Random Musings

Busy, busy weekend!

I've been catching up on movie watching by having the tv on while I'm working on some online stuff. I thought I'd post my impressions of the few movies I (half-)watched over the past few days.

Fever Pitch - As a Red Sox fan, I'm ashamed it took me so long to watch this. Hearing "Tessie" reminded me of the excitement of the World Series. (When I was in St. Louis for Nationals, I got a good look at the new Busch Stadium from the Arch.) Anyway, the movie was cute. A boy meets girl, boy likes girl, and then girl wants boy to pay less attention to hobbies and more attention to her, type scenario.

I was reading MSN.com yesterday morning, and found an interesting article about a new horror movie entitled "Snakes on a Plane". I LOVE a good horror flick, but I'm TERRIFIED of snakes to say the least (always have been and always will be). It's something I picked up from my dad.

This movie, though not being released until AUGUST, already has a huge cult following. At one point, there were plans to rename it "Pacific Flight 147" or something like that, and it was said that Samuel L Jackson, star of this flick, said - NO WAY. I mean, which title would at least implore you to check it out. There are already cafepress.com sites out there with creative tshirts, hats, etc. using the affectionate acronym 'SOAP'.

If you're interested, check out this link to the trailer:
http://www.tagworld.com/snakesonaplane

OR

A blog inspired by the film:
http://snakesonablog.com/

Although it might have appeared that I had abandoned my livejournal... it only appeared that way.

For reality tv, last week was the paring down to 9, as Survivor, American Idol and America's Next Top Model each eliminated one contestant to reach the final 9. Of the three, ANTM definitely has my interest over the other two. The country theme on AI this week has me bored to tears. Kenny Rogers helped the contestants. He makes me think about Lorena, my childhood babysitter, who adored him and Elvis. I agree with Simon, I don't like country music either.

24... who the heck saw that coming! WOW! President Logan has an evil side. hmmmm... now the questions arise. Who else is in on it? Is there anyone left to trust? How are Jack & co going to get through the rest of this day? and if they do, will there be anyone left for Season 6?

It's been a VERY long week... Chris has been sick the past few days. He wouldn't ever miss work unless he was very ill, and he came home halfway through his shift on Thursday.

Last night, I stayed later in Portland to have a bite to eat with pals from my temping days at Banknorth. It was pretty fun.

Thought about going to the movies today, but there really isn't anything I'd really like to see.

I finished a redesign for Mauri Gustafson & Logan Giulietti-Schmitt's website:
http://www.ice-dance.com/mauri-logan

In the last two weeks, I finished two designs for Figure Skaters Online:

Dice Murakami: http://www.figureskatersonline.com/dicemurakami

Jessica Paetsch & Jon Nuss: http://www.figureskatersonline.com/paetsch-nuss

Chris sent me a link to this 'Blue Velvet' spoof video clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf-Gn0bXPCc

Blue Velvet is a perculiar movie from the 80's starring Kyle MacLachlan, Dennis Hopper, Dean Stockwell, Laura Dern and Isabella Rossellini and directed by David Lynch. IMDB on Blue Velvet: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090756/. You really have to see the movie to understand just how humorous this clip really is. "Candy-colored clown they call the sandman..."

Eureka! My favorite TAR racers have survived another week and I admit that Fran and Barry are growing on me. If they manage to make it to the final three, the other teams had better look out if the challenge involves anything to do with traveling when map reading is required - these two have that part down.

Ugh! American Idol; I admit to have skipped most of the second hour. I was watching 'The Unit' instead. I did switch back to see some of the performances. Elliot, Chris and Mandisa - best of the night. Taylor.. not so good.

The World Figure Skating Championships are going on now. It's the first worlds since I've been watching (religiously) that Elena Grushina & Ruslan Goncharov have not competed. I've known them for the past 6 years and looking at the results is a bit strange since their name isn't listed. They're off touring in Europe celebrating their Olympic bronze medal-Way to go guys! Mens results could keep the top three as the same (in any order) and I'd be happy. If not, throw Lysacek or Weir in there and that would be fine too. I think pairs really is the changing of the guard.

