The Man Behind "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"

Steig Larsson, author of the Millenium triliogy that includes The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, died suddenly just after delivering his three manuscripts to a publisher.  Check out this interesting CNN article about the late author, who apparently "left behind a trail of intrigue that rivals the dark thrillers he created."  Read it here.

It's Gonna Be One "Wicked Summer": Jersey Shore Gets a Boston Makeover

As someone who lives in Boston, I obviously feel the need to post about the recent announcement of the upcoming Massachusetts version of Jersey Shore, to be called Wicked Summer.  I'll admit, I was a late comer to the Jersey Shore phenomenon.  The terms "guidette" and "GTL" became part of my vocabulary a little later than the average college student, as my roommates quickly became obsessed with the utterly ridiculous show.  And while my first reaction was general annoyance upon finally seeing an episode, I too got sucked in by the fist-pumping and crazy antics of "The Situation" and Co.  I suppose it was inevitable.  

Now it appears that Boston's "massholes" have decided that Jersey shouldn't get to have all the fun and fame--hence the recent casting call for "blue collar, hard working, harder partying, tough talking, damn good looking Mass natives" who are ready to "live togethah, laugh togethah, drink togethah and love togethah" for one "wicked cool summah" (and no I did not add the "Boston accent"...the entire casting call is actually written like that.  Check it out here).  

Against my better judgment, I'll admit that I think this is pretty hilarious.  I'm curious to see what kind of idiots people they'll get on this show, and whether the Boston version will become as insanely popular as the Jersey original.  So here's to "muscle cahs, hair products and little necks on the frickin half shell"--it's sure to be one wicked crazy time.  

How do you other Bostonians feel about this? Will you watch Wicked Summer when it airs? Do you think it will become as popular as Jersey Shore?   

Conan O'Brien Coming Back to Late-Night via TBS

Take that NBC.

Starting in November, Conan will have a new late-night show airing on the cable network station TBS, rather than FOX, which was highly rumored.  He'll be taking the 11 o'clock slot on Monday-Thursday nights, while George Lopez's Lopez Tonight will shift to midnight.  

Here's a great quote from Conan: “In three months I’ve gone from network TV to Twitter to performing live in theaters, and now I’m headed to basic cable. My plan is working perfectly.”

What do you think of TBS as the home for Conan's unnamed new show? Will you be watching? Comment below! Click here for the full announcement from EW.com.

New Sex and the City 2 Trailer Released!

Finally, a new, more detailed Sex and the City 2 trailer has been released, putting an end to the crazy rumors about what the fabulous four are up to this time around! One crazy rumor, however, actually turned out to be true...Aidan is back! Check out the trailer below and tell me what you think!

What Celebs/Scandals Are You Sick of Hearing About?

Every morning starts the same for me.  I roll out of bed after hitting snooze three times, finally accepting the fact that I do, in fact, have to get up.  I make a pot of coffee and sit at my computer, steaming cup in hand, while I browse the news stories on CNN and the Boston Globe.  Then I scroll down my list of bookmarks to my Google Reader page, and take in all the celebrity drama and entertainment news that it has collected over night.  As a pop-culture blogger, I enjoy reading about most of these Hollywood A-listers (and usually B, C and D-listers, as there always seems to be more news about them); however, there a few things I don't enjoy.  Today's announcement about Kate Gosselin's new show on TLC called Twist of Kate has me thinking about what other celebrity news/gossip stories I'm incredibly sick of seeing take over my RSS feed. 

Take Kate and Jon Gosselin for example. Why is everyone still so obsessed with this train wreck of a former couple?  Why are they still appearing in my feed four or five times a day?  I don't care that Kate changed her hairstyle or that Jon gained 20 lbs. (although he does look awful).  I don't care that Kate is on Dancing with the Stars or that people are saying she is a "total bitch" (How did you not know that already? Do you live in a cave?).  I almost care about the fact that Jon is suddenly seeking custody of the "plus 8," if only because I care about the welfare of the kids, but I do not care to hear their childish, bickering statements to each other via their lawyers.  Please, just take the spotlight off of these two so I don't have to read anymore boring and repetitive stories about them.  And maybe give custody of the kids to a loving aunt.

