Little Darling's Opinion Nation

Qumana

2008-05-12T15:14:00.000-04:00

I downloaded qumana a while back because it seemed as though it would make posting on my blogs simpler. It has at times and I do like it. BUT LATELY it hates letting me update this particular blog.

I had a post typed out called "I was supposed to write about my funk" and I was told it was published. Yet every time I check this blog there was no post. I found out it published it as a draft. I worked on changing that. I then deleted the draft in order to publish the actual post. That didn't work either.

So now I'm PO'd and writing this out through the blogger dashboard and utterly pissed at qumana. I wish they would work out all the kinks.

Sigh

2008-04-21T22:18:00.002-04:00

Recently I friend mentioned not seeing me blog for a while and I commented being discouraged about things, which were keeping me from concentrating or wanting to concentrate on blogging. Then she mentioned blogging about my discouragement. This wasn't a new concept to me, but it seemed a different idea when she mentioned it. So, about a week ago, I began working on that blog post.

So where is it? Lost. I had five or more paragraphs, which was kinda long, but I was getting it out there. Then my computer fubared on me.

Fubared with a blue screen of death "fatal error" message. I got my husband to help me with it, I gave up on the post, and went to bed. Talk about adding more to the discouragement.

Oh, and right now, qumana is having issues with me too. I do hope this blogging stuff decides to be nice to me soon. I really do like it when things work for me.

I make no promises, but hopefully I will get back to it soon and get it written and posted.

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I Am Legend

2007-12-21T21:56:00.000-05:00

Oh My God
Oh My God
Oh My God
We just got back from seeing this movie!!!!
It was awesome!!!!!

I love Will Smith, therefore, he was one of the reasons I wanted to see it, but I hate horror movies. I thought it wouldn't be that bad as I've seen movies like Underworld, Interview with the Vampire, the Blade movies, etc and I was fine watching those. Plus, I like most vampire movies and werewolves were in Underworld, so what is the harm?

I Am Legend is not really gory, but Oh My God was I scared out of my skin!!! My nerves are shot yet I'm totally singing the praises of this movie. It was awesome!!!! The sound effects were the killer part of the movie. I now understand why my cousin would cover her ears when we watched some movies, like jaws, as she said it was the sound that freaked her out. I never got that because it was always the imagery that got me. I now understand where she was coming from.

If you think you can stand it then go see it...if not then don't see it.

Begin the disclaimer portion: This is for major horror fans...

...this is really not a horror movie, at least not in my opinion. Zombie movie? Yes. Do I feel it would live up to the standards of major horror movie fans? I'm not sure. You could always let me know if it did, but for me, who hates horror movies and prefers thrillers then this movie totally rocked. This movie is also making me stretch out of my bounds by claiming the love of a movie that kept me on the edge of my seat with FEAR. I like the edge of my seat with suspense like the Bourne movies, Hitman, Shoot 'Em Up, etc...but not from FEAR. So I Am Legend had me where I wanted to be from suspense and from fear, which is something I prefer not to do. Give me the suspense and take away the fear. Suffice it to say that I like my sleep.

Will I own it...I have no idea.

Josh Groban: Noel

2007-12-03T18:34:00.001-05:00

I am a big Josh Groban fan. If you saw my musical collection you might find this odd as I like groups like Linkin Park, Evanescence, Rob Zombie, etc. There is just something magical, miraculous, and awe inspiring about Josh Groban's voice. I was in love and in awe the first time I heard him on Oprah.

This year I put Josh Groban's Noel CD on my Christmas list, but after seeing him perform a couple of songs on the Oprah's Favorite Things show I had to purchase it NOW in order to listen to it for the holidays.

It is a very good collection of Christmas music. There are a few songs that are duets with performers like Faith Hill, Brian McKnight, etc. All the songs are great and have Josh Groban's resounding voice throughout. I highly recommend this CD if you like Josh Groban at all.

Note: Things have gotten into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season so the travel series I mentioned in a previous post will take place shortly after the new year. I recall mentioning it and didn't want anyone to think I forgot.

Tags: Josh Groban, Oprah, Oprah's Favorite Things, Oprah Winfrey, Josh Groban's Noel, Faith Hill, Brian McKnight, Linkin Park, Evanescence, Rob Zombie, Christmas list, Christmas music

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Travel series

2007-11-19T15:05:00.001-05:00

Since being back from Hawaii I've thought about doing a series of travel posts about our visit to the Big Island, Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort, Dolphin Quest, Kona Hawaii, and the Volcano National Park, plus others. So I'm planning on starting that soon and I hope you will enjoy them. Let me know if there are questions or things you would like me to add posts about.

Tags: Hawaii the Big Island, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Dolphin Quest, Volano National Park

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One hour photo

2007-11-09T15:54:00.001-05:00

Is it just me or does it seem that one hour photo processing has become nonexistent? Not only is there customer disservice throughout America now, but we have to deal with getting unadvertised services too. I've been hoping to do more entries about things I like, but this got under my skin and needs to be mentioned.

