Damon Strikes Oil

Check out this interesting interview with Matt Damon about the movie Syriana. I'm really looking forward to seeing it soon. I will post a review once I do. I have always thought Matt was really talented and I love that he has stayed relatively down to earth. This recent quote from him proves his sense of humor is still intact.

Gee Your Pencil Smells Terrific

I hate to make fun of these scented pencils because they are made from recycled newspapers (and I'm all for the environment), but I will. If you or someone you know has been wanting a pencil that smells like cookie dough or chocolate milk be sure to order some before the stampede comes and they disappear.

Literary Gods & Homer (But Not The Homer You Think)

I haven't watched the Simpsons in a long time, but I know there are a ton of really rabid fans of the show. I didn't realize how many literary geniuses were into the show and wanted to be on it until I read this article.

And My Parents Thought My Bat Mitzvah Was Expensive

My parents thought my Bat Mitzvah was pricey, but this recent one was out of control. This site has pictures from the party, so that you can see some of famous performers who were there. This party makes the $250,000 gift for kids that I mentioned earlier this week look cheap.

Could This Be Any Cuter

How cute is this? Even if you don't like kittens, if you don't think this is adorable, you must be related to the Tin Man and need to work on finding a heart.

If You Thought I Was A Nerd Before

I already knew I was a bit dorky, but I took my geekdom to a new level today when I checked to see if the new release of the Firefox Browser was available yet and upon discovering that it was, I almost jumped for joy. That's pretty embarrassing to admit, but lately I am trying to embrace who I am, so I figured I'd admit the truth and allow you to have the opportunity to mock me. Meanwhile in Geekville, I continue to job search with no luck (at least today), so I decided to make a list of the Top 5 Signs That You Might Be A Dork:

1) You have set up a wireless network and/or fixed a computer problem for yourself or others.

2) You actually know what the Firefox Browser is and you are excited that a new version has just been released (see above).

3) You prefer guys or girls with wire rimmed glasses.

4) You have ever had even the most minor of crushes on George Lucas.

5) You read any of the following blogs: Engadget , Gizmodo or Download Squad.

I just scored a 5 out of 5, so the verdict is in on my dork status. What about you?

Thumbs Up For Dates With Drew & Happy Endings

I ended up renting a couple of dvds over the Thanksgiving holiday. I watched Happy Endings first and I genuinely enjoyed it. The writer and director of the film (Don Roos) is really good at writing authentic dialogue and creating flawed characters who have multiple layers that get peeled away as the story progresses (also check out The Opposite of Sex for evidence of this), but he has a way of getting you to feel sympathy even for the people who seem to have no redeemable qualities. The next thing I watched was Brian Herzlinger's documentary called My Date With Drew, which is about his quest to get a date with Drew Barrymore. The documentary is uplifting and entertaining mostly because of Herzlinger's genuine charm and honesty about his life. He is handsome in a goofy way and loves to shine a light on the things he thinks are his flaws (his hairiness is focused on at length). The movie is about trying to get the date with Drew (I won't spoil it by saying if he does get it or not, just rent it and see), but also about how hard it can be to succeed in this business and how almost everyone wonders if they made the right choice in pursuing it. I can especially relate to this right now, so it was good timing for me to watch it, but now he is successful and still younger than me, so I'm a tiny bit bitter. Click here to read one of the many positive reviews it received.

Does The Bottle Come With A Comb?

I really thought I had done my last posting about celebrity branded alcohol until I saw this. He needs to just take over the world already and get it over with.

That's What Joey Lauren Adams Has Been Doing

The Sundance Film Festival lineup was recently announced. Check out some of the list here (the main Sundance site had a pdf file that you had to download, so I figured it was better to link to a site because it was less of a pain in the ass). It looks like Joey Lauren Adams (who I loved in Chasing Amy) has been busy writing and directing instead of acting, but it looks like it has paid off.

