29 February 2012

Movie Review


Summary: Los Angeles detective Jake Gittes is hired by a woman claiming to be a Mrs. Mulwray to spy on her husband. Shortly after Gittes is hired, the real Mrs. Mulwray appears in his office threatening to sue if he doesn't drop the case immediately. Gittes pursues the case anyway, slowly uncovering a vast conspiracy centering on water management, state and municipal corruption, land use and real estate, and involving at least one murder. 

Tonight I watched Chinatown, starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. This movie was full of twist and turns. You would get to a point where you thought you know what was going on, and then another detail would be added to the story. Then it had a surprising ending. All in all, this movie was very good!

UPDATE: Clean Sweep Assessment = 78 of 100

So it's been a few months since I first complete this quiz. It's time to see how I've progressed. When I first did this in December of 2010, I scored a 58. Now it's 78!!

So what's your score??

It's easier to use the website. http://www.betterme.org/cleansweep.html It calculates the score for you. But, I've decided to write it all out.

The Clean Sweep Program is a checklist of 100 items which, when completed, give one complete personal freedom. These 100 items are grouped in 4 areas of life with 25 in each group: Physical Environment, Well-being, Money and Relationships. These 4 areas are the cornerstone for a strong and healthy life and the program helps a person to clean up, restore and polish virtually every aspect of his/her life. The program takes between 6 - 24 months to complete.

Objective The participant's goal is to get a score of 100 out of 100. The objective of the program is for the participant to get complete about 100 possible incompletions in their life. Incompletions are those physical, emotional or mental items, which are in some way not resolved in the current moment. Incompletions of any kind drain energy. That is, they require energy to live with, given it takes work to keep us whole when there is something in the space. To have full integrity (like a complete circle) is normal; the program gives one a way to get there in a natural way.

Promise

The Clean Sweep Program promises three things will happen as you increase your scores:
You will have more energy and vitality. There is nothing like a clean space, full communication and self-responsibility to give one more energy.

You will increase your scores just by being in the program. Once you go over the list of the 100 items, you'll find yourself handling some of these without even trying. Others take more work, but you will complete your way toward the score of 100.

You will gain perspective on who you are, where you are and where you are going. When incompletions are handled, one can see what is and has been around them, including one's self. You will see situations as they really are, you'll discern what is going on with you and around you and you'll react less and choose more in your daily life. This higher perspective is essential in the process of designing one's life and it starts with the Clean Sweep Program.

Instructions

There are 4 steps to completing the Clean Sweep™ Program.

Answer each question. If true, check the box. Be rigorous; be a hard grader. If the statement is sometimes or usually true please DO NOT check the box until the statement is virtually always true for you. (No "credit" until it is really true!) If the statement does not apply to you, check the box. If the statement will never be true for you, check the box. (You get "credit" for it because it does not apply or will never happen.) And, you may change any statement to fit your situation better.

The number of True boxes for each of the 4 sections will be totaled automatically for you as you complete each of the 4 sections. Write down these totals on a separate sheet of paper and then add them up. You know where your baseline or starting point lies.

Keep playing until all boxes are filled in. You can do it! This process may take 30 or 360 days, but you can achieve a Clean Sweep! Use your coach or a friend to assist you. And check back once a year for maintenance.