The last photo processing center I attempted to use was through Walmart. This was before I quit my job; therefore, it was work related. I needed photos put on CD and preferred to have them back in an hour. I was told that it would be 2-3 hrs and please check back as their machines were down at the time. I obliged, but upon checking back was told to come back the next day. So I did. CDs were ready then.

Since then, I thought that maybe it was a one time fluke until now when I went to Meijer's one hour photo center. We used three disposable cameras on our honeymoon to Hawaii and I wanted to get them on CD in order to get all the photos online to share with friends and family. I went to the one hour photo center and told them what I wanted. When I mentioned getting them done through one hour I got the following comment, "Not going to happen. The machines are down and it takes three hours to change the chemicals. You will have to come back tomorrow."

Oddly enough, I was ok with this and went on my merry way, until today. I have the CDs with photos on them and I'm sitting here rotating all photos as they are upside down. Oh, and at least one photo has a sliver of another photo attached to it.

I can understand needing to work on the machines, but the more it sits in my mind I keep wondering how it can take 3 hours to change chemicals. It was around 4pm when I dropped these disposable cameras off. And from my understanding most one hour photo centers don't close until 9pm. Then, when I do get my CDs, all the photos are upside down. How hard is it to put the photos on there correctly? And I don't want to hear crap about the machine doing it that way and "we" have no control over it.

All I have to say is "whatever."

I hope to God that America gets back to caring about others in the very near future, because all this disservice is starting to ware on me.

Tags: One Hour Photo Center, Walmart, Meijer's, Customer Disservice, Disposable Cameras

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Revamping

2007-11-07T22:44:00.001-05:00

I've been in the process of revamping my blogs. I'm sure you've noticed the new template. Also, please check out my blogroll under my links. I hope it will keep growing.

I can say that I've been enjoying married life, which I have.

I now hope to get back into blogging. I've had many ideas and just not sat down to put them to fruition. I plan on changing that.

We just got back from our week long honeymoon to Hawaii, the big island, and I have lots of opinions about the trip so look for posts on Hilton Waikoloa Village, Dolphin Quest, Hawaii Volcanoes, Driving in Hawaii, Plane etiquette (oh my god there a doozies to that one), etc.

Tags: Honeymoon, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Dolphin Quest, Hawaii Volcanoes, Driving in Hawaii, Plane etiquette

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I'm MARRIED!!!

2007-07-22T18:22:00.001-04:00

I'm married today!!!

I remember all of the wedding day. I can only thank my wedding planner for that because she took care of everything and i just had to get ready.

The hair appt was at 10 AM. I set the alarm for 9AM. Yes I was able to sleep after finally getting my mind to shut off. I hit snooze several times when the alarm finally started going off. My floridian friend, Christie, was staying with me and came in the room about 9:30AM to make sure I was getting up to get married. I laughed and got up shortly after. My bloodsugar was low so I had to eat some breakfast and wait for it to go back up to normal. Then, and this is probably TMI, I started the trots to the potty. We finally took care of those with Imodium AD at the hairdressers.

The hair styling didn't take too long so we had a bit of time to kill before we had to be at the church. Christie and I went back home to just sit and talk. I could have gone back to sleep at that time, but I didn't. We got to the church at 1PM to meet the make up lady and the make up getting ready process began.

The flower girl was adorable but wouldn't go down the aisle. So we got the wedding drama of at least one child freaking out. I'm pretty sure we still have some good candid pictures of her though as I told the photographer that she wouldn't take photos with me and may not go down the aisle.

The whole day seemed very surreal and even more so once they had us waiting in the little room off the side of the sanctuary. Oddly enough I didn't cry. I guess I was concentrating too much on the ceremony going right and for me not to cry so that I could talk. Plus, I had my boohoo moment when I picked up my dress after alterations because it was totally mine at that point.

Everything was wonderful...the ceremony, the photos, and the reception....best of all of course that I am now a WIFE and I have a HUSBAND.

I can wait to see pictures and to share them with you all. And all of those that were able to make it in from out of town thanks so much. It was great to see you and I want to see you so much more now. So we will have to plan trips sometime.

The Pursuit of Happyness

2007-01-23T14:49:00.000-05:00

This is a movie that tugs at the heartstrings and speaks to any soul that has struggled at some point in their life. It has been a while that I've seen a preview such as the one for this movie that makes me want to see the movie right then. And am I glad I wanted to see it.

I'm a big fan of Will Smith and loved his, and his son's, performance in this movie. This is a movie that will light a fire under anyones butt to acheive the impossible or to strive further than they dreamed or thought.

This movie gets 7 vanilla waffers for a great story line and stellar performances.

Happy Feet

2007-01-23T14:44:00.000-05:00

This has got to be the most excited I've been about an animated movie release in years. Granted I'm slow in getting a review up, but still, I was excited and not let down at all.

I loved the movie, and my fiance, who acts like he dispises all animated movies actually wanted to see it in the theater. I jumped at that chance. It helped too that Robin Williams did the voice of a couple of the characters to nudge the fiance along.

