Mama Pajama

Thursday Thirteen: My Thirteen Favorite Summer Olympic Events

I don't know about you, but I just love the Summer Olympics. I thought the opening ceremonies in Beijing were simply breathtaking.  Just the choreography alone was amazing. You can tell that the Chinese have a lot of pride in their country. 

I always look forward to the Summer Games. Here are my absolute favorite events (I've listed out the contests that can earn medals for each):

1. Gymnastics (Team All-Around Men, Individual All-Around Men, Floor Men, Pommel Horse Men, Rings Men, Vault Men, Parallel Bars Men, Horizontal Bar Men, Team All-Around Women, Individual All-Around Women, Vault Women, Uneven Bars Women, Balance Beam Women, Floor Women)

2. Diving  (3m Springboard Synchronized, 10m Platform Synchronized, 3m Springboard, 10m Platform)

3. Track Events (sprints (100 m, 200 m, 400 m), middle-distance (800 m and 1500 m) and long-distance (5000 m and 10,000 m) Obstacle events include: hurdling (100 m and 400 m for women, 110 m and 400 m for men), relays (4×100 m and 4×400 m) and the 3000m.

4. Field Events (long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault, discus, shot put, javelin, and hammer throw)

5. Tennis (men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles)

6. Softball

7. Basketball (Men's and Women's)

8. Baseball

9. Rowing (Single Sculls Men, Pairs Men, Double Sculls Men, Fours Men, Quadruple Sculls Men, Eights Men, Double Sculls Lightweight Men, Fours Lightweight Men, Single Sculls Women, Pairs Women, Double Sculls Women, Quadruple Sculls Women, Eights Women, Double Sculls Lightweight Women)

10. Volleyball (Volleyball Men, Volleyball Women, Beach Volleyball Men, Beach Volleyball Women)

11. Swimming (Freestyle: 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m (women), 1500m (men), 4x100 m Relay, 4x200m Relay, Marathon 10km. Backstroke: 100m, 200m. Breaststroke: 100m, 200m. Butterfly: 100m, 200m. Medley: 200m Individual, 400m Individual, 4x100m Relay)

12. Football (Men's and Women's)

13. Modern Pentathlon (Men's and Women's Shooting, Fencing, Swimming, Riding, and Running)

Which events do you enjoy watching during the Summer Olympics?

Thursday Thirteen: The First 13 Songs to Play When I Shuffled My ipod

1. My Mother Had a Brother - George Michael

2. Shameless - Garth Brooks

3. Jimi Thing - Dave Matthews Band

4. Everything's Not Lost - Coldplay

5.The Long Race - Bruce Hornsby and the Range

6. Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers

7. Fallin' Again - Alabama

8. Ace in the Hole - George Strait

9. High Speed - Coldplay

10.Give it Away - George Strait

11. Gravity - John Mayer Trio

12. Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado & Loose

13. Still the One - Orleans

Answers to "Name that Future Star"

1. Courtney Love

2. Madonna

3.Mick Jagger

4. Halle Berry

5.Jennifer Lopez

6. Demi Moore

7. David Duchovny

8. Julia Roberts

9. Phil Collins

10. Pamela Anderson

11. Robert DeNiro

12.Jennifer Aniston

13.John Lennon

Thursday Thirteen: Name that Future Star!

This week it's very simple. Figure out who each person is below, and email me your answers at holly_f_smith@yahoo.com. I will post the answers on Monday, July 7th. Thanks for playing!!!

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Thursday Thirteen: Thirteen Modern Classic Films (that weren't on EW's list!)

This week's edition of Entertainment Weekly featured many of my favorite things: LISTS!  It includes the top 100 "New Classic" movies, albums, television shows, and more.  One hundred movies seems like a lot, but when you're covering a twenty-five year span, it doesn't leave much room for errors.  So, of course, I thought that there were plenty of movies that could have should have been included in place of several that were (in my humble opinion) less than classic (ie. Casino Royale, Speed, Clueless, and to top it off: Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn).  Here are 13 movies that I think should have been included in Entertainment Weekly's list of The 100 Best Films of the Last 25 Years:

1.   The Color Purple (1985)

2. Dumb and Dumber (1994)

3. Boyz N the Hood (1991)

4.  The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

5. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

6.   Forrest Gump (1994)

7. The Cider House Rules (1999)

8. Dead Man Walking (1995)

9. Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

10. The Karate Kid (1984)

11. The Fugitive (1993)

12. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

13. Philadelphia (1993)

Thursday Thirteen: Reviews of the Last 13 Movies I've Seen

This week it's about movies! Chris and I went to see the latest Indiana Jones movie on Saturday.  So for this week's Thursday Thirteen, I thought I'd give my two cents on the last thirteen movies we've seen (mostly at home on DVD).

1.   Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - Without giving much away, I thought that the special effects were incredible.  I especially enjoyed the interaction between Shia LaBeouf and Harrison Ford. But, honestly, the plot left something to be desired.  That is not to say that the movie is not worth watching.  It will definitely be a classic piece of Americana.  It's just that the alien aspect of the plot was a little silly for me. 

2.   The Lost City - This is the story of an affluent Cuban family dealing with major political changes during the late 1950s. Batista's rule ended, but with Fidel Castro, came a Marxist government.  This film poignantly shows how a family is torn apart over political ideals.  Andy Garcia, who was born in Cuba, stars in and directed this amazing film.  I thought he did an excellent job directing the scenes that he acted in with his father.  He also makes the audience understand how important music is to Cuban culture.

3.   Before the Devil Knows You're Dead - This was a really great film! I had never heard of it, but Chris rented it last week.  It stars Ethan Hawke, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei, and Albert Finney.   This is a story about a chain of events that just spirals out of control.  It's one of those movies that explores how far one will go to get away with what they want.  That's not explaining much, but I don't want to ruin it for anyone. This is one that you've just got to see!

4. Charlie Wilson's War - We thoroughly enjoyed this movie.  Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman were all fantastic.  Charlie Wilson, a politician with lots of character flaws, finds a way to make a real difference in the world. He helps rebels in Afghanistan fight the Soviets by giving them weapons and support. It all sounds far fetched, but it is based on a true story! 

5. Cassandra's Dream - Two brothers, played by Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor, try to make a play that could really change their lives.  But, as plans like this often do, it all starts to unravel.  I really enjoyed this one, but it's not the feel good movie of the year.

6. National Treasure: Book of Secrets - This sequel was almost as good as the original. I'm a sucker for cheesy one-liners, as long as the plot is creative and original.  This one is definitely worth renting.  Plus, this is one that the whole family can enjoy!

7. Schindler's List - Chris had never seen this one, so we borrowed it from my brother.  What an exceptional film.  This is one that we should all probably see more than once.