Physical Environment
YES My personal files, papers, and receipts are neatly filed away.
YES My car is in excellent condition. (Doesn't need mechanical work, repairs, cleaning or replacing)
YES My home is clean and tidy. (Vacuumed, wardrobes and drawers organized, desks and tables clear, furniture in good repair; windows clean).
YES My appliances, machinery and equipment work well. (Fridge, toaster, lawn mower, water heater, hi-fi etc.).
YES My clothes are all ironed, clean and make me look good. (No creases, piles of washing, torn, out-of-date or ill-fitting clothes).
YES My plants and animals are healthy. (Fed, watered, getting light and love).
YES My bed/bedroom lets me have the best sleep possible. (Firm bed, light, air).
YES I live in a house/flat that I love.
YES I surround myself with beautiful things.
YES I live in the geographical location of my choice.
YES There is ample and healthy lighting around me.
YES I consistently have adequate time, space and freedom in my life.
YES Nothing in my environment harms me.
NO I am not tolerating anything about my home or work environment.
NO My work environment is productive and inspiring. (Synergistic, ample tools and resources; no undue pressure).
YES My computer works very well and fully supports my efforts.
NO My hair is the way I want it.
NO I back up my hard drive at least monthly.
YES I surround myself with music which makes my life more enjoyable.
YES My bed is made daily.
YES I don't injure myself, fall or bump into things.
YES People feel comfortable in my home.
YES I drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
NO I have nothing around the house or in storage that I do not need.
YES I am consistently early or easily on time.

Your Physical Environment TOTAL is : 20

Well-Being
NO I rarely use caffeine. (Chocolate, coffee, colas, tea) less than 3 times per week, total.
NO I rarely eat sugar. (Less than 3 times per week).
NO I rarely watch television. (Less than 5 hours per week).
NO I rarely drink alcohol. (Less than 2 drinks per week)
NO My teeth and gums are healthy. (Have seen dentist in last 6 months).
YES My cholesterol is at a healthy level.
YES My blood pressure is at a healthy level.
YES I have had a complete physical examination within the past 3 years.
YES I do not smoke tobacco or other substances.
YES I do not use illegal drugs or misuse prescribed medications.
YES I have had a complete eye examination within the past two years.(Glaucoma check, vision test).
YES My weight is within my ideal range.
YES My nails are healthy and look good.
NO I don't rush or use adrenaline to get the job done.
YES I have a rewarding life beyond my work or profession.
YES I have something to look forward to virtually every day.
YES I have no habits which are unacceptable to me.
YES I am aware of the physical or emotional problems or conditions I have, and I am now fully taking care of all of them.
NO I consistently have evenings, weekends and holidays off and take at least four weeks of holiday each year.
YES I have just the right amount of sleep.
YES I use well-made sunglasses.
YES I do not suffer.
YES I laugh out loud every day.
YES I walk or exercise at least three times per week.
YES I hear well and protect myself from loud noises / concerts / music.

Your Well-being TOTAL is : 18

Money
YES I currently save at least 10% of my income.
YES I pay my bills on time.
YES My income source/revenue base is stable and predictable.
YES I know how much I must have to be minimally financially independent and I have a plan to get there.
YES I have returned or made-good-on any money I borrowed.
YES I have written agreements and am current with payments to individuals or companies to whom I owe money.
YES I have 6 months' living expenses in an easily accessible account.
YES I live on a weekly budget which allows me to save and not suffer.
YES All my tax returns have been filed and all my taxes have been paid.
YES I currently live well, within my means.
YES I have excellent personal insurance. (Life, accident, disability, medical etc.).
NO My assets (car, home, possessions, treasures) are well-insured.
NO I have a financial plan for the next year.
YES I have no legal clouds hanging over me.
YES My will is up-to-date and accurate.
YES Any parking tickets, alimony or child support are paid and current.
YES My investments do not keep me awake at night.
NO I know how much I am worth.
YES I am on a career / professional / business track which is or will soon be financially and personally rewarding.
YES My earnings are commensurate with the effort I put into my job.
YES I have no "loose ends" at work.
YES I am in relationship with people who can assist in my career/professional development.
YES I rarely miss work due to illness.
YES I am putting aside enough money each month to reach financial independence.
NO My earnings outpace inflation, consistently.