The movie and Robin Williams did not disappoint. It was a very good family oriented film. I loved the animation and I loved the humor Robin Williams brought to it. I'm a sucker for cute animated movies with little dancing animals so it was all she wrote for me.

The movie gets tons of happy feet dances from me and a vanilla waffer box.

Dancing with the Stars Tour

2007-01-23T13:56:00.000-05:00

I must say the tour was just as good as the show. I thought I might get bored with them doing some of the routines that I saw on the show over, but since it is in person then you really don't mind that you've seen the routine on tv before, it is much better in person. I had decent seats of course, not floor level, but lower arena right above the floor tables. Joey Lawerence walked right in front of our risers once and I could have reached out to touch him *swoon*.

They added other routines in the mix too, which made it good as well, plus it is always great to see live something that you watch on tv.

I do wish that Ashley Delgrosso had been one of the professional dancers on the tour, but she wasn't and it was still good.

One vanilla waffer box.

Miami Vice (the movie)

2007-01-23T12:15:00.000-05:00

was rented this weekend, and even though I was an utter devoted fan to the series, the movie lacked everything the series had.

The key word here is "crumbs"

That is my rating and I'm sticking to it. Falling asleep during a movie automatically gives it any kind of 'crumbs'.

Probabilities

2006-12-11T12:06:00.000-05:00

I probably have many things I could review The Guardian, Happy Feet, Man of the Year, this seasons Dancing with the Stars that just recently ended, the lack of good television as it has all gone to "Reality" TV that I so hoped would burn out by now, but the holidays are upon us and I've gotten just plan lazy. I'm still in the midst of reading, and finally coming to the end of, Atlas Shrugged while also having my life that consist of working, planning my wedding, and doing my best ot relax. Why does relaxing seem to vanish or be harder as time goes on or should I just say "As we get older" and more responsibilities befall us? It brings about the thoughts and memories of carefree days of youth. Yes, I'm still carefree, but there is a difference to it now than there was then. I didn't feel as rushed then and sometimes now it seems there is a rush for everything, and I think that is what I want to have slow down. I don't like rushing anything, even picking out the perfect card for a gift to a friend, I like taking my time.

Anyway, that is my rambles for the day and probably until I think of the blog again, so enjoy.

V for Vendetta

2006-08-15T08:58:00.000-04:00

Sometimes a movie/book comes along that challenges your morals, part of you feels there isn't a challenge to them as you cheer for the protagonist to destroy the evil government, but the other part of you knows that murder/destroying property etc is wrong. Therefore, if you want to delve into the realm of deeper thought during or after watching such a film you could ask yourself if it had been you would you have taken the same action those characters did? You realize in the back of your mind somewhere that it is hollywood and a genius creative mind that came up with the backdrop of this story, which means there is a nil to none chance it will ever happen, but if you wanted to be the devil's advocate would you take chances to make a statement?

V for Vendetta brought up these thoughts and questions for me. I enjoyed the movie more than I thought I would, and am glad I watched it. I realize there are people out there who feel the graphic novel is much better than the movie, but who doesn't like novels/books/comics better than most of the movies made based on them? Anyway, it left much room for thought and provocation of what actions one would take or not.

Update

2006-07-17T14:38:00.000-04:00

I've been utterly busy with new implementals at work (crappy ones at that) and trying to wallow in my engagement. Yes, I'm engaged. Happened June 30th, but work blew a gasket that following week and things have been crazy. So I'm doing my best to take all the times to enjoy the engagement as possible. Therefore, that is why I've been scarce. Hopefully when and if I find a hole in this busy stuff I can update. Till then Happy Engagement to me.

2006-06-15T15:19:00.000-04:00

Most of the movies I’ve watched at the theater or rented in the last few months deserve only a few comments from me. Seeing as they won’t take a long post then I will do a rundown of them in one post.

Here they are:

Jarhead – Starring Jamie Foxx and Jake Gyllenhaal. This is a man’s man movie, seeing as it is about Marines, and the “Wooha” mentality. Granted there is one scene where a very very buff Jake Gyllenhaal is in nothing but a Santa hat, which covers…well, you know…and it was pleasing to the female. Still that scene is one where the men going a bit cookoo from the scorching sun of the desert in Desert Storm, but they are partying and I just couldn’t get into the scene. Most of the movie I could get into, and even though Jamie Foxx is a good actor, he didn’t cut it for me here. I don’t get into the whole male ego thing, which is the premise of this movie, as ONE I’m not a male and TWO (no offense guys) but there comes a time when you just need to get over yourself and this includes your MALE EGO. The movie gets vanilla waffer crumbs from me. It’s a guy’s movie…me falling asleep watching it proves so.

Memoirs of a Geisha – I don’t know the stars of this movie as they aren’t big names, but they were all good actors. I won’t lie that I had qualms rather this would be a good movie or not, thus, the reason it was rented. I was utterly surprised and impressed. It was a good movie. I didn’t move me to any major emotions, but it was better than expected, therefore, I do recommend watching it. It doesn’t have tons of action, and it is a drama, in case you hate dramas. All in all it was a good film. It has even inspired me a bit more to read the book. It gets 6 vanilla waffers from me.

