2009 Summer Movies

It wouldn't be summer without movies, so here's my must-see list:

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

I picked this photo because it manages to encapsulate--in my humble opinion--THE best scene of the film. I won't give anything away, but anyone who has not seen it yet must know that Hugh Jackman is Wolverine... end of discussion.

Star Trek

I'm a die-hard sci-fi fan, so seeing Star Trek wasn't an option. There was really not much science in the film, save for some nameless element that makes the power of nuclear weapons look like applesauce. Otherwise, Leonard Nimoy's appearance was commendable [especially since I thought he had long-since hit the dirt] and the special effects were way cool.

Year One

I can hear the hissing and booing but don't throw stones just yet. *smile* I have never been a Jack Black fan but this one intrigues me. I guess my inner history buff and comedian want to go to the movies at the same time, so this just might do the trick.

Transformers (2): Revenge of the Fallen

Is this film more than meets the eye? Unfortunately, I dunno yet... But I will definitely satisfy my inner child with the second installation of this cartoon-turned-feature flick. I have heard that there may was some 'disappointment' with the actual store but I'm going in with not much more expectation than for things to transform and 'go BOOM'. Oh yeah, and if Tyrese survives this one, I'll be genuinely impressed [R.I.P., Jazz].

My Sister's Keeper

I'm taking a serious departure, for a moment, with this movie, because my interest was initially piqued by the book behind it. It's right now on my Amazon Wish List and I planned to read it once I had some down time(?) for leisure reading. But since that probably won't happen anytime soon, 2 hours for the movie will have to do for now.

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

I saw it with my little cousins... that's about it. Honestly, there was nothing spectacular about the flick, as much as I love cartoons. There were some laughs here and there, but I found that the scenes kinda dragged on (for something that's supposed to hold the attention of kids).

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra

My inner-child is titillated, yet again, as another 80s cartoon is brought to the big screen. I'm kinda disappointed with the casting choices but I'll give them a chance, THEN grade them on their delivery. For example, based on my recollection of the cartoon series, simply the voice [and accent] of Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje makes him the perfect Destro... apparently, I am mistaken becuase fetailed research (on Wikipedia) reveals that Destro was Scottish(?!) But I can so imagine him with the silver face paint on a bald head, laughing with maniacal, booming bass to his voice and towering over his victims with his pleasurably imposing physique. And didn't Duke have that Viking look to him? So what's up with this guy?!

Anyway, I'm curious to see how "serious" Marlon Wayans can be--or will he crack jokes while firing high-caliber ammunition? There's only one way to find out...because knowing is half the battle! YO-JOE!

stayin' alive

Like the Bee Gees, believe it or not, I am stayin' alive. I know you can't tell from my sparse blogging, but I'm still here and kickin'. Over the summer, I hope to get back into the flow of writing so you should be hearing more from me.

In the meantime, God bless!!

What to say, what to say...?

Ummm, I'm at a loss for words. Never thought you'd see this day, huh? *grin* I'm actually surprised, myself. I mean, it's kinda a good thing... I guess. I'm really at a peaceful place, at the moment. OK, lemme see what's happened since last time...

Oh, my 'must-see summer movie list' is still incomplete. So far, I saw Indiana Jones, Get Smart and Hancock. All were cool, but Hancock has been my fave out of those seen. I actually need to amend the list with :

Summertime

Just checking in... I realize it's been a while since I last posted. Wow... I completely lost track of time; but all for good cause. I'm actually chillin' and enjoying the summer. To be NOT bogged-down with reading and papers is a fantastic feeling, and one that I'm savoring to the fullest.

It's amazing because in the last 2 months, I've caught up with lots of old friends and threw a surprise party for a new one. Work is cool--I hit somewhat of a personal pothole, but God is handling that in the background. I've hit a new stride in my musical addiction--*sigh* feels so good to be back in 'the habit'. And best of all, my relationship with Jesus is on the up-and-up: I've been diligently seeking Him, staying consistent with devotion time and He has blessed me with revelation from His Word.