My nephew's birthday is today - Happy Birthday MATT! I think his mom might kill me after she sees his present.

More later...

Went to see 'V for Vendetta' today. If you don't want to know anything more about the movie. Do not read on.

Ok.. I warned you. I loved the movie. It was a thought provoking cross between '1984' and 'Phantom of the Opera' with all the essentials: action, intrigue and a good story. A major spoiler in the movie is that you never really know V's identity even though they give backstory, or see his face as it's always covered by the mask. There are some unexpected twists and turns and an 'explosive' ending. Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman did a fabulous job bringing their characters to life, especially Weaving who had to rely only on his voice to get the character across without use of facial expression, or other mannerisms associated.

For the second week in a row, TV Guide has 'spoiled' Chris and I with what's happening in season 5 of 24. We've given up and are going to start watching season 5 midseason starting Monday.

RIP Edgar & Tony

I've been more tired than usual lately, probably because I've been a lot busier. I have several new websites to design and am working to set up my business. I've had more inquiries from potential non-skating clients and I'm excited to work on something different than I'm used to creating.

Even though things have been a bit crazy, I've still been able to get my tv fix. I was surprised to see Ayla Brown and Gedeon McKinney eliminated from American Idol when they pared down to the final 12. It makes it even more interesting to see what happens tonight and who goes home. I think the best performances were Taylor and Chris, and the worst was Kellie. It really brings it all to a head when you put them all on a larger stage with a larger audience - it separates the best from the good enoughs.

Survivor is basically on hiatus while 'March Madness' takes over. Dan was voted off last week and even though the season started with much more promise, I'm starting to feel like it's heading down the same road the past few seasons have been.

Amazing Race continues to impress me since its return from the not-so-exciting family edition. Phil pulled a fast one on the racers and the leg on this Tuesday's episode was 'to be continued'.

So far, cycle 6 of ANTM has already passed Cycle 4 in my book (which is my least favorite). My favorites are Nnenna, Wendy and Sara. It's always interesting to see how different personalities react to the whole ANTM experience (makeover, house, photoshoots, etc.). I'm watching the second episode as I'm typing this. This episode included the makeovers which was fun; some contestants were quite vocal in their reactions. I think Jade has officially passed Camille, but not Brandy (those who are fans of ANTM will know what I mean). Wendy was eliminated tonight. Earlier in the episode she said that she was able to reach her family, which was wonderful to hear. It was sad to she her eliminated so soon, but this season is one of the most competitive.

Chris and I still haven't finished Season 4 of 24. We have 3 disks left to rent. Hopefully we can finish it up on it this weekend. Already people have said that season 5 is one of the best - I can't wait to watch it.

Aladdin has decided that he wants to hide at night instead of coming out for his canned food (and subsequent insulin injection). Thankfully, he's always at the food dishes in the morning. I think he knows I'm on a tight schedule that early and don't have time to coax him out from under the bed or from another hiding spot.

I only skimmed American Idol guys performances last night (in between commercials while watching ANTM). I think the following will be the final twelve: Ace, Ayla, Bucky, Chris, Elliot, Gedeon, Katherine, Kellie, Lisa, Mendisa, Paris, and Taylor (sorry Kevin, Will, Melissa and Kinnik). Melissa may have a better voice than Kellie Pickler, but Kellie may have more of a fan base. I think the guys rock this season and find the girls performances blah at times.

Nine Inch Nails concert was rescheduled for June. I hope Trent Reznor takes some echinacea or other vitamins so they don't cancel again.

This is the first time I've written a recap. I thought it might be fun.

ANTM Recap: The girls arrive and have a runway test, the object of which was to imitate three of Tyra's walks from previous runway shows. Dr. Yvonne the chemist rocked the walk. Tyra then fakes them out with a taped message saying she isn't going to be able to meet with them today, and then after asking them twice to yell what they're their for, she emerges much to the delight of the girls.