Your Money Total is : 21

Relationships
YES I have told my parents, in the last 3 months, that I love them.
YES I get along well with my sibling(s).
YES I get along well with my coworkers/ clients.
YES I get along well with my manager/staff.
YES There is no one whom I would dread or feel uncomfortable "bumping into". (In the street, at an airport or party).
YES I put people first and results second.
YES I have let go of the relationships which drag me down or damage me. ("Let go" means to end, walk away from, declare complete, no longer be attached to).
YES I have communicated or attempted to communicate with everyone whom I have hurt, injured or seriously upset, even if it wasn't fully my fault.
NO I do not gossip or talk about others.
YES I have a circle of friends/family who love and appreciate me for who I am, more than just what I do for them.
YES I tell people how they can satisfy me.
YES I am fully caught up with letters and calls.
NO I always tell the truth, no matter what.
YES I receive enough love from people around me to feel good.
YES I have fully forgiven those people who have hurt/damaged me, intentional or not.
YES I am a person of his/her word; people can count on me.
YES I quickly correct miscommunications and misunderstandings when they do occur.
NO I live life on my terms, not by the rules or preferences of others.
YES I am complete with past loves or spouses.
YES I am aware of my wants and needs and get them taken care of.
NO I do not judge or criticize others.
NO I do not "take personally" the things that people say to me.
YES I have a best friend or soul-mate.
NO I make requests rather than complain.
YES I spend time with people who don't try to change me.

Your Relationships TOTAL is : 19


Scoring:
Add your totals from the four sections. Initial scores for the first-time participant range, on average, between 30 - 70 points out of the 100 points possible. Most people who are "using" the program increase their scores between 2 and 6 points per month. Points are added more quickly at first, slowing down significantly after one has added 20 or so points. Major plateau areas are at 70-75, 85-90 and 95-100. Those last 5 or 10 are the ones which are most worth taking care of, given our egos are well entrenched among these incompletions. You want to take this program on with the intention of getting a 100.

IMPORTANT POINTS: 78

This program is part of establishing a Strong Personal Foundation. With this strong base, one can build a vibrant and attractive future. But it requires an investment.

This program is a backdoor approach to personal growth, business success and happiness. Rather than chase goals or try to figure out one's life purpose, better to get the stuff out of the way so you can get the perspective you need to make better decisions and attract what you really want.

One of the goals is to stop having problems, handle the incompletions you have currently and maintain a clean space, forever, so you can create as you were designed to. The Clean Sweep Program is the first step in that process.

28 February 2012

Movie Review!


Summary: The ambitious Eve Harrington gets close to the great and temperamental stage artist Margo Channing and her friends Karen Richards and her husband, the play-writer Lloyd Richards; her boyfriend and director Bill Simpson; and the producer Max Fabian. Everybody, except the cynical critic Addison DeWitt, believes that Eve is only a naive, humble and simple obsessed fan of Margo and they try to help her. However, Eve is indeed a cynical and manipulative snake that uses the lives of Margo and her friends to reach her objectives in the theater business.

Tonight I watched All About Eve, starring Betty Davis. This was my first Betty Davis movie to watch and  I thoroughly enjoyed it!! It kept you guessing until the very end how things were going to turn out. I had heard this famous line before, but didn't know what it was from until tonight! Here is the clip for your enjoyment.

Book Review


Summary: Matilda is a little girl who is far too good to be true. At age five-and-a-half she's knocking off double-digit multiplication problems and blitz-reading Dickens. Even more remarkably, her classmates love her even though she's a super-nerd and the teacher's pet. But everything is not perfect in Matilda's world. For starters she has two of the most idiotic, self-centered parents who ever lived. Then there's the large, busty nightmare of a school principal, Mrs. ("The") Trunchbull, a former hammer-throwing champion who flings children at will and is approximately as sympathetic as a bulldozer. Fortunately for Matilda, she has the inner resources to deal with such annoyances: astonishing intelligence, saintly patience, and an innate predilection for revenge.
She warms up with some practical jokes aimed at her hapless parents, but the true test comes when she rallies in defense of her teacher, the sweet Miss Honey, against the diabolical Trunchbull. There is never any doubt that Matilda will carry the day. Even so, this wonderful story is far from predictable--the big surprise comes when Matilda discovers a new, mysterious facet of her mental dexterity. Roald Dahl, while keeping the plot moving imaginatively, also has an unerring ear for emotional truth. The reader cares about Matilda because in addition to all her other gifts, she has real feelings.

