Ivy's closet

I just want my pants back - TV review

2012-02-15T01:44:00.001-06:00

“But it wasn’t love. It was some kind of unscratchale itch. It was crying three A.M. phone calls and screaming in an un-air-conditioned car at stoplights over directions and generally expending vast amounts of energy and passion playing devil’s advocate on points I really didn’t care about but couldn’t leave alone. But maybe that was love, someone who could drive you crazy, someone you couldn’t ignore even when you wanted to, who got under your skin.”

—	*I Just Want My Pants Back (David J. Rosen)*

OK...

There are gonna be a few out there that can't stand this show. Maybe, even a lot of haters, in fact. After all, they don't want to see a show about 20-somethings in the big apple who only talk about sex, constantly. And we know the uproar SKINS brought to MTV.

“It came to my realization that very few people were doing what they wanted to be doing; they just got caught up in whatever they were doing long enough that it became who they were.”

—	*I Just Want My Pants Back* (David J. Rosen)

But we do have an older crowd(of age ). And I have to say, I thought the writing was pretty sharp. I love the supporting cast. Especially, the couple Eric (Jordan Carlos) and Stacey (Elisabeth Hower). Of course, I'm so happy to see Peter Veck as Jason, the main character. Although, we see a guy who gets in such peculiar situations which is practically drive by sex, still one has to wonder if he'd(Jason) act the same way if he were left in the mid-west, closer to his parents.

“Funny to girls, is like boobs to guys.”

—	I Just Want My Pants Back

Elisabeth Bower, Jordan Carlos, Kim Shaw and Peter Veck

Yet, where ever you are, there are going to be friends like this. Some grow up, some just find a way to advert what we might truly think of them. I like the idea that these friends are open enough to discuss everything. This is definitely a show experimenting with possibly the writing staffs experiences, young and free in New York City.

"I like your potentially clouded judgment."- Jason

Its truly an adventure in each episode. And these are characters we wonder if they'll ever learn from their mistakes. Will they want too? Perhaps they are better than they even know. It'll be interesting to see where MTV will take this show. So far, I'm eager to see what's next.

Yes, I suspect there will be LOTS of haters of this show. But I still find it fun, and unique to watch.

Warning, this show is gritty. You might find the females rather harsh, yet all of them are bit sexually aggressive and yet passive on love.

STORYLINE: Struggling with sex, love, career and friendship as a young twenty-something living in Brooklyn, Jason is the ultimate slacker who puts hanging with his friends, going to bars and hooking up above his entry level job where he's the lowest rung at a casting agency. It's not until a one night stand steals his heart and his pants, that he begins a quest to get his beloved jeans back, and hopefully the girl, while also growing up along the way.

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Fiction Tuesday- The Future of Us

2012-02-14T01:44:00.056-06:00

Carolyn and Jay with a fan

This YA novel has a lot going for it. It has Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler writing it. All together, it is a highly anticipated book for many. Just don't go in thinking its Th1rteen R3asons Why because its not.

“I’ve always protected myself when it came to love. And maybe that’s the problem. By not letting myself get hurt now, it ripples into much bigger pain later.”

—	Emma Nelson, in The Future of Us

MY DREAMCAST for Emma & Josh - Vanessa Marano and Beau Mirchoff

This is the story of Josh and Emma who are friends back in 1996. Just when AOL was COOL and home computers were the next big thing to have. Also FACEBOOK was starting. It is a teen story with a bit of a time-travel twist to it. What if you found your FACEBOOK page 15 years from now? What if you didn't like what you see?

“You are a go-with-the-flow guy. You’ve always been that way. And that can feel great because it means you don’t have to make any hard decisions. But sometimes, you need to figure out what you want. If that means you need to swim against the tide to get it, at least you’re aiming for something that could make you very happy.”

—	David Templeton, in The Future of Us

There are plenty of 90's references in this book. Also a pretty terrific supporting cast, too. Which sometimes, doesn't happen in YA novels when the main focus in on the two main characters.

"I just finished reading The Future of Us, the best worst book I’ve read in a long time. It was a terrible book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The best parts of it were the references to things going on in the mid nineties that were obviously only put in to remind the reader that the year is 1996."-Emily Hoffman

There are mix-feelings about the book. However, this book will be made in a movie.

“Emma kissed me. The moment our lips touched, I was back to where I was six months ago. It was the kiss I wanted last November. It felt like everything that happened this week had finally brought us together again. We could start over.

Then I realized the truth. She wasn’t kissing me because of who I am. She had that chance last fall. Emma just needed something that would create a huge ripple, and she didn’t care if it would hurt my future. But more than that, she didn’t care if it would hurt me.”

—	The Future of Us, Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler.

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Have you read this book yet? Any thoughts?

The Vow

2012-02-13T01:05:00.072-06:00

I know what you, are thinking? I just couldn't. Not this movie. Why would I want to see it? Valentine's Day? Seriously? Oh, but its full of love, hope and faith. Showing that loving someone isn't always perfect.

“How do you look at the girl you love and tell yourself it’s time to walk away?”

Well..you've got a lot of Channing Tatum to take you through this movie. But this isn't the Notebook. Its not even Dear John. The story is based on a true life experience. Its the story about Paige and Leo who meet in Chicago. The movie honestly plays tribute to the windy city. We see how they met. How enchanted he is by her first smile.

This movie shows all their fun and quirks with each other. How their relationship develops and marriage takes place. And then the tragic thing that happens after a car crash. She can't remember him. Paige doesn't remember being an artist. Yet, she remembers wanting to be a lawyer, her parents she hasn't spoken to in years and the fiancee she practically left at the alter. Its as if Leo has vanished from her. The movie has its twist and turns. How he tries his best to help her find her way back to him. There is the conflict of her parents. Yet secrets lurk, too.

“Life’s all about moments of impact, and how they change our lives forever. But what if one day you could no longer remember any of them?”

—	Leo - The Vow

I really enjoyed the supporting cast in this movie. Jessica Lange is always terrific in every second she has on screen. Scott Speedman as the ex who could possibly pick up just where he and Paige left off. Also Dillon Casey as Ryan was a delight being her sister's groom.

It was actually better than I anticipated. Really, it is an enjoyable film. About real love and real situations. Just what would you do in such a memory loss situation of your significant other?

I loved him in this first scene with this hat...when they met.

I vow to love you, and no matter what challenges might carry us apart, we will always find a way back to each other.-Leo

I didn't find the movie sappy, yet I liked watching how they both have to accept the facts that their world has changed after the accident.

STORYLINE: A car accident puts Paige (McAdams) in a coma, and when she wakes up with severe memory loss, her husband Leo (Tatum) works to win her heart again.

The wedding scene was awesome!

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Michael Graziadei

2012-02-12T01:43:00.002-06:00

He plays such an awesome bad boy! Michael got his start on Young and the Restless. He's been in such films as THE OUTSIDE, Into the Blue 2 and Boogeyman 2.

But you may remember him very well in AMERICAN HORROR STORY as Travis. Recently, in SECRET CIRCLE as the memorable Callum.

Graiziadei was born in Germany.

At the moment he's working on the movie Halfway to Blackout. Where he plays a rockstar who drinks to remember. I have a feeling he can pull this off. I can only hope he's the IT GUY for bad guys this year in TV and more. He does it with such coolness. Yet, I think he could be the new Paul Rudd, too.

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Ksenia Solo

2012-02-11T01:03:00.041-06:00

You may remember her from LIFE UNEXPECTED as Natasha.

However, you might remember her more as Kenzi from LOST GIRL.

On the drama series Lost Girl, airing Mondays on Syfy, actress Ksenia Solo plays Kenzi, a con artist and thief, who is extremely street-smart and resourceful. She is the only true confidante of Bo (Anna Silk), a Succubus that feeds off the sexual energy of humans, and her wide array of contacts makes her very useful. Regardless of the darkness in her past, Kenzi’s focus is now on protecting Bo from a world that will never understand her as well as she does.-Fangs For the Fantasy

Perhaps you remember her from BLACK SWAN.

kensinartis

"To me, it’s very NCIS meets True Blood with a little taste of Secret Diary of a Call Girl. That really attracted me. And for most of my career, I had always played very dramatic roles, so the fact that Kenzi was the comic relief of this show was just really attractive to me because I’d always wanted to do comedy." -Ksensia Solo talking about LOST GIRL

She was considered one of the 55 faces of the future by Nylon Magazine's Young Hollywood Issue (May 2010)

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Tormented

2012-02-10T01:42:00.042-06:00

The wicked Bradley White

Not quite into that romantic stuff? Well, there is always the option of horror. And in this case, its done up with vengeance, sexy and a very naughty Alex Pettyfer who shows all the emotions of torment. SKINS alumni are included in this slick British film, April Pearson and Larissa Wilson, along with THE FADES Sophie Wu. Its just, you'll never know who's really out to get at school.

Tasha the bully's girl who has her on mean girl attitude

The head girl Justine gives a speech on the funeral of the teenage schoolmate Darren Mullet that has just committed suicide but she does not recall who he was. Then she is invited by Alexis to date him in the celebration party in the house of his friend Bradley. Soon Justine discovers that Darren had a crush on her and was bullied by Bradley and his friends including Alexis. When each one of Bradley's friends is found dead, they discover that Darren has returned from beyond to revenge the humiliations he was submitted.

Jason: You have no idea what it's like to be bullied do you?
Justine: I'm sure it's awful
Jason: Darren couldn't escape even when he was at home. They sent him texts and e-mails and they set up a website.
Justine: Website?
Jason: Can you believe that? What's he supposed to do, you tell a teacher and they tell the bullies off and that gives them an excuse to come after you. You tell your parents and they just say stand up for yourself. Darren couldn't stand up for himself.

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nouvelle vougue

2012-02-09T01:06:00.001-06:00

Nouvelle Vague is the name used by French producers Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux for their series of albums which cover pop songs in bossa nova/easy listening style. The pair gathered together French and Brazilian female vocalists to sing cover versions of 'classic' pop songs, including Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and "Teenage Kicks" by The Undertones.-amazon

I used to listen to Love Will Tear Us Apart and The Guns of Brixton, nonstop. Although, I think its the notion that these artists give such classic pop songs a romantic flare that you can't find, anywhere else. Just recently I fell in love with DANCE WITH ME, and it made me want to find more of their songs to listen too.

Dream of better lives the kind which never hate
Dropped in the state of imaginary grace
I made a pilgrimage to save this humans race
Yes I did
What I’m comprehending a race that long gone bye-I will melt with you

So this is the month of romance. Who knows this just might be what you need to add to your playlist!

“give me the words
give me the words
that tell me nothing
give me the words
that tell me everything”-in a manner of speaking

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Samuel Larson

2012-02-08T01:42:00.003-06:00

Can you tell I'm a Samuel Larson Fan? I'm so happy he's finally on GLEE. Soon. "Heart" Feb. 14th. I was afraid something had happened and he wouldn't be on the show. I'm glad they've let him find his way there.

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Fiction Tuesday- Georgette Heyer

2012-02-07T02:52:00.046-06:00

If you love your Regency romance and mysteries, then I'm sure you have heard of Georgette Heyer. Perhaps she didn't live in the period of Jane Austen nor the Brontes, but she is the creator of what we know as Regency Romance. If you are looking for a light-hearted, low-stress read, with charming characters and sex-free... then this is the author for you.

“‘It is merely that I find I cannot live without you, my adorable Frederica!’
‘Is it like *that*? Being in love? You see, I never was in love, so I don’t know. … It has always seemed to me that if one falls in love with any gentleman one becomes instantly blind to his faults. But I am *not* blind to your faults, and I do *not* think that everything you do or say is right! Only — Is it being — not very comfortable — and cross — and not quite *happy*, when you aren’t there?’
‘That, my darling, is *exactly* what it is.’”

—	Frederica by Georgette Heyer, 1965

Her first novel was published in 1921. THE BLACK MOTH. Georgette was just 15 when she wrote it. And she had written it to entertain her convalescent brother. Her last book was MY LORD JOHN. She also wrote detective stories, too. She died in 1974.

“Miss Heyer has the delightful talent of blending humor with mystery.” Boston Evening Transcript”Heyer is an author to read—this means you!” New York Herald Tribune”

Miss Heyer’s characters and dialogue are an abiding delight to me… I have seldom met people to whom I have taken so violent a fancy from the word ‘Go.’” Dorothy L. Sayers

Have you read any of her work? What is your take on her writing?

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Georgette Heyer.com

The Woman in Black

2012-02-06T01:03:00.100-06:00

Its hard to say if this movie would have worked with any other actor. Or if this movie could have worked without a character driven story. I can't think of any other splendid actor but Daniel Radcliffe for the part of Arthur Kipps. Also, Daniel is bringing sexy and sensitive back to short guys.

The movie is a period piece. The Victorian age. Long before computers and fax machines, lawyers had to actually go on trains and long carriage rides to remote places they needed to be. Right away, we know Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe) has had a very sad life. Even during a morning shave, you may wonder if he is just a little suicidal.

“You know, the story was so good and so compelling and I wanted to be a part of telling it. It was quite that simple. Obviously, the part was really interesting and when I met [director] James [Watkins], that became an incentive as well, to work with him. And also, I felt, because of those little art house movies I made, that people would be going in expressly to try and see bits of Harry in the performance, and I thought that a film like this, which has an incredibly strong story, that people would be less–I think, because the story’s so engrossing–people would be, after the first ten minutes, they would forget about maybe what they came in to try and see.”-Daniel Radcliffe

In the Victorian days was the age of new spiritualism, superstitions and connecting with the afterlife. These are all wonders that still fascinate us. Isn't that why we want to see this movie in the first place? Its also romantically historical, yet filled with creepy toys and scary houses. Honestly, the film has an authentic nostalgia to it, making it the perfect ghost story..from costumes, dark rooms and even sideburns!