8.   Thank You For Smoking - This one has been out for a few years.  I thought it was very cleverly done.  I really thought that Aaron Eckhart was very convincing as a tobacco lobbyist, spinning his way out of every sticky situation - up to a point.  William H. Macy is also fun to watch as his "Vermont Cheddar" is scrutinized for its cholesterol content.  This one has a satisfying ending.

9. The Upside of Anger - This is the story of a woman who must deal with the sudden absence of her husband.  Major alcoholism and depression make this a real challenge.  Her three young adult daughters must also navigate through this major transition.  While it might seem like a real downer, I found the relationships and conversations to be both realistic and revealing.  Rent it and you'll be glad you did.

10. The Other Boleyn Girl  - We loved this movie!  But, we are really into the Showtime Series Tudors. If you like the drama, mystery, and history of the Boleyn and Tudor families, you will probably enjoy this film.  Scarlett Johansson plays Mary Boleyn, the less famous sister of Ann.  According to the film, she falls in love and produces a son with King Henry VIII.  But, because she was confined to bedrest during most of the pregnancy, he loses interest in her and becomes infatuated with her sister Ann.  He fails to recognize the child as his heir, and proceeds to give up many things in order to make Ann his Queen.

11. The List - DO NOT RENT THIS MOVIE! It is so bad that it will make you laugh out loud.  In all fairness to Chris for picking it out, it appears to be an interesting story about a secret list that dates back to the Civil War.  But, it turns out that the movie is all about "the power of prayer" and "fighting off evil".  There's nothing wrong with those two things, but the script is almost as bad as the acting in this one.   

12. The Bucket List - Now this is a great movie! It was so popular that I'm sure everyone knows about the story.  But honestly, I didn't think it would be as moving as it turned out to be.  If you want to 1.see something majestic 2.laugh until you cry 3.you get the picture.....check it out!

13.  Match Point - Want something a little different? This is the story of a guy who wants to climb his way up the social and economic ladder.  Who doesn't? But it's what he's willing to do to get there that makes this Woody Allen picture so shocking. It will definitely keep you guessing.

Thursday Thirteen: My Favorite George Michael Songs

I can still hardly believe that George Michael performed on the American Idol Finale  last week (just read the posts below).  So, he's been on my mind all week.  I've listened to my old CDs, and I've even learned his new songs that are currently playing on his website.  (I LOVE THEM ALL - of course) so I decided to list my 13 favorite George Michael/Wham! songs of all time for this week's Thursday Thirteen. 

1. Faith - George Michael

2. Father Figure - George Michael

3. I Knew You Were Waiting For Me - George Michael and Aretha Franklin

4.  Monkey - George Michael

5. Kissing a Fool - George Michael

6. One More Try - George Michael

7. The Edge of Heaven - Wham!

8. Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo's Song) - George Michael

9. A Different Corner - Wham!

10. Praying For Time - George Michael

11. Freedom '90 - George Michael

12. Waiting For That Day/You Can't Always Get What You Want - George Michael

13. Heal the Pain - George Michael

Thursday Thirteen: Golden Girls Trivia Challenge

Another Wednesday has rolled and around, and I realize that I have not posted the answers to my Thursday Thirteen from two weeks ago!  Thea from I'm a Drama Mama was the only person to get them all correct. Way to go, Thea!  But I must add that Malcolm from Pop Culture Dish got most of them right as well.  (His recent pledge to not use the internet on quizzes is quite commendable.)  Thanks for playing everyone! 

Here are the answers from two weeks ago. Click here to see the post.

1. Sarah Jessica Parker and Rachel McAdams were in The Family Stone.

2. Rachel McAdams and Tina Fey were in Mean Girls.

3. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are in Baby Mama.

4. Amy Poehler and Susan Sarandon were in Mr. Woodcock.

5. Susan Sarandon and Nia Long were in Alfie.

6. Nia Long and Sandra Bullock were in Premonition.

7. Sandra Bullock and Ellen Burstyn were in Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.

8. Ellen Burstyn and Meg Ryan were in When a Man Loves a Woman.

9. Meg Ryan and Jennifer Jason Leigh were in In the Cut.

10. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Kathy Bates were in Dolores Claiborne.

11. Kathy Bates and Hilary Swank were in P.S. I Love You.

12. Hilary Swank and Katie Holmes were in The Gift.

13. Katie Holmes and Queen Latifah were in Mad Money.

This week's edition is just thirteen random questions about one of my all-time favorite television shows, "The Golden Girls."  Thanks to Lifetime, I think I've seen every single episode at least three times!  Please email me your answers at holly_f_smith@yahoo.com.  Do not leave them in the comments section, just because you might get them before others have a chance to play.  Thanks so much!

1.  By what name does Blanche call her father?

2.  In one episode, Dorothy and Rose write a song for a contest.  Can you finish this line from the tune?

"Miami, Miami, you've got style, Blue skies, sunshine, _____ ____ __ ___ ____."

3.  What was the name of Sophia's former retirement home?

4.  What was the name of Rose's hometown?

5.  What dessert did the ladies often enjoy while sitting around the kitchen table?

6.  What was Dorothy's profession?

7.  Dorothy's ex-husband, Stan, finally left her for a flight attendant.  What was her name?

8.  What was the name of Dorothy's father?

9.  What was Sophia's nickname for Dorothy?

10.  What was Blanche's late husband's name?

11. What actress played Sophia when she was younger (1950s)?

12. As a young child, who did Rose believe was her biological father?

13. Just curious, which Golden Girl is your favorite?

Thursday Thirteen: Who's That Girl....and what was she in?

This week I want to change things up a bit. But first, I need to share the movie gurus that answered all of last week's edition of Connect the Actors.  Malcolm and pjazzypar answered all thirteen correctly. Way to go you two!!!! And, thank you so much for participating.

This week I want you to connect the actresses by looking at their faces only (no names given).  The answers will still be the movie title that connects the actress with the following one. Please note that there are 14 pictures, but only 13 correct answers. The thirteenth answer will be the title of the movie that connects #13 and #14. Ready to play "Who's That Girl...and what was she in?"

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Thursday Thirteen: Connect the Actors Part VI

This week's game is 'Connect the Actors Part VI'.  Can you connect Shirley Temple to Sean Astin through films?  The answer for each question will be the movie title that connects the actor for that number with the following one.  Just in case my directions sound as bad as I think they do, here's an example series:

1. George Clooney

2. Brad Pitt

3. Susan Sarandon

4. Sean Penn

The answers :

1. (Think - George Clooney stars with Brad Pitt in...)  Ocean's 11   

2. (Think - Brad Pitt stars with Susan Sarandon in...) Thelma and Louise 

3.  Dead Man Walking

I realize that some of these might have more than one answer, so any true connection that I can prove with IMDB will be counted as a correct answer. Also, please note that there are 14 actors listed, but only thirteen answers.  The thirteenth answer will be the movie that stars both Josh Brolin and Sean Astin. Please do not leave your answers in the comments section. If you would like to play, just leave me a comment letting me know, and then e-mail me your answers at: holly_f_smith@yahoo.com.   I'll post the answers on Monday morning.  Good luck and have fun!

