Thoughts on Dexter (Part 1)

Wow. It's been more than a year since I've updated this blog. Funny how a Facebook account can just get the point across faster...but not when you don't have the friends that share your passion. Where are the Dexter fans?

I've just for the past few weeks watched all the Dexter episodes from start to finish. I've hesitated watching it all this time because I was afraid to see all the gore and the violence. Little did I know, I'd get so invested in the characters, the storyline and everything the way I was with other great shows like Six Feet Under, etc.

It all starts with a really amazing actor. Michael C Hall. Wow. I've loved him in Six Feet Under as David Fisher and I believed him in it. This, as Dexter Morgan, he is so different and true that I can hardly believe it's the same actor playing 2 very different roles. I am in awe.

As I've watched the entire 5 season in just a few weeks, I hope to remember all the nuggets that I've enjoyed in this roller coaster ride.

Random things in Season 1 to comment on:

• Debra Morgan started out a bit clunky, I think, in the sense that she wasn't confident in her abilities as a cop. Always asking her brother to help her figure things out.
• I loved that in the beginning, Dexter was looking through cold cases to find his victims (not something I'm loving in the more recent episodes).
• It was alluded in this season that LaGuerta has a crush on Dexter. Not sure what happened there?
• I hated Paul (Rita's ex) - and thought that Dexter banging Paul with the frying pan was one of the funniest things Dexter has ever done. To me, that was one real emotional reaction, which means he must've loved Rita.
• I loved the Ice Truck Killer as the first big antagonist for Dexter and how that storyline unfolded the way it did. The pool of blood and Dexter slowly finding out about his birth mother was heartbreaking and intense as could be.
• The reveal on Biney was also another really good turn at the end - the realization that he had a brother that was just like him and "Rudy" revealing himself to Deb...
• I also really really loved Rita. I know what brought them together was for Dexter to "fit in" but I say that she did bring him a level of humanity. Their scenes in this season were perfect. They didn't say much but I thought they had some good chemistry. It was good acting on MCH's part to show someone who doesn't really know what "love" feels like to sort of have feelings, compassion and even a physical relationship. I thought he brought those to Dexter in a way that made you feel for him. Made you want him to find love and solace in the one person who loved him - even if she didn't really know what he was capable of doing.

Random Things in Season 2:

• I hated Lila. I knew she was bad news the minute she laid eyes on Dexter.
• I loved Doakes. I mean, I loved that he knew something was "wrong" with Dexter. It did get wild there by the end, but from Season 1 to portions of Season 2, it was just that you're-bad-news-but-I-cant-put-my-finger-on -it look that I loved.
• Did I say I hated Lila? I think it bears a second repeating. Ugh. Parading around naked in the shower in the hopes that Dexter would stray. I did like that Dexter was just that socially inept that even that blatant come on did not work on him. She was persistent, though.
• I loved Rita this season 2. She showed that she did have a back bone when she broke up with Dexter (because of Lila)
• I also loved that this season, you see Dexter really falling for Astor & Cody. As much as a monster as he was, I believed he loved those children. Those little moments of Dexter making pancakes for them for breakfast is what endeared me to Dexter.
• Bay Harbor Butcher. Lundy. Deb. Doakes. It's ALL good.
• The montage of Dexter confessing to Deb about being the Bay Harbor Butcher was all kinds of awesome.

Will post about the next few seasons next!

Weekend Movie Marathon Reviews

It was a weekend full of movies for me, and while it's fresh on my mind, here's what I thought:


500 Days of Summer

I enjoyed this movie. It was not as *kilig* (I can't find the right translation, sorry!) as I thought it would be, but it was a very good movie. Here's a few things I was thinking of:

• Man, that Joseph Gordon Levitt sure grew up nice. He was perfect in this role. He was a little dorky, a little hot. A guy in love. In a world where it's always the girl geek falling in love with the quarterback, this was a nice change.
• Wow. Zooey. is. hot. All the shots of her were absolutely beautiful. I get it. I get why you fall in love with her.
• The jumping of timeline sort of confused me. Every time they would flash to what day (of 500) it was, I immediately think: Wait! Wait! Was this pre- or post- break up?
• It was also a bit too artsy for me. Did we really need that musical number in there?
• 3/4 of the way through, I gave up the thought that they would get back together. Duh, they said it in the beginning, it was not a love story. Still - you root for the guy...
• I also like that he was an architect. We never get a lot of representation in the movies...

This Is It

I was able to see this in the movies (trying to sneak one in while the kids were asleep) but I went ahead and splurged on a Blu-Ray since I fell for the ole Target $5.00 Gift Card trick. My few thoughts on this:

• What can I say, like most of the dancers interviewed in the movie, we grew up on Michael Jackson songs! I remember performing "Billie Jean" with Gel & Jiki for the neighborhood in a contest (Yes, I was Michael, and NO - we lost to a boy who break danced to Bad)
• The big reason why I loved this movie was that it had nothing to do with him being Wacko Jacko, it was just about the concert. Like most controversial issues, you have a stand - nothing can persuade you one way or another. This movie was not trying to do that. If you like his songs, you'd love this movie
• I also felt a great deal of sadness and loss that this whole production - which looked fantastic would never see the light. All the costumes, all the rehearsals, all the props...
• If the movie wanted me to see a version of him that is different from what the tabloids have been showing ,then it did it's job. What I saw was an artist - who still got it.
  
• Man...those are great songs.

Sex and The City

I bought the DVD during Black Friday ($4!!) and have not whipped it out. I thought it was a good time to break it open as the kids were napping and it was a lazy Saturday afternoon. (Full review here) Here are my thoughts as I rewatch this movie:

• The scene as just as powerful the second time around. I bawled, of course. The thing that struck me was that it was so believable. You wedding day is so hectic, if I lost my phone. I would not have noticed. I believed how Carrie can get Carried away without meaning to. I believed that Big would falter, if just for a second. It all rang so true (and yet, who among us have been asked to model all these fah-bu-lous dresses and have one given to you?? who among us have walked in an open house to a beautiful yet un-affordable house, turn to our partners and say "I love it!" and be living there the next month? Hah!!)
• The Steve-Miranda storyline I still loved the second time around. The scene where Steve confessed....my heart broke. I thought it was great acting. The scene on the bridge...tears!!!
• The only thing that seemed out of place - if ever, was the Samantha falling out of love with Smith. I don't get how Samantha would even get to a point where she was just managing Smith's career, and we didn't see that.
  

Twilight

This was playing on Showtime last night and it was my third time watching it and this time, I had my handy dandy remote control with me. My thoughts as I watch:

• What. an. absolute. piece. of. shit. movie. this. is.
• Go through my archives - I was fuckin' in love with Robert Pattinson. As I was re-watching this garbage, I do not see it. Edward was not handsome in this move at all. He had horrible reading on his lines! The one that comes to mind was the car scene when he first picked Bella up from the men at Port Angeles. Horrible!! When I read the book, it was dashing the way Edward rescued Bella. This interpretation? Deplorable!!!
• When Edward first said "We can't be friends" to Bella at the field trip, I was all, "What? When were we friends!!??" (It makes more sense in the book, but did not translate well on screen...)
  