The other celebs I really can't stand to hear about anymore are Tiger Woods and Jesse James, because really, they're just two jackasses in a pod, are they not? We know that both Tiger and Jesse had numerous affairs.  I'm sure there will continue to be a parade of women who come forward claiming to have been one of the many mistresses (and side note: what is wrong with you women? Have you no shame?).   Yes it was a huge scandal, but it has been months since the Tiger Woods one started, and yet it's still on my news feed every day.  Enough already! How about we let Tiger get back to playing golf and worrying about whether his wife will attack him again with one of his own clubs (go Elin!).  And poor Sandra hardly had a second to enjoy her Oscar win before having to go into hiding thanks to everyone wanting to know about her lying, cheating dog-of-a-husband.  Elin and Sandra should really just cut their losses, take them for all they're worth and be done with it. 

So please, for the love of God, let's move on, beacuse I really can't stand to look at one more picture of Michelle "Bombshell" McGee. 

Which of these are you most sick of hearing about? Or is there another one constantly and annoyingly on your mind?  Answer today's poll and leave your comments!

Mixed Feelings on Baz Luhrmann Remaking Movie of "The Great Gatsby"

Over the past year, various entertainment news sites have confirmed that director Baz Luhrmann has acquired the rights to make a film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, The Great Gatsby.  Since this is quite possibly my favorite book of all time, I must say I have mixed feelings on Mr. Luhrmann being the one to helm this project.  While I love Moulin Rouge and Romeo+Juliet, I'm just not sure whether Lurhmann's somewhat trippy style will play well on such an iconic American masterpiece.  Similar to when rumors swirled about Tim Burton taking on the last Harry Potter movie, I'm incredibly intrigued about how this will turn out, and also incredibly nervous.  Either way, I'm already thinking about who will be cast as Nick, Daisy and, of course, the great Jay Gatsby, who was portrayed by Robert Redford in the popular 1974 version.  To be honest, I really wouldn't mind seeing Luhrmann's previous leads, Ewan McGregor or Leonardo DiCaprio, take part in what is sure to be an unforgettable adaptation.  

How do you feel about Baz Luhrmann as the director?  Who would you cast for the roles of Gatsby, Nick, Daisy and so on?  Comment below!     

Ellen Takes Us (and two really lucky kids!) Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

 
I love Ellen.  And as you already know, I love Harry Potter.  So you can imagine my extreme happiness while watching this video, where Ellen takes two kids through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!  Hogsmeade!  Ollivanders!  Honeydukes!  Zonkos!  Hogwarts!  Dumbledore's office!  A roller coaster! AHHH! Check it out! You can also see it on Ellen's webspage.

"Modern Family" Meets iPad...Appropriate.

 
Modern Family is easily the best new show on TV, making me literally laugh out loud every Wednesday night as I watch the hilarious antics of these lovable characters.  One aspect of last night's episode involved the goofy father Phil wanting an iPad for his birthday.  It's completely believable that Phil would a) love his birthday more than any other day of the year and b) want the latest tech gadget as soon as possible: "It's like Steve Jobs and God got together to say, 'We love you, Phil.'"  I love that this episode was centered around the launch of the new Apple product, and can't help but wonder whether that was the writers' idea, or Apple's.  Social media even got a shout-out (sort of), as desperate Claire appeals to her kids to help her get her hands on an iPad: "Facebook, chat, Tweet, Buzz, Bling... I don't know. Do what you have to do. We have got to find one of these iPads, okay?" Finally, the child who gets the least amount of credit from his family is the one who pulls through, by telling Phil's online geeky friends (such as SAT800. Love this.) that Phil is dying, and it's his last wish to have an iPad.  The episode ends with Phil blowing out the candles on his iPad's electronically generated cake, and jumping with excitment as he plays with his new toy.  As always, a heart-felt family moment ensues, eliciting a half-"aw," half-laugh from viewers, as every episode does.  Even with the shameless Apple product plug, Modern Family delivers another phenomenal episode, making me wish I knew these people in real life.  Check out the clip of the last scene!  Or go to abc.com to watch the full episode.

