#33

I am pretty tempted to purchase this t-shirt. Based on recommendations from many friends, we finally watched "Friday Night Lights," and I have become obsessed. Rumor has it that season five will be airing on NBC this summer. Summer cannot come fast enough. I NEED to know what happens to ol' Tim Riggins!

(Thank you Polly for finding Dillon Panther paraphernalia galore!)

Top That!

(This post is dedicated to my two Top That! buddies, Ali and Allison.)

Big confession time (actually most of my friends and family already know this): I am a huge fan of the 1989 Fantasy, Teen Witch. And especially one scene in particular (note: this scene has made some boys, including my husband, nauseous from watching):

Top That! Right?

Designer Alia Shawkat is doing just that. She too must be a big Teen Witch fan because to show off her current line of clothing she's mimicking the above scene:



Awesome!

See more here.

(Via here.)

New Chanel Film

Spotted this on MSN's homepage- I love Audrey Tautou (though, when did she get so skinny?!), and is the same director from Amelie- so I had to watch. The concept is, dare I say, cheesy- but the scenery is beautiful.

Guilty Pleasure #7

(But who's counting anyway?)

You know you’re sort of pathetic when the bright spot of your day is looking forward to watching a reality television show. And, not just any reality television show; I’m talking about “The Bachelor.”

This guilty pleasure of mine has long been a mild obsession; I've watched almost every season. I’m not sure what it is about the show- from a feminist point of view, it is pretty repulsive. 20+ women all vying for the attention of ONE man. ONE man who schmooze’s and flirts with each gal, ONE man who each girl will do anything for (ah-hem fantasy dates).

It’s, um, pretty repulsive but... oh-so very entertaining.

This current season hasn’t been my favorite; I never rooted for Jason. I mean sure- it is cute that he’s a dad and all… But, there are two actions of Jason’s in particular that kill me every time:

Exhibit A: The way he always greets his “girlfriends” after not seeing them in over a week (please tell me you’ve noticed this):

Step 1. Jason RUNS towards girl.
Step 2. Jason gets down in a slight crouch position.
Step 3. Girl jumps into arms…

And what’s next?

Step 4. Jason begins a twirling session. (Melissa’s got this down precisely.) He twirls them around until he realizes:
a. his arms hurt and
b. he’s way too dizzy

I think: C’mon dude- those greet-n-meet twirls are only romantic for so long. Now, it just seems like an act.

Exhibit B: The man loves to smooch. But, he only likes to smooch when he’s got nothing to say. ESPECIALLY when the girl asks some really serious, personal questions. Really- he does- you’ll soon notice it, and he does it A LOT.

So… amongst all my complaints, I’m still trying to figure out why I tune in every week:

+ Maybe it’s the possibility that one of these couples really can find true love.
+ Maybe I’m waiting for the Bachelor to get dumped, instead of the other way around.
+ Maybe I’m just a romantic at heart and anytime someone says “Will you accept this rose,” I swoon. (I really don't think this is it.)
+Maybe I think Chris Harrison is the best host. Ever.
+ Maybe I love mindless entertainment.

Whatever it is, I’m definitely tuning in tonight.

Any other fans out there? Who are you picking? (My favorite was Jillian- bless her heart.)

Guilty Pleasure #14

I love to wear Jeff's t-shirts- they're so very comfortable.

Jeff cleaned out his closet last night, and look what's now mine:



Yessss.

Guilty Pleasure: The Time Traveler's Wife

My sister let me borrow this book. I read probably four years ago and totally fell for Claire and Henry's story. So... I'm reading it again, and was up until 2:00 AM, as I couldn't put it down.

I think its the love story that makes me fall for this book. Henry and Claire's love is not perfect, but there's a lot of passion and such commitment to each other. Plus, the whole time traveling thing? It's totally believable in this book.

Also... the film version comes out 12/25, so if you're going to see the movie, I'd recommend you read it first. However, I know a handful of people who couldn't get through the book... (Don't really understand that.)

Are there any books that you've read twice? For me, it'll be this book and a few of my favorite classics, including "Pride and Prejudice" and "To Kill a Mockingbird." Guess I'm sorta obsessed with this book. Just a little.

(Disclaimer: For those of you who haven't read "Time Traveler's Wife" just know if the book were a movie, it would be rated R, due to some dicey content and some curse words. Just so ya know.)

Guilty Pleasure: 90210

After a camping weekend full of rain (lots of it) and snow, after Hip-Hop tonight, I'm ready to settle in with a guilty pleasure.

To refresh your memory:



Or, remember this? I could've sworn it broke my heart:



I don't remember Dylan being so dramatic.

Anyhow... you bet I'm tuning in tonight!

(Clips found via.)

A New Guilty Pleasure...

Caught up on a couple of episodes of this tonight, and I think I'm hooked. Very entertaining.

Here's an example:

Anyone else watching?