Pride and Prejudice – This is the one with Kiera Knightley as the lead actress. I’d never seen any make of this movie nor read the book, and that had to do with me being leery of this story too, but seeing this movie I want to see the made for TV version with Colin Firth in it. This version was decent, but it didn’t really do much for me. I was slightly bored a few times. So it gets 2 vanilla waffers as it wasn’t awful enough to get crumbs, but not mediocre or superb.

Fun with Dick and Jane – Staring Tea Leoni and Jim Carrey. I’m not a Jim Carrey fan, which is why I’ve only seen a few of his films, but I did like those too. I was shocked at slightly enjoying this movie. It wasn’t the best comedy and I was glad we just rented it. It did exceed my very low expectations though, not by much, but enough. So it gets 2 vanilla waffers for not being crappy and for surprising me.

Robots – This is the animated movie where Robin Williams does the voice of one of the robots. It was cute. Robin Williams’ character fit him to a tee. The movie wasn’t anything to really applaud though. Again it was cute, but that is all it had going for it, and Robin Williams of course. It gets 2 vanilla waffers for being wall CUTE.

Poseidon – Starring Kurt Russell, Josh Lucas, Richard Dreyfus, Jacinda Barrett, Emmy Rossum (from the Phantom of the Opera film), Mia Maestro (from Alias), and the 80s actor Kevin Dillon. As I didn’t see the first Poseidon film I can do no comparison, but even for an action flick, this one lacks surprise in the action. One gathers from the movie trailer the premise of the movie, and well that is all you need to know, and yes there are a few characters trying to get out of this capsized ocean liner, but the film doesn’t even give you more than a minute to get acquainted with them before delivering the ROGUE WAVE. No element of surprise at all…everything was predictable….and if it wasn’t…it was extremely unrealistic. Vanilla waffer crumbs.

Xmen: The Last Stand – Starring Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen, Halle Berry, Patrick Stewart, and Ian Mckellan. I’ve enjoyed the first two Xmen films and was excited about this one. I can’t say as it utterly failed my expectations, but it didn’t meet or exceed them. It seemed far fetched, even though it is based on a comic book (that I have not read and have been told this film did not follow the comic book story). I did like the film though and was able to not get bored, but for some, I know it lacked the action the other two movies kept. I give this one 2 vanilla waffers.

North Country – Starring Charlize Theron. Ah, broaching the subject of sexual harassment and due to this fact I had to be prepared to watch the movie. I’m a woman after all and knew I’d get a little riled watching it. I was impressed at how the movie was done and I liked it very much. Everyone does a superb acting job, especially the WOMEN. So of all these on this list, this one gets….2 vanilla waffer BOXES, yes it was that good in my opinion.

Reading

2006-06-13T15:26:00.000-04:00

A wave of reading inspiration hit me this past weekend. I don't know why or how, running around being too busy with life could be part of it, but sometimes attempting to sit down and read a book just doesn't work. It hasn't for me in a while. I'd go in spurts by reading for a day and then reading again for a day several weeks or months later, which makes it hard to remember what you read last.

Well, friday we went out to dinner and to see Xmen 3, which was pretty good but the other xmen movies were better, then we went home. I sat down with Atlas Shrugged, that I've been on the second attempt to read for about a month or more, seeing as the first time I tried reading it I made it no further than chapter nine. Then I got utterly bored and probably busy with life. Reading Ayn Rand takes some mind power and if you have too much going on in life then it can sometimes be hard. So during this second attempt, starting a month or two or more ago, I was somewhat determined to make it past where I left off the time before. I had to start from the beginning again cause there was no way I rememebered all the detail within those nine chapters, which isn't even a fourth of the way through the book (yes it is that long and that in depth...it is not for amature readers).

So friday sitting down with Atlas Shrugged again, for who knows what number of time it was on this second attempt to read through it, I just kept reading and turning the page and reading some more. I think I spent two hours or more reading, which got me caught up to or a bit further than I'd been during the first reading escapade of Atlas Shrugged. This also lit a new fire under my reading burner as I've wanted to keep reading since then. I've picked up the book at least once a day since and have gotten a few chapters past chapter nine...YAY.

I know some of you out there, who hate reading, may be wondering why someone can be so excited about reading, but when you are an avid reader (though a slow reader at that) and have loved reading since you were in grade school, then an instance such as this where the reading fire, that had been only ashen flakes for a while due to life and, well life, burns again it excites every ember of enjoyment.Call me weird call me crazy that a new desire to read is like SEX for me, but oh well deal with it, not only am I reading this book and planning on completing it but I'm planning my next few reads too. I haven't been this excited about reading since college.

YAY READING. YAY AYN RAND. YAY VAMPIRE CHRONICLES (when I get back to them). YAY TO BOOKS and my soon to be huge personal library someday. :D

Memorial Day

2006-06-02T16:26:00.000-04:00

I realize this is a few days late, but I knew I wanted to write about it, as it touched my heart and opened my eyes.

