Stale Popcorn

Movie Review: The Good Guy

2011-04-16T23:58:00.000-05:00

Let me start off by saying that this movie has been given a bad synopsis on IMDb. With that being said, let me be a bit more accurate about the premise.

Tommy Fielding (Scott Porter) is a Wall Street hustler. Under the tutelage of his boss, Cash (Andrew McCarthy), Tommy feels the pressure to be self-confident, aggressive, and independent. Unfortunately, juggling several issues all at once is starting to get the best of his judgement. His best man, Baker (Colin Egglesfield), just left for the competitor, his girlfriend, Beth (Alexis Bledel), still has to give him some horizontal mambo despite dating for 3 months, and newbie IT guy, Daniel (Bryan Greenberg), needs to be trained into superstud so he does not embarrass the Wall Street cool guys. Resolution is what he has to deliver, and that's the crux of his problem.

So, does that sound anywhere close to the IMDb synopsis? Good. Now, let's get into this review going.

The Good

Courtesy of Belladona Productions/Whitest Pouring Films

Tommy is a good bad guy. Slimy does not do him justice. Just when you thought he was a really good guy, he twists things around and being sympathetic toward him is wasted. If you look up shallow in the dictionary, I think his face is plastered next to the term.

Anna Chlumsky as Beth's girlfriend, Lisa, was cute. She was likable, understated, but appealing. If I were to be a Manhattanite, I would want her to be my BFF.

The soundtrack is also good. There isn't a soundtrack in album form to be purchased but it has the effect The Last Kiss has in its movie. Two thumbs up.

The Bad

Alexis Bledel as Beth is... not good. I feel that her acting chops are limited to her short stint as Rory Gilmore. Unfortunately, that showed. I don't know if her acting was fully her fault, or if the writers had a Rory Gilmore in mind and just put her into that traditional role. Either way, I was tired of the act. Cripes, the book club thing screamed Gilmore Girls! They might as well have thrown in Lane. Oh yeah, they did...

Her name is Sofia (Jackie Stewart) and she was annoying. From the grating voice to the lesbian (or anti-men) overture was just too much for the movie. It's okay to call men cads, but it's overkill when you have to point out the obvious.

Bryan Greenberg as Daniel was also bad. I don't know if he was suffering the same writing fate as Bledel's character had, but Daniel was shallow. He was paralyzingly awkward that I felt like he needed to be euthanized to save him from this role.

The Ugly

Courtesy of Belladona Productions/Whitest Pouring Films

Oh where to start? I guess the "girl bonding" scenes are awfully cliched. From book clubs to girls night-outs, including a mass bikini/brazilian waxing get together? I don't know about you guys, but no matter how chummy I get with my girl friends, knowing how "bushy" they are down there isn't part of my getting-to-know-you list.

The cliched "playa" amongst the men. Again, if you want to portray men as cads, dig a little deeper than this card. Bodily noises, scents, hygiene... here are topics to help offend the female populace. Moving on...

The appearance of Wall Street the guys are leading on. Let's put it this way: I bought Pacey Witter as a Wall Street baller when he didn't have a college class or degree under his belt. How's that for comparison?

The ending. The movie is about come-uppance and a bit about the parable of the hare and the tortoise, but none of these really resonate because the people that "win" in the end are so boring, I would have thought that watching paint dry was more interesting. As far as the just desserts? The character doesn't learn a damned thing.

Stale Popcorn Rating: Free rental or TV viewing. Again, the narrator of the story is good, and if you like music, you'll like the way it flowed throughout the movie. The awww-shucks moments are few, not enough to leave you dewy-eyed, but it won't feel like a waste of time if you had it on while cleaning the house or doing another chore.

Movie Review: Dear John

2011-04-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

Movie Review: Dear John

Photos by Sony Pictures

Nicholas Sparks' story, Dear John, takes us through a story of love found, and lost. This story is also about redemption, love, and forgiveness. Through the characters, John and Savannah, we realize that there is always something more than what's on the surface.

I attempted to read this book at one point, and failed to finished it because the story seemed to drag. I have to also disclose that I was simultaneously reading Night at the Rodanthe, another Sparks story. I was also unimpressed by the book so there might have been some association that lead me to give up on the book sooner than I should have at the point.

I digress. Dear John starts out with a flashback of Special Forces soldier, Sergeant John Tyree (Channing Tatum) talking about the US coin minting process. He talks about the specialty of the demarkations. As his voice-over continues, he says that the last thing he thought about before blocking out was "you".

   Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried) meets a younger John in 2001. He was on leave from Germany. She was on spring break with a bunch of friends. After John rescues Savannah's bag after it got accidentally knocked into the water, their friendship begins. For two years, the couple corresponded until September 11 happened, forcing John's hand in reenlisting much to his, and Savannah's chagrin. Because of this added stress, Savannah was forced to write her final note, a Dear John. John comes back months after to find out that Savannah married someone whom she genuinely loved, but maybe for the wrong reasons.

The Good

   Surprisingly, I found Amanda and Channing's chemistry very believable. They are very relaxed with each other, making their relationship believable.

   Amanda also sang a song called Little House. Enchanting.

   Channing's relationship with his father, an undiagnosed autistic, was very painful to watch.

   The cinematography is very good. The visuals are tight and inspiring. The segment of the coins being minted was really interesting. Scenic views of the North Carolina region was exceptional. The scene where John and Savannah end up kissing in the rain was very awwww- inspiring (pun intended).

   The soundtrack is also not bad. The choice in music was very appropriate, if not, helped the tone of the movie.

The Bad

   Early in the movie, John takes Savannah out to dinner at a place that John doesn't really feel like patronizing. He ends up talking to some people within the strip, and you're supposed to assume that there was a brawl that ended up hurting someone. This should've been, I don't know, mentioned somehow rather than inferred?

   There were also choppy flashbacks of John when he used to be a brat. I feel the scenes could've been segued better.

The Ugly

   The movie suffers from Sparks-itis. The tear jerking moments are predictable, but if it's what you wanted, then the movie served its purpose. The predictability factor can be tiresome if you've watched any of the other Sparks movies made.

   Also, the movie, ends differently from the book. If you wanted the book ending, you can only view it on the DVD version. Any online versions (Blockbuster or Netflix) does not give you this option.

Stale Popcorn Rating: If you're looking for a cry movie, this movie is your baby. Rent it, and make sure you have a box of Kleenex next to you. If you're a serial love story hoarder, you might want to buy this from the bargain bin. However, if you are the "movie-should-match-the book" kind of person, fear not. The movie is still rentable, but not worth to rushing out for to get it at the Red Box. Yes, you have to rent the DVD out, but the ending voice-over is worth it.

Movie Review: Eat Pray Love

2011-03-29T08:55:00.001-05:00

Self-help book lover? Then maybe, this book may be for you.

Eat Pray Love

This movie is based from the book of the same title by author Elizabeth Gilbert. I admit, this is one of the few books I've not read, and after watching this movie, I never will.

The story is about Liz Gilbert (the author is played by Julia Roberts) who finds herself falling out of love with her husband, Stephen (Billy Crudup). After a series of self- loathing events, she finds herself (and a new love) after traveling the world.

The Good

The countries visited. Yes, this is how much I liked this movie. I start the good with advertising Italy, India and Bali. Although I've only visited Italy, the landscape captured on all 3 countries is breathtaking.

Billy Crudup as Stephen. From the movie, you get the gist that this man, although seemingly immature, showed that he was a man that was broadsided with Liz's announcement of a separation. His attempt to win her back was pretty good. If there is a man out there willing to give everything up to change a relationship, giving the relationship one more chance should be a gimme in his case, in my opinion.

Javier Bardem as Felipe. Amazing actor for someone who definitely does not win any accolades for being the best-looking leading man. Felipe is a man who's not afraid to fall for Liz despite putting his love life on hold for his children and (maybe) hope for a reconciliation from his ex-wife. Watching him put everything on the line (albeit short on film) makes the movie almost palatable.

The Bad

Oh, where to start? The plot. I don't know if the intent of the book or the movie was to show a selfish or conceited side of Liz Gilbert. If it was, then the movie caught that rather well. I cannot sympathize with Liz's character. Really, grow up. Finding "yourself" by doing a lot of self-loathing is unflattering. Getting a lover when the divorce hasn't even been finalized shows a level of maturity that is questionable. Liz was whiny, making the character very unappealing.

The Ugly

I could not tell whether the movie was too long because the plot was just unpalatable or because the journey to find one's self was only slightly referenced. Self-indulgence on screen masked with a self-journey synopsis is just bad.

Stale Popcorn Rating: If you're a Julia Roberts fan, you may want to rent it. It's not a flattering role, but any die-hard fan of hers won't be so disappointed. Otherwise, it's a free rental/TV movie kind of affair. Up the ante by doing something while watching the movie. That way you won't feel like asking the wasted time back.

Movie Review: When In Rome

2011-03-17T13:29:00.001-05:00

Keeping with the Veronica Mars alums theme, the next movie in review is the "blink-and-you-will-miss" movie, When In Rome.

Photos owned by Summit Entertainment

The movie starts out with Guggenheim art curator, Beth (Kristen Bell), annoyed with her younger sister, Joan (Alexis Dziena). Joan has fallen in love with Umberto (Luca Calvani) and now wants to marry in Rome before one of Beth's exhibits' deadline. Being the workaholic she is, Beth tries to play maid-of-honor and art curator in the next 3 days. When she finds out that her mobile signal in Rome is bad, and realizes that Best Man, Nick Beamon (Josh Duhamel), has cellular reception, she does almost anything to use his phone to check up on things in the US.

During her maid-of-honor duties and messing up a few Italian traditions (some of which isn't her fault), she finds herself liking Nick. But when she sees him with another girl, she becomes downtrodden. She leaves the church and decides to take a dip in the Fountain of Love, promising to save 5 souls from what Beth considers the "cruelty of love".

The Good:

The chemistry between Beth and Nick. There is something between two characters that have played the rom-com card more than once. Despite the huge height difference, they make a cute couple. Their banter is easy-going and relaxed. The audience can buy them as a couple.

Stacy (Kate Micucci) as Beth's friend and assistant is hilarious. She's like Judy Greer: the perfect sidekick.

The Bad:

Anjelica Huston as Celeste, the head curator of the Guggenheim. Her performance is tired, if not, uninspiring. Truly, this role is too small for her. She should've said no to making this movie.

Joan and Umberto: There was something about them as a couple that made me feel... skeezy. Really, making food and only wearing aprons (and nothing else) is just... gross. It's either that, or I am a prude. Or self-conscious of my body that I won't ever cook in my birthday suit.

The Ugly:

The suitors. I understand that the movie is a rom-com. But for a movie like this, did the casting crew really need to pick out the worst of the litter? There's Danny Devito, the old suitor, Will Arnett, the badly toupeed artist, Jon Heder, the goth-painted magician, Dax Shepard, the greasy-looking ad model, and Keir O'Donnell as Father Dino. They all are depicted as shallow individuals, if not, gross-looking individuals. I do understand that the movie's light-hearted theme is supposed to show what happens when good intentions go array, but this goes so off-tangent, the sweetness originally intended leaves a greasy taste in the mouth.

Stale Popcorn Rating: This is a toss-up between Free Rental and Not worth the gum you've stepped on. Unless you have nothing left to watch on TV (that's including reruns), this movie is not worth your time.

Movie Review: Letters To Juliet

2011-03-12T02:52:00.004-05:00

There is no greater love story than Romeo and Juliet.

Many people may disagree with this statement, but truth to the matter is, the house of Montague and Capulet is the muse of many books, songs, and movies.

An adaptation of the couple's epic love is reflected in the 2010 chick-flick movie, Letters to Juliet.

The story starts out with fact-checker Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) and her restauranteur fiancee, Victor (Gael Garcia Bernal), heading to Verona, Italy for a pre-honeymoon. Sophie sees the trip as one of the last opportunities to spend with Victor before he opens up his restaurant. Apparently, Victor does not get the memo. Instead, he schedules the holiday to meet up with vendors prior to opening shop.

Dejected, Sophie finds herself wandering Verona alone. Through her travails she finds her way to Juliet's balcony. She is surprised to find women writing to the patron saint of unrequited love. She lingers, hoping to write something to Juliet herself. While composing her note, she notices a lady collecting the letters from the wall. Sophie's curiosity piqued, she follows the letter collector, befriends her, and finds out that the letter collector is a member of the Secretaries of Juliet, a coalition of women that answer the letters to the wall.

Fascinated, Sophie finds herself part of the group once she finds a letter that has been hidden in the wall for over 50 years. Later in the week, Charlie (Christopher Egan) confronts Sophie for responding to his grandmother Claire's (Vanessa Redgrave) letter.

... And as you can guess, this is where the story really starts.

The Good:

1. Amanda Seyfried as Sophie is charming and sweet. She exudes joie de vivre in the purest form. She is the epitome of the good girlfriend. She rarely loses her cool even when frustrated. Instead, she is level-headed, and to a fault, too forgiving of her self-centered fiancee.

2. Victor's character is very easy to dislike. I give kudos to Gael Garcia Bernal for being over the top with his character. At times, his exaggerated movement makes him more one-dimensional, but I guess it is the best he could do with the limited time he has on-screen.

3. Vanessa Redgrave as Claire was magnificent. She is very serene and poised. Her moments of being vulnerable made me feel for her.

4. Christopher Egan. Watching his facial reactions reminds me of the late Heath Ledger. Even his Aussie accent (that was supposed to be Brit) reminded me of Heath.

5. The few poignant moments that stood out: the hair-brush scene was my favorite.

With that being said...

The Bad:

1. read comments about Victor. The over the top performance, as I indicated, can be tiresome.

2. Charlie. His whole Darcy impersonation got old quickly. Okay, we get you're a crotchety grandson. We get that you think your grandmother is insane for wanting to find her true love. Get. Over. It.

3. The search for Lorenzo could have been shorter. We get it, there are a gazillion Lorenzos in the area. Showing us 3 or 4 incidents gives us the idea.

The Ugly:

1. Editing: Lordy, the CGI needs work. The unity and flow of scenes should have been reviewed. There was a scene where Sophie drives with the top down, but as she emerges from the car, there isn't a hair out of place.

2. Dialogue: Sophie and Charlie had moments where the directors could have capitalized. In one instance, Charlie enters Sophie's room and catches her writing on her laptop. They banter, and the interaction between them isn't forced. There should have been more moments like this throughout the movie.

3. Length: I am a sucker for romance movies, but this movie could have been cut off at the hour and fifteen mark.

Stale Popcorn Scale: Free Rental or TV movie. Paying for it (and you're over the age of 12) is just not worth it.

Turning A New Leaf

2011-03-08T21:00:00.002-05:00

Good things have to come to an end. The reasons oftentimes changes, but in this instance, the purpose of this blog has evolved greatly from its initial roots.

When I started blogging, this spot was my haven. My Ickle friends and I used this medium to throw ideas into a pot, make it stew, and eventually, get ideas on how our fanfics were going to evolve. Oh, those were the days.

Every once in a while, I would try and add a blog about music or movies... Or everyday life. In the end, I was sated in sharing my ideas.

Now that my days are saturated with my child, a busy gym and family life and going back to school (ironically, this blog started when I was in the midst of starting another degree!), I have neglected this blog.

I have not decided what to do with the blog yet, but I am sure I am not done with it for now. Will this blog turn into a foodie blog? Maybe. A book review site? That's a possibility. Right now, I know it's not going to be where I would be throwing out ideas in regard to stories I would eventually write.