At this very present moment, I can honestly say that I'm at a point of peace in my life. Glory to God!

So yeah, I should be back more often now. Stay tuned!

Flicks a'plenty

Summer time means the best movies of the year are basically released within a 3-month block. For me, that means no shortage of visual stimulation to choose from until August. In order of release date, here's my "must see" list:


April 18 - The Forbidden Kingdom


Four words: Jackie Chan... Jet Li. Nuff said! I'm curious to see how "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" meets "American white-boy humor" is gonna work.
























May 22 - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull




I think Indy's first adventure came out before I was born. But as a 'yunggin', I remember being thoroughly intrigued by the whip-cracking archaeologist. The scene from "Temple of Doom" where a dining menu included eyeball soup, insect entrails and gorilla brains gave me nightmares for quite a while. *shudder*























June 6 - Kung Fu Panda




It's a cartoon. It's kung fu [somewhat]. It's so me. :o)

























June 20 - Get Smart



I-spy humor is always a winner with me... from the Naked Gun series to Austin Powers. This one should be interesting with a femme fatale as co-star instead of [just] love interest of the main character. Plus, the Rock is in it... so yeah. :o)



















June 20 - The Love Guru






Mike Myers is a certified idiot. I didn't start feeling him until a past boyfriend got me to watch Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. It's been love ever since. Now he's taking on love and spirituality?? This should be a riot!



































July 2 - Hancock




Will Smith has done thehonorable hero bit already--Independence Day and I, Robot--with pretty good results. So to see him play a melancholy, homeless, alcoholic superhero is, well, priceless!





























August 1 - The Mummy [III]: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor



Sooo, being the Egyptology fanatic that I am, I gobbled up the first 2 installments of the Mummy (even if they were totally fictitious and probably insulting to the integrity of ancient Egyptian history). But after killing Imhotep, the main mummy, in the 2nd film--apparently he was completely dead this time--they take the mayhem to China and manage to arouse some 'un-dead' creatures there. Pure morbid curiosity [pun actually intended] is what's drawing me to this one... and the fact that the first two were full of excellent action scenes and witty humor doesn't hurt my expectations, either. Did I also forget to mention that Jet Li is in this, too? ;o)

It's that time again!

What time is it??

TAURUS TIME

That's right, people--as of April 20, the reign of Taurus officially commenced. So if you happen to be well acquainted with someone whose birthday falls between the 20th of April and May-- (yours truly on May 16)--consider yourself blessed! Seriously!

OK, so I'm not "superstitious" and don't consult horoscopes for guidance, but I do believe that people born within certain timeframes do exhibit certain traits that are unique to their 'sign'. God knows that I'm not speaking on behalf of His creation of the human race, but I just find it fascinating the way many people's dispositions are often 'to blame' on their dates of birth.

Me? I am such a Taurus according to sites that offer zodiac profiles. I don't agree with 100% of what is said, but most of it is pretty close. For example:

One site says that

Taurean people tend to be slow, methodical, practical and reserved. They are also stolid, tenacious and determined. Possessing tremendous willpower and self-discipline, they are inclined to stick to tried and traditional methods. Roots are important to the Taurean. A sense of permanence, a feeling of security is essential. Generally an easygoing person, slow to anger, but once roused is known for a ferocious temper. Very difficult to deal with when angry. Usually set off by jealousy due to a possessive nature.

They may possess a good singing voice as music may be said to be a Taurean art. Loyalty is important to a Taurus, and a true friend of a Taurean will speak well of their great generosity. Taureans are warm, loving, gentle and charming most of the time. Motivated by self preservation, the Taurean is not a risk taker and weighs every decision carefully, in a slow and methodical manner. To more impulsive people, Taurus is a bore. Opinionated, stubborn, once a Taurean makes a decision, it is written in stone.