Many times we take the Memorial day holiday for granted. it is another day we are free from work, it is the first day of summer, it is another day for picnics and fun, and unless we have been touched by the sacrifice, humility, and courage of war through an immediate family member then the true meaning gets extremely diluted.

The week of May 20-26 my boyfriend and I were on vacation in Washington DC. We headed home Saturday May 27th. We realized it was Memorial Day weekend, but we did not want to be caught in the hubbub of the ensuing crowds for the holiday. And even though we were not there for all of Memorial day weekend we still saw a glimpse of it before the trip home.

On the twilight tour of the monuments and memorials Friday evening I saw the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in different light than during the day, or during any regular night. Being there during the day there is still a solemn feeling that I felt at every memorial and monument. You realized the ground you were standing on was sacred as it represented a big part of our history. History that changed our nation. And rather I or anyone agrees with the direction or leadership of the nation currently, you realize the hearts; souls; courage; and wisdom you are surrounded by in these sites. There wasn't much to say or that you wanted to say because of the lives represented. The lives that fought for OUR freedom through volunteering or being drafted. The brave lives that new what had to be done in the midst of battlefields abroad and on their home field; coming back to a nation that shunned them for doing what their country called them to do. Just because one may not agree with a fight or war at hand, we have to realize those are our soldiers fighting for freedom, we have to recognize and respect them for their endeavors and welcome them back with open arms.

On Friday May 26, 2006 I saw the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall lined with 100s of veterans who rode in on their bikes for Memorial Day weekend. I honestly was not prepared for the way this site would effect me. My eyes teared up as I walked closer, and closer, and closer. I realized the sacrifice of all these veterans, the names on the wall - rather known by me or not..they were people who fought and lost their lives and they mean just as much as anyone and anything - and the many individuals in other wars: Korean War, World War II, Iwo Jima, Revolutionary War, etc (I do apologize as I can't remember all the wars, but I do wholeheartedly mean ALL of them) who fought so bravely for this thing we call freedom. I honestly considered shaking as many hands as I could and saying "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you" Thank you for fighting for the FREEDOM we take for granted everyday, the FREEDOM that we forget even on Memorial Day, the FREEDOM that always comes with a price, the FREEDOM that we all deserve, and the FREEDOM of rememberance.

American Idol

2006-05-15T12:27:00.000-04:00

I realize now, why I don't follow American Idol every episode like I did the second season, because the BEST person does not win. Unfortunately, Fantasia bored me in season three, there was also the girl from Hawaii that stayed way too long cause she and her family probably got all of Hawaii to vote for her. I got bored when she wouldn't leave. I didn't even bother watching much of season four, I mean I watch auditions, because it is like a train wreck that you have to see. So I watch the auditions for the people making idiots out of themselves. "Well my friends tell me I should be a singer and that I sing well. You have no idea what you are talking about. I'll make it one day you will see." I think Greenday had it right with one of their album titles, because it is more like American Idiot. I saw enough of season four to know who Bo Bice was and to like his singing....also to know and realize that he should have won.

Basically with season five, I've been as sporadic in watching it as the last few seasons, but I've watched more of this one than seasons three and four. Chris Daughtry rocked, as many others would say. He was awesome. He so should have won.

I recorded the Elvis episode, where Chris Daughtry, Katherine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, and Elliot Yamin sang two of Elvis' songs. I like Elvis and wanted to see if they did the songs justice. I found out before watching the show that Chris was the one to go home that week. I was appalled. I also read in some blogs about speculation of people voting to help save ones they like, therefore, not voting for who they wanted to win.

After watching the Elvis episode I wholeheartedly feel that Chris did the best. Taylor and Kathrine are good singers, I will give them that, but they don't always pull off their performances. Elliot, I won't lie, I just don't like his singing style so I don't like him. The fact that Chris was the one to go confirmed to me that American Idol has gotten boring and that AMERICA does not know good music. I will also agree with some people who wonder rather voters voted to save ones they didn't want to see go, because with some of the performances it was surprising that a few others were not the ones to leave.

Now I have to talk about Paula. In the first two seasons she was decent and the nicer of the judges, although alot of time I agreed with Randy and Simon. This season she is down right annoying. Shut up while Simon is talking and let him have his say. I stll agree that Simon goes beyond constructive criticism by being down right rude, but that doesn't mean Paula needs to stand up and tell him to shut up almost every episode. Plus, what was she wearing? I did my best to find pictures of last weeks episode to post in order to have evidence of her bad taste in dressing. Her clothes may have been ok this time had it not been for the LOAD of jewelry. I mean why wear about 7 necklaces that range from chokers to major dangles that hang to the belly. She also had several bracelets, especially the huge chunky ones, I know some of the 80s is coming back but for crying out loud. She had two huge bangles on her left arm and a few small bracelets on her right arm. Choose one or the other, and if you go for a huge bangle, then go for ONE....not two not three....but ONE.

Sorry, but basically in my opinion American Idol has gone way downhill and is losing its grace, if it has any left at all. In my humble opinion of the three contenders left, none of them are American Idol material.