1. Shirley Temple

2. Lionel Barrymore

3. James Stewart

4. Alfred Hitchcock

5. Anthony Perkins

6. Lauren Bacall

7. Kathy Bates

8. Jack Nicholson

9. John Lithgow

10. Janine Turner

11. Sam Shepard

12. Denzel Washington

13. Josh Brolin

14. Sean Astin

Thursday Thirteen: Connect the Actors Part V

This week's game is 'Connect the Actors Part V'.  Can you connect Sean Penn to Philip Seymour Hoffman through films?  The answer for each question will be the movie title that connects the actor for that number with the following one.  Just in case my directions sound as bad as I think they do, here's an example series:

1. George Clooney

2. Brad Pitt

3. Susan Sarandon

4. Sean Penn

The answers :

1. (Think - George Clooney stars with Brad Pitt in...)  Ocean's 11   

2. (Think - Brad Pitt stars with Susan Sarandon in...) Thelma and Louise 

3.  Dead Man Walking

I realize that some of these might have more than one answer, so any true connection that I can prove with IMDB will be counted as a correct answer. Also, please note that there are 14 actors listed, but only thirteen answers.  The thirteenth answer will be the movie that stars both Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Please do not leave your answers in the comments section. If you would like to play, just leave me a comment letting me know, and then e-mail me your answers at: holly_f_smith@yahoo.com.   I'll post the answers on Monday morning.  Good luck and have fun!

1. Sean Penn

2. Forest Whitaker

3. James McAvoy

4. Keira Knightley

5. Johnny Depp

6. Dianne Wiest

7. Jason Robards

8. Tom Hanks

9. Catherine Zeta-Jones

10. John Cusack

11. Diane Lane

12. Richard Gere

13. Julia Roberts

14. Philip Seymour Hoffman

Thursday Thirteen: Connect the Actors Part IV

This week's game is 'Connect the Actors Part IV'. This time it's all about male actors. Can you connect Harrison Ford to Robin Williams through films?  The answer for each question will be the movie title that connects the actor for that number with the following one.  Just in case my directions sound as bad as I think they do, here's an example series:

1. George Clooney

2. Brad Pitt

3. Susan Sarandon

4. Sean Penn

The answers :

1. (Think - George Clooney stars with Brad Pitt in...)  Ocean's 11   

2. (Think - Brad Pitt stars with Susan Sarandon in...) Thelma and Louise 

3.  Dead Man Walking

I realize that some of these might have more than one answer, so any true connection that I can prove with IMDB will be counted as a correct answer. Also, please note that there are 14 actors listed, but only thirteen answers.  The thirteenth answer will be the movie that stars both Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams. Please do not leave your answers in the comments section. If you would like to play, just leave me a comment letting me know, and then e-mail me your answers at: holly_f_smith@yahoo.com.   I'll post the answers on Monday morning.  Good luck and have fun!

1. Harrison Ford

2. Joe Pantoliano

3. Lou Diamond Phillips

4. Denzel Washington

5. Matthew Broderick

6. Jack Black

7. Jude Law

8. Ethan Hawke

9. Steve Zahn

10. Eddie Murphy

11. Nick Nolte

12. Albert Brooks

13. Jeff Bridges

14.  Robin Williams

Thursday Thirteen: Connect the Actors Part III

This week's game is 'Connect the Actors Part III'. This time it's all about actresses. Can you connect Emma Thompson to Juliette Lewis through films?  The answer for for each question will be the movie title that connects the actress for that number with the following one.  Just in case my directions sound as bad as I think they do, here's an example series:

1. George Clooney   

2. Brad Pitt    

3. Susan Sarandon 

4. Sean Penn....

The answers :

1. (Think - George Clooney stars with Brad Pitt in...)  Ocean's 11   

2. (Think - Brad Pitt stars with Susan Sarandon in...) Thelma and Louise 

3.  Dead Man Walking

I realize that some of these might have more than one answer, so any true connection that I can prove with IMDB will be counted as a correct answer. Also, please note that there are 14 actors listed, but only thirteen answers.  The thirteenth answer will be the movie that stars both Jessica Lange and Juliette Lewis. Please do not leave your answers in the comments section. If you would like to play, just leave me a comment letting me know, and then e-mail me your answers at: holly_f_smith@yahoo.com.   I'll post the answers on Monday morning.  Good luck and have fun!

1. Emma Thompson

2. Kate Winslet

3. Kirsten Dunst

4. Susan Sarandon

5. Natalie Portman

6. Julia Roberts

7. Joan Cusack

8. Hope Davis

9. Gwyneth Paltrow

10. Jeanne Tripplehorn

11. Sharon Stone

12. Halle Berry

13. Jessica Lange

14. Juliette Lewis

Thursday Thirteen - Connect the Actors Part II

This week's game is 'Connect the Actors Part II'. Can you connect Billy Crystal to Kurt Russell through films?  The answer for for each question will be the movie title that connects the actor for that number with the following actor.  Just in case my directions sound as bad as I think they do, here's an example series:

1. George Clooney   

2. Brad Pitt    

3. Susan Sarandon 

4. Sean Penn....

The answers :

1. (Think - George Clooney stars with Brad Pitt in...)  Ocean's 11   

2. (Think - Brad Pitt stars with Susan Sarandon in...) Thelma and Louise 

3.  Dead Man Walking

I realize that some of these might have more than one answer, so any true connection that I can prove with IMDB will be counted as a correct answer. Also, please note that there are 14 actors listed, but only thirteen answers.  The thirteenth answer will be the movie that stars both Dakota Fanning and Kurt Russell.

Please do not leave your answers in the comments section. If you would like to play, just leave me a comment letting me know, and then e-mail me your answers at: holly_f_smith@yahoo.com.   I'll post the answers on Monday morning.  Good luck and have fun!

1. Billy Crystal

2. Meg Ryan

3. Tom Hanks

4. Paul Newman

5. Tom Cruise

6. Robert Duvall

7. Julia Roberts

8. Albert Finney

9. Matt Damon

10. Gwyneth Paltrow

11. Ethan Hawke

12. Denzel Washington

13. Dakota Fanning

14. Kurt Russell

Thursday Thirteen #26: Connect the Actors

This week's game is 'Connect the Actors'. Can you connect Tom Cruise to Richard Dreyfuss through films?  The answer for for each question will be the movie title that connects the actor for that number with the following actor.  Just in case my directions sound as bad as I think they do, here's an example series:

1. George Clooney   

2. Brad Pitt    

3. Susan Sarandon 

4. Sean Penn....

The answers :

1. (Think - George Clooney stars with Brad Pitt in...)  Ocean's 11   

2. (Think - Brad Pitt stars with Susan Sarandon in...) Thelma and Louise 

3.  Dead Man Walking

I realize that some of these might have more than one answer, so any true connection that I can prove with IMDB will be counted as a correct answer. Also, please note that there are 14 actors listed, but only thirteen answers.  The thirteenth answer will be the movie that stars both Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss.

