NKOTB? OMG!

Well, things are starting to come full circle. The first "boy band" (yes, there were The Beatles, The Monkeys but I still don't consider them the same as they played instruments, wrote their songs and seemed to have more integrity than those we called boy bands in the 90's) that I was into, New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) is supposed to be making a comeback. Will they have success? I dunno but I think I have a dormant crush on Jordan and secretly like Jon too. I always thought I had a better chance with him.

I wonder if they have "the right stuff" to make something happen as they hit 40-years old (yeah--Jon is gonna be 40). There is no way they'll be as much a disaster as the "Man Band" VH1 tried to make happen with guys were were popular after NKOTB was gone.

Anyway, this news entertained me and I thought some readers may find it interesting. If any of the guys have gone grey, I might be down to give them a listen or at least a look!

Idol's Back

I didn't see the entire first episodes but I was so grateful and entertained when I did see this audition.

Enjoy and by the end, try not to sing along!

The Bucket List

This was better than the critics say and I'd give it 5 stars but I know it is not the best film. I had to go more than 4 though because I did really, really love it. Nicholson has had more complex roles and so has Freeman. But, they gave a lot to this film and it was lovely. Nicholson and Freeman pulled off heartfelt, deep performances, not always seen in what would be considered a comedy as much as a drama and in such a mainstream film.

The men forged a friendship and found a way to live life, even when there was little left to live. So what if there was some cliche here and so what if there was some predictability. Going on the journey with these two men was cleansing and inspiring and made me remember some bad things but I was glad they were able to go where they did. The writer didn't rely on lengthy monologues to make important point but instead let the actions of the characters create poignancy.

I had to cry and really wanted to weep at the end of this film but didn't want to become a total wreck. It is a wonderful thing to feel that much every so often, even if it is the result of fiction.

I wholly recommend this film not because it will win awards but because everyone faces their own mortality and sooner the mortality of loved ones and the guys in The Bucket List is a wonderful way to face it.

Sean Hayes deserves mention too as his character and the way he played it added to every scene he was in and wasn't at all intimidated by those he was in the scenes with. It was fun to see him again.

The Skinny on Starbucks

I have ordered the same exact drink from Starbucks during 95% of my visits over the past several years. My relationship with the Venti Nonfat Sugar-free Vanilla Latte has endured all others. Now, when I need it the most, it has changed its name and apparently lost some weight in the past year.

I am now supposed to go to Starbucks and ask for a Venti "Skinny" Vanilla Latte. This "Skinny" name was supposed to simplify things though I don't really see that it has. It makes me refer to my drink as "Skinny" though I am not. I actually feel sort of ridiculous ordering it and wonder if people think "Skinny? Yeah, right. I wouldn't think she'd order that." I feel like I need to order a pastry or something so they know that I may drink skinny but I eat fat. Anyway, I know this is silly but there is some truth to it. I don't like the name because it reminds me that I'm really conscious about the caloric content of my Starbucks drink but I'm not as careful as I should be elsewhere. It makes me feel like one of those people who goes to McDonald's and says, "I'll super-size that and take a Diet Coke to drink." The Diet Coke is a lost cause in the context of the extra value meal.

The other thing I don't like is that I don't trust all of the baristas to know for sure what I'm ordering with this new naming convention. I order it, to follow the rules, but then immediate ask, "It's a sugar-free vanilla non-fat, right?" It is a waste of my time and I think annoys some of the order-takers.

Apparently there are some baristas out there who aren't down with the gimick either. Check out what one barista had to say to corporate. I didn't even consider all of the angles she did but it was good to know someone else was displeased with the "Skinny".

The Hardest Part

I've been really feeling musical lately and been really more into writing again than I had been. The happier I am, the less I tend to find words and the need to express myself. Prior to the new year I was traveling all over and too busy to wallow in anything but now I'm home and no less busy but somehow much more victim to insomniac tendencies, distraction and overall discontent.

The song I can't get out of my head today is by Coldplay. I wish I still had "Say" in my head because that day was a better day. Today has gotten better but frankly was dark for a while. Might be because I can't see out any windows so I have a smaller space to let my mind wander. I purged a lot of emails and contacts today and feel a bit more cleansed. I'm ready for the next hour, when I can breathe again.

