One of the things I enjoy about carpooling is yes, I only drive once every three weeks and yes, I save money on gas that is being spent on other necessities like food...(and yes, even though gas prices are continuing to fall - I will continue to carpool)...but I enjoy the conversations that are had. It's better than talking to myself out loud, you know. ;)
The other week we had a conversation about first crushes, first boyfriends, etc. and while my first celebrity crush was John Taylor from Duran Duran ...my first 'boy-I-actually-knew' crush was Brandon Smith. I've known Brandon since Kindergarten and pretty much crushed on him on/off from like 1st grade - all through my freshman year of college. Oh was he cute!
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In sixth grade, I met Brandon's cousin, Joel. Joel and Brandon were rather tight - hung out a lot and so my 11 year old mind thought - "Well, if I go out with Joel then I'll get closer to Brandon." Good theory and it may have worked had I not moved away the summer between sixth and seventh grades. My first boyfriend...hee hee...now the extent of 'going out' at age 11 was holding hands in the hall, him walking me to class, passing notes (and honestly, I wish I still had those folded squares of college ruled notebook paper. I'd be curious as to what we wrote about.), and talking to each other on the phone after school - everyday.
Brandon and I grew up in the same neighborhood and so when Joel would come to visit him, sometimes they would ride their bikes to my house. I'm sure Joel was all like 'yeah, I'm going to see my girl' and I was like 'yay...I get to see Brandon.' Shame on me, I suppose. Obviously we broke up because I moved away. I didn't know at the time that I would be moving back to my old neighborhood 21 months later...
I didn't get to tell any of my friends, other than Joel, that I was moving - I didn't get to say goodbye. My mother took me to see him the day before leaving. [Sidenote: Upon moving back, my first day back to my junior high was interesting to say the least. It was April and I remember showing up in a Jordan Knight t-shirt with my NKOTB Hangin' Tough tour jacket and jeans...and walking into my first class as a 'new kid' - I surprised many of my friends by actually being an 'old kid'. ]
Once word spread that I had returned, there was the return of the Brandon-Joel situation; however, it didn't last very long...at least not the Joel part of the situation. Joel had started calling me the summer between eighth and ninth grades and I remember one phone call and the word-for-word proposition he offered. I probably hadn't thought about that conversation since high school and it just came flooding back during this particular carpool ride...I couldn't stop laughing to actually get the words out.....my face becoming more and more red as I laughed harder and harder... After some deep breaths, the words finally - and successfully - passed my lips.
At the edge of my grandmother's backyard was a war trench and beyond that was nothing but woods. This particular call led Joel, who would have been 14 years old, to propose to come over, go into the woods and ask to 'do it with me.' But it was the how he asked...if he could "put tab A into slot B." Think about that for a second...now, you're probably at least giggling...I turned him down and he pretty much didn't talk to me after that. Seriously?! Where would a 14 year old have come up with that?!
As for Brandon: He and I ended up becoming pretty good friends. We spent a lot of time hanging out senior year of high school and worked countless hours on Yearbook, but our lives went their separate ways. He went off to BYU, where he met his wife and to become Indiana Jones (well, maybe more like Ross on Friends??!) and I went off to Campbell and well...
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[Endnote: I just figured since my blog is entitled "My Future Novel" maybe I should start including entries that could actually end up in my future novel - should I ever get around to writing it...]
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Max Payne
Number ONE
at the box office...
I had seen a review that suggested ear plugs...I suggest ear plugs! I also suggest you sit through the credits. I hadn't read anything telling me to - and I don't usually sit through them - but something told me to stay and I'm glad I did because there is an extra scene at the conclusion of the credits and sets it up perfectly for a Max Payne 2. I haven't heard anything about a MP2 - although I've known about Max Payne for 2+ years (cause I was still employed by the newspaper when I first heard of it.) Not being a gamer, I've never played Max Payne and I only knew the most basics of the game prior to purchasing my ticket...but that was enough for me.
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Video Game v. Graphic Novel
One of my favorite movies is The Crow (1994, Brandon Lee) and I saw some parallels between the movies:
The Crow was mostly dark and rained throughout.
Max Payne was mostly dark and snowed throughout.
The Crow used warm tones to convey flashbacks of Eric and Shelly.
Max Payne used warm tones to convey flashbacks of Max, Michelle and their newborn.
The Crow was about Eric avenging the death of his lost love, Shelly.
Max Payne was about Max avenging the death of his wife, Michelle and their newborn. The difference being that Max never died and with the help of the crow, Eric was brought back.