• Of course, Bella still can't act.
• When Edward showed off his glittery body, I laughed. When he swung from tree to tree as he spoke of his "abilities" as a Vampire, I laughed. Every time tell Bella, "You are my life now" I laugh.
• I see Jacob on the screen and I *bloop-bloop-bloop* fast forward (after I laugh...)
• I counted 3 (three!!!) scenes where Edward was hot: 1) First time in school as a couple - as he walked with Bella in shades 2) The first kissing scene - before the super OA (over acting) flying against the wall part and 3) In the Prom - all parts where he was smiling.

I have not seen New Moon yet, but I already wonder what Twilight would've been like if it had a better director...If only we can see.

Novice Baker Adventure #3: Chocolate Chip Cookies with Almonds

I made these cookies shortly after trying the cupcakes. Again, I was in my Giada phase, hence, all these Giada recipes.


Chocolate Chip Cookies with Almonds
From Giada De Laurentiis (link to original recipe here)

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
2. Combine the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until creamy, about 2 minutes.
   
3. Add the flour, almonds, and chocolate chips. Stir until just mixed.
4. Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough. Place on the cookie sheet. Bake until the tops look dry, about 18 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes on the baking sheets.
   
5. Dust with powdered sugar and transfer to a serving plate
   

My Thoughts:

I didn't realize how expensive Pine nuts were! Giada's recipe calls out for pine nuts, but after a trip to Lucky and finding out a small bag is $5, I decided to use my leftover almonds instead. I thought, when pine nuts go one sale, then I'll try the recipe as it was designed.

I also didn't realize that this recipe didn't have an egg till I read one review mentioning this. The result is a cookie that's more like dry, more chalky. It's actually very good! My dad says it goes great with coffee. I loved dusting it with the powdered sugar, but I have not remade this recipe since I tried it a few months ago.

Overall, it was my first "successful" execution. It tasted good, an it was from scratch. I should definitely try this again.

Novice Baker Adventure #2: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cupcakes

This next recipe I tried because I had a Giada phase. Her foods always looked so good and easy to make. Plus, I loved chocolate and was very curious about "mascarpone" cheese.

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cupcakes
from Giada De Laurentiis (link to original recipe here)

Cupcakes:

• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips, plus 1/4 cup for garnish
• 1 (21-ounce) box brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge)
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water
  

Frosting:

• 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
2. In a small bowl combine the walnuts, 1 cup mini chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of the brownie mix. Toss until all the ingredients are coated. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl mix together the remaining brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir for 20 seconds until blended.
   
4. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
   
5. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan (cupcake liners will be full).
   
6. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until a cake tester inserted into the cupcakes comes out with moist fudgy crumbs.
   
7. Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting, about 30 minutes.
   

For the frosting:

1. In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the cheeses together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. Refrigerate the frosting until ready to use.
2. Spread the frosting on top of the cupcakes and garnish with the remaining mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve at room temperature.

My Thoughts:

I loved the taste of the Mascarpone & Cream Cheese blended together. It is yummy yummy yummy. What I didn't like is that the 3 cups of powdered sugar was just too sweet and took away from the yumminess of the two cheeses blended together. I have a feeling the large amount of powdered sugar is to make this a good frosting on top. But, it was too sweet.

The second time I did this recipe, I look down the amount of powdered sugar and loved the frosting. I love the frosting so much, Josh & I sat by the bowl licking the frosting away. But - this had consequences. It was only good when it is cold. On the other hand, I like my cupcakes warm. Therefore, predicament. If I topped the cupcakes and put them in the fridge, I was going to end up with cold/ thawed cupcakes. If I didn't want to put the cupcakes in the fridge, I'd have to frost the cupcakes at the very last minute.

The other thing i haven't mentioned was that I'm not fond of the packaged brownie mix. Although good, it still tasted like packaged mix - a bit generic. Still, it was a good try.

Other things I learned was that I should mix the nuts / chocolate chips in the brownie mix so that they can remain suspended in the air. Yeah! That was a good tip!

Novice Baker Adventure #1: Cheddar Cheese Cupcake

Happy Holidays Everyone! It's been a while since I last posted - and it was all about vampires. Hah! Can't wait for next summer for True Blood to start back up!

Anyway, one of the ways I spent my time recuperating from TB withdrawal was to bake! (what??) So, I'm no baker. I'm no cook. I don't have any expertise in the kitchen whatsoever so please do not get baking tips from me. But, as a mom, I do want to try...

I think it all started when I had this craving for the cheese cupcake that I've had when I was a kid in Manila. I don't even remember what that bakery was - but it did have these cheese cupcakes. I didn't love them as a kid - but for some reason, I had this craving. So I search the internet high and low for a cheese cupcake recipe and the only promising recipe was from RecipeZaar from someone named Shygirl. Adapted recipe below:
Cheddar Cheese Cupcake
(adapted from Shygirl at RecipeZaar)

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups flour, sifted
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
• 8 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
   
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs and orange extract.
4. Pour in flour mixture in thirds adding 1/2 can of sweetened condensed milk in between (beginning and ending with flour mixture.)
5. Add in 1/2 cup shredded chedar and blend well.
6. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.
7. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
8. Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes.
   

My Thoughts:
I've made this recipe back in June and at least 3 times so it was pretty good although it's not perfect. The first iteration, I used Velveeta as per Shygirl's original recipe, but I found that I didn't like Velveeta all that much. So, instead, I've been trying to find the right cheese to substitute. I've tried Parmesan & Asiago - but they didn't holding up well after baking - and they get so crispy it was taking away from the moistness of the cake. So for now, I just doubled the cheddar amount.

The cake part turned out well and I actually like it. It's soft, fluffy - but I won't consider it "ultra moist". I brought this at one party - but didn't get any feedback, so aside from my review - I'm not really sure how this recipe stands.

The Men of True Blood

As we near the end of the second season, I would like to give a shout out to the Men of True Blood. I realize I love them all and they entertain me highly!

Bill Compton, Vampire
As I've probably mentioned before, it was not love at first sight. My first thought was, "Ugh. This is the guy? He's so not handsome and he's kinda old..." But at the end of the episode, I bought it. I loved - fuckin' love - the chemistry between him and Sookie and it was palpable. I loved the fact that we was old fashioned. The fact that he recycled. And that he wanted to mainstream. I wish with all my heart that the make up people (please...someone read my plea!!!) would restore the Bill that I love to his most handsome look (see picture). Bill shouldn't be all powdered up - he looks old that way. Bill shouldn't have man bangs. Come ON!!! Bill shouldn't be high waisted. What? Okay, I get it - he's old school. I guess I can live with it. Every time I see him all high waited like that, I have the urge to pull his fucking pants down. YEAH! What...just me?



Eric Northman, Vampire
Since I have not read the book, I didn't highly anticipate the coming of Eric. And even, when he first arrived on scene sometime in Season 1, I was not impressed at all. Longish hair and sando? Ugh. But then, as soon as he chopped that hair...wait. No, actually, it was a bit before that. I think I started loving him in the one scene where he was in the dungeon with Lafayette and he ate that other guy and was wondering if blood got in his hair, and that he did not kill Lafayette. Then of course, he cuts his hair and his beauty, sorry, sexiness - exudes. Yes, he is the hottest vampire out there. I'm going there. Hotter than wimpy / stalkery Edward Cullen, I'll tell you that (and if you know me, you know I had a few months crushing on Pattinson).

