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!

Nathan's Birth Story

A week before father's day, my hubby asked if I wanted to go to San Jose for BBQ for Father's Day. I said I'd rather stay close to home since I'm so close to my due date and want to be close to the hospital "just in case". We decided to then have everyone come up to our place for the Father's Day BBQ. - but do it on a Saturday instead of Sunday My husband also said in passing, "Won't it be funny if you go into labor on Father's Day, just like you went into labor on Mother's Day the last time?" Who knew?

The BBQ went well. Everyone who say me said I was "ripe" but I shrugged them off since I barely had any contractions yet.

4:50 Sunday morning, my contractions started. It was about 10 minutes apart, but bearable. By 6:0 am, they were growing stronger, but still bearable. I even had breakfast and looked at stuff on Ebay. by 8:00, they were even stronger and I told my hubby that we may need to go to the hospital today. I called the Walnut Creek L&D (Labor & Delivery) and a snotty nurse told me to wait until my contractions are 5 minutes apart for a whole hour. That should've been my clue that this day would not go as planned. Every other time I called L&D, they were very helpful and not at all snotty!

So, I wait. My hubby went to prepare the hospital bag while my mom massaged my back in between contractions. Still it was tinkering between 5 to 8 minutes and I hesitate calling L&D for fear of snotty nurse.

Around 11:30, I realized were were going to an hour of 5 minute contractions. I take a shower and told my hubby to call L&D. After my shower I hop in bed, then realized my hubby was arguing with the person on the other line! Walnut Creek L&D tells us they are overbooked and cannot take us. WHAT!? I was devastated. We specifically picked WC because they have Certified Nurse Midwives instead of NPs and it was an ordeal just transferring care. The paperwork alone to transfer there took a few weeks. Then, we had to go to certain classes. We even did the hospital tour. We figured out where to park, what routes to take, where relatives are going to travel from...and now they're telling me that I have to deliver at a totally different location who does not even have our information??!

I was brimming with tears. No way! I already had a horrible experience the last time! Don't tell me after all of that, we are not getting admitted there?! Hubby looked at me and said, "Is Antioch okay?" I pouted, "No" Then, ridiculously, I said, "The contractions stopped anyway"

Upset, I went to nap it off. Josh needed a nap as well, so we were all in bed.

1:00 pm. A contraction so hard it literally rocked me awake. I gasped and told hubby, "We have to go. NOW! I don't care where" Then right there, my husband made the call and we were on our way.

In the car, we typed up the address but our nav is so old and the facility is so new that it did not register. Fuck it! We'll see the hospital signs! So off we went - with only a vague idea of where this hospital is.

I'm glad my mom was there to hold me while my contractions get harder and longer. I've never felt this much pain in my life. The whole morning I was able to just do breathing through contractions. This time, I was crying out in pain. Literally crying like a little girl. It's a good thing hubby kept calm.

Where the hell is this hospital? It seemed like we've been driving forever. "Are we close!?" I cry . "We're almost there" Hubby said calmly. In the meantime, my mom try massaging me from the seat behind.

We finally get to our exit. My contractions get harder. My cries louder. We follow the H (Hospital) signs. I try holding it in, but I feel like a baby is coming out of me any minute now. "Here it is!" hubby says. I looked and couldn't help but scream, "That's NOT Kaiser! That's a different hospital!!" Contraction again. My mind was struggling. Should we just go in and have our baby there even if that is not my insurance? "I don't think we're going to make it" "We're going to make it. Hold on" He turned to a Rite Aid to ask for directions. I cry. My mom calmly says, "We're going to make it, Nathan is just trying to position himself" This time my cries are so loud it's the kind of cry you do when someone is KILLING you. A hysterical type cry.

What seemed like an iternity, hubby comes back and says it's close. We eventually get to the Hospital. We drive to the ER and both hubby and mommy get me it. A guy tries and helps me to a wheelchair. He asks questions. Hubby answers them. Do you have your drivers liscence? Kaiser card? No. No. But it's a good thing I have my medical record number memorized.