Please do not leave your answers in the comments section.  This time, if you would like to play, just leave me a comment letting me know, and then e-mail me your answers at: holly_f_smith@yahoo.com.   I'll post the answers on Monday morning.  Good luck and have fun!

1. Tom Cruise

2. Meg Ryan

3. Nicholas Cage

4. Sean Connery

5. Alec Baldwin

6. Michael Keaton

7. Nicole Kidman

8. Matthew Broderick

9. Jennifer Grey

10. Lea Thompson

11. Michael J. Fox

12. Woody Harrelson

13. Bill Murray

14. Richard Dreyfuss

Thursday Thirteen #25: Name that Movie Quiz

                                                  

Welcome to this week's Thursday Thirteen.  It is a "Name That Movie" quiz. I'll show you a still shot from thirteen different movies, and you simply tell me the titles in the comments section.  Let's see how many you recognize! Also, if you click on the image, you can see a larger version of it. (I will try to delete answers quickly so that you're not tempted to peek ; ). Good luck!

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Thursday Thirteen #24: Word Scramble - Movie Edition

This week I wanted to post a game as my Thursday Thirteen.  Unscramble each set of words to reveal a movie title from the given year.  Just leave your answers in the comments section.   The first person to get them all correct will get a fake fabulous prize...Good luck!

[Check back to find the answers on Friday morning]

1. Het Kwsshhaan Prtndeemio (1994)

2. Sfooallegd (1990)

3. Errbvaahet (1995)

4. Olrtaauilet (2007)

5. Gveinnfour (1992)

6. Eht Secsnrpi Bedri (1987)

7. Hidgan (1982)

8. Hrcas (2004)

9. Ltese Siagoamln (1989)

10. Alihpeladhip (1993)

11. Csymti Evirr (2003)

12.Wsja (1975)

13. Eht Peaerddt (2006)

Thursday Thirteen #23

After watching the Superbowl this past weekend, I wasn't that impressed with the commercials.  I thought that there were a few really funny ones, but that last year's commercials were a lot funnier. I found this clip of the ten best commercials from last year's game on YouTube, so I thought I'd post that as part of my Thursday Thirteen.  The final three are the commercials that I really liked from this year's game.  What was your favorite Superbowl ad this year?

1. Doritos/Lays/Tostitos

2. Late Show with David Letterman

3.  CareerBuilder.com

4. Bud Light - ESL Class

5. Bud Light - What he was really thinking...

6. Bud Light - Auction style wedding

7. Taco Bell - Lions

8. Bud Light - Hitchhiker

9. Doritos - Live the Flavor

10. Bud Light - Slaps

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Thursday Thirteen #22

For this week's Thursday Thirteen, I'm going to list the Top 13 Movies (according to the Jan. 25th issue of Entertainment Weekly).  After reviewing the Top 20 Chart, I realized that we need to get out more! We haven't seen any of these!  I really prefer just renting movies and relaxing in my recliner anyway!  Plus, the weather has been pretty dreary lately. At any rate, for those of you who do venture out into the cold to catch the latest flicks, here are the films you've been watching!

1. The Bucket List - My parents went to see it this Friday afternoon, and they loved it.  They were joking that they were the youngest folks in the crowd.

2. First Sunday - This one stars Tracy Morgan and Ice Cube. The tagline is "Keep the faith. Steal the rest."

3. Juno - Pregnant 13 year old....giving baby up for adoption. But the critics love it. 

4. National Treasure: Book of Secrets - I really want to see this one eventually, because I loved the original.  The one-liners might have been cheesy, but it was also exciting!

5. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Looks cute enough to rent!

6. I Am Legend - I heard Regis say that it was pretty scary. But then again, Regis isn't exactly a tough guy.

7. One Missed Call - People receive voicemails from their "future selves" about when they are going to die...not my cup of tea.

8. P.S. I Love You - I'd never get Chris in the theater to see this one.  It's oozing "girl movie".

9. The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggie Tales Movie - The Veggie Tales have an aquired taste...but I think they're delicious.

10. Atonement - My kind of movie, I can just tell. Loved James McAvoy in The Last King of Scotland.

11. Charlie Wilson's War - My parents also saw this one.  They enjoyed it.

12. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - I've seen the play version of this story in high school, and I'm curious to see Tim Burton's interpretation of it.

13. The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep:  The commercial says it's the next E.T.  That's enough to get me to watch it!

Thursday Thirteen #21

When Chris took off for his trip to Louisiana, for the National Championship Game, we made a bunch of CDs for him to bring along.  Most of them were just fun, uplifting songs to help him get pumped up for the game. But, we did make a CD for him to listen to in case LSU lost. (Thank goodness they won!)  Here are the last thirteen songs we uploaded to the ipod in preparation for his trip.  Please let me know if you like any of these songs in the comments section. Thanks!

1.  Big & Rich  - "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)"

2. Black Eyed Peas - "Let's Get It Started"

3. Electric Light Orchestra - "Showdown"

4. Otis Redding - "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay"

5. Fergie - "Big Girls Don't Cry"

6. Keith Urban - "Somebody Like You"

7. King Harvest - "Dancing in the Moonlight"

8. Mary J. Blige - "Family Affair"

9. Moby - "Extreme Ways"

10. Montgomery Gentry - "My Town"

11. Orleans - "Still the One"

12. Rascal Flatts - "Stand"

13. The Rolling Stones - "Paint It Black"

Thursday Thirteen #20

Well, if you haven't noticed, we're still really excited about LSU winning the National Championship! In Louisiana, football is like a second religion.  Chris has rarely missed a game on television, or in person, in all his 33 years.  LSU has some of the most loyal fans around, but it takes a real fan to stick around through the good times and the bad.  And believe me, LSU struggled for many years throughout his fanhood.  When Chris' lifelong dream of attending LSU came true, they were especially lousy!  So, this might help explain how much this year's win means to him. It was redemption for all the years he never gave up on them. 

When LSU made it to the game in 2003/04, we didn't even try to get tickets. We thought that they would just be too expensive. So this time, I told Chris he was going to get into that game, one way or another. Yes the tickets are pricey, but you only live once!  They have only been to the championship game three times ever, so you don't know when this will ever happen again!  Luckily, Chris was able to find a ticket to the big game. It was the first in a series of lucky events!!!

1. The "Golden Ticket" (see picture)

2.  Special Ticket holder - He wanted something to help hide his ticket under his clothes. His Uncle Don went to buy it for him at a shop in Lafayette on Thursday, but they had not received them from the supplier yet. But, his uncle did give him a bunch of stuff to stick on his car for good luck.