How do you feel about the iPad being so heavily promoted on this newly popular show? ?

"Overboard" Remake in the Works? Hollywood, Please Be Careful!

  Most of the time, I'm okay with remakes of B-list movies that are at least 20 years old.  But this time, Hollywood might be going too far.  Many of you have probably never even heard of the 1987 Goldie Hawn-Kurt Russell comedy Overboard.  Let me tell you, you're missing out.  Although I'll rarely put the  DVD in, Overboard is the kind of movie where I find myself quoting its lines in everyday situations, and I'm ecstatic every time I discover that it's playing on TV.  Goldie Hawn delivers each line with such perfectly dry humor that I can't see anyone rivaling it, least of all Jennifer Lopez, aka J. Lo, who is in talks to star as the rich snob who gets amnesia and is tricked into thinking she's the wife of a carpenter, who wants revenge for her rudeness.  It's not that I don't like J. Lo (I admit, I will watch Monster-in-Law and Enough pretty much anytime they're playing on TBS), it's just that Goldie was so great that I have a hard time seeing any actress equal her performance--especially "Jenny from the Block." I guess it would be too similar to the original to have Goldie's daughter, Kate Hudson, take over the role.  But let's face it, she is her mother's daughter--she'd be perfect.  No word yet as to what actor will take over Kurt Russell's role, but the casting crew better put some serious effort into finding someone who will have as much on-screen chemistry with J. Lo as Russell did with Hawn--they were, after all, a couple in real-life as well.  So please Hollywood, don't ruin this 80's classic for me.  You have some very big shoes to fill, so make sure J. Lo can actually pull off the uptight, rich-bitch snobbishness: "I'm not a bitch. ANDREW! Are you going to bring me my lemon or do I have to squeeze it from my hat?"


How do you feel about an Overboard remake?  Should J. Lo be cast, or is there someone better?  Who would you cast as Dean?

Attention Muggles! Harry Potter Theme Park to Open June 18th!

Harry Potter fans, get ready.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios officially has an opening date.  Starting June 18th, Muggles around the world who have waited anxiously for their Hogwarts acceptance letters will finally be able to fall into the pages of J.K. Rowling's beloved series.  Visitors will be able to venture through Hogwarts Castle on "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey," enjoy a butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks, find their wands at Ollivanders and more!  FYI: the Harry Potter fanatic inside me in screaming in excitement.  You can bet on the fact that I'll be making my way down to Orlando this summer, ready to play some Quidditch and live out my literary fantasies.  Watch the video below for a sneak peak at the main ride!

Katherine Heigl Officially Announces "Grey's Anatomy" Departure

After months of speculation, Katherine Heigl officially announced to Entertainment Weekly that she will not be returning to Grey's Anatomy--ever.  I don't think anyone is really surprised by this information, as Dr. Izzie Stevens has been practically non-existent this season.  With all the tabloid drama over the years involving and/or caused by the increasingly popular actress, I wouldn't be surprised if the producers are breathing a sigh of relief at her departure.  As a Grey's fan though, I do feel the tiniest hint of betrayal, and definite disappointment.  Izzie was a major character on this show for five years.  Despite her many controversial comments (think Emmys and public complaints about long work days), there was a time when I only watched this show because of her.  For this character to get an ambiguous, Dr. Hahn-esque send-off is an insult to the memory of this once-beloved character, and really demonstrates what has happened to the show that I once watched so religiously.  I don't know whether to be mad at Heigl or the writers, but I do feel bad for the character of Izzie, whose personality was so completely changed this season that it will forever leave a bad taste in my mouth.  Similar to Isaiah Washington's abrupt exit, I guess we will be forced to live without closure for the emotional and normally endearing character of Dr. Isobel Stevens.  At least George got a funeral.