Smells Like Indie Spirit

I know that some people (my parents probably) won't get the title of this posting, but that's ok because sometimes I just like to entertain myself and the few people who get my obscure references (although this one isn't so obscure). Wow, I am really rambling today. Anyway, the Independent Spirit Awards were announced this morning. I like watching this show when it airs (usually on Bravo, I think) because it takes place near the beach, people are dressed more casually and the whole vibe is more mellow and doesn't feel like some giant overly commercial enterprise. The whole event is less fixated on superficial things like what dress you are wearing and what giant studio put out your movie and more focused on movies that have substance, but are still entertaining (no sequels or tentpole pics included). I have seen and enjoyed a bunch of the movies that got nominated: (Good Night and Good Luck, The Squid and The Whale, etc.), but I still need to see a few (Capote, Brokeback Mountain). A movie I have been reading about for many months, The Puffy Chair, written by brothers Mark and Jay Duplass got nominated, so maybe that attention will mean I will finally get to see it.

Ross As An Alcoholic

I kind of want to see Duane Hopwood when it is in a theater near me. The movie stars David Schwimmer and Janeane Garofalo. Roger Ebert really liked it and although he is not who I usually turn to for guidance about what to see, he seems so passionate about how good it is, that it makes me want to see it even more. In the film, David Schwimmer plays an alcoholic and that acting stretch alone makes me want to pay my ten dollars. Here is the trailer if you want to check it out.

Winnie Guest Stars On How I Met Your Mother

Did anyone notice that the girl Ted brought home last night on How I Met Your Mother was Danica McKellar, the girl who played Winnie on the Wonder Years? I wonder if Fred Savage will show up next week. Okay, got off track there for a sec. Danica is a bit of a math whiz in addition to being an actress. Here is a recent article about her. If you don't believe me about the math stuff go to her website and click the mathematics section. It's good to see that not every former child star crashes and burns.

What's Your Golden Rule?

This article from Business 2.0 should be required reading no matter what business you're in. CEO's from all kinds of companies talk about what key philosophy or rule has been central to their success. The responses are often more simple than you would expect and many are enlightening. My Golden Rule in life and in business has always been to be kind to others. I might not be as far along in my life as I would like by using that rule, but it speaks to who I am at the core and I wouldn't want to change that.

If You Have An Extra $250,000 In Your Pocket

Honestly, anyone who buys this gift for their kid this holiday season needs to have their head examined. Perhaps I am being judgmental, but it doesn't matter, since I don't have the $250,000 or a kid.

Who Knew The Guy Who Helped To Create Blogger Was So Cute

Until today I had no idea that the guy who helped to create Blogger was so cute. He is a definite me type. Click here to check him out and here to check out his new company.

Yet Another Book I Have to Buy

Seriously, once I get a new job, I'm going to end up spending at least a $1000 at the bookstore. Books are kind of my crack, have I mentioned that before? During fundraising drives and other events NPR sometimes talks about a getting a $1000 worth of books at Vromans bookstore as a prize and I always daydream about winning it. I keep seeing books that I really want to buy, but since I consider purchasing books a luxury right now, I save them to my shopping car on Amazon and wave goodbye to them until a later date. I just read this interview with Po Bronson, who is a writer I really like. He has this new book out about families and how they survive tough times, but he also wrote this book that is about finding your purpose in life, which is still one of my favorite reads of all time.

Stand By My Blog

Wil Wheaton, the actor best known for Stand By Me and playing Wesley Crusher on Star Trek The Next Generation (don't snicker, I did have to look that up), is getting to be better known these days for his writing. He wrote this book and this one, but his blog is what is talked about the most. I'm a bit of a Johnny come lately to his blog, as it has been all the rage for some time, but better late than never, right? He is currently having problems with parts of his old site, so he is hosting his blog here. This posting over the Thanksgiving holiday is laugh out loud funny. I think people respond to how open he is, his humor and his willingness to embrace his inner nerd. I know, he is boyish looking and seems like a me type, but he is married. Oh yeah, if you are wondering, Will's books are in my Amazon shopping cart as well.