A big part of Eric's appeal is that he is the opposite of Bill and that he is "bad" and that he doesn't care. He is obvious in his pursuit of Bill's human and it's almost like a challenge. He is that part of you that wants the bad boy, the guy you know will just. break. your. heart. and you don't give a fuck.

Jason Stackhouse, Human
I knew from the start that Jason was a beautiful piece of specimen and he's one of those guys that just look so damn good naked. But even then, he is the last one I really fell in love with. I mean, even though he spend almost all of his screen time in the first season naked, it was almost always empty for me. It was like, yeah, yeah, dumb guy fuckin' the next piece of ass. Let's move on to a better storyline!!! I did love the parts in the first season where he became "close" to that one vampire and sort of created this friendship with him. The "V" storyline, I didn't care for, especially those scenes where they were getting high. Meh...but this season, although slow in build up, Jason rocked! From his innocent musings ("Jesus is the first vampire") to his giving in to the pastor's wife to putting a bebe bullet in Steve Newlin's head to hugging the rap out of Bill to being "The God Who Comes", Jason has skyrocketed to being such bad ass, I love it. I love him. I love love love him this season.


Sam Merlotte, Shape Shifter
When Sam first came on screen, my first reaction to him was opposite of every one else. I immediately loved him. I thought, this was the guy for Sookie. Then I soon realize Sam was the "unrequited love" portion of the program and thought, damn it. He's cute! And although I loved him right away, after the Pilot, I was soo into Bill that I really did not want Sookie to end up with Sam which brought him down a notch in my book. Not very fair, I know because as Sam by himself, he's a good guy and a great character. I was iffy about the Tara/Sam hook up, but I also wasn't hot with the Daphne/Sam hook up. I guess I'm not sure I found the right gal for him yet. Haha!!! I'm loving him know especially the last few episodes where he figured out that Maryann is actually after him. The "Fly on the wall" thing was genius and so was the "Smite Me!" Here's hoping he will save the day at the end of this season and get himself a nice decent woman.


Lafayette Reynold / Human

Lafayette is awesome. Although I'm not as much of a fan as some people out there, I do love him and thinks he brings a much needed foil (is that the correct term??) to the current set of heroes. He's brash, he has pizzaz, he's good guy, he's a bad guy. I was glad Alan Ball kept him although I heard from the books (spoiler alert!!) that he was the body in Andy's car. I loved it when he stood up for himself and his being gay in a town where tolerance is sometimes still not prevalent. I'm happy he sees through Eggs (Devil in a Sunday Dress) and was there for Tara. I'm curious to see what pushing V for Eric / Pam will do to him.

True Blood - Season 2 / First Half Review

How much do I love this show?! Just when I thought I had enough...no, I actually couldn't and love it even more. I'm all caught up and Ep. 6 was awesome. I cannot wait for Sunday.

Bill / Jessica / Hoyt
I love Jessica. When we first glimpse her last season, I was skeptical. I thought: Great. Obviously, this will be the wedge that will break up Bill/Sookie. But, No!! I actually love Jessica and what they are doing to her. I love how she brings out the "papa" in Bill (not that Bill isn't dorky enough, but unless I haven't said it enough time, I love dorky, fathery Bill!) This scene above where Bill makes her take the TruBlood is all sorts of cute. What else could over-cute that? Jessica / Hoyt. I love them. I love the "teen" version of vampire love. I love that they talk all night to the point that Hoyt's mama turned off his cell phone. I love that the first thing Jessica does when she wakes up is to see if Hoyt wrote her a text message.

Eric - Entertainment Weekly's "Hottest" Vampire
EW claims that they can't choose between Team Bill or Team Eric and I must say I can't too. Bill & Sookie are perfect for each other, but there is something so hot about Eric - most especially after his haircut! Like Lina said, he is much taller than Eric, he gets points for that alone - but there's something more. He's powerful, he's evil (??), and yet, he is fair / kind (see Bill, see Lafayette), and he's conniving (come on...Lorena!!) In any case, i'm so happy for this development and hope to see more of him soon.

Fellowship of the Fuckin' Sun
At first, this really bored me. I mean, we all know somethings not right with the Newlins. We all know that Sarah (and / or Steve) would have the hots for Jason. There were even Vegas odds on who (Sarah / Steve) would do and what episode it would happen (FYI - the people who bet Sarah / Episode 6 were all right on!). But! But! This week, it did get interesting! Aihhh!!!! Did Sarah know what Steve was up to? Is she just using Jason? Why is she fuckin' in church!? Did Steve know that Sookie is the telepath? Did Sarah know? Who was the mole? Did they know Jason is Sookie's brother?? They must've...right!? Where does Isabel fit into all of this? Did Eric know this would happen (hence, him bringing Lorena in)? Is having sex with a gay vampire really the "cream de la cream" of sins?!

What the maenad is this!?
Ok. If there's one storyline I am most bored with, it is this. It is so fucking slow. What the hell is Maryanne? What the hell is a maenad!? Who is she after? Why Sam? Why all the freakin' scary orgies!? They freak me out, man!!! If I see that coroner bangin' with black beady eyes again...I will...I willl...I don't know. I just want to know what the freak is going on. Plus, I still couldn't believe Tara would allow Maryanne to live in the house without asking Sookie first. Why didn't she at least call Sookie and say, "Hey, I'm having my new sexy, boyfriend over...is that cool with you?" It just seems so out of character for her.

Bad Bad Bill
Now, this seems to be such the topic in the forums that I'm going to venture an opinion. So, in the flashback from Lorena, we get to see Bill at his worst. Where they actually murdered these two people and Bill didn't seem all to sad about it. In fact, he even gave Lorena a necklace and had sex with her in front of the dying body!!

Everybody seemed to be disturbed over this. I've also read outrageous statement like, "If Alan Ball wants us to be sympathetic to the vampires, why would they make Bill be evil!" "Bill lied to Sookie! He was really really bad!! I don't like him anymore!" OK. Enough. Here's my take. This is an Alan Ball show. Of course it's going to be complicated. Of course, it's not going to be a good v evil. Of course Bill has an evil / dark side. Why do people have the need to make the "hero" free of flaws? Why would Bill being a really really bad vampire 80 years ago make less of what he is today?? That's what we are trying to find out. We want to know what made him reform. What made him break up with Lorena. Bill having that sort of history makes him more interesting to me.

Another thing: Alan Ball is not trying to get you to like vampires. He is not trying to get you to love Bill because he is the "best vampire out there!" There's no "message" that vampire rights = gay rights. Don't feel like you must defend the VRA because you believe in gay rights. It is not the same. Hating all the random killing that Bill has done in his past does not mean you are homophobic! What?!! Yes, go to Televisionwithoutpity and you can see some people actually think this!