Mission Impossible III

2006-05-08T11:15:00.000-04:00

The long anticipated Mission Impossible III started May 5, 2006. Yes, we saw it this weekend. And as it is still fresh at the theaters and I'm sure many of you want to see it I will not give anything away.

This MI installment follows the previous two MI movies with the action one expects of these movies and with the suspense. For me personally there could have been more suspense, and I really can't say more than that without giving too much info, I wouldn't ruin the movie but would prepare you for part of it. I hate when people give any part of a movie away, especially one that I want to see....so action and suspense being in this one as well as the others, and me preferring more suspense is all you get.

Aside from staring Tom Cruise, which with all his off screen antics since jumping on Oprah's couch gave me no desire to watch any of HIS movies and watching it anyway, I still enjoyed it. I was able to get past the fact that it was Tom and see him as Ethan Hunt.

My boyfriend, who I saw it with, and who is the one who talked me into seeing it since I was gonna boycott Tom Cruise, mentioned that he thought it lacked some of the action the predicessors had. I didn't agree with him, but though his opinion needed a spot too.

I also must add that there was an odd resemblance of the actress who played Julia (Ethans love interest), Michelle Monaghan, to that of Katie Holmes....Tom's love interest. I noticed it and it seemed odd.

The movie itself was good and went along with all the other MI movies to me, so it gets 20 vanilla waffers for doing a decent job of staying up to par with the predecessor movies and keeping good action.

Crash

2006-05-08T10:43:00.000-04:00

The first line of the movie says it all "It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something" said by Don Cheadle's character, Graham. Source
IMDB.

Many view this movie as controversial and being primarily about racism in modern society, which in the basic sense it is. It is a very compelling movie. When any one of us look at racism and prejuidice we should realize and understand we are looking into the eyes of ignorance. It is ignorance because we, yes I say we because all of us are guilty of it at some point in our life, listen to the misconceptions that we've been told and taught by others. The others teaching us are either family, friends, or the media...and they tell us their beliefs...and at times we choose to believe what they say rather than learning for ourselves, which takes away the process of getting to know PEOPLE. Getting to know the individual, the person, the personality, the characteristics that make up each one of us, not the stereotype or the belief of what people are supposed to be.

All of the above is why I see this movie as being about our own ignorance toward life, ourselves, and people we "crash" into during our lifetime. It deals with strangers, husbands and wives, family and friends, customers and sellers all of these instances when our ignorance shines brightly in our face, but wind up being time we are too blind to see that it is ignorance, therefore, we act or say things stupidly toward what we believe people to be.

This is a great movie that teaches many lessons of soul searching and not to judge people at one glance. I was extremely WOWed by the movie and the performances. I've seen many of the actors (Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, William Fitchner, Brendan Fraser, Terrance Howard, Ludacris, Thandie Newton, and Ryan Phillippe, etc) in other films, but these were good roles for them all.

This movie won best film of the year and I think it won rightly so.

It gets several (24) vanilla waffer boxes from me. Very good, compelling, and thought provoking movie with great actors and acting. I highly recommend it.

Unto These Hills

2006-05-03T11:08:00.000-04:00

Unto These Hills is the drama about Native American Culture and history of the area of of Cherokee, North Carolina. I mentioned this in the Biltmore post, but just called it a Cherokee drama because I forgot the name of it and didn't have the info with me. I wanted to share the link once I found the information, because even after seeing the site for Cherokee, North Carolina it seems like an awesome place to visit. Also, ever since I can remember I've had a fasicnation and deep respect for native americans. Anytime I can visit an exhibit, drama, or land that shares insights into native american spirit I want to be there and do it.

Cherokee, North Carolina is also the home of some of the history of the Trail of Tears that the Cherokees were forced to travel in the winter of 1838-1839. I was never a history buff, but for some reason I remember the story of heartache, sickness, and death of the Trail of Tears that I first heard about in elementary school. Even though it was a trail of heartache it is always good to pay homeage to historical sites and circumstances, therefore, this is another reason for me to visit Cherokee, NC.

This area also offers the Oconaluftee Village that is says transports you back to 1750 and the old Cherokee ways. This is a village area for you to go through and see things like canoe hulling, cherokee pottery, arrowheads, etc the making and workings of Cherokee history.

There is a Qualla Art store for visitors to purchase Cherokee crafts from their modern day crafters. This reminds me of one of the reasons I respect Native Americans, and that is because they are still, today in touch with the craftmenship, teachings, spirituality, etc of their ancestors they perserve it well and keep it going, allowing others to share in the ancestory and goods.

Information on all these activities can be found at the website given at the start of this post. Please check it out, and if you get time, plan - like I am - to visit Cherokee, NC someday.

Biltmore Estate

2006-05-02T12:09:00.000-04:00

Saturday May 29, 2006 we went to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. The day started way too early, at 7 AM, as we had to get up and get ready to head to the Estate. One of the couples with us had been to Biltmore during the Christmas season, so they knew how big the house was and that it would take all day to see everything. So early departure and arrival was planned to go see the house.