The wonderful Sophie Stuckey plays Stella Kipps

As it is, Radcliffe's Kipps goes through his day seeing his lady in white, the ghost of his dead wife who died during their son's child birth. Yet, he has to pay the bills too, so he's sent to a very remote village to settle what's left of a place no one wants to go too.

The setting is amazingly wicked. A beautiful house out on the marsh. Its terribly scary, but so inviting, too. Naturally, there are many rooms in the house. And Kipps is all alone, discovering all sorts of creepy things. The movie lingers with suspense. The village people are mysterious, as well. Kipps soon learns horrible things are happening in the village to the children. Of course, the villagers are sure its because Kipps came to town. After all..he saw the woman in black.

Perhaps this story has been done. However, we are moved by the character Kipps. His sensitivity. His beauty. And I'm happy Daniel Radcliffe is Arthur Kipps. Honestly, its a fond transformation. Those Harry Potter days are over. Radcliffe is definitely moving on.

If you are up for a truly good old fashioned ghost story, this is the movie for you. Its based on Susan Hill's novel.

During afternoon tea, there’s a shift in the air.
A bone trembling chill that tells you she’s there.
There are those who believe the whole town is cursed.
But the house in the marsh is by far, the worst.
What she wants is unknown but she always comes back.
A specter of darkness, the woman in black.

STORYLINE: A young lawyer travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.

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Georgia King

2012-02-05T06:57:00.000-06:00

Its been rumored that Georgia and Bradley are dating.

Georgia was Princess Elena in Merlin. She's also from Scotland.

She's been in such films as The Dutchess and One Day.

She was in two films with Alex Pettyfer. Tormented and Wild Child.

Currently, Georgia will be seen in Cockneys Vs. Zombies with Ramus Hardiker. She's also filming Austenland. Georgia can go from school girl to a period piece without even batting an eye.

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Ben Lloyd Hughes

2012-02-04T01:40:00.000-06:00

Perhaps, you've never heard of him. But he was rather unforgettable in the first season of SKINS, as Josh.

There is something so sweet and adorable about him. Brown curls. Brown eyes. Awesome smile. He's one of those who you think you've actually met in person. Although, Ben can come off so innocent, his characters have proven to have such depth.

Of course, he might have made his mark with many in the film THE FIRST DAYS OF SPRING.

Ben has also done numerous episodes in such TV shows as THE HOUR, Personal Affairs, and Young James Herriot.

with Alex back in 2009

Ben is the younger brother of Henry Lloyd-Hughes.

Ben is filming GREAT EXPECTATIONS at the moment.

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Liberal Arts

2012-02-03T01:39:00.038-06:00

Just what we needed a Josh Radnor film. He wrote the screenplay and directed it. Its taking the Sundance film festival by storm.

Possibly, its because it has the wonderful Elizabeth Olsen in it. That's always a plus for an indie film. Also Zac Efron is in the movie, too.

The film was actually filmed at a Liberal Arts college in Ohio.

The film is about transformation. Waiting for our selves to grow up. However, the movie is a comedy. Yet, it has a poignant sense to it, as well.

Its an interesting piece how we truly compare and note our successes in life.

Radnor's first film that he wrote and directed was “happythankyoumoreplease”.

This film gives us a certain happy and hopefulness. We can only hope Radnor will make more of these kind of films.

STORYLINE: When thirty-something Jesse is invited back to his alma mater, he falls for a young 19-year-old college student and is faced with the powerful attraction that springs up between them.

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the weeknd

2012-02-02T01:54:00.003-06:00

Abel Tesfaye (born February 16, 1990), better known by his stage name The Weeknd is an Ethiopian Canadian singer. Songs recorded under The Weeknd name first leaked in late 2010, though the identity of the individual behind the project was initially unknown. With a little help with other artists..the rest is history.

“i always want you when i’m comin’ down”

—	the weeknd

“Attempting to destroy my self destruction.”

—	The Weeknd

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Timo Descamps

2012-02-01T02:59:00.048-06:00

He's not really a household name in America. From Belgium, he's much more popular in Europe with his music. He's also openly gay. And he's possibly at his best doing charity work. He grew up doing television. And is now, doing more films here in America.

"I’ve been very lucky. Belgium is a very open minded country, a little like the Netherlands. Being openly gay hasn’t really affected my work in Belgium. It’s kinda like living in a bubble." He says about the difference there compared to here. "I’m an openly gay actor working mainstream jobs in Belgium. I hosted my own kids show on a Belgian channel, I even worked for Disney Channel Netherlands for a few months. In the end people don’t really care if celebrities are gay or straight. And that’s the way it should be I think," Timo said in a recent interview.

“Am I too common for your love? Too mainstream? Not spiced up enough? Maybe I’m too naive or too clean for your love? Am I too common for your love? Too mainstream? Not spiced up enough? Maybe I’m too naive… or tell me, do you like it rough?”

—	Timo Descamps

Descamps single I like it rough is on the soundtrack in the movie Judas Kiss. It is a restricted video on You Tube. "They marked it as 18+ because there is a scene in which I am making out with another guy. I was shocked to see this happen only two days after I posted the video, but it does make me realize that I’m really living in a bubble. Everything might seem ok in Belgium but there’s still a lot of work to do before people will stop making a distinction between gay and straight."

Timo lives with his boyfriend Danny and they travel a lot. He's also busy with his charity work. "This past year I’ve been an ambassador for the Damien Foundation, which is Belgium’s number three charity organization." He says the Damien Foundation locates and treats patients infected with leprosy or TB globally. "These are huge problems in a lot of underdeveloped areas, but also in countries like India and China. I visited one of their projects in India to see what they are doing for these people. My visit was a real eye opener. We made a short documentary about my trip." He also recorded ‘Tomorrow’ . "A really positive and up-tempo song with a message of hope. I wrote this song for Kannan and Arun, 2 young with TB and Leprosy infected boys that I met in India."

There is a certain sincerity about Timo. He's also very animated and hopefully we will see more of him in films in America.

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Fiction Tuesday- Wintertown

2012-01-31T01:42:00.031-06:00

Every winter, straight-laced, Ivy League bound Evan looks forward to a visit from Lucy, a childhood pal who moved away after her parent's divorce. But when Lucy arrives this year, she's changed. The former "girl next door" now has chopped dyed black hair, a nose stud, and a scowl. But Evan knows that somewhere beneath the Goth, "Old Lucy" still exists, and he's determined to find her... even if it means pissing her off.

Garden State meets Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist in this funny and poignant illustrated novel about opposites who fall in love.-book description

Stephen Edmond once again takes his comic book background and in-cooperates it into his new novel. His last novel was HAPPYFACE. This novel stars Lucy and Evan. You'll find realistic characters and situations.

“The best music for her was always the stuff you could relate to, the stuff that spoke directly to you and twisted and knotted itself so far into your life you couldn’t tell where art ended and reality began.”

—

Stephen Emond (Winter Town)

Edmond has a great way of using text and illustrations through his novel. And you might be rooting for both of these guys. They have their family issues as well as issues about themselves to get through before they can really get to know each other.

Nikki Blonsky and Jeremy Allan White for my dreamcast of Lucy & Evan

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Man on a Ledge

2012-01-30T01:40:00.036-06:00

The main star really is on a ledge for an hour and 45 minutes. Sam Worthington is more than just eye-candy in this flick.

OH SO SEXY!

In spite of the movie's flaws, you won't really care because there is so much suspense. Also there is Jamie Bell on the ground being a strong hold in this film, as well. He plays the little brother and as usual, a real scene stealer you can't help but love.

All around, this film gives a great supporting cast. Elizabeth Banks is showing she is made for these kind of parts as the tough cop part, or perhaps she's ready for more action pack roles.

Of course, a lot might think it was Genesis Rodriquez who stole this film with her beauty and her drive as Angie.

This film has a lot to offer. If you need a popcorn fix for the afternoon at the theater, here you go!

STORYLINE: An ex-cop turned con threatens to jump to his death from a Manhattan hotel rooftop. The nearest New York Police officer immediately responds to a screaming woman and calls dispatch. More Officers arrive with SWAT and tactical command along with fire-fighters. The police then dispatches a female police psychologist personally requested to talk him down from the ledge. However, things aren't as straightforward and clearcut as they appear to be.

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Jean Dujardin

2012-01-29T01:39:00.000-06:00

99 Francs

The ARTIST isn't the first film Dujardin and Berenice Bejo have done together. They worked together in OSS 117:Cairo, Nest of Spies back in 2006.

Jean and Alex

Jean started in the acting world back in 1995. He still is in a humorist band "Nous C Nous". He is married to French actress Alexandra Lamy. It was their TV series, Un gars, Une Fille, that perhaps brought them together back in 1999..a family romantic comedy.

Little White Lies

The French have loved him for decades. Now Americans can see how talented he is in THE ARTIST. He's making THE PLAYERS at the moment. One of his latest French comedy dramas is LITTLE WHITE LIES with Marion Cotillard.

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Grey Damon on Secret Circle

2012-01-28T01:15:00.025-06:00

OK, Grey didn't have much of a part on Friday Night Lights (even though we were hoping he would. the guy delivered every line he was given). Then we swooned for Brian on THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING. He was genuinely sweet, adorable. Possibly a dork.

Then he landed the role of Leah on Secret Circle. A bit shady in his wiccan priest ways, but the perfect match for Faye. He's definitely bringing sexy back in the most unlikely ways. Grey's Leah might not be completely on the up and up, but you still want to know just where its gonna go with Faye and Leah. I love the lines they've given him. I'm so happy he landed on Secret Circle. I hope he stays awhile!

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I WANT MY PANTS BACK

2012-01-27T01:03:00.017-06:00

Its coming....

And Peter Veck looks better than ever.

I can only hope its as good as I am antispating. But you never know with MTV.

I wish it the best. It'll be on Thursday nights on MTV.

The show is based on this guy's book. Which is so New Yorker...

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Jared Mees and the Grown Children

2012-01-26T01:41:00.057-06:00

“I was having trouble describing the music of JARED MEES & THE GROWN CHILDREN. When it seems like an indie-pop hybrid, it turns folk. And then the string section comes in. It’s all very confusing," says AZARIA PODPLESKY. " The creation of Portland’s own jack-of-all-trades Jared Mees, the Grown Children features a constantly changing line up of his friends and fellow musicians who are, as the band’s blog puts it, “consistently sexy and talented.” Podplesky goes on to say, "Spontaneous, infrequent rehearsals are also a big part of this folk/pop/rock band, so what happens during their live show is anybody’s guess.”

I have to admit I fell in love with their quirky little ditty SHAKE, the first time I heard it. And I've been wanting to listen to more of their playlist since.

I am trying to shake all these blues away, only good thoughts can stay. I am trying to burn down this lonely forest, with a single chorus sung in a minor key. I am trying to love what I’ll have to leave, & I’m trying not to grieve prematurely. -shake

The group is from Oregon. Their latest CD that came out last May is ONLY GOOD THOUGHTS CAN STAY. Mees has generous help from Megan Spear, and Javier Madrigal. He's described their music as jangly and chorus half in yang. Its definitely a group that is their to have fun, and possibly, they can sing your troubles away.

“I’m breathing good air, through good lungs, with a good heart beating”-hungry like a tiger(song)

Jared Mees and the Grown Children

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“Holy hallelujah I’m losing hold. There’s so many things I want but all that I’m getting’s old.”-Juicy Fruit

Haywire - movie review

2012-01-25T01:31:00.082-06:00

Those familiar with Fight Girl and American Gladiators might come running to the theater for this one. Gina Carona is known to be fit and ready to fight. No one mentioned she could act. But who knows, some day Bond maybe a woman.

Naturally, its a well casted flick. Shot with such flare and a nifty soundtrack for the most part. Still, you may hate it. Find it pointless and plot-less. Yet, all you need to know, this just isn't a spy going rogue. Its someone fighting for her life.

Carona kicks ass and keeps going until the job is done. Along the way, we meet the man she loves, the man she loved and the guy who was suppose to be her fake husband. Lost yet?

Well, she tells this story to Michael Angarano (who she picks up a long the way on her run) and tells him everything. Someone needs to know the truth.

The film offers a variety of eye-candy from Channing Tatum, Michael Fassbender and Ewan McGregor. And then the champions of slick films, Antonio Bandaras and Michael Douglas.

Its just hard to figure out who the bad guys are with so many twists and turns. Maybe she was bad all along, one might start to question. But who would do such a thing to set this up, hoping to silence her?

Plenty of chases, on foot, in cars, with police, on tops of buildings. The movie keeps moving and yet are we really thrilled with that? The downfall is no time for real characters to develop. But if you are looking for some fun and have missed one of your favorites, like Ewan or Channing then you might want to take a chance on this one.

"I want to see Haywire again just for the sheer brutality in the fight scenes, and the epic coolness of Gina Carano beating the shit of every guy that opposes her."-James

One of the many reasons to go to this movie.

STORYLINE: Beautiful freelance covert operative Mallory Kane is hired out by her handler to various global entities to perform jobs which governments can't authorize and heads of state would rather not know about. After a mission to rescue a hostage in Barcelona, Mallory is quickly dispatched on another mission to Dublin. When the operation goes awry and Mallory finds she has been double crossed, she needs to use all of her skills, tricks and abilities to escape an international manhunt, make it back to the United States, protect her family, and exact revenge on those that have betrayed her.

“Is this your idea of relaxing? Wine and… gun maintenance?”