How do you feel about Katherine Heigl's exit from Grey's Anatomy?  Feel free to share any of your favorite Izzie moments from over the years!

"New Moon" DVD Released Today

To be honest, I'm surprised that it has taken me this long to write a post about the Twilight series.  I'll admit, I am a big fan of Stephanie Meyer's vampire romance series.  Not a fan in a "buy a Team-Edward T-shirt " kind-of-way, but definitely a "read every book twice and will read any article related to the movies" kind-of-way.  So naturally,  I'm pretty excited about the fact that New Moon was released on DVD at midnight last night, with nation-wide Harry Potter-esque midnight release parties for those fans who couldn't wait until morning to go to their local Best Buy and get their hands on a copy.  And while I can admit to being a fan of the insanely popular series, I can be honest about it too.  I know that the writing isn't top-quality, the plot is fairly absurd and the acting in the first movie was downright awful.  But somehow, that doesn't stop me from re-reading each novel, or throwing my Twilight DVD in on a rainy day, or re-watching the New Moon and Eclipse trailers (the latter of which was recently released) on Youtube every so often.  There is just something about the Bella and Edward romance that is simply addicting, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.  At some point this week, I'm sure I'll get my hands on my own copy of the DVD and spend a night watching an awkward Kristen Stewart be abandoned by the equally awkward Robert Pattinson, while the bulked-up Taylor Lautner shows them both up in acting skills.  And, quite truthfully, I'll love every minute of it.

What did you think of New Moon?  Did anyone go to a midnight release party?

Disney's "Waking Sleeping Beauty": A True Fairy Tale

Today, Disney is one of the largest corporations in the world.  But did you know that the now wildly successful animation studio almost went under in the 80's?  A new documentary called Waking Sleeping Beauty gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the animation studio between the years of 1984 and 1994---a time when the company went from almost closing down to producing some of its most beloved masterpieces.  Also known as the "Disney Renaissance," this period of re-birth was responsible for classics like Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and The Lion King.  Quite the come-back!  As a huge Disney fan, especially of these movies in particular, the trailer alone gives me goosebumps and makes me want to go home and pop Aladdin into the DVD player.  You may recognize a few names in  the trailer: Tim Burton? John Lasseter? Jeffrey Katzenberg?  Unfortunately since I'm sure it will be shown mostly at festivals and then in limited theatrical release, I guess I'll just have to wait until it comes out on DVD to enjoy the true story behind this real-life fairy tale.

Book-to-Movie Adaptations...What's your Favorite?

EW's PopWatch blog recently did a post on favorite book to movie adaptations.  I could probably sit here for hours thinking of all the movies I like that were books first, but my personal favorite would have to be The Notebook.  I know what you're thinking--out of all the amazing adaptations, I pick a Nicholas Sparks book?  Here's why: it's the only one where I can honestly say that the movie was better than the book.  I'm a big Nicholas Sparks fan--I've read every one one of his books and usually know months ahead of time when his next one is coming out.  The Notebook was, of course, a great book.  But Nick Cassavete's movie brought this romance to a whole new level, and few (women) who have seen this movie will forget the on-screen chemistry between the amazing leads, Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, who were actually a real-life couple at the time.

Thinking about book-to-screen adaptations makes me think of other books I can't wait to see on the big screen.  Emily Giffin's Something Borrowed, one of my favorite chick-lit books, comes out next year starring Ginnifer Goodwin as main character Rachel.  Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants has recently announced the casting of Twilight's Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon for the lead characters (not sure how I feel about this pairing).  And coming to the small screen, Ken Follett's epic historical novel Pillars of the Earth has been turned into a TV mini-series starring an array of well-known actors, including Donald Sutherland.