I will keep links to my writing (both PG and NC-17), but I have to admit that maybe, my writing days have sailed. If any of you have ideas on what I should do with this blog, let me know. I need any and all ideas I can get.

Vegas Trip 2010

2010-08-17T21:20:00.006-05:00

Ah, Vegas. It definitely is a town that is best known for its night life.

For some, its alluring night sky is what makes them come to this place. Alas, that isn't me at my point in life. But somehow, I am glad that I get to see the town in a less weary light. I got to see it through my son's eyes.

It's interesting how much "free" goes a long way when tourism is your main business. There are a few I am glad to say I went to see. Some I feel it's a long-shot sell to call it "entertainment".

This is a first of a series of posts that is a "must-see" freebie versus the "miss-it" even if it's free. Honestly, there isn't much that's probably on the "miss-it" column so I guess I should start with that and save you the brouhaha.

The winner of the "Miss It" award is... (drumroll)

Treasure Island's "Sirens of T.I."

The show replaces the original show called "Buccaneer Bay" which was a swashbuckling extravaganza a-la "Pirates of the Caribbean" that I truly enjoyed the first time I visited Las Vegas. Hoping to impress my 3-year old who likes pirates and pyrotechnics, I thought he'd love this show.

Well, he did not.

"Sirens of T.I." became the mainstay performance of TI since 2003. Wanting to cater to a more adult (and at that, male) population, the pirate versus pirate acrobatics had been replaced by a horrendous audition of what could have been a Pussycat Dolls audition (or maybe a Rock of Love competition... they all seem to flow in the skank category).

The 15-minute production (that felt like hours) had lousy dialogue, a lame plot, a dance routine that is trying hard to be sexy (and ends up looking like a 50 cent production, and I don't mean the rapper... I mean, the budget) and adult theme gyrations that I felt about a third of the audience should not be privvy to, not because I am a prude, but because it's inappropriate for viewing to kids under the age of 12. Look, if the show is only at 11 PM, that is a different subject matter. But when the show is on at 8? Maybe we have to rethink this public show of inappropriate behavior.

If it's pyrotechnics you're after? Walk a little farther to The Mirage where there is a volcano that erupts every hour. At least the music is better.

The Selfish Mother's Day List

2010-05-10T00:28:00.004-05:00

To most moms, Mother's Day is a tease.

It is a Hallmark day.

Truly, Mother's Day is a daily event. It's not necessarily the kind of day a "mom" may want to spend, but if she were to end up daydreaming, the family crashes. I mean, food won't get cooked. Dishes won't be washed. Heaven forbid you have a pet and it won't get fed or watered. Not to mention all those school and after school activities the family would be missed if mom wasn't there to plan and schedule things out.

Don't forget the dental and medical appointments. Oh, trash day. Making sure birthdays are planned, paid for and dated on the calendar. Cards sent out. Invites. Groceries.

So, really, mother's day is really a day of chores. One up if she's a working mom. She actually has to be "professional" even on days she wears mismatched socks or stockings. Or mismatched shoes. Or make-up that 's only half on because she was interrupted mid-application of blush by the flying Cheerios the kids are chucking on each other. Or the days she has to put on a smile shortly after she realizes that the kids did something so horrendous, they deserve to be taken out of this universe.

Ah, so the man (or husband) -made holiday known as Mother's Day dawns upon on the first Sunday of May.

Most husbands (if they do remember it's Mother's Day) would rally up the kids (maybe other husbands too) and come up with a game plan.

Most husbands would go to the local jewelry store and pick out what's being advertised as the Mother's Day present of the year. Can you hear the little "yay" mom would cry out when she realizes that she and a gazillion other moms would be receiving the same day? Not so special, huh?

Others would get the kids together to have a "breakfast in bed" celebration. Lovely notion until mom realizes that there's cooked egg on the range, half a glass of orange juice had been spilled and not mopped up, and flour, sugar, and heaven knows what else had been traipsed on the carpet and floor, leaving a lovely streak for ants to follow. Was that the hubby or significant other cussing because he spilled the maple syrup on the dog? Yaaaay. She knows what she's cleaning up after she's had breakfast.

Then there's the standby: flowers. Just hope that dad didn't spend an arm and a leg at the grocers for the half wilted flowers that may end up in the trash at the end of the day. I know, it's the thought that counts, right?

Well, as a mom of one, I have 5 very selfish wishes for the next Mother's Day (if not, succeeding Mother's Day celebrations as well. At that, I would rename Mother's Day to Mother's Day-Off, because truly, that's what I want a break from; the chores). I won't deny that I like flowers. Gosh, I'd prefer to have it more often than just Mother's Day, in fact. I won't also turn down jewelry. But you really can't want such accoutrement if it hasn't been offered since your wedding day or you have no occasion to use said baubles. And yes, I prefer breakfast on the table where I can corral the mess before it spreads. With that being said, here's my list.

My Top 5 Wishes Are:

5. Leave Me Alone. Seriously. Alone. Having the ability to decide to just sit and read, or have a coffee and leaf through the glossy pages of a trashy magazine is heaven compared to refereeing a fight between father and child. If I choose to do chores on this blessed occasion, it would be because I chose to do so. Foolish mommy, I know, but there's much to be said about that alone time.

4. Scrapbooking/Blogging/Writing Time. Ahh, the feel of keyboards keys, or a pen, or a pair of pinking scissors would be nice. I know I am still working on my wedding album. It's just been almost a decade since I've said, "I Do". Now if I can just show proof before my son gets married...

3. A Housemaid. Or Houseman. Even for a day. If just for once, the windows would get cleaned, floors would be mopped, laundry be washed and folded and put away properly. The beds would be made, the trash be taken out, the tubs and toilets would be scrubbed. The newspapers would be in the recycling bin, the tabletops dusted. The refrigerator restocked, the carpets vacuumed and heaven forbid have a pet and they be groomed, walked and if in a cage or aquarium, cleaned all before the day ends. See? The thought makes you salivate, eh? Bonus if he looks like a cabana man... And the hubby won't mind the staring.

2. A day in the spa. Spouse optional. Hmmm... Spa...

1. Sleep. Uninterrupted, unadulterated sleep. No one outside banging on your door, no kid climbing under the sheets at oh dark hundred. No spouse stealing the sheets or asking for a booty call. Sleep.

So how's that for a Mother's Day (Off) list? What's your dream?

It's So Hard (To Say Goodbye)

2010-01-06T23:03:00.004-05:00

... to Mary.

And since the little one is off to places unknown (well, across the pond, also known as England) for 3 months, then off to do some missionary work, I've compiled a little mixed tape (CD) for her.

I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane by Chantal Kreviazuk

Because I thought the song Daniel was inappropriate... And because you already know this song. CK is one of the 2 groups that are repeat offenders in this mix. Her voice is a mixture of poignance and purity.

Kokomo by The Beach Boys

Being in England will make you wish you were somewhere with the tropical breeze... even if you meet your English bloke.

Photograph by Weezer

Torn between this song and Nickelback's Photograph, the catchy tune that says:

If you want it

You can have it

But you've got to learn

To reach out there and grab it

makes you realize that you have to want things badly enough to make things work.

Big Bad World by Plain White T's

It's a big bad life

All that we can do is try to make it right

Tomorrow something new,

So if a big rain cloud follows you around

Don't let it get you down.

Enough said.

Leavin' by Jesse McCartney

The pop lyrics and beats are enough to get the Debbie Downer blues away. Yes, that is significant enough. :D

I'll Be (acoustic version) by Edwin McCain

Everyone needs to have a fan of their lives. I'll be yours.

Pinch Me by Barenaked Ladies

No one could better describe what you may be feeling than this song:

It's like a dream you try to remember but it's gone, then you

Try to scream but it only comes out as a yawn, when you

Try to see the world beyond your front door.

Take your time 'cause the way I rhyme's gonna make you smile, when you

Realize that a guy my size might take a while, just to

Try to figure out what all this is for.

Split Screen Sadness by John Mayer

As the lyrics may have said: we'd be waiting on the porch 'til you come back home, and we'll check the weather wherever you are because we want to know if you can see the stars tonight.

Plus, it's a JM song. I cannot make a mixed tape without putting in a JM song.

Not The Same by Ben Folds

The lyrics to this song makes me laugh and think about religion all the time. I hope it gives you the same giggle fits I do when hearing this ditty.

Flying Home by Chantal Kreviazuk

This song was intended to be about someone's passing, but in your case, it's the change from being in the bosom of your family and friends, and now being released in the real world. Just don't lose yourself in all the mud and the muck.

Cannonball (radio mix) by Damien Rice

Stones taught me to fly

Love taught me to lie

Life taught me to die

So it's not hard to fall

When you float like a cannonball

BTW, he's Irish. If you get to Ireland, and see him, the best present you can get me is his autograph. :D

Bad Day by Daniel Powter

You know you're gonna have bad days. Hope this song gets you out of that rut.

Home by Daughtry

I didn't have the track from Wizard of Oz, but I thought this song spoke the same way. You know we're always here for you to come home to when all is said and done.

Thank You by Dido

For the opportunities, highs and lows, friendship, family, and the gift of time.

Barely Breathing by Duncan Sheik

Remember that when things get overwhelming, take a deep breath. Barely breathing won't get you anywhere faster, or make you work any better.

Here's to the Night by Eve 6

Put your name on the line along with place and time

Wanna stay, not to go, I wanna ditch the logical

Here's a toast to al those who hear me all too well

How To Win Friends and Influence People by Everclear

The irony to this song is that you're a people person, and everyone loves you for it. Just be aware that there are people out there that would like to bring you down. Don't ever give them the satisfaction. Get up, and dust yourself off when you slip. The rest of us will be there for you when you need a leg up.

She Says by Howie Day

We'll be listening when you need to rant, talk, cry.

Rainy Day by Plain White T's

Repeat offender, number 2. Why this song? Because England can be cold. And wet. And rainy. Need I say more?

Brand New Colony by The Postal Service

A song about friendship when you're down. (Yes, I realize I've put a lot of songs that would remind you of the Lancaster area, but this is your first time on your own!!! Just don't want you to think you're all alone.)

Also, a song that is supposed to remind you of your work and the product of your labors.

Deep Inside of You by Third Eye Blind

You're going to change a lot of people's lives. You are going to change, too, because of those opportunities. Don't get jaded.

I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie

Redundancy. You get the drift. Plus, DCFC is a good band to have around when you're just finding alone time for introspection.

Thnks fr th Mmrs by Fall Out Boy

No one can predict the future, so remember each moment. Savor it, relish it, learn from it. You may never have the same experience again.

There you have it, Mary. I am not deluding myself that you would like the CD with the exception of the first song, but I hope that if you come across the tracks, you'd realize that somewhere out there, Fievel, I mean, I am here (as well as the rest of your family and friends) championing you to the end. Have a safe and fun trip. It's gonna be one heck of a journey.

New Moon Review: The Good, The Bad, And the Ugly

2009-11-26T22:58:00.005-05:00

Movie: The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Director: Chris Weitz

Rating: PG13

My Rating: 4/5

photos are owned by Summit Entertainment

Blog Note: Entirely spoilerish if you have not read the book. Otherwise, I will be commenting on what may be somewhat considered as the technical aspect. Tread lightly if you want to be surprised.

Let me start by saying that New Moon is moons different from its first movie, Twilight. With a bigger budget and a brand new director helming what could possibly be the most difficult of the 4 books within the Twilight Saga to be immortalized on the silver (or dare I say 'digital') screen, I thought it was pretty good.

The book in itself was dark and torturous. Bella, the heroine, had to struggle with a break-up (Edward), a renewed friendship (Jacob), and a decision to commit to someone eternally, both in the physical and metaphorical sense. Most readers of the series found the book to be slow. Heaven forbid that you're on the Team Edward side. You are basically tortured with the fact that Edward breaks up with Bella and has to find solace in the arms of the potential suitor, Jacob, who in his own ways has his own secrets to keep.

The movie starts pretty much where the book starts: a vision where Bella sees herself running through throngs of people dressed in red. She didn't know why, or how, but her dream was so surreal, it had left her unnerved.

This part was actually captured well. I knew that when I read this book in June, I couldn't wait to delve into the book and find out what her vision was all about. This segment kept the tone of the movie akin to your own personal experience of waking up to a dream you're finding reason to believe that may be a foreshadowing or something to muck up to plain craziness.

The story quickly delves into Bella's birthday celebration, and her party at the Cullens'. I giggled a bit at the papercut scene just because we've all had papercuts. Have you ever bled that much when you get one? I don't think so. Anyway, the overt blood sort of reminded me of the old SNL skit where Dan Akroyd pretends to be Julia Child and chops off her finger, sputtering blood everywhere. It was a little over the top, but hey, I usually yell out a profanity followed quickly by sticking my finger in my mouth. Guess Bella had a better pain tolerance compared to my wimpy state.

Anyone who had read the book would've known that the present that provided the papercut was a ticket to travel to anywhere for Edward and Bella. Somewhat, this wasn't explained, and at the height of the drama in the movie, it kind of made you wonder where Bella got tickets at hand to go rescue Edward.

Anywhoo, the incident of course brought division to the Cullen household, forcing Edward to cut Bella out of his life to "save" her from him and his family. Of course, this didn't sit well with Bella. Months upon months of her lament was depicted by spinning images of the seasons passing her by. Personally, I thought the song used was perfect. The mood Bella presented was painfully depicted. Other than those two observations, I thought this section needed a little help. Edward was wooden (not just the "I don't care" emo crap). He looked constipated. Robert Pattinson looked like he was emoting to a ball. He can't seem to emote to the person in front of him. The lines were cheesy (even the Romeo and Juliet part earlier in the scene... cheesy!!!). If there was a scene that I wish they could rewrite, this would be it. The acting was just... off.

Anyway...

To break her melancholy, Charlie tells her to live. Bella lies, tells him she's off to hang out with Jessica, blah, blah, blah. She realized that she sees Edward when she does something dangerous (ie. stupid). Like a kid, she does things to trigger the Edward vision, including purchasing 2 motor bikes that she eventually takes to Jacob for repair.

I actually liked the Jacob and Bella scenes together NOT because of Jacob-loving on my behalf, but because the chemistry on-screen between these two characters was more organic. Of course, this probably translated well compared to Twilight just because Jacob was both limited on screen time and the connection between Bella and Jacob at this point was more friendship. In this movie, Jacob exploits his friendship with Bella and tries to make their relationship jump to another level.

The friendship between Sam and Jacob, and the wolfpack in general was given a cursory touch. Jacob telling Bella he's afraid of Sam was heartfelt.

Part of me was torn to see that the movie didn't quite delve into the Quileute story as it did in the book, but I did understand that time constraints would've made the movie drag.

Anyway, the date at the movies with Mike, Jacob and Bella takes place. If there was one part of the movie for me to swoon, it was this. Mike goes puking and Jacob tries to put the moves on Bella. I have to credit Kristen Stewart for making it look like she was really torn about staying loyal to a jackass boyfriend that had abandoned her, and finding out "what could be" with a potential new love.

Of course, it's also in this scene that Jacob "gets sick".

Bella goes through the same motions of losing Jacob when he doesn't return her calls. When her dad and Harry go fishing, she goes to the reservation to check up on Jacob. Behold, she sees him wet and half-naked and not wanting to talk to her. Fast forward to Jacob going to her place and pleading with her to remember the story from the beach in Twilight. When she figures it out, she goes back to the reservation, pisses Paul off until he transforms. Bella runs away, only to be defended by Jacob who transforms in front of her.