—

Aaron, Haywire

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Fiction Tuesday- Emily and Einstein

2012-01-24T01:28:00.001-06:00

He was a man who didn’t deserve a second chance. But he needed one…

Emily and her husband Sandy Portman seemed to live a gracious if busy life in an old-world, Upper West Side apartment in the famous Dakota building. But one night on the way to meet Emily, Sandy dies in a tragic accident. The funeral isn't even over before Emily learns she is on the verge of being evicted from their apartment. But worse than the possibility of losing her home, Emily is stunned when she discovers that her marriage was made up of lies.
Suddenly Emily is forced on a journey to find out who her husband really was . . . all the while feeling that somehow he isn't really gone. Angry, hurt, and sometimes betrayed by loving memories of the man she lost, Emily finds comfort in a scruffy dog named Einstein. But is Einstein's seemingly odd determination that she save herself enough to make Emily confront her own past? Can he help her find a future—even after she meets a new man?-book description

Can you imagine living in a place like this? The setting for Emily and Einstein.

"My primary goal wasn't to write about an unfaithful husband, it was to write about a man who lived a lie--and he didn't just live a lie to the world, he lied to himself. I wanted to tell a story about someone who found it easier to blame others for what was wrong in his life rather than take responsibility and attempt to help make it right. No life is perfect, but frequently it's easier to blame others or external circumstances than take responsibility." Linda Francis Lee said in a recent interview on Amazon.

Dreamcast- Emily (Alice Eve) & Sandy (Ian Harding)

If you are a dog lover, here is a book for you. Sandy and Emily are a young married couple. They look to be picture perfect. They are on top of their game in the professions they've chosen. Unfortunately, all might not be as perfect as what Emily believes. Sandy might not be on the up and up with her about their marriage. But as fate would have it. Sandy is killed in an accident outside the Animal Human Society. Guess who decides to volunteer there and fall in love with Einstein an ugly, little mutt that Emily ends up adopting.

Perhaps the story sounds simple, but there is a lot you can learn from a dog. And Emily does. Its a story about second chances.

“In order to live a life truly worth living you had to have strength in the face of adversity, patience when confronted with challenge, and bravery in the face of fear.”-Emily and Einstein

Is Lee a dog person?

"At the time I was plotting the book, I had been thinking a lot about our dog Sophie who had passed away several years ago. For so long just thinking about her broke my heart. But a shift had started to happen and the memories started making me smile or even laugh. Sophie had so much personality. If she was mad at me, she ignored me. If I was sad about something, she leaned up against me until I felt better. I know it sounds crazy, but she felt like a little person, a sometimes crotchety person! So with all this thinking about Sophie, one day when I came through a tunnel in Central Park and saw the statue of Balto the dog, the pieces came together. A dog has to be a character in this book, and not just any dog, a wonderful but crotchety dog...and Einstein came fully to life!" Lee says she's a fan of the DOG WHISPER,too.

Her thoughts on second chances. "I think most of us have moments in our lives that we would like to do over. While we can't get an actual "do over", I love the idea that we can get another chance to make things right, or find another chance to achieve a dream." Lee said in the interview. "Second chances are all about having hope, and it's hope that gets us out of bed in the morning."

For a sweet read check out Emily and Einstein. Its becoming a book club favorite this year.

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Linda Francis Lee
Linda Francis Lee Facebook

Joe Anderson

2012-01-23T01:47:00.034-06:00

You might not know him, but you might have wanted too. He's been in everything from the Crazies to Becoming Jane. Something like that. This Brittish born actor has been in a lot of film. Its just, usually, little parts. Never the less, you know he's there.

Is he a Curt Cobain look-alike?

Now comes ABC's THE RIVER. He plays Lincoln Cole.

THE PREMISE: About the crew of a state-of-the-art research vessel on a quest to find a missing TV explorer in the Amazon.

The show has a psydo-documentary feel to it. It'll be on Tuesdays. Starting Feb. 7th on ABC.Joe is also in the up-coming movie THE GREY with Liam Neeson.

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ABC's THE RIVER

Emmy Rossum

2012-01-22T01:46:00.041-06:00

Chances are you remember her from 2004 when she made such cool movies as Phantom of the Opera, The Day after Tomorrow and Mystic Falls. Fresh faced, musically inclined with the Opera.

Its as if she's reinvented herself somehow this past year with SHAMELESS. Its the American version that is now something you can have your own copy of. She plays the part of Fiona Gallager who is the oldest daughter who tries her best to keep the dysfunctional family together.

Emmy is working on WAY DOWN SOUTH at the moment with Jack Huston.

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Judas Kiss - dvd review

2012-01-21T01:39:00.114-06:00

To begin with American gay cinema has needed a movie like this. There is a buzz about it. For one thing, you have a gay porn star who has gone mainstream..or at least..gay cinema. Charlie David, who stars, directed, wrote and produced the movie.

Possibly, this not quite doppelganger of Zachary Quinto(he does sound like him), Charlie David was taken seriously when he made Mulligans. Recently, He's become more of an advocate for mainstreaming gay and lesbian movies in the industry. Saying that, please don't be put off about watching this movie. Its not a gay porn movie.

To say the least, the film is intriguing with real issues, yet at the same time, its a fantasy. Sort of. Still, I have a few mixed feelings about it.

I'm happy he gave Sean Paul Lockhart (aka Brent Corrigan) a chance in this film, who might as well be the Zach Efron of gay porn, to have a valuable part in the film. But of course, who stole the film and made each scene his own is Richard Harmon.

This is a movie about a man who can see himself differently now. He sees his past before him when he goes to a college to be a judge at a film contest. Things get more and more complicated when he finds out this up and coming film maker is using his real name. And the twist, he's had a one night stand with this fellow, as well. So basically, he had sex with himself.

Of course, I might have enjoyed it more if they would have left out the entire movie plot and not even had Charlie David in the movie. What the movie did have going for it was being openly gay at college. And a certain drama that everyone possibly faces at college. Hormonal opportunities that doesn't mean it might turn into anything else.

There is also a very blond Timo Descamps who I think could have created even a more infamous role if given a chance.

As we know, more and more soaps are turning to gay and lesbian storylines. Possibly, not as good as those in the UK, but almost. There are definitely some amazing characters waiting to burgeon on the horizon. And if one film can get through so another can be made for an audience, who can hardly wait for such a movie.. then I think we are on the right road.

Now when it comes right down to the story of the "Judas Kiss" (See the movie is about a movie called Judas Kiss that is in the film contest.), I'm not sure I really liked the idea of it. Very controversial subject. And I'm not so sure the son would have reacted that way to his father. Personally, I think I'd be pretty pissed and put out with everyone and quite depressed and possibly a psycho, if I were that character or if I'd had a chance to develop THAT CHARACTER.

But one of my favorite parts of the movie was when the younger self asked his present self "Will I fall in love?" I liked that question, because it is the heart of everyone, no matter what your sexual preference might be. No, Charlie David isn't just a gay porn star. There is a lot more for him to do in gay cinema, and I hope he's ready for it.

Down side? Well, lot of the acting isn't that good of the supporting players. Not sure the writing was as good as it could have been. And its true, Americans just don't take their time in the make-out scenes. Its fast, furious and over with before it ever got started. As one viewer put it, "After watching Judas Kiss at 3am last night/this morning, I’ve begun to lose faith in modern gay cinema… Sure there’s no lack of eye-candy, but the plot was ridiculous, the acting poor and it only contained one actor for his history. Now I’m no pessimist, but this isn’t a good start to the gay films of 2012… " So yes, there is a lot to be done in gay cinema. But I think film makers feel they need to make a political statement, as well. Still, I want to see a story about someone who overcomes, endures and lives in our world as a real person ..who just so happens to be gay. Even more awesome, someone having to contend with injustices and obstacles in small towns, across our country. Hopefully, some day we'll get an American version of Rainbow High. I would love to see some of Alex Sanchez's work in movies. And don't get me started on a dreamcast for Edmund White's Jack Holmes & his friend.

STORYLINE: Failed filmmaker Zachary Wells is convinced by his best friend and hotshot director Topher into replacing him as a judge in their film school's annual festival. Zach's one-night stand with a student backfires when that student walks into an interview the next morning calling himself Danny Reyes, the name Zach went by when he attended the school. And Danny's film, "Judas Kiss," is a finalist in the competition Zach is judging. Zach's film, also "Judas Kiss," won the festival years before. As Zach scrambles for answers, a mysterious, chain-smoking campus tour guide, counsels him: "Change the kid's past, change your future." But how? Zach comes to believe he can mend his life by disqualifying Danny from competition, putting him on a different path than Zach followed. But will Zach's plan work?

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The Fades

2012-01-20T00:50:00.042-06:00

Finally, the BBCA is running UK's version of their own horror story (not American Horror Story). Hopefully, there will not be an American version of it. Although, supernatural drama is on the rise, again. None the less, UK's sly humor and storytelling still makes it all the more intriguing.

STORYLINE: A teenage boy named Paul is haunted by apocalyptic dreams that nobody can explain. As if that weren't terrifying enough, he begins to see spirits of the dead, known as The Fades, all around him. The Fades can't be seen, smelt, heard or touched by other humans. When an embittered and vengeful Fade, Polus, finds a way to be human again, it's up to Paul to stop him - and all of the dead - from breaking back into the world and destroying the human race.

Sort of like Skins went supernatural.

It stars Lily Loveless who you might remember from SKINS. Iain De Caestecker stars as Paul.

Critics have found the stories well crafted and the acting sublime. Hopefully, we can savor the show just as it is. Hopefully, it will not be Americanized.

“You’re never as odd as you think you are.”

—

The Fades

The director, Farren Blackburn did a Paranormal documentary series as well as a couple episodes of Waterloo Road.

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Finn Riggins

2012-01-19T01:38:00.049-06:00

This group has been working together since 2000. Out of Idaho, the band is made up of Cameron Bouiss, Eric Gilbert, and Lisa Simpson. These music students are at their best in the indie world. So clever and genuine.

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Finn Riggins

They are a pleasant surprise. Especially, with WAKE (Keep This Town Alive). There first full CD was A Soldier, a Saint, an Ocean Explorer. You can find more of their stuff from the Tender Loving Empire label you can give to a good cause at their Bandcamp. These guys tour all sorts of places. They are the grass roots and homespun sound. Yet their music is catchy and different.

The Good Neighbors - dvd review

2012-01-18T01:37:00.079-06:00

Scott Speedman might not be in the latest UNDERWORLD movie (which is quite a shame), but you can catch him in a Canadian movie with Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire. Unfortunately, the movie never played many theaters, this past July. Perhaps it had to do with it being a winter film, and no one could possibly think of Jay Baruchel being serious in a thriller.

The story starts out, pretty normal. Three English speaking folks in a French-Canadian/English speaking Quebec neighborhood. The story takes place in 1995. They seem friendly enough. But it starts to get twisted when there is a serial killer about.

As the story progresses, we start to wonder about these three. Especially, Speedman's character who is wheel chair bound. Is one of them seeing things, in the dark of night? Perhaps all three are just a bit insane. Or this is what drives them to destruction when they can trust no one, and there is a killer on the lose.

“swerving from bland to brutal, endearingly coy to shockingly explicit”-New York Times Review

Perhaps, this storyline has been done before, but it takes a trio, scene by scene to see how the characters develop and react to each other...with just a bit of craziness.

What really makes the story is the secrets they find out about each other.

Xavier Dolan speaks in English in this movie!

STORYLINE: Takes place in 1995, the year of the second referendum on the separation of Quebec. In the dead of winter, a serial killer is on the loose in the small Montreal neighborhood of Notre Dame de Grace. The tenants of an old apartment house must figure out who they can trust and who they can't.

Writer/Director Jacob Tierney and producer Kevin Tierney behind the scenes of Good Neighbors (2011).

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getglue

Who stole who's look?

Jay Baruchel

Xavier Dolan

Fiction Tuesday- The Fault in Our Stars

2012-01-17T01:40:00.079-06:00

It's here. Finally. John Green released his newest book early because he knew his fans were waiting. THE FAULT OF THE STARS was suppose to come out in May of 2012, but he moved it up to January.

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.
Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.-book description

I finished The Fault in Our Stars. So many emotions. I love this book. It’s perfect. It’s funny, original, heartwarming, it’s really something else.
The best part? Hazel Grace, the main character, yelled a phrase I thought only I use as an exclamation: “WHAT IS THIS LIFE?”-CaseyMeeks

such a beautiful moment

“I’m in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we’re all doomed and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know that the sun will swallow the only earth we’ll ever have, and I’m in love with you.”

—	John Green- The Fault in our Stars

Green was inspired by a young cancer patient. "I met Esther Earl in 2008. I never thought about her as inspiration for the story---it's the I've been waiting to write pretty much my whole career--but I wouldn't have been able to write it if I hadn't known her." Esther died of thyroid cancer in 2010, at the age of 16. Green dedicated the novel to her.

*Fitz&Dizzyspells*

"This book has touched me in a way only a handful of novels have done before. It’s beautiful written, mesmerizing and thought-provoking throughout. It’s not just a book about cancer patients. It’s the one book where I feel connected to the characters more than any others. I felt like I was in their heads, feeling their emotions and their touches," says one fan about this book.

I think I'll stay Untitled

This is the story about Hazel and Augustus. These characters have moved many fans to say this is their favorite John Green book. Hazel is the narrator and 16 with Thyroid cancer who is in a cancer support group. This book has many themes that are very relate-able. Its one of those books you'll have to re-read because you love the characters so much.

GHEM

“An electric portrait of young people who learn to live life with one foot in the grave. Filled with staccato bursts of humor and tragedy, The Fault in Our Stars takes a spin on universal themes--Will I be loved? Will I be remembered? Will I leave a mark on this world?--by dramatically raising the stakes for the characters who are asking.”
--Jodi Picoult, author of My Sister’s Keeper and Sing You Home

borrowed dreams

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Greyson Chance

2012-01-16T02:56:00.025-06:00

And to think it all started with YouTube...and then on Ellen with a Lady GaGa song. He was Ellen's first artist on her new record label.

Greyson is showing he's got acting skills too. Playing young Jimmy on RAISING HOPE. Honestly, he's perfect for the part.

He's gaining legends of fans with that voice and talent of his. He's definitely one to watch for.