Start Preparing Your Speech Now Joaquin

I saw Walk The Line this weekend. I found it to be an incredibly moving experience. Even though Johnny and June were famous, the movie is really about two things we can all relate to -- love and the fact that we are all flawed and often want to do better, but don't or can't until someone reaches out and helps us. After having seen it, I really can't imagine anyone playing Johnny but Joaquin Phoenix, not only because he was able to transform his looks and voice, but because he has a depth and a sadness that you can see in his eyes the same way that Johnny did. I think the fact that he also lost a brother at a young age enabled him to relate to the character and find the darkness and slightly tortured soul within Johnny and himself. Reese Witherspoon was also truly a marvel as June. She is Southern and a sassy, no-nonsense type like June and this brought real honestly to the performance. This movie really shows you how important the correct casting of a film can really be. James Mangold, the director, is very talented, the music is great and so is the writing, but this movie hinges on the correct casting to make it reach out and really suck you in. Reese is already a star, but I think this movie is going send Joaquin to the A List and might just win him a little statue. This interview with Joaquin is worth reading once it gets going and this review from Rolling Stone is spot on. Just as a side note, to all those of you who watch One Tree Hill, if you closely watch a few scenes that include a young Elvis, you might see a familiar face.

Happy Days Ahead

This interview from the LA Times about Henry Winkler is a really good read. He is genuinely one of the nicest people on this earth, and I would know because I worked for him and his wife a few years back. I love to see a career really endure and thrive, especially when the person is so talented and kind.

Won't Be Blogging Much The Rest Of This Week

I'm sad to say that there likely won't be much more blogging this week. My sister is here because of the holiday and I will be helping with Thanksgiving, so I just won't have much time. To keep yourself busy, check out this review of Syriana (which I am dying to see) or this tech gift guide from Wired magazine. By the way, if anyone saw Nip/Tuck last night, I just have to reiterate how much I love that show! The cake tasting scene with Sean and Christian was one of the best moments ever on the show. Happy Thanksgiving!

Interviews With Two Talented, Brainy Directors

There is no question that both Stephen Gaghan and Darren Aronofsky are interesting and talented filmmakers with something to say. Neither one of them has taken the make big Hollywood fluff route for the most part. They both have struggled (Gaghan with a drug addiction many years back and Aronofsky to get Pi made and put The Fountain back together after Brad Pitt dropped out), but seem stronger having been through those challenges. After winning an Oscar for writing Traffic, Gaghan did direct a thriller that starred Katie Holmes as a crazy college student, but even that had a bit of darkness to it, I mean, it wasn't exactly Herbie Fully Loaded. I think even though Darren's next movie, The Fountain, cost much more than his previous smaller, edgier films, Pi and Requiem For a Dream, it will likely have some substance. Read this interview if you want to find out more about The Fountain. I am really looking forward to Gaghan's next flick, Syriana, which he talks about in this interview. I also read that Gaghan is going to adapt Malcolm Gladwell's book, Blink, into a movie. I am a huge fan of that book and Malcolm in general and even though at first I wasn't sure how you would make that book into a movie, the idea they came up with is pretty cool. Everyone who knows me that reads this blog is thinking it, so I will admit that both of these directors are the smart, boyish, hyper-talented type that I find attractive and even though I do think they both are cute, it isn't why I go to see their movies.

Roger Ebert Tells About His Dates With Oprah

Now that Oprah has gone public about her dates with Roger Ebert and the fact that he was the one that thought syndication was the way to go, he decided to come clean about it. Can you imagine if she had married him and taken his name to become Oprah Ebert. What if they had decided to review movies together and the show would have been called Ebert and Winfrey. Thankfully, none of that happened. I do think she needs to send some profits his way though, don't you?

Seinfeld Cast Reunion on Regis Tomorrow

If you are a big Seinfeld fan, don't miss the cast reunion on Regis & Kelly tomorrow. They are there to promote the newest Seinfeld dvd that comes with a puffy shirt.

Buy Fancy Clothes And Help Out Others

If you get a chance, check out this amazing online sample sale and buy yourself something. You won't have to feel guilty about it because the money goes to charity.

Show Me The 25 Best Sports Movies Of All Time

I'm not sure if I agree that this is the definitive list of the best sports movies ever. A League of Their Own and the original Bad News Bears both made the list and I do think they both belong there. Jerry Maguire is also included and while I guess it counts as a sports movie, I do feel that film has always been kind of overrated (even though I do like it). Check out the list and see what you think.

I Like Elmo, But This is Crazy

I like Elmo, but this is crazy.

And The Audience Goes Wild

I haven't watched it yet, but Oprah's famous Favorite Things show airs today. I'm not sure if I will catch it, but I am willing to bet that the audience went nuts and at least one person fainted. I swear stuff like that has happened when she has given things away in the past. The good thing is that she now picks a group of deserving people (teachers, etc.) to attend and receive the amazing loot. If you don't have time to watch, but you want to see the list, click here. Since we are talking about gifts, you might also want to check out the gift list from New York Magazine because it has some interesting ideas. The one thing that made me laugh the hardest was this wacky item.