First, I would like to point out that Alex Meraz as Paul was great. He does this wicked wink at Bella that would make me swoon if I were her. Second, a lot of people gave the CGI work on the werewolves an F. I thought it served its purpose. No, it didn't have the refined look of Gollum in Lord Of The Rings but the wolves were big. The graphics were better than some of the bigger budgeted films I've seen recently. Surely, when this movie is viewed 10 years from now, we'd groan worse than when we saw it the first time. But you know what? The wolves were depicted well enough that it didn't take you out of the story. Lastly, when the flashbacks of the pack devouring Laurent were shown, they were mean and scary, just like they left me shuddering when I read the book.

As Chief Swan and his merry men walk through the forest, Victoria makes her quick appearance. The importance of the scene, of course, was to show that she was still around and that she would be the reason Harry would have a heart attack and die.

Loved the fact that Victoria's outfit was toned down. She doesn't look like a deranged Stevie Nicks wannabe. The effects on how fast and strong she is was well choreographed. Definitely won't mind seeing this 300-like special effects.

The segment was quickly followed by Bella's cliff jumping moment. Again, I thought this was photographed well.

After the incident, Bella finds Alice at her home. Of course, Jacob is overly protective of Bella at this point. He warned her that if the Cullens are back, the pack couldn't protect her from Victoria because of the treaty.

The conversation among these three characters was probably one of the better written sections. Alice was concerned, Bella was agitated... only to be asked why she smelled like "dog". Jacob steps in and the three have a very tense moment. (Then the procurement of said plane tickets!)

The Italy scene was very picturesque. Loved the way it was shot. Loved the way they captured Bella running through the fountain to get to Edward before he exposes himself. (Rather surprised at the lack of sighs when RP disrobes to reveal himself to the society!!!)

The Volturi scene, albeit short, was powerful and disturbing. Michael Sheen as Aro was menacing. He portrayed "vampire" with such flourish. I also had to admit that Dakota Fanning (whom I am not a big fan of) as Jane had the innocent look that just oozed evil. Her expression when trying to inflict pain on Bella was wicked. The action scene rocked! I didn't recognize Daniel Cudmore as Felix. He did major poundage!!!

My only knock in this segment was Alice's vision of Edward and Bella as a transformed vampire. It reminded me of the Old Spice commercial: cheesy character with gap vests and jackets. And Bella's Alice in Wonderland outfit? Get real!!! Could've done without that scene, guys.

When everything's said and done, the world of Team Edward is once again safe. Cullen moves back to Forks to be with Bella. But Jacob gives Cullen a warning. He, too, tries to convince Bella to think again about her relationship with Edward. When she tells Jacob that she loves him but not in the way she does Edward, Jacob tells her, " Que Quowie" (Stay with me forever).

Then the movie ends with a cliffhanger. (You know what it is if you read the book.)

Things I wish would be better on Eclipse:

1. Edward's make-up: AWFUL!!! I thought he was supposed to be luminescent, not marble drab. And if you're the walking dead, why would you have ruby-red lips? I have to give props to the CGI team that made the sparkling less distracting. Thumbs up on that aspect.

2. Bella and Edward dialogue: Just because Edward is old that his colloquillism cannot be written better. With KS and RP being real-life lovers, their dialogue needs to transform their on-life persona.

3. Jacob's dazzling white teeth: Asset as an actor. As a person playing a wolf, distracting. The brilliance can be so out of place.

TV's Back Tomorrow!

2009-09-07T19:09:00.002-05:00

Suddenly, my No TV policy will be lifted starting Wednesday when Glee comes back on. But officially, new programming starts tomorrow. Here's a listing of what's back. Greek has already started, so if that's what you're following, you're already behind, yo.

The Surprising Comeback Kid

2009-09-02T08:02:00.002-05:00

Growing up in the 80s and 90s is very interesting, especially when it comes to the music scene. I've seen the evolution of El Debarge (to the Debarge), the rise and fall of Michael Jackson, the re-invention of Madonna, the media shift from Pop to Alternative (hello, Pearl Jam!), and the marriage of alternative, rock and pop mishmashing to become a sound we cannot even put in a category.

Now in the day and age of the iPod and the ability to buy individual songs, dictating what the media should report on based on instant poll updates on the internet, I was rather surprised at this morning's event: the open arms welcome to none other than Whitney Houston.

Whitney Houston, an artist with a pure voice, rocked the 80s with "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and captured the 90s with Dolly Parton's song "I Will Always Love You" for the soundtrack to The Bodyguard. Then, she spun out of control as she became part of her family's reality show, "Being Bobby Brown". Her volatile relationship with her then husband, Bobby Brown, and her dabble with drugs all of a sudden made her a laughing stock. The topper was her "baptism" in the Black Hebrew tribe. All of a sudden, the once supportive media made her look like a loon.

She disappeared into obscurity as she tried to get her life back. Seven years later, she released her album I Look To You.

As I watched Good Morning America, I realized that despite the fact that I am not a big Whitney Houston fan, I was rather surprised at how her anticipated return had brought so many people together. So much so that I think Madonna wouldn't be able to pull the same magnitude of diversity. Never have I seen so many African-American gay men show up (and not it be the Gay Pride Parade), Asians, Africans (one came all the way from Ghana!), Latin Americans, and anyone in between.

Her die-hard fans were so sincere. Yes, there are the crazies, but there was a genuine feeling of open arm return-- like a hug.

Now if only everyone shared the same feeling for their fellow human beings, not just someone popular as Whitney.

As for Whitney, begrudgingly I'd say, welcome back.

TV This Fall and Movies I May Catch... Eventually

2009-05-22T12:00:00.003-05:00

After all the finales had been shown, the major "free TV" markets have tried to manipulate the schedule this fall in hopes of regaining viewer trust, and of course, the winter Olympics. With that being said, the NBC lineup hopes to profit from viewership. Trying the tactic of split scheduling, NBC tries to save money by ordering shorter seasons for shows that may have lost viewership (like Heroes), and yet save face by showing viewer faves but not making money (Chuck). Also, with Jay Leno moving an hour earlier than his usual slot, now occupied by Conan O'Brien, NBC will probably have to figure out how to keep its young demographic from leaving the channel.

The ABC lineup is trying to be the new happy-happy, joy-joy channel. Peppered with a lot of new comedy shows (and late season shows like Better of Ted, the dramedy, Castle, and the returning Scrubs, who apparently was able to get Bill Lawrence to come back--sort of, along with Zach Braff, whose season ending was brilliant), this channel may be the best balanced of the main channels. Keeping Dancing With the Stars in its line-up and Supernanny (who watches this show?), reality is alive and kicking. TV regulars like Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice are still going strong in its current time slot, while Ugly Betty is given the ugly Friday viewing hole.

CBS does some rearranging for some of its shows but it keeps a solid comedy Monday as it keeps How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men and Big Bang Theory together. Numb3rs got renewed, as well did Ghost Whisperer, which is now paired with the dropped NBC show, Medium. The CBS lineup isn't bad if you like your cop/NCIS shows the way they are.

FOX tries to keep its eclectic collection of shows from House and Lie to Me, to Fringe, and Dollhouse, who got a SAVE on the last minute. Despite issues concerning Kiefer Sutherland, 24 is still a go for the upcoming season. Of course, it keeps its lowest common denominator excited with So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol. Glee, a show I curiously watched last Tuesday, was actually funny. So, if you're trying to find something new to watch (or rearrange your schedule on TiVo or DVR), here's the current listing of the FOX lineup.

Lastly, the CW lineup. Is CW still considered a channel? As Variety pointed out, it's resurrecting TV when I was a kid. With 90210 and Melrose Place 2.0 being put on the lineup, not much is worth watching in this channel than my favorite, Supernatural. CW dropped its comedy lineup, and its usual urban demographic love for more "look-at-me, look-at-me" shows. Smallville is still in the grid, as well as the Leyton-less One Tree Hill. Vampire Diaries may be the only show I may even be interested to visit once SN is done with its hour viewing.

Whew, that just took forever. I never thought I'd be done!

Now for movies I may watch. Here's what critics have to say:

Terminator Salvation

Drag Me to Hell

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

and lastly, Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds.

All information within the links are courtesy of Variety. Without them, I am clueless...

Let me know if you have any suggestions, comments, and thoughts on any of these movies, and others I may enjoy watching. Till then, enjoy your long weekend!

Winding Down TV

2009-04-28T12:03:00.002-05:00

TV scriptwriters, where did you go?

When the writers' strike took place 2 years ago, I was hoping THIS event would revolutionize (if not make writers) write scripts WE, the viewers, would care about.

Sadly, this has not been the case.

Bloggers had become the writers for shows like In the Motherhood. Reality TV is still generating ratings, and Heroes, for what it's worth, tried to relaunch itself 3 times, and yet, failed to get viewers to come back and watch. Here's how this season ended.

I am disappointed. Samantha Who? may now be canceled, one of the wittier and funnier comedies this past season. I don't know if Better off Ted will survive the cut. Chuck, the show that had the most awesome ending last night still has to be renewed (did you buy your Subway sandwich and leave a "Save Chuck" note in the comment box?) Castle may have a chance of being picked up since it held up its share of viewers (albeit only coming second to CSI: Miami). I don't know if I'm the only one who still watched The Unusuals.

The Big 4 are struggling and they're not helping their cause by filling their slots with brain-dead shows, and 24/7 crime dramas.

I think it's time for me to join the No TV cause and just catch shows on DVD or online. Otherwise, I will be stuck wishing for better TV.

So, what do you suggest I read this summer???

The Watchmen: A Book and Movie Review

2009-03-12T13:39:00.002-05:00

Book: The Watchmen
Author: Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Type: Graphic Novel
Rating: 4.7/5

Movie Director: Zack Snyder
Rating: 4.5/5

Reading The Watchmen is a commitment. I don't mean that you have to stop everything on the spot to read it, but it definitely is a novel that you can't be watching TV or listening to music while reading. Its characters are flawed. The situations they are in are very specific and daunting. You have to read past the asshole-ishness of the characters to enjoy the book, and that takes commitment. It is what makes this book and movie a great philosophical study.

The year is 1985 and Richard Nixon has been reelected to the Presidential seat for the 5th time.

The novel opens up with Rorschach (played by Jackie Earle Haley) documenting the death of the Comedian (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan), a man who is hard to sympathize with. The Comedian was a bastard by everyone's standard: he killed pregnant women, he torched villages, he attempted rape on one of his fellow "superhero". So his shocking death was one Rorschach found disturbing. As he documented the deaths of his comrades, he found it his duty to warn the last of the living: Ozymandias (Matthew Goode), Dr Manhattan (Billy Crudup), his girlfriend Silk Spectre II (Malin Akerman), and former buddy, Nite Owl II (Patrick Wilson).

Rorsach contacts Oz, and tells him the troubling news. Panic stricken, Oz promises to look into the case. Rorsach, on his own, tries to find the Comedian's nemesis, Moloch the Mystic (Matt Frewer), to see if he has any connection to the former superhero's death.

Along the way, we find out that Jon Manhattan and Laurie are not getting along well as Jon becomes more separated from the human race after his plasmic change, and Laurie was wanting human bonding that Dr Manhattan cannot provide. Silk Spectre II finally takes off and seeks middle aged and balding friend, Nite Owl II.

As Laurie and Dan meet, Dr Manhattan heads to a TV studio where he gets interviewed. He finds out that his former friend, and girlfriend, and a few people he associated with have cancer and that their conditions were linked to him and his change of state.

Its story, as individual characters, and as a group, shows that everyone, with the exception of Manhattan, has a fear of aging, death, and leaving a legacy. Will that legacy be about birth? Or friendship? Or a trademark of peace? Or revealing that the peace that was formed was a farce?

Alan Moore has layers upon layers of anger, grief, and disillusion written in the story that makes you wonder why at this current day and age, we still suffer from the same ill fate these characters suffer.

The movie was well directed by Zack Snyder. Almost frame by frame, line by line (with a few switches here and there for continuity's sake, and I guess a change of script lines to avoid complete plagarism or offending people who would be offended by the word-- sperm), it was an homage to the novel.

The gore in the movie was akin to that of 300. It was essential, but comic-bookish enough not to make you squirm. I could have done with less shots of the anatomically correct Dr Manhattan as he swings in the breeze, but I like the fact that Snyder had the cojones to keep it in (heehee) the movie to silence the purists. The V-shaped codpiece when he's in his gigantic form was enough tasteful... I was relieved.

I am glad that "Tales of the Black Freighter" and "Under the Hood" are separate from the almost 3-hour movie. Although they are essential (and a great read in the novel itself), it would have made the movie more of a bloaty piece of work rather than a sturdy film. Later to be released as a separate DVD, it definitely would be a great companion to The Watchmen DVD.

If there was one thing I wasn't too thrilled about the movie was the person who played President Nixon. The make-up was horrendous, and the character was very hard to understand. Was he supposed to really represent a former skeleton of himself? Or was that the best the casting crew can do since Frank Langella was already taken?

Overall, you really can't say anything bad about the movie or the book. However, it would be wise to read the novel first before visiting the theater. It surely will take out the Church giggle you'd want to squeak out the moment you see Manhattan, or the rage when you see the Comedian, or the, "Oh dear" statement when you see Nite Owl II or other "why" questions you may have if you decide to see the movie without the book.

Terminator 4 Scoopage

2009-02-02T23:37:00.003-05:00

Can't wait to thaw myself in a movie theater this spring, and the one movie I thought I'd lose myself in is Terminator 4: Salvation.

But May 10 is too far for now, so I give you spoilers.

I found this article through Wired Magazine, featuring McG's vision of the future that would be featuring none other than hottie, Christian Bale, who's sole purpose in living is saving the world as John Connor. If that's not creepy/cool enough, how about learning that University of PA may be the next Skynet? And if that's not enough drama for you, how about listening to Christian Bale/John Connor tear a DP a new one? Can you hear an F-Bomb dropping every 6 seconds? I don't know about you, but hearing it made me want to watch a movie with a lot of cussing all of a sudden.

Maybe Ah-nuld can wrap this puppy up and give John a good mouth soaping...

Monty Python Channel- Hurrah!

2009-01-26T09:01:00.001-05:00

My life isn't that interesting, and maybe that's one of the reasons why I really never committed to journals. Even with a journal prompter, it is hard to find something I (and in this case, you, my friend, who's reading this posting) relevant.

Amy posted her latest chapter in her story, Peer Pressure, and I remember fondly an incident that involves The Lumberjack Song-- a song that has become legendary thanks to the love-it-or-hate-it Monty Python.

Don't know what I am talking about? Or you want to hear the song? Well, search no more. Apparently, there is a Monty Python Channel. Visit it, and stay tuned. You just don't know what you're missing.

Dawning of a New Day

2009-01-20T13:16:00.001-05:00

My thoughts on the Obama inauguration...

Getting Back on TV

2009-01-13T12:41:00.002-05:00

Being a mom has definitely taken me away from the idiot box known as the TV. I am currently suffering from Chuck and Supernatural withdrawal but I still keep tabs on shows either currently on, or about to be canceled.

Let's stick with what's on, shall we?

Scrubs- used to watch this show religiously until the Jman was born, and other shows started piling up on my VCR (yes, I don't TiVo or DVR) or my computer. Since it's on The Comedy Central and other channels as fillers, I wasn't really searching for it, per se. With it moving to ABC, however, I caught up with the current batch. I still love the main cast. Hate the new residents, hate Courtney Cox. Can't wait to watch tonight's set of episodes.

How I Met Your Mother- Seriously? Barney crushing? It was too much! Love NPH and the gang. Can't believe Kim Kardashian is getting so much TV time. Ugh.