No one really stands out yet. Judges compare Furonda to a preying mantis and Kari to a 'Brat' doll. Dr. Yvonne comes in and saves Ms. Jay from choking with the heimlich maneuver. Tyra asks Wendy about New Orleans and she breaks down talking about leaving her house and not being able to go back. She also talks about not knowing where her father is because the last time she spoke with him the flood waters were rising in the car he was sleeping in. Tyra gives her a hug.

Andrea cries because she misses her family. She's never been away from them for so long. Cut to Jade strutting in telling Tyra that she is her inspiration and the two J's are amazing. Tina wants to be ANTM because she wants to break down the barrier of there being not many asian models. She announces that she doesn't like Asian boys because they are shorter than her. It was mostly a big contradiction. Tanika walks in. She's called 'TK'. She and Ms. Jay start talking about good and bad hair. Leah the gogo dancer from Boca Raton came in. Joanie's dad is a preacher. Joanie rebelled by participatin gin amateur nights in strip clubs and being a cage dancer. Leslie thinks she can bring diversity to the competition. Danielle didn't come all the way here to go home. Danielle talks about taking care of her mom, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. Fast forward to eating dinner. Rebecca thinks Dani is racist, as some things that come out of her mouth are marginal. She offends Danielle.

Kathy demonstrates her dancing before heading into the judging room. The trio call her the 'happy hillbilly'. Kathy feels it, whether or not she has the best skin or biggest boobs or the best tan. Nnenna the chemist walks in. Nnenna was born here and then moved back to Nigeria. She has an interesting story. Her mom died after giving birth to her fifth daughter. Nnenna's dad sent her and her sister back to the states to live with her aunt. Mollie Sue seems more subdued than I expected. Shkita gives Mr. Jay a hug and kisses and announces she wants to be a black Barbie. Brooke, the self-professed hippy, enjoys airplane food. She thinks she stands out because she doesn't look like the other girls. Dani walks through the doors and Tyra calls her on her 'heated debates'. She announces that she knows about gay people because she's a cheerleader (???). Dani says it's where she comes from and doesn't think people should fault her for that. Mr. & Ms. Jay say they'll be cutting it down to 20 tonight. Ms. Jay thinks that they all have potential. Mr. Jay tells them to go down the hall and look at the 20 photos in 20 makeup cases to see who has made it to the next round.

Moving on - Danielle, Dani, Joanie, Katherine, Yvonne, Wendy, Brooke, Alexus, Cheron, Leslie, Andrea, Sara, Jade, Furonda & more
Cut - Shkita & others

Photo shoot - they have ten minutes to take the makeup in the cases and get prepped for a beauty shoot. Mr. Jay tells them to put their faces on and remember that the shoot is focussed on their 'beauty'. Jay Lawrence Goldman takes the helm and tells them they have 10 frames to get it right. Leslie thinks Kathy doesn't have the model look. Rebecca's goal is to win and plans to zone it all out. The girls chatter that armpits don't look good no matter whose they are. Andrea is in tears again missing home. She's overwhelmed.

The comments and deliberation starts. Tyra likes Joannie and thinks Danielle looks fierce like Beverly Johnson. Mollie is fierce, but robotic. Tyra thinks there is something there with Kari. Mr. Jay thinks Kari could be a commercial model. Mr. Jay wants to give Tanika a makeover. Mr. and Mrs. Jay think Dani took a graduation photo. Tyra and Ms. Jay like the face and thinks that the fashion world will love her. Jade has an awesome photo. Dr. Yvonne's photos don't rock; though she does in person and on the runway. Mr. Jay thinks Wendy is adorable. The judges think that Katherine looks European.

Tyra calls the names... Jade, Sara (who is psyched), Mollie Sue, Leslie, Joanie, Nnenna (who jumps), Kari (so happy), Brooke, Danielle (who whoops it up), Katherine (who runs up and hugs Tyra), Furonda (who screams), Gina (oh my GOD - her reaction), and Wendy (whom Tyra tells has a lot of potential, and that she's there because of it and not out of pity for her situation).