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The Artist

2012-01-15T06:31:00.000-06:00

This is the film that might sweep the awards. Its quite different from the usual fare out there. Its silent. And no color. It also has a cast we aren't really familiar with. Even so, many say don't pass this movie up.

Its certainly getting the Oscar buzz. The director is Michel Hazanavicius. The story is quite intriguing. The acting is wonderful.

If you are ready for some nostalgia, and that seems to be the theme this year with the Oscars. Then, definitely look this one up.

STORYLINE: Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break.

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50 things we've learned after watching CARRIERS

2012-01-14T01:33:00.166-06:00

They say the world might end in 2012 according to the works of Nostradamus. So if you've watched Zombieland way to many times, there is always CARRIERS which might be more of a drama than horror. Starring Chris Pine and Lou Taylor Pucci as brothers with their girlfriends (Piper Perabo & Emily VanCamp) out on a cross country trip going nowhere. The premise is about a pandemic. To some its rather unsettling. Others wished it would have been a longer movie. And you'll find a few who have found it the most under-rated movie around.

1. Men want sex at any cost.

2. When you notice that one of your friends stops wearing a mask... Look in to it!

3. When your child has to go #2, try harder to talk her into waiting or doing it closer to the vehicle when you have young people standing around waiting to abandon you.

4. Bleach gets rid of human killing viruses.

5. If this ever happens to us, our bodies will be wrapped up and thrown in a garbage truck (good to know)

6. Tell your bf if you catch a virus that could infect and kill him as well.

7. Make sure you bring your own gun in case some douche thinks he owns everyone and wants to point the gun around to get his way.

8. Don't go near a swimming pool.

9. Don't climb or go in through the top window of a house.

10. Don't interrupt a dog while it's "eating".

“I drive. And wait for a storm to come and wash us all away. But it doesn’t. It’s a beautiful day, and it shouldn’t be a beautiful day. I wait, but nothing happens to me. And for the first time, I feel like I’m alone in the world. We made it. Two strangers with nothing left to say… I do not know what’s going to happen. I do not know how long I will live. But I know I will be alone.”

—	Danny, Carriers.

11. If you're infected and your with others who were more then willing to abandon the other infected people, don't fall asleep with the gun in your hand, because your snot nose little brother will take it.

12. When your brother does take the gun and you have the keys, throw the keys in the fire because hes gonna shoot you anyways.

13. Religious ladies will not help you when the world is coming to an end. They would literally rather die.

14. Never turn your car off when a stranger's vehicle is blocking the road in the middle of nowhere.

15. Be aware that when you say "Don't come any closer"... one of your car windows is about to get messed up!

16. You are the exception to your own rules.

17. Don't drink warm beer... it tastes like PISS!

18. When Brian says "Get out", refrain from hearing the words "Get in the back" because no matter how much he loves you, he will still drag your ass out of the car and drive off into the sunset.

19. If an epidemic breaks out and all the people die, there will be always someone who will maintain golf courses.

“Sometimes choosing life is just choosing a more painful form of death.”

—	Carriers (film)

20. Animals can't be infected with the deadly virus.

21. Only two girls are enough to be trade with a man in a suit.

22. Your parents gun has unlimited ammo.

23. Watch out for the desert, people get shot there.

24. Even viruses which don't easily spread can wipe out the whole earth.

25. It is a great idea to drive a massive SUV during a gas shortage despite having only 4 people and basically no luggage.

26. Always help out cute or innocent-looking toddlers, even if they show signs of or are infected...

27. When the phones are dead that means the phones are dead, wiping them won't bring them back to life..

28. Blondes are not stupid, they are just REALLY mean bitches.

30. No one is a Chosen One..

31. When you're fleeing a pandemic you don't need to drink or eat anymore, air is a good nutrient.

32. Life will be OK even if you've just killed your elder brother to save your own ass, your memories of him will be blocked in a few minutes, so not to worry..

33. Preemptive "sex" strike will be a good starting point when you and your friend (girl)are going to be the only two survivors; "Uh..um.. can we have some sex Now?"

34. When a pandemic hits, not only human deads will disappear, so will ALL cars..!

35. Lots and lots of Potassium Kills!

36. The cheapest type of masks is a the perfect protection against a highly contagious air-borne virus. (If true it makes you think: how could a lame-ass virus managed to wipe out human race!?)

37. Bury, do not cremate, cremation in the wild is not as good as the one in the crematory.

38. Good Christian Ladies don't share Gas.

39. Sand is *beep*

40. In life threatening situations, its always cool to have a game of Property Vandalizing Golf.

41. That Alsatian has already become a typecast post-apocalyptic movies specialist - first he died for Will Smith in I am Legend, now in this role he gets shot by a wimp.

42. Maternal instincts will get you killed... EVERY time.
(i.e. Dawn of the Dead, Quarantine, 28 Weeks Later...)

43. The guard died because he didn't follow the protocols.

44. Golf isn't only for old people.

45.If you're a total b**** and you and your friend are in a position where one of you has to shoot his brother, make him shoot his own brother, instead of being a half way decent human being and offering to shoot him yourself.

46. During a massive pandemic, it's still funny to f' with the driver even though he's likely to lose control of the automobile and when a working set of wheels is the most vital thing you have.

47. Large mile long oil slicks coming from your car are not visible if you just simply avoid looking out of your rear-view mirror.

48. Redneck hunters with lights on their trucks apparently have horrible eyesight and can't see a blazing fire in the desert 100 yards directly in front of them

49. Always make sure when entering any building that you scream "hello" as loud as possible even though you are likely to attract the people with the plague you are so desperately trying to avoid.

50. When trying to avoid a deadly plague always make sure the diving board works over the biohazzard pool that under non-plague circumstances you wouldn't come within 50 yards of.

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Dowton Abbey

2012-01-13T01:42:00.038-06:00

The creator says Maggie Smith is a writer's dream. "She makes them better than when I wrote the lines," says Julian Fellowes.

The Brittish import came out in 2010, but its just now becoming an American sensation on PBS.

STORYLINE: Lord Crawley sees his family heritage, especially the grand country home Downton Abbey, as his mission in life. The death of his heir aboard the Titanic means distant cousin Matthew Crawley, a Manchester lawyer, suddenly is next in line and accepts moving onto the vast estate with his even more modernist, socially engaged mother, who clashes with his lordship's domineering, conservative ma the dowager. Marrying off the daughters is another concern. Meanwile the butler presides over a staff which serves the family but also lead most of their entire lives in the servants quarters, intriguing amongst themselves. Written by KGF Vissers

Why do we love it? As if this sort of thing hasn't been done before. Especially, on PBS. Naturally, its cleverly written. And some very good acting. Especially, with the snooty upper class. Yet, the drama with the young and the old in the kitchen have us captivated, as well. How the servants can and sometimes not, take care of each other.

Also the back drop is lovely which is filmed at Highclere Castle, except for the servant's quarters which is filmed in a studio in London. This series has drawn such viewers. They can hardly wait for Season 3.

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Pallers

2012-01-12T01:44:00.059-06:00

Need a Scandinavian pop fix with a hypnotic sound that should be its own movie? Look no further. These guys have you covered.

This electronic duo is out of Stockholm. Pallers consist of Johan Angergård (Club 8, Acid House Kings, The Legends, Poprace) and Henrik Mårtensson (Poprace).

Back in September they released their latest CD SEA OF MEMORIES. Perhaps you've heard The Kiss from 2010. To fans their music is bliss. Filled with very cool lyrics as well as electronic beats that blends into a dream state. Such a mesmerizing beauty of pulsating music. Their music definitely needs to be heard in film. I'm hoping some indie movie maker is keeping them in mind for their next soundtrack.

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Its that time of year again.

2012-01-11T01:11:00.048-06:00

Hardly the best movies come out in January. Although, I'm sure an award winner will make it to your movieplex.

Although, there are the others... you may or may not want to walk into.

1. THE DARKEST HOUR. With a theme like Skyline, and sci-fi, you just know the whole cast is doomed in this special effects horror movie. This means the dialogue is bad, the acting is pathetic and the producers are banking on special effects. In fact, you can only see Darkest Hour in 3D, here..which means more money to spend on going in. Even for a matinee. Also, none of the characters are likeable. So I guess you won't worry so much when they are killed off in the movie.

The sad thing is, you've got such a wonderful group of actors to be in this film. I have seen them do some pretty good acting, for the most part. Its just, you won't find it in this movie.

One of the reasons why I wanted to see this movie.

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2. THE DEVIL WITHIN. Granted, you sort of know what you are paying for when you go to a film like this. Sometimes, you just want to see something entirely different than what all the box office is raving about. Unfortunately, there isn't all that much to savor. Fernanda Andrade serves her purpose. The daughter who witness' exorcisms so she can figure out what happened to her mother. It does go to some ugly places in the story. And has almost a pseudo documentary feel to it(jumpy camera work..need I say more). Susan Crowley is the mother who can definitely play a scary mother. But watching the trailer might be watching the best parts of the film. The ending is terribly lame.

Although, some might fall in love with Father Ben played by Simon Quarterman

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Fiction Tuesday -Roam

2012-01-10T01:17:00.002-06:00

They say you never forget your first love . . .
Born under a sparkling crescent moon, Nelson is a bright-eyed, inquisitive half beagle, half poodle. He lives with Katey and Don, newlyweds whose marriage is straining under the pressures of domesticity, but Katey’s devotion to Nelson buoys the pup even as he worries his home may be falling apart.
But there are few things Nelson likes better than to follow a scent, and one day he follows his nose and gets lost . . . very lost. Though he searches frantically for Katey—and she for him—Nelson can’t seem to find his way home, and he soon realizes that if he’s ever to see his great love again, he must make his way on his own and try to survive in the wild.
Over the course of eight years, Roam follows Nelson as he crosses the country searching for his family. For a time he rides shotgun with a truck driver named Thatcher, then he lives in the woods with a pack of wolves. A terrible accident takes his hind leg, but Nelson’s strength and longing to find Katey keep him alive. Escaping death in a shelter, Nelson grows into an old dog with a cynical eye and a world-weary demeanor, but underneath it all, a fearless and courageous spirit. After all, he believes that one day he’ll make it home . . . and maybe, just maybe, he will. . . .
Much more than the story of one dog’s incredible journey, this is a deeply moving story of survival and enduring love, which once again confirms the unbreakable bond between humans and their best friends. In the tradition of The Art of Racing in the Rain and The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, Roam is an unforgettable tale of love lost and found, the trials that test families, and an affirmation that no matter how far or how long you may travel, there’s always a place you can call home.-book description

If you love animals. Especially, pets, you'll want to read this novel. Its compassionate and endearing.

"A canine version of Black Beauty." —Kirkus Reviews

Make sure to have this one on your list to check out this year.

About the Author

Alan Lazar is a platinum-selling musician/composer who has composed music for more than thirty films and TV shows. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

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OH GOODIE!

2012-01-09T01:40:00.021-06:00

Guess who'll be on Suburgatory for 2 more episodes?

Thomas McDonell plays Scott Strauss - Delia's so called boyfriend who'd rather be spending time with Tessa. Who I just realized is the younger brother of Nick McDonell, one of my favorite authors. Both seem to be rather creative, BTW.

He'll also star with Jane Levy in FUN SIZE!

Do you prefer him with long locks or short hair?

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Jane by Design

2012-01-08T01:09:00.046-06:00

Jane by Design is a new show on ABC family. Basically the theme of this teen drama is Devil Wears Prada meets high school. Its on right after Switched at Birth to give those who love fashion some drama, too.

Erica Dasher plays Jane, who has been dubbed Plane Jane (yet I can't really see it) at school, although, perhaps kids just look at her as that girl who'll take chances on fashion. Her best buddy, who might not always be on the up and up with life or his love life, is played by the charming bad boy (but not really) Nick Roux as Billy.

Actually, all Jane wants is to do what she loves. Fashion. And she accidentally get the job working for a fashion company. Also, Jane wants to help her brother who is having trouble finding work. The once popular brother played by Clayton David Rogers is now finding it hard to have a stable job after college. Things aren't quite what they used to be at home after Jane's father died. Jane's mother left them when she was three.

Now on a whim and with Billy's help she takes on the industry of fashion as Andie MacDowell's assistant. They only communicate, via through the big screen. And her boss is quite the devil to work for. Yet, MacDowell has her own enemies at work.

Seriously, the show is quite a juggle from school to fashion. Especially, for Jane. So the show really is on its toes, most times. Of course, the show has plenty of eye-candy and fashion. Yet, is that enough? Plenty of viewers are wishing Chloe King was back. We miss our Benjamin Stone, for starters. Grey Damon has moved on to SECRET CIRCLE. We can only hope Ben becomes a foreign exchange student and will get a better part than 'Blank' on 10 things I hate about you..somewhere on ABC Family, ABC or jump ship and go to the CW.

Back to Jane by Design, there is a certain nervousness about it, that might be too much to enjoy. Its hard to pace a teen drama. Well, any drama these days. Hopefully, it'll get all the rough spots smoothed out soon.

Seriously, though, I'd just like to see the romance bloom between Jane and Billy. But that might not be what the writers have in mind.

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Richard Harmon

2012-01-07T01:12:00.002-06:00

Who's to say, this is his year. But perhaps, last year was too. Especially, with a new cult classic in 2011, that still might been seen this coming year by viewers. He's showing he's more than a bit part or a day player on television.

He definitely gave a movie maker's vision a lot to savor in the unique film Judas Kiss. The thing is with Harmon's expressive face he can definitely play complicated characters. And he definitely makes things complicated in Judas Kiss.

Harmon, Canadian born, usually gets roles like "smart ass kid" or "bad boy". He's been in the series THE KILLING and TOWER PREP. He just finished up the movie GIRL IN PROGRESS and is working on the TV movie The Pregnancy Project. He was Ian on Secret Circle.

I'd love to see him in a move with Kyle Gallner.