The New York Times Just Keeps Getting Better

My friend Debbie who loves sports and The New York Times, is going to be excited when she hears about this. She is always so up on everything that she probably already knows about it, but if you likes sports and/or the New York Times, you might want to check it out.

From Doogie To Barney

I know I have written at length about How I Met Your Mother on CBS and maybe you are sick of hearing about it, but it's a great show and I'm not shutting up anytime soon. The person who seems to be reaping most of the benefit from it right now in terms of press is Neil Patrick Harris. He seems okay about the fact that people might soon starting calling him Barney instead of Doogie. He and Patrick Dempsey are my two favorite comeback boys of the year. The LA Times did a nice article about Doogie, I mean Neil and he was also interviewed on NPR.

Good Eyebrows, Acting Chops & A Singing Voice

Peter Gallagher is a good actor. Remember how convincing he was as the cheating husband in Sex, Lies and Videotape or the jerk in a coma who almost marries Sandra Bullock when he wakes up in While You Were Sleeping. For some reason I am not as in to The OC as much anymore, but when I do see it, I remember how much I like him, how handsome he is and that he has got one major set of eyebrows. I just found out recently that not only does he sing, but that he is good (scroll down for his review).

So Much Good TV, So Little Time

This was a week for really good TV. Nip/Tuck continues to amaze me. This week was a bit difficult to stomach because they did a face transplant and literally had to remove all the skin from a face. I looked at the show through my fingers and I thought I was going to pass out, but I still didn't turn it off. That is the test of a truly good show. Another show that was tremendous this week was Gilmore Girls. A reconciliation took place and we found out something shocking about a character that could have seemed over dramatic, but instead came across as touching and believable. Last night, while I was watching Everwood, I was thinking about how much I still like it and how thankful I am that my friend Ainsley convinced me it was worth watching. The acting on Everwood is great and they finally got rid of Ephram's weird retro sideburn haircut, so all is well. Lastly, I watched Without A Trace last night and although I watch the show fairly regularly and always like it, I must admit the episode last night was a great idea and one of the best of the series. The entire episode was told from the perspective of parents of the missing child instead of the FBI. Laurie Metcalfe (of Roseanne fame) and Matt Craven (a terrific character actor) guest starred as the parents and were really terrific.

What Are They Smoking Over At People Magazine?

Honestly, I can't believe that People Magazine picked Matthew McConaughey as the Sexiest Man Alive. I mean I get that he is sexy and has a good body, but The Sexiest Man Alive in 2005, I think not. Even more shocking is some of the other choices like Vince Vaughn and Nick Lachey. I'm not trying to be mean and I know that I don't look like Nicole Kidman, but some of the choices just seem strange. The thing is that maybe Vince is even sort of cute, but having him on the sexiest list seems like an odd choice. I am happy that Patrick Dempsey (who should have won the main title), Matt Damon and Anderson Cooper were on the list. Others who could have been included instead of the bad choices would be Paul Rudd, Julian McMahon and Christian Bale. I haven't seen the issue and People.com only has some of the top choices, so if some of my picks were included in the full list, it just proves that I know of what I speak. I don't know what they are smoking over there, but I want some and I don't even do drugs. Whatever it was, it must be pretty good to have gotten them so off track.

Not Sure Why I Need To Have These, But I Do

I'm not sure why I need to have these stamps, but I do. There is something about putting one of these on a letter that just makes me smile and want to start to singing Rainbow Connection.

Will Your Dog Need AA After This Stuff?

For some reason I have been posting a ton of pet related stuff lately and to be honest, I'm not quite sure why. Earlier today I was reading an article in the New York Times that briefly mentioned these dog biscuits that are made with WINE. Yes, you read that correctly, there is actually Cabernet Sauvignon in these dog treats. It says that the alcohol content essentially bakes out of the biscuits, but I wouldn't be so sure. I also found this beer for dogs. I would advise against buying both of these items unless you are cool with asking your boss for a day off to take your dog to rehab.