Ugly Betty- I think that this season's sucky. I can't believe I am still watching it when I cannot stand Whillie. The fact that I love Betty's "You go, girl!" attitude, I would admit that I would eventually step up and ask someone for some fashion advice, even if it means her nephew puts her clothes together. It's better than watching her look so frumpy every time. Amanda and Marc are the two that keep me glued especially now that Gio is gone. I still think Freddy Rodriguez should've stayed, but with him constantly playing second fiddle, I would've done the same thing: bounce. Apparently, Christina (Ashley Jensen) wants out of her contract. Same thing-- I would bail if I was given such a crappy gig.

I don't know if TV is better since the writer's strike, but I can admit that Tina Fey's rant at the Golden Globes is one of the better writings I've heard since her Sarah Palin parodies-- which I really don't consider "being written" since SP had said the same words herself-- before the skits have been taped!

On the canning front, Prison Break is ending! Good riddance!

Alright, show's over. Get working!

I Won!!!

2008-11-30T09:46:00.000-05:00

Never thought I'd reach the finish line.

Ellie's Trouble with the Awesomes

2008-11-25T23:18:00.001-05:00

If you thought Chuck had issues with being a spy, try being Ellie who has to deal with Awesome's parents. Scary!

Cancelations: Are Jericho Peanuts THAT Good?

2008-11-21T07:52:00.003-05:00

November 12, NBC canceled Lipstick Jungle and My Own Worst Enemy. Not ever watching LJ, I don't know whether the show was even worth keeping to start out with. MOWE? I thought the premise had promise. I watched it a few times, and I myself got lost through the plot. It tries very hard to be a JJ Abrams show, and alas, it failed. Really, someone can retool this show and it would be a hit. For now, I guess it will get shelved. The other good thing MOWE had proven, though, is that Christian Slater IS a good actor. Employ him. He's bankable.

Scrubs' swan season is coming on air, much to several shows' dismay. DirtySexyMoney, Eli Stone and Pushing Daisies are getting the ax. DSM was baaad. I wanted to like this show so much when it premiered last year but even this soap opera cannot even float as bubbles. I knew that several people said Eli Stone was good but I never gave it a look-see. Pushing Daisies, which I've watched all season last year, I am sad to see this one go. It was very promising and really touching. Ned, Charlie and Olive are strange in their own ways but it was touching at the same time. I hope NBC does it justice when its last episode airs.

Now, the CW. The only show I get to watch on this channel is Supernatural so I really am not versed about their current shows. However, it' was strange to find out that Jericho is back! (?)

Valentine is getting the ax. I knew one person that watched this show. She said she liked it. However, the show's supposed to be good but now it's getting canceled. Leave it to CW to screw things up.

But not everything isn't lost. With good shows leaving and some that are bad and are still on, Stephen Colbert wants to share the Christmas love with everyone. On Nov 23, Colbert's Christmas special will be on. It promises to be the new Muppets special minus the muppets. If you're like me who doesn't want to see anything Christmas related before Thanksgiving, tape the show or buy the DVD the Tuesday after its air date.

Happy Holidays!

What Ever Happened to the Separation of Church and State?

2008-11-13T21:36:00.002-05:00

This pissed me off.

I am glad that I am not part of this parish.

Someone might say that I am not a real Caltholic, or that I should be kicked out of the church for saying sentiments against this priest. But the way I see it, being denied the Sacrament of Communion based on the fact that a man that's leading the country is going to uphold the constitution on the decision of Roe V Wade is criminal.

Is President-Elect Obama doing the abortions himself? No.

Is President-Elect Obama saying that girls that get pregnant and don't want their unborn child go to abortion clinics? No.

He is the man of the law, and has to uphold said law, it is his constitutional duty to make sure the law is upheld.

It is kind of funny that this priest says that McCain would have been a better president because he SAYS he's anti-abortion. Apparently, the lives of soldiers constantly dying for wars that shouldn't be the US' problems have less value compared to the lives of the aborted, especially in the cases of women who got pregnant because they were raped by people of their own family or by men who have no conscience, raping and pillaging women against their will... Let alone be raped and carry a child when they are children themselves!

I do not advocate abortion but I am glad that I don't have to be faced with the decision whether to have one or not. However, as much as I don't want to be denied medical assistance in a stressful situation, my vote should not be the reason that I would be ex-communicated, if not, denied a sacrament because I choose a leader based on his ability to lead and save lives.

I am not going to be repentant because I have made a choice for someone who I think could lead. So where does that lead me with the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Definitely Smells Like a Teen-- Where's the Spirit?

2008-11-11T15:41:00.002-05:00

The baby on Nirvana's album, Nevermind, is now seventeen.

Where and what happened to the music that inspired a whole generation?

Chugging Along

2008-11-09T15:59:00.003-05:00

8,218 / 50,000
(16.4%)

Here's why I've not been here in a while. I've participated in NaNoWriMo and I am schlepping. Trying to make up a story from scratch is simple in concept but hard in execution. These people's lives are in my hands, so to speak.

Last night was so busy at work that even if my characters wanted me to continue plot, my hands are tied performing my bread and butter duties. Tonight won't be any better. Actually, it's going to be busier. However, I am determined to make up for the 8.6% word count necessary for last week. Pray I find time to write the next 25% this coming week. Oi vei!

Halloween Carvings!

2008-10-30T20:48:00.004-05:00

Been a while since I've posted. Well, here's the latest from the Shopkeep's home. The advent of Halloween!

Guess which pumpkin belongs to the Nilly, the Shopkeep and the J-man. It's not that hard to predict.

The Bad Cat
Sally
The Freak Out

'

Great Scot! He's a Patriot

2008-09-14T15:57:00.002-05:00

Who would have thunk that Craig Ferguson, newly minted naturalized US citizen could eloquently put together words that would say to the American viewer, "Think about the issues, not the brouhaha media feeds you" about the election?

He's got more heart than staunch Democrats and Republicans alike.

If anything else, listen to his rant. Maybe it will make you believe that your vote counts in the upcoming election.

Vocab 101, Please

2008-08-29T08:14:00.001-05:00

For Kat--

My girlfriend and I have made the word "Phelpsed" a catchphrase at work. It means someone has done something quicker or faster and better than you.

Example: I can't believe Roddy gave the same report as I did and got credit for it!
Dude, sorry to hear that you got Phelpsed.

Other words:

What is the plural for doofus? Doofuses? Doofi?
Is there a superlative word than STAT? Someone at work said, "The doctor said the test should be ran stater." So, is STATER acceptable?
Should bootilicious be taken out as a vocabulary word? I know I think it should. So as the vocab word "air quotes".

Check out a new favorite vocabulary website of mine. You'll be impressed.

Last but not the least, Keith Olberman contributing to the urban dictionary.

Niagara Falls

2008-08-26T13:12:00.010-05:00

Starting this blog entry is hard. I mean, how do you talk about Niagara Falls without sounding like a cliche? Niagara Falls-- a place for lovers? The best thing across the boarder? Niagara- a naturalist's delight?

NF for me was a long-deserved getaway. Nilly and I anguished over where we were supposed to go this year to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary or the 10th year commemoration of the day we started dating. So, choosing between the falls and spending a wad of cash at the Hershey Lodge became a no-brainer.

The 6-1/2 hour drive from Podunk Town to the Canadian Boarder was a little more stressful than I thought, thanks to the Little League Baseball event taking place at the Pennsylvania boarder. Once we made through the slow-crawling traffic, the trip was really a breeze.

Our first stop was our hotel called the Sterling Inn and Spa.

A recent addition to the hotels at the Tourist District, Sterling Inn and Spa is located in a part of town that is being revived. Imagine our surprise when we saw how "strange" the hotel looked from the outside! Later on, we've learned that the building used to be a Borden cheese manufacturing site.

Our room was on the first floor. We had a huge king-sized bed, a wonderful fireplace (which sadly, we can't use since it was warm), sliding windows from the 2-person whirlpool tub, a glass sink, and a rainhead shower with water body massagers. ****AWESOME**** is an understatement. Not to mention that they had Bath and Body hair products and body gels. Okay, so I am easily impressed. Leave me alone.

We also had hardwood floors, an empty refrigerator to put cold cuts and water in without constantly buying $2 water bottles.

The Inn also had an in-house spa. Nilly and I took advantage of their services the day we hiked 8 miles to and from the rapids. For $120 per person, we got a 60-minute Swedish massage where our masseuse did not speak to us except to give us instructions to roll over and how to prepare ourselves for the steam room. Definitely money well spent.

Same night, we experienced the most wonderful dining experience at the Falls. The AG (which is the chemical symbol for Silver-- get it? Sterling Silver? I know, geeky chemistry joke) was not just a meal. It was a moment to savor. Our bartender, who looked a lot like Deputy Leo, was an easy going guy who made the most wonderful amaretto sour drinks--yum! He gave us our menus, served our meals (Nilly got a Wellington Beef that was to die for while I had the salmon-- a real mouth melting treat!) and helped us choose desserts (Nilly had a baked on the spot pie and peach sorbet while I had the cheesecake with candied ginger and cherry--ecstatic!). Superlatives cannot justify the meal we got.

Throughout the couple of days, unfortunately, we've not been able to experience the same culinary greatness. Mediocre was a definite staple. We ate lunch once at Wolfgang Puck. The meal was above average. We returned for dessert a day later and the service was horrible. So horrible that after waiting for 10 minutes to be acknowledged, we finally left. We also dined at a place called Carpaccio which was voted best place to dine for a succession of years. We were disappointed!!! We spent almost as much money as we did at the AG for fare that is up to par, if not sub par to The Olive Garden. We vowed that the next time we return, we will try eating at The Waterfront. We're skipping the pubs and whatnots. Another place to skip for breakfast? AlMac's. Other than the fact that it's a buffet place, they are overpriced and almost inedible. Go ahead and just have a meal at Denny's or Perkins. At least, you'll know what you're getting. You'll thank me for the suggestion later.

Things We Got To Do

1. The Maid of the Mist- of course you have to do it. Getting thisclose to the falls was a breath taking moment.

2. Behind the Falls- I was a little disappointed with this but I may try to walk behind the falls on the American side.

3. The Rapids- It's a nice 3 mile walk from the Bridalveil falls. It's another 1/4 mile walking close to the Stage 5 white water rapids.

4. The Buddhist Temple- Right across from the rapids, it was a nice quiet break.

5. The Whirlpool- Nilly did the ride. At this point, I was "watered" out. It was another 2 miles from the rapids.

We didn't do Marineland, the Butterfly Museum or the Aviary. We also opted out of the numerous haunted houses, wax museums, and the ferris wheel located at Victoria Rd. When the brochures said that Clifton Heights was tourist trap hell, believe it. It took us forever to get through the throngs of people.

We went to the Outlet Mall because our camera died. It's such a shame. Now, we have a small snapshot camera-- you tell me what you think about it-- the photos should speak for themselves.

On the last night of our vacation, we watched the fireworks. It was a nice way to end an evening. Having missed fireworks this past 4th of July, the pyrotechnic show was a nice change. Having it over the waters was magical.

Anyway, after 4 days and walking about 20 miles, our vacation had to end. At first, we decided on taking our time driving back home. 20 minutes into the trip, we decided to drive as quickly as we could to see the J-man before he falls asleep. Seeing his face light up when we pulled into the driveway was a sight to see.

We're planning another visit to the falls maybe 5 years from now. Hopefully the boy will be big enough to experience the falls for himself!

Dr Horrible's Act II Is Up!

2008-07-17T21:12:00.001-05:00

Act II of Dr. Horrible is up. Watch it now before it gets pulled off the internet. Nathan Fallon is getting nastier and NPH is getting more desperate. Who's going to win?

What I've Been Watching On the Net

2008-07-15T20:30:00.002-05:00

Because I have nothing better to do...

Awaiting the second act:

Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog- It goes without saying that I have learned to love all things Joss Whedon (when he fell in love with VM, and I started liking Firefly and the soon to be shown The Dollhouse), Neil Patrick Harris, et al. Singing about doing something horrible had never felt so right.... Especially while doing laundry.

And a throwback: seeing Daria live the Y2K generation in her own dPod (a version of the iPod) commercial (version Jerk It Out) or another version (Maneater) for your entertainment.

What has been your current web obsession?

George Carlin, RIP

2008-06-23T08:01:00.002-05:00

Call him acerbic. Call him misogynistic. But he called a lot of things as what they present themselves.

In the 71 years he lived in this earth, George Carlin had said some of the most prolific things such as “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television.” You know them... I don't have to recite them. However, his delivery is so great I cannot do it justice.

Instead, I leave you this in his memory:

George Carlin's Views on Aging

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

"How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key. You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

"How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your
dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.

You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92."

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!" May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them."

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10.Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Live the Carlin way. Enjoy life. Cheers, George. Now, ask Jesus what he thought of Catholicism WOW.

Caprica

2008-06-13T19:35:00.000-05:00

A Battle Star Galactica spinoff?

Zach Quinto on Star Trek

2008-06-12T09:07:00.002-05:00

I may not be a trekkie but he definitely would be a reason for watching. Here's a little vid about him talking a bit about his stint on the Starship Enterprise and what may be in for him on Heroes' Season 3.

Veronica Mars Reunion on Heroes?

2008-06-12T09:02:00.001-05:00

Who would've thunk that Weevil and Veronica would reunite on Heroes? Eep!

Visit Whedon's 'Dollhouse'

2008-05-17T16:02:00.001-05:00

Squee! Here's Echo, a preview to the new Fox show "Dollhouse" by Joss Whedon. Enjoy!

The Demands of a Foo

2008-05-16T12:50:00.002-05:00

It's funny to see that The Smoking Gun has a list of demands bands have when they go on tour. Take for example Foo Fighters. I was about to pass out from laughing when I read some of their demands. Funny, they're not as diva-ish as I've heard of from other performers. Read if you dare.

TV Getting Good Again?

2008-03-30T07:28:00.002-05:00

I am really excited to hear that Dollhouse by Joss Whedon seems to sound better and better by the minute. Not only does the have Elisha Dushku on board as a Doll but the other Dolls do sound really interesting.

Let's hope it doesn't disappear off the radars before it actually takes off. With as bad TV is right now (at least the big 3 and the Fox/CW channels), I have to root for something to care about next season.

I Like A Man With A Sense of Humor

2008-03-25T08:50:00.000-05:00

Come on, you have to find John Mayer funny.

Running Out of (TV) Ideas?

2008-03-19T21:45:00.002-05:00

I was elated when Rob Thomas said he was re-envisioning Cupid for ABC. But 90210?
The rest of the spoilers for this season and the next is on Kristin's E!Online posting.

... Can't believe someone wants to have a Brenda 2.0 or a Peach Pit...

Belated Happy St Patty's Day

2008-03-18T15:03:00.000-05:00

There is nothing that says St Patty's like an Irish song like Danny Boy.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall PReview

2008-02-18T18:39:00.003-05:00

Here's a little something for all Apatow/Kristin Bell fans out there. Now, if only the studios would release Fanboys.

Preview shown is Restricted. So, be careful!

Bah Humbug!

2008-02-14T07:55:00.000-05:00

Saint Valentine says,

"Go buy some flowers and chocolate. Go get some candles and purchase anything from Victoria Secret (no, put down the Fredrick's of Hollywood catalog!). Blow your money on a string bean and a sliver of steak. For tonight may be your lucky night (unless the headache comes on).

Do this to commemorate me."

Okay, so I don't think this is a direct quotation but you get the gist.

Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!!!!