The one I'm most excited for though, which I Google almost daily, is the coming adaptation of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series.  If you haven't heard of this series, check it out here.  Think The Time Traveler's Wife meets Braveheart.  The series focuses on Claire Randall, who accidently travels back to the Scottish Highlands of the 1700's, where she falls in love with the handsome and heroic Jamie Fraser.  Move over Edward Cullen--Jamie Fraser has just topped you as the most ideal male character of all time.  Although no casting has been announced, Outlander fans have been eagerly waiting and making suggestions for who they want in these unforgettable roles.  Though each book is close to a thousand pages, if not more, I just finished book four and still can't get enough of the epic romance between Jamie and Claire.  I'll be counting down the days until I can see it come to life on screen.

So what book-to-movie adaptations are your favorites, or what books would you love to see brought to the big screen?

Tim Burton's Wonderful "Alice in Wonderland"

After months of hype and anticipation, I finally got to see Tim Burton's adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic story, Alice in Wonderland.  With his distinct style, both strange and magical, Tim Burton has definitely grown on me over the years.  Add in Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, and you're pretty much guaranteed entertainment.  Alice is certainly no exception to that rule.  Set years after her first trip down the rabbit hole, Alice returns to Wonderland for a second time, where she is destined to kill the Jabberwocky (a CGI dragon) in order to end the Red Queen's reign of terror.  As you would expect, Depp and Carter really do steal the show as the Mad Hatter and the Red Queen.  Although Depp looks a little too much like Bozo the Clown, he delivers yet another hilarious and quirky performance to be added to his long list of unforgettable characters, while Carter never leaves you doubting Burton's choice to cast his "wife" in all his movies.  Mia Wasikowska as Alice isn't bad, but isn't anything phenomenal either, and my high expectations of Alan Rickman as the Blue Caterpillar weren't exactly met by the little CGI-animated bug.  Still, a host of other crazy and often "mad" characters, like the Chesire Cat and the March Hare, make this movie well-worth the trip to the over-priced theater.  See it in IMAX if you have the chance, for a truly "wonder"-ful experience. 

And the Bachelor Chooses...Vienna!

Last night's season finale of The Bachelor proved what spoiler sites have been claiming for weeks: Bachelor Jake said good-bye to the sweet and lovable Tenley, and proposed to the widely disliked Vienna.  After watching the show for two hours last night, which included the girls meeting Jake's family and each having an appropriately named "Last Chance Date" (for Tenley anyway) with our bachelor, we watched Jake get down on one knee and pop the question to the beady-eyed blonde.  You could tell throughout the episode that Jake was leaning toward Vienna, especially when he asked Tenley if she felt that they didn't have physical chemistry (FYI: it's never a good idea to ask someone that). Although Jake's family immediately fell in love with Tenley and were less than enthused by Vienna, they eventually came around and "saw what Jake sees in her" (I watched for weeks and still don't see it, but okay).  Then, as if devoting two hours of my night to this show wasn't bad enough, we then had the "After the Final Rose" special.  Poor Tenley returned to ask Jake "what went wrong" (hello, chemistry remember?) and see Jake and Vienna still happily together (for now).  I will say that Vienna did look a little less trashy than usual, with her platinum blonde hair a little darker and styled a little classier.  We'll see how long the couple lasts in the real world.  I'm not envisioning a wedding anytime soon (Jake will be too busy with Dancing with the Stars anway! haha I think someone likes being on TV!). 

Also announced was the next Bachelorette, and, BIG SURPRISE, it's ALI!  So much for loving her job and not being able to take time away from it.  Guess the idea of 25 sure-to-be gorgeous men all competing for her love and attention was just too good to pass up.  Shocking.