3.  Sunday - He went to the same shop to pick the ticket holder up, and ended up being interviewed by a local news crew! He appeared on the 10pm news.

4.  Standing in line for a poboy, he met Tim Brando!  Chris listens to his radio show every day!

5.  He arrived at the stadium ridiculously early so that he could get a great parking spot (very important - I need 13 remember).

6.  He started a cheer that went around the whole stadium!!!!

7.  He witnessed his team win the national championship! 

8.  When he arrived back at his grandparent's house after the game, his 80 year old grandmother greeeted him on the driveway at 2am with her gold pom poms, cheering, "LSU! LSU!" Seriously.

9.  Then she sat up with him for a while and they drank champagne!

10. On Tuesday, he spent a couple of hours with his Uncle Don, who just happens to know just as many ridiculous facts about each player (what they ate for breakfast, their shoe size, etc.) as he does.

11.  His PawPaw, 84, (below) was really happy that Chris was able to attend the game. Aunt Bonnie took this picture of him in his LSU gear (to view more of her photographs click here). He also sent Chris back home with a bunch of flowers that he cut just for me! Isn't that sweet?

12.  He arrived back at our house yesterday evening and was able to show me all the game "stuff" he had collected.

13.  He says this weekend was in the top 5 of his life.  Now that was worth the ticket price and the trip to New Orleans.

      

Thursday Thirteen #19

   

This past weekend, my husband and I visited Dealey Plaza in Dallas. I have included a few of the pictures we took. I had always wanted to visit this site, so I was very excited to see it in person.  After watching the Zapruder film, along with many different documentaries, I had an idea of what to expect. However, I was so surprised by how small everything appeared.  The distance between the Texas School Book Depository building and the spot that JFK was assassinated was surprisingly short.  Also, the grassy knoll fence area was a lot closer to the road than I expected.

After watching the haunting Zapruder film so many times, I think I was desensitized to the horror of the event. Chris actually stood in the same spot as Zapruder and took some video of cars going by.  Standing there, we could just feel the shock and grief that the nation must have experienced. 

This week I'm listing thirteen facts relating to John F. Kennedy and/or his assassination in 1963.

1. The 1961 Lincoln Continental, open-top, modified limousine in which JFK was riding is currently at the Henry Ford museum in Dearborn Michigan.

2. The motorcade route appeared in the newspaper on November 21st, the day before the shooting.

3. The Warren Commission released their report on September 24, 1964.

4. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) sells microfilm copies of the Warren Commission Report. It can also be viewed at US Government depository libraries throughout the US.

5. The Zapruder family created an enhanced version of the film that is much clearer than the original film in NARA's custody. The copyright of the Zapruder film is owned by the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas Texas.

6.  Almost thirty years after the assassination, Congress enacted the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992. The Act mandated that all assassination-related material be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 

7. It was planned that Kennedy would travel from the airport in a motorcade through downtown Dallas (which included Dealey Plaza) to give a speech at the Dallas Trade Mart.   

8. Even though I have bought into the conspiracy theories in the past, there really is overwhelming evidence to prove that Oswald did it.   

9. Vice President Johnson took the oath of office at  2:38 p.m. while on board Air Force One, just before it departed Love Field.

10. JFK's funeral was held on November 25, 1963, which was his son's third birthday.

11. The Kennedy family had just experienced the tragic loss of a son in August of 1963.  Their son, named Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, was born prematurely and died of what is now called Pulmonary Distress Syndrome.

12. In 2002, it was released that President Kennedy suffered from Addison's Disease, which is adrenal insufficiency. Apparently, he was in quite a bit of pain throughout his life. 

13. My favorite quote from his Jan. 20, 1961 Inaugural Address:  "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man." 

Thursday Thirteen #18

This week I didn't know what to list for my Thursday Thirteen. But then I remembered about Cameron's newest books.  Cameron loves all his books, and if he had to pick between books and toys, there would be no contest.  Books are his favorite thing in the world!  He he has a new bunch of favorites at the moment, so here they are:

1. Do You Want a Hug Honey Bunny? by Rachael O'Neill

2. Ten Little Dinosaurs by Pattie Schnetzler

3. I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt

4. Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

5. That's Not My Dragon... by Fiona Watt

6. Olivia Helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer

7. Five Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth

8. Your Personal Penguin by Sandra Boynton

9. Christmas Candy Canes by Nancy Parent

10. Mirror Me! A Mirror Book by Julie Aigner-Clark

11. Happy Halloween, Biscuit! by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

12. Snuggle Up, Sleepy Ones by Claire Freedman

13. Colors by Keith Kimberlin

Thursday Thirteen #17

Merry Christmas Everyone! Here are 13 Funny Christmas Pictures or Cartoons:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. 

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.   

Thursday Thirteen #16

Last week, my poll was about Christmas songs. Since there aren't many I don't like, I had a hard time trying to make a list of just my top 13 favorite holiday tunes. I have such fabulous childhood memories associated with these songs.  To this day, when I hear "Blue Christmas" by Elvis, I feel like a kid again. Most of these have youtube links - Enjoy!

1. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

2. Baby it's Cold Outside - Johnny Mercer/Margaret Whiting

3. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

4. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives

5.  Blue Christmas - Elvis

6. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - Nat King Cole

7.  Sleigh Ride - Ray Conniff and the Ray Coniff Singers

8. Christmas Song - Alvin and the Chipmunks

9. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Lou Rawls

10. I'll Be Home for Christmas - Glen Campbell

11. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! - Bing Crosby

12. Last Christmas - Wham!

13. Do They Know It's Christmas Time? - Band Aid

Thursday Thirteen #15

Thirteen Tunes Guaranteed to Put You in a Better Mood (click to listen). Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

1. I Heard it Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye

2. Simply the Best - Tina Turner

3.  We Are Family - Sister Sledge

4.  A Little Less Conversation - Elvis Presley

5. Your Smiling Face - James Taylor

6.  Beautiful Day - U2

7. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye

8. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye

9. My Girl - The Temptations

10. What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

11. I'm a Believer - The Monkees

12. I Got You (I Feel Good) - James Brown

13. I Say a Little Prayer for You - Aretha Franklin

Thursday Thirteen #14

This week's Heads or Tails theme was "Road".  So, I was thinking a lot about the road I grew up on.  I was trying to remember all of the bikes I ever had, but that was not even close to thirteen.  So, I thought I would list my first 13 modes of personal transportation.  I tried to find pictures from the internet that look like the ones I actually had.

1. Adjustable Metal Skates - These were the kind you attached over your tennis shoes. I remember using them a lot on the carpet. 

2. Strawberry Shortcake bicycle with training wheels - My dad taught me how to ride without the training wheels in the grass on this bike.

3. Big Wheel - Mine was the "Barbie" version...but I really liked my brother's "Dukes of Hazzard" one better than mine. It had that little hand brake so you could spin out.