Post Strike TV Wrap-Up

2008-02-13T19:33:00.001-05:00

According to Ausiello's Post-Strike episode generator, here's what's up:
(Thanks, TV Guide and Mike Ausiello for keeping tally!)

Chuck
No new episodes until fall.

Friday Night Lights
No new episodes expected for this season. Future TBD.

Gossip Girl
Expected to shoot 5 or 6 episodes to air in April/May.

Greek
Kicks off second half of Season 1 on March 24. Still awaiting Season 2 pickup.

Grey's Anatomy
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May

Heroes
No new episodes expected until fall.

House
Expected to shoot 4 to 6 new episodes to air in April/May.

How I Met Your Mother
Expected to shoot 9 new episodes to begin airing on March 17.

Men in Trees
Eleven pre-strike episodes remain, the first of which airs Feb. 27. No additional episodes expected this season.

Moonlight
Expected to shoot 4 new episodes to begin airing on April 11.

Private Practice
Slim chance it could return with 4 or 5 new episodes this season. Either way, it'll be back in the fall.

Pushing Daisies
No new episodes until fall.

Reaper
Three pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 5 or 6 additional episodes to air in April/May.

Samantha Who?
Three pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot an additional 3 episodes to air this spring, likely after Dancing with the Stars.

Scrubs
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Four additional episodes will likely be shot; unclear whether they'll air on NBC or go straight to DVD.

Supernatural
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 4 or 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Ugly Betty
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

The rest of the list can be seen on Ausiello's Post Strike List.

Feed The Hungry While Feeding Yourself

2008-02-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

Barilla is holding its 2nd annual Celebrity Cookbook and I am very excited to try the recipes out. Last year, I've tried at least 3 of the recipes and I was floored at how good they are! Most of them were quick and easy. If anything else, it was fun to prepare with the hubby in the kitchen or when friends come over for a nice get together. For a moment, it felt like Giada DeLaurentiis and Mario Batali were actually cooking with me. No, I take that back. It almost felt like I was a guest in Jaime Oliver's show where he has friends over and help him cook. It was THAT fun.

It was a pleasant thought while it lasted.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that for every downloaded cookbook, Barilla donates to Second Harvest, an organization that helps stock up food shelters and soup kitchens in the US. So, do your share. It's a free download. Help feed the hungry.

Michael Cera: Evan VS Bleeker

2008-01-17T14:29:00.000-05:00

One of the things I promised to do for the 101 challenge was to do a book, movie or album review and suggest/critique. Well, today's your lucky day.

I will be reviewing back to back movies who's common thread is the young actor, Michael Cera.

"Who is he?" you might ask.

If you haven't experienced a the defunct show, Arrested Development, as George-Michael Bluth, you're in for an experience. (And if you've watched Veronica Mars, you would've known him as Dean, the campus tour guide that brought Troy and Veronica together on the Hearst College campus.)

Where was I? Oh yeah, reviewing.

The movies that are being critiqued are Superbad and Juno.

Superbad is a story of 2 co-dependent friends, struggling to accept the fact that they are going to be separated for the first time as they head off to 2 different universities in the fall. For one last hurrah, Evan (Michael Cera) and Seth (Jonah Hill), and Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) try to leave a mark by boozing, sexing and "living up" on a senior party sponsored by high school cutie Jules (Emma Stone).

I may be the stoned for saying this but I thought this movie was bad-- so bad that Superbad was aptly titled. I actually had to stop the movie because it became painfully annoying, whiny, and borderline retarded! I eventually finished watching the movie but I felt that I had wasted movie time.

The Bad:

Seth's character is a big LOSER. He thinks that the world owes him. The fact that he does not contribute anything positive to society apparently is not his problem. Ethan, on the other hand, is your token good guy who doesn't want anyone to hate him. He established himself as an underachiever so he wouldn't overshadow his best friend, Seth.

The movie would've not been so hard to watch if it weren't for the fact that Seth goes through these diatribes about sex (which he's never experienced), the injustices of being a teenage virgin (for the love of God, not everyone has to be devirginized before college!!!) and how he and Evan could be the part of the cool crowd by being the procurer of all things alcoholic. There is no couth to the dialogue/language. Nilly, who watched the first half of the movie with me explained to me that Seth's lines are lines a guy would say in his head but never verbalize. Only someone who has the mental capacity of a moron would actually have an ode to penises and bodily functions the way Seth had.

There's also the side party Seth and Evan attended on their way to Jules' party which was very lame. Really, menstrual blood isn't that funny.

The movie also could have been better if the cops (played by Bill Hader and Seth Rogen who happens to be in Knocked Up, and writer to this movie) would have had less screen time. Their lines were shallow (although I do understand that they're shallow cops to start out with) and really unnecessary. I do have to admit that their final scene with Fogell/McLovin (whom I thought was a good scene stealer) was really good.

The Good:

If I haven't already said it, McLovin. He's funny, he's not pretentious. He actually wasn't afraid to actually call out Seth's BS.

Jules, Becca and Nicola were characters that were "normal". However, the drunken Becca/Evan sex convo was so American Pie contrived down to the "bitch" part.

When Evan finally called Seth a "brick". I never thought he'd actually call Seth on his BS.

The parting shot between Seth and Evan. It accomplished 2 things. One, it signified letting go between the characters, and (thank goodness) the second, the end of the movie.

Maybe I am getting too old to watch these kinds of movies. After watching this and Knocked Up, I'd say Knocked Up trumped this movie (even though I grumbled throughout Ben Stone's childish behavior of toking and acceptance of being a slob despite the fact that he knew he was going to be a dad).

Rating from 1 to 5, with 5 being a keeper movie: 2

*****************************************************
Juno on the other had is another story about 2 best friends that decided to have sex. Almost 12 weeks later, Juno finds out that she's pregnant with her best friend's kid.

The Good:

Every part of this movie is good. Ellen Page (Hard Candy, X3) was perfectly casted in this role as a smart-mouthed teenager. Her best friend, Leah (Olivia Thirlby) was also cast very well as the supportive girlfriend. "Phuket, Thailand" has never been used so well in a conversation.

Juno's dad (JK Simmons) was also great. He and Allison Janney played the parental role so well, I would've loved to be their kid with the exception of being named strangely like Juno or Liberty Bell.

Michael Cera as Paulie Bleeker was also really good. He was very sublime, accepting Juno's decision to put their kid up for adoption and yet accepting the fact that the mistake they made could have broken them as friends.

Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman as Vanessa and Mark was also good. Vanessa was your quintessential wanna-be mommy and Mark was the guy that just constantly gave in to make his wife happy despite the fact that he wasn't happy himself.

The best part: Juno's delivery. The whole way they portrayed Juno, her scene with her dad, and finally, Bleeker, was so heartbreaking, I was crying.

The Bad:

They could have portrayed Vanessa in a lighter light. I know that there are people out there that are as intense as her when it comes to the adoption/I-wanna-be-mommy syndrome but the desperation she showed almost made me think that if I were Juno, I would've not wanted her to adopt my child. Even at that, this is nitpicking on my end.

Strangely, a lot of the plot reminded me of the movie Saved, but I cannot really draw any comparison with the exception that the dialog written was very witty. Diablo Cody should win the award for best Script Writing.

Rating: 5/5.

The Tao of Grohl

2008-01-08T17:02:00.000-05:00

I love the fact that former Nirvana member is now an emulated guy. Dave Grohl: my hero. If I am going to find a mantra that matters, it would be his.

On a side note, what would Kurt Cobain feel knowing that his "I don't wanna sell out" attitude is not being held up to its standard? Case in point, Starbucks sells the Nirvana Unplugged on its shelf. Next to it is Eddie Vedder's digital download of "Into the Wild" (which is BTW a very good album).

Talk about irony.

I guess the only thing that you can take away from it is that it's all from Seattle.

Things I've Learned to Embrace (Again)

2007-12-30T08:03:00.000-05:00

With Christmas over, the TV series DVDs I've gotten had filled my TV-void days.

Things I've realized:

1. How sad Gilmore Girls ended. I can admit that the last 2 seasons of the show was rather so-so. I have seen better efforts. We knew for a fact that AS-P wanted out (or more money for the show) of GG. When WB called her bluff and handed the show to David Rosenthal, he had to keep the viewers' attention without the kooky Exec Producer's silver tongue (and pen). It was hard watching the show without the quick banter, see the struggle of the Rory/Logan and Lorelai/Luke relationship. I hated the fact that the Lorelai/Chris relationship had been RUINED by bad writing and viewer pressure.

But that's beside the point. Watching the season finale/series finale made me feel like I just lost a best friend. Truly, the show had captivated me 7 years ago. I didn't want to let it go. Watching the last ep yesterday finally made me realize that there might never be another show like it. During the first few weeks of the writers' strike, Mike Ausiello spoke with AS-P, and he scooped that there may be a movie or a prolonged special episode that may be produced in the future. We all know that Alexis Bledel wasn't really all that keen to reviving Rory (made obvious by dragging her feet to sign her contract). Lauren Graham wanted to say the special words AS-P wrote years ago when she dreamed to end the show.

Really, until it happens, I would weep the way GG ended.

2. Oh how I forgot how much I love Degrassi. Years ago, my brothers and I crowded in front of the TV to watch the drama unfold in the lives of Joey Jeremiah, Spike, Snake, and the rest of Degrassi Junior High. Now my brothers and I are older. I'd like to say wiser, and yet, Degrassi lives. This time around, Snake married Spike. Sean is now in a nursing home. Joey has lost his hair but he still plays uncle to the new batch of Degrassi children: Emma, Jake, Paige, Marco, et al.

If we only knew how much high school drama had changed! From coming out parties, to pharming, to school shootings and STDs, only Degrassi makes a viewer yearn to see how these children cope with the themes that would bring an adult to their knees.

I should just get this on DVD. It's an addiction I love getting to know all over after I've abandoned my Daria fix.

3. Daria. Now there's a girl with non-issue issues. What a coincidence that her classmate Britney was dating Kevin? MTV hadn't made anything this great in eons.

4. Veronica Mars. My Mallowy love. My LoVe love. My Weevil/Ronnie angst. From a rape/murder season one, to a bus crash/revenge, to college (huh?) transitions. 3 years wasn't enough. As much as I love the mother/daughter banter between the Gilmore Girls, Papa Mars and Ronnie relations take the cake. Not only is their relationship tight, it's realistic. When V was upset with Keith, she let him know and vice versa. GG really didn't know how to make the girls fight nice. Taking 2 seasons to air dirty laundry was an option I wish I could erase in GG TV.

5. Futurama. Should I say more?

I plan on rewatching Freaks and Geeks and Six Feet Under. *Sigh* Nostalgia.

What are you planning on reintroducing as your TV pleasure?

Shopkeep's 101 List

2007-12-27T13:23:00.000-05:00

Kylie1403 did it and now I am doing it.

Day Zero started a site a la Bucket List. You list what you want to do, give yourself a deadline to complete the list and hopefully check them off as you complete each task. It doesn't have to be grand or selfless. Actually, it can be quite selfish, but you have to give in as to better yourself and hopefully the world around you. Try it out. You just might find out something about yourself you haven't thought of in a while.

Here's the countdown

Health, Fitness & Personal Growth

1. Workout a minimum of 3 times a week
2. Have 1 drink a week to relax and enjoy myself
3. Go to church more often
4. Have only 1 cup of caffeinated coffee a day
5. Eat three servings of fruit and vegetables each day
6. Lose a minimum of 40 lb
7. Streamline my friends list
8. Get in contact with long-lost friends
9. Have a long, sincere talk with someone who has offended me
10. Ask forgiveness from someone I have offended
11. Update my will
12. Take a photo of myself every day for a month
13. Donate Blood at least 4 times this year
14. Donate my clothes that I haven’t worn in ages
15. Travel outside the country
16. Bring food to work rather than eat cafeteria food for 6 months
17. Minimize clutter
18. Try to swim the length of the pool without stopping
19. Cure my fear of diving
20. Run a 10K by July 2008

Education & Certificates

21. Recertify in CPR
22. Attend at least one class next semester
23. Recertify for my ASCP
24. Learn to speak a new language (Japanese or Spanish)
25. Take a class about Financial growth and improvement

Reading, Writing & Being Creative

26. Read at least 1 book a month
27. Write in my journal everyday for at least 6 months
28. Finish writing 2 of my stories on FF
29. Post, critique and suggest a book or movie once a month on my blog
30. Finish at least 1 scrapbook by the end of the year
31. Apply and use Grammar Girl’s word of the week in my writing
32. Read a book to my child before going to bed
33. Read a short book and try and illustrate it
34. Pick a work in the dictionary once a week and use the word in conversation
35. Teach a class at work
36. Learn 3 Ben Folds songs on the piano
37. Learn to play 3 John Mayer songs on the guitar
38. Edit my iPod playlist and have a list of positive music
39. Relearn my love of coloring with crayons
40. Learn stamping and using brats on a scrapbook page
41. Take at least 12 photos of my child on his first birthday
42. Read the whole Harry Potter series
43. Develop a story that has nothing to do with my FanFics
44. Write at least 5 handwritten notes in a year
45. Learn how to use a photo editing software
46. Document my feelings about each successful tick from this list

Family

47. Write my hubby a love note once a week
43. Call my parents once a week
44. Comment more on my brother’s blog
45. Declutter!
46. Buy one thing for each member of my family for them to wear all year round
47. Organize one sit down meal at home (and not on a holiday!)
48. Have one pool party reserved for family only
49. Make home made family ornaments for next Christmas

Friends
50. Write a blog or email about one friend and thank them publicly
51. Have a movie night without the kids
52. Organize a playdate for all the kids on a non-birthday date
53. Send a thank you card with flowers to my girlfriends
54. Find an old photo of my girlfriends and have it drawn or painted and send them off as presents for one of their birthdays
55. Have my friends sign a slam book and compare their answers then and now if there was a previous slam book filled out in their teens
56. Sponsor a family day out with 2 other families and have a picnic
57. Do a “10 Things You Don’t Know About Me” and let other friends fill out the survey

Spiritual
58. Go to confession
59. Give up cussing for Lent
60. Read and reflect on a Bible passage once a week for a year
61. Light a candle and offer a prayer bi-monthly for a year
62. Reflect on my day and annotate what I did well and what I can improve on for a year

Places, Travel & Sites
63. Visit NY and watch a Broadway Play
64. Get my new passport and travel outside the country
65. Visit Williamsburg, VA
66. Do Gettysburg
67. Hike one of the Susquehanna trails
68. Travel to the beach
69. Do Podunk Town’s Historical trail
70. Take the train to Philly instead of driving

Experience
71. Watch a musical I haven’t seen on TV or on stage before
72. The Longwood Gardens at Christmastime
73. A rollercoaster ride after 10 years
74. An expensive sit-down meal that has been Zagat rated
75. Have a grown-up night out with my hubby and friends
76. Go to a county fair
77. A full vegetarian meal and enjoy it
78. A quiet night by myself
79. See a concert and not worry how much it costs
80. My child knowing Santa is coming to drop off Christmas
81. The Baltimore Aquarium like a kid again
82. Treat the family out to the Cheesecake Factory at the Inner Harbor
83. Watch a Phillies home game with the boys
84. A year of 3 kids turning one in the next 365 day

Challenges
85. Eat approximately 1500 calories for 6 months
86. Run 4 times a week, a minimum of 2 miles each run
87. Reject cake and other sweets for 3 months
88. Watch TV no more than 2 hours a day
89. Learn to make pie crust
90. Save at least $100 a week for myself for a year
91. Enter a writing contest

Miscellaneous
92. Make a meal out of scratch once a year
93. Cross stitch something for the child in the next year
94. Finish painting the basement this year
95. Reorganize and remodel the kitchen this year
96. Plant an herb garden and keep it alive for a year
97. Keep my walk-in closet clutter free for 365 days
98. Eat organic food for 3 months
99. Cook an exotic dish once a month for 12 months
100. Buy 3 chick-flicks/chick lit in 12 months and not feel ashamed buying them, then loan them out to 3 people afterwards
101. Give at least 1 hug to someone outside of the family circle every week for 3 months

Hellboy II Preview

2007-12-20T22:01:00.001-05:00

I am so there, babysitter or eitherwise.