It was magnificent. You can view pictures and visit the website at Biltmore Estate, but none of it does justice to the reality of being there. It was beautiful, and I felt this before I walked inside the house, er manison. We did the audio tour through the house, which takes you through about 65 rooms, from the main floor, to the second floor, to the third floor, and the basement. It took around two and a half hours to complete this tour, but it was worth it, and there was not a dull moment. We were paying attention to the details of the rooms, etc, so it didn't seem like two hours at all. I can't begin to describe how exquisite it was. I loved the artwork throughout the house, which was in every room, and I would have loved to take most of it back with me. George Vanderbilt, the person who built Biltmore, was an art aficionado who also loved to read and there were books everywhere, not just in the huge library. I would like to have a library like that someday too, as I love books and huge libraries like this.

After doing the main tour of the house we took the rooftop tour, which showed us some of the balconies, and portions of the roof. We got to see the observation deck that George took some guests to through his Observatory. The view was awesome, and being on the roof we got to see the detail of the structure, such as all the gargoyles, which were abundant throughout the structural details of the house exterior. I really enjoyed being able to see the details of the exterior of the structure and details of the gargoyles. Most of the time on main tours we don't get anywhere near such detail.

After the rooftop tour was lunch in the Stable Cafe, which is one of the stables transformed into a cafe, and the building around it houses some of the shops. The food was very good and the atmosphere was nice. You did not feel it was an old stable.

Once we finished lunch we headed to the conservatory and gardens. There is a flower garden with pathways right before you reach the conservatory. The conservatory had several types of plants and flowers in it as well. Outside the conservatory was the Azalea Gardens, which was my favorite, it was gorgeous with all the bright flowered bushes. I could have stayed there forever it was so nice.

The Biltmore Estate Winery was the last stop that day, and even though there isn't much to say about the tour (it was self guided and pretty lame to me), the wine tasting at the end was awesome. They gave us a list of their wines and told us we could taste at the most 8. I jumped on that and tasted 8 of them. I won't lie that probably half of what I tasted was good or decent. I love red wines, but even alot of Biltmore's reds were too bitter for me. All in all they were good wines. We left the gift shop with three of them: the Red Century (a red wine), the Cardinal's Nest (another red), and the American Riesling (a white). The boyfriend and I had tried two of the same red wines to make sure we both liked it, which is how we decided on both the reds, they were the best of the reds we tasted. I'd tasted a riesling, but it was a dry one, and I liked it but knew the boyfriend probably wouldn't go for it. He'd tasted the American riesling, liked it, and mentioned it was sweet yet not too sweet, so we decided on it too. We opted for three wines as there was a 10% off for any three wines, therefore, we were all about it. This also makes for shopping here at home too, as we need a wine rack and wine glasses. :)

That was the day at Biltmore, it was fun, peaceful, beautiful, and I would do it all over again. So if you get a chance for a vacation or a weekend getaway then check it out. Yes, you could make a vacation out of it, as Biltmore is not the only thing to see around the Asheville area. Even though some of the sites are in nearby cities, there are other places to visit such as Chimney Rock Park, there was a Cherokee drama with exhibits etc going on around Maggie Valley that weekend too (they do this yearly), there is an area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, etc. When we look at going back we may try to check out some of the other attractions offered around Asheville's surrounding cities.

The Academy of American Poets

2006-04-25T13:14:00.000-04:00

After stumbling upon the beetbabies blog I had to check out poets.org.

I won't lie that I haven't done much purusing of the site, other than visiting and searching around a bit. BUT being a poetry lover, having an English degree, and enjoying literature, I must say that I believe this will become a favorite and probably daily website for me.

You can search for a poet by name or a poem by name, and if you are like me, meaning you enjoy looking through poetry of your favorite poets then maybe just picking, say Emily Dickinson, and reading what is there will be good for you. YAY poetry and poets.

Consider me utterly poetry happy now....till the morrow and be sure to check out The Academy of American Poets

Peter Jackson's King Kong

2006-04-21T11:45:00.000-04:00

Peter Jackson went from Lord of the Rings to King Kong in 2005, and after watching this King Kong, I decided it was not a good step for Mr. Jackson. First of all, I’ve never been a fan of King Kong. I never saw the sense in a BIG APE falling in love with a “blonde beauty”, therefore, destroying most of New York in an attempt to get back to her/stay with her. And do not get me started on the “blonde beauty” falling in love with the BIG APE, at least not yet. It never appealed to me and my instincts on this were proven with Jackson’s King Kong. Secondly, if you are going to do a story of this type, please do more than attempt to make it believable. That means you have to try much harder to make it seem like reality to get me interested, which takes good actors.

The actors, who should have been notable: Jack Black, Naomi Watts, and Adrien Brody.

Jack Black played an ambitious filmmaker Carl Denham who lacked the funding to keep his project going and decided to dupe people into continuing on his journey to the unknown. Even though I like Jack Black’s other zany characters in many comedy movies (i.e. School of Rock, Orange County, Shallow Hal, Saving Silverman, High Fidelity, etc), Mr. Black did not pull the wool over our eyes in King Kong. Granted, I realize his attempt in showing his versatility to make himself more marketable for other acting roles, but his character came off boring and annoying, so it didn’t work as well as he may have hoped..