4.  Purple Glitter Schwinn - (mine had streamers)

5. Real Roller Skates - We were always at the skating rink!

6.   A bike similar to this, but mine was turquoise.

7. Skateboard - After breaking my glasses, I accepted the fact that I was never going to be able to do any tricks on a skateboard. 

8. Red 10-speed - This bike got stolen out of our garage. I remember that we were eating our Sunday dinner at the kitchen table, and we heard some commotion out there.  Sure enough, my bike had gotten stolen. The weird thing is that the police found it. A guy grabbed it and tried to escape the police by riding away on my bike!  It's actually pretty funny.  They made my dad pay a "towing fee" to get it back!  Apparently, the policeman was required to call a tow truck to haul it to some garage. I'm sure the fee was less than the cost of buying me a new bike,  so my dad grudgingly paid the $40 or whatever it was. I still wanted it back.   

9. Rollerblades - I still have these actually. I haven't used them since 1999.

10.   Mountainbike (in college) The first two years of college I relied on my bike.  I actually really enjoyed it.  But, I also really wanted and needed a car!

11.   1997 Nissan Sentra - I was so in love with this car.   

12. 1996 Toyota Camry - We bought this from a guy Chris worked with at Enron.  We just sold it in 2006, and someone in our neighborhood bought it....so we still see it sometimes. It's a great car, we just needed more room after Cameron was born. 

13. 2006 Toyota Sienna - I love my van!  It's so pretty.

 

Thursday Thirteen #13 (oooh)

I love Entertainment Weekly Magazine. The articles are really interesting, and it's not a tabloid.   I just enjoy reading it cover to cover each week.  They include lists of the top selling and rented DVDs, the top movies available, and music charts as well. This week, I will link you to my favorite article from each of the past 13 issues. 

1. 8/17/2007 - Cover features the cast from the movie Superbad.  Best article: "Talkin' 'Superbad': Comedy Isn't Pretty" by Josh Rottenberg.

2. 8/24/2007 - Cover features Reese Witherspon.  Best article: "Spotlight on Brad Paisley" by Chris Willman.

3. 8/31/2007 - Cover features "The Summer of Scandal."  Best article: "Spotlight on Ethan Hawke" by Gregory Kirschling.

4. 9/7/2007 - Cover features Jodie Foster. Best article: "Jodie Foster: Unbreakable" by Karen Valby.

5. 9/14/2007 - Cover features Kate Walsh.  Best article: "The Anniversary Party: Regis & Kelly" by Nicholas Fonseca (click here for the extended on-line only interview)

6. 9/21/2007 - Cover features (ugh) Britney Spears.  Best article: "Spotlight on Viggo Mortenson" by Missy Schwartz.

7. 9/28/2007 - Cover features Masi Oka from Heroes. Best article: "Spotlight on Jimmy Smits" by Missy Schwartz.

8. 10/5/2007 - Cover feature Steve Carell and Melora Hardin from "The Office".  Best article:  "Crazy Love" (about the DVD Collector's Edition of Misery) by Nicholas Fonseca.

9. 10/12/2007 - Cover features The Lord of the Rings. Best article: "The Hobbit: Peace in Middle-Earth?" by Benjamin Svetkey.

10. 10/19/2007 - Cover features Patrick Dempsey.  Best article: "The Things They Carried" by Josh Rottenberg.

11. 10/26/2007 - Cover features Carrie Underwood.  Best article: "The Confessions of Carrie Underwood"  by James White.

12. 11/2/2007 - Cover features Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Best article: "Q & A: Clash of the Titans"  by Josh Rottenberg.

13. 11/9/2007  - Cover features Johnny Depp in Sweeney Todd. Best article: "The Big Picture: Sweeney Todd" (no link available yet)

Thursday Thirteen #12

Chris and I love using Netflix. We received a one year plan as a Christmas gift from my parents.  Basically we get to always have a movie to watch.  Since we hardly ever go out to the movies anymore, Netflix is perfect for us. We can take turns picking out movies.   What's really cool to me is that I can find out so much information about the movie before I select it.  Also, when I'm in a video store I tend to just grab something so that I can go home.  I can never remember the older movies that we missed when they were new releases.  Do you use Netflix or Blockbuster on-line? 

Last 13 Picks on Netflix (click on the titles for IMDB information)

1. The Killing Fields (1984)

2. The Verdict (1982)

3. Witness (1985)

4. Next (2007)

5. Disturbia (2007)

6. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)

7. Taxi: Season 3 - Disc 1 (1980)

8. Good Night and Good Luck (2005)

9. Raging Bull (1980)

10. City of God (2002)

Next we'll receive:

         11.  Blood In Blood Out (1993)

         12. World Trade Center (2006)

         13. The Fog of War (2003)

Any thoughts about any of these? I'd love to hear them!  Happy Halloween!

Thursday Thirteen #11

13 "Guilty Pleasures" Volume 2:  Late 80s and Early 90s

(*click on the song title if you'd like to hear it and watch the video*)

1. All I Need is a Miracle - Mike & The Mechanics

2. Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone - Glass Tiger

3. Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley

4.  She Drives Me Crazy - Fine Young Cannibals

5. Walking On Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves

6.  Nothing Compares to You - Sinead O'Connor

7.  Groove is in the Heart - Deee Lite

8.  Rock Me Amadeus - Falco

9.  Shoop - Salt-n-Pepa

10. Mr. Wendal - Arrested Development

11. Distant Sun - Crowded House

12. Monkey - George Michael

13. Alone - Heart

Thursday Thirteen #10

Last week, Malcolm from Pop Culture Dish did his Thursday Thirteen on Guilty Pleasures. You know, those cheesy songs from the past that you secretly still love to hear. This seems to be the case for most of my favorite music! It's not that I'm ashamed of my songs, it's just that I know there are lots of people that might laugh at my selections. I'm afraid I've come up with a really long list. So, I've broken it down into two volumes. I might even have to roll out a third volume at some point.  Like I said, it's a really long list!  Cameron might even be getting  a little brainwashed by all the eighties music going on in this house!

 

So here we go.......(click to watch a video of each song).

13 "Guilty Pleasures" Volume 1: The Eighties

1. "Let's Hear It for the Boy" - Deniece Williams

2. "Wham Rap" - Wham!

3. "I Think We're Alone Now" - Tiffany

4. "Died In Your Arms Tonight" - Cutting Crew

5.  "Cherish" - Madonna

6.  "Blame It On the Rain" - Milli Vanilli

7.  "Head to Toe" - Lisa Lisa Cult Jam

8. "Forever Your Girl" - Paula Abdul

9.  "Sister Christian" - Night Ranger

10. "Nothin's Gonna Change My Love For You" - Glen Medeiros

11. "Glory of Love" - Peter Cetera

12. "Heaven is a Place on Earth" - Belinda Carlisle

13. "Karma Chameleon" - Boy George

Thursday Thirteen #10

I'm such a big fan of soundtracks. I'd say about half of my CDs are movie soundtracks. They are like little "greatest hit" albums that remind you of where you were when you first saw that particular film. I had a hard time narrowing my list to just thirteen. But, these are the ones that I've listened to the most. Please let me know if you like or own any of these yourself.

