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December 22, 2004
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
Your nails won't break and your toes won't stub,
You never get a fever when there ain't no hole in the washtub.
When you meet somebody that don't like soul food,
They still got a soul,
And it don't mean that you got not rhythm
If you don't like rock & roll.
How much alike we are,
Perhaps we're long-lost brothers
We even think the same,
You know there may be others.
If you recognize the above lyrics, then you likely share my love...ok, obsession...with the late '70s, early '80s HBO special, Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas.
Quick synopsis: Emmet Otter and his poor, widowed mother dream of giving each other beautiful Christmas gifts, but alas, cannot afford it. So when the town of Frogtown Hollow announces a talent show with prize money, each decides to secretly enter - Emmet with his jug band, and his mother solo. But entry comes at a risk...
This story has it all: developed characters, outstanding original music, an inspiring storyline...even a cameo by Kermit The Frog. I would urge you to buy yourself a copy, but it seems to have inflated in value. So go to your local library (or even Blockbuster) and rent it. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
Posted by Michele at 09:55 PM | Comments (1)
December 20, 2004
Oscar Meyer Kevin Bacon
Six Degrees pop culture game namesake.
Badass music/dance rebel Ren McCormack.
White dude in that African basketball movie.
Nude guy in that steamy flick with Denise Richards and Neve Campbell.
Non-recognized supporting actor in award-winning film ________.
Kevin Bacon is many things. Now he can add pedophiliac to his resume of diverse characters. Hopefully, Oscar-winning pedophiliac.
A few weeks ago, I saw a sneak preview of Bacon's latest endeavor, The Woodsman. Bacon plays Walter, a just-released-from-prison sex offender, who returns to society in hopes of living a normal life.
First-time Director Nicole Kassell does a superb job of representing a fair & balanced (take note, FoxNews) story. You neither embrace nor detest Walter, but rather analyze him as a scientific subject, anxious for his next move.
Bacon shines in this movie. In one of his most intense roles to-date, he cleverly displays the inner struggle of a man in pain, mastering the art of non-verbal acting. Simply brilliant.
Real-wife Kyra Sedgwick brings gritty emotion to her role as Walter's love interest. Hip hop stars Mos Def and Eve give strong supporting performances too. (Probably cheered on by Executive Producer/former Roc-a-fella Records CEO Damon Dash.)
Will this be the year Kevin Bacon takes home the Oscar? I hope so, although the sensitive subject matter and a guy by the name of Jamie Foxx might hinder even a nomination. Nevertheless, you should make time to go see this movie; it's the perfect antidote to holiday madness.
The Woodsman opens in select theaters on Christmas Eve.
Posted by Michele at 10:37 PM | Comments (2)
December 15, 2004
"Did He Just Say That?!" Quote of the Day
From today's Page Six:
"Jessica never tries to be sexy. She just is sexy. If you put her in a T-shirt or you put her in a bustier, she's sexy in both. She's got double D's! You can't cover those suckers up!"
-Minister Dad Joe Simpson about his daughter's too-big-for God bust
Posted by Michele at 11:44 AM | Comments (1)
December 14, 2004
Asia Reprazent 2005!
As if having Korean VJ Sujin Pak wasn't enough, MTV has decided to launch not one, not two, but...THREE new channels geared towards Asians living in the U.S.
MTV Desi, serving teens of Indian descent, MTV China and MTV Korea are all set to launch in 2005. Each network will mix global programming with original shows & VJ's from the U.S, thereby tapping into the ever-growing "bi-cultural" population of America.
I can't wait until the inevitable MTV Japan is born. Then, I will finally be able to indulge in supercool hardcore bands like Dragon Ash without having to visit a karaoke bar.
Posted by Michele at 10:49 PM | Comments (1)
December 13, 2004
F@#k Blockbuster, Screw Barnes & Noble!
If the holidays have left you high & dry, you need to treat yourself to a New York Public Library card. It's very easy to sign-up, and best of all, costs absolutely nothing. Nada.
The NYPL boasts one of the most diverse and expansive collections in the world, with over 49 million items on its shelves. For ease, you can peruse available books and movies online and have them routed to any of the library's 85 locations. Once your shipment arrives, you will receive an email notification for pick-up.
The loan period for most books is three weeks. Since very few people read books multiple times, the library can save you tons of money (and space if you live in a dinky apartment like me).
Videos & DVD's - in my opinion, the library's greatest resource - can be borrowed for a week. Late fees are only $1/day for flicks, so even if you're 4 days overdue, you're still besting Blockbuster's prices. The good news: You can find almost any title available, including the hottest new releases. The bad news: New films usually have long wait lists. It can take several months for them to arrive, so the impatient, beware!