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Angel Crest - movie review

2012-01-06T01:35:00.037-06:00

You might not hear a lot of buzz about this movie. It opened Dec. 30. to small audiences. Preferable movie festivals in Canada. Or at Get Glue.com

This is Gaby Dellal's first directorial movie. The script was written by Catherine Trieschmann, based on Leslie Schwartz's novel.

The movie has a very talented cast, starring Josh Morgan, Thomas Dekker, and Kate Walsh to name a few. Its an intense story about a young father and his son out on a snowy exhibition. A horrible thing happens. The rest of the movie is set against how the towns people react to what happens. Each seems to have their own secrets.

The back drop exposes the Canadian beauty of winter. The con of this movie is the question... are these characters really that interesting? Does the story have the depth it needs? Yet at the same time, its great to see Thomas Dekker taking on these sort of roles. His emotions run deep in the horror of his plight.

If you need a wintery movie, filled with a certain intense horror, this might be your movie. I have to say, I always love to see what Joseph Morgan can do in a movie. He's one of my favorite actors this past year.

STORYLINE: During the first snow of the year 3 year-old Nate Denton wanders away from his father's truck and disappears. The fevered search for him ends with the devastating discover of his tiny, frozen body. Nate's death throws the small foothills community of Angel's Crest into disarray. The inhabitants confront what Nate's death means to them and in the face of that struggle they deal with their own concepts of right and wrong.

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Acid House Kings

2012-01-05T01:24:00.053-06:00

This band has been around for 20 years. They are an indie Swedish band. Of course, they have their own projects and bands, as well.

The band is made up of Joakim Ödlund, brothers Niklas and Johan Angergård. Their sound makes me think a lot of Belle and Sebastian. Yet I'm beginning to think Belle and Sebastian make me think of a lot their music. The bands latest CD is Music sounds better with You. And if you have an iPad possibly you have their app so you can sing along with this group.

Say yes if you love me; no if you don’t care
Please, if you’re asking me not to be there...

Are We Lovers Or Are We Friends? Has to be my favorite song on the CD. Its so catchy and happy. Would You Say Stop? Is also a very endearing song that you might find yourself wanting to learn the words too. In fact the whole playlist will put you in a good mood for long drives, some great atmosphere with friends, or being home alone, reading a good book. It might just be the soundtrack you are longing for, any day.

i’ll be gone tomorrow
that’s when you wake up
to tell me you don’t want me
it’s like telling a joke without a point
kissing a girl without the toungue
leaving you untouched
i’m in love
i’m in love
i will try to kiss you
while you’re still asleep
but i just don’t dare now
’cause i know that you ar…-adorable by the Acid House Kings

Honestly, they are a beautiful bunch, in so many ways. I love their melodies and their lyrics.

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Lynn Collins

2012-01-04T06:28:00.000-06:00

The name might not sound familiar, but you've might have seen her. She was Dawn Green in TRUE BLOOD.

With Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Uncertainity

She was also in The Number 23 and THE LAKEHOUSE.

She'll be staring with Taylor Kitch in John Carter. She plays princess Dejah Thoris, who is in dire need of a savior on Mars. John Carter is the adventure tale of a time traveler from the Civil War who ends up on Mars. Hopefully, the movie will be a lot of fun for viewers.

John Carter is based on a Edgar Rice Burroughs novel. He also wrote Tarzan.

Lynn is from Texas and has been very Shakespearean by way of attending the Juilliard School for Drama.

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Non-Fiction Tuesday - Its your year

2012-01-03T01:01:00.093-06:00

Its a time for resolutions, goals, reflections. All for the good of getting yourself organized and having the best year possible. But where to start. Maybe these will help.

Need to de-clutter. Here you have a quick-reading, picture-driven guide to putting your home in order. The first such reference created for visual learners, it shows how to get organized, one step at a time.This shows you how to store things away. You'll find in this book that everything has a place.

1. Organizing Your Home by Emily Wilska

This author gets to the heart of the matter. If its a spiritual guide you are needing in your life these days, this is the author who gives you a lot to think on. Even daily. Joel Osteen reassures readers that living life to the fullest potential is within their reach. He speaks of realizing the power of thoughts and words, and turning adversities into opportunities for growth. Joel's 90 days of motivational thoughts, inspirational messages, and helpful Scripture verses will strengthen readers' faith in God, in others, and in themselves. By applying these truths, they will be able to rise above obstacles and live in health, abundance, and victory.

2. Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen

"If you're struggling and think that one more book can't possibly make a difference, think again. MJ Ryan has the rare gift of breaking things down into clear pieces that can be tackled."
—Laura Berman Fortgang, author of Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction

If You have a habit to break, this is the book that's there for you.

3. This Year I Will by M.J. Ryan

Maybe its something physical you are trying to improve. Well, Tony Horton might have the answer.

Over the past 25 years, Tony Horton has helped millions of people—from stay-at home moms to military personnel to A-list celebrities—transform their bodies and their lives with innovative workouts and cutting-edge advice. Now in his first book he shares the fundamentals of his fitness philosophy with millions more, revealing his secrets for getting fit and healthy and melting away pounds.

One-size-fits-all diets and exercise regimens just don’t work—that’s why Tony creates unique programs for each of his clients. In Bring It! he shows you how to build your own diet and fitness plan tailored to your individual lifestyle, preferences, and goals. With a Fitness Quotient (FQ) quiz designed to assess your likes, dislikes, and current fitness level, you can choose the program that’s right for you.-book description

4. Bring it by Tony Horton

Sometimes, you just need the right perspective to get things done. Thinking positive isn't easy, but with a little help from Richard Carlson..it just might happen.

Many people believe they can only be happy when their problems are solved, relationships improve, and goals are achieved. In this simple guide, Dr. Richard Carlson shows readers how to be happy right now — no matter the situation. His plan, based on the principles of Thought (thoughts are voluntary, not involuntary);Mood (thinking is a voluntary that varies function varies from moment to moment and these variances are called moods); Separate Realities (everyone thinks in a unique way and lives in separate psychological realities); Feelings (feelings and emotions serve as a barometer for when one is “off-track” and headed for unhappiness); and the Present Moment (the only time when genuine contentment, satisfaction, and happiness). This timeless book guides readers through life's challenges and restores the joy of living along the way-book description

5. You Can be Happy, No matter what by Richard Carlson

A subject you might not want to talk about. But at least this book might make you smile. And there is more to it that just looking in the mirror and telling yourself "I'm going to bad in bed..really bad...." Somehow, I start thinking of a scene from Fox's New Girl when I think of this book.

Barbara is a sex therapist. Her book gives tips from how to talk, to tease, what to wear and how to feel good about yourself. If anything, you can have a laugh, and perhaps unleash that bad girl in you. Well, a little of it, anyway.

6. Good Girls Guide to Bad Girl Sex by Barbara Keesling

Gentlemen Broncos- DVD review

2012-01-02T01:14:00.079-06:00

This movie could be the best or the worst. Depending on how you look at it.

Its from the creator of Napoleon Dynamite. It has its loveable loner as well, Benjamin ( Michael Angarano). The home schooled fantasy writer. And the movie goes further with all the geekdom out there. Everything from nerdy sexy to just strange.

"Well yenno like all great writers you're gunna have to go through a lot of crap, but someday your junk will be seen by all.... and it will be AWESOME."-Tabitha

There is Tabitha (Halley Feiffer who is usually in Noah Baumbach films like a good luck charm). Unfortunately, she didn't exactly charm this film.

Also the wonderful Jemaine Clement from Flight of the Concords is in it as the Fantasy writer who loves to play around with characters names. Except, he really hasn't had a best seller as of late.

It’s a friendship stone… come closer.
Let’s blow on it. You blow first.
Hoooooh. Hoooooooh.

This is sort of a story with in a story. Benjamin has a fantasy based on his father that he didn't know. He goes to a workshop hoping the great Chevalier (Jemaine Clement) will consider it as a winner in a contest. He's hoping to get some good input on how to be a better writer. Unfortunately, Chevalier steals it and changes the name.

As the film progresses we get to see the real story in Benjamin's mind, Chevalier's version and then the indie film maker's version put together by the fabulous Hector Jimenez. In the story version Sam Rockwell plays the main character. And it is funny how the two different writers see the story.

Naturally, its a film which possibly has as many fans as it does haters.

But as off beat and strange as Jared Hess is, he does have a very interesting mind. Yet, its definitely not a film for everyone. In some worlds its already a cult classic.

Rita Coolidge plays Ben's mom.

STORYLINE: Benjamin, home-schooled by his eccentric mother, is a loner whose passion for writing leads him on an journey as his story first gets ripped off by the legendary fantasy novelist, Ronald Chevalier, and then is adapted into a disastrous movie by the small town's most prolific homespun filmmaker

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Its Coming....

2012-01-01T01:14:00.002-06:00

Some movie previews to shows we can hardly wait for!

metro station

2011-12-31T01:51:00.001-06:00

Metro Station is back, which is basically Mason Muso, yet songs in the tradition of what Metro Station is known for, a sweet electronic pop guided by Musso's melody. No Trace Cyrus, who has his own project going Ashland High.

The band broke up in March of 2010, over a personal dispute. But fans are delighted that Metro Station is possibly back on track now. Hopefully, 2012 will bring lots of luck to Trace and Musso even if they have parted ways.

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War Horse - movie review

2011-12-30T01:12:00.057-06:00

War Horse has long been a favorite story in England. So its interesting to see what Spielberg would do. He's also taken a fascination to the cartoon character in Europe, Tin Tin. But that's another movie to talk about.

Of course the main character of this film is Joey, the Thoroughbred. Who learned quickly from Albert. And Spielberg did a majestic job of showing the beauty of the friendship between a boy and his horse as well of lovely landscapes unspoiled by war. It also talks of the unspoken wars we hear less and less about as the decades go by. If you are a history buff, you'll certainly want to take in this film.

Its been said it took 17 horses to play "Joey" the Thoroughbred.

War Horse is based on the book by Michael Morpurgo. Its the story of Albert Narracott who is played by the wonderful Jeremy Irvine. After seeing this film, I can't think of anyone but him for this part. Jeremy Irvine is certainly the actor to watch for. His emotions are spot on in the film.

The cinematography is grand. Such beauty Spielberg exposes, yet he shows the grim reminder of war too. And there is a bit of nostalgia to behold. The story transcends an emotion of war and how it affected all of Europe.

There is such amazing performances from Tom Hiddelton, the officer who rides into battle with Joey, as well as David Kross (The Reader) as the German solider who found Joey. Then the wonder crux of the motion picture when Toby Kebbell (a Brittish solider) comes across Joey.

As one patron put it, "I loved the movie, but I dunno if I could recommend it." Its quite an emotional ride. Pretty much a tear jerker. Although, it is a film well worth seeing on the big screen. This is the first film Spielberg has ever edited digitally. He's old school when it comes to editing.

The movie opened Christmas day. Just in time for an Oscar buzz!

STORYLINE: Young Albert enlists to service in WWI after his beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry. Albert's hopeful journey takes him out of England and across Europe as the war rages on.

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One Direction

2011-12-29T01:58:00.026-06:00

OK, not to get these guys mixed up with that wonderful boy band that Simon Cowall created from X-factor. This is a USA group, based out of California. The band is made up of Sean O'Leary who plays keyboard and lead singer, Isaiah Chavez-Pickett, Scott Nagareda, and Adam Davis (Scott Graham used to be with the band). Although, they are not as popular as the other ONE DIRECTION, these guys do have musician talents as well as catchy melodies in their songs.

Their new CD is THE LIGHT. And I found their 2012 song and thought I'd share it with you... since its almost 2012. Wishing them a great new year in music!

ONE DIRECTION

Tim Urban

2011-12-28T01:58:00.035-06:00

He's grown up a lot since American Idol. Remember him? The one with the adorable smile.

" I love seeing how much he’s grown since Idol. It’s like night and day! :-)" Says one fan.

I still think he'd make a great addition to Glee. However, he is doing a lot of charity events with other American Idol contestants. Over the summer he did the Dreamworld Benefit. Fans find him delightful, kind and happy go lucky.

One fan suggested that he be on BIG TIME RUSH. Many are hopeful he'll still make it big. Perhaps 2012 will be his year. And he won't be a forgotten face from American Idol.

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Tim Urban Music

Fiction Tuesday- Lola and the Boy Next Door

2011-12-27T01:13:00.061-06:00

Stephanie Perkins does it again! A new favorite Christmas present of many - LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR. She has a way of making us want the guy. And Cricket Bell is just as original as St. Clair from her last book ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS. And...guess what? Anna and St. Clair pop in on this book too!

My dreamcast: Cricket - Matt Beard (from Chatroom), Lola-Phoebe Tonkin(from Secret Circle), and Calliope- Elizabeth Gillis(from Victorious)

“I slide my hand between our mouths, just in time. His lips
are soft against my palm. I slowly, slowly remove it. “No, I
don’t love Max anymore. But I don’t want to give you this
broken, empty me. I want you to have me when I’m full,
when I can give something back to you. I don’t have much to
give right now.”
Cricket’s limbs are still, but his chest is pounding hard
against my own. “But you’ll want me someday? That feeling
you once had for me … that hasn’t left either?”
Our hearts beat the same wild rhythm. They’re playing the
same song.
“It never left,” I say.”
“And I hold my head high toward my big entrance, hand in hand with the boy who gave me the moon and the stars.” --Lola and the Boy Next Door

Dreamcast-Thomas Dekker as rocker boyfriend Max

Is it possible to still have that feeling of first love with the guy who moved away? Who did the worst thing possible to you. Emotionally. Can it come back to haunt you or to be rekindle?

Lola is the main character who is from the San Fransisco area. She has two dads who care very much for her. She's also wanting to be in costume too. And she thinks she's met the perfect guy. A rocker, in a band, who's older ...with tattoos. Max isn't exactly Dads approved, but her parents are trying.

