Don't Mess With Marcellus Wallace

Damn, dude...

Man mauled to death by dogs at Ving Rhames's home

Talented Friends

In the last week I've seen a few friends performing around town and I just wanted to give a shout out to them so maybe others can catch their performances as well. Although the show has finished its cycle, my friend Natalie played one of the leads in a musical called Sideshow, and the entire cast was really terrific. The show featured two ladies playing Siamese twins trying to break out of the sideshow and into vaudeville. The production company belongs to Natalie's husband, and I hope to see more from them soon.

On Saturday night we ventured out to Katy and caught a friend's band playing at FBI II. The band, Last Man, went on second to last, actually. They have a good metal sound, but it comes across as slightly Rage Against the Machine as well. They also used the Deftones as a comparison to their sound. Give these guys a listen, as they will be playing at Fitzgerald's next weekend.

Potter Mania 2007, Vol. 2

By some miracle, I managed to finish reading The Deathly Hallows before anyone could spoil it for me, and I was enthralled by this last volume more so than any of the others. Perhaps it was the hype, or the fact that all the puzzles would finally come together in this one, but I have to give it up to Rowling for putting out a very exciting last chapter to our favorite boy wizard. To anyone who hasn't read it yet, go do so before someone gives away the ending. You won't be disappointed! I hope the movie does it justice.

I'm in Trouble Now...

After months of agonizing over it, I finally broke down and bought an RX-8. It is little, red, SO cute, and rides like a dream. Someone finally bought my old car, and after I test-drove this one, the decision was made for me. Now I just have to keep from getting any speeding tickets so I can afford the note! Loving the speed...

Potter Mania 2007, Vol. 1

Yes, I was in the theater at midnight last night with all the other crazies to see the new Harry Potter movie, and yes, my book 7 is pre-ordered. This movie was good, to be sure, but as any fan of the book would be, I was irritated by the changes brought about through the translation onto screen. The Luna Lovegood and Delores Umbridge parts were well-cast, and both actresses did very well. All three of the main characters have come such a long way in their acting, and it shows on screen. Radcliffe most especially is coming into his own and will surely have a strong career after the last two movies are finished. The beginning of the movie worked well for showing his range, as did his struggle at the end (which was not in the book, but seemed to work fairly well for the movie). One annoying aspect for me was that Ron seemed to be mumbling through most of his lines. It may have been the loud theater, but most of what I could hear was quite funny, and I wish it would have been clearer. Oh well, that's why I always buy the movie and watch it at home as loud as I want. Now I get to fight sleep all day at work until I can crash blissfully as soon as I get home today.

Wet Weekend, Watching Movies

Saw some very cool movies this weekend. Two at the theater - the new Transformers movie, which is a Michael Bay action-fest, and 1408, the new John Cusack thriller. Transformers, despite the occasional cheesy line, was definitely worth seeing, especially on the big screen. It was packed with car chases, explosions, and the usual action flick fare, but the CGI was done very well, and it was done tastefully enough that many brought their children in to see it. I was also pleased to hear some of the old voices from the cartoon series. Lots of fun to watch, and it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. As for 1408, I spent most of the movie jumping out of my seat. John Cusack plays a cynical writer who stays in a haunted room of a hotel, and from the moment he checks in to the end of the movie, I was jumping, closing my eyes, and even yelling out loud at one point. I haven't jumped like that in a movie since The Ring. Finally, I was able to snag a copy of The Fountain from my local Blockbuster, and it was such a beautiful film. It is visually stunning, with a lovely soundtrack and a very interesting take on the story of creation as to how it applies to many religions. I'll probably end up adding that one to my collection. Hope everyone had a drier weekend than mine.

Dramatic Chipmunk

I've already sent this to just about everyone I know, but I'm not tired of watching it. It's claiming to be the funniest 5 second video on the internet, and I'm bound to believe them. The music makes it even more hilarious, so make sure you have the sound on. The expression on this little guy's face is priceless!!!

Dramatic Chipmunk (really a prairie dog, but who cares - be sure to check out the remixes, too!)

What a Way to Go...

Naked couple falls to their deaths from roof of building in South Carolina. You gotta wonder what the heck their families are going to say in the eulogies. If this one doesn't end up in the Darwin Awards, I don't know what will.

Still Got It!!

I started the summer out the right way - attending a concert on the lawn at the Woodlands. The concert tickets were a Mother's Day gift to my mom, who attended with me and my boyfriend. It was a double-header of excellent veteran performers: Chris Issak and Stevie Nicks.

Chris was extremely charismatic as usual, garbed in wild-colored suits (one of which he ripped in the seat during his romp thru the audience), and trading barbs and jokes with his band.

Stevie as well put on a really good show, complete with flowy scarves and lots of twirling in place. She gets a little personal about the stories behind the writing of the songs, but it was a lovely show, and they are both still very good at holding an audience in the palms of their hands. It was a nice day and evening out with my mom, and she enjoyed it as well.

Life is really good... it's good to be in love.