For the past few years, I've been using the library to conquer the following lists:
AFI's 100 Greatest Movies
http://www.afi.com/Docs/tvevents/pdf/movies100.pdf
Radcliffe's Top 100 English-Language Novels of the 20th Century
http://www.cnn.com/books/news/9807/22/radcliffe.list/list.html
What can you do? Take full advantage of your tax dollars, and get yer library on!
Posted by Michele at 11:50 PM | Comments (1)
December 10, 2004
My Non-Romantic Encounter at Starbucks
Today was my "Take off from work & get this crappy holiday shopping done" day. After hours of walking in rainy, frigid weather, and especially after hours of aimless wandering in Toys 'R Us, I needed to take a break. So I ventured to the nearest coffee shop...Starbucks.
For a place that sells overpriced carb-filled beverages, Starbucks is surprisingly always packed. (Mostly with citygoers who believe the franchise cafes make great home offices.) I realized people older and more pregnant were in my presence, but damn, my feet hurt badly! I had no choice but to pounce on a lady's table as soon as I saw her gathering her garbage.
Now the story gets real...
You know sometimes, when you're sitting alone in a crowded cafe, the thought occurs that maybe, someone will come along and be forced to sit with you...maybe a hot guy (or gal for the gents)?
So I'm relaxing with my yummy Pumpkin Spice Latte, when suddenly, I hear an accented male voice: "Do you-a mind if I-a sit wit you?" I look up from my Entertainment Weekly, and I see not Romeo, but a frumpy, 40- or 50-ish man before me. I think he was Italian. Not wanting to be rude, I politely accept. Carpe diem, right?!
He sits down, and pulls out a plastic bag with two bagels, presumably bought at the Associated Supermarket next door. Perhaps he wasn't Italian, but Jewish.
"You-a want-a some bagel?"
I politely told him, "No thanks. I'll be eating shortly."
"You-a sure? I-a didn't-a touch it.
"No thanks."
"Ok. I'm-a ver-ry hungry."
Needing a distraction, I quickly become aware that my large Toys 'R Us bag is taking up lots of footspace. So I move it. He mistakes this act of kindness for mistrust. "I-a wasn't-a touching it." What's with this guy and his touching paranoia?
"Oh, no. I just didn't want to hog all the space."
Why was he being so sensitive? This non-date was taking a turn for the worse.
So he gnaws on his bread. I keep my nose dived in EW. Then the ladies next to us leave, and he makes his move...
...over to the next table.
Suddenly, I feel regret for not being more inviting. Maybe this man could've told me some interesting stories about working in the vineyards...or his father's experience as a banker.
I glance at my watch and it says 6:30 p.m. I spring up, knowing I have more shopping to do! I gather my belongings, and tell him, "It was nice meeting you. Have a great day!"
He mumbled something back. I couldn't hear him, but I'm sure his parting words were amabile! Or like buttah.
Posted by Michele at 12:42 AM | Comments (2)
December 07, 2004
Snooze, You Lose
Attention: Cheating yourself of sleep can result in intense bitchiness, job loss, and now weight gain.
According to two studies, if you sleep less than five hours a night, you experience a decrease in the hormone leptin ("I'm full") and an increase in the hormone ghrelin ("Me want more food"). Worse yet, sleep-depravity inclines you to choose to eat evil foods like sweets and carbs over more healthy alternatives.
Results may vary.
I hope this means the converse is true: Marathon sleeping will result in weight loss. Then, when I roll over in bed instead of going for a run, my body will thank me, pound by pound.
Posted by Michele at 10:37 PM | Comments (0)
December 01, 2004
Sports Guy Scores Again
I've always enjoyed live sports, but I think it has more to do with my love for crowds and stadium food than the actual ruff 'n tuff action in front of me. Generally speaking, I'm not much of a sports fan.
You don't have to be a sports fan to love ESPN.com's Page 2 columnist Sports Guy, aka Bill Simmons. (Don't let the name fool you!) Intelligent, insightful, irreverent. He's all those I-words and a bag of chips.
In one of his latest columns, he diverts from his usual topic of sports to review several ill-purposed, but highly-rated TV shows, including: VH1's "Most Awesomely ... " Shows, The Apprentice, Saturday Night Live...even The Maury Povich Show.
No one understands pop culture like Sports Guy. Check it out for yourself.
Posted by Michele at 10:50 PM | Comments (2)