Overall...I love Bill. I love Bill/Sookie. I love Eric. I love Eric/Pam. I love Terry and the PTSD care he gave Lafayette. I love Jessica/Hoyt. I love the "vampire" hotel. Not loving Maryanne. Not loving Eggs. Yet. Not sure how to feel about Daphne. Feel bad for Sam.

Tru Blood - Buy it!

Gel told me about this and immediately we all want to - need to - have it! Hee! I'd love to try this out in our lunchroom to see if anybody will recognize it. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone left in the office enjoys the same TV as I do. Boo!

What About Bill (Compton)?

The DVDs went by fast and I'm craving for Season 2 episodes. With a low cash flow, I really can't afford HBO - dammit!! Anyway, now that I'm done with Season 1, I'm ready to give my Bill Compton critique.

"Suhkeh"
Somebody just tell me if Stephen just can't pronounce Sookie or is it some sort of authentic interpretation of how one speaks 175 years ago. I love the fact that he's old school, but it's also I think his least desirable quality. It's not just the words, it's the whole "oldies" deameanor. I'm not quite sure how I love it.

Eek! A naked man!
Jason Stackhouse has the most beautiful naked body in TV. Hands down. I'm glad Alan Ball makes it a point of showing this off almost every episode (Admit it! He's got a tight ass and body and whether that body is fuckin' or hallucinatin' or sleepin' or high on V, it's a flawless piece of specimen). That being said, I feel for all of the other naked men on the show. Bill is pudgy in comparison and even to an extent Sam. Sam should have a good body, if he spends a lot of time running like a dog - right? (wrong!) Poor Bill - I think he's bringing up the rear (Hah!) in this department. I love him still, don't get me wrong, but Lina is right, sometimes, he should just keep his clothes on.

Bangs Anyone!?
Ok, Stephen's hairdresser really needs to go back to the pilot episode for some styling tips. In the Pilot, Bill Compton looked hot. His hair although not unruly, was a little ruffled and it added to the danger. Somehow in the course of the season, it felt like Bill was spending a lot of his day time blow drying his bangs to the point that his hair (ahem, bangs) were more even than Sookie's. Come on!


Fang It!
Ok, I hate the fangs. I do. An otherwise sexy Bill turns less sexy hen he's sporting the fangs and I think I know why. Because it's being modeled after the fangs of the snake (like it's retracts in front of the actual set of teeth), when the do who the fangs, the lips pop-out further and normal and this makes the proportions of the face kind of...unproportioned. I know I'm not quite explaining this well, but it's not the reason why I tune in. I wonder if there is appeal to the fangs. I know Twilight doesn't use fangs (and they can also walk in the light, which is very convenient)

Crispy Bill
UGH!!! This is the one scene where I'm very disappointed. I wish the could've done this scene very differently. The scene in question is on the finale of Season 1 when Sookie is in trouble and Bill senses it but couldn't leave because it is daylight. Because of his love, he risked dying by going out into the light and getting burned). The crispy bill is so not attractive. Now i know it's not suuposed to be attractive but I also think that no one comes back to "life" from that. How can hair grow back then they're DEAD? In my interpretation of that scene, Bill works up the nerve and yes, does out into the light - but DIAL it about 3 notches down. He did say that they just "get weak", why not show that? a lot less make up and a lot more acting. I think it can be pulled off where Bill looks like it's so much effort to take every step and his face slowly getting that sunburned look (like when you go to the beach and didn't put on sunscreen). He could be stumbling, pain in his face that he couldn't reach Sookie in time, he could act like he was dying - without the "zombie" make up distracting the viewers from the importance of this scene - which was, no matter how much he loved her, he could NEVER be there when it's day. To me, I can't even concentrate coz I'm glued to the bad make up job!!

Graveyard Sex
Sorry. Not hot. NOT! HOT! AT! ALL! Bill almost looked like the incredible hulk coming out of the ground and the ass shot was not flattering (as said above) and his face covered in mud. Ew. And the thought of all. that. dirt. going into places unwanted. Couldn't he just zipped her back to the bath tub and get it on there? It was only a few paces away! A second in vampire speed! I don't know. I didn't like it.

Wow. That sounded like a lot of complaining on my part! Heh. I'm still on the Bill/Sookie train. And I did try to feel it for Sam/Sookie. I swear I did. I think Sam is kinda hot in his own way, and try as I might, I don't think he's right for Tara either...

Now, I'm kinda lovin' on Eric / Pam. I love Eric's voice. It feels scary and kinda hot. I love Pam as well. We'll see, huh?

True Blood - A review of the First 6 Episodes

So I burned through 6 episodes in the last few days and I have to take a moment before I forget all my thoughts.

I can truly say now how deep I am into this show. In the first six episodes, laughed, cried, been aghast, squirmed, squeaked, squealed. I've covered my eyes in horror. I've giggled in delight. I just love it when a show is that multi-faceted.

The Dream
The scene above is one of my favorites so far. It was the scene where Bill dreams that Sookie was being choked and it woke him up but because it was not quite sundown, he couldn't get to her. It was powerful. For one who had all these "powers" it was the one thing he couldn't do. The relief and love on his face when he did see she was okay was just too cute. Also, a few moments later with Bill & the Collie (who I'm assuming at this point is Sam) were just standing there was also a nice little scene.

Granny
Another big shocker was of course the scene that led to this in the first place. I knew I should've know it but I didn't - OK? I was going OMFG! OMFG! when the poor granny was on the floor. Come on, she was one of the cooler grannies on TV! Some people were commenting on Sookie's non-reaction, but I beg to differ that some people are like that - that she was just so in shock that she was more numb than anything (which was why the scene with her eating the last of the pie, alone, crying, was powerful to me. To me, that was most believable grieving moment I've seen in a long while).

Bill's Family
OMG - this broke my heart too. When the mayor showed him the picture of his family, I didn't get it at first. I thought that was him as a kid. Then when he was seeing his family on the porch, then later to the bitch who made him a vampire when he refused her advances, I really felt for him and now understood when almost broke down there in the meeting. And hmm..tears of blood?

The Squicky / Squeely
The opening scene of episode three, I don't know what to think. Sookie comes in to Bill's house to give him the contractor names when she finds herself in the midst of all these creepy vampires. It was scary. They were playing with her life and all you see if Bill in the corner chair not doing anything. What the fuck!! If you really loved her, wouldn't you have charged at the others the minute they laid their spooky hands on her? That's what Edward would've done! Then I realize that this is Alan Ball where no character is flawless. Bill wasn't going to be the perfect boyfriend. Bill is still a vampire and he still has his own life where he had these interactions as part of normal. And to think of that was when he was going to feed on Hep D boy right in front of Sookie!!! I didn't know what to think at first. My romantic side cried for him to "do something!!" but I wasn't going to get that. I did think the "She's mine" line to be incredibly hot.

Another sort of moment like this was in the car after Fangtasia wen they were almost going to kiss and the cop pulls them over and (grr!!) ruins the mood. I was getting all pissed that he had to do that. By that, I mean "show his power" to the cop. It ruined the mood! Again, there are a few theories but the one I buy is that he is not perfect and sometimes his ego supersedes romance. Hey, that sounds like human men!