As luck would have it, Cricket Bell comes back into her life, who has always played second fiddle to his sister, Calliope, the skater. He's tall. Geeky, but such a gentleman with a style for fashion who had to let Lola go because he had to be there for his sister... who's life is ice skating.

“I know you aren’t perfect. But it’s a person’s imperfections that make them perfect for someone else.”

—	Lola and the Boy Next Door

Stephanie gives us so much to smile about as the story unfolds. As Lola discovers how everything isn't perfect with her rocker boyfriend. And she starts to learn more about her biological mother when she comes to stay with them. The story grows and Perkins has a way of showing us how girl meets boy, and how friendship and romance can be a journey worth the self discovery.

Perkins is most definitely my favorite Young Adult Author of 2011. I embrace her characters, and I always want to read her books again and again, after I've read them.

“History books are filled with lies. Whoever wins the war tells the story.”

—

Lola and the Boy Next Door, by Stephanie Perkins, page 156

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freebies

2011-12-26T02:34:00.046-06:00

I've really fallen in love with this sampler from Nettwerk.

Especially, White Elephant from Ladytron. Such a cool song and it makes me want to know more about this band. They feature Tegan & Sara in this song.

Also included on the sampler is a very hypnotic song called X by kidstreet...out of Waterloo, Ontario.

And I loved Fascinated by Ivy.

There is also a song on the sampler by the Great Lake Swimmers.

Jane Levy

2011-12-25T01:05:00.040-06:00

She has to be my new favorite, up and coming actress this year. Most definitely my favorite Female Character in a Comedy-Tessa Altman (Suburgatory). One of the best new shows on ABC.

Jane is a little bit Emma Stone, yet she brings her own originality to her character Tess. Her face is so expressive.

Before she was in Suburgatory, she was in SHAMELESS (the American version).

Her birth name is Jane Colburn Levy.

She has two new movies in the works this coming year. NOBODY WALKS and FUN SIZE.

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winter perfect

2011-12-24T01:28:00.001-06:00

SNOW DRIFT COWL!

*Perfect addition to your winter outfit
*Cozy, Chunky, Scrunchy & Warm
*Made with soft, non-scratchy wool blend yarn

SWEETEDGE!

freebies

2011-12-23T01:23:00.001-06:00

It might be that time of year. Or, just looking for new artist to fall in love with. How about checking out Stockholm Belongs to Us at Amazon.

22 songs in fact that you can't even hold on one CD. As if anyone does that anymore. But some really cool songs you might want to include on your next mix for a friend or a last minute Christmas gift that a friend might even joy.

There are sounds from Radio Dept., Club 8, Sambassaduer, Pelle Carlberg and many many more.

The Moondoggies

2011-12-22T01:42:00.029-06:00

The Moondoggies are a four-piece band from Seattle that plays timeless American music. Warm three-part harmonies, gothic Rhodes organ, and wanderlust guitar mark a sound rooted in boogie blues and cosmic country; whip-smart songwriting leads to hook-heavy tunes that bristle with originality. Led by 22-year-old singer/guitarist Kevin Murphy, the Moondoggies are intent on artistic balance. They’re a serious band with a silly name. They play music that speaks of travel but is strongly connected to its place of origin. They’re young musicians continuing a legacy that goes back generations. Songs that unravel over seven sinuous minutes are somehow catchy and compact.

Looking for a classic rock group with a lot of soul? Look no further. These guys have heart and soul in each note. They've done Bob Dylan covers. But I have to say it was Its a shame, Its a pity that grabbed a hold of me.Its so Neill Young. I just had to find more of their music.

Kevin Murphy is the lead singer of the band. He does many acoustic sets which makes him all the more wonderful. His voice alone is a mighty storyteller of feelings. I dunno why, but he reminds me a little of Zach Galifianakis. Perhaps its the beard.

Words get overused
Lose all meaning too
Oh I’ve been such a fool
So I’ve been told
So I’ve been told

I’ll do whatever it takes to set my heart free
I’ll do whatever it takes to set my heart free-the undertaker by the moondoggies

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Jeremy Irvine

2011-12-21T01:31:00.041-06:00

Before Jeremy got his big break in War Horse he was in LOVE BITES which is a family comedy.

"I had been a struggling actor for two years, so to go from that to being on the set of a Steven Spielberg film, where he treated me like part of one big family, was amazing." Jeremy says about WAR HORSE.

"
There were real explosions at my feet, bodies flying through the air, stunt men getting shot at. It was terrifying. The smoke and the smell and the taste of the guns firing. It's not difficult to act scared in that situation."-he says about working on the set of WAR HORSE.

Premier still of NOW IS GOOD with Dakota Fanning.

Jeremy grew up in the rural village of Gamlingay in Cambridgeshire, England. He likes history. He also has Type 1 diabetes.

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Fiction Tuesday- Picture books for kids

2011-12-20T01:45:00.002-06:00

EXCUSE ME! a little book of manners by Karen Katz:

The book is very easy to read to a little one. Very help, I might add. And makes a great gift in the board books out there. Everyone needs to talk about their manners. Maybe even Mom or Dad can learn a thing or two with this lesson. Karen Katz is a Mom. A great book for babies and toddlers! Her latest is Wiggle Your Toes.

FRENCH DUCKS IN VENICE by Garret Freymann-Weyr and Erin McGuire (5 & up)

A magical, lyrical, beautifully illustrated tale about friendship and healing--and the joys and risks of staying open to love, even in the face of loss.

Siblings George and Cecile live in Venice, California, but think of themselves as French ducks. They have an important friend, Polina Panova, who conjures magical dresses of thread, silk, and velvet . . . of grass, pieces of night sky, and strawberry jam. To the ducks, who delight in her daily visits, Polina is a princess. But when Polina's prince--who makes movies almost as luminous as her dresses--decides to go away, life on the canal changes, and so does Polina. What are two steadfast and affectionate French ducks to do? Save admit that every broken heart mends on its own time, in its own way? From an acclaimed Y A author and a talented debut illustrator comes a storybook classic full of light and hush, wisdom and whimsy, about patient friendship and the healing power of time.

I loved the pictures in this book and could see it being a major motion picture, perhaps.

TUMFORD the terrible by Nancy Tillman (From babies on up)

Oh, who doesn't like a story about a cat? Or a pet for that matter. Sometimes, its best for the younger minded to read stories about animals. Perhaps they can find them relate-able, or understand how pets can be.

Tumford isn’t really a terrible cat. He just has a way of finding mischief—tracking dirt into the house, knocking over breakable things, and disrupting fancy parties. But even though he feels bad, he has a hard time saying, “I’m sorry.” Will the fact that his owners love him, no matter what, help Tummy say the magic words?

Young Adult - movie review

2011-12-19T01:26:00.062-06:00

Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody together again. Saying that, I guess I can add these two are showing some maturity even if the film is about a Young Adult author who won't grow up.

This is a film that's a bit messy, yet much of the dialogue won't feel anything what we are used to hearing from Diablo. Its quite restraint. Yet, there is this darker reality of it, and Charlize Theron's Mavis Gary is just a twinge of "Jennifer" from Jennifer's Body about how she feels toward life and those around her. She is the star of her own reality show in a sense..which I mean..as in her life. We see from the locals, when she goes back to Mercury, Minnesota, they couldn't quite stand her, anyway. The beautiful prom queen who might as well be the ice witch (Sound familiar? She's the witch in the new Snow White and the Huntsman).

Of course, she thinks she can come back and take her old high school boyfriend back, Buddy Slade played by the sweet natured yet oblivious Patrick Wilson. Elizabeth Reaser (From the Twilight saga) plays Buddy's wife. They've just had a baby. While Mavis is freshly divorced. Add to the geometry of the film is Patton Oswalt as Matt, the "hate crime" kid. Really, its Oswalt who steals the film. And in a sense its a bit haunting as in the reality of what is left of bullied grownups.

The film has its layers. To some it will be much darker than to others. And that's what makes the film unique. The fact that you can have different interpretations of this film. But all will realize just how Mavis sees herself. And how her past sees her.

The film definitely gives you all the different layers of Charlize's character Mavis. It has such a wonderful cast. The tiny amount of time we see of Collette Wolfe as Matt's sister is priceless. One has to wonder how many turns this film could have taken. Still Reitman is one to lay it all out for you and leaves you with a bit to think on.

"I don't want to make films that give you the answer. If there is a message to my films - and I hope there isn't - it's to be open-minded." Jason Reitman

STORYLINE: Soon after her divorce, a fiction writer returns to her home in small-town Minnesota, looking to rekindle a romance with her ex-boyfriend, who is now married with kids.

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“The conventional knowledge in Hollywood is that an unsympathetic female character can tank a movie. I’m hoping that’s not true. I’m knocking on wood really emphatically right now, but honestly I have a lot of theories. Sometimes I wonder if it comes down to mommy issues. The idea of a cold, unlikeable woman or a woman who is not in control of herself is genuinely frightening to people because it threatens civilization itself or threatens the American family. But I don’t know why people are always willing to accept and even like flawed male characters. We’ve seen so many loveable anti-heroes who are curmudgeons or addicts or bad fathers and a lot of those characters have become beloved icons and I don’t see women allowed to play the same parts. So it was really important to me to try and turn that around.”

—	Diablo Cody in an interview about Young Adult (via isummonedyouhere)

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

This song really puts a perspective on things in the movie. Perhaps you might have a memory from it too.

Sweetedge! Crochet

2011-12-18T02:05:00.016-06:00

What? Your guy's new favorite hat (looks good on gals, too)
(featured: gray/black tweed)

SweetEdge

Is it a big deal?

2011-12-17T01:33:00.007-06:00

OK, I did get bombarded by anonymous people when I tumbled a few pictures of Max Records, commenting how wonderful his character was in THE SITTER.

SPOILER ALERT: Max Record's character Slater is full of anxieties. He feels sure something is wrong with him. Its during the movie he learns he's gay.

However, some people have already written the actor off as it being a very bad thing... GAY. There is a rumor that at 13, Max has already came out of the closet. Of course, I have no idea if this is really the truth. But I'm seeing in studies, that many pro-active parents support this trend. This goes along with transgender pre-teens, as well. We are learning there is a fifty-fifty chance they'll change their minds, or they will be very comfortable with them-self and the choice made. And by taking on this challenge early on, its easier to reverse the affects later(if the case may be). So this might be a really good thing in the end.

Slytherin crackship

Even so, we should look at Max Record's acting abilities. He really has the charisma to play anyone he wants to play, and I'm glad he's taking chances.

Max is in the short film Blinky which is getting quite the buzz, as well.

"Records is 13 now, but at the age of eight, according to IMDb, he "led a protest for vegetarian options at his school cafeteria." Beside his impressive turn in Spike Jonze's film, he also played young Mark Ruffalo in Rian Johnson's "The Brothers Bloom." Next for him is "Blinky," the ~~feature debut~~ latest short from Oscar-nominated filmmaker/animator Ruairi Robinson. The teaser trailer shows Records' character acquiring a retro robot (so hot right now) as a toy/playmate/mechanically smiling possible threat. The film will presumably turn up on the festival circuit soon." IFC

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The Sitter - movie review

2011-12-16T02:02:00.085-06:00

From the first scene of this movie, you might doubt the heart of it, but it isn't long, perhaps a minute or two in, you see this is a character driven story. Its not one full of being the butt of jokes. This movie was before the Jonah Hill diet transformation. And I'm glad it was. There is something endearing about those eyes of his, even if his voice. Jonah helped as an executive producer of this film, too.

Kyle Bunberry as Roxanne

Max as Slater

I must admit it was better than I anticipated. The casting was great. Everyone from the drug dealing Sam Rockwell to the miscalculating Ari Graynor who you might remember as the drunk girl from Nick and Norah. Oh, and the talents of Max Records just makes the movie all the more real yet edgy. And I must add the beautiful Kylie Bunberry to the list who makes this movie work.

Here is a story about a college guy who isn't exactly what his father counted on having..especially, when he's been suspended from college after a few bad choices. Still, his Dad has moved on with the babysitter and starting a new family. Still, Noah Griffin cares about his Mom, wanting to see her happy. And he wants to make the girl (he dreams of having a relationship and they just might have one) happy too. In one night, he hopes to see it through by baby-sitting the kids next door and scoring some drugs for his so-called girlfriend. Its quite an adventure in babysitting.

These aren't quite normal kids. Yet, their family might not be completely normal either. Everyone has dysfunction to put up with. Max Record's Slater thinks something is wrong with him. He has lots of anxieties, and needs his fanny pack of anti-depressants, while his younger sister Blithe, played by the fab Landry Bender just wants to be a celebrity and has definitely been influenced by the best but might be trying to grow up too fast. Add Kevin Hernanadez as Rodrigo the foreign adopted kid who stays in the basement had has a unique talent of stealing and blowing things up and you've got mayhem.

In spite of the night getting worse as one problem leads to another, we meet people Noah has gone to high school with as well those he knew in college. And between the bitter-sweetness, Noah learns a few things about himself as well as life lessons for the kids too.

This is one film that actually surpassed my expectations. Its not a laugh a minute comedy, but still it has laughs. Too some, perhaps too much potty mouth and then some. Perhaps it was a bit predictable, but still the characters had me wanting more. I've always been a fan of Noah Hill. I loved the soundtrack, as well. I liked how the story included so many walks of life, too. This story has laughs, lots of adventures, yet some loveable characters that you'll think of fondly after you watch the film.

STORYLINE: A comedy about a college student on suspension who is coaxed into babysitting the kids next door, though he is fully unprepared for the wild night ahead of him.

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Hot Chelle Rae

2011-12-15T01:50:00.013-06:00

Hot Chelle Rae is a pop rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band consists of Ryan Follese (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Nash Overstreet (lead guitar, backing vocals), Ian Keaggy (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Jamie Follese (drums).