Guilty Pleasure #6: Old Robert Redford Flicks

My Thanksgiving respite was full of divine food, lots of rest (think I'm coming down with something), a work-out by my favorite personal trainer (thanks, sister), and... an oldie, but a goodie, flick:

The Way We Were stars Barbra Streisand and Redford in a (a-hem) love story about two passionate souls whose convictions related to politics and dreams ultimately... Actually, I will not say, for I do not want to spoil it for YOU. But, I will say:

I love this movie.

I've caught it on television a handful of times, but I always missed the beginning. Not this time. I, thankfully, got to see it in its entirety.

The beginning of the movie shows Katie (Streisand) and Hubble (Redford) as students both caught up in entirely different worlds. (He's a star-athlete; she's an activist.) And yet... years later, they reunite and their relationship flourishes.

Plus... Redford is at his dreamy best. (And the funny thing is, I never fall for blondes. But, young-Redford definitely is one of my Hollywood crushes. Don't worry, Jeff knows.)

And! Katie definitely wins style points.

But, ultimately, it's the love story that makes this movie one of my favorites. Thank heavens it's not the usual "Hollywood ending..." but, it is quite the ending. Directed by Sydney Pollack in 1973, it was a very unconventional movie for that time. Topics include arguing against War, Hitler, even Communism. But it's Katie's passion about these topics that could ultimately drive Hubbel away. (How's that for a synopsis...?)

Favorite quote:

Katie: "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were old? Then we could say we survived all this. Everything would be uncomplicated, the way it was when we were young?" Hubbel: "Katie, it was never uncomplicated."

Or, for a longer intro, here's a clip (from the beginning of the movie):

Other favorite Redford flicks:

Out of Africa, The Sting, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, and The Natural. (Okay. Okay, The Horse Whisperer, too.)

But, I'll admit, this is my absolute favorite Redford flick...

Robson Dances, again.

Wanna see Wade Robson dance? It'll be the first time he's danced on network television in four years. (gasp!)

He's sure become theatrical over the years. I still remember him bustin' out his hip-hop finest on "The Wade Robson Project." (Right, Allison?)



(Don't ask me how I knew he'd be on "Dancing With The Stars..." Maybe that's just a small, really small, guilty pleasure.)

Did You Hear?

Hey, 'Twilight' fans, looks like the movie's really going to happen...

And, 'Pushing Daisies' is supposed to be one of the best new shows. This preview sure makes me think so. (Did anyone watch last night? I haven't been able to... yet.)




The imagery alone!

Put it on your calendars...

'Project Runway 4' starts Wednesday, November 14th.

It's about time!

This is it, I swear...

But, I had to post one last time about Sabra! For winning! I loved it.

Amongst a busy end of my week (including a company Lagoon Day), and catching some sort of bug this weekend, I haven't had anytime to blog about the SYTYCD Finale. Wasn't it fun to watch?

My only big problem was the ending... I hated that Cat didn't ask Sabra any of the gazillion questions she had previously asked all of the other contestants. But, it did seem like she was a gracious winner.

Here’s an interview by Entertainment Weekly talking to the big winner...

I'm gonna miss this show- that's for sure.

Save Sabra

This is for So You Think You Can Dance Fans (You know who you are.):

Did you know tonight will be the last night that YOU can vote? So! Do take note of Sabra’s number, and if you are a Sabra-Fan, and have yet to vote… tonight’s your chance.

I truly believe it’s a ladies race to victory. And, I’ve gotta stress again: I do not want Lacey to win. (She throws her bootay in the camera, and then tries to joke about it later, but I firmly believe she knew exactly what she was doing. Exactly.)

So… Do whatever you can to vote for Sabra! In fact, I’m having my little sister text me her number, as I won’t be home from a Young Women’s activity until after 11:00 (that’s an entirely different story), but I’m gonna keep votin’ until either my phone dies or my fingers do.

Good luck Sabra-Fans, and, of course, good luck, Sabra…!

"Being a Jazz Fan Sucks…"

So said my little sister while we were watching the Jazz game tonight. Game 4. They really needed to win. But, they didn’t.

My little sister was right: it really does suck being a Jazz fan. I was so hopeful throughout the entire game: the Jazz were winning the majority of the game. Okur even had a couple 3-pointers; Millsap had some great rebounds; Boozer made shots over Yao, but A.K.! C’mon- you can do better. (That’s another drawback about being a Jazz fan. Getting angry, really angry, with the players for not making a clutch shot. Don’t even get me started on Fischer’s performance.)

After the past 2 games, where the Jazz have beat the Rockets no problem, I was confident that we would have a similar success tonight. But, during the 4th quarter, I knew it was bad. (So bad, in fact, I couldn’t even watch.) You know when you want something so bad (Yes, even a Jazz win.) that when it doesn’t happen the disappointment can be overwhelming? I’m turning into this. With the Jazz. Me. I didn’t even watch much of the regular season. What’s happening to me?

I think it started when the Jazz were close to ‘showing us the title.’ I really wanted the Jazz to win. Malone, Stockton, and Sloan deserved a title… They really did. I watched the games and learned about the popular players and teams they played for. (I even had a slight crush on Reggie Miller.) And, there is the possibility that watching basketball could be related to the small, yet very apparent, competitive nature in me. I like victories… who doesn’t?