The Hardest Part

And the hardest part
Was letting go not taking part
Was the hardest part
And the strangest thing
Was waiting for that bell to ring
It was the strangest start

I could feel it go down
Bittersweet I could taste in my mouth
Silver lining in the clouds
oh And I
I wish that I could work it out

And the hardest part
Was letting go not taking part
You really broke my heart
And I tried to sing
But I couldn't think of anything
And that was the hardest part

I could feel it go down
You left the sweetest taste in my mouth
You're a silver lining the clouds
Oh, and I
Oh, and I
I wonder what its all about [x2]

Everything I know is wrong
Everything I do it just comes undone
And everything is torn apart
Oh and thats the hardest part
Thats the hardest part
Yeah, thats the hardest part
Thats the hardest part

New Low

Britney Spears was just taken into custody according to Perez Hilton and Page Six.

Click either link for the article.

The new low is not Britney's arrest but the fact that I've been following the story online for the last 20 minutes. It was exciting to have the scoop for some reason and I can see why the Perez must love his job. I love his job.

Radiohead Vid Not to Miss

Check out Radiohead's "Scotch Mist" video. My belated Christmas gift to you.

Say

John Mayer's new hit, "Say" is one I can't stop playing and will probably over play by tomorrow morning but I love the lyric and also the tune. The song was written for the new Rob Reiner vehicle, The Bucket List, featuring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman (due out on January 11--not soon enough for me).

I've been thinking about my "bucket list" a lot lately and the Mayer song is pushing me even harder to get cracking. Here are the lyrics:

Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say [x8]

Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead,
If you could only ...

Say what you need to say [x8]

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You'd better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say [x24]

Mountain Dave

David Letterman is back and he says about the writers' strike, "bottom-line, the writers are sick of buying their own pencils."''

Dave got to bring his writers back after negotiating a special deal with the guild and it is wonderful to see him, strike beard and all. It is only a few minutes into the show but I'm already relieved to see something new on TV.

As we near May sweeps and awards season, I hope the writers are able to work things out soon. They deserve the money and the recognition for what they do and it is time they get their due. It's scary to think of what lame reality show or game show is going to come out next. Also, who doesn't miss the Daily Show?!? I'm back to watching the news now, in order to get the news. Outrageous!

I'm tired and have little else to say so I'll struggle to stay awake through Dave's opening and first guest (Robin Williams!) before I doze off.

Atonement and Charlie Wilson

I had a chance to see 2 of the many films worth seeing right now and now I must get to the theater as much as possible before awards' season is in full swing!

Atonement

The trailer for this film actually lives up to the film. The best parts are in the film and not necessarily spoiled by the trailer which is a feat greater than many films accomplish this day.

I thought this was brilliant and a must see. The youngest actress gave a performance worthy of the praise she has received and the nominations that will continue to come. The story was complex but did not cause the audience any suffering other than love's pain. I didn't read the book but imagine it is beautiful. McAvoy and Knightly had great chemistry and again McAvoy is one to keep watching.

Charlie Wilson's War

This film is highly political and very specific in the timespan it covers. I state those seemingly obvious facts because many films about politics don't actually take a political stance and don't cover only the event they are meant to discuss but this film most certainly does in the end.

I do love Aaron Sorkin and will keep this brief. Unlike the film above, some of the best moments (at least the most entertaining) are in the trailer but it is still a good film and worth seeing now, or on DVD.

The cast was great though Julia Roberts isn't in it as much as her billing suggests. This may disappoint anyone wanting to see a Roberts film. The movie went by quickly and by the end, I knew exactly why the story was being told now. Sorkin wants to say something about today's state of affairs.

It should be mentioned that Phillip Seymour Hoffman made the scenes he was in and I can't wait to catch "The Savages" next. Is there anything this guy can't do?

PS--I have a bit of a crush on Tom Hanks now.