More Free Stuff From Google

You gotta love Google. It seems like every other day they are coming up with a new free product for everyone to use. Click here to check out the most recent offering from them. Those guys just generally seem full of goodness. They are likely going to use the plane they bought to do charitable things with it at least some of the time. I just think it is cool and rare for such rich guys to be so generous and stay relatively down to earth. I'm a fan of a ton of Google stuff, like Gmail, Google Suggest, Google maps, etc. I hope I don't have to pay them back with my soul or something after using so much free stuff. I'm going to go back right now and read the fine print on my Gmail account just to be sure.

Men Are Necessary And So Is She

Anytime you title a book Are Men Necessary?, you are bound to incite controversy. I like Maureen Dowd, but I know she isn't adored by everyone. There are some who think her writing is superficial, but I wholeheartedly disagree. I find her pieces in the New York Times incisive, funny, interesting and most often, spot on. I happen to love her kind of dry wit and even though I know it can sound harsh at times, she rarely aims it at someone who isn't deserving. She won a Pulitzer, so I think calling her trivial just doesn't ring true. This piece about her on Salon is good (you will have to watch a quick ad to read it). The woman who reviewed her book at her own paper didn't love it, but she is entitled to her opinion. You can also listen to this interview Terry Gross did with her on NPR or read this article on CNN that is a bit more balanced.

Even If This is Real, I'm Still Not Drinking It

I'm still convinced that rare Kopi Luwak coffee is just an urban myth or Internet rumor, but this site that sells it does make it seem like it's real. In my opinion buying it for $175 dollars a pound (and I have seen it even higher priced) is insane, but even more disgusting is the process that the beans go through before they are harvested. I was going to spell it out, but I tried to and I almost gacked, so click here (scroll down a bit) if you want to know more about it.

A Jewess Who Cracks Wise

No, this posting is not about me. The title could apply to me, but instead I'm writing about Sarah Silverman. It's not a big surprise how funny Sarah is because us Jewish girls are often known for our dry wit and sparkling conversation. The amazing thing about Sarah is how unafraid she is to say what she thinks and poke fun at stereotypes. She also refuses to bow down to the pressure to be politically correct. She's not for everyone, but I honestly find her pretty funny. Here is an article about her and her movie from the LA Times.

Maybe Sirius Did Pay Him 500 Million

On his radio show he says it isn't true, but for a long time now there have been rumors that Sirius is paying Howard Stern $500 million dollars for a 5 year contract. My gut instinct was to say that it sounds like a typical media exaggeration, but with all of his rumored real estate purchases, I'm starting to think that maybe it's true.

My Best Laugh All Day

Believe it or not USA Today has a pretty decent website. It's not the New York Times, but surprisingly it has some informative articles. I like the Hot Sites part of the Tech section that lists three interesting websites to check out each day. Today they included this site where you can create your own South Park character. I could have spent hours on that site, but since I have writing and job searching to do, I tried it only once.

A Whole Show About LC

If you don't watch Laguna Beach on MTV this will mean nothing to you, but if you do, click here to read about LC getting her own show. I would like to say that I have risen above the whole Laguna Beach thing and won't watch this show, but that would be a lie. Don't forget that the finale of this season of Laguna Beach airs commercial free tonight.

Funny Stuff Even My Grandma Would Love

I'm not generally into specifically religious humor, but this weekend I ran across this t-shirt online and I have to admit that I found it kind of funny. After I saw that first shirt, I decided to go looking around to see what else I could find and I happened to see this shirt which also made me laugh. This outfit that you can buy for a dog, I think I would pass on though.

I Guess Litter Boxes & Walks Are Old News

When I posted a link to pet strollers last week, we learned that some people love their pets to an unhealthy degree, but the items from today scare me even more. I'm not sure which of these restroom/toilet systems for pets creeps me out more. Check out this one for a cat or this one for a dog. You decide, because I can't keep looking at them.

If You're Not In the Mood To Drive All The Way To Napa

I'm not so prolific today. I'm slightly uninspired and also I won't be online as long as I normally am today because I'm going for dinner at a friend's house. This might be the last post of the day, so I hope you like it. I know there a lots of people in LA that are into wine or are getting into wine more recently, but don't necessarily have the time to take to go to Napa to do some wine tasting. Check out this article about a closer alternative that is just as good.