The Supporting Cast
Lafayette - my favorite supporting member. The best part for him so far would be the AIDS Burger scene. Rednecks didn't want to eat the burger he cooked because he was gay and therefore had AIDS. His response - Wham! Bam! and ends it with, "Tip your waitress!" Hee.

Sam - He's weird too - and I don't know if it's the wolf-ness (again, just my theory, but if Twilight had a Jacob, we need a warewolf here too, no?) but he has this weird vibe. And what's up with sleeping with Tara? He reminds me of Felicity's Noel - anybody? A cross between Scott Foley & Colin Farrel. In any case, he is quite cute.

Tara - Sometimes, I think she's overacting with her reactions to Jason. It's SO obvious! But other times, like her interaction with her mom, I think it's so believable. So, there you go! And what's up with the casual sex with Sam?

Jason - I guess he's the prettiest, just not my type, I guess. But he did have a few stupid funny moments. The acting is superb though, he's pulling of dumb really well.

Finally
When I first saw Sam, I immediately liked him and thought for some reason he was the vampire. When Bill came in the bar, my first thought was, "ugh, he's not handsome!" but by the end of the second episode when we see the fantastic chemistry between Anna & Stephen, I was in love. Is it wrong that this is the second vampire character I've crushed on in a year?

...Wait!
I almost forgot to talk about the last scene in eppy 6. I'm not quite sure what to think yet. On the one hand, Sookie running towards Bill and Bill sensing her coming was definitly sorta hot. It was happening and you knew it. The kiss was great. He swooped her and carried her it. That was great. The sex in front of the fireplace...I'm guessing Bill didn't really have a room since he sleeps under the house. I loved that he was torn - he didn't want to hurt her, but...and...she's...all nodding...then....EEEKK!! Blood! Gah! Credits!!

True Blood Vs. Twilight

It took a little while (damn Netflix queue!) but I was finally able to see the first two episodes of True Blood. Lina has been telling me about this ever since I was "hooked" on the Twilight series (yes, you saw my posts...you know!) but seeing as we've let go of HBO for a while now, I had to wait for the DVDs to come out before I can even watch. I had faith that I was going to like it because 1: My friends said so and 2: It was on HBO - at least I know the quality must be there.

I tried to stay away from news, spoilers and such and even now, just having the first disc...I don't know what's going to happen. I just know I'm tempted to go out to Best Buy tomorrow and get the whole series....

I loved it. Alan Ball is brilliant. I mean, Six Feet Under was total genius already and this is also a brilliant piece of art. What do I love about it? Everything! From the casting, to the opening credits, to the lighting, it was creepy, scary, fun...but because I loved it so much, I can't help but compare the two. So, here goes:

Hot Ass Vampire: Edward Vs. Stephen
This is the draw to the whole thing, right? You gotta have one fuckin' hot vampire or else the whole franchise is dead (hah! pun!). Both Rob Patterson and Stephen Moyer fit the bill perfectly. Both are supposed to have a "timed" quality being they're hundreds of years old, but whereas this just made Edward into a prude, I found Bill to be so sexy. The scene where he couldn't enter Sookie's house because she didn't "invite" him in was hot ("hot" said in a singsong voice). The edge is definitely on Bill's side since 1: I don't feel like a pervert since he's not in high school!! (I know Rob is not, but you know...) 2: He doesn't have a blu-ish tint and powder on his face and 3: He "glamours" at me and I wanna take off my clothes (Haha...)

I partly think that Rob is a big draw to the Twilight crowd whereas Stephen feels like just a part of what makes True Blood great. Let's see what happens when New Moon hits the theaters...

The Herione: Bella Vs. Sookie
So let's talk about the actual hero of both shows: the mortal woman (in love with a vampire). To me, Sookie wins this hands down - for now. I do reserve the right to get irritated with her later on. As I remember it, I did love Bella in the beginning but man, she grated on my nerves especially in the end, especially in the movie. Kristen was an overacting Bella while I thought that Anna Paquin is doing an awesome heroine - one who is not weak, one who doesn't seem to be interested in being a vampire, one who can hold her own against Bill, and one who makes being a virgin actually sexy and sweet, one with an actual story.

It is funny that both Twilight / Sookie books have characters who can read minds and that they're attracted to the one person who can't. Hmmm.

Adaptation: Big Screen Vs. HBO
It is amazing to me that the quality of shows HBO spits out can easily take the Big Screen. I don't know if I should be crediting the directors here, but True Blood the production is so above and beyond the Twilight movie. I am hoping that with a new director, we can get a better movie in New Moon since although it is geared towards pre-teens, it doesn't mean the movie quality should suck (see Harry Potter for an example). As Alan Ball says in his commentary, why do vampires like contact lenses? Why are they always in a shade of blue? Stop dipping them in a vat of donut powder and you'll be in better shape. Stop overacting.

The One That Loves You: Jacob Vs. Sam
I know there are Team Jacobs out there (My sister is one!) but I always though it was a very uneven playing field. While they portrayed Jacob to be so fucking irritating, they made Edward such an Angel (which really sucks) in comparison that there was no way Bella was going to pick Jacob. Sam - who reminds me of a cuter Colin Farrell - may also be a lost cause. I don't know, I've really only seen him in a few lines, but I do feel for him. I was even rooting for him at first (until I realized how sexy Bill was) but I think that's already a good sign. Let's see where this goes...

The Audience
I remember complaining to Lina about Twilight and how it's missing this, and that, and how it's not giving me what I want and she basically said we were twenty years to old for this shit (not an exact Lina quote - ok?). It was really geared towards the pre-teen and it had to be dummied down for this reason. She told me to watch True Blood - and here I am...a year later it seemd. I feel True Blood is the Vampire show for my generation. There's sex. There's violence. There's gritty-ness. There's chemistry. There's depth of character. There's mystery.

Watch it.

Review of the Second half of Breaking Dawn

I'm finally done with Breaking Dawn, so here is my review of the second half, also known as Book 3: Bella (the Vampire)

I must preface this by saying I did not want Bella to become one of them. Of all the possible "happy ending" to the Edward and Bella saga, Bella becoming a vampire - to be with Edward forever - I thought was not only silly, it was not creative enough. The interesting dynamic of the two was because one was the hunter, the other - the prey.

So, in Book 1, I was actually optimistic that horny Bella wanted sex so much that she was willing to prolong her human life so she can experience this over and over again. Silly, but I was grasping at straws. I wanted her to prolong her life, so sure, sex away lusty human!

But Meyer had different plans. And yes, I did love Jacob's point of view in Book 2 and at best I was resigned to the fact that I will be reading about Bella the vampire in Book 3. So, I took a little while from reading to adjust to that fact then resumed.

Book 3, I feel is a whole different saga. It's a whole different vibe, a whole different Bella. It felt so detached from the first 3 books. To me, this was more like reading Christopher Pike's The Last Vampire (which I mentioned a few posts ago). The Last Vampire was written to the point of view of the vampire: Sita. It was a good book. So, yeah, I gave this a chance.