Today I finished reading Matilda by Roald Dahl. I had read this book before, but gave it a quick re-read. I love this book, It is probably my favorite Dahl book. I highly recommend this book for any child's library.

27 February 2012

Movie Night!


Plot: A weary gunfighter attempts to settle down with a homestead family, but a smoldering settler/rancher conflict forces him to act.

I haven't seen many westerns but this was a great one. It had everything you could want, gun fights, bar flight, a little love story, and the bad guy getting what they deserve in the end. A great classic western!!

Nice story about lady in Mississippi

This was on The Nightly New with Brian Williams tonight. Remembering students’ birthdays, decades later


26 February 2012

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (2011)



Movie Review!


Summary: Protagonist Alex is an "ultraviolent" youth in futuristic Britain. As with all luck, his eventually runs out and he's arrested and convicted of murder and rape. While in prison, Alex learns of an experimental program in which convicts are programed to detest violence. If he goes through the program his sentence will be reduced and he will be back on the streets sooner than expected. But Alex's ordeals are far from over once he hits the mean streets of Britain that he had a hand in creating. 

Today Teresa and I watched A Clockwork Orange, starring Malcolm McDowell. This movie started out really weird, got interesting, then ended really weird. This movie contained mostly people being beaten and abused and lots of  Beethoven music. I don't think I would recommend this movie to anyone.

25 February 2012

Movie Night!


Summary: It's the hottest day of the year in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, and tensions are growing there, with the only local businesses being a Korean grocery and Sal's Pizzeria. Mookie, Sal's delivery boy, manages to always be at the center of the action.

This movie was okay. It has lots of bad language. I would say the f-word was used about every sentence in this movie. This whole movie centered around racism and how the heat can fuel tempers. I'm not sure who I would recommend this movie to.

24 February 2012

Movie Night!


Summary: The Waterfront Crime Commission is about to hold public hearings on union crime and underworld infiltration. As workers are turned against each other, Terry Malloy inadvertently participates in the murder of fellow longshoreman Joey Doyle. Union boss Johnny Friendly orchestrates the murder along with other illegal dockside activities, aided by Terry's brother Charley. Terry begins to feel pangs of conscience. When Joey's sister Edie sees more in Terry than he sees in himself and Father Barry urges him on, Terry reassesses his past and begins to regain responsibility for his actions.

Tonight I watched On The Waterfront starring Marlon Brando. This is one of the best Marlon Brando movies I've seen. The movie was a little slow, but still a really great movie. This movie was mostly a guy movie, with a little romance. The ending was the best, you wanted to cry and cheer all at the same time. A great movie!

Palm Reader


In a last-ditch effort to knock something else off my 30 before 30 list, a co-worker and I went to a palm reader in Pearl, MS. I'm not sure why I added this to my list, it was just something I wanted to say I had done. It's definitely something I don't believe in, much like reading your horoscope in the paper. And it was really a bit of a joke, she told me a long list of Fortune Cookie/horoscope sayings that could happen to anyone on any day. But now it's marked off my list!

23 February 2012

Countdown To Hunger Games

For all who have read The Hunger Games, I saw this on Pinterest and thought I would share!


Countdown To 'Hunger Games' With Our Calendar Of Must-Do Events

You guys. YOU GUYS. It's February 23, and you know what that means: We're officially at the one-month mark for counting down to "The Hunger Games" release. And with so little time left before the most anticipated movie of 2012 hits theaters, it's a fair bet that fans everywhere are going to either a) lose their last remaining shred of cool and spend the next 29 days in non-stop screeching hysterics, or b) suffer total fangirl overload, melt every last synapse in their brains, and spend the next 20 years in a persistent vegetative state.
And nobody wants THAT.