Another posits that

The Taurus motto might be "Take care of the senses and everything else will take
care of itself." It may be that your attraction to material things is less about the objects themselves than it is about the pleasure they bring to your senses. Comfortable living and working space is important to Taurus, along with nice linens, clothing, food and music. And, as one of the most practical signs, Taureans' outlook on life is usually quite sensible. Greatest Strength: Your sensible outlook on life; Possible Weakness: Accepting less than you can achieve

And when it comes to matters of the heart,

True and steady Taurus can appear a bit perfunctory on the outside, practical in that Earth Sign sort of way. This, however, is only half the story. Deep inside is a smoldering lover waiting for the right cues. The Bull wants and needs to be safe and pampered, but will flourish if a lover can convince them to take a risk. When they do, watch out! The Bull can also be very focused in affairs of the heart, the risk being that possessiveness may step in. Consequently, monogamy with a certain degree of autonomy is the best balance for the Bull. Those born under this sign believe that love and sex go hand-in-hand, in that order, and that's that.

So yeah... we are ALL that, stubbornness and all! I mean, for better or worse, what would the world be without: Adolph Hitler (April 20), Queen Elizabeth II (April 21), Jack Nicholson (April 22), Al Pacino (April 25), Saddam Hussein (April 20), Willie Nelson (April 30), David Beckham (May 2), Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (May 2), James Brown (May 3), Audrey Hepburn (May 4), Karl Marx (May 5), Sigmund Freud (May 6), Tony Blair (May 6), Eva Peron (May 7), Harry S. Truman (May 8), Bono (May 10), Min. Louis Farrakhan (May 11), Dennis Rodman (May 13), Stevie Wonder (May 13), George Lucas (May 14), Janet Jackson (May 16), Pierce Brosnan (May 16), Liberace (May 16), Ayatollah Khomeini (May 17), Malcolm X (May 19), Ho Chi Minh (May 19), Busta Rhymes (May 20), Cher (May 20) ?

And there are others, but I'm sure you get the point. So when was the last time YOU hugged a Taurus for making this world a more interesting place? I'll accept my "hugs" in 3-digit denominations, thank you very much! LOL And just for the fun of it, feel free to check your sign's [non]compatibility with mine... it might clear up some stuff. ;o) And don't forget to let me know what it says!

It was a "boob-y" week in March

The pun was obviously intended, but there was nothing remotely comical about the 2 ways that breasts made the news last week:

1. A Florida high school senior died from complications of breast augmentation surgery. She was 18 and on her way to college in hopes of being a doctor. I pray for the consolation of her family during this time.

Her age and the reasons for her surgery--inverted nipples and breast asymmetry--are part of the 'hype' that this situation has gained. Some would call it 'corrective' surgery while others dubbed it 'cosmetic'. Either way, a young girl is dead and it's quite unfortunate. I have my share of body issues, and after having it for so long, I'm slowly but surely learning to look in the mirror and appreciate what I see. Honestly, there are some days when I can't stand to see myself drop my towel after a shower; other times I'm prancing around and striking poses in my birthday suit while thinking "*mmmph!* Girl, you are one sexy beast! Grrr, baby!" LOL Sorry, that was definitely TMI. But it's all to say that women have different ways of dealing with perceived inadequacies. Sure, I've considered surgery but besides not having the money, I always talk myself out of it with the rationale that "I could've had a much worse deal than this. I'll be aight.

2. A woman flying to Dallas, Texas had to use a pliers to remove her nipple ring in order to board the plane. "She said she heard male TSA agents snickering as she took out the ring."

Apparently the ring(s) caused her to fail the security stop and TSA would not allow her through until the detectors stopped alarming--that meant she had to pull out all her nipple jewelry. Now, the last time some metal in a breast made this much noise in the media was when Janet Jackson had that infamous "wardrobe malfunction". This is just so macabre because not only was she forced to use a hardware tool to remove metal from such a sensitive area, but the story says that her navel ring never triggered an alarm. I think that some detection equipment is just bogus because I've been traveling with others when they failed inspection because of the underwire in their bra. Seriously?! I wear underwire bras all the time and that's never happened to me *goes to look for wood to knock on...* Yet, in the instances I've witnessed, the bra didn't have to be removed. Go figure...