The Effects of The Writers' Strike to a TV Addict

2007-12-19T22:27:00.001-05:00

It's Wednesday and I am not watching Pushing Daisies. I am not watching Private Practice. Oh no, it's too easy to fall into the routine. With the strike and the absence of the new episodes could leave me zombified, drooling at the tv, waiting for my shows to roll in. However, this was what I encountered.

If I tuned in on ABC, I would be entertained by the show "Duel", a show that is bad-bad-bad. Mike Greenberg, the half of Mike and Mike In the Morning on ESPN is the host of the show and he has no charisma. He has no drama and he annoys the bejeesus out of me. I can stand him talking sports. However, as a show host? Not as much.

If I tuned to NBC, I'd be faced with the show "Clash of the Choirs". I am sorry. I can't watch Michael Bolton and Nick Lachey be the critique of what should be considered "lyrical greatness".

So, what does a confessed TV addict do during writers' strike?

Channel Surf.

I'm currently on VH1 watching the Greatest 100 Songs of the 90s. I caught the list starting at 80.

Let me say, I am intrigued. I am still watching it, right?

Here are some worth mentioning:

73 song: Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground-- I remember this song because it was played on AFRTS when I was in Bosnia. It woke me up at 0600, almost every morning and the song was seared in my brain until another song (usually Cake or some German band song) cleared the earworm. Currently, I have it as my ringtone on my mobile.

69.Freak on A Leash by Korn. Love the song. Love the video. It's number 17 on my Run Playlist. It is one for the few songs that haven't been replaced as a run song since 2000. It's probably going to be a mainstay on the run list-- especially the Freaky B mix. LOVRE IT!!!

During one of the breaks, VH1 mentions songs that didn't make the 100 list. Foo Fighters' "Everlong" got cut. WHAT???

Anyway, 40 to 60 roll in.

Worth mentioning? Shine by Collective Soul. Great sound. This song reminded me lot of Seattle.

3 AM. Matchbox 20 was up and coming then. A decade later, and almost 20 top 10 songs, they still rock. They're one of the few bands I would pay to see over and over because they have a great light show. Rob Thomas gives 110% on stage and he is one of the few people that can make an 80s songs like "Time After Time" sound timeless. It was an extra to just see him perform with Carlos Santana on stage for free.

(Damn) I Wish I Was Your Lover by Sophie B. Hawkins-- a great song. Won a bunch of admirers especially when Mz Hawkins, sexy as hell, came out and admitted she was a lesbian. Now, puts a new spin to the song, huh?

Weezer's Buddy Holly. You CANNOT hate this song. The album rocks (Hello, The Sweater Song!) and the video, made by Spike Jonze, pulled the Happy Days look real. Fonzie wasn't the coolest man in the room.

Alright, that's the list for me. Need sleep now. Will catch the other half later.

Who Texts the Most?

2007-12-17T18:29:00.001-05:00

Answer: The Philippines.

No wonder the country doesn't know what's happening around the world. (j/k)

If it's any consolation, Saudi Arabia is the youtube capital of the world.

The Dark Knight Preview

2007-12-17T09:34:00.000-05:00

I am so there it's not even funny.

Christian Bale did a splendid job with the first installment. From the looks of the preview, Heath (Ledger) and Bale will actually give us one hell of a ride.

Can't wait.

If that's not enough, how about Bale playing John Connor in the new Terminator movie?

I'd say it's an interesting choice to say the least.

The Giants Revived by Daisies

2007-11-19T07:58:00.000-05:00

... should've been posted 3 weeks ago but life got in the way.

They Might Be Giants, a group in the 80s, known for their kooky songs (Istanbul) and kookier lyrics had been a group I really enjoyed listening to when I got in the military. They were simple, easy to listen to, and great to listen to when you needed a little lift in the day. Here's one of their songs that made me happy every time it was played:

Imagine my surprise when the show Pushing Daisies gave the obscure sound a (short) reprise. It was fun hearing it especially when you're not expecting to hear the ditty.

With that in mind, what obscure band should have their song be sung by Olive (or any of the PD cast) and be given some new life?

Selling Out Thoughts?

2007-11-03T14:40:00.000-05:00

I thank TryJM for this posting.

Kooky Is The Norm

2007-11-01T12:24:00.001-05:00

Get Funny Pictures at pYzam.com

Veronica Mars- What Could've Been

2007-10-31T16:12:00.000-05:00

If you haven't seen it by now, I am giving you the opportunity. You see, I spread the Ronnie Love.

So, do you think it had a chance? God, why do I keep on thinking VM's partner's named Ethan? Oh yeah. He was Jack's boyfriend in Dawson's Creek. Yeah... The good times.

Attention, Heroes Writers: WTF???

2007-10-09T19:46:00.000-05:00

Kindered, the third episode to the second season of Heroes was probably the worst episode I've ever watched.

Hello, writers, what are you thinking?

I do understand that this season might be a little slower since characters had been established, and that the main storyline had been flushed. But for a show that had so much energy pumped into the plots and the characters in the first season, the second season has a lot of that lacking. The characters are limp, the plot is contrived, and the chill factor had turned to cheesy.

Let's take for instance the Jekyll and Hyde attitude Claire has for HRG. When Claire found out that her dad, HRG had done some baddie stuff in the past, she "forgave" daddy. So why did she give her dad the evil eye when she found out that her dad did some stuff to West in the past? It's not like he just tagged West the same day Claire found the marks on West's neck.

And let's talk about the cheesy Superman act West had with Claire. Come on, for a second, I thought my TV jumped to an episode of Smallville mixed with Laguna Beach.

I just hope that the crappy love story would end soon.

Next, the Peter loveline. Ooh, so he's soft on the Bonnie. And he has amnsesia. And he's relearning (sort of) his powers. God, we've done this before!!! And the part where Peter was trying to summon his powers upon command? Yeah, we've seen that in the first Spiderman movie, folks.

And Mohinder, and Molly, and Parker? My Two Dads is all I could think about, only it's half as funny and *yawn* boring.

When did Micah become so whiny? Why do we still have Niki? How is it that the baldie dude who's supposed to be the new person to hate doesn't intrigue me at all?

Am I just expecting too much?

Although I am still on the fence about Hiro's supposed love story with Takezo's girl, I thought the "letter writing" Hiro left for Ando to read was cool. Hiro still not getting back to the present is starting to annoy me too.

The only cool plot? Sylar not being able to get his powers back!!! Really cool. It's the only plot that seemed connected to the first season.

I still don't know how I feel about the Herrera twins. All I know is, if they don't get a good story soon, they (the writing gods) need to drop them because their purpose is almost as dumb as the Niki/Jessica plot.

If you think I am off, let me know. I need some reassurance that the shows I am watching actually have a destination I would like to visit.

Because Cupid Needs a Second Change

2007-10-09T19:03:00.000-05:00

Cupid, a show created by Rob Thomas in 1998 is being given a second chance.

The show is about Trevor Hale, a mental patient who thinks he is Cupid. Rejected by the gods (particularly Zeus) for being too arrogant, he thinks that for him to being back in favor with the deities he has to unite 100 couples without his trusty gadgets, the bow and arrow.

Of course, Dr Claire Allen, his psychologist and a romance counselor on her downtime, has to reassure Hale that he is not Cupid. So imagine the sparks flying when Hale disrupts Allen's couples' therapy as they butt heads on the Venus/Mars complex!

In the 1998 version, Cupid was played by Jeremy Piven. His Allen was quick witted Paula Marshall.

So here's the catch. Piven's doing Entourage. Marshall is starring in another RT show called Party Down (which by the way also stars VM alum Ryan Hansen) and Nip/Tuck.

Who should play the pivotal roles?

I would love Mark Matkevitch, formerly of Dawson's Creek and Joan of Arcadia to play the ascerbic but disarming Hale and someone like Lauren Graham to play the no-nonesense doctor. Far fetched? Well, who would you cast?

Thanks to Entertainment Weekly for this tidbit.

And if you have never seen an episode of Cupid, here's the first part to the Pilot episode. Be warned, you'll end up watching all the clips loaded on YouTube.

The 1 Hour Redux

2007-09-12T08:26:00.000-05:00

Should it be considered a shame?

Percy Daggs III (Wallace Fennell in Veronica Mars) and James Kyson Lee (Ando in Heroes) had been spotted touting Hot Pockets and McDonald's recently.

What is going on?

I know for a fact that money doesn't grow on trees. Percy may have a little more of a reason to do commercials since VM wasn't really making big bucks but Ando? I don't think Heroes really cut him a bad deal, right?

Prepping Up For the Fall

2007-09-11T20:25:00.000-05:00

I've already previewed Reaper versus Chuck.
This time, I will be blogging about Pushing Daisies and Big Bang Theory.

My thoughts?

Find the time to watch Pushing Daisies.

Big Bang Theory is a DUD.

Pushing Daisies is a fairy tale show spun with a Dead Like Me feel. Ned, our hero, is a guy with a talent for bringing the dead back to life for at least a minute. The moment he makes a dead person lapse over the minute, someone within close proximity would die in place. In return, Ned cannot touch another person he brought back to life unless he wants them dead.

So, imagine his predicament when he saves Chuck, the love of his life, from being worm food?

Yeah, bummer, isn't it?

I can't give away any more details. You have to watch it. If you ever watched Big Fish, you would definitely dig this show.

GRADE: A

Big Bang Theory

Here's IMDB's description: A woman shows two brilliant physicists how little they know about life.

My description? CRAP.

Leonard and Sheldon are physicist roommates who happen to find new neighbor Penny move into the next door. Of course she's someone from Nebraska starting a new life after leaving her cheating boyfriend. Leonard, who's trying to impress Penny, does her a favor by trying to claim back a stupid TV. Of course, said ex is a buff dude. Of course the nerds get pummeled. It was actually a miserable watch. Kaley Cuoco could do better. Same as Johnny Galecki. It doesn't help that the show started with the said nerds trying to donate sperm to get money to enhance their computer connection. The show's opener was supposed to be funny. The opening joke sounded creepy and gross instead. Eck!

GRADE: D-

I still have Bionic Woman and The Sarah Connors Chronicles. Weigh in on those shows coming soon.

Veronica Moves On

2007-08-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

Kristen Bell is now in Heroes! Yes, Heroes.

Better than LOST.

Better than a non-existent 4th Season of Veronica Mars.

Love to see her again on TV. Can't wait to see her until Fanboys come rolling in.

Thanks to Mike Ausiello for the K-Bell interview.

Previewing Fall

2007-08-12T23:44:00.000-05:00

You don't have to be a genius to know that some of the shows that are going to debut this fall had been leaked on the internet. Heck, Entertainment Weekly had written a list of the shows leaked last week! All you had to do was read.

So, to save me some time and headache, I found myself scouring youtube and other outlets for shows I might be viewing this fall. Two shows I previewed are Kevin Smith's Reaper and ABC's Chuck.

Reaper is a story of Sam, a slacker who found out on his 21st birthday that his parents promised him to the devil once he turned legal. Feeling doomed, he asks the Big Dog what he had to do now that he has to some indebted servitude to fulfill. Satan says that all he had to do was to collect the souls of Hell escapees. Apparently, a few of them broke free from the portals of hell so now Sam is tasked to "collect" these prison breakers. Overwhelmed, he seeks counsel from his friends, Soc and Ben when he gets 'gifted' with a Dirt Devil (hehehe) to capture his first escapee.

Well, Sam had to deal with that, and the fact that cute co-worker with ambition is apparently crushing on him. What's a loser like him supposed to do?

Truly, it's a "Dead Like Me" only without Mandy Patinkin as the task giver.

I like it. It's humorous and I can see how this can be a series. I don't think it would last no more than 2-3 seasons if it gets much viewers since you could just have so many episodes of slacker collecting souls for the demon and not find anything wrong with it. Sam finds on the first episode that he has a purpose other than working in a box store like Home Depot, and that he likes it. Is it worth a season worth of episodes? You be the judge.

Grade: B+

Chuck, like Reaper, is a story of a computer nerd (not geek) who does tech support for customers in a box company like Circuit City. On his birthday, his old Stanford roommate (who also happened to be the guy that took off with his ex-girlfriend) sends him an encoded email.

Opening the email had unleashed a governmental Pandora's Box. Before he knew it, he could "read" signs, news reports, subliminal messages, etc, that apparently affect the world as we know it. CIS and FBI and the CIA are after him, or as the premiere episode shows, his computer, since they thought they could keep top secret information from being intercepted by retrieving the email Chuck's old roomie sent.

Other than the fact that like Reaper, both characters learn something on their birthdays, have connections to people in Stanford or trying to get into Stanford, and are slackers that suddenly find a sudden purpose in life, these shows could've been swapped and no one would know any better. Sure, Chuck is trying to serve a higher purpose by involving espionage but man, since Jake 2.0, it's rather hard to really root for a nerd knowing that their shelf life is rather short... Or that it's available on better written shows like Ugly Betty.

Also, if you know anything about computer hardware, the first episode is a little tough to watch. A ninja tries to steal Chuck's tower, saying that the computer was destroyed when actually, the CASE was ruined but the hard drive wasn't. The fact that Chuck laments the same sentiment when he's supposedly a computer nerd is annoying and disturbing.

High points? Captain Awesome. Everyone has a Captain Awesome in their life... And you just can never achieve that level of "awesomeness" no matter what you do. (Puke, puke)

But then again, you have to view it to judge.

Grade: B

Like Reaper, there's just so much you can write about a reluctant hero/anti-hero. How much you can stomach the shows is what's going to keep them from being axed and having a season replacement debut before the month's over.

The one thing I can guarantee is that these shows are definitely more interesting than Cavemen, which is also downloadable... But aren't getting much bite even for a leaked show.

Best Week Ever Clip

2007-08-04T23:51:00.000-05:00

Because I have nothing better to do than stalk this guy:

John Mayer Sings Chocolate Rain

Posted Yesterday

John Mayer drops by the Best Week Ever studio to give a heartfelt rendition of his new favorite song: "Chocolate Rain."

Heroes, Anyone?

2007-07-30T23:15:00.000-05:00

Apparently, Kevin Smith does!

A John Mayer PSA: Calling Out All Idiots

2007-07-24T23:34:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday, one of the numerous John Mayer blogs (this specifically was on livejournal) brought up the fact that there were 63 teenagers corralled and booked for underage drinking, possession of marijuana and possession and use of illegal substances.

The thought was really sad that kids find it necessary to enhance an experience that was pretty cool enough watching stone cold sober. Not that this practice is new, by any standard, but it's still disheartening.

Fast forward to Tuesday. Apparently, Uncle John himself addressed the issue. I busted up laughing.

Kudos to a man who takes the time to give a PSA to morons like the 55 Kyles. I surely would like to see photos of anyone he sharpies or teabags. Truly awesome.

His other PSA that I love (and I wish he posts it on his MySpace) is his encouragement to have wannabe performers to get off MySpace and actually make a solid song; a solid hit. THEN spend time at MySpace.