I kept my eyes closed almost the entire time. At this point, almost everything is a blur. I remember them wheeling me to L&D. I remember them asking me all the stupid questions like "What happened with your last pregnancy? How come you ended up with a C-Section?" Also, they asked the crucial question: Do you want to try a VBAC or a C-SEction?" I scream, "I don't know!!! Will someone check me?" I was so frustrated because I felt like the baby is coming out and I'm not sure what stage I'm at! Then suddenly I hear someone say, "I see the baby's head!" then, "You're fully dilated and at 0 station. What do you want to do?" "What is safer?" I ask. "Both can have complications" They say non-commitally. Then a very intense contraction came. "C SECTION!" I yelled out. I just wanted the pain to go away. Ok. They call the emergency c-section crew. I hear paperwork being shuffled. You need to sign a consent form, someone says to me. Sign here. Where's the anesthesiologist? Someone cried. All the sound - was loud, but seemed muffled to me as a blur of activity happens around me. Then in my mind, I remembered my last c-section and panicked that it's going to take long.

Another contraction. I screamed in pain, "I'm pushing!!" It wasn't my choice. My body was doing it. Someone looked and said, "The baby is coming!! Are you ok to try this vaginally? This baby coming right now" I nodded. Then even more of a blur. I had my eyes closed the whole time - just concentrating on holding my husband for dear life. They told me not to scream, to concentrate all the power in the pushing. I don't even know how I was doing. I was just following what I heard. When the said push, I pushed. When they said stop. I stopped. I was sweating like crazy. I hear good cheers all around. You're doing it! Just a few more and he's going to be here! Ok, I hear one of the nurses say, here it is, the ring of fire. Push! ARGH!! It was just as she described it. I felt my vagina was on fire.

Then I heard the doctor say, "You have to open your eyes. You have to see your baby being born." I open my eyes and in the last push, Plop! There it was! My baby. The plopped him right on my stomach and the relief and the pain all went away. I could not believe my eyes. Nathan was here! I barely remembered the placenta coming out, but I did glance at it. The doctor stitched me up and even though that hurt a little, I felt so high, so relieved. Thank God!

The best thing about this experience (ok, not the best, but a perk!) was that after everything was done, I asked the nurse if I can eat. She said, "Of course! You can eat anything." Gleefully, I asked for a cheeseburger. I devoured that thing and I don't think I stopped eating for 2 days straight!

So there. That's Nathan's birth story. Much different from Joshua's but the end is the same. The moment you hold the baby in your arms - everything. All the pain goes away, and it didn't matter if I delivered in a different hospital or that there was much drama, all that mattered is the little bundle of joy in your arms.

I'm Attracted to That Guy

It dawned on me today that I'm attracted to the same type of guy. that guy. By that guy, I mean the mold of Heath Ledger.

Everyone who knows me knows that I've had a crush on him for the longest time. My heart was crushed at his passing. I've always said my attraction was because of his sexy voice, his shyness and utter un-comfortability at fame, and his acting skills. But I realized that I just think his whole look is hot. And as I think about other celebrity crushes I have...they're all very similarly looking. For example:

Damien Rice. Yes, I was drawn by his songs, his album "9" is all kinds of good! but I also think he's kind of hot! I've done my "phase" of watching his performances. I even felt really bad when he broke of with partner Lisa Hannigan (whose beautiful voice accompanies him on most of his songs in the album "9").
Then there's TK of the Amazing Race. Yes, he looked like a hippie, but I was attracted to him the whole season and was glad that he won. Of course, there's also the fact that he was a good boyfriend to Rachel and did not bicker with her throughout the race.

And finally, Jeremy Davies. He plays Lost's Daniel Faraday, and from the moment he appeared, I was immediately attracted. We don't really know if Daniel is a good guy or a bad buy, but he does have a good heart - and he plays this very well.

So what is the common denominator? Is it the beard? God knows I'm not into beards - but somehow, these men carry them well. I also think gruffness is part of it. I've never been into the clean cut handsome kind...but hmm...I wonder who will be next. I still need to fill the voids on my "list".

Sex and The City Movie Review

Since I am not working for now, I have today off. I have debated yesterday between seeing this movie alone (since it's a Friday morning! Who is free!?) or eating a India Palace - which I am craving for but is all the way down in Alameda.