=============================================

Mr. Jay jumps through a photo of himself. Via SUV they all travel to the bel age hotel. He advises that the pretty gene is not enough. He announces that the personality-driven Janice Dickinson will be talking with them - summary: It's about finding that one thing inside of you that is going to separate you from everyone else. Press conference challenge. Gina isn't comfortable speaking in public. Brooke's heart is beating fast. Todd Newton, Trish Moreno and Roland Watts, Trey Smith and Tina Frazier are those who are asking the questions. Danielle cuts Furonda off. Furonda announces she's fierce and fabulous. Jade feels she's the undiscovered supermodel because she's different. blah blah blah... too fast to even keep up with it all.

Nnenna rocked. Gina continued to contradict herself. Mr. Jay and the gang sit and discuss the press conference. The politics of the house are already starting to develop. The winner of the press conference challenge was Nnenna! Gina, Jade & Sarah along with Nnenna get a head start to go to the house first. Rooms are Twiggy, Iman, Janice, Christie Brinkley room (with fish tank), and top model room. Of course the girls all love the house.

The girls all go out to eat. Gina chugs a glass of champagne - and two or three or four. Kathy was scared as she hasn't seen anyone that drunk before. After dinner, they're in the hot tub. Joannie bets $100 to anyone who will walk the catwalk around the pool - no one goes through with it.

The next morning, Tyra shows up - everyone screams - and there is a Q & A. Nothing stands out for questions.

TYRA MAIL! They try to think about what the message means 'cut to the chase'. Kari gets it - makeover, although it isn't the makeover. It's the fashion shoot. Jay brings out Eve, who shaved her head and was discovered. He announces they'll be going bald... mass hysteria inside as the girls aren't revealing their terror on the outside. They look relieved when Jay says it will be 'bald caps' rather than actually shaviing their heads. They are decorated with swarovsky crystals. The photoshoot starts.

Comments: Kathy looks vacant. Kathy admits she didn't know what she was doing. Jay tells Leslie to be vulnerable. Jay says she's elegant. Kari had safe poses, and switched when Jay asked her to. Jay likes that Furonda practices, but said she was awkward; she didn't nail it. Sarah has no model experience, but Jay was impressed, she was fierce. Danielle rocked it looking regal. Jay tells Wendy not to do things that are safe. Gina - dear caught in the head lights. Joanie = no emotion. Nnenna has regal presence. Jade needs to soften it up as she's coming off hard in the photos. Jay thinks it's hard to work with someone who already thinks they're a model aka Jade.

TYRA MAIL! Customary, tomorrow you will meet with the judges mail. In my opinion and based on the coverage shown, Gina, Kathy or Furonda will probably go home, but we'll soon see.

'My Life as a Cover Girl' featuring Nicole Linkletter - I think a big step up from Naima's featurettes last season.

Welcome to your first elimination. Prizes. Judges intro. Judging on photos and press conference. Sara is called up. Sara's photo is 'divine' according to Twiggy. Tyra says one of the best in ANTM history. Nigel compares her photo to a much prettier version of Grace Jones. Jade came across as arrogant in the press conference. Nigel instructs her to listen and not talk over the judges. Joanie's eyes are like lasers - beautiful. Gina's photo came out surprisingly well. Mollie Sue's film wasn't strong, and sometimes looks too squinty for intensity. Furonda looks vacant in her photo (my comment, not the judges). Twiggy says the eyes pierce you. Press people liked Kathy, but bad posture and needs to lose the accent. Nigel said she needs to focus her eyes in the photo. Twiggy calls it dead. Nigel calls Kari's photo 'angelic'. Tyra loves it. Leslie's photo is 'pretty' according to Nigel. Twiggy is disappointed with Brooke's photo. She needs to not hold her head up as it makes her chin look large. Time to deliberate... I'm hoping Wendy is safe as she (and Nnenna) are my two early favorites. Deliberations...

Thirteen beautiful girls standing before me... you know the drill. In order... Nnenna, Sarah (ms. I've never modelled), Leslie, Joanie, Kari, Danielle, Jade, Mollie Sue, Brooke, Gina, Wendy. Bottom two are Furonda and Kathy. Furonda, who thought she rocked the photoshoot, some judges thought she did the worst. Kathy did a good job on the photoshoot, but has more of a 'hometown' look than a 'model' look. Furonda is given her photo and Kathy tears up and says goodbye to the other girls. She's disappointed as she didn't want to be the first to go home and thought this was her chance to shine. Great personality, too bad it didn't work out for this show.