So instead of leaving you to your own devices, we've come up with a list of daily activities to help you prepare for the Most Important Cinematic Event of All Time—the better to keep your excitement at a reasonable level, and your internal wiring as un-melted as possible. So get ready, get set, and start counting down to March 23, beginning with...


Day 1: Cross off the first day in the final countdown to "The Hunger Games" release in a formal champagne ceremony. Cannon fire optional but recommended.

Day 2: If you haven't pre-ordered tickets, purchase them. If you have pre-ordered them, spend a minimum of three hours stroking them while muttering, "My preciousssssss".

Day 3: Tell your family that for the next month, you will only answer to "Katniss".

Day 4: Take up archery.

Day 5: Stage a mock-Arena in your backyard and populate it with dummy tributes. Murder them in a variety of creative ways. Make it realistic.

Day 6: Attempt to explain "Hunger Games" death tableau to skeptical members of your local law enforcement office. Be arrested for disturbing the peace. Spend the night in jail when you refer to an officer as "traitorous Capitol scum".

Day 7: Relax with a hot bowl of Greasy Sae's Mystery Stew.

Day 8: Craft your own Mockingjay pin out of paperclips and gum.

Day 9 - 11: Using this map, embark on a roadtrip to the nearest District.

Day 12: Record your own "Hunger Games" parody à la Lana del Rey’s "Hunger Games."

Day 13: Write at least 10 filthy limericks that begin with the phrase, "There once was a smug cow named Effie".

Day 14 - 15: Stay up for 36 hours in an internet commenting war over which actor would make a better Finnick Odair: Armie Hammer or Alex Pettyfer.

Day 16: You're more than halfway there! Celebrate with a "Hunger Games" theme party.

Day 17: Host your own version of Caesar Flickerman’s talk show in your living room. (Blue hair NOT optional).

Days 18 - 20: Re-read "The Hunger Games," highlighting the scenes you're most excited to see on the big screen.

Day 21: Buy a new copy of "The Hunger Games" as your original is now entirely covered in highlighter.

Day 22: Perfect your recipe for Peeta bread.

Day 23: Declare any friendships not based exclusively on your shared "Hunger Games" fandom on semi-permanent hiatus.

Day 24: Rename your dog "Haymitch".

Day 25: Plan your Reaping outfit.

Days 26 - 28: Become overwhelmed by excitement and sob uncontrollably in the fetal position for 48 hours.

Day 29: LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

22 February 2012

Book Review!


Summary: The Diary of a Nobody, an English comic novel written by George Grossmith and his brother Weedon Grossmith with illustrations by Weedon, first appeared in the magazine Punch in 1888 – 89, and was first printed in book form in 1892. It is considered a classic work of humour and has never been out of print. The diary is the fictitious record of fifteen months in the life of Mr. Charles Pooter, a middle aged city clerk of lower middle-class status but significant social aspirations, living in the fictional 'Brickfield Terrace' in Upper Holloway which was then a typical suburb of the impecuniously respectable kind. Other characters include his wife Carrie (Caroline), his son Lupin, his friends Mr Cummings and Mr Gowing, and Lupin's unsuitable fiancée, Daisy Mutlar.  The humour derives from Pooter's unconscious gaffes and self-importance, as well as the snubs he receives from those he considers socially inferior, such as tradesmen. In The Diary of a Nobody the Grossmiths create an accurate if amusing record of the manners, customs and experiences of Londoners of the late Victorian era.


I picked this book to read because it was on the BBC novels list and it was FREE on the Kindle. It was actually very humorous and fun read. It took a few minutes to get use to the English humor, but it picked up quickly. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for something light and funny!

Movie Night!


Summary: Baron Von Trapp, a widower, runs his home near Salzburg like the ship he once commanded. That changes when Maria arrives from the convent to be the new governess of his seven children. Their romps through the hills inspire all to sing and to find joy in the smallest things -- like raindrops on window panes. With a renewed zest for life, the baron hosts a party to introduce his new fiance. Maria knows then she does not want to be a nun. She marries the baron. The happy ever after part is threatened when Austria's new German rulers want the baron back in military service.