More Celebrity Baby Names

Thank goodness some celebrities think out this baby name thing a bit more than others. Conan O'Brien and his wife just had a new baby and they named him Beckett. Now Beckett is no Tom or Michael, but it's interesting and unique without being odd. Their first child, a daughter, is named Neve, which again is distinct, but not weird in a "I named my kid after a superhero" kind of way. Congrats Conan, on the kid and your celebrity baby naming wisdom. That Harvard education has really paid off.

A Big Job For Someone Still in High School

Click here to read about an 18 year old who just got elected Mayor of Hillsdale, Michigan. All I was doing at that age was being obsessed with boyish, brainy boys (some things never change) and being excited about the fact that I didn't have to go to my college classes unless I wanted to. The funniest part of the story is that this guy lost his bid for student body vice president at his high school earlier this year.

More Geeky Stuff That Even I Wouldn't Buy

I love it when I find items like this that are so geeky that even I would not purchase them. By the way, I wouldn't date a guy who wears this either.

Kind Of Like Zone Meal Delivery For Your Baby

Not sure what is up with all the baby/kid related items this week. Yesterday, I mentioned an article about hip clothes for your baby and today I read about this company that does food delivery for babies. Only in LA could this company exist. I also read about this service in LA that will rent you fancy stuff for babies (Bugaboo Strollers, etc.) if you don't feel like dragging it along with you when you visit from out of town. Now trust me, if you are a mom that has a Bugaboo you likely aren't doing the schelping, but it is still kind of a good idea. A very LA/Hollywood kind of service, but nonetheless still useful.

Do They Really Need The Discount?

Isn't it crazy that once people are famous enough to afford things, everyone wants to give them stuff free or discounted. This article is about a new twist on this -- the celebrity real estate discount. All I can think of to say is Oy Vey. Sorry, my wit isn't exactly razor sharp this am. I have high hopes for postings later in the day.

Were People Clamoring For This Show To Return?

I guess Regis Philbin has a thing about needing to be on multiple shows at a time. First it was Millionaire and now it will be the return of This Is Your Life. It could be that he is trying to compete with Kelly because she has two shows or it could be an ego thing. I rarely, if ever watch Regis, but I don't dislike him. He can be entertaining. It is usually even more hilarious to watch everyone do impressions of him (personally, I think Ben Affleck does the best one). I know almost nothing in Hollywood is ever new and everything old becomes new again, but I'm just not so sure that this show will be a big ratings getter. I guess we will soon find out.

Cartman Is King

I'm not embarrassed to admit that I like South Park. I don't catch it every week, but when I do, I generally laugh pretty hard. I know it seems like an odd choice, but my favorite character is definitely Cartman. He is pretty mean, but I think I like him because he just says what he thinks and isn't afraid of anyone and well, I'm afraid of lots of things and people. I know there are a bunch of people that think the show is only about things like fart jokes. I begged my mom and stepdad to watch and swore to them that the show really did have depth and often was topical and really it was satire that was trying to get across an intelligent point. They finally relented and caught an episode about Mr. Hankey The Christmas Poo. I ended up looking like an ass and there is no way that I will ever convince her to watch another episode. Click here if you want to read a recent article with the creators that was done just before the ninth season started.

Clothes For The Hipster Set Under 5

This article from the New York Observer is about hip clothes for your little one. Among the things discussed are band/rock concert shirts for babies and kids, onesies that sport an image of Che Guevara and some shirts with political statements on them. Some people in the article think it is wrong to impose your views and tastes on your child, but really you do that no matter what you choose to put on them. There has to be more important things to worry about if you have kids, right? There are a bunch of boutiques in LA that also sell the same kind of stuff mentioned in the article, like LA LA Ling and Lifesizekids. I don't love all of it and some of it is overpriced and ridiculous to buy for a kid, but I have to admit that some items, like this shirt are damn adorable. It's hard not to want to buy them for the kids I know.

I'm A Little Green Today

I saw this article today from Business Week about the Top 25 entrepreneurs under 25. I have to admit, when I read this stuff like this, I try not to get bitter and envious, but sometimes I do. I usually get myself out of my funk by repeating one of the following things until I feel like Dustin Hoffman in Rainman and then I stop:

Everything happens at the right time

Everyone has a different path

Dustin Hoffman didn't make The Graduate until he was 30 (Wow, two Dustin Hoffman mentions in one posting)

Success is sweeter when your over thirty

Usually that works to get me in a more zen mood. Anyway, the article is interesting, so check it out.

