Happy #100

My great-grandad, Big Mac, would have turned 100 on May 31 if he was still with us. Born the same year the Cubs last won the World Series, he was an erstwhile Cubs fan. This video is for him. God will answer all your prayers...even if it takes Him over 100 years. Just be patient, like Big Mac was, Tim is, and Cubs fans forever are.

Livin' in a Ford Nation

I think Harrison Ford should star in a new Indiana Jones movie every year, cause it's been non-stop Ford around the stations lately. Jack Ryan--everywhere. Force 10 from Navarone--all the time. Witness--watching it again for the third time in three weeks. I love Witness!!! It's one of his greatest non-series films.

You know what else is GREAT? The Mosquito Coast! What??? You haven't seen it!?! It's probably Ford's most underrated performance. It co-stars River Phoenix (later young Indy in Last Crusade) and a pre-Oscar Helen Mirren. Ford plays Allie Fox, a crazed inventor who uproots his family and moves to the jungles of Central America. His decision to move is welcomed at first, but as Allie becomes more obsessed with bringing ice to the jungle, his family is left behind. You MUST check it out!!! I still wonder why Ford wasn't nominated for his performance.

Anyone Else?

Is anyone else NOT looking forward to the Sex and the City movie? I get it: you all are free wheelin' women who love sex and refuse to let your age define you. Why do we need an entire movie about that? Ugh. Maybe I am secretly looking forward to the movie...cause I won't have to see any more previews or advertisement tie in's (yeah, I'm really sure they drink Vitamin Water by the pool instead of gallons and gallons of alcohol).

I seriously think I'm the only female in the English-speaking world who loathes the show and doesn't find it simply divine. I'd much rather spend my time watching Sci-Fi...even bad Sci-Fi, like Battlestar Galactica.

And, no, I'm not putting a picture of the four "ladies" on this blog.

Thanks, Shamalamadingdong!

Why am I excited about M. Night Shymalan's new film, The Happening? Is it cause it comes out on Friday the 13th? No. Maybe it's because it has former rap supreme, and Boston badboy, Mark[ie Mark] Wahlberg? Enticing, but no to that, too. Have I been praying for a new Night epic? Nay (since they only hit the mark half of the time).

It's cause of this dude:


The Ruck just doesn't get enough play*. From Ferris to Speed to Spin City: he always delivers. Thank you, Mr. Shymalan, for putting faith in one of BBB's favorite everyman actors! And, it looks like he might have an important role, since he's all up in the previews. I can't wait! :)

*I just read on a blog called Pop Culture Devo that he's "washed up." I'm choosing to ignore that comment, because Mr. Ruck does actually work once in awhile, and he still hasn't been found on some skeezy VH-1 reality show. If that happens, then you can call him "washed up."

VHS Classics

Who says video is dead? Never mind Blu-ray, HD, or even DVD, cause sometimes VHS still has it goin' on. I've spent the afternoon visiting old friends, and I feel like it's 1995! Yes, I may be one of the only people to hold on to their VHS's, but they've made this Memorial Day fly by...not to mention all that nasty grading I had to finish.


Shallow Grave: The first time I ever saw Ewan McGregor...and from that moment on, I knew I would marry someone Scottish. (My Scotsman is better than him, though.) This film is BRILLIANT, and if you haven't seen it, check it out. It was also the first time McGregor teamed up with the Boyle-Hodge-McDonald team, who also brought you the McGregor classics Trainspotting and Life Less Ordinary.



Hackers: Speaking of first times...Oh, Angelina. Life hasn't been the same since we met. (I wish I could be that hot in high waisted skin tight black denim.) The computer talk in Hackers is now considered high-larious. Jonny Lee Miller (also of Trainspotting fame) helms this film of teenage hackers who are blackmailed by Johnny Five friend Fisher Stevens.




What's Eating Gilbert Grape?: One of the most underrated films of recent film history. This movie is quirky, beautiful, and melancholy all at once. Johnny Depp is trying to flee from his family ties, and his understated performance should have been recognized by Oscar. They did note Leo DiCaprio's fine performance as Arnie, though. And, one more first: John C. Reilly was a standout in this, and I've admired him ever since.


Check out any of these if you haven't seen them. And, I suppose you could rent them on DVD if you wanted. :) But right now, I feel like I've traveled in a time machine that dropped me on my hard wood bedroom floor at 1216.

Good Friends, Good Times

I very rarely post pictures of myself or my friends, but I had to post this one. We had an early Class of '98 reunion this past weekend with only the best '98ers invited. Having old friends you can pick right up with where you left off is one of God's best blessings (and mysteries!). We had an awesome time eating, talking, eating, bar hopping, and, well, eating. (That's really what we do best.) Spread out from NYC to DC to Indy to Chitown to the Paign, we all managed to get together for one day and share some love.


My wish is for all of you to have an awesome time in the near future with some amazing loved ones. :)

Gladys Knight and "the Pips"

Um...did someone say "priceless"!?! Check out the smokin' hot [somewhat] synchronized dance moves of "Tropic Thunder" stars Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Academy Award nominated Robert Downey, Jr.

