Wayne Dyer

So, how's it going? Other than it's Friday and happy hour should be starting now instead of 6:30 tonight?

Wayne Dyer always helps me put things in perspective. He has a movie which at times can be hokey, but helps you get the message. It's always good to watch when things are getting you down.

Sure wish they'd let me watch it at work! And I still wish it were happy hour already.

Dr. Wayne Dyer

A Very Long Engagement

While I was at home a week ago and sick with a cold, I watched a favorite movie of mine.

A Very Long Engagement is a French movie (subtitle alert, subtitle alert!) about a young girl in search of her lost fiancée, who has disappeared from the trenches of the Somme during World War One. It stars Audrey Tautou. Most people would recognize her as the woman who played opposite Tom Hanks in the Da Vinci Code, but her better work was in a previous movie titled Amélie. She is currently starring in the new movie Coco Before Chanel.

While there is sadness in the film, it is Mathilde’s optimism that fills you with hope and the carnival-freak show cast of characters make the journey fun. (Definitely a good movie for when you are sick and lying on the couch!)

There is a recurring scene in which Mathilde’s dog farts, to which the aunt responds “Doggie fart, gladdens my heart”. So much more mature than our typical response around the house, where we laugh and blame it on the person sitting closest to the offending dog. (What can I say?)

A Very Long Engagement
Amélie
Coco Before Chanel
Audrey Tautou
Da Vinci Code

Click here to visit the Snackworthy site.

Zombieland

This past Friday, Charles and I went to dinner with two other couples. Half of the spouses were enjoying a quiet evening, while the other half was having too much fun to call it a night. (Too much bacon swiss dip and gimlets before dinner!) So a spontaneous trip to the movie theater playing Zombieland occurred for three of us.

I have a few favorite zombie movies. 28 Days Later, I Am Legend, Shaun of the Dead. Now Zombieland is going on that list.

The movie centers on the narrator’s rules for surviving a zombie plague. Clearly the thinking man’s guide to zombie survival, the narrator espouses rules that always escape characters in other zombie movies – such as the doubletap. When you’re not sure if the zombie is dead, instead of gently kicking it with your foot, he suggests shooting it again, also known as the doubletap. (Write that one down. It’s a keeper. Works on squirrels too.)

Go see the movie for other very important survival tips and to see a Woody Harrelson movie that’s actually funny. (Yeah, hard to believe!)

Zombieland
Twinkies (Twinkies are a running gag throughout the movie. Wait, did I say gag in reference to Twinkies? This site has links to recipes, including Twinkies Sushi. Yep, gag alright.)
Zombie Survival Guide
The Zen of Zombie
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Zombie cocktail (for any upcoming Halloween parties)

Hoarders

Years ago, when Charles and I first moved in together, we went through the process of consolidating furniture and getting rid of stuff that didn’t fit. (In other words, all of his furniture. Don’t get me started on his teal ceiling fan. Yeah, he had one.)

Charles had a two bedroom condo before and in one bedroom, he had a set of bunk beds. This was his childhood bed. I’m not sure what guests ever visited his condo, but I would have loved to see their expression when facing these bunk beds. They were right out of the early 70’s – very rough hewn wood with a dark stain.

Charles decided to take the beds to a consignment store. Neither of us was very familiar with consignment stores and had no idea what to ask for the beds. He mentioned this to his mother over the phone that weekend. His mom’s reply? “Hold on, I’ll get the receipt so you know how much they cost.”

I did mention this was his bed as a child, right? She had the receipt from 30+ years ago and knew exactly where to get it.

There’s a new show on A&E called Hoarders. I’ve set up a season pass on TiVo and am making Charles watch it. I’m calling it television therapy to prevent this sort of thing from being passed down to him. (Seriously, we don't have that much closet space!)

Hoarders (Watch it, but I warn you - it's very frustrating when they choose to live like that and not one Cheeto in sight! People, if you're going for sloth, you need Cheetos.)
How Not To Decorate (on BBC America - I bet the hosts have seen these bunk beds lately.)

Click here to go to Snackworthy

Facebook and politics don't mix

I’ve been “friended” on Facebook by several high school acquaintances in the past year. At first, I was flattered. (Really? You want to be friends with me? But we haven’t spoken since high school and even then, your only words to me were “Get out of the way loser.”)

It has been interesting to learn what they have all been up to since we have last spoken. What I find most fascinating is the divergent paths our political beliefs have taken. (He’s a right-wing conservative? She’s now an outspoken liberal? That sort of thing.)

But what makes me unfriend someone faster than the dogs polishing off a bowl of kibble is when these Facebook friends start complaining online about politics and posting charts, graphs and videos. (Oh yeah, there have been several.)