So do you think Jake made the right choice? And how do you feel about the (predictable) announcement of Ali for the next Bachelorette?

'Tis the Season...For Great New Books!

With rain and snow falling hard across the north east for days on end, it certainly feels a little more like December than March.  While December means that at least you have the holidays to look forward to, March usually brings nothing but confusing weather patterns and far-off dreams of summer.  But for me, the beginning of March brings something else entirely.  No, not just midterms or high anticipation for spring break (which is a tad consuming I'll admit).  This year, the month of March means the release of several new books by some of my all-time favorite authors.  Christmas hath come again for me.  Let's take a look:

Hitting the shelves tomorrow, March 2, is the latest sure-to-be tear jerker (as all her books are) from New England native Jodi Picoult, called House Rules.  Usually centered around an issue and involving a court case, Picoult's books are the kind that deliver intensely researched information and social commentary, wrapped within a heart-warming story.  In House Rules, Picoult takes on the currently high-profile issue of autism, in which a young autistic boy is accused of murder.  I've managed to read all but four of her novels, and some of the best include The Pact (teen suicide), Nineteen Minutes (school shooting), Change of Heart (the death penalty), and My Sister's Keeper, which was recently made into a movie starring Abigail Breslin and Cameron Diaz (who actually did a great job).  I have no doubt that House Rules will have me glued to my nook while sitting poolside in the Bahamas next week.  I'll try to keep the tears to a minimum.

Several weeks later on March 23, the next addictive book from Harlan Coben arrives in stores across the US.  And when I say addictive, I mean addictive.  Caution: be prepared to devote every waking minute to reading once you have started.  From the first page of one of Coben's books, the reader is like a fish on a hook, completely at the mercy of Myron Bolitar or one of Coben's other great characters.  Not until the end, when the reader is deliriously dizzy from all the twists and turns he manages to create, is the reader able to put the book down and go about his or her normal life.  I've read every one of Coben's books (usually the day they're released) and I've never been disappointed.  This next one, Caught, certainly won't be any different.  With missing people, real and faked murders, confusing clues and a never-ending array of witty characters, Coben's thrillers are definite must-reads.

Though her list of novels isn't as long as that of Ms. Picoult or Mr. Coben, Emily Giffin is another one of my favorite authors who has a new release coming out this spring.  While Giffin's novels can be categorized as "chick-lit," they are definitely the cream of the crop in their category.  Her previous four novels, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Love the One You're With, and Baby Proof, are each easily devoured in one delicious sitting, leaving the reader wanting more.  Fortunately, Giffin delivers on this need with the release of Heart of the Matter on May 11.  I'm sure that she'll once again have us wishing that she could write faster.  At least we have the big-screen production of Something Borrowed to look foward to next year, and hopefully it's sequal Something Blue not long after.


So readers, do you have a favorite book by these amazing writers? Who are some of your favorite authors?
      

The Bachelor: My Guilty Pleasure

So here it is...the inevitable post about my favorite "reality" show: The Bachelor.  Let's be honest, we all have our guilty pleasure show.  Whether it's Wife Swap or Real World/Road Rules Challenge,  we all have that one show that we hate to admit we love to watch.  I've been a Bachelor fan since season one oh so many years ago (I belive this is currently season 14 or something).  And while I prefer watching the endless parade of ridiculous man-candy on The Bachelorette over the catty, back-stabbing drama queens on The Bachelor, I don't discriminate.  I watched Trista and Ryan meet and make Bachelor history with their marriage; I watched Brad dump not only one but both of his final girls; I watched Jillian be completely manipulated by the country-singing dog Wes; and now, for the past however many weeks, I have watched pretty dull but nice guy Jake be fought over by many trashy, annoying and downright crazy women.  It's like a car accident--I just can't look away.