Prior to seeing MP, the only other person I knew I was going to see was rapper, Ludacris. I had NO CLUE I was going to see Kate Burton - (aka Ellis Grey aka Meredith Grey's mom from Grey's Anatomy)
So, I can't speak "gamer" and make comments as to how a movie "based on the video game Max Payne" compares. You'll have to read elsewhere for that. But I liked the movie - especially considering I had been waiting so long for it - and yes, I'd watch it again with earplugs. :)
The only 'downer' for me was selfishly I had hoped that the song for the game Late Goodbye by Poets of the Fall would have made an appearance, but it did not...
Mark Wahlberg on SNL
I can only guess you've heard/read about Andy Samburg doing a skit a few weeks back on SNL called "Marky Mark Talks To Animals" ... I saw the skit as it aired and only laughed cause when I closed my eyes, Andy really sounded just like Mark. Other than that...uhm...
I read that Mark had been shown the skit on You Tube and didn't think it was really all that funny. I had hoped that there would be some kind of skit response, but thought the likelihood was zilch. I watched this weekend cause I heard Sarah Palin was going to be on and I wanted to see what they'd do with her and Tina Fey. So when Mark appeared, I shot straight up off the couch...
I thought the later skit with Mark, Andy and the donkey was hilarious. I thought it commendable for Mark to make an appearance - in response to the initial skit - and make light, and fun - of the whole thing.
I've also read where The Funky Bunch want to reunite...and wisely Mark has said no. While I loved Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch (saw 'em in concert), I think it would be a huge step back for Mark. Sounds contradictory I know, but while I jammed out to the likes of Good Vibrations, Mark is a better actor than rapper. (No offense, Mr. Wahlberg) I can appreciate and respect him wanting to keep past career "mishaps" from his small children (Hey, I've never seen Boogie Nights myself), but I don't think he should be embarrassed by career choices. (Note that I did not say 'embarrassed by movie choices' - every actor has a movie or two they later wish they hadn't participated in.)
Think about it though: Prior to "Marky Mark" he engaged in activity, which led to a police record - juvenile petty stuff. The music got him away from that behavior and in turn the music (and his Calvin Klein contract) acted as a bridge that led to an acting career that led to a producer career (Hello - Entourage...) so...there you go.
I read that Mark had been shown the skit on You Tube and didn't think it was really all that funny. I had hoped that there would be some kind of skit response, but thought the likelihood was zilch. I watched this weekend cause I heard Sarah Palin was going to be on and I wanted to see what they'd do with her and Tina Fey. So when Mark appeared, I shot straight up off the couch...
I thought the later skit with Mark, Andy and the donkey was hilarious. I thought it commendable for Mark to make an appearance - in response to the initial skit - and make light, and fun - of the whole thing.
I've also read where The Funky Bunch want to reunite...and wisely Mark has said no. While I loved Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch (saw 'em in concert), I think it would be a huge step back for Mark. Sounds contradictory I know, but while I jammed out to the likes of Good Vibrations, Mark is a better actor than rapper. (No offense, Mr. Wahlberg) I can appreciate and respect him wanting to keep past career "mishaps" from his small children (Hey, I've never seen Boogie Nights myself), but I don't think he should be embarrassed by career choices. (Note that I did not say 'embarrassed by movie choices' - every actor has a movie or two they later wish they hadn't participated in.)
Think about it though: Prior to "Marky Mark" he engaged in activity, which led to a police record - juvenile petty stuff. The music got him away from that behavior and in turn the music (and his Calvin Klein contract) acted as a bridge that led to an acting career that led to a producer career (Hello - Entourage...) so...there you go.
Two Wahlbergs & a M. Night Shyamalan
So my first M. Night Shyamalan movie was this past summer - The Happening - with Mark Wahlberg. I hadn't seen Mark on the big screen since The Italian Job, so I was long overdue. The movie was stupid...a waste of my time and money (yay that I only attend matinees). The premise was that nature was out to get us and it was best to stay in small groups...which would have made sense until the following:
1. Mark's character was in a group of five that was safe. Yet John Leguizamo's character was also in a group of five and laughably met their demise.
2. There was a lady in a group of one - ONE, y'all - you can't get any smaller than a group of one and yup...she met her demise.
I saw the movie on a Friday afternoon after a half day at work. Including myself there were like 11 people in attendance - and I'm sure all 11 of us left wondering "What the heck?" We spent more time laughing at the ridiculousness of it all than feeling any sense of suspense. I could foresee it being made fun of on Mystery Science Theater 3000 ... For being my first M. Night movie, I was highly disappointed.