You might have heard of them. Or their songs. Possibly their connections to other up and coming celbs. Like, Chord Overstreet's brother Nash Overstreet has a band.

These guys formed in Nashville back in 2005. They have musical roots. Each have fathers who are in the Nashville songwriting business. However it wasn't until 2009 that they made more of an impact, and it wasn't until this past year they their very catchy Tonight Tonight (a song featuring New Boyz rap) and I like it like that made us listen up. These guys are quite talented!

Oh, and their is this uncanny resemblance between bass guitarist Ian Keaggy and Reid Ewing.

They were a hit at South by Southwest in the past. They've also done a song with Demi Lavato. Their latest endeavor came out this past November. Whatever. It just might be on your Christmas Wish list of new bands to have on your favorite playlist.

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Jimmi Simpson

2011-12-14T02:02:00.057-06:00

You might have never heard of him, yet possibly you've seen him around on various episodes of crime shows, or Lyle the intern on THE DAVID LETTERMAN SHOW.

D.E.B.S

Jimmi has been in movies since 2000. His first movie was LOSER, and he was quite the character in that movie. He doesn't always play the nice guy. Yet, he can sometimes be the hottest geek in Hollywood.

Jimmi might remind you a little of James Spader, yet there is something about him that might remind you of Christian Slater too.

Simpson is also married to actress Melanie Lynskey, who you might remember from 2 and Half Men.

Come spring you can catch Jimmi Simpson a new season on A & E of BREAKOUT KINGS. The premise is a squad of U.S. marshals team up with cons (former fugitives) to work together on tracking down prison escapees in exchange for getting time off their sentences. It also stars Domenick Lombardozzi, Brooke Nevin and Serinda Swan.

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Fiction Tuesday- The Language of Flowers

2011-12-13T02:14:00.061-06:00

This is Vanessa Diffenbaugh's debut novel.

The Language of Flowers beautifully weaves past and present, creating a vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others even as she struggles to overcome her own troubled past.

ROSE (purple) - enchantment

The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings.

Now eighteen and emancipated from the system, Victoria has nowhere to go and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. Soon a local florist discovers her talents, and Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But a mysterious vendor at the flower market has her questioning what’s been missing in her life, and when she’s forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness.

“‘Do you really think you’re the only human being alive who is unforgivably flawed? Who’s been hurt almost to the point of breaking?’ - Renata”

—	Vanessa Diffenbaugh, The Language of Flowers

Insight on THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS from the author...

"The Victorian language of flowers began with the publication of Le Language des Fleurs, written by Charlotte de Latour and printed in Paris in 1819. To create the book--which was a list of flowers and their meanings--de Latour gathered references to flower symbolism throughout poetry, ancient mythology and even medicine. The book spawned the science known as floriography, and between 1830 and 1880, hundreds of similar floral dictionaries were printed in Europe and America.
In The Language of Flowers, Victoria learns about this language as a young girl from her prospective adoptive mother Elizabeth. Elizabeth tells her that years ago, people communicated through flowers; and if a man gave a young lady a bouquet of flowers, she would race home and try to decode it like a secret message. So he would have to choose his flowers carefully." - Vanessa Diffenbaugh

"Instantly enchanting…. [Diffenbaugh] is the best new writer of the year." -Elle

"A fascinating debut…. Diffenbaugh clearly knows both the human heart and her plants, and she keeps us rooting for the damaged Victoria." -O Magazine

"We couldn't put it down."--Good Housekeeping

The story starts where we meet Victoria at 18 just getting out of the foster care system. There is a lot she couldn't count on life, but the beauty of flowers gives her a certain peace. She's bit of an odd duck. She doesn't exactly communicate well with others. She does better as a solo act, so to speak. You will find her story heartbreaking and real. Giving you an insight of what goes on in the foster care system.

A certain suspense unfolds for the reader, wondering if Victoria can overcome her childhood pain.

Of course, the author has a magical way of adding the "flower" information into the story as well. This novel is on of booklist out there. Its a novel that has a lot to offer, and you'll be glad that you read about this character that Diffenbaugh has created.

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The Descendents - movie review

2011-12-12T01:50:00.072-06:00

This is an Alexander Payne film(directed and he helped write the screenplay). And of course, being a native son of Omaha, well..we are proud of him. Saying this, I'm not sure we can be totally honest about him in our part of the world. As it is, he never depicted our city in a very good light in Citizen Ruth (which is about the abortion clinic which I do know the location of) nor even in Election. Still Payne is the type of director to capture the pains of ordinary life, for the most part. I'll have to admit I've never seen Jack Nicholson more real than when he was in About Schmidt. Nor have I seen such sly wit in any film as I have Sideways (A film Clooney had wanted to play Jack in, but Payne didn't want anyone really famous in the film, at that time.)

Here is a film of George Clooney as Matt King, very close and personal. There are scenes that show him walking, running, and up close scenes as well. He's in a very hard place in his life. His wife was in a boating accident and is slowly fading away in a coma. Also, his cousins are hoping to cash in on a trust of land. This is where the descendents gets complicated. All these white people who are in the family history of Hawaii. Of course, this is the part I'm not sure I completely 'buy' as the story. Also, the fact that someone married to George Clooney type would cheat on him? Another complication that doesn't make the total film believable.

But in this film its Shailene Woodley as his daughter Alexandera thats believable. Such raw emotions, especially, the swimming pool scene. And don't forget Nick Krause as her friend Sid. He comes of a bit Patrick Fugit. He says he was inspired by the Big Lebowski for his role in an interview. He comes off as a big lug, but this guy in reality has been taking college classes since he was ten. He practically stole every scene he was in. This guy is definitely one to watch for.

One of my favorite moments in the movie were that of Robert Forster as the father of Matt's wife in a coma. Each scene he gives you a different perspective of how he sees his daughter, which is far from the reality. Showing who he thinks who is at fault of his daughter's ordeal.

The film is sad. Its a sensitive subject. Some might be offended by the youngest daughter, Scottie's (Amara Miller) potty mouth. Really, it is a movie worth watching (although, I wasn't a fan of the voice overs). Such a great cast and the beautiful back drop of Hawaii with a pure soundtrack of the beat of Hawaiian tunes. Although, it could be a tad over rated. Still, its an enjoyable film that just might get an Oscar buzz.

STORYLINE: With his wife Elizabeth on life support after a boating accident, Hawaiian land baron Matt King takes his daughters on a trip from Oahu to Kauai to confront the young real estate broker, who was having an affair with Elizabeth before her misfortune.

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Bag of Bones

2011-12-11T17:51:00.001-06:00

Ready for a horror drama?

Well, get ready. A&E, brings you two night of Stephen King's novel. Starting tonight at 9/8c.

The drama stars Pierce Bronsan and Melissa George with Jason Priestly, but it might be Caitlin Carmichael who steals the show.

Also new comer, Joel Freckelton as Harold Noonan is one to watch for as well.

“Listen to the old-timers who remember the rich and successful in their salad days (and all the old-timers claim they do), and you’ll hear that they ate the wallpaper, fucked the dog, and showed up at church suppers wearing nothing but their pee-stained BVDs.”

—	Stephen King, Bag of Bones

STORYLINE: The main character, Mike Noonan, is an author living in Derry, Maine who suffers from severe writer's block after the death of his wife...

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DIY

2011-12-10T01:15:00.018-06:00

Its that time of year again. Funds getting short, or you're just in the mood for crafts. And everyone loves a hat. Guys do too.

I found Gleeful Things. I sort of make a slouchy hat like this. Get the free pattern.

free pattern

If you can't handle the pressure. Perhaps making flower magnets would be easy.

HAT GIVE AWAY

Or, just buy a hat from Gleeful Things!

"I'm Julie, a 29 year young California girl with a serious crochet obsession! I run a shop called Gleeful Things, where I sell hats that I design. And if you're feeling crafty, you're in luck because I also sell crochet patterns on Ravelry! I got my start publishing crochet toy (amigurumi) patterns in 2006 but have recently been focused on wearables, mainly hats. I write a blog, also titled Gleeful Things, which is further proof of my fascination with yarn as I often post crafty inspiration, DIY tutorials, and free crochet patterns." -Julie King

via The Dainty Squid!

Julie King designed the pattern. She's also modeling her hats, too.

Evan Peters

2011-12-09T01:52:00.021-06:00

A part of me still remembers him as Cooper Day in THE DAYS. Oh, how he's grown since then. And his latest character as Tate Langdon in American Horror Story goes to show just what an amazing actor Evan Peters really is.

Perhaps you remember him as Jesse on ABC's INVASION, or that geeky friend on Phil from the Future. Chances are when you think of him, you think of his Jack Daniels on ONE TREE HILL(season 6) where he was Samantha Walker's (Ashley Rickard) love interest. Rumor has it, they are still dating, but it might be just a rumor.

"I think he really looks adorable here :D who would’ve thought that he would set his mothers lover on flames and commit a shooting massacre in his school the next morning?" shadow race

As of yet TATE is possibly Evan's most complex character on American Horror Story. Is Tate dead? Does he have split personality? Could he possibly be the father of the anti-christ? Or just a mass murder that doesn't know he's dead? Yes, that's the strangeness of this show. And viewers can't get enough of it. Nor Tate for that matter.

"He just keeps getting more and more attractive with each episode. Even though his character is a crazy kid. This actor has obtained quite a following!" a tumblr fan

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Jake Bugg

2011-12-08T01:32:00.004-06:00

In the new folk tradition of Ben Howard, Ray La montagne, Johnny Flynn comes Jake Bugg.

“Someone told me a girl I like, fell in love and all I did was cry,”

—	Jake Bugg - Someone told me

"This guy Jake Bugg is 17, although you wouldn’t think it from the maturity in his voice and the songs he writes. He sounds like a young Bob Dylan from the folkiness in his voice and music. Simple acoustic guitar emotionally filled folk music." - The Music Words

"Another young lad with tremendous potential and don’t just take my word for it - he’s recently been signed to Mercury Records. ‘This young singer/songwriter from Nottingham is only 17, but is already producing music way beyond his years. Influenced by the likes of Donovan, Don Mclean, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, you might think Jake was born in the wrong era. He played Glastonbury in 2011, keeping the spirit of the first Glastonbury of 1970 alive.’ " - Jenx

And he sounds a bit like the Tallest Man on Earth (Kristian Matson), too.

heartbeats - DVD review

2011-12-07T01:25:00.050-06:00

If you are in a mood for a cool foreign film look no further. You've got a modern love story to savor. It looks so French yet it was made in Canada. HEARTBEATS is fresh in young love.

Its the story about three friends which turns into a love-triangle. I wont say its Canada's answer to THE DREAMERS, but it has the very cool Xaiver Dolan (who also directed and wrote the story to this film), Monica Chokri and Neils Schneider.

This is a film about young love trying to find the perfect love. Of course, you might fall in love with the style of the film. Maria (Monica Chokri) is the kind of character who is very vintage, and quite loveable.

Its hard to write a modern love story, but this film tackles it in a very genuine way. You might fall in love with the soundtrack, as well. It also has a sly humor, too.

STORYLINE: The story of three close friends who are involved in a love-triangle.

Fiction Tuesday- The Call

2011-12-06T02:05:00.000-06:00

Yannick Murphy is an extra-ordinary writer. I've loved her work ever since reading HERE THEY COME. And I can't be sure if I understood it 100%, it is sometimes complex in her story telling, yet it leaves different interpretations to the reader, which in a sense makes her quite brilliant.

Description: The daily rhythm of a veterinarian’s family in rural New England is shaken when a hunting accident leaves their eldest son in a coma. With the lives of his loved ones unhinged, the veterinarian struggles to maintain stability while searching for the man responsible. But in the midst of their great trial an unexpected visitor arrives, requesting a favor that will have profound consequences—testing a loving father’s patience, humor, and resolve and forcing husband and wife to come to terms with what “family” truly means.
The Call is a gift from one of the most talented and extraordinary voices in contemporary fiction—a unique and heartfelt portrait of a family, poignant and rich in humor and imagination.

“Remarkable. . . . The truthful evocation of family is the real triumph of ‘The Call’. There is much love in this novel, and just as much truth about the pain and pleasure of family life. . . . [A] clever and beautiful book.” (Boston Globe )

The story is written as a journal. Perhaps the way a vet would have time to jot down his daily adventures with animals. He mentions what his wife cooked for dinner. What the kids said. Slowly, comes a quaint truth of how their lives evolve and what comes to pass with events and people. Its a sincere book and so originally written.

“Languages are best learned young, when there’s the chance you’ll mean what you say later in life.”

—	Yannick Murphy, Here They Come

Dominique McElligott

2011-12-05T00:18:00.006-06:00

There isn't a lot we know about her. Although, she comes off in a league of her own as a young Jessica Lange. Some see her as a new Naomi Watts. She is definitely getting bigger roles, especially as "Lily" in HELL ON WHEELS. Her character is strong and courageous as a pioneer woman who is from a rather prestigious up bringing at a railroad town, where she's now a widow, but was saved by Native American Eddie Spears "Joseph Black Moon" (which many viewers shipped very much). Although, it looks as if her character might be smitten by the new railroad man, Anson Mount.

She's been in the TV series RAW and in movies as MOON and a bit part in LEAP YEAR. Possibly, more memorable in DARK FLOORS.

Catch episodes of HELL ON WHEELS.

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Love & Distrust - dvd review

2011-12-03T01:41:00.042-06:00

If only these two could have been in the movie. They weren't.

This really isn't a full length movie where you can get attached to the characters. Instead, its four movie shorts. Its got a great cast and some very unique directors. Unfortunately, these so called love stories that have more time to develop than lets say I LOVE NEW YORK or the French version (I LOVE PARIS). Still, we feel cheated.

If only its theme were more genuine. I would have enjoyed this film more if perhaps all the stories took place in the late sixties. Perhaps the first two do. One takes place in Franch. The other Australia. Out of all the shorts, I have to say the Sam Worthington one was the best. Although, he looks nothing in this film as I think of him.