Forever In Good Reviews

I suggested last week that you listen to the new Neil Diamond cd that was streaming live until it went on sale today. If you did, you probably would have really liked what you heard. Neil's new cd, 12 Songs, is getting universally good reviews and I think I might have to go buy it. I grew up with Neil playing in my house and would stand on my bed with a hairbrush and sing Coming to America and the lesser known (according to my friend Dena) Robert E. Lee, so I would probably like it no matter what. Check out the review in Rolling Stone or this one from Entertainment Weekly. In my book, Neil will be forever cool. I guess there must be a ton of Neil fans out there because right now his cd is #1 on Amazon.

You'd Have To Be A Pretty Big Harry Potter Fan

You would have to be a pretty big Harry Potter fan to want to buy this. I think they figure the audience for this is older Harry Potter fans because only the most rich and indulgent parents are going to buy this for a kid.

A Baldwin And A Vampire Slayer Coming To A Box Office Near You

I'm excited that Melissa Bank's book The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing is being made into a movie. I liked it when I read it and I wonder why it has taken so long for it to come to the big screen. That said, I'm not so sure I think that the casting of Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alec Baldwin in the movie makes sense to me. I like them both individually, but together they just don't match up the way, for instance, Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Noth did as Carrie and Mr. Big. I have nothing against the older man, younger woman thing, as I have always dated older guys and I did love Carrie and Big together, but there is someting about those two together that makes it seem icky or something. Perhaps, I'm just freaking out over nothing and it will out great. If the movie ends up looking good, I'll be the first to admit my mistake and go see it.

Are These The 50 Best Indies Of All Time?

Who knows if these are the 50 best independent movies of all time, but it is a pretty good list. A few that I love that I'm glad made the list: Being John Malkovich, Lost in Translation, Sex, Lies & Videotape and Swingers.

This Is For Cleaning Your Teeth?

I recently read about this company that sells flavored toothpaste. Now, I know you are saying that isn't such a big deal, I just brushed my teeth this am with some mint flavored crap by Crest or some such brand, but this isn't the same thing. This company has flavors like Cola, Green Tea and Sea Salt and those aren't even the most unusual flavors. I mean is it really going to make your teeth feel clean to brush them with a flavor called Pumpkin Pudding? I do sometimes use this flavor of toothpaste, but I hardly think it is the same thing. By the way, they also do mouthwash. Anyone up for trying the coffee flavor?

Phil To Go Back To Sitting Down?

If Genesis reunites, would you buy tickets? I have to say that I think I would. With Peter Gabriel doing the singing and Phil Collins playing the drums, it'll probably be pretty cool. For some reason when I think of Genesis the first thing my mind goes to is the video for Land of Confusion with all the scary puppet versions of the band members. Remember that? I think that was way after Peter had left. Anyway, it sounds like Phil is up for the reunion, so I guess we will have to wait and see if the others are willing to go along.

Power Your Ipod With The Sun

I don't know about you, but I think this solar charger for gadgets (cell phone, ipod, etc.) is pretty cool. I don't think every Tom, Dick or Harry has it yet, so you could be the coolest hipster on your block and get it first.

Retro Chocolate Bars

I don't know about you, but these chocolate bars sound so good to me. I think if I had to pick one to eat, it would be the salty pretzel one. I found out about these chocolate bars on a new food blog that I found last week called The Daily Olive.

A Pricey Candle That Is Worth The Cash

I know a candle that costs this much seems ridiculous, but a friend of mine got me into this particular scent (Feu De Bois -- essentially translates to firewood) by Diptyque many years ago and I have to admit that it is worth the money. Their candles last a really long time, are encased in thick, heavy bottomed glass and the particular scent is truly unique. It is also a good housewarming gift to give to a guy because the scent is not overly floral or fussy.