Concerts in 2007

It was a busy year and I really don't think the list below covers it but here are at least most of the shows I saw in 2007 (*indicates interview with artist, follow link to piratepods.com):

January 8: Justin Timberlake at iPay One Center
January 20: Rock for Africa; Thieves and Liars, World Wide Spies, Regarding Jack, This Holiday Life at Epicentre*
March 1: Midlake at The Casbah*
March 2: Pussycat Dolls and Christina Aguilera at iPay One Center
March 10: Ozomatli at Belly Up Tavern*
March 24: Rod Stewart at Cox Arena
March 27: Slackstring at San Diego Sports Club*
April 21: Five for Fighting at The Wiltern*
May 6: Taylor Hicks at Pala Casino
May 18: Third Eye Blind and Ozomatli at UCSD's RIMAC Field*
May 20: Third Eye Blind at House of Blues San Diego*
June 10: Dustin Kensrue at House of Blues San Diego*
June 16: Jason McGinnis at Across the Street*
June 22: Hell Yeah*
June 23: The Police and Foo Fighters at Dodgers Stadium
July 7: Abbamania at Embarcadero
July 14: Vib Gyor, Get Back Loretta at The Casbah*
July 17: The Fray at Coors Amphitheatre
July 21: Jamie Cullum at Hollywood Bowl
August 2: Hell Yeah and The Spins at Dream Street*
August 4: Broadway Rocks at Embarcadero
August 25: John Corbett in West VA
August 26: Mountain Stage in WV; Les Youx Noirs, Ray Wylie Hubbard, King Wilkie, Johnny Staats and Robert Shaffer*
September 2: Grin's Edge at Cane's*
September 17: Justin Timberlake at Staples Center
September 25: Dropjoy at Brass Rail*
October 10: Rogue Wave at The Casbah
October 12: Genesis at Hollywood Bowl
October 15: Duncan Sheik at Belly Up Tavern*
October 21: Eagles and Dixie Chicks at Nokia Theater
November 17: Ryan Shaw at The Independent
November 29: Aimee Mann's Christmas Show at Belly Up Tavern

Next Year Baby

I end this year bitterly hopeful about the next. I could make a list of resolutions a mile long and then break every one of them because I'm sure there are many things in this life I should resolve to change. If I'm honest though, there are not that many things I need to change in order to achieve happiness or fulfillment.

Yes, I need to lose a few pounds but my weight hasn't plagued my soul. It has just prevented me from being hot or the best looking one in the room...she probably isn't that happy either. So, I want to get into better shape and if that means I lose weight and look better, awesome. That's resolution 1.

Yes, I need to be better with money and spend less on stupid things but I like those stupid things and money can't buy...
Still, I can be a bit more responsible with money. That's resolution 2.

Yes, I really should drink less. Coffee, whiskey, everything but water. Maybe I'll shoot for that one again. I dunno. I went for 5 months with no alcohol once and 3 months another time. It was a better life so I'll try again. I won't stop, but I'll slow down. That's resolution 3.

Those are simple enough resolutions to make...just to try to be better in those aspects. I read a lot now and will keep doing so. Overall it was a decent year and I can make next year even better.

The last resolution I'll make may seem strange but given the past few years, it makes perfect sense. It is to not be involved with anyone who is involved with someone else whether they are just dating, engaged or married. If I don't know initially then find out (which hopefully never happens again) I'll take loneliness and marry it before I compromise myself again. One lesson I've learned is that a great way to lose a friend is to make that friend into a lover. It took a while but friendship can never be regained. A lover can be an acquaintance and a casual one at that but not a friend.

I am afraid as I get out there and date that I'll be plagued with relationships that end in infidelity as some sort of karmic retribution from the universe. My fingers are crossed though and I'll take what I deserve if I deserve anything less than love. I know what I don't want now and think I know what I want too. I hope losing so far is enough and I am allowed to move on with a guilt that is punishment enough for the things I have done. Eventually it should all balance out on both ends though sadly so far the casualty has been me. That is resolution number 4.

As you make your resolutions or ignore the tradition, try to make each day a good one in 2008 and beyond.

A favorite artist of mine is Jamie Cullum and I enjoy the lyric below as it kind of sums up what I'd like to do this year and the above entry is a start:


Next year, things are gonna change
Gonna drink less beer, and start all over again
Gonna read more books, gonna keep up with the news
Gonna learn how to cook, spend less money on shoes
I’ll pay my bills on time,and file my mail away, everyday
Only drink the finest wine,and call my Gran every Sunday

Resolutions, baby they come and go
Will I do any of these things? The answers probably no
If there’s one thing I must do, despite my greatest fears
I’m gonna say to you, how I felt all of these years
Next Year
Next Year

Target Holidays

I went around looking for a particular, old school board game and Target had it on sale this week. I'd list it here but I don't want the person I was getting it for to find out just yet (Christmas isn't here yet folks.)