Next week is the finale, where Jake will choose between the beady-eyed, hated-by-everyone Vienna, and Tenley, the girl who is so sweet it's like she fell out of a Disney movie as one of the girls put it.  As is tradition with the episode before the finale, last night was "The Women Tell All" special, where all the women Jake dumped get to come back, talk about how devastated they are and trash on each other.  Quality television if you ask me.  For you non-Bachelor watchers, the scandal of the season was Rozlyn, who was kicked off the show for sleeping with one of the producers while she was chasing after Jake with the rest of the girls.  Classy.  Rozlyn was in attendance and continued to deny that anything happened with the producer, even though multiple girls confirmed that they saw them together and the producer himself confessed and was subsequently fired.  Yes Rozlyn, we totally believe that everyone is lying except you.  Because that makes perfect sense.  She then continued to make herself look even worse when she accused the lovable host Chris Harrison of hitting on said producer's wife sometime back.  Again, classy.

Also in attendance was Ali, the girl who had to choose between keeping her job and staying on the show, ultimately choosing to keep her job.  I'm sorry, I know Ali was at times bitchy and whiney, but at least she has some sense.  Having a career and being able to pay my bills or unemployment and a 25% chance of getting the final rose?  I'm with Ali on this one...although I'm willing to bet she'll "choose love" when they inevitably offer her the chance to be the next bachelorette.  Which we all know is coming. 

After various other (crazy and trashy) women got their chance to talk, the man of the hour finally came on stage.  When Harrison asked Jake if he's happy, he delivered a less than enthusiastic "yes," leaving viewers to ponder the hidden meaning behind his emotionless response.  And so ends the two hour segment, with an actually pretty funny gag reel and a look ahead at next week's oh-so dramatic finale.  We're nearly at the finish line. 

So who do you think Jake chooses?  Will it be public enemy #1 Vienna or sickly-sweet Tenley?  My money is on Vienna unfortunately.  And what did you think about the "reunions" with previous Bachelor and Bachelorette losers contestants?  This show just gets better and better.   

Confessions of a Movie Buff: My Oscar Shame

With the Oscars less than two weeks away, many are speculating as to which movies will take home the coveted golden statues this year.  In London yesterday, the BAFTA's top honor of Best Picture went to The Hurt Locker, which also took home four other awards including Best Director, while mega-blockbuster Avatar only took home two (I still think it's hilarious that these two front-runners are directed by ex-spouses James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow).  For our own Academy Awards, this is the first year that there are 10 films up for Best Picture instead of the usual five.  The list goes: (full list of nominations here)

Avatar
The Blind Side
The Hurt Locker
Precious
District 9
Up
An Education
A Serious Man
Up in the Air
Inglorious Basterds 

I have to say that this is also the first year where I would genuinely like to see each of these movies (maybe with the exception of District 9, which just didn't look that appealing).  Sadly, the only one on this list that I did manage to see (and buy) is Disney/Pixar's Up, which had me crying and laughing within the first 20 minutes.  Not since Beauty and the Beast in 1991 has an animated film been nominated for Best Picture, and Up certainly deserves the honor.  I never did get to see Sandra Bullock's first Oscar-nominated performance in The Blind Side (I'm a sucker for football movies) or Twilight's Anna Kendrick make her real-movie debut alongside George Clooney in Up in the Air.  I wasn't even one of the millions that helped Avatar become the highest grossing film of all time, beating Cameron's previous record with Titanic.

Shame on me...and I call myself a movie buff.

Blame the insanely high price of movie theater tickets these days, but 2009 definitely takes the cake as the year I went to the theater the least.  With Red Box charging only a dollar a night to rent a DVD, waiting a few months to save $10 per movie is just far more appealing to me (college student with limited funds here).  I did manage to catch several other movies with Oscar-nominated performances using this system, such as Meryl Streep's spot-on and hilarious turn as Julia Child in Julie & Julia (someone give this woman another Oscar already...who cares which movie, she's great in anything).