Just this morning, someone complained in their posting about ABC and NBC refusing to air some political commentary. Just before I unfriend this person, I wrote on their wall how much more I like Ugly Betty and 30 Rock. (I mean, really, what’s not to love about Betty Suarez and Liz Lemon?)

I’ve been told Facebook friends never know when they’ve been unfriended – unless they try to look you up again and remember you were once Facebook friends. And even if they do know, who cares? Would you walk into a party with charts about the problems with Obama’s health care reform? No friends of mine would!

Facebook Ettiquette
Emily Post - there's even an email newsletter (not that you need it, of course)
Yearbook Gift Wrap - just because it's fun
Yearbook Yourself - create a new Facebook profile pic using old yearbook photos

The Poisonwood Bible

A co-worker lent a novel to me from Oprah’s Book Club. I’m not sure how O does it all, between producing a daily television show, publishing a magazine, running a radio channel on satellite radio and managing a cable network. That’s quite an empire. And, on top of that, she reads books. (Or does she secretly just get the Cliff Notes?)

I’m a little behind her schedule. The Poisonwood Bible was on her book club a couple of years ago. (What? You thought I meant behind on managing my own television show, publishing a magazine, etc., etc.? Yeah, well that too – but really way behind schedule. Frankly, I'm lucky if I make it to work on time.)

Anyway, the story is about a family of Southern Baptists from Georgia who go on a missionary trip to the Congo in the early 1960’s. The most interesting aspect to me is the changing narrative. It is told from a completely female point of view, switching from chapter to chapter, between the voices of the four daughters and their mother.

Along the way, you learn about the culture and history of the Republic of Congo.

The book is more than 500 pages, so don’t start to read it unless you have a lot of time on your hands. You’ve got an empire to run.

But if you do, make sure you’ve got a takeout menu handy and a telephone. You won’t want to do anything else until you’ve finished the book.

The Poisonwood Bible
Cliff Notes for The Poisonwood Bible

Next to Normal

My younger brother adopted a dog last year whose fur is completely white. He and his girlfriend Brandy spent considerable time trying to think of a name for the dog. They finally settled on Polar. Brandy’s reason was because the dog has white hair – like a polar bear. My brother’s reason? If anyone asked where Brandy was, he could reply “Brandy is by Polar.” (Read it aloud. Bi-polar. Got it now?)

While mental illness is not humorous (except to my brother), it sure can be the topic for a great musical (I know, who would have thought?). We saw an amazing show in New York last weekend. Titled “Next To Normal”, the show is about a family's unraveling as they struggle to cope with the mother's bi-polar disorder.

It’s from the director of Rent and it has a similar style to it. The lead actress, Alice Ripley, won a Tony for her performance as the mother and she does an amazing job.

Check out the preview on YouTube. It gives me chills each time I watch it.

View a clip on YouTube
Now go buy tickets

Zombie Squirrels

A couple of weeks ago, my yoga instructor read a poem from Mary Oliver at the end of class titled “Snow Geese” from her book “Why I Wake Early”. It was inspiring and thought provoking – to live in the now and enjoy the beauty all around us.

I typically wake up early in the morning and go to the gym with a work out buddy. The trick is to get your exercise before your mind wakes up and gives you excuses to avoid it. (I’ve been told that I look like the walking dead at the gym.) After a half hour of weights, we typically run or walk through the neighborhood for some cardio all before the sun comes up and it gets too hot.

On the morning after yoga with the poetry, I was relating the poem’s meaning to my friend. We were both talking and talking and talking so much that we almost didn’t notice the dead squirrel lying in the middle of the sidewalk. Until my friend almost stepped on it. And shrieked. And jumped behind me and grabbed my shirt.

We continued walking, while I laughed (for the rest of the day). A few days later, the squirrel was finally gone, which left us speculating about zombie squirrels coming back to haunt our morning walks. (Don’t tell my Norwich Terrier about zombie squirrels. She’ll never get any sleep.)

Interestingly, a web developer created a game about zombie squirrels – sort of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but with guns and dead rodents. Go to his site to play.

Or read some poetry if you’re into that peace, love and Zen crap.

Zombie Squirrels Attack
All Squirrels Must Die! (My dog Bobbie's favorite web site.)
Why I Wake Early

April Food Day

So today is April Fool’s Day and you were expecting a prank from me, huh? That would be too obvious.

Instead, I’m writing about an effort by a group of bloggers called April Food Day. Each one is asking their readers to contribute to Feeding America (formerly Second Harvest), which is a national food bank with 200 member banks across the country.

By supporting Feeding America, you can provide 175 meals to those in need for only $25. (I hope they’re serving bacon.) The food bank system served an estimated 25 million unduplicated people annually. (They better have a lot of bacon.)

Visit their site today to make a contribution.

