TV Movie Review: The Lost Valentine

Betty White and Jennifer Love Hewitt lit up the small screen last night in the made for tv movie, The Lost Valentine, based on the novel by James Michael Pratt.

The story recounts the love story of Caroline Thomas whose husband of only a year was MIA in the Pacific. Every year, she returns to Union Station in hopes that her husband Neil will return.

It is through the intervention of Susan Allison, played by Love Hewitt, that Caroline receives closure. 60 years is a long time to wait for information about someone you love.

This movie was done beautifully and like so many Hallmark movies, it won't leave you with dry eyes.  Caroline's story is so heartbreaking, it would be impossible not to cry, especially as the Western Union man arrives at her porch.

Their love story is told through flashbacks., but that isn't the only love story going on here. Susan is falling for Caroline's grandson.

The movie could have been sickeningly sweet, but it wasn't. White, who usually plays comic roles, plays Caroline so well, that she deserves and Emmy for this. Love Hewitt was likable, though at times, she was a bit annoying, but that comes from trying to condense multiple relationships into 2 hours, while trying to keep the focus on Thomas.

Hallmark really did well with this one. It isn't the stellar film that Sarah Plain and Tall was, but it will likely go down as a fan favorite. Now I have to find the book.

Another Must See Movie

OK, it seems like these days that the only movies I get to see are animated.  Gnomeo and Juliet is the next one that I have to see.

It looks so freaking cute.

Oh and the best thing about the film?

The music!

Our favorite whining geezer, Elton John, has his music featured in the film. Songs like Don't Go Breaking My Heart, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets and Tiny Dancer to name but a few!  Nelly Furtado does Crocodile Rock, which has me a little bit intrigued and even more frightened.

All in all,  gnomes and Elton have to make for a cute flick and a cute soundtrack!

Now I'm going to have to rent a kid so I can go see it without feeling to weird.

To Smartphone Or Not Smartphone

My 2 year "New Every Two" has come up and I find myself wondering, should I upgrade my phone?

I have an LG EnV, which I like for the most part, but would be easily swayed away from, because the screen has scratched worse than any phone I've ever owned so far.

Everyone in my family has smartphones now, but I keep thinking...Do I really need or want one?

OK, I want one, but affording one is another story.

Most of the highly rated smartphones require a data package that costs $15.00.  I'm not sure what plan I'd have to move to if I upgraded my phone.

Right now the LG Vortex is a free upgrade and so is the Motorola Citrus.

As much as I'd love an Iphone or one of the fancy Droids, they aren't in my budget.

So tell me about your smartphones. Are they really worth it?

I Must See This

First, yes, I'm back! I don't know for how long, though - the spring semester (also my last) is already busy, but I found some time.

To talk about Rabbit Hole.

First of all, the poster is awesome.

Second, Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart together? Yes please.

But the real factor that attracted my attention was the wonderful director, John Cameron Mitchell. He's responsible for such gems as Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Shortbus, which I have yet to see but hear is amazing.

As for the plot, it's based on a play (of the same name of course) and revolves around a couple losing a child and having to deal with the mourning process afterward. Tough subject and by all accounts a rough movie, but brilliant.

Here's the trailer.

Elton John A Second Class Citizen In The US?

Oh come on Elton...can we please stop whining now?

Take a look at this article.

I love Elton. His music is some of the best around and always will be. The man has great talent.

However, he has a mouth that should be taped shut when it comes to everything but singing.

Hoof in mouth disease much?

Yes, the US is backwards with Gay Rights. But second class citizen? I really don't think so. I think it is one more thing he's doing to get attention.

I mean, after all, he's wearing more understated clothing these days, so he has to do something.

The world rejoiced with you..everywhere...except maybe on this blog...when his son was born. (Hey, sorry, I don't think old men should be procreating, millions of dollars or not). That's not totally a country forcing you to feel second class.

However in all his rantings and ravings he did have something to say that we should all listen to..."We don't need any more stone throwing. We don't need any more vitriol. We need people to say, 'OK. I'm straight. You're gay. Let's get along. I'm Republican. You're Democratic. Let's work together.' I'm sick and tired of people being hateful to each other in this country."

Amen to that Sir Elton. Amen to that!

Now sing me a song!

What The Heck Was She Wearing?