I went to 3 different Target stores in Fresno and had my sister look in Valencia too. Nowhere to be found! But, all this time in Target reminded me of my favorite SNL skit in recent years. Check it out below...and if I can find the "Schweaty" skits, there will be more to come this week.



Happy Holidays!

The Leader of the Band...

Dan Fogelberg passed away after a battle with cancer. I would hope that he didn't suffer greatly but I am sure that he did. I have seen it in a man his age before and cancer, deadly or otherwise, is so, so ugly.

Fogelberg was beautiful though, in his voice and showed a realism in his lyrics. I have enjoyed a few of his songs very much. One I would say, has been influential on me and they way I attempt to write (privately, not here).

ABC News covers a bit on Fogelberg.

Among my favorite of his songs (and probably his most famous):
Leader of the Band
Same Old Lang Syne
Rhythm of the Rain
Longer

Same Old Lang Syne (lyrics)

Met my old lover in the grocery store
The snow was falling christmas eve
I stole behind her in the frozen foods
And I touched her on the sleeve

She didnt recognize the face at first
But then her eyes flew open wide
She went to hug me and she spilled her purse
And we laughed until we cried.

We took her groceries to the checkout stand
The food was totalled up and bagged
We stood there lost in our embarrassment
As the conversation dragged.

We went to have ourselves a drink or two
But couldnt find an open bar
We bought a six-pack at the liquor store
And we drank it in her car.

We drank a toast to innocence
We drank a toast to now
And tried to reach beyond the emptiness
But neither one knew how.

She said shed married her an architect
Who kept her warm and safe and dry
She would have liked to say she loved the man
But she didnt like to lie.

I said the years had been a friend to her
And that her eyes were still as blue
But in those eyes I wasnt sure if I saw
Doubt or gratitude.

She said she saw me in the record stores
And that I must be doing well
I said the audience was heavenly
But the traveling was hell.

We drank a toast to innocence
We drank a toast to now
And tried to reach beyond the emptiness
But neither one knew how.

We drank a toast to innocence
We drank a toast to time
Reliving in our eloquence
Another auld lang syne...

The beer was empty and our tongues were tired
And running out of things to say
She gave a kiss to me as I got out
And I watched her drive away.

Just for a moment I was back at school
And felt that old familiar pain
And as I turned to make my way back home
The snow turned into rain --

These Few Things...

It has been a while. I feel like I have abandoned most things in the last month, not to mention this blog. I have a ton I think about writing and if I had an iPhone, I might just send everything to my blog as it came to me, like the people in the commercials seem to do. There would be danger in that I suppose since some of my thoughts are not meant for general broadcast and time to think before I speak (write) is uaually valuable and lends to less regret.

I've seen few films as of late but the two I did see were great:

Enchanted is Disney's latest vehicle and craftily blends and animated storyline with live action. Disney characters have come to life before at Disneyland but they haven't been injected into our reality as they are in this film. It is a spoof of the fairy tale happily-ever-after story that I have certainly never experienced but still allows for the happy ending that I somehow still love to see! This isnt just a chick-flick but could be a good date movie. I can't see a group of dudes piling into the theater to check it out but if your gal wants to go, you'll have fun to. Amy Adams was a delight in her role and Patrick Dempsey was a dreamy as he could get without Dr. Grey lurking in an elevator at Seattle Grace waiting to see him.

No Country for Old Men is by far my favorite film of the year, friend-o. Javier Bardem is completely unrelenting and eerily natural in his portrayal of a man willing to kill anyone to get back the money that belongs to him. I don't want to say much because it is one to just see and then talk about with other people who have seen it and feel as creeped out as you do once they have. Tommy Lee Jones is consistent and plays the Texas Sherriff the way we've come to expect. Josh Brolin gave me the biggest shock on film in recent years because he was actually good. I have been pleasantly surprised by some performances but for all I don't like about Brolin, he was undeniably good in this one.

Atonement is one I haven't seen yet but NEED to see because of the Golden Globe noms. I already recommend it.

The Bucket List is due out on Christmas and teams up Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. I cannot wait. It is the thing I'm most looking forward to on Christmas Day.

Speaking of Nicholson, this month's Men's Journal (cover not on the site yet but it is on newsstands) features Jack on its cover. The interview with Jack, getting his opnion of various aspects of being a man, was entertaining and compelling at once. It gave a great insight (as much as Jack will give) into the man who is a legend. If I were a man, he's one man I'd want to be. I recommend the article to men mostly and also women who are interested.