So let's fast forward to this past Friday night: I had been told by many "You need to see The Sixth Sense" - so I finally saw it. I remember that it came out the same time as The Blair Witch Project, because my roommate's friend gave away the ending - you know, the truth about Bruce Willis (well his character anyway) - hence, why in all this time I've never bothered to see it.
I actually liked it. I'd watch it again. Heck, I'll probably even buy it. I knew Donnie Wahlberg was in it... I didn't realize for only one scene... but as the movie progressed, I didn't even care that he wasn't in it longer. Yay for the Saw series?!?
1. Mark's character was in a group of five that was safe. Yet John Leguizamo's character was also in a group of five and laughably met their demise.
2. There was a lady in a group of one - ONE, y'all - you can't get any smaller than a group of one and yup...she met her demise.
I saw the movie on a Friday afternoon after a half day at work. Including myself there were like 11 people in attendance - and I'm sure all 11 of us left wondering "What the heck?" We spent more time laughing at the ridiculousness of it all than feeling any sense of suspense. I could foresee it being made fun of on Mystery Science Theater 3000 ... For being my first M. Night movie, I was highly disappointed.
So let's fast forward to this past Friday night: I had been told by many "You need to see The Sixth Sense" - so I finally saw it. I remember that it came out the same time as The Blair Witch Project, because my roommate's friend gave away the ending - you know, the truth about Bruce Willis (well his character anyway) - hence, why in all this time I've never bothered to see it.
I actually liked it. I'd watch it again. Heck, I'll probably even buy it. I knew Donnie Wahlberg was in it... I didn't realize for only one scene... but as the movie progressed, I didn't even care that he wasn't in it longer. Yay for the Saw series?!?
Friday, October 17, 2008
Dave Matthews + Virginia Resident = FREE Concert
Straight from the DMB website:
We are pleased to announce that Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds will be performing in Richmond, VA on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at the ALLTEL Pavilion at the VCU Stuart C. Siegel Center to urge Virginians to vote for the change our country needs - affordable, accessible health care for every American, tax relief for middle class families struggling in this economy and a responsible end to the Iraq war.
The "Last Chance for Change" performance will be free and open to all Virginia residents and students, however tickets ARE required. Two (2) free tickets are available per person on a first-come, first served basis.
For ticket locations and additional information, please visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/vadavematthews.
UPDATE: I only had to stand in line for THREE HOURS, but yo...I got my tickets! :)
We are pleased to announce that Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds will be performing in Richmond, VA on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at the ALLTEL Pavilion at the VCU Stuart C. Siegel Center to urge Virginians to vote for the change our country needs - affordable, accessible health care for every American, tax relief for middle class families struggling in this economy and a responsible end to the Iraq war.
The "Last Chance for Change" performance will be free and open to all Virginia residents and students, however tickets ARE required. Two (2) free tickets are available per person on a first-come, first served basis.
For ticket locations and additional information, please visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/vadavematthews.
UPDATE: I only had to stand in line for THREE HOURS, but yo...I got my tickets! :)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Fresh From My Yahoo...Aww yeah!
Joe & Donnie on the screen, yo!
Donnie Wahlberg :) ...sigh...Hard to tell, I know, but trust me on this one
(Make some NOISE!!)
I'm 99% sure this last one is Jordan singing
Baby, I Believe In You
He did it the SAME way he did 17 years ago...
white button-down, unbuttoned, black pants
and a fan blowing on him...
so glad to have the PPV concert from back then on VHS. (D'oh!)
Sigh...now I kinda wish I was going to see them in Charlotte, 30 October. Sigh...hopefully they'll continue to do well and go on a second tour...and I'll get to see them again. (Fingers totally crossed) While I'm not responding the same way I did from ages 12-16, it's still pretty dang exciting, you know. Ironically, the last song on their last CD prior to THE BLOCK, was entitled I'll Be Waitin' and I guess even though by 1994 the music scene had moved on, the guys had moved on, and in a way their fans had moved on (Hello! I was listening to a lot of rap by this time)...some of us hoped that one day they'd return to the scene and the wait would be over...and the day finally came! And it's not that I'm trying to relive my youth (it was hard enough being a teenager once!) cause I'm not. It's just that New Kids took off at a 'critical' time in my life and they were always 'there' for me...how could I not still love them after all these years?! Today I have a deep affection and admiration for them, that a hysterical teenager could in no way appreciate at the time....though I am grateful for the memories...both old and new.