For the most part, I was into it. I did think Jacob was cute with Renesmee, and this was all about Renesmee. The whole book focused on how the Cullens were going to be slaughtered by the Volturi because they thought that Renesmee was an immortal child (ugh, I won't even explain ths nonsense - just know that it was a "law" they supposedly broke). So, everything is building up from this. And I am in it. I'm right there with Bella. As a mom, I understand Bella's need to protect her daughter. I feel her pain, her anxiety, the different scenarios running through her head. How does she keep Nessie safe? The steps she took, from getting her the fake birth certificate, to practicing to fight (because she won't give up without a fight!).

Suddenly, it was making sense and for a split second, I thought Meyer was a genius. That was why she set the Volturi up in New Moon. We get to see the fall of the Volturi in the hands of Bella! And why won't she win. Meyer was alluding to it all along: how you can't read her mind, how her shield can protect and project. Even Renesmee has powers! Bella may have had her doubts, but I didn't. I knew the payoff was near...and then came the most anti-climactic ending to a book. EVER.

WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS!!?? After all that...all the reading...all that build up...all that harnessing of her power...the Volturi walks away??? NO. There was no way. No fucking way! You mean to tell me, I had to sit through and read all about these other vampires from God knows where - and their specific powers, mind you - with names and baggages of their own, to have them just walk away? You mean to tell me all the pages reading about how Bella stretched her fabric shield for her not to even use this power to kill Aro? I read paragraphs upon paragraphs of how Bella snuck away to get Jacob & Nessie proper papers so they can run away and be safe then the backpack (where she hid all of this) didn't leave Nessie's back? You mean to tell me after all of that, Meyer whips out a few more unknown vampires the same as Nessie and Aro goes, "Oh well! Sure, I believe you, oh random guy from the south" Let's all pack up eh?

That was not an ending. For what it's worth, that was an introduction to the Jacob / Nessie show. So, I'm confused. Why did Meyer leave it all open ended like that, only to stamp "The End" on the very next page? Why even introduce that the new guy we see - the one to save them all - eye Nessie like he wanted to tap that? Eww! She's a baby!!!

I'm not done. The book may be done, but here are my other nit-picks:

1) Bella resigned to die if Edward dies. I have a big problem with this. Bella, you have a daughter. You don't get to decide that you will die if Edward dies.

2) Renesmee will grow until she looks about 18 then will stop growing and stay the beautiful age of 18 forever. Really, Meyer. How convenient. What do you have against middle aged vampires? There must be some lolo vampires out there...

3) Bella was a super-vampire. Again, how convenient that Bella as a newborn was the best! She didn't even kill anyone (or felt the need to!)...not even stupid strangers like J Jenks. And..AND...she's got the shield thing going on and learned all her powers within a month!

4) Bella super loved being a vampire. Ooh, vampire sex is so much better than human sex. Ooh, vampire kissing is soo much better than human kissing. What-ever! I would rather see her having some remorse to her human life. All the other vampires would've given up everything to be human again...

5) What happened to Renee?? Did she never just try to find out what is up with her daughter? Hello, apparently she was deathly ill!! And, Bella never made an attempt to contact her mother even though she thought she was going to die? She made an effort to spend Christmas with charlie! What, no time to call her own mother to say, Merry Christmas!? What a fluke to name your daughter after her and not care the slightest about her.

6) What happened to the Cullens? In a weird way, even though they were present in the book, I hardly felt them. In Book 3, did we ever hear Rosalie? Did Esme even speak? Where was the sexy debonair Edward? He seemed like a non-entity here.

7) Shape-Shifters?? Ugh, puh-leez.

8) Charlie not wanting to know what's going on with Bella is Meyer's easy way out. It was like she didn't know how to get Charlie involved that won't derail her story, because, really - you, as a dad, would want to know what was going on with your daughter. I just don't buy that he'd look the other way. I would buy him making Bella tell him then leaving it be. Meyer needed Bella to be as pure and not disobeying the law as possible.

9) Saccharin-sweet ending. Bella gets everything she wants: Edward and Jacob. A beautiful daughter. A relationship with her father. An automatic affinity to be vegetarian. A shield. The ability to keep her thoughts private.

Comments, Clarifications & a Review of Breaking Dawn (the First Half)

So first off I'd like to give props where props were due. It was Lina, of course, who first told me about Twilight. She said it was such an easy read. I remember thinking ...Vampires? I'm not really into scary stuff. What she should asked me right then was, "well, you're not into scary stuff, but are you into hot sexy guys?" The answer would be: Yes.

So, Lina, since you sold me on this, I will also take your advice and Netflix True Blood as soon as it is out on DVD.

Comments & clarifications from my last two reviews:
1) New Jacob - Okay, I know I dissed Taylor as Jacob and even thought that for me, comparing Edward to Jacob was like comparing Lost's Sawyer to Michael. No contest, right? Yes, I was harsh. But now that I'm almost done with the series, I did have a change of heart and now, I do love Jacob as well. I think I love him the same was as Bella does, like a little brother. And because of this, I don't really know if I'm in the "change Jacob" bandwagon. Michael Copon apparently is vying for this job and his blatant self promotion - and porn-like half naked poses - makes me dislike him even more. I now realize I like my Jacob the way he should be; a never aging 16 year old.

2) I whole-heartedly agree with Gel's take on Kristen Stewart's Bella. Bella is supposed to be down-to-earth and funny, and not a frowning totokamus (sorry for the Balki reference. I couldn't find a better word). I hated the perma-frown. Smile, girl. Show us why you're the luckiest girl on the planet! Here's hoping Kristen loosens up in New Moon and just...lets...go.

3) Edward/Robert's performance - Okay, I did get a lot of flack for being too harsh, and wanted to clarify that although I did have my issues...I loved loved loved Robert's Edward. He's the reason to watch Twilight. He makes vampires sexy and a much better actor especially next to Kristen.

On to Breaking Dawn...Spoilers Abound

Book 1: Bella
This book focused on Bella & Edward's wedding and their subsequent honeymoon. It's really just a set-up but I loved it anyway. Instead of the usual running away from the vampires, we get a peek a what it would be like for a human to be with a vampire. The wedding that Bella didn't want but ended up liking....to the "first time"...

It was a "fade to black" moment. I forgot I wasn't reading Mills & Boon (hey, not that I ever read those...), but yeah, of course we don't get a play by play - but if actually worked out because through Bella's eyes, you only feel the glorious portions and not the physical pain that having sex with the undead can cause to your bones...Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.

I loved the small amount of time where they were just in love - but I knew from the first paragraph, that she was going to be pregnant. [Because in the Young-Adult book world, sex = pregnancy. The reality is that you are really only fertile one week at best in a month, but I digress...] I loved the small moments, the little smiles, when they enjoyed each other as they are.

Edward's reaction was almost unforgivable...I know he knew that the spawn would hurt Bella, but as I woman, there is that maternal instinct to love your baby no matter what and hope your partner is there with you no matter what....

I loved it. Just that part alone was better for me than New Moon & Eclipse combined.

Book 2: Jacob
It look a while to adjust that I was reading Jacob's narration instead of Bella's. I would be reading and then I'd stop. Wait. What? Oh...Jacob thought that. But I got the hang of it and, it was great. I was never a big fan of Jacob, but this actually turned things around for me. Because you can see from his point of view, you can feel the hurt of loving someone who doesn't love you back...not that way (and that's really the worst!), the jealousy and anger toward your enemy but your ally also in most ways.