My 13 Favorite Movie Soundtracks:

1. Cocktail (1988)

2. Forrest Gump (1994)

3. Philadelphia (1993)

4. Corrina, Corrina (1994)

5. Boys on the Side (1995)

6. Singles (1992)

7. The Lion King (1994)

8. Curious George (2006)

9. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

10. The Graduate (1967)

11. The Big Chill (1983)

12. Reality Bites (1994)

13. Top Gun (1986)

Thursday Thirteen #9

There are so many movies coming out that actually look great! Sometimes it seems like there aren't any movies worth going to the theater to see. But, I've found quite a few that look terrific! I guess it's the time of year when the Oscar buzz is already here. It seems like the better quality movies always come out around the holidays. Please let me know if you're interested in any of these as well.

13 New Movies I'd Like to See:

(Click on the titles for a link to the IMDB details for each one.)

Title                                                   Release Date

1. We Own the Night                             10/12/07

2. Michael Clayton                                 10/05/07

3. Rendition                                          10/19/07

4. Gone Baby Gone                                10/19/07

5. 3:10 to Yuma                                    in theaters

6. The Brave One                                   in theaters

7. American Gangster                            11/02/07

8. Music Within                                      10/26/07

9. Eastern Promises                                in theaters

10. In the Valley of Elah                            in theaters

11. Reservation Road                              10/19/07

12. Stardust                                            still in theaters?

13. Across the Universe                           in theaters

Thursday Thirteen #8

The Last Thirteen Books I've Read:

1. I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb

2.  She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb

3.  Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich

4.  No Goodbyes by Elain Kagan

5.  Flirting With Forty by Jane Porter

6. I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

7. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

8.  Cider House Rules by John Irving

9.  It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong

10.  Evening by Susan Minot

11. The Doctor's Wife by Elizabeth Brundage

12. Baby 411 by Denise Fields and Ari Brown

13.  What to Expect the First Year  by Heidi Murkoff, Sandee Hathaway, and Arlene Eisenberg

 

Thursday Thirteen #7

CAMERON'S 13 FAVORITE BOOKS

13. Who Wants a Dragon? by James Mayhew

12. Best Friends    by Keith Kimberlin

11. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr./ Eric Carle

10. Opposites    by Sandra Boynton

9. Five Little Monkeys Bake a Birthday Cake   by Eileen Christelow

8. But Not the Hippopotamus   by Sandra Boynton

7. The Very Hungry Caterpillar   by Eric Carle

6. The Going to Bed Book   by Sandra Boynton

5. I Love You, Little One   by Nancy Tafuri

4. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed   by Eileen Christelow

3. What Makes a Rainbow?   by Betty Schwartz/Dona Turner

2. Who's Under That Hat?  by David A. Carter

1. Guess How Much I Love You   by Sam McBratney/Anita Jeram

Thursday Thirteen #6

Here are the first 13 songs that played when I "shuffled" my ipod:

1. I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) - George Michael with Aretha Franklin

2. Tears In Heaven - Eric Clapton

3. If Tomorrow Never Comes - Garth Brooks

5. Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith

6. Killing Me Softly - Fugees

7. Livin' On Love - Alan Jackson

8.   Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2

9. Pink Houses - John Mellencamp

10. Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover - Sophie B. Hawkins

11. Vultures - John Mayer Trio

12. The Way It Is - Bruce Hornsby and the Range

13. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone - The Monkees

Thursday Thirteen #5

This is a list of my favorite movies DURING the 1980's; as in when I was between the ages of 3 and 13.  There are so many movies I could list that I like now from that decade, but I've only listed those that I loved when I was a kid.

1.  The Great Muppet Caper (1981) - Kermit and Fozzie are reporters that must travel to London to interview Lady Holiday, a rich fashion designer whose diamond necklace has been stolen. Long story short, Miss Piggy gets framed and the Muppets must find the real jewel thieves.

2.  E.T. (1982)  - This is the only movie I remember seeing at a "Drive-In" movie theater.  Then, hurricane Alicia hit Galveston, and it was gone.

3.  National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) - Favorite part: Grandma (Imogene Coca) is eating her lunch at the picnic table, and even though they figured out that the dog peed on the sandwiches, she just shrugs and takes another bite.....my husband can do a great impression of this....

  4. Terms of Endearment (1983) - I've always been a sucker for cry baby movies.  I watched this one with my mom (many times).  Now that I'm older it's even more moving.

  5. The Never Ending Story (1984) - This was one of about three movies we had on tape.  So I saw it I'd say, 5,000 times?? I can't think of a better kid movie.

  6.  Splash (1984) - We also had this on tape.  I just loved Darryl Hannah.  I'm going to have to order this one from Netflix.   

  7. The Karate Kid (1984) - Favorite Quote:

Daniel: Hey, what kind of belt do you have?

Mr. Miagi: Canvas. JC Penny. Three ninety-eight. You like?
[laughs]

Daniel: No, I meant...

Mr. Miagi: In Okinawa, belt mean no need rope to hold up pants.
[laughs; then, seriously]

Mr. Miagi: Daniel-san, karate here.
[he taps his head]

Mr. Miagi: Karate here.
[he taps his heart]

Mr. Miagi: Karate never here.
[points to his belt]

Mr. Miagi: Understand?

  8. The Goonies (1985) I had a major crush on Sean Astin....and I just realized that Joe Pantoliano was one of the bad guys. He always plays a good slime ball (Risky Business, The Sopranos, etc.).

9. Flight of the Navigator (1986) Hey, that was Jessica Parker in this movie.  Basically, a 12 year old boy goes missing in 1978, and then reappears in 1986. However, he hasn't aged during this time. He was actually off having an adventure on a space ship.   I remember watching this at school for a reward day.

10. Stand By Me (1986) - Oh how I love this film!  Richard Dreyfuss is retelling a story about his childhood.  It's everything good and bad about growing up. 

  11.  Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)  - "Want a gummy bear?" 

  12. The Princess Bride (1987)  There are so many classic quotes from this movie, but I also loved Fred Savage with his Grandpa:

Grandson: A book?

Grandpa: That's right. When I was your age, television was called books. And this is a special book. It was the book my father used to read to me when I was sick, and I used to read it to your father. And today I'm gonna read it to you.

Grandson: Has it got any sports in it?

Grandpa: Are you kidding? Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles...

Grandson: Doesn't sound too bad. I'll try to stay awake.

Grandpa: Oh, well, thank you very much, very nice of you. Your vote of confidence is overwhelming.