See Sarah's Cell DOES Take Better Pictures
Song being performed is Dirty Dancing
Jordan, Danny & Joe
"Ooh, It's so crazy, she's like Baby, I'm like Swayze"
"Ooh, It's so crazy, she's like Baby, I'm like Swayze"
Jon, Jordan & Sunny's Profile"It's getting hotter like The Block up in the summertime" 
Danny, Joe & Sunny's Booty
"I said, Ooo, and I'm burning up
So, lets turn it up, I said turn it up now"
Danny, Joe & Sunny's Booty"I said, Ooo, and I'm burning up
So, lets turn it up, I said turn it up now"
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Reissue: Just In Time For The Holidays :)
YAY! October 14 will include a trip to Best Buy. My cassette is about worn out and it was on Amazon for crazy expensive (prior to reissue of course)...now if only they'd reissue No More Games: The Remix...Saturday, October 4, 2008
Concert Photos & Details...
Sarah's camera phone took WAY better pictures not to mention video, so while I'm waiting for her to email 'em to me, here's some from my camera:
The Opening Lights:
that streak there became "NKOTB"
Blue Lights:
White Lights:(I think that's Donnie on the screen?!)
Jordan Knight: aww yeah! :)
Donnie & Jon w/Sunny (dancer):
Jordan Knight: aww yeah! :)
Donnie & Jon w/Sunny (dancer): This was the song Dirty Dancing
The show itself was 2 hours of AWESOME!! And the whole seeing them oh-so-close was just the cherry on top. I have to say I'm glad something like this did not happen when I was 12/13, because I don't know that I would have been able to appreciate it as much as I do now. I guess once and forever a Blockhead :)
...although, I don't have intentions of buying ALL the merchandise this go-around - but I don't think it'll be as extreme as it was 18 years ago. You know the lunchboxes, dolls, sheets, sleeping bags, giant posters, giant buttons, etc.
They opened the show with Single and encored with Step By Step and Hangin' Tough. Here's a list of all the songs I remember them singing...I don't think I've left any out, but 22 songs is quite a lot anyways: My Favorite Girl, You Got It (The Right Stuff), Valentine Girl, Grown Man, Please Don't Go Girl, Didn't I Blow Your Mind, If You Go Away, No More Games, Dirty Dancing, I'll Be Lovin' You (Forever), Cover Girl, 2 In The Morning, Baby, I Believe in You, Tonight, Twisted, Summertime, Click, Click, Click ....and Joe sang his solo Stay The Same while Jordan sang his solo Give It To You
While I had thought about going to the Charlotte show later this month, I'm kinda glad I decided not to - cause there is no way that the experience could or should be duplicated...it's a once in a lifetime thing. I hope for them that should they decide to continue on after this album that they are successful. And should they go on a second tour - great! I'd go...but there can only be ONE reunion tour...and both the 13 and 31 year old in me is thrilled beyond words that I was able to be a part of it. :)
Within FIVE Feet
Two Floor Tickets to NKOTB: $366
T-Shirt & Program Book: $70
Memories Created This Night: Priceless
Okay, so some of you knew I paid a ridiculous amount for the New Kids concert...thought I was out of my mind. Now...ask me if it was worth it? HECK YES! The guys sang If You Go Away and at the end, did a photo montage of people who they (and we) had lost: family members, singers, entertainers - the one that surprised me the most and brought tears to my eyes (because I didn't know he had died) was Dick Scott, who was their manager 'back in the day'...and Sarah had observed that there was a piano within so many feet of us and asked me "Who plays piano?" ... I responded "Jordan" ...and she grabbed me and we headed to the end of our row...and you wouldn't believe that the guys were on a turnstyle stage that raised from the floor. HOLY CRAP! I was WITHIN FIVE FEET of Jon, Jordan, Joe, Donnie and Danny...
I kid you not as Sarah Pate is my witness, but as they went around in circles singing, I had DONNIE WAHLBERG right in front of me...I blew him a kiss and HE ACKNOWLEDGED ME by winking while smiling and tipped his baseball cap. I swoon...(I was the only girl smart enough to strategically stand in the seats, (one false move and you were falling through) making me taller than the rest.) ...the only thing that could have made the night better was to have actually met them, but I tell you what...October 2, 2008 was and is THE BEST NIGHT OF MY ENTIRE LIFE! (Not even kidding)
And I must confess, while my 'first love' was Jordan Knight, I am seriously crushing on Mr. Wahlberg...ahh...
Are You Ready?
(Photos are courtesy of my lame-o camera phone)
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
WASHINGTON, DC
OCTOBER 2, 2008
The Sarah's:
The Crowd:
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