Feeding America

April Food Day

Milk

Not familiar with Harvey Milk? In the late 70's, he became the first openly gay elected official.

He fought for gay rights in California more than 30 years ago. Amazingly, the fight continues today - such as last year's Proposition 8 in the California election...

In the movie Milk, Sean Penn portrays Harvey. He's supported by a cast that includes Josh Brolin (the older brother from The Goonies) and James Franco (the spoiled rich kid from Spiderman).

Sean sure has come along way from Fast Times at Ridgemont High. If he does not receive every award for best actor, I'll be very surprised. He was extraordinary in this movie. Never once did Sean say "dude" or act stoned in class.

So, uh, like, dude - see this movie.

Milk

Edgar Sawtelle

Who the heck is Edgar Sawtelle? It's the debut novel from David Wroblewski. The book is actually titled "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle."
It was chosen for Oprah's book club, Barnes & Noble's Fall 2008 "Discover" pick and Amazon's Significant 7.

Yeah, I know. You were simply waiting to hear from me though, weren't you?

Go ahead. Buy the book - it's a good one.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

Vote Tomorrow

It's finally here. Well, tomorrow it is. The presidential election. And barring any strange accidents, hanging chads, recounts, etc., we should finally know who our next president is by Wednesday morning.
Do you find yourself in need of some last minute political information before tomorrow? (At this point, who really is undecided?) Or are you afraid that you'll find yourself missing the non-stop campaign coverage?

Click on over to Real Clear Politics. It has everything you need to bore friends and family who are already sick of politics.

Want a more interesting perspective on the elections? Go to Cafe Press to see which candidates have sold more merchandise.

Now get out there and vote.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Can't take another political ad on TV? Me neither. I'm getting TiVo thumb from pressing the fast forward button all the time. (TiVo thumb is a real diagnosis, just like tennis elbow. Ask your doctor. I'll probably need time off from work.)

Rent Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. It is a cute movie starring Frances McDormand (the sheriff from Fargo) and Amy Adams (the princess in Enchanted).

A poor governess named Guinevere. A ditzy starlet named Delysia. Pair them up for a screwball comedy that will make you laugh.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Pushing Daisies

Here's a television show that you must watch. Yes, I said must. No arguing.

The dialogue is witty, the sets are dreamy and the acting is terrific.

And it has Kristin Chenoweth - the original Glinda the Good Witch from the Broadway show Wicked. The other stars are great too, don't get me wrong.

You've got to love a show that is primarily set in a shop called "The Pie Hole".

If you missed the first season, head over to www.abc.com to watch the previous episodes.

Go set your Tivo for ABC on October 1st at 8:00. That's one week from today - plenty of time for you to clear your schedule. Don't let me catch you watching something else. I mean it.

Pushing Daisies

Don't Bore Nina

Its Wednesday. You know what that means, right? Project Runway is on tonight.

The best reality show on TV. There, I said it. Take that Dancing with the Wannabe Stars.

Check out the show's web content to find out what Nina Garcia thinks is today's biggest fashion faux pas. I'll give you a hint. Someone's mother needs to return a few items.

Oh, and if you're not already watching this show . . . What the heck are you waiting for?

Auf Wiedersehen.

Project Runway

Project Rungay Rocks

I'm a big fan of the television show Project Runway. Its on Wednesday nights on Bravo for those of you without Tivo. I haven't missed an episode since the first season.

But now, I can't watch it without wondering what Tom and Lorenzo are saying. [Cue record player screeching]. What? Who is this Tom and Lorenzo?

Project Rungay is the Mystery Science Theater 3000 of Project Runway. (Tell me you know what MST3K is.)

Tom and Lorenzo, the writers of Project Rungay, make their own reviews of the contestants, the judges, the hosts and of course, the fashion. I love their snarky commentary, self-described as a bitchy gay perspective.

I think Project Rungay has made me look forward to the Bravo show even more. Is it possible? I didn't think so, but it sure has. It will hook you too.

Project Rungay

See This Movie

Yep, mid July and most of the big summer blockbuster movies are out. Take your pick between the superhero, TV show on the big screen, alien invasion, romantic comedy or animated kid's movie. Trouble is, you've seen all of these stories before.

Don't get me wrong, I like those mindless superhero alien movies. But sometimes you want a little more depth, right? OK, humor me.

If Brick Lane is playing in your town, go see it immediately. If not, rent the movie when it's released on DVD.

It's a story of a young Bangladeshi girl who is sent to London for an arranged marriage. The opening scenes are so beautifully captured on film. The acting is incredible. You will leave the theater disappointed that Hollywood cannot make a movie as terrific as this.

And you'll wonder why are Western clothes so dull? OK, so we're all a little shallow. Now back to those superhero blockbusters.

Brick Lane