This book picks up where Bella left of. We find Jacob as he finds out that Bella is back. He is apprehensive - how would he feel seeing her as a vampire, or dead? How would he kill the Cullens? And Meyer did a great job at creating his emotion, his pace, as different from Bella's. I felt for him...and that's when I realized how integral he was not just to Bella's life, but to the story as a whole. This was no ordinary love triangle. At this point, Jacob was more interesting than Edward.

Oh how love rules. When Sam, the Alpha male decides to kill Bella's unborn child, I thought: Jacob, hello, you're the Alpha. Be the alpha. He does and we get to see Jacob be there hero this time. A reluctant hero, but a hero still.

And Seth. Love that little kid. Gel emailed me this cute cute pic of a baby siberian husky and think of him as Seth. Out of all the supporting characters, he was one what was just easy to love. (Emmett too for some reason, I loved right away). Do I have to talk about Leah? After all, Meyer took a lot of time discussing her love triangle with Sam and Emily, a woman Sam "imprinted" on ... Anyone? Nah.

But the end of this book got me. Jacob, thinking he got 3 more days with Bella before she gives birth and dies, suddenly panics when the baby wanted to come out now. All of a sudden, he did not have a few days, he did not have a few hours. This was it. This is when she dies, or worse, becomes one of them. It was overwhelming, it was fast, and he gave his blessing to Edward, to save Bella by letting her become a vampire. The anger as he walked away, the hatred to the monster that ended the life of his love. He went to the baby - ready to kill her. Then he saw her.

That last page got me. The symbolism of the balloons being cut as his ties to all that he was - disconnected. Everything he knew and loved and was. None of that mattered because something else has holding him to where he stood. It was Renesmee.

Bravo, Stephanie. That alone made up for everything that I thought I hated about Jacob. Of course, I smack the side of my head, he imprint's on Bella's spawn. This was the finale that made sense. With everything that I hated about the imprinting bullshit, this made sense. This saves the baby from the wolves, and it makes for an interesting story.

Book 3, I'm guessing will be all about Renesmee. Bring it on!!

Review of Eclipse

So, I'm done with this book and here's my review:

The probably best part about this book (and all others) is that you can't put it down. As much as a lot of the little things irritated me, I couldn't stop. I love me some Edward, and here... I'm beginning to re-like Jacob as well.

Then it gets confusing since although I love the series, a lot of little things bug me that I even wonder why I like it, why I keep reading, why I hunted down a copy of Breaking Dawn on the first day of the year instead of just relaxing. (It was not in the two (2!!!) Targets I went to and eventually bought it at a Barnes & Noble at suggested retail $25!). Today, I called and found a Target that carried it, drove down to Richmond, bought it for $17, then trudged back to Barnes to return the expensive one.

Bugging Item #1: Edward is a Prude!
Even as I read Twilight, (see review below) it was obvious to me that Edward was written as Meyer's perfect man. To me, yes, there's a lot of stuff I loved about the pureness of Edward's love, but come on! Bella's throwing herself at you, give in a little!!! Every time he stops a kiss or a move, I just want to slap him already.

Bugging Item #2: Bella is a whiner!
Wah! I love Jacob, but i'm not in love with him coz I love Edward! Wah, I can't believe Edward is making me stay away from Jacob because he is a warewolf! Wah, I'll get myself into trouble nevertheless! Wah, Jacob is in love with me! Wahhh!!!! Girlfriend, get a grip. Bella is the kind of person who invites drama. Because really, in the real world, if you know the person you don't love is madly in love with you and yet you go out of your way to give him hope (but say you don't give him hope) is cruel. Then, when Edward does not show jealousy, she can't believe it. *sigh* Also, she claims to love her parents to the point of dying for them but yet she want to end her life now so that Edward won't out-young her when she does become a vampire. I know she gives some reasons - but they're not good enough reasons for me.

Bugging Item #3: Classic Novel "Theme"
In New Moon, it was so obvious that they were going to tie in the Romeo & Juliet to the plot of the story. The moment they mention Wuthering Heights, I roll my eyes (to no one in particular, maybe to my dog, but he didn't get it) coz I know that at the end, they're going to tie it into the story. Predictable!!! Come on, should I expect to see Catcher in the Rye to be mentioned in Breaking Dawn?

Bugging Item #4: The I'm-Sorry Phenomenon
It seems to be everywhere in this book! Jacob time and time again does / says something to hurt Bella then calls a day later to apologize and says how much he really is in love with her. Bella does the same for Edward, she'll blatantly goes to La Push even though she knows that there are vampires looking for her and then apologize for it later. Edward apologizes for all the vampires that are now running after them. Bella apologizes to Jacob for all the bad things that were happening. Bella apologizes to Edward (and vice versa) for loving him too much. For a 600 page book, it was too much.

Bugging Item #5: No Character Development
A) I wish Bella was more developed and had more than these two sides: 1) I love Edward 2) I love Jacob. Why can't she be a character who was in love with a vampire but still aspire to be a doctor? Or hell, get accepted to Harvard? Won't it be a more compelling story if she has to find the right balance between loving a monster and still wanting a life / kids? Won't it be interesting to read about (let's say in book 6) for a 30 year old Bella remains to have a relationship with someone who wasn't aging? How about kids? The fact that she's just willing to die right now really bugs me - and her logic...There's none.

B) I wish Edward was more than just a handsome vampire that won't put out. I wish he had other things to say than "I love you Bella" and other things to do than protect her. We get it, he loves her - after that 2,879th time, it get's a little boring. The best part about the book for me was his interaction with Jacob but yet again, nothing seems to faze him. I love Edward and did not want him to be one-dimensional.

C) I wish Jacob didn't make a turn for the whiny wolf that he's become. He's a bit better now and I agree that objectively, he would be the better choice for Bella, but he was just annoying at times there. Again, other than his "coming out" that he loved Bella, there was really nothing else going for him.

But, it was an enjoyable read, and I did love the scene at the tent. Here's hoping Breaking Dawn would be the best book of the series!

Twilight Merch

Happy New Year Everyone!

This is my second Twilight post. I must be obsessed. Anyway, so I find out that Gel got a "Team Jacob" shirt for Christmas from Jax and it was really cool. It said: Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? And Team Jacob in the back....so I was a little bit jealous so I searched high and low for a good Team Edward (well of course!) shirt for me. In my search, I found some funny ones...some jabs on Team Jacob. My favorites were:

I went to Forks and all I got was this lousy imprint (shown above)

Yes Jacob, your being half naked does bother me.

Bella: Luckier than you since 1989

Jacob Black, I want to La Push you over the Cliff!

Review of Twilight

I'm late to the party, but here nonetheless. Here is my review of Twilight - the book and the movie. As a mother of two (and one at 6 months!) there's really no time for me to go to the movies, but I'm thankful my hubby let me sneak out of the house for a couple of hours to see this movie.