Most all the news sites say that Michelle Obama sparkled in the red and black Alexander McQueen gown she wore to the state dinner last night



Maybe it is just me, but I think the cut of the gown makes her look sloppy.

I know she loves to show of her wonderfully toned arms and sure the dress does that, but the slightly cockeyed shoulder makes it look off kilter, and yet it is a gorgeous gown. The pattern is stunning, but I think the neckline is awful.

So what's your take on the dress? Am I the only one that thinks its just a bit meh?

Weird News

I go away a few days from the blog and all kinds of things are happening.

~ Jim Parsons wins the globe for actor in a comedy. No upset there really. He won the Emmy a few months back.

~ Speaking of the Globes...why is this award show necessary? We have the Emmy Awards. We have the Oscars. What's the point of this crazy ass combination of the two?

~ Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban welcome another child via surrogate. Congrats to them. What I don't understand are the haters out there. C'mon people. Nic and Keith are good people and not crazy like her ex.

~ The series finale of Hannah Montana got a record number of viewers: 6.2 million! Bye Hannah! Don't come back now! Ya'hear!

~ Melissa Etheridge is going to take a walk on the Great White Way in American Idiot. Further proof that Broadway is losing credibility and inspiration. No offense to Ms Etheridge.

~ Vince Neil is going to jail for 2 weeks and then will be under house arrest for DUI for another 2. WTF! DUI and he gets 2 weeks...the rest of the world would serve a real sentence! How is this justice?

~ Regis is retiring....OMG the 9 a.m hour will never be the same. 

One Year Later And He's Still Whining

I'm so sick of hearing Conan O'Brian WHINE like a little boy over the whole NBC debacle last year.  There's nothing like a bunch of whining rich people.

OK Conan...a few words of advice.

 You fell into a shit pile with NBC. Yes, it sucked, but...and this is a big but...so pay attention here: YOU GOT PAID MILLIONS AND YOU HAVE A NEW SHOW! So you came up smelling like a rose.

So for the love of God, stop playing the "poor me" or "pity me" card and act like a grown up. I know from the humor you've used on all three shows, that may be difficult for you, but try it. It means you're a bigger stronger man, and not a wimp.

I'm at a point where I like Conan as much as I like Sarah Palin...and that's not one iota.

I Want To Make This So Bad

I was watching GMA today.

Thank you Weather Bomb from the day off.

They made a Chicken Enchilada Chili that just about made me want to dive into the TV to get a sample.

Here's the recipe from the website.

Ingredients

11/2 cups prepared enchilada sauce (read labels carefully if avoiding gluten)

2 (14.5-ounce) cans tomatoes with seasoning (your choice: I had garlic and olive oil on hand)

2 (15-ounce) cans pinto or kidney beans with juice (or 1 cup dry pinto beans, soaked overnight)

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 onion, diced, or 1 tablespoon dried minced onion flakes

1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

11/2 pounds chicken (thighs, legs, breasts—your choice)

shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream for serving (optional)

Cooking Directions

Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the enchilada sauce and tomatoes into the bottom of the removable stoneware insert. Add the beans, celery, onion, and spices, and stir to combine. Place the chicken on top.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the flavors have combined. If you are using dry beans, you may need to cook longer to fully soften the beans. If your chicken has bones, fish the bones out before serving. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

I think I'm going to try this one out soon

Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches = Yum

Thanks to a wonderful promotion, I decided to go to Starbucks a little earlier than usual and give their breakfast sandwiches a try.

OMG!

I like fast food sandwiches, because I'm a lazy ass in the morning.

Up until this morning, my favorite breakfast sandwiches came from Panera Bread. All of my favorite sandwiches come from there.

Not anymore.

The bacon, egg and gouda, artisan breakfast sandwich, topped the breakfast panini from Panera.

Why?

The cheese was wonderful and gooey. The egg? Fluffy! Yes, you read that right, fluffy! Not a bit rubbery like the eggs on some breakfast muffins.

The bread?

Oh so good.

Starbucks, you will always be my crack of choice!

This Song Gets To Me Every Time

I've been listening to more than enough country music lately. I don't know what it is, but there are so many songs that make me cry.

Craig Morgan's This Ain't Nothin' is one of those songs



If the song doesn't get you, the video will. And if it doesn't, I truly believe you have no heart at all.