On the next ANTM: Makeover day!

Ok.. so being new the journal thing, I haven't posted in a few days. So here's a catch up post while I watch the Amazing Race.

Chris and I spent part of Saturday in Portland. I had a hair appointment in the morning and after we got a bit to eat at Anthony's before heading to Nickelodeon to see Capote (which turned out to be fabulous - PSH rules in the title role). We made it to Season 4 of 24! We gave up waiting for Blockbuster to have 24 Season 3 disk 6 in stock and rented it in Portland. We're already through episodes 1-8 of Season 4. For anyone who is a fan and knows the background, it was hard to get into this season while adjusting to all the new characters with nearly none from the previous season. I watched the new Dennis Haysbert (24's President Palmer) series, The Unit, tonight. Not bad, it has potential.

How happy am I that Crash won Best Picture at the Oscars? I couldn't believe it when Jack Nicholson uttered the words - he as well as others seemed genuinely surprised. I really enjoyed the movie and the ensemble cast was amazing. Normally Chris and I try to see them all, but this year we didn't make it, although he managed to see Good Night and Good Luck. Crash was easily one of my top 5 of the year - with my favorite being RENT which I didn't see until it came out on DVD. Fabulous cast - music - etc. and was definitely overlooked.

To catch up on my reality tv:

AMAZING RACE: Team Slacker (aka Eric & Jeremy) are teaching us how to coast through life without doing any more work than necessary - which makes me wonder why they signed up for the Amazing Race. Lisa & Joni are still screaming. Lovely. Let's all write CBS and let them know we'd like to see figure skaters John Zimmerman and Silvia Fontana on the next version of Amazing Race - rumor has it they want to participate - and I think they'd be perfect for it.

SURVIVOR: I keep wondering when Shane is going to get booted. My favorites are still Terry, Dan and Bruce. None of the girls impress me that much.

ANTM CYCLE 6: I'm psyched for the new America's Next Top Model which airs Wednesday night. I don't think the show has 'jumped the shark' yet, though others may feel it has. I'm looking forwarding to seeing the new dynamics in the house and who this season's 'villain' will be as well as how creative the photoshoots will get. This is a two-hour premiere episode which means for the first hour I'll be switching back and forth with American Idol to watch the guys performances. I really do more with my free time... it only seems like I'm a tv junkie.

On a sad note, Dana Reeve and Kirby Puckett both passed away late yesterday. Kirby Puckett was an icon in baseball and I know I've got some of his baseball cards around here somewhere. Sports-related passings make me think of my dad, a huge baseball fan, who no doubt would have felt bad. Dana Reeve - who courageously battled lung cancer - is best known for being Mrs. Christopher Reeve and looked after her husband after his accident. Sad. Sad. Sad.

World Junior Championships are going on this week, so I've been busy keeping up to date on how the athletes are finishing and updating websites. One more event (World Championships) and the season is over and I can relax and do a few redesigns.

That is about it.

Sometimes when I'm bored, I like to check out various message boards devoted to my favorite things just to see what other people are thinking (and saying).

This week, I visited a message board for a reality tv show and found many posts discussing which competitors need to visit the dentist, the salon, etc. so they will look better. It's interesting that our view of ordinary people has become so lopsided when it comes to appearance. You're on tv and suddenly you need dental veneers, a dye job, liposuction or some other physical alteration to fit into what we've become accustomed to viewing as normal. It would be refreshing if we could start to accept people the way they are and not think they should change to fit our expectations. Why not let the talent speak for itself.

I post on several message boards and admit that it's sometimes hard to keep an open mind when reading, but I do wish others would try a bit harder to be more tolerant of others opinions. Just because you think it's one way, doesn't mean that you're right and everyone else is wrong or that your opinion is the only opinion to have. Think about it before you post. Count to ten (or maybe twenty). If you are still worked up - go for a walk. It's a message board... it's not life or death. Let it go!