Tonight I watch The Sound of Music starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. I have seen this movie several times, but watched it again. Almost 50 years later, and it is still a classic musical with memorable music!

20 February 2012

Movie Night!



Summary: Chris Taylor is a young, naive American who gives up college and volunteers for combat in Vietnam. Upon arrival, he quickly discovers that his presence is quite nonessential, and is considered insignificant to the other soldiers, as he has not fought for as long as the rest of them and felt the effects of combat. Chris has two non-commissioned officers, the ill-tempered and indestructible Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes and the more pleasant and cooperative Sergeant Elias Grodin. A line is drawn between the two NCOs and a number of men in the platoon when an illegal killing occurs during a village raid. As the war continues, Chris himself draws towards psychological meltdown. And as he struggles for survival, he soon realizes he is fighting two battles, the conflict with the enemy and the conflict between the men within his platoon.

Tonight I watched Platoon. This movie had a large pool of actors, including Charlie Sheen, Forest Whitaker, Kevin Dillon, and Willem Dafoe, just to name a few.  This movie was okay. It was a little graphic for my taste. And was a little more detailed then I would have like to see about the goings-on during the Vietnam war. But if you like war movies, this is one to watch.

19 February 2012

Movie Review!


Summary: George and Martha are a middle aged married couple, whose charged relationship is defined by vitriolic verbal battles, which underlies what seems like an emotional dependence upon each other. This verbal abuse is fueled by an excessive consumption of alcohol. George being an associate History professor in a New Carthage university where Martha's father is the President adds an extra dimension to their relationship. Late one Saturday evening after a faculty mixer, Martha invites Nick and Honey, an ambitious young Biology professor new to the university and his mousy wife, over for a nightcap. As the evening progresses, Nick and Honey, plied with more alcohol, get caught up in George and Martha's games of needing to hurt each other and everyone around them. The ultimate abuse comes in the form of talk of George and Martha's unseen sixteen year old son, whose birthday is tomorrow.

Tonight I watched Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. This movie was much different then any Elizabeth Taylor movie I have ever seen, at times I almost didn't recognize her. Most of the movie showed just 4 actors in the house of George and Martha,  in the early hours of the morning. This movie was uncomfortable at times, but was a good movie.

17 February 2012

Book Review


Summary: Artemis Fowl is the first book in the series. Artemis Fowl, the main character and anti-hero, and his bodyguard, Butler, kidnap LEPrecon Captain Holly Short, a fairy elf, to ransom her to "the People," the various fairies who have moved their entire civilization underground to hide from humans, for one ton of twenty-four carat gold.

Lately I've been reading quite a bit of YA book series. There are 9 or so books in the Artemis Fowl series, so I decided to give the first book a try. I enjoy the beginning and the ending of this book, but the middle sort of dragged on. It was a little too sci-fi for me, so I probably won't read any more of this series, but this was still a fun book.

14 February 2012

Movie Night!


Summary: The film deals with the situation of British prisoners of war during World War II who are ordered to build a bridge to accommodate the Burma-Siam railway. Their instinct is to sabotage the bridge but, under the leadership of Colonel Nicholson, they are persuaded that the bridge should be constructed as a symbol of British morale, spirit and dignity in adverse circumstances. At first, the prisoners admire Nicholson when he bravely endures torture rather than compromise his principles for the benefit of the Japanese commandant Saito. He is an honorable but arrogant man, who is slowly revealed to be a deluded obsessive. He convinces himself that the bridge is a monument to British character, but actually is a monument to himself, and his insistence on its construction becomes a subtle form of collaboration with the enemy. Unknown to him, the Allies have sent a mission into the jungle, led by Warden and an American, Shears, to blow up the bridge.

Tonight I watched The Bridge on the River Kwai starring William Holden and Alec Guinness. This movie is based on a true story about POW's during WWII. This movie was a little long, over two hours. But it was a very good and interesting movie. I have never seen a POW movie quite like this. And the ending was fantastic. If you enjoy war movies, this is one to watch.  

