr. He has a big enough personality that he manages to charm people in both realms of entertainment, and I think the key to his success is that fact that he's passionate about both art forms. The only thing Heidi Montag is passionate about is herself and flaunting her faux-nuptials for Us Weekly and Perez. Rob Pattinson has recently expressed an interest in recording an album and he has been very smart in his approach. Like Harry Connick, Jr. he is classically trained in piano (and guitar as well), and managed to record two songs for the Twilight soundtrack. He has a unique sound and I'm legitimately interested in him as a recording artist. It helps that he's also pretty, British, and used to be Cedric Diggory. So I'm thinking he's the next contender for a doubly successful career, and here's to hoping he doesn't become *shudder* a celebrity.

My Top Ten Sidekicks

2008-11-30T20:05:00.002-05:00

In random order:

1. Ron Weasley, from the Harry Potter series. Ron is constantly there for comic relief, whether it be via his fear of spiders or when his mother sends him one of his "R" emblazoned sweaters. He's braver than he gives himself credit for, and is always there for Harry no matter what the situation.

2. Fozzie, from The Muppets. What better counterpart to a frog than a bear? Jim Henson created this masterpiece sidekick character in a way that is outstandingly heartwarming. You laugh at all of Fozzie's terrible jokes because he means well ALL THE TIME. Heck, he even goes on dates with Kermit to help him out!

3. Norm, from Cheers. Okay so this might not be an obvious choice to other people, but Norm and Cliff are such great bar buddies! Even if Norm really shouldn't have another brew before dinner, he'd never leave Cliff hanging in the lurch!

4. Dixon, from Alias. Talk about an underrated sidekick. He always had Sydney's back, can think quickly on his feet, and would go against authority to bail her out of a tough situation. If I ever was in a situation where I needed back up I would want Dixon all the way. He is a portrait of reliability.

5. Vanna White, from Wheel of Fortune. Just nod in agreement to this. I think we all know Pat Sajak would've been out a job a long time ago if it wasn't for Vanna's sequined dresses and beauty pageant looks.

6. Tinker Bell, from Peter Pan. She's the ultimate sidekick because most people don't even notice her! Plus she has fairy powers and gives good advice! She also has a killer outfit. I'd hang out with her.

7. Screech, from Saved by the Bell. He always went along with all of Zack's crazy schemes, and often risked his own hyde to help Zack out. Half the time he didn't even know why he was doing what he was doing, which makes him sound a little desperate, but like a quality sidekick he was just along for the ride.

8. Dwight Schrute, from The Office. He supports Michael in everything he does, no matter how ludicrous it is. He is a devout sidekick. I think I realized his devotion when he helped Michael birth a watermelon.

9. Joey, from Friends. I don't know if I can officially label him as Chandler's sidekick because they're really just BFF, but when Monica needed someone to pee on her jellyfish sting he was there, when Chandler needed someone to watch Baywatch with him daily, he was there. Joey is the most dependable of friends, I'm calling him a sidekick.

10. Lassie, from Lassie. Nuff said.

Missing those Wonder Years

2008-11-29T23:13:00.003-05:00

What would you do if I sang out of tune? Would you stand up and walk out on me? Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song. I will try not to sing out of key. Ah, memories! When is the next Wonder Years going to happen? What time period will it portray? This was a television show that attracted as wide an audience as the Cosby's. Parents and kids alike enjoyed this show. It was funny, historical, heart-warming and provided good family morals and dilemmas. TV like that doesn't exist anymore. I grew up with the Tanner's (Full House), the Seaver's (Growing Pains), the Winslow's (Family Matters), as well as the Cosby's (The Cosby Show), and the Arnolds (The Wonder Years). What has happened to the family TV genre? I certainly hope its disappearance is not because networks think there is no longer a market for it. I think that if more of these shows existed, people would respond.
I for one could use a little less Desperate Housewives, and a lot more Kevin Arnold-esque narrations with vintage letterman's jackets and a Smokey Robinson enfused soundtrack. Nostalgia is my drug of choice, even if this time period doesn't belong to me, and I don't think I'm alone. If I can't get a show that resembles the reflective tone of The Wonder Years, then I'd like a show that could stand the test of time in the same way.
Here's my current solution to this evolving TV crisis: Friday Night Lights. In my opinion, it's a great depiction of family life and teenager heartache set against the backdrop of a football-crazed Texas town. The Dillon Panthers' Coach Taylor (played by the phenomenal Kyle Chandler) is the type of role model I hope real-life teenagers are encountering. Coach Taylor's on and off the field motto "clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose" is a theme that resonates throughout the show and sets the tone for each episode's arc. This is in addition to the fact that the cast is super talented, wickedly funny and lovely to look at. This is an earnest show that sends a good message about hard work and dedication while still being a charming and entertaining show.
Once you start watching this show you'll find yourself tirelessly cheering on Matt Saracen, the underdog quarterback, and secretly wishing you had the skills, balls and 'tude to act like Brian "Smash" Williams. These are characters you can't help but like. And let's not forget about Tim Riggins! Oh, Riggs. While he's least likely to succeed, he's most likely to charm the pants off of you while letting you in on where the dollar drafts in town are, and he's only 17!
So since I know y'all aren't watching it yet you should check out the first and second seasons on the NBC website. And I promise, you'll find yourself nodding in agreement with Riggs' infamous toast: "Texas forever!"