This segment was actually made way back in 2004.

Blue Poles is about a chance meeting. A country boy picks up a hippie chick played by Hallie Shelman who I'm not sure is even acting anymore. This short is about free love, but one has to wonder what's really free about it. He writes about her in his journal, and she reads it while he's in the shower. Of course, we never really know for sure if she's pregnant, but there are signs. Its rather predictable. Worthington's character is a good guy. Of course, she doesn't want a good guy. Yet still, it has its merits. He might even know the real her, but she doesn't want to stick around and find out.

Many of the stories are kind of sad. Robert Pattinson is in the first short, Summer House. Only, he isn't it long enough. Although, he has a tan and quite the lamb chops. His character is the one who cheated on his first love, but has written many letters to her over the summer. Although, I think the real story of this 1969 story with the back drop of walking on the moon, is perhaps the old French houskeeper doing her best to make the girl(Jane) in story, Talulah Riley, feel romantic again along with the hide and seek romance going on with her great Aunt and the old houskeeper's hubby.

James Franco Grasshopper segment might have been the strangest. Its a man on the train who loses his phone. A drunk girl (Rachel Miner) has it and its not a mystery really worth figuring out.

Amy Adams in Pennies..fell short too. You felt so bad for her waitress character having to put up with these weird customers, all the while she needs money and is desperate, yet you felt the end kind of silly.

Then Lorraine Bracco's Auto Motives made no sense at all. What was the point. Sure it starred Robert Downey Jr., except he's in it may all of a minute..maybe. It was just too busy.

Yes, its one DVD you want to stay away from. If this is art, it really didn't touch me.

STORYLINE: Tale of the passions and perils of love in all its forms. Five unique short films that focus on the lives of a group of beautiful yet troubled twenty-somethings, this compilation explores the dark heart of romance, the secrets we can never tell and the heartache it can cause. Battling temptation and the pull of seduction, the fight for love can never be easy.

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Adam Sevani

2011-12-02T01:25:00.030-06:00

OK, its taken me forever..it seems..but I think Adam (sporting glasses) is in the new iPod Touch commercial. If only he were in the commercial more. I love to watch him dance and its good to see he's getting into more films too.

Perhaps you remember him as "Moose" in the Step Up films. He's rumored to be in Step Up 4. Hopefully, he and Alyson Stoner will have a few dance numbers, too.

He is in the film LOL with Ashley Greene and Miley Cyrus coming out next year. Its a comedy.

The premise of LOL: In a world connected by YouTube, iTunes, and Facebook, Lola and her friends navigate the peer pressures of high school romance and friendship while dodging their sometimes overbearing and confused parents.

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Grouplove

2011-12-01T01:51:00.048-06:00

Chances are you've heard their tongue tied song on the latest iPod touch commercial.

The band started out in 2009 with a friendship between Hannah Hooper, Christian Zucconi, Sean Gadd (son of singer/songwriter Steve Gadd of UK band Stray), Andrew Wessen and Ryan Rabin (son of film composer and former Yes guitarist Trevor Rabin).

With a little help from an art residency in Crete, this band has been making some very happy music. Of course, back in September the group came out with the CD Never Trust a Happy Song. Perhaps you heard their song GOLDCOAST in the movie, The Sorcer's apprentice. They have opened for Florence and the Machine, as well.

“take me to your best friend’s house.
I loved you then and I love you now.”

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grouplivn

DECEMBER TOUR DATES:

December 1 - Norfolk (Ted Constant Center) —- tickets here (sold out)
December 3 - Tampa (1800-ask-gary Amphitheatre) —- tickets here
December 4 - Jacksonville (Metro Park) —- tickets here
December 6 - Seattle (Neumos headline show) — tickets here
December 7 - Seattle (Key Arena) —- tickets here
December 8 - San Francisco (The New Parish) —- tickets here
December 10 - Portland (Crystal Ballroom) —- tickets here (sold out)

Unlikely Christmas music

2011-11-30T02:00:00.003-06:00

Leave it to the most creative Sufjan Stevens to come up with the most unique Christmas music. I love his eyes as well as what he can do on a banjo. Yet, he has a way of such great story telling.

If you've never listened to any of his stuff, this is one song that will make you want to listen to more of his music.

Fiction Tuesday - As I wake

2011-11-29T01:29:00.028-06:00

Ava is welcomed home from the hospital by a doting mother, lively friends, and a crush finally beginning to show interest. There’s only one problem: Ava can’t remember any of them - and can’t shake the eerie feeling that she’s not who they say she is.

Ava struggles to break through her amnesiac haze as she goes through the motions of high-school life, but the memories that surface take place in a very different world, where Ava and familiar-faced friends are under constant scrutiny and no one can be trusted. Ava doesn’t know what to make of these visions, or of the boy who is at the center of them all, until he reappears in her life and offers answers … but only in exchange for her trust.

Nobody does it better when it comes to creating situations like this than Elizabeth Scott. I was so amazed by her novel Walking Dead Girl. Scott has a way of making it personal in a sense of letting you be their for the emotional roller coaster in a character's life.

Usually, you can read Scott's work in one sitting. Its that good. You just can't put her books down. This is one of those books. The story has its own personal mystery to it. Scott's words are poetic at times, too. If you are looking for an intriguing and riveting read, you've got it with this book.

Hey there, I'm Elizabeth. I write young adult novels. I've had a bunch of jobs over the years--I've sold pantyhose, hardware, and once spent three days burning cds during the dot.com boom (worst. job. ever.)--but hands down, writing is the best! You can read lots more about my books at my website, http://www.elizabethwrites.com

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RED STATE - dvd review

2011-11-28T01:26:00.036-06:00

"Three kids find an online advertisement from a woman requesting a group sex session. When they meet up with the woman, they discover that the ad was a ruse. They are sedated with roofies and captured by members of the Five Points Baptist Church, a radical church with similar views to that of the real-life Westboro Baptist Church, the only difference being that, while Westboro pickets and spews hate from a safe distance, Five Points goes the extra step by torturing, punishing and killing the “non-believers” themselves. The plot soon escalates into a full-blown hostage situation, with Five Point members and ATF agents getting into an extremely violent gunfight."-crazyfaced productions.

Some will think Kevin Smith is quite the genius of this film through clever dialogue and such great controversy. To some, it'll be the most scary horror film they've ever witnessed. To others, it was as if this artist was trying to cover too much ground when he made the film.

The movie never really got to the theaters. Perhaps a few, but now it there to get on Netflicks or buy at Wal-mart. Kevin does have a way of bringing his projects to the masses.

During filming Kyle Gallner suffered a panic attack whilst being tied to the cross, which the crew were unaware of at first, thinking he was still acting.

Yet at time, this film feels very B-Rated. Such an extraordinary cast. John Goodman shakes it up on the screen. Kyle Gallner shows so many sides of himself.

However, you may find it hard to watch this film in his pulp fiction like style. But then, again, you might have to buy yourself a copy of this to study. It is a movie that makes you think of how our society is and who is out there among us.

Kevin Smith has a way of getting a Youth in Revolt kind of following.

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Breaking Dawn Part 1 - movie review

2011-11-27T01:46:00.083-06:00

One has to wonder if this is just a film for fans of Rob & Kristen's or for Edward and Bella. On either count, it didn't quite work for me. Yet, I'm sure you will hear, this is the best one yet.

So if you are a fan of the book or the actors I'm sure you've already made your way to the theater. Many of us were excited for the wedding. And the back of the wedding dress is the scene stealer of the film.

Still Stewart can act as the most ill fated bride ever in the honeymoon scenes. Too bad neither could take a cue from the beautiful Antonia Roberts and intriguing Iwan Rheon from The Misfits when they had their first romantic scene together.

Even some manly stubble.

Out of all the actors, Taylor Lautner does deliver. And I could see Pattinson stepping up near the end. Possibly, a little too late. Seth played by Booboo Stewart was charming. Can't say much else about the pack.

As for the characters, I was a bit rattled with a few scenes where Edward is rather indifferent and calls the baby a "thing". As usual, a whole cast was wasted for the most part. Jasper had straight hair now and the vamps didn't look entirely pale. Yet, it was kind of creepy about the whole Jacob thing with Renesemee.

Although, of all Vampire genre out there, this can not compete with the revelations between Buffy and Angel's romance in Buffy, the Vampire Slayer. Nor the unique storyline of Angel having a son named Connor in Angel.

CONNOR: (explosively) I didn’t feel anything! I can’t feel anything. I guess I really am your son… ‘cause I’m dead, too.

ANGEL: You’re not dead. You’re just starting your life and—

CONNOR: No, you just weren’t there before!

ANGEL: (teary) I know. I’m so—

CONNOR: (yelling) Do not say you’re sorry! Doesn’t fix anything.

ANGEL: Ok, look, let me say this. I love you, son.

CONNOR: It’s a lie.

ANGEL: It’s not.

CONNOR: It’s always a lie. (softly) My dead mother couldn’t even love me.

ANGEL: You’re wrong. She did.

CONNOR: No. No. She knew she couldn’t.

ANGEL: She sacrificed herself because she loved you.

CONNOR: You tried to love me. At least I think you did.

ANGEL: I still do.

CONNOR: But not enough to hang on, dad. You let him take me. You let him get me. You let him get me.

There are so many things Edward can do as a vampire..that its to the point..what's the point of being a vampire? Another confusing part. What was Edward really doing to Bella when she had the baby?

I didn't find the music playlist near as good in this movie as in the past movies of this series. Sometimes, its the music alone that makes me come back for follow up movies.

Anyway, you know you want to see this film. You know you want to see the wedding scene, the honeymoon and of course, Bella's pregnancy. Go ahead. Everybody else is. Oh, and don't forget to stay after the credits.

STORYLINE: The Quileute's close in on expecting parents Edward and Bella, whose unborn child poses a threat to the Wolf Pack and the towns people of Forks.

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The one that gotta way

2011-11-26T01:15:00.000-06:00

I just love the story to this video. I'm sure all are exhausted from a wonderful holiday or maybe you spent the night shopping.

Still hope I see LIKE CRAZY soon. Although, it might be on DVD by the time I get around to seeeing it.

Ximena Sariñana

2011-11-24T01:47:00.031-06:00

She is the daughter of director Fernando Sariñana and screenwriter Carolina Rivera, niece of actress Angélica Rivera and producer José Alberto Castro.

Ximena was born in Guadalajara. She is also an actoress in many Mexican films. She's been around Mexican TV since 1994. She sang on Jason Marz's Lucky.

I first saw her in Charm School and thought she was some one to look into. And I'm glad I did. I love SHINE DOWN.

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Asa Butterfield

2011-11-23T02:13:00.002-06:00

Asa Butterfield is Hugo. You'll want to remember that. He'll be in a new movie coming out with Chloe Grace Moretz.

Its a story about a 12-year-old orphan who lives in the walls of a Paris train station in 1930. Its a mystery involving the boy, his late father and a robot. Jude Law stars in the film, as well. Its getting quite a buzz. Hopefully, it will be a remarkable movie.

Asa has been in such films as the latest Nanny McPhee movie, The Wolfman, and THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS. He also stared in the TV series Merlin.

Asa is from London and has been acting since he was eight. He's a young actor to watch for. He just might be the next big thing. But he remains grounded, enjoying a regular life with school and friends.

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Fiction Tuesday- Lost Sommer

2011-11-22T01:30:00.025-06:00

This is Vivian Crayton's first published book. Its a story about a girl in Jackson, Mississippi. Its a coming of age story.

Although, Vivian might not be known by a lot of people in the world, yet in her hometown she is quite a role model, and in this book of hard times, and many challenges, her main character breaks through.

The book is seasoned with little quotes of wisdom along the way in the breaks of the chapters.

Its a book with a lot of heart. Some of it, is perhaps harsh, yet its the reality that author knows, very well.

Description: When friendship and loyalty dangles before you, what do you do? In this captivating novel, love no longer binds a lasting relationship. On the other hand, an innocent secret alters the course of many. Let it be known to the world; all relationships have their flaws. With all things constant; selfishness, deceit, and lies are the root for the confusion. Sommer Renee Stillwater, seemingly has an "I" complex. Money, men, and manipulation are the fuels that keep her on the move. Her inability to listen, paralyzes her judgment; thus causing her to be committed to a mental hospital. Then there's Kareem who reads the motives of those around him. Though he remains neutral, he assumes the role of mediator amongst friends. With his concentrated hopes of bringing all things back to a happy medium, his integrity is placed on the chopping block. Lost Sommer openly displays the dysfunction of any relationship, when there are kept secrets and a lack of honest communication. Many of Kareem's friends don't desire to hear what he has to say. However, there is one who pays attention. With acceptance of his criticism, maturity, and growth strengthens their friendship.

Its a good read during the Thanksgiving holidays.

sleeping beauty

2011-11-21T01:29:00.019-06:00

The release for the forthcoming contovertial Australian movie,Sleeping Beauty has finally been announced. The Julia Leigh drama was released on October 28, 2011.

Sleeping Beauty stars Emily Browning, Rachel Blake, Ewen Leslie and a whole host of other stars.
Sleeping Beauty centres around a young girl called Lucy, who is your regular University student. However, Lucy becomes involved in a mystifying secreted world of unspoken desires. Emily Browning will star in Sleeping Beauty as university student Lucy. Mia Wasikowska was initially lined up to play Lucy but pulled out to star in Jane Eyre, so was replaced by Emily Browning. Before filming began for Sleeping Beauty, director Julia Leigh suggested that, Emily take some time to watch Charlotte Gainsbourg’s performance in the Lars Von Trier movie Antichrist.

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The sounds of the holidays

2011-11-20T01:02:00.000-06:00

Oh, you know, you expect it. Sometimes, you just can't get away with it. And then sometimes, Christmas music surprises you. It brings you home for the holidays, where ever you are.