12 February 2012

Cleaning Out My Closet


I saw this idea on Pinterest and decided to give it a try. Take all your clothes and reverse the hangers. Each time you wear something, hang it back in the normal way. In 6 months, any item that is still hanging backwards has not been worn. Either come up with a good reason to save it or donate it. Well see how it goes!

Movie Review



Summary: The story of Irish-Italian American, Henry Hill, and how he lives day-to-day life as a member of the Mafia. Based on a true story, the plot revolves around Henry and his two unstable friends Jimmy and Tommy 
as they gradually climb the ladder from petty crime to violent murders.

Goodfellas starring Robert DeNiro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, is probably one of the best gangster / Mafia movie I've seen. It was a bit violent at times, but that isn't surprising for a Scorsese movie. The movie is based on a true story. The ending kind of surprised me. But it was a really good movie. If you like gangster movies, this is one to watch!

07 February 2012

To Brighten My Day!

Today I got a great surprise. I got some beautiful flowers from John!! Here are a few picture...




06 February 2012

Movie Night!



Summary: Ellie Andrews has just tied the knot with society aviator King Westley when she is whisked away to her father's yacht and out of King's clutches. Ellie jumps ship and eventually winds up on a bus headed back to her husband. Reluctantly she must accept the help of out-of- work reporter Peter Warne. Actually, Warne doesn't give her any choice: either she sticks with him until he gets her back to her husband, or he'll blow the whistle on Ellie to her father. Either way, Peter gets what (he thinks!) he wants .... a really juicy newspaper story.

Tonight I watched It Happened One Night starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. This was the first movie to win all 5 of the big Academy Awards, Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay. This was such an extremely cute and very funny movie. Clark Gable was wonderful. If you like romantic comedies/old black and white movies, I would recommend this movie for you!

02 February 2012

Book Review


Summary: A family curse. A mysterious murder. A ghostly black dog whose footsteps appear at the scene of the crime. First published in serial form beginning in 1901, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of the greatest mysteries ever written. Only one man in all the world—Sherlock Holmes—can handle a case of this caliber. He is the only hope of the Baskerville family, who summon him to put together the pieces of a puzzle that threatens to destroy them. The situation is grim. Rumors of a curse on the Baskerville family put fear into the hearts of the remaining members. With few clues for Holmes to work with, the heir to the Baskerville fortune receives a disturbing letter from an unknown sender, warning him of future danger. A mysterious man in disguise follows the detective's every step. It appears that time is running out before the killer will strike again. Can the great detective's mind uncover the secret at the heart of the Baskerville murder? Or is he contending with a curse and a killer from beyond this world? A beloved and intricate tale, The Hound of the Baskervilles is filled with terrifying twists and turns, all of the most nail-biting elements of a timeless mystery that has stumped all but the inimitable Holmes for many generations.

A couple weekends ago Teresa, Mom, and I watched the first season of the BBC show Sherlock. It was so much fun to watch. With the popularity of movies out too, Teresa and I were wondering if the books are as good. So I decided to give one a try. I found The Hound of the Baskervilles on dailylit.com (where you get free book straight to you e-mail). This book was quite entertaining. An old fashion mystery that left you guessing until the end who the was committing the crime. I would defiantly recommend this book!

01 February 2012

Movie Review!



Summary: Johnnie loves his train ("The General") and Annabelle Lee. When the Civil War begins he is turned down for service because he's more valuable as an engineer. Annabelle thinks it's because he's a coward. Union spies capture The General with Annabelle on board. Johnny must rescue both his loves. 

The General is a silent movie that was made in 1926. It's amazing how far movies have come. The only silent movies I've seen are Charlie Chaplin movies, and this was the first one with a different actor. You kind of have to be in the mood for a silent movie, but this one was very good. A comedy and a love story. A perfect movie!