Thanks to my brother, Chicken Scratch for the heads up. Anyone looking for a gifted guitarist in the Seattle area should drop him a note. You won't be disappointed.

John Mayer's The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2007-07-23T08:52:00.001-05:00

Here's what happens in the day of the life of a Shopkeep when she's liberated from the Monster.

Here's What May Come of Fall (Regular TV, Of Course)

2007-07-19T23:12:00.000-05:00

Seriously, NOTHING has really replaced my usual Tuesday combo TV habit of Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars. With the exception of Heroes and my Thursday line-up, here's what I am going to keep an eye on. As usual, elimination comes after third viewing... or until my interests hold up. You know how that can get... Or until the Kid actually allows me to watch.

MONDAYS
8;30 Aliens in America- Just because I need something stimulatingly stupid to convince me there is something else to watch
9:00 Heroes

TUESDAYS
9:00 Reaper- It's a Kevin Smith show. I will give it at least a shot.

WEDNESDAYS
8:00 Pushing Daisies- This has an interesting premise.
9:00 Private Practice- Slow when I first watched it as a Grey's Anatomy suppliment. However, it can devolve from here.
10:00 DirtySexyMoney- I never thought that I would watch a Donald Sutherland show. But then I like Peter Krause. Premise is rather interesting.

THURSDAYS
8:00 Ugly Betty
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
10:00Big Shots- Because it's interesting to see 4 ment act like women... And Michael Vartan and Chris Titus are in it.

FRIDAYS
9:00 Moonlight- I know it's almost an Angel ripoff but Logan, I mean, Jason Dohring is in it.
10:00 Numb3rs

Midseason replacements were not easy to spot. However, one show I am looking forward to watching Rob Thomas' new project, Miss Guided.

The other shows I will continue taping and watching on off times are Thursdays' Supernatural at 9 pm and Men In Trees at 10pm.

Two shows I may consider watching if time permits (or my dissatisfaction with all things CW or Amy Sherman-Palladino) are
Wednesdays' The Return of Jezebel James which is on the Fox network at 8:30 pm and Gossip Girl at 9:00 pm.

What will you be watching?

Chick Music and My Possible Fall Viewing

2007-07-15T23:02:00.001-05:00

Since the arrival of the Midget, I haven't dedicated much time to my hobby of critiquing music. It's not like I have stopped listening to music (heaven forbid) but I've not really found ANYONE that's worth listening to in full rotation. Is it because music had all of a sudden sucked? Hmm, no. Maybe my particular tastes have just changed. just maybe.

Let's take for example chick rock. Okay, I really don't mean to slam my gender but I've got to start somewhere.

I haven't really found any American act that I like. I was hoping that the latest Kelly Clarkson album "My December" would kind of waken the chick rocker in me. Unfortunately, it didn't. I cannot say that the album sucked. It actually is good comparing it to today's contemporary sound but I cannot get into it like I did "Breakaway". I know, you all are raising eyebrows at me, lapping up the pop sound she produced, but hey, I am guilty to admit that I find inspiration running to her tune, "Walk Away". Some of the songs on "My December" were good, despite being repetitive. It suffers what I call "Evanescence disease". It's still on rotation on my iPod but it's not often played.

Same goes for Canuck Avril Lavigne. Her "Best Damn Thing" album is not anywhere as angry as her previous albums. It is very noticeable that the grrrrl in her had been awaken by her hubby, Deryck Whibley, and that's okay, I guess if you want to really listen to her being happy and sappy. The songs produced/co-written by Butch Walker are evident, a lot angrier, more rock-infused, but not enough to resurrect the angry in me.

My last hope was Pink's "I'm Not Dead". Released in 2006, the slow simmering album had not become noticeable until the masturbation-friendly song "U+UR Hand" had become a staple in radio Top 40. I've had this album awhile, since I've bought it for the song, "Stupid Girls". I am embarrassed to admit that the only reason I have gone back to listening to the album again is because of the song "Who Knew" which was used as the promotional track to the sappy ABC TV Show "October Road".

If I was smart, I would've listened to "I'm Not Dead" through my moment of musical drought.

******************oooo0---0oooo*********************

TV SHOWS:

With Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars cleared from my TV listings, I am looking for my current drug. Thursdays so far is going to remain in tact with Ugly Betty (yay for Freddy Rodriguez as a probable love interest to the Betty/Henry hook-up) and Grey's Anatomy following it. Men In Trees are going to follow suit especially if it still would be following these 2 shows.

So what might I be watching?

I will be waiting in anticipation for the shows Pushing Daisies (ABC) and Reaper (CW, the network I am not really fond of since April). Aliens in America looks promising but I don't think I will at least try to catch it on rerun before adding it to my "taped" list.

I may watch Dirty Sexy Money (ABC) just because Chris Titus is in it. Will it be good? I don't know. I am not the most informed viewer... I might also catch Return of Jezebel James (FOX) because I am a sucker for pain. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino, I will watch it just because I am fond of her writing style, plus Lauren Ambrose, an actor I like, is in it. It should be a win-win in this case.

Other than that, I guess I will be waiting for Veronica Mars Season 3 to come out on DVD to relive my LoVe moments. I know, I am pitiful for not falling for the Pizonica love affair but as much as I like Piz, I think he's too good for my Marshmallow. Only the Logan can keep the mallow melting. Yes, I know I have declared my love for the Troy-meister too but he decided to play in another alter-universe (Smallville) that I don't watch. *Sigh* The times I am upset with myself for choosing TV shows that have a relatively short shelf life.

Mika, You're My Hero

2007-06-28T21:13:00.001-05:00

BAF Song List, Part 2

2007-06-26T00:14:00.001-05:00

If you need more musical musings, here's the list by Fickle Me:

A Summer Listing

2007-06-24T21:21:00.000-05:00

For the Build-A-Fic challenge, here's some musical inspiration.

Moving On-- TV edition

2007-06-16T07:29:00.000-05:00

Another reason to tune in. Here's a little news from Ausiello:

Rumor: Men in Trees has hired former Gilmore Girls exec producer David Rosenthal.
Fact. He'll be a consulting producer, serving as MIT creator Jenny Bicks' "number two."

It's nice to know that Rosenthal is actually doing something that has legs of its own and a romance beat that he probably would be comfortable helming. He may only be serving as a consulting producer but I think he'll thrive in this environment.

A lot of people were upset when DR tried to resuscitate life into the last season of GG but he was shoved against a corner, in a spot that any talented writer/producer would have a hard time tigging themselves out of especvially if they're not the original producers/writers. Case in point X-Men 3. DISASTER.

At least the writers/producers of my former favorite shows have found solace in other places. Rob Thomas has Miss/Guided, Mark Piznarski (who Piz was named after in VM) has moved on to Friday Night Lights and Gossip Girl and of course, AS-P has her baby The Return of Jezebel James this fall.

Here's to interesting TV this fall!

Veronica Mars Still Lives On

2007-06-12T23:10:00.001-05:00

Finally, CW has dropped the hammer and nailed in the last spike in the coffin. Veronica Mars as a TV show is dead.

Not that we had a chance, I guess. After 3 years of low viewership thanks to local channels airing baseball games, covering news and changing time slots without warning, the loyal fans had to rely on DVD, iTunes and piracy to get their hands on the latest chapter of the Neptune High gang.

It is sad to see the show go but Rob Thomas promised that Veronica Mars as we know it is not DEAD. Right now, he's trying to work out a deal with DC comics to keep our detective thriving. And he's still pumped up with making a feature film featuring our girl, Ronnie.

So we get to see her live on.

Now if we could just get more information on Miss/Guided, I will be really happy.

Kristin Bell Missing Veronica

2007-06-08T22:45:00.000-05:00

It's nice to hear that Kristen Bell has fond memories of her character, Veronica.

I wish certain actors (someone I won't mention but was on the TV show Gilmore Girls) would be a little more appreciative of the shows that made them who they are on the TV screen and help them transition into movies.

Since we're on GG topics, here's a new interview with Lauren Graham courtesy of Capitol File Magazine.

Uhm, as a side note, did you know that Milo Ventimiglia isn't the only Hero that appeared in Gilmore Girls? Hiro nakamura (yes, Masi Oka) was in Gilmore Girls too!

I happen to stumble on the episode where Lorelai drags Rory into the road trip to Harvard. Guess wh Rory was discussing with in the lecture hall? Yep, you guessed it, mister "Yata!" himself.

Heehee... Made me all gooey.

Movies to Look Forward to:

Fanboy
Evan Almighty
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Yay! Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrera)

A Frakkin' Heart Attack Support

2007-05-23T23:54:00.000-05:00

Veronica Mars may come to a big screen near you!!!

Could This Really Happen?

2007-05-23T00:05:00.001-05:00

I may still love AS-P as I read this in Ask Ausiello:

Question: So, what gives? There is no way you could still be at Fox's upfront party. Did you track down AS-P, and, if so, what were the final four words she had in mind for Gilmore Girls?— Katrina
Ausiello: OK, here's the deal: Yes, I tracked her down, but, no, she did not cough up those elusive four words. But wait — there's more. And it's good. No, amazing. No, un-frakkin'-believable. Amazing, even. Wait, did I say that already? Well, it's true. Because just as I was about to brand her a big ol' promise-breaker right there in front of all those industry types, Amy explained why she couldn't divulge her long-ago-planned Gilmore ending. (Gilmore fanatics: This is the time in Sprockets when you either lean on a heavy object or just sit down.) In the next year or two, she hopes to make — wait for it — a two-hour Gilmore Girls TV-movie that ties up all those loose threads! I nearly fell over when she said it — especially given what she told me back in December. (BTW, lest you think Amy was pulling my leg, her partner in life and in showbiz, Dan Palladino, confirmed that a GG reunion pic is something they're interested in pursuing.) And I wasn't the only one floored by this development. "She said what?" gasped Scott Patterson after I relayed the information to him over the phone. "I didn't think she would be interested in doing something like that. But if she says she is, I would seriously consider it." Alexis Bledel was equally stunned. "A Gilmore Girls reunion?" she said with a laugh. "That's certainly not something I had thought of doing. That's really funny, I have no idea how I would feel in a few years. I don't know, I'm sure the script Amy would write would be great, but I guess I'd have to read it and see how I felt at the time." Last but not least, Lauren Graham e-mailed me late last night to say, "Could be a fun idea if everyone wanted to do it. I would do it just to get the four final words out of Amy. They torture me." Stand by for a comment from Warner Bros. big cheese Peter Roth. In the meantime, head over to the Ask Ausiello Discussion Thread and start brainstorming campaign slogans!

NOW: If we could also hear a commitment from Rob Thomas to do a mini movie of VM!

Kirk's Fading Memory

2007-05-18T20:53:00.000-05:00

There isn't a better way to say goodbye to Gilmore Girls like Kirk does. So let's hear what his favorite moments are!

Me and My Computer Weep

2007-05-18T00:16:00.000-05:00

My computer connection died this morning. I should've known that Moses didn't want me to find out the hard way that Veronica Mars is dead.

It goes to show that CW is not going for class. It is going for the lowest common denominator. The network is not keen to keeping its cerebral viewers. Apparently, CW should be renamed as ADD network: the channel that only appeals to 12 year old boys and girls. It is sad. Sad that I have to subject myself to watching the big 3 this fall. I cannot even say that I am going to really stick around for my Supernatural boys. That I just watch when it's downloaded on the computer.

However, I am rather impressed by Rob Thomas for saying NO THANKS to CW's big brother, CBS, in producing the mystery Broadway show Viva Laughlin which also happens to be produced by my hunky love Hugh Jackman. Way to go!!!

Please join me in saying goodbye to the town of Neptune, murders, mysteries, quirky comebacks and all things marshmellowy. We will miss you.

Here's a little tribute to the show and how a ton of us found ourselves rooting for Logan and Veronica in the first season of the show. This is Troubled Times by Fountains of Wayne.

Enjoy!

The Rest of the TV Line-Up and Saving VM

2007-05-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

ABC's Fall Line-Up had been revealed and I am so glad to see what happens to Betty and her family next season. Ugly Betty was never on the chopping block but it's nice to see that American viewers like this quirky show that doesn't fall for the usual slapstick routine comedies like this are known for. Men on Trees also had been picked up, which is another show I follow. Pushing Daisies and Cavemen are the only 2 shows from this network that I might visit this coming fall. Private Practice is still on the "eh" part for me.

As for CBS' Line-Up, they were playing it safe. Canceling Jericho, it had kept most of its older shows like How I Met Your Mother, Ghost Whisperer and Numb3rs. The new Rob Thomas show Viva Laughlin will debut, which I might watch.

Fox on the other hand will obviously keep the American Idol alive. They also ordered another batch of Jack Bauer's series 24. But for the most part, they have a handful of shows they plan to bring to light. One of them is The Return of Jezebel James, the AS-P show that I would love to hate. However, it's got one of my favorite actress, Lauren Ambrose. Will I watch? We'll see.

Lastly, CW's Line-Up left me pissed. Pray I don't have to throw a rock at my TV screen. As I am glad that Supernatural was renewed (my Jensen heart is jumping), Dawn Ostroff and the CW company is getting some serious calls from Veronica Mars fans who didn't see the show in its line-up. According to Ask Ausiello the company has until June 15 to make a decision in regard to the show. So, if you want to keep Veronica Mars on the TV waves, please call the CW Viewer Comment Line at (818) 977-6878.

So, that's the TV line up for you. Comments? Suggestions?

Saving CW

2007-05-15T10:20:00.000-05:00

Only a TV Network can screw things up badly. But as EW commemorates GG walking off to the sunset, and maybe the untimely demise of VM, here's a little something they came up with to keep the Logan love going.

The Peacock Sheds Old Shows, Adds on Newbies

2007-05-14T09:40:00.000-05:00

This week, TV Networks unveil their fall line up. First in the series is the Peacock Channel, NBC, rids itself of oldie show Crossing Jordan, and cancels its expensive behind-the-scenes show Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

For the full line up, check the TV Guide's Upfront Central.

Let's pray that the other networks actually keep smart shows and dump stupid ones.

So Says Luke Danes

2007-05-12T16:45:00.000-05:00

Scott Patterson finally gave an interview on what he thought about Gilmore Girls and what is ahead of him now that the show's ending.

I can say that Saw 4 probably won't be the venue that would lead him to stardom (but that's just me).

Thanks to Ausiello for the interview.

Happy Friday!

2007-05-11T19:48:00.000-05:00

A little amusement courtesy of Zeroes.

Next Week's Mars

2007-05-10T07:18:00.001-05:00

Here's a preview of next week's show!

Thanks to the Veronica Mars page.

Online Videos by Veoh.com

How Do You Like VM Now?

2007-05-09T18:14:00.000-05:00

A little ditty writen by Kristen V at E!Online about how CW is giving Veronica Mars a second look, more like the royal treatment it deserves.

On other news, Supernatural and One Tree Hill are more than likely to be renewed. Their slots would be locked in on CW's May 17th press announcement.

GG's Goodbye, A Veronica Mars Shake Up and a Boo For Ugly Betty

2007-05-09T07:56:00.000-05:00

Per request of the TV Goddess, I am following my PSA with something that has more substance: Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars.

Ask Ausiello was teeming with questions and Gilmore love. Read 'em and weep. He posted his Q&A with Matt Czuchry which I thought was reallly nice.

As AA had hinted, Gilmore Girls' demise had given Veronica Mars LIFE. Yes, CW is now considering VM as a major player. Other shows that seem to be coming back are One Tree Hill (boo!) and Supernatural (yay!!).