Listening to the radio this morning convinced me to go to watch this movie. It was getting good reviews - and there were rumors that it's going to be #1 in the box office this weekend, and there are a lot of places selling tickets out! I even debated, should I Fandago this thing to make sure I have a ticket? Then I chuckled, hell no. It's 11:00 am on a Friday morning! Everyone's at work. There's no way it'll sell out. The last time I watched a movie this early (yesterday, watching Made of Honor) there were literally 3 of us in the theater.

So, I drive. My mouth dropped open as I turn in the parking lot. It was full! And there was a line to get tickets! No fucking way!! I panicked a little. It was the weirdest thing. I was able to get tickets, but man, when I entered the theater, it looked like it was a 9 pm showing with the crown of people already seated! It's fucking 11 am!!! Then, I looked closer and realized why. 90% of the crowd were the senior folk! Ahhh, it all makes sense. Yes, they may be old, but they sure are getting it on! It was like a retirement home decided to go on a field trip and it was to the Hilltop Century 16. I found a seat in between two 80 year old gentlemen (obviously with their dates). It was fine, I thought, if I bawled, then would they even really notice?

And bawl I did. I love this movie. I haven't cried this much in a movie theater since Stepmom, and that was just tears. There were moments when my whole body cried, you know, the very unattractive cry where your face turns weird because of the emotion?

SPOILER ALERT!!!

The first real cry came when Carries finds out Big wasn't coming and said she needed to get out of there. At the same time, Big realizes that was a mistake and turns back. They meet in the street and the reaction from Carrie, and even Charlotte as they attack Big - I cried like I was the one in that situation - the frustration, the emotion, it was all so real.

There were lots of cries in the movie, but as always, the story that gets to me is Steve & Miranda. I can't help it, I love them together, and their story...sigh. I think Gel's review was spot on, they didn't make Steve out to be a "bad guy". Yes, we know it's wrong, but at the same time, life isn't like a fairy tale and people do make mistakes, and in the real life - you either move forward or go your own separate ways. I like the fact that they didn't take the "you go girl" road on here. It was heartbreaking. I cried at Steve's remose, I bawled when they met again at the Brooklyn bridge.

Charlotte, always the optimist, but always in the shadows, I think took a more backseat role in this movie, nevertheless, I give props to Kristin Davis since there's two Charlotte scenes that made me bawl. One, as previously mentioned, when they confronted Big in the street, and second in the scene outside the restaurant where she finally told Big off. I really felt what she meant - in that out of everyone, she rooted for him, defended him...

Samantha, i thought, also took a backseat role in this movie, and aside from the comic / sex relief, I didn't really care much that she wasn't in love with Smith anymore. And you know, I liked them as a couple during the series.

I also thought that the JHud side story was -hmm- filler-ish. Like, yeah, they just needed another person to show Carrie what Love is. I didn't feel much connection with her and Carrie, but oh well. Oh and yeah, like Gel says, "renting" a purse, it not cheap and in the end - you don't have anything to show for it!! I don't believe Carrie would not have known that there is such a thing. Come on, she lives fashion! And if you are unemployed, I'm sorry, you don't have the mony to rent a purse. Hello, you buy a non-label one at a Target and call it a day.

But aside from all of that, I loved the movie. I loved that Carrie took a portion of the responsibility for the wedding that wasn't and showed a side of her that's...normal. Wearing a no-label wedding suit to City Hall, and showing that she actually really loved Big and not jut for the money.

It was good. It was very very good.

Breaksk8 can Dance!

Violet loves these dancing shows and last time I was at their place, we were watching America's Best Dance Crew, and despite my usual apathy to dance - I was really impressed! Impressed to the point that I kinda wished I was a good dancer! Ha! No really...is it too late for me?

Anyway, from the episode I watched, I was most impressed with this: Breaksk8 with Beat It

Josiah Leming sings Grace Kelly

This was my favorite of the American Idol auditions. To clarify, my favorite audition. I'm not that upset Josiah didn't make it through to Hollywood - poor kid, but I was blown away by this performance.