Across the Globe

Just returned from my first visit to the Middle East. Just between Saudi Arabia and UAE is a tiny country called Qatar, which happens to be growing very quickly. I spent a week in the capital city of Doha visiting my friend, and was surprised to find it quite westernized. Driving from the airport I passed a Chili's, McDonalds, Burger King, Applebees, Dairy Queen, and a Hardees among others. The English-speaking television stations run episodes of Dr. Phil, Oprah, CSI, Medium, Entertainment Tonight, and numerous other shows and movies we are used to seeing here. All in all, it was an eye-opening trip, and I really enjoyed it.

Two Morons

I set my TV as an alarm, and I was rudely awakened this morning by two morons screaming at each other. After I realized I was not having a bad dream, I looked over and saw Bill O'Reilly and Geraldo Rivera (two of my least favorite people) going at it like a couple of pit bulls. I just have to ask - why are these two idiots on TV, and who values their opinions about anything?

Back from the West

Just returned from a wonderful California ski trip to Tahoe. If you can afford it, the area is great for skiing as well as having plenty of other entertainment. It's a short drive to Reno, and there are a few top ski resorts surrounding the lake. I was at Heavenly, probably the most popular in the area, and the runs are nicely laid out so all the green runs are in one area, and several black runs take up one side as well. Beginners shouldn't be intimidated by the number of blue runs - they are very user friendly and wide. Although the first few days of skiing were good, a winter storm came through the Sierras and dumped 2 feet of snow overnight, giving us a nice powder day before we left.

On the way to Tahoe we saw the Giant Sequoias, which are magnificent! The road up is full of twists and turns, but is certainly worth the drive. There is a considerable amount of conservation that has taken place in the area, since the area was heavily exploited beginning in the 1950s. The park is the home of the largest living thing on earth, (and probably one of the oldest) a mammoth tree named General Sherman.

Back to the Movies

I don't see the point in keeping a reviews blog since most of the movies I watch are on video (no one likes going to the theater alone). I may post on an exceptional one every now and again here, but that's it. I have seen two exceptional movies in the last week and a half, and I just wanted to comment on them both. Neither movie is for the faint of heart.

Pan's Labyrinth is enjoying a resurgence at the theater after winning a few Oscars, and it seems to be doing well in the American cinema despite the fact that most Americans can't abide subtitles. This is no, I repeat, NO child's fairy tale. It is dark, twisted, and shows a side of humanity we don't like to think exists. There are two plotlines in the movie, and both are equally compelling, even though one is more fanciful than the other. It is a grown-up version of Down the Rabbit Hole, and be prepared for it - they hold nothing back in this one.

The other movie I have been waiting on pins and needles to see opened today. 300 is the story of the legendary Spartan army of 300 men that took on thousands of Persians. The story is by the same graphic novelist Frank Miller, who is responsible for Sin City. This time, a younger director is at the helm, and the picture is both epic and lovely, reminding me much of Gladiator. The battles are beautiful to watch, more like a dance than fighting, if you can stand the spattering of blood. The movie is shot in a sienna tint, making the bloody scenes less gory somehow. The mythical characters are all hideous and distorted, not brilliant like the old stories of Greek mythology. For me it was all over too quickly, and I was left wanting more. This is definitely one for the library.

Until summer, I'll probably keep patronizing my local Blockbuster - the crowds and the cost are too much to see every worthy movie at the theater. I'm patiently awaiting the big ones, like the third Spiderman, and the next Harry Potter movie, but a few interesting gems seem to be popping up, like Angel A. Enjoy a good one this weekend.

The TIme has Come...

Just a reminder to all to be sure and take down your Christmas decorations before they stop being cute and start being obnoxious.

Resolutions for the new year: no more loser boyfriends, have to go skiing at least once this year, and finish what I begin.

Arizona Trip

Chapel in Sedona and Phoenix sunset

Baby Ethan

Just returned from a much-needed vacation to Phoenix to visit friends and family. I spent much of the trip with my friend Heather and saw her new baby, Ethan, born on the 16th. Took a side trip to Sedona and the surrounding area, and took in the lovely scenery.

Wet 4th of July

We're all feeling the patriotic fever. Hope you all had a happy Fourth - and hope it was slightly drier than ours.

Spring is Sprung

Love is in the air - even the dogs are feeling it...

Memorial

I haven't been posting lately because this has been a trying month for me. I'd just like to take this space to memorialize a really great man, my stepdad. He lived life to the fullest, and never regretted a day he spent on this earth. He left behind a family that will miss him tremendously, but I'm so glad to have known him.

His Drag Racing Days...

Cool Night Cool Concert

Since the September concert was a bust due to Hurricane Rita, Coldplay made another trip back to H-Town to satisfy their fans, and it was worth the trip. Although I missed the VERY SHORT opening act by Fiona Apple, and they didn't take the stage until after 9:30, AND I was in nosebleed seats, it was worth the price to see this excellent band again. Nothing can top the first time I saw them at Verizon Theater standing a few feet from the stage, with Gwyneth in the balcony above, but they are true superstars now, and give a performance worthy of the lofty ticket price. I just wish so many scalpers weren't able to get the best seats, since I bought mine 5 minutes after they went on sale, but still had to squint to see the band. I really despise Ticketmaster sometimes...

Wabbit Season! Lawyer Season!