Naomi Watts played the “blonde beauty” Ann Darrow who is sacrificed to the BIG APE on his island, as his love slave or whatever they wanted her to be, and became his love while she…um, fell in love too? I haven’t seen Naomi Watts in much, and reading her filmography on the many sites out there, I don’t recognize many of the movie titles. Oddly enough, I watched her in The Ring. Don’t ask, as you should know I hate horror movies, therefore, I should have never watched that movie and it put a bad taste in my mouth for the actress. I will grant her the admission that she is a “blonde beauty,” but if you want to prove yourself in Hollywood, or those of us obsessed with movies, then choose better roles. There are actors out there, like Johnny Depp, who aren’t always in blockbuster movies and play roles they prefer instead of the ones that will make them utterly famous but they still pull it off. Through Ms. Watts choices; I haven’t seen any pulling off of anything.

Adrien Brody plays Jack Driscoll the playwright working with Carl Denham on a film script, who also happened to fall in love with Ms. Darrow. Darn APE getting in his way. I have not seen Mr. Brody in other movies, although, I have heard his name. I can honestly say of all the acting in this King Kong , his was the best and most believable. So he gets kudos for this.

As for the movie itself; its only saving grace was some awesome special effects, but alas, don’t let the lead you to watch or buy the movie. I waited almost an hour for the BIG APE the movie is supposedly about to show up in the movie. Me thinks that was not a good thing as that is what I wanted to see, as this was the first King Kong movie I’d watched and wondered what the BIG APE fuss was about, therefore, I was almost bored to tears or snoring. Then when the island and BIG APE show up and all the action gets under way…..it was great. Awesome lovely special effects as Kong fought off dinosaurs….yes, dinosaurs. I found myself wondering if this was really a King Kong movie or another Jurassic Park, and it was actually Jurassic Park on steroids for most of the action sequences. Alas, the action and special effects were the best part of the movie, but I felt they only lasted 30 minutes and were all lumped together in that time. Yes there was some action once they were back in NY, but I was bored again by this time and highly disillusioned by the King Kong craze. It is just not believable for a “woman” to fall in love with a 25 foot, how many ever ton APE.

Yes, I felt sorry for the BIG APE at times, he was just trying to find the ‘blonde beauty’ they’d given him and then snatched away, but what of her actions? I’m depressed because they took my BIG APE? I must find and follow him up the Empire State building as fighter planes are shooting at him. I must then climb higher as my APE climbs to the very top. I found myself ‘gunning’ (pun highly intended) for Ms. Darrow’s demise as she stupidly followed Kong up the Empire State building after he sat her down protecting her by going higher. I mean for crying out loud, not only was this crazy for her to keep putting herself in harms way, as I continued to scream in my head “Shoot her and put her out of my misery,” but to be in love with a BIG APE!?!?!

When Mr. Kong shows up in the movie and takes Ms. Darrow from the offering post you see her head bobbing back and forth, side to side, etc as he runs through the jungle holding her like a rag doll in his APE paw and the way her head flopped about would have snapped it in two, which means broken neck and no more Ms. Darrow for the BIG APE to love……not believable. After they rescue Ms. Darrow from said BIG APE they chloroform him (could there really be enough chloroform to knock out a 25 foot BIG APE) and get him back to NYC….probably good they didn’t show the transport of Kong, the 25 foot BIG APE, back to NYC as it would have never happened and was.....not believable. Then as they attempted to subdue Mr. Kong in NYC, after his escape from the Carl Denham King Kong show, they had no qualms about the potential of harming innocent bystanders. They used a bazooka in one attempt and hit a building instead, which would mean tons of innocent people dead….not believable. Then streets became suddenly empty of all other people who were running away screaming from the BIG APE when Ms. Darrow found him on the NY streets…again not believable. Then there was the 25 foot APE sliding around on a frozen pond, playing with his “blonde Beauty”…not believable. Lastly and certainly not leastly, as BIG APE falls from the Empire State building after being shot to death, no one is crushed under his 25 foot frame…hmm…say it with me…not believable. Then we sadly hear the laughable line from Carl Denham about the guns killing the BIG APE, “No, Beauty killed the Beast.” Oh, and Mr. Driscoll makes it to the top of the Empire State building in the nick of time to hug Ms. Darrow after her beloved BIG APE fell to the street of NYC…were we supposed to believe he has his love back from the BIG APE…not believable.

You can see how the movie held my interest for only a while, how much of the movie was highly unbelievable, and how laughable it was, but there were a few humorous scenes where Mr. BIG APE was upset with Ms. Darrow at trying to run away from him or something else and thrashed about like a mad APE knocking things over…this was highly funny because – guys don’t read this next line – it made me think “just like a man.” And then I could go on about my theory of Mr. Kong being a phallic symbol for the creators insecurities, but I will leave it alone.

This movie gets barely one vanilla waffer crumb. Special effects get four vanilla waffer crumbs, but just crumbs cause of the movie they were tied too.