My Top Ten Underdog Characters

2008-11-28T10:30:00.002-05:00

In random order:

1. Lloyd Dobler, Say Anything
2. Michael Cera, Arrested Development, Juno & Superbad
3. Kermit the Frog
4. Matt Saracen, Friday Night Lights
5. Rudy, Rudy
6. Smalls, The Sandlot
7. William Miller, Almost Famous
8. Farmer Ted, 16 Candles
9. Dory, Finding Nemo
10. The Original cast of The Mighty Ducks

I'm a firm believer that any book, movie or TV show will succeed if it picks it's underdog carefully. Any other suggestions?

Olympians

2008-11-27T22:45:00.005-05:00

The Olympics. While it seems that every other broadcasted event is deemed "a must see", or the "television event of the year", the Beijing Olympics actually lived up to the hype. In my opinion, no Olympics should ever be missed, but 2008 was a spectacularly good year to watch. However, spectator sports are not my topic of choice today.
I want to chat about being an Olympian. What thing on the planet surpasses the bragging rights of an Olympic athlete? Your dad is Tom Hanks? Big fucking deal. I'm a representative of my entire country for insert sport here. I compete against the best athletes at my sport from every continent on our planet. You invented Velcro? I was on the Wheaties box wearing only eight of my gold medals. You're a Grammy winning recording artist? I train my body in grueling work out regimens so I can shave .01 seconds off my fastest time. Not only do I break American records, I set world records. Best ever applies to me in multiple categories.
Okay, so I'm not Michael Phelps. I don't have a multi-million dollar contract with Speedo. I sill am able to choose whatever brand of watch I want to wear in public. However, I am an Olympics super-fan, and if I were Michael Phelps, I would be talking seven different kinds of trash while sipping on my own exclusive flavor of Gatorade. While some spectators are pulled to very specific events (figure skating, gymnastics, swimming), I am glued to the Olympics as an overall event. I literally consume every ounce of Olympics I can get. When it was announced taht it would be televised on multiple channels throughout the day I maxed out my TiVo capacity and had smoke billowing out of it by day 5.
These are the best athletes IN THE WORLD. They are fighting for pride, glory, and sometimes endorsements. These are people (with a few exceptions) that are participating in the purest form of competitive sports. For a lot of Olympic athletes there is no opportunity to turn professional. These people will either become coaches, broadcasters, or go into a profession free of sports entirely. They are tumbling, diving, skiing, spinning, jumping, and racing etc. because it's what drives them. Not because it's a lucrative lifestyle choice.
You're in the NFL? Wow, serious green there. Yea, I ran a 2.4 at the Sydney Games, now I sell insurance. This is how it goes for some Olympic athletes. Michael Phelps however, is really starting to open some doors for Olympians as far as endorsements and celebrity go. He has hosted Saturday Night Live, and raked in multi-million dollar deals with companies ranging from Speedo to Visa. And fellow Olympian Nastia Lukin has an upcoming cameo on Gossip Girl (one of her favorite shows). What a lot of people, spectators like myself are forgetting, is that these are the people who won gold medals that are getting this kind of attention. And they are also Americans. People that come in third, fourth, etc. for countries on other continents do nor fair as well financially as our beloved American Olympians. To me, this makes Olympians' bragging rights worth that much more. These people are genuinely fierce competitors who don't necessarily have monetary motivation. These are individuals who ooze ambition on their own accord. In the infamous words of Rod Tidwell, they're "all heart, motherfucker".