I'll start with the book. Mind you, I'm only halfway through Eclipse, so please don't tell me what happens. I'm trying to take my time since I devoured the first two books in a week (For a mom of toddlers - that's pretty fast).

[spoilers abound!]

The book is a page turner, that's one thing for sure. It does not drag at all. Okay, I'm loving this. I admit it. I was not into Anne Rice's stuff but I did read (and loved) Christopher Pike's The Last Vampire (I know. No one knows who he is. But I loved every single one of his book when I was a teenager. *sigh* that was ages ago). So the idea of a vampire falling in love with a human is very interesting and Meyers delivers with lots of swoon-worthy moments. There's romance, there's action, there's myth. It's all good. By the end of the baseball scene, when we find out James is out to hunt Bella, I couldn't put it down and was up till 2 am trying to finish the whole thing.

Bella - is a good heroine. I love the fact that she's clumsy, and not breathtakingly beautiful. In the book, Meyer's does a good job of taking you though her thoughts and how she gradually falls in love with Edwards. It was only in New Moon when she begins to grate with her constant talk of wanting to be a vampire.

Edward - I feel like he's written to be the guy a woman will fall in love with. I mean, he's old school. He loves Bella that he'll do anything to protect her. I am kinda in love with him because I picture the hot Rob Pattinson, but to be honest, Edward can be too much. There's a lot (and I mean a lot) of parts where he's confessing his love for Bella and how he aches for her, and longs for her, and particularly the part where he describes his reaction to her when she first meets him...It was a little too much. Men we know don't do that. You'll be lucky if you get an unprompted "I Love You". Bitter much? Hah, maybe.

No matter how you spin it though, kissing someone cold and hard is not hot. It is not sexy. I try to forget Meyer's description so much when she says things like "...and leaned on his cold marble body.." Ew. They do not work at all!! In my head, Edward still feels a little human. Now, on the other hand, a giant hairy warewolf...so not sexy either!! I know there are a lot of Jacob-Bella fans out there, and you know, I did like Jacob pre-wolf, but he was getting kinda arrogant there near the end that it was not pleasant.

The Movie

So I heard the movie sucks. I wanted to see it anyway since (as previously mentioned), I am kinda crushing on Robert Pattinson and was curious to see if he can do a better Edward than the one in my head.

The movie was okay. I only say this because I came it with a very very low expectation. But here are my following thoughts:

I hated the music. I'm sorry.

I thought Bella was a little maarte (over acting) at times there. Like she went to a "facial reaction" school or something. Edward also failed at being sexy. The moments I loved are when he was smiling / flirting with Bella. The was a scene where he was walking with Bella to school and he had sunglasses on. Hot! But as mentioned above, the declaration of love feels a little too much, and in the movie, it felt rushed. Like, hey, we just met and not you're in love with me?! It was unsettling.

Special effects I give a D-. Edward jumping though the trees somehow is giggle-worth than it was swoon-worthy. I mean..I looked silly!!! He was dangling on a branch! Silly! Another scene that was ruined by the effects: the kissing scene. It was a great scene! I actually was feeling the tension / urgency and passion than *wham* he slams on the wall and I stifle a giggle. Geez.

Among the others, Emmett seemed like good casting. I don't know how I feel about Esme. I see her and think of Grey's Anatomy. Jasper...looks weird. Not what I pictured. And Rosalie not as hot as described in the book.

The pacing / atmosphere seemed off. Not sure what could've been done to make it better. I am hoping the next director can somehow make it better with New Moon.

And one more hope for the next movie...less "vampire" looking please. I get that they're supposed to look vampire-y but it they looked like that they would've been outed on day 1! Less make up please!!!!

Okay, that's all. I've run out of things to say. Well, not really but I think I should stop nevertheless. The scene shown above was one of my favorites. I love the cute - less complicated - scenes.

Take Me or Leave Me!

I squealed in delight when I saw this and would have loved to have seen this live! My love for Neil Patrick Harris and my love for RENT combined, and no, this is not Neil doing Mark, this is Neil doing Joanne!! I know it was done ages ago, but hey, I recently found this on YouTube so it's new to ME! "So be kind, this boy satisfies...." Satisfies indeed.

My Vera Bradley Dilemna

Vera Bradley! Ah, what can I say? I am hooked. I was just wandering around SF Center and happen to pass by the Vera Bradley store (which was right beside our BBW store) and wandered in. If not for the baby crying to be fed, I would probably still be in there. They have really cool stuff!

At first glance, they may look country-wallet-ish, but they have very nice patterns and very nice selection of handbags! I decided i'm going to get myself some but have been in a confused state the whole day. Should I get their Baby Bag so I can get rid of the Kaiser diaper bag? Should I get it in the new cool pattern "Puccini" or get the ultra cool microfiber version? It's more expensive and harder to clean, but it's so elegant looking. Or, should I get their new Weekender bag. I've been eyeing a LeSportsac one since I couldn't really afford an Orla Kiely one (which is bee-yooouuu-ti-ful). Or should I get something for me - the "handbag" or the "bowler". Not onlu that, I'm debating between three different patterns! I would love a review if you happen to be a proud owner...

I bought their tech case which houses my Blackberry right now and love it. I also got a matching keychain to go with it!
This beautiful photo by the way if from Junglejim's photostream.

Stringer & Avon

I just finished watching the Season 3 finale of the Wire and I am amazed. This was a brilliant show and it kinda sucks that I'm a few years behind. Now, I read all the accolades and I agree - this may have been the best show on TV. It's a shame it never got an Emmy nod. All the actors were amazing, the writing was impeccable, the direction was flawless.

This scene is the best I've seen. It's between Stringer Bell & Avon Barksdale, their last scene together, where you (the viewer) know that they've just betrayed each other. The scene, it haunts you, it shows you the complexity of their characters and how they're on opposite ends, but they're still brothers. Since I was not spoiled, I didn't really know they were going to kill String...but in this scene, I was already having a really bad feeling. God, if you're not watching the Wire, please go and Netflix it.

To String & Avon, you may have been the bad boys, but I loved you.

Paletas Throwdown!

I've only recently started watching the Food Network. Being on Maternity during the summer, there's really not much else to watch. It was Gel & Ron who got me into watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay. I like Bobby - and I like this show not because of the actual throwdown component, but because they feature lot of local talent and local yummy foods.

My favorite episode by far is the Paletas challenge. I've eaten ice pops before, sure, but after seeing Irma & Norma's wide variety of paletas - I was instantly craving them - as in, I'd like to fly down to Nashville to taste their creations!

I've been thinking about it and thinking about it. Of course there's no way I'd fly down to Nashville...What else is there to do there?? If I have a job that would take me all around the country, Throwdown would be a must - just to keep tabs on where you should go for everything. So, anyway, I thought - there must be good paletas here in the Bay Area! But I've searched and searched and found really none. If you know of a good one, please do let me know.


But, I'm still craving it. So, luck was on my side when this morning, on our stock-up trip to Costco, I see a max pack of Paletas! I grabbed it. It was good! I'm sure not the best - but enough to satisfy my cravings. I've eaten 3 today. Great. Just when I'm supposed to be trying to get in shape to return to work, I'm looking for ice cream instead. Oh well!