The Battle of the Century

Ah, I love Idol hyperbole. I've watched American Idol all season. So what? And, let me say, it wasn't just hype: there was some major talent this year! It was a highly enjoyable season (with the exception of Andrew Lloyd Weber night...he's written other stuff besides Phantom y'know!). The Top 2 were fantastic! Read on to discover...

The Top 10 Reasons You Should've Watched the American Idol Finale:

1. David Cook singing with ZZ Top. Now that was awesome...and yes, they were some sharp dressed mens.
2. Seeing Paula twist, shout, and CLAP for two straight hours. Always the highlight of my week. Oh, and her dress was frillingly stunning. She lurves her frills!
   
3. Fine. I'll admit it: that new Carrie Underwood song was "molten hot" (as Randy would say).
4. Speaking of Randy...his red suit with the white trim was totally, utterly disturbing (it's still fun to mock, though). I'd rather see Simon's chest hair peeking out of his V-neck sweaters.
5. A little Bryan Adams medley anyone? With the grizzled Canadian coming out to sing himself? OK, I'll watch that!
6. Michael Johns got to come back: 'nuff said.
7. Gladys Knight and "the Pips" singing "Midnight Train to Georgia." Oh, and "the Pips" in this case being Jack Black, Ben Stiller, and Robert Downey, Jr. (OK, guys, I will see "Tropic Thunder" now...just cause you made me flippin' lose my stuff with your synchronized dance moves.)
8. Spotting insignificant C-list celebs and former Idol winners/contestants in the audience. My fave? Camryn Mannheim going ape when the winner was announced.
   
9. George Michael singing "Praying for Time." OMG, it was BEAUTIFUL. (But Paula's tears were a little too much even for me.)
10. Watching David Cook win!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Suck on that all you pre-pubescent girls who only like to hear Archie sing ballads. This country wants to ROCK with the Cook!

Are You Ready!?!

Ridin' into the sunset didn't keep this archaeologist away! Click HERE to get your Yahoo showtimes. Aaaaaaaaaand, ENJOY!!!

Cure for a Moody Monday

Want a treat?

(I know I did after this long Monday.)

Click HERE for a mystery surprise!

Looking Forward

Oh to be young again and in love...with a vampire.


It's never too early to look forward to Christmas...December 12 is already getting marked on my Doctor Who calendar, cause that's when the movie adaptation of Stephanie Meyer's guilty pleasure vampire epic "Twilight" will hit the big screen! Yes, I've mentioned it before, and the teaser trailer before "Prince Caspian" might have been the best part of that film. (Okay, okay, the Prince wasn't that bad...but it wasn't that good either.)

Check out the Official Twilight Movie Website to catch a glimpse of the teaser. Still haven't read it? What are you waiting for!?! Click HERE.

Late Breaking!!!

Check out the new, BEST blog on the Interwebs!

Click HERE!

Hesitant to click without a clue? Don't like the shroud of mystery? Well, here's a hint: It contains copious pictures of my BFF. Go--NOW! :)

7 Days & Counting

New Kids on the Block will be on the Today Show one week from today! Get those TiVo's/DVR's ready. Don't forget to program those VCR's (if you still roll that day). I have to admit, I'm kinda excited! I'm also kinda scared, too...don't want any of the boys to break a bone while dancing. Egad! That would be horrible. And all you hatas out there, don't be trippin': the boys just tryin' to cash in on some nostalgia vibes...let it be yo.

The Batman

Just watch it:

Dark Knight trailer

Thanks to my awesome bro for sending this along. He does all the hard work*, and we reap the benefits.

*hard work=finding the trailer and sending it to me, who at this time of year is waaaaaaaay too busy to find any boss trailers on her own.

Mystery Man Revealed

Weeeeeeeell, we didn't get a lot of guesses, but the two we got were from two of the bestest, awesomest people ever. :) And, our FoodNetworkAddict was CORRECT!


Yes, apparently Mr. Williams is way into alien life now. Check out his article here. You can also purchase some of the awesome Robbie Art on Demand at his website. (Sorry, ladies, the bushy beard pic isn't available...yet.) I know my cousin would love to have a canvas print to hang next to the niece and nephews!

Send Rob some love and support, cause we'd much rather have him in the studio than chasing down aliens...although we totally support his desire to do so.

Mystery Man Revealed?

I must confess, I'm sad with the lack of responses for our Mystery Man contest. I shall continue the fun for one more day...with a much more revealing photo of the bearded troubadour (yes, that WAS a hint).Don't disappoint, fair readers...post me a guess!

Mystery Man

Who could the bushy bearded mystery man on the left be? Leave a comment to leave your guess! The answer will be revealed tomorrow.

Ole!

It's that time of year again: CINCO de MAYO!!! I'm posting a day early to give you time to ruminate and ponder what you're going to cook tomorrow*. Me? I think some steak tacos with fresh, homemade pico de gallo, and salsa verde rice might be in order. Or maybe just some classic ground beef tacos with green chile refried beans. And let's not forget the chips & salsa!


Whatever you do, it doesn't have to be fancy. Just remember to raise a mug full o' margarita to our Mexican brothers and sisters on one of the funnest days of the year [that should be a holiday]!


*Still short on ideas? Check out Food Network's Cinco de Mayo section. There are tons of ideas for all levels of chefs! :)