At any rate, I’m totally wrapped up in this series. (I’ll probably be missing dance on Thursday night just to watch the next game. We have to win.) Mainly because- I know they can do it… at least beat Houston… not sure about Dallas/Golden State.

Jazz- stop having close 4th quarters. You’re giving all of us fans heart attacks by the end of the game… Just win already! Then... being a Jazz fan wouldn’t suck so bad.

In Casting News...

Another guilty pleasure of mine? "The Time Traveller's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger. I probably read this book 3 years ago, but its still a favorite.

Rumors had been swirling that they were going to make this into a movie (just like everything else). As to how they were going to depict Henry, the main character, who time travels naked, was beyond me. But, we'll soon find out, as they are, indeed, adapting this book into a movie!

They've announced that Rachel McAdams is playing Clare and Eric Bana is playing Henry.

I'm actually satisfied with the choices. As for the adaption of the screenplay, that will be an entirely different story... One worth reading, not viewing, if you already haven't.

"Project Catwalk"

My absolute favorite reality television show is Bravo's "Project Runway." Since the show's been on hiatus for far too long, and many rumors have been swirling regarding the show's fate (Yes, Tim Gunn will be back, but word is they're having a difficult time finding good designers.), I've been dying for its return.

In the meantime, YouTube has posted 2 seasons of the U.K.'s version of "Project Runway," aptly called "Project Catwalk," available to watch on their website. Granted, it takes a lot of time to devote to these two seasons (Season 1 is hosted by Elizabeth Hurley, and Season 2 is hosted by Kelly Osbourne.), but I have a feeling it'll be worth it.

Start with part of episode 1:

Hopefully it'll find just as many Jays, Chloes, and Jeffries, and all other campy characters, along the way.

Entire series of links via YouTube viewable here. (One of my new favorite blogs.)

"The Hills"

Speaking of guilty pleasures, I just read some news that will keep you "Hills" fans (you know who you are!) happy...

"The Hills" will be back for a third season. So, I guess we'll see if Heidi and Spencer really last, if Whitney got her dream job in L.A., and if LC will end up going back to Teen Vogue for her internship... (These privileges probably will continue as long as MTV has a hand in it... Sheesh... If only I could be handed so many amazing opportunities.)

What mostly surprised me: "The Hills" is MTVs #1 show... And yes, I too contribute to the 60 million! people who watch. The Real World's going down (one can only wish), and Intern babes are on the rise.

Anyhow... LC will be back. (Hopefully we'll see more of Whitney, as she seems to be the real deal.)

guilty pleasure #7: cheesy novels

I've been trying to finish “Atlas Shrugged“ for far too long. I can't even remember when I started reading it, but it's definitely the longest I've gone without finishing a book once I've started. It is an 1100 paged book, (I'm only on page 521.) and has amazing dialogue, character development, and not to mention all the philosophical overtones overlapped into the story.

I also really enjoy the characters, and the story. Truly. I will finish this book. I will.

In the meantime, I picked up a book my mom let me borrow. (My mom goes through at least 3 books a week.) And, on Monday night I decided to pick it up, rather than 'Atlas,' to give my brain a rest. (Which, probably doesn't need any additional relaxation.)

So, I’m currently reading a book about life-long best friends (Alex and Rosie) who maintain a relentless friendship through marriages, divorces, births, professional triumphs, and other life altering experiences in “Rosie Dunne.“ The book is written entirely in correspondence form between each character- so, the dialogue is in letters, email messages, instant messages, and the like. Right... I know... It does get old, but I'm on my way to a quick finish. (I'm already to page 150.)

The funny thing is- I already know how this book is going to end. Totally predictable, totally cheesy, totally eye-rolling writing, and yet, I'm hooked.

I like to throw an easy read into the mix every now and again, because that's what it is... easy. Too easy at times, but what can I say... I am a hopeless romantic. (Yes, I do enjoy the love triangle between Rearden+Dagny+Francisco in 'Atlas' too.) Books like these are straightforward and simple to finish.

I even read this author’s (who is only 23 by the way) other work 'P.S. I Love You...' (Yes, even with that title I read it.) But, I cannot, for the life of me, remember what it was about... Wait. I remember. It was sad. Wife looses husband- husband leaves notes for wife after his death- wife is able to cope with his death. Yep, finished that one without any problem as well.

Admittedly, I am one who is easily entertained with a silly, light-hearted, never-will-be-a-classic, or an 'Oprah' book club selection. But, the true guilt that accompanies this guilty pleasure is the desperate need I feel to read a classic after I've finished something so easy...

So, I'm hoping once I finish this book, it'll be just the motivation I need to finish the remaining 583 pages of 'Atlas Shrugged.'

Ayn Rand... I'm coming for you.

I wouldn't call this a comeback...

Although a parody, the video is awful- which, I know, is the point. But, I do think the cover itself is refreshing. (And, I'll admit that I did have a mild obsession with Alanis in 10th grade.) I do, however, think Alanis has got to come up with something more than this cover of 'My Humps' to get noticed:



But, good for her for trying!