Fridagarita

This celebrity branded alcohol thing is honestly getting out of control. You don't even have to be alive to get one. I read today about the new Frida Kahlo Tequila. Yes, you heard me -- Frida Kahlo Tequila! Now look, it is one thing for Ed McMahon and Sammy Hagar to have their own alcoholic beverages, but they aren't world renowned artists with incredible depth and a meaningful legacy. I mean, I thought the Bob Dylan wine was pushing it, but this is ridiculous. I really am stunned that her family went along with it. To be honest, I could have used some of this tequila or any tequila last night when my sister and I got back to her place. As soon as we parked, we saw 4 raccoons near her garage. My sister swears that one of them was rubbing his paws together and laughing like a mad scientist. I have to admit, I acted like a wuss and was freaked out. We decided to park on the street. For anyone who read my postings yesterday, it turns out that I was dorky enough to get my sister's wireless network up and running. She is very excited.

A Few Trailers Before I Go

Okay, I'm really leaving now, but I thought I'd give you a few trailers to watch to pass the time. I don't have the time to give you all the specifics about these movies (like I normally do), but I've earned your trust -- haven't I? I can almost guarantee that you will enjoy checking out the trailers below:

Ant Bully

Bee Season

I Love Your Work

Looking For Comedy In The Muslim World

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane

I'm flying out later today, so this might be my only posting. I'll be back on Sunday and if I can get my sister's wireless network up (yes, I am that geeky), I might be able to post tomorrow. This link from Golf Digest is mostly for my stepdad. He's an all around good guy and golf lover, so I thought I'd post it for him to read. The Golf Digest link takes you to a list of the Top 100 Golfers in Hollywood, but there are some other related articles at the site that also look worth reading. If you want to know what Samuel L. Jackson thinks about golf, click here.

Cuddle Up With A Good Book

If you are looking for something to read right now, check out this list of some good choices from CBS news. Instead of watching TV, dig into a good book. I know you won't find Donald firing someone or see the cast of The Real World getting drunk, but I bet you'll enjoy it. It will up your hotness quotient. There's nothing sexier than someone with brains who likes to read.

Kinda Like NPR For Your Pets

I'm not sure what is up with all my pet postings this week, but I just keep seeing wacky pet related stuff. Yesterday, I read about this internet radio station you can leave on for your pets. Believe it or not, the NY TIMES even had an article about this station (called dogcatradio) today. That is nuts. Come on people, earlier this week it was pet strollers and now this. Just have a kid already and get it over with.

Hot Brainy Guys Part Deux

I know this is a topic that has come up a few times, but it's my blog and I'll write what I want, so suck it up. Also, this posting has more to do with hot, brainy, older guys, so there is a new twist. I was watching the Charlie Rose show last night and his guest was Ray Kurzweil. Ray is a writer, researcher, inventor, furturist and all around brilliant guy. He was promoting his new book, The Singularity Is Near, which has to do with humans transcending biology. You can read more about it here or check out his website for more info. Bill Gates did a comment for the back cover, so you know this guy is in the higher echelons of brainiacs. I found the interview fascinating and the more the guy spoke, the more I started to think that I should start dating super smart, older men. Ray also wrote another book that was pretty popular called The Age of Spiritual Machines. I think I will buy both books. A few years back I read a book about String Theory by Brian Greene called The Elegant Universe and I really liked it. Brian is incredibly smart and not so hard on the eyes, so I got sucked into watching many interviews with him as well. I love to read books on all topics, but I really have gotten interested in science, business and technology in the last five years or so. If that makes me a geek, so be it. I embrace my inner nerd.

More High End Furniture For The Little Ones

Back in August, I wrote about the popularity of fancy furniture for kids. If you don't remember, click here to read it again. More evidence that the trend is on the rise is the arrival of this new line from Design Within Reach for kids. I'll admit that some of this stuff is pretty, but it just seems a little ridiculous and excessive to purchase for little ones. The new furniture might impress your friends, but certainly your child can't tell the difference. People can do what they want and I don't want to be judgmental, but wouldn't the money serve a better purpose in a college fund?

Neil Diamond + Rick Rubin = Harmony

On the face of it, Rick Rubin producing a Neil Diamond album seems a little odd. Rick is mostly known for his producing hard core rock music and as much as I love Neil (and I do), Sweet Caroline and many of his other hits are as far from hardcore rock as you can get. The bottom line is that they both just really have a passion for music and Rick has always really been a fan of Neil's work. Don't laugh -- it's true! Neil's album is streaming free this week only before it goes on sale next Tuesday.