Anyway, here are spoilers for the rest of VM's season before doing a title change. I like episode 19's title. I remember someone posting it on TWoP a few years back.

Episode 3.19: Weevils Wobble But They Don't Go Down
Airdate: May 22, 2007 at 8 p.m.

05/04 - Weevil is arrested for selling fake debit cards to Hearst students, but claims he is being framed because of his criminal background, and asks Veronica to clear his name. On Piz's radio show, Keith debates Vinnie (guest star Ken Marino, "Reno 911") about the upcoming election, while a tipsy Dick apologizes to Mac for the way he has treated her in the past. Veronica and Piz make up after their argument about spending their summer apart, and a mysterious sex tape of the two finds its way to the internet. Jason Dohring, Percy Daggs and Julie Gonzalo also star. Source: The CW

Episode 3.20: The Bitch Is Back (Season? finale)
Airdate: May 22, 2007

05/04 - Furious that Logan attacked Piz, Veronica tells Logan she wants nothing to do with him. Parker confronts Logan about still having feelings for Veronica, while Piz assures Veronica that he had nothing to do with the sex video. Veronica, with Weevil's help, investigates how the tape originated and discovers a person from her past is linked to The Castle and pays them a visit. With the re-election campaign nearing, Keith steps in to protect Veronica. Percy Daggs, Ryan Hansen and Tina Majorino also star. Source: The CW

Lastly, I am showing my annoyance that ABC is going to be moving Ugly Betty to SUNDAYs. With football in the fall, I bet the numbers won't be holding up as well as it is now. Reconsider, ABC!!!

My PSA for the Day

2007-05-07T19:59:00.001-05:00

BUY NO GAS on May 15th 2007

In April 1997, there was a "gas out" conducted nationwide in protest of gas prices. Gasoline prices dropped 30 cents a gallon overnight.

On May 15th 2007, all internet users are urged to not go to their local gas station in protest of high gas prices. Gas is now over $3.00 a gallon in most places.

There are 73,000,000+ American members currently on the internet network, and the average car takes about 30 to 50 dollars to fill up.

If all users did not go to the pump on the 15th, it would take $2,292,000,000.00 (that's almost 3 BILLION) out of the oil companies' pockets for just one day, so please do not go to the gas station on May 15th and let's try to put a dent in the Middle Eastern oil industry for at least one day.

If you agree (which I can't see why you wouldn't) copy, paste and email this to all your contact list. Or cut and paste and post this on your own blog.

''Don't pump gas on May 15th"

Saying Goodbye to Gilmore Girls

2007-05-03T13:43:00.001-05:00

And now, the end is near.

Gilmore Girls is finally canceled.

WATCH VERONICA MARS TONIGHT!!!

2007-05-01T13:19:00.000-05:00

I am doing my share to advertise the return of VERONICA MARS tonight on the CW, right after Gilmore Girls.

Here's what is to expect in the next couple of episodes. Copy and paste this blog, visit the E!Online site, the Veronica Mars site, whatever you have to do to keep the show going.

If you don't have a clue as to what's going on, go to your local library and rent seasons 1 and 2. Netflix it, Blockbuster it. Just WATCH IT.

Veronica in Five Years (Or Next Season)?

2007-04-30T08:50:00.000-05:00

Just as all shows start their last episodes before saying goodbye for another season, one is struggling to have its head honchos convinced that they need one more season. It may be a leap of faith on my behalf but Rob Thomas gave us a sliver of hope through Kristin V on E!Online.

If you're as hopeful as I am, see what the mastermind wants you to know and what you can do to keep the show going (crossing fingers involved).

Bumbershoot 2007

2007-04-25T10:15:00.001-05:00

I have to admit I miss being in the Pacific West Coast. Bumbershoot was a concert experience I miss. I love the musical talent, the artists that hang out, food and people galore. If that's not enough, there are movies, movies and movies! The whole event is an experience to behold.

So... if you're in and about the Emerald City (specifically the Seattle Center) around the first to third of September, join in the festivities!

For more information, check out the Bumbershoot's myspace page. If the lineup doesn't get you, consider yourself outdated.

Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars and Another Actor in Rehab

2007-04-25T07:32:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday and here's the scoop from Ausiello. I've copied down the GG and VM news. More on his site for Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and Supernatural scoop.

Again, thanks Mike!

Question: Thanks for keeping us updated on the nail-biting situation that is Gilmore Girls' possible eighth season. Please give us the latest update, even if it's that things are the same.— Heather M.

Ausiello: The 13-episode deal should've been signed, sealed and delivered by now. Something's obviously holding up the works. Maybe Sally Struthers is playing hardball.

Question: Can you please tell us in what episode and in what situation Luke and Lorelai will kiss after a year apart?— Audrey

Ausiello: God, you guys are an impatient bunch. (Spoiler alert) It happens in the season finale shortly after Luke single-handedly prevents Rory's graduation party from becoming a total washout. Do you also want to know how much tongue there is?

Question: I've been dying without Veronica Mars since it's gone on hiatus. Could you please give me some scoop on the new episodes?— Courtney

Ausiello: As I mentioned in the latest Ausiello Report vodcast, I've seen the next two episodes, and I'm ready to declare the new self-contained mystery experiment a resounding success. Not only does the new format rock, but I actually prefer it to the season-long arcs. And it's not like the show's serialized nature has been completely abandoned. Far from it. The continuing saga that is Veronica's love life actually gets extra play in these episodes. Major developments abound, and, strangely, most of them seem to occur in or around elevators.

Question: Your spoiler last week about Veronica telling Logan he's out of her life forever was unsettling.— Joan

Ausiello: No worries. After you watch the first two episodes, I have a feeling you'll be following my lead and switching to Team Pizonica. If their big kiss on May 1 doesn't win you over, the final scene on May 8 ought to do the trick.

Question: Any truth to the rumor that the CW did not jump for Veronica Mars' FBI scenario?— Lori

Ausiello: No truth whatsoever, actually. As I reported in the Ausiello Report, Mars' main man Rob Thomas was baffled by Enrico Colantoni's assertion that Dawn Ostroff rejected the FBI idea. I think his exact words were, "I have no earthly idea what Enrico is talking about." As Rob pointed out, the CW doesn't see (or hear) his pitches for next season until May 2.

Now for something completely different.

I tried doing what Stephen King did: naming as many actors that had gone to rehab while playing Amy Winehouse's song "Rehab". Here's the latest addition courtesy of IMDB.

Rhys Meyers Checks Into Rehab

Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers has checked into rehab for alcohol abuse. The Tudors hunk, 29, entered an unspecified facility in the US earlier this week, his representative Meredith O'Sullivan has confirmed to America's People magazine. O'Sullivan says, "After a non-stop succession of filming Jonathan Rhys Meyers has entered an alcohol-treatment program. He felt a break was needed to maintain his recovery. Jonathan plans to resume his schedule following completion." Rhys Meyers has just finished filming August Rush opposite Terrence Howard and Robin Williams in New York City. The Dublin-born actor was arrested in January 2005 alongside then-girlfriend Reena Hammer under suspicion of assault and possession of cannabis. Charges against Rhys Meyers were later dropped. He referred to the incident as a "screaming match", which neighbors misheard as a physical fight.

BTW, the other actors I came up with are:

Drew Barrymore
Mel Gibson
Colin Farrell
Britney Spears
Lindsay Lohan
Kate Moss

Who can you come up with?

Another Gilmore Girls Scoop

2007-04-20T11:42:00.000-05:00

I swear I need to be paid to keep tabs on this show. :D

Here's something to "hmmm" about.

Thanks again to Ausiello and his moles for giving us this scoop.

A Peek Into Mars on May 1st!

2007-04-19T12:57:00.000-05:00

Here's what you can expect of the first stand alone mystery Veronica must solve before the season ends.

There Is a God!

2007-04-19T07:41:00.000-05:00

Since I've been on a 3-month "vacation", I've had the opportunity to watch evening TV. I haven't been given this opportunity since October 2002 so it was almost a Christmas present of sorts, especially from someone who loves primetime TV.

So imagine my surprise when 2 shows I don't watch did the inevitable.

Clyde Drexler got eliminated from Dancing with the Stars.

Sanjaya got eliminated from American Idol.

FINALLY!!!

Once Heather Mills gets eliminated from Dancing With the Stars (I think she gets pity votes since she's as stiff as starched outfits when she performs), I'll think the world will be back in order.

Man, if this could happen, we might be able to vote for a smarter president and get world peace up and running.

Here's to all things normal!

Ausiello Scoop: The Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars Edition

2007-04-18T07:25:00.000-05:00

It's refreshing to see the newest episode of Gilmore Girls. Seven years and running, I still cannot tolerate Taylor Doose. Why is that?

Anywhoo, here's the scoop from the Ausiello Report. Much more at the site but I just wanted to highlight the Gilmore Girls drama and what we're to expect at the land of Mars.

My big question: if V is going to say goodbye to Logan, does that mean he won't be around for next year's flash forward???

Question: I'm excited to hear about the possible shortened eighth season of Gilmore Girls. Got anything new to report on that front?— Heather

Ausiello: At the show's wrap party Sunday night, everyone and their sister was talking about the short order as if it was a done deal. The only sticking point appears to be the number of episodes. I'm hearing 13, but I imagine the CW is trying to stretch that to at least 16. An official announcement is imminent.

Question: Do you know anything about the season/series finale of Gilmore Girls?— Jeremy
Ausiello: I know that the townsfolk throw Rory a massive graduation party since most of them couldn't get tix to the real ceremony. I also know that the final scene features three characters and, per one source, "brings the show full circle."

Question: You rarely talk about Veronica Mars anymore. What gives? Please tell me you have some info about the upcoming five episodes.— Mary Wakefield
Ausiello: LoVe 'shippers, this is the time in "Sprockets" when you shield your eyes: In the May 29 season finale, Veronica tells Logan that he's out of her life forever.
Question: Damnit, man! You've neglected Veronica Mars fans for too long! Give us some scoop or I will dismember a Smurf doll.— Stephanie
Ausiello: How many times do I have to tell you people?! Threatening violence against the Smurfs will get you nowhere in this column!

Question: Please, Michael, give us some scoop on Veronica Mars. Anything, I beg of you. — Alvim
Ausiello: Begging, on the other hand, will get you everywhere. Two characters we haven't seen in quite some time will be featured prominently in the finale. And their names are *ak* K*** and *l*ren** *ied*an. (Yes, I'm aware I made that ridiculously easy. I give you gifts. Learn to accept them.)

==> Those wondering: it's Jake Kane and Deputy Leo (Max Greenfield, who also plays Alexis' assistant in Ugly Betty)

SPOILERS (and Another Hint of GG's Demise)

2007-04-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Kristin V of E!Online.

Here's the juicy stuff I got covering Ugly Betty, Veronica Mars (squee!!!) and Gilmore Girls (sob):

Daniela in Brazil: Any news on Bette la Fea?
Claro que sim! The next new episode of Ugly Betty, which airs this week, is fantastic. You must watch. There's a surprise wedding proposal (not a good surprise), and there's a surprise twist to Daniel's latest conquest (again, not a good surprise). Plus, two characters who haven't hooked up before will hook up! And Betty will endure two breakups (not of the romantic nature) before the week is up. (Sniffle.) It's a juicy little ep.

Carl in Phoenix: What's the word on Veronica Mars?
Looks like a few old friends will come back for the finale. As I told you a few weeks back, Max Greenfield (Deputy Leo, who also has a hilarious comeback on this week's Ugly Betty as Amanda sinks her claws in to try and take his job), will return to Veronica for at least one episode, including the season finale. And Jake Kane will also be back! Now, as long as this isn't a fond farewell finale and just a season finale, I'm all for this. Oh, and by the way, I hear that if Veronica were to continue, Rob Thomas is interested in doing a storyline between Deputy Leo and Daddy Mars—yet another reason to renew.

Glo in Boston: Any scoop on Gilmore Girls? Any gossip on it coming back? Some say yes, others say no.
You aren't going to like this (sorry, it's hard for me to report!) but I think you can add Damian Pelliccione into the "no" column. He has a small part on the show as Rory's friend Lance, and at the GLAAD Awards, he said: "I have one or two more episodes and that's it; my character dies off—no, doesn't die really, just the show's dying. And you'll see a lot of switching between Rory and Lorelai's character toward the end—it's a big juxtaposition. I can't give too much away, but you really see Rory grow up and mature by the end of this season."

Here's the link to Ausiello's version of the GG drama.

Gilmore Gossip: Read Only if You Want Spoilers

2007-04-06T13:28:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Spoilerfix.com

Episode 7.19: It's Just Like Riding a Bike
Airdate: April 24, 2007

04/05 - Lorelai stops into Luke's diner for breakfast for the first time since their break-up, but finds they are awkward and uncomfortable together. Later, Lorelai's Jeep breaks down and she asks Luke to help her shop for a new car. While they look at cars, Lorelai and Luke's irritation with one another finally explodes into a fight, which Lorelai secretly takes as a good sign. Meanwhile, Paris gets accepted to numerous law schools and medical schools, and decides she must break up with Doyle (guest star Danny Strong) so their relationship won't influence her choice of a graduate school. Finally, Rory gets a surprising letter that will impact her future plans. Melissa McCarthy, Yanic Truesdale and Sean Gunn also star. Source: The CW

Episode 7.21: Title Unknown
Airdate: May 8, 2007

04/04 - According to Madeleine, a USC student, the show filmed the graduation scenes on USC's campus. The graduation scene features Christopher and Lorelai standing and cheering for Rory. Emily and Richard were also there. Madeleine didn't notice Sookie, Luke, or anyone else in the "friends" category but that doesn't mean they won't attend. When Rory and Logan break up, Rory will still be in her graduation garb and will hand him back a black ring box. He takes it and walks away. Source: SpoilerFix BuddyTV Spoilers Chat

General Spoilers:

04/04 - SpoilerFix.com visitor, MacKenzie, emailed us some spoilers after going on a WB VIP set tour. "We saw that Lorelai's doll house, that she so loved that we saw in an episode many many moons ago that Richard brought her, was all smashed up is if it had been thrown or something hit it when we toured the set of Richard and Emily's house! Also, Richard and Emiy's house had a "For Sale" sign posted on the front of their house by the front door!" Source: SpoilerFix BuddyTV Spoilers Chat

... So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good bye... GOOD BYE

Gagging- The Music Issue

2007-03-29T12:37:00.001-05:00

I was reading Popwatch when this was posted. Man, and I thought I was bad.

In the spirit of all things corny, here's my contribution:

Breathe- Midge Ure
Angels- Robbie Williams (Jessica Simpson should have NEVER remade this song)
Brick- Ben Folds (although this isn't a sweet song, it's still a ballad!)
Kiss The Rain- Billie Myers
I Don't Like Mondays- Boomtown Rats (Yes, this is not another of the feel good ballads- talk about having a bad day
Bad Day- Daniel Powter
Fall Behind- Candlebox (OMG, talk about angst ridden teenage years in Seattle. Where is my lighter?)
Never Surrender- Corey Hart
Time After Time- Cyndi Lauper
Don't Dream It's Over- Crowded House
Cannonball- Damien Rice

That's my list. If you notice, not all are lovey dovey as "I'll Be". Then again, I am not normal... Ask anyone related to me. What's your top 10? (Yes, I know I put in 11 but Bad Day is so recent it shouldn't count)

So here's my rule: Don't repeat anything that's posted. If it is on the popwatch list, you have to put an asterisk on it and don't count it as part of your 10 songs.

GO!