Hopefully once the statues have been handed out, the hype has died down and the DVDs start rolling onto the shelves, I'll be able to say that I've seen all ten of these highly-acclaimed movies (And yes, I'm aware that seeing Avatar on the small screen is a waste of cinematographic wonder...I'll deal with it). Until then, I'll just keep blindly guessing as to which one will take home the big Oscars, and happily cheer when Up ultimately wins Best Animated Film.

What are your predictions?

Book vs. Nook: A Skeptic's Take on the E-Reader

As you can tell, I am someone who loves books.  Everyone has their own personal "kid in a candy store" comparison, and for me, it's a book store.  When I walk into one, I am silently mesmerized by all that sits before me.  I will wander up and down the aisles, gazing at the shelves of seemingly limitless options, drawn to eye-catching covers and creative title fonts that pull me in like a moth to a flame.  I will pick up various books, reading back covers to get a feel for each before choosing to place it back or tuck it under my arm while I continue to browse.  I love the feeling of opening a new book, stretching out the spine, devouring each word and escaping to a new place within the pages.  Going to the book store is by far one of my favorite things to do, as most people who know me can tell you.  

And it is because of this love for reading, that my mom gave me a very thoughtful and intriguing gift for Christmas: a nook.  The Barnes and Noble equivalent of the Kindle, the nook is an e-reader about the size and weight of a paperback book.  I'll admit that when they first came out, I was skeptical.  How could I go from reading lovely, physical text, to reading a computer screen?  All the hype and excitement, and I wasn't convinced.

It wasn't until I actually got one that I came around to the idea of an e-reader and realized its benefits.  I don't know how they did it, but the screen actually looks like a page, as if written in ink.  Turning it to the side, there is no glare like on a computer screen.  Books download in a matter of seconds, and with the touch of a finger I can flip through the many covers in the online store.  The size makes it easy to tote around, allowing me to bring several books with me anywhere I go, regardless of the size of the book or my purse.  And anyone who has been in my room before knows that I'm running out of shelf space.  The nook allows me to buy and read the books that I want to read, but maybe don't plan on reading again or don't want taking up space on my crowded shelves.  Win-win.

So while I'll never give up my obsession with book stores or the comforting feeling of holding a book in my hand, it seems that lately I'm never without my nook.  I keep it tucked safely in its case, the latest just-for-fun read recently downloaded, patiently waiting for my next walk on the treadmill or rush hour commute, ready to go with the touch of a button.     

"You Had Me at Hello"...Well, Hopefully.

Okay, here is it. After spending hours deciding on a name, getting acquainted with the platform, rewritting the "About Me" blurb and making pages for my favorite books, movies and TV shows, I'm finally writing my first post. My first steps into the blogging world are about to commence.

When I signed up for a class in New Media during my last semester at BU, I probably should have guessed that I'd have to write a blog. When it was eventually assigned, I had two thoughts: 1) What on Earth am I going to write about and 2) who on Earth will care or be interested in what I'm writing?

The first question was easier to answer than I expected. As I talk about in that "About Me" blurb I spent too much time on (which really isn't that spectacular because I eventually realized most people won't even look at it), I landed on the most obvious topic choice for this self-professed EW.com addict: pop-culture. I always say to my roomates that if I could only get rid of the thousands of useless book and movie trivia/quotes that are residing in my head, I'd have a lot more room for the things I'm actually required to learn for class. Or, I can just channel it all into this blog.

The second question, asking myself who on Earth will care what I have to say about pop-culture, isn't as easily answered. Maybe it will only be my friends and family, who will be forced to at least pretend to read and comment on my blog so that I can get a good grade on this project (hint hint). But even if it is just those people who already (supposedly) find me interesting, at least I know it will be easy to write.

So here it begins, my journey into the blogosphere. Prepare for my random musings on my favorite (and not-so-favorite) books, movies and TV shows, and of course, various other thoughts on the latest news and current trends in the world of pop-culture.