Now pass me some tissues

Best Served With Milk

Peanut Butter Chip Chocolate Cookies

1 cup butter
2 eggs
2 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
2 cups peanut butter chips
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup cocoa
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter, sugar, eggas and vanilla together. Mix dry ingredients and stir into sugar mixture. Stir in peanut butter chips. Shape into balls and bake for 8-10 minutes.

These cookies are totally awesome and very easy to make.  The recipe yields about 4 dozen nicely sized cookies.

See even a music loving wench can bake when she wants to!

Is He Or Isn't He

Pittsburgh's infamous quarterback Ben Roethlisberger may or may not be engaged, sources say. Sources that may or may not have a clue, that is.

My question is this: What woman would want to hook up with a guy that has been accused of forcing himself on not one but two women in the last few years?

No, Benji, was never charged, though the debacle in Georgia fell just shy of a conviction.

Still, his treatment of women has been lousy.

And where did this woman come from all of a sudden?

And is he reformed. (That means have you started on a 12 step program Ben)

I know, I sure as hell wouldn't take a chance with him, and I have to admit, when he first started with the Steelers, I thought he was a cutie pie, but his behavior has soiled that image for me.

So Burgh girls, what do you think? Is he, or isn't he? And how much do you pity the chick he may or may not be marrying.

Hope he signs a prenup..that's all I can say.

Album Review: Road Trip Relief Squad - Happy Butt

Album Title: Happy Butt
Artist: Road Trip Relief Squad
Rating: (3 stars)
Review: The idea for Road Trip Relief Squad came while band members Carol Heywood and Tina Albrecht made the long drive from a weekend conference at 100 Mile House, Canada, back home to Seattle, Washington. Anyone who has gone on a road trip knows that after a few hours of sitting in the car, certain parts of the body go numb. But when some dance music came on the radio and butts began moving, a workout idea was born!


The resulting album, Happy Butt, is a fun and often-hilarious 33 minutes of exercises drivers can do to make road trips less painful on the butt. The seven songs that make up Happy Butt guide the listener/exerciser through a mini-workout of the butt and abs.
The music is really nondescript, but the banter between Carol and Tina will bring about a lot of laughter, especially if the listener is a fan of the Delicious Dish sketches on Saturday Night Live. The two women have a delivery that can only be described as monotone.
The opening remarks on “Beach Bum” are a little unnecessary and might have been left to liner notes or an insert.
It is hard to imagine actually doing the exercises while driving without ending up in a tree. What the CD does manage to accomplish is making the listener laugh—and that keeps the listener, whether driver or passenger, awake and alert. That’s a good thing. It is hard not to laugh during songs like “Cowabunga Crunch” when Eric calls out “I gotta have more cowbell!”
“Cheeks and Salsa” works out the butt and the Road Trip Relief Squad introduces us to a new word for butt: your gluteus maximush. This is one of the more lively exercise tracks. It definitely will create a few Happy Butts bouncing around.

If the banter between the members of Road Trip Relief Squad doesn’t bring a smile to your face, the titles of the tracks just might. Besides “Cowabunga Crunch” there’s “Cheeks and Salsa,” “Lose The Fat Blues” and “Beach Bum!” The titles are more than a bit punny, but they are lighthearted, just like the banter. During “Beach Bums” Carol quips that Doctor Andrew Wild says that the exercises are “utterly simple” which gets followed up with the remark, “that means even cows can do it.” Cow sound effects follow, and then maybe a groan or two from the listeners.

“Chillin” is a jazzy tune that has Carol and Tina helping their listeners to relax and get rid of stress. The Road Trippers help to take listeners to their happy places when other drivers on the road are being annoying.

The album ends appropriately with a sing-along of Dale Evans’ classic “Happy Trails.” Dale Evans is the patron saint of the Happy Butt project. After that song ends, every part of your body should be awake and maybe the long drive will seem a little easier on mind and body.

+It is hard to imagine seasoned travelers getting their Happy Butt on, but the humor and music are definitely suitable for families making long trips, especially families that are looking to keep the kids away from DVD players and other gadgets, and coax them into doing something more interactive. Happy Butt is cheesy fun!


Road Trip Relief Squad may not give you a gym workout, but what they do give you is a break from the monotony of a long drive, and they put a smile on your face as well. After listening to Happy Butt, your butt should be happy and so should you.

It is hard to tell how much healthier you might be after doing the Happy Butt workout, but if you are feeling happier at the end, the CD has definitely done some good.