Last, I am nearly in the holiday spirit though I'm away from home and not going to be there anytime soon, missing the time with family, missing the tree decorating and behind on sending Christmas cards. Yesterday a colleague invited me to go work a toy drive with her and it was a rewarding experience. We didn't get to see the kids receiving the toys but we wrapped probably 60 gifts at least and I felt good about it. It is one of those times for giving and though I would like to think I donate my time and give what I can, I don't unless the opportunity is easy and obvious sometimes as it was in this case. Still, I'm glad I didn't sleep in (beleive me, with jet lag I'd have liked to) and went out yesterday morning. It was a lovely time.

Happy Holidays all...I'll hopefully have time to say hello from the road.

Employment

Hello Reader,

At least one day a week do you find yourself at work? Working? Doing work? If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the questions, you are not alone. You are one of millions who are employed in the U.S. The problem of employment hits all age, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. In the U.S., only the very young are not afflicted. The same cannot be said for children elsewhere. In all, there is little that can be done to combat the employment issue and its solution is so puzzling that our government officials will not even talk about it. They only speak of the “unemployment” issue. Meanwhile, people all over the U.S. and the world continue working. Side-effects include stress, burnout and missed social opportunities.

If you or someone you know is over-worked, please write your Congressperson. They could be over-employed as well and that should not be happening in this great nation of ours. Over-employment is also not getting the national attention it deserves. I have not yet chosen a Presidential candidate to support because besides healthcare, the issue of employment is not being addressed and until I hear someone take a stand, I will reserve providing the obvious weight of my support to any and all campaigns. Yes, Oprah has elected to publicly support Obama and that did get a lot of media attention. Despite pressure from media outlets, I am still waiting to exhale and with that breath expel the name of the candidate I will vote for. Stay tuned and stay well.

WGA

Writers are on strike in Hollywood and in the face of reality TV and new media, they are fighting for the present and the future. For more information on the strike and to support the WGA, visit United Hollywood. In an unprecedented motion of solidarity SAG and the Teamsters have joined the WGA on the picket line rather than moved across.

I have viewed many episodes of my favorite shows online in recent months because I haven't been able to capture them on Tivo or because I don't have the channel they're on. My commitment is to stop until the writers are getting paid. If we all stop viewing, the advertisers will have no reason to buy time on the websites and in a small gesture we can help the writers be heard. I hope to be one of them one day and I stand behind them.

There are many videos posted by wgaamerica and at the site above. Check out the stars and writers supporting each other including members of The Office, Scrubs and Grey's. Here is one of the best in my opinion, Garry Marshall:

Phantom Siren

I go to Starbucks at least once a day and this has never happened to me. I got a cup that was misprinted. It almost frightened me and would have if I were superstitious. I'm sure there's some belief of bad luck related to a Starbucks cup. Anyway, this was a strange cup and I had to take a picture and share.

Torre's a Dodger!

Just released in the Dodgers Newsletter:

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that Joe Torre has been named the club's field manager through the 2010 season. Torre becomes the 26th manager in franchise history.

"Joe Torre is one of the most respected men in the game of baseball," said Dodger Owner and Chairman Frank McCourt. "As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Dodgers moving to Los Angeles, we will again have a Hall of Fame caliber manager at the helm. Joe's dedication, desire and ability will help lead the Dodgers to our ultimate goal - a World Championship."

This is pretty exciting for a life-long Dodger fan. I don't really follow sports other than baseball and since 1999 I haven't followed it very closely but if a Dodger game is on I'll catch part of it and my fondest childhood memories take place mostly at Dodger Stadium so this new excites me.

Horoscope

Some days my horoscope is ominous and some days it is promising but in either case about 3 out of 7 days, it just pans out. I suppose I could read into it and make it work out everyday whether that were a good or bad thing but in the case of nearly half my week, I don't need to. I wonder how the horoscope I read gets made up and if I had ever Taurus I know read the same one, if the results would be the same for them. Would reading other signs' horoscopes and then only hanging with people who had a decent horoscope make my life less dramatic or even more fun? I wonder. Regardless, I read ahead to Sunday and am pretty excited about the part of the day I have before work. My horoscope aligns well with the plans I have and if it all works out, I'm in for a meaningful day.

Good weekend to you.