  13.  Steel Magnolias (1989) I suppose I'll find any reason to include this movie in every post I write.  But it simply is my favorite movie.  I'll never have enough of Claree, Ouiser, M'Lynn,Truvy, and Shelby.  I can identify with the relationships in this movie: Claree and Ouiser's friendship, M'Lynn and Shelby as mother and daughter, and I love the dynamic between Ouiser and Drum (M'Lynn's husband).  I adore these strong southern women. 

Thursday Thirteen #4

Last night, as I was trying to fall back asleep to the very annoying soothing music coming from my son's "Baby Tad," it dawned on me.  I know what I can write about this week! I still have about twenty 45 records from the eighties.  Here are 13 of them that I can remember off the top of my head....

1. Michael Jackson - Billie Jean [JUST A GREAT SONG]

2. Wham! - Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go [AS I'VE EXPRESSED BEFORE - I'VE ALWAYS LOVED GEORGE MICHAEL. I SECRETLY WROTE, "I LOVE YOU" ON THE BACK OF THIS COVER - ONLY TO BE MORTIFIED WHEN MY BROTHER FOUND IT....]

3. George Michael - Faith  [NO EXPLANATION NEEDED]

4. Starship - We Built This City  [I HAVE IT ON MY IPOD NOW. STILL A FUN SONG TO LISTEN TO WHEN I WORK OUT]

5. Starship - Sara [THIS RECORD WAS ACTUALLY BLUE!]

6. U.S.A. for Africa - We Are the World

[CYNDI LAUPER, KENNY ROGERS, LIONEL RICHIE, MICHAEL JACKSON, DAN AKROYD? oh yeah...]

7. Lionel Richie - Say You, Say Me   [I LOVE THIS MAN'S VOICE! BALLERINA GIRL....OH....WHAT A FEELI-IN...WHEN YOU'RE DANCIN' ON THE CEILING]

8. Dire Straits - Money For Nothing  [I DIDN'T REALLY LIKE THIS SONG - THIS ONE WAS A GIFT...BUT I LIKED THE VIDEO]

9. Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun   [MY ANTHEM AT SEVEN YEARS OLD]

10. Cyndi Lauper - She Bop  [I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THIS SONG WAS TALKING ABOUT, BUT MY FRIEND AND I MADE UP A DANCE ROUTINE TO IT AND PERFORMED IT IN A SCHOOL TALENT SHOW.....2ND GRADE]

11. The Bangles - Manic Monday   [FUN TUNE...I STILL HEAR IT ON MY EASY LISTENING STATION]

12. Gloria Estefan - Anything For You  [NOT HER MOST POPULAR SONG, BUT MY FAVORITE]

13. Dionne and Friends - That's What Friends Are For   [I'VE BEEN SINGING THIS ONE ALL MORNING AND MY SON'S GIVING ME A LOOK OF DISGUST...BOY I LOVE THIS SONG]

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Thursday Thirteen #3

13 Random Movies We Own:

1. A River Runs Through It (makes me wish I could learn to fly fish in Montana-especially if Brad Pitt were there to help)
2. Steel Magnolias (best movie of ALL TIME)
3. Dirty Dancing (ultimate girl movie - "and I owe it all to you!" mmm...Patrick Swayze)
4. King Pin (funnier every time we watch it - but lots of gross out humor)
5. National Lampoon's Vacation (classic 80s - we love Chevy Chase)
6. Office Space  (I've seen it too many times....but it still makes me crack up)
7. The Warriors (husband's!)
8. The Wizard of Oz (no explanation needed)
9. Dumb and Dumber (need more gross out humor?)
10. 40 Year Old Virgin (very classy, right?)
11. Everybody's All-American (LSU football.....husband had to buy it)
12. Annie (this tape is pretty worn out - I love Carol Burnett.  I thought I was Annie as a little girl....)
13. The Great Muppet Caper (best Muppet movie I've seen)

Thursday Thirteen: #2

The Last Thirteen Movies we've rented:

1.   300 (Incredible special effects - gory but great historic plot)
2. Green Street Hooligans (European soccer gangs...who knew?)
3. Letters from Iwa Jima  (Best WWII movie I've ever seen)
4. Deja Vu (The plot's a bit hard to swallow - but very cool idea)
5. The Bounty, 1985 (Husband's pick......but I enjoyed it)
6. Little Children (not what I expected at all) 
7. The Queen (Helen Mirren was great, but I thought the guy who played  Tony Blair should have received more recognition)
8. Why We Fight (powerful documentary)
9. Babel (oops...there were subtitles?  Yes, we actually watched most of the movie without them.....I can't believe I'm admitting that)
10. Casino Royale (I like the new and improved James Bond)
11. Man of the Year (I thought it would be goofy...but I enjoyed it)
12. Little Miss Sunshine (FAVORITE MOVIE of the year)
13. The Usual Suspects, 1995 (Oooh, I love this movie!)

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Thursday Thirteen #1

This is my first Thursday 13.  So here we go....

My Thirteen All-Time Favorite Television Shows

Seinfeld - definitely the most original show ever made.  Every single episode makes me laugh....my favorite is the one with the "ugly baby,"  "shrinkage," and when Kramer catches lobsters illegally.

Cheers  Excellent character development - and such terrific writing.

ER -Still a powerhouse after so many years.  I have been there for it all! 

  L.A. Law - Does anyone else remember when Rosalind Shays (thanks Malcolm) steps into the elevator and there IS NO elevator!?....I still look down before stepping inside.

The Cosby Show - I've probably seen every episode at least twice. You can't beat Rudy and the fam lip synching "BABY.......BABYYYY...." for the grandparents.

Frasier - I'm not sure if this is a show for snobs, or a show for making fun of snobs....either way I'm a huge fan.

King of Queens - I love a good wife bully - and the dynamic of this couple. The nightmare of a father-in-law is such a hoot. 

Everybody Loves Raymond - I found this show in college, and I fell in love.  This show made me feel much better about my own family...and future family.

Magnum, PI - I never watched this when it originally aired, but it is my husband's all time number one favorite.  I think I've seen them all now! Tom Selleck in short shorts, solving mysteries and hunting down bad guys...in HAWAII!!!

Golden Girls - My husband will scoff at this choice.  But I think he secretly loves the ladies, too.  Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, Sophia....I love them all.  This show always made me wish I lived in Florida and that I could go sit outside on the "lanai."

 

Sopranos - We watched this series on DVD, from the beginning, in about two months.  It could be very violent and shocking, but if it weren't it wouldn't have been such a huge hit.  This is another show all about character development.  It broke my  heart when Sylvio whacked Adriana...and Paulie was my absolute favorite...

Nip/Tuck - This show is so creative with its plot twists. I can't wait until it comes on again!

Big Brother (All Seasons) - Yes I know this show is pretty trashy, and based on greed, but it's on CBS....so doesn't that make it OK?  I'm completely addicted!!

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