When I woke up yesterday, I had a feeling the concert was going to be postponed - and it was. Luckily we found out at 1:30 rather than after driving all the way to Portland for nothing. After mourning the postponement for most of the afternoon, Chris and I watched episodes 9-12 of the 3rd season of 24.

24 is a show we always meant to watch, but thanks to our other television viewing, never had the chance. Since December, we've been renting a few discs at a time to catch up. After we finished up those episodes, we headed up to Blockbuster to see if we could get 1-2 more. Luckily, we were able to rent episodes 13-16, but the final two discs were still unavailable. UGH! We proceeded to return home and watch all of those episodes are are now dying to watch the next ones. So, I came up with the idea of checking Hollywood Video today at lunch to see if they have them. (I have NO patience to wait for others to finish with them.)

I also used the time to complete two athlete websites I had been working on. I multitask which results in me only half paying attention to the tv.

I was so engrossed in watching 24, that I voluntarily skipped the ladies rounds on American Idol and the first 10 minutes of the Amazing Race. Because of this, my comments on the first episode of the new season are not as detailed as they might have been (as I was also playing Sims 2 while watching).

AMAZING RACE:

The good: David & Lori and BJ & Tyler. Early favorites of mine and probably destined to be eliminated in the next two episodes.

They could grow on me: Joseph & Monica (MoJo), Wanda & Desiree and Ray & Yolanda.

The bad: Lisa & Joni (Please stop shouting - enough said).

Other notes: Sorry Fran and Barry, you're nice, but you're no Meredith and Gretchen. Season 7 was my favorite for various reasons. As of this episode, no one jumps out with the potential to top my all-time favorite racers Chip & Kim (season 5) or Rob & Amber/Uchenna & Joyce (season 7).

Tonight is LOST (will we really find out what happened to Claire) & AI Guys performances.

So I take the day off from work so that I won't have to drive all the way back to Lewiston to give Aladdin a shot before we head to the concert and just a few minutes ago, we found out that it's been postponed. UGH! No news on when it will be rescheduled. I guess Trent Reznor is ill.

REALITY TV: I suddenly realized the other day that of all the TV I watch, about 85% is reality television. How the heck did that happen?

The breakdown: I've been watching Survivor since the first episode of the first season, and the same goes for America's Next Top Model and Project Runway. I've taken to watching the Amazing Race (which I watched off and on in season 4 and have watched somewhat religiously since season 5).

I enjoyed the first two seasons of American Idol and in seasons 3 and 4, I watched only the auditions. Normally, those I liked didn't make it past the Hollywood round anyway. EXCEPT for this season! I decided that I'd watch more into the season if certain contestants made it to the final 24 - actually most of the ones I did enjoy have made it to the top 24 (Taylor Hicks, Elliot Yamin, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Katherine McPhee, Paris Bennett and Lisa Tucker). I'll renegotiate whether or not to continue watching when they get to the final 12. Of course, if someone gets eliminated before the top 12, I'll use this blog to bitch about it.

NON-REALITY TV: Lost! Need I say more. The best show on TV right now. It has ruined all other tv shows for me because you're constantly having to pay attention and think about every word that is said and every plot twist that could occur. The tiniest detail that seems irrelevant at the time, will turn out to have a major impact on what happens in an episode weeks later. I also enjoy television series produced by HBO. The dialogue, characters and plot lines are well planned out and make you think. I guess I'm just not into TV that you can just watch and take a nap through. I like British TV series as well. Their sense of humor is hysterical at times; but it's not for everyone. Favorites include The Office, Extras and Keeping Up Appearances. I'm not into American comedies, except for Arrested Development (alas, it's cancelled).

NON-TV RELATED: The photo at the left is my cat, Aladdin. He's not missing an ear. Unfortunately, he suffered a problem with his ear that required surgery and now it permanently flaps over. He's also a diabetic, but I'm happy to say he's on his insulin and everything is going well.

Welcome to my debut in the livejournal community. I created this journal to express my thoughts on various subjects, including my addiction to reality television aka RTV.