I took myself to a movie today. I'm ok seeing a movie alone because it's usually one that no one else wants to see. I spent part of my Saturday afternoon watching "When in Rome." I knew it wouldn't be super great but I'm a sucker for romantic comedies. I enjoyed "The Proposal" and "Leap Year" and I look forward to "Valentine's Day" opening soon.
The best part of this movie is the very, very handsome Josh Duhamel. I don't watch the show he's on so it came as kind of a shock as to his beauty. Wow, that alone is worth the ticket price--now note, I got into this movie for free because I had a voucher, so maybe if I paid $10 my feelings might be different.
The movie was light and somewhat entertaining. A couple of women behind me in the theater were laughing their heads off, so maybe it's funnier than I thought.
There was a disappointment though. In the trailer, there is a very funny line said by Dax Shepard's character. He says something like, "call the vet because these puppies are sick!" He is referring to his muscular abs at this point and I think it's a great line. Well, that scene wasn't in the movie at all. That was like a bait and switch to get me to the theater and then never have the funny part in the movie. ugh.
For Napolean Dynamite fans, in addition to Jon Heder, Pedro from Napolean Dynamite showed up in this movie. He isn't in the trailer at all. I guess that's just another bait and switch...
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
doing something good
I'm getting a bit overwhelmed with all the bad news out there. From the wars we are still fighting, to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, to the gigantic budget shortfall in California, it's getting to me.
Honestly, I don't think about our battles in Afghanistan and Iraq (and other places) until I watch the nightly news and hear the stories from the front lines. Our troops are putting themselves in harm's way every day and every minute while I go about my day to day activities worrying about the high price of clementines or the fat content in almonds .
An easy way to remember our troops and let them know we care is to donate to Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude is a non profit, volunteer organization that sends care packages (with all types of items) and letters addressed to individual U.S. Service people deployed overseas.
There's an outpost of Operation Gratitude in Encino and they are taking all kinds of donations. We brought our extra Halloween candy there and they added it to the care packages that were sent out in December. At year's end they had sent 500,000 care packages to our troops that contained snacks, toiletries, entertainment items and letters.
In addition to Halloween and Easter candy, Operation Gratitude accepts $$ donations, Beanie Babies (the troops hand them out), scarves, Girl Scout cookies, nuts, greeting cards, etc.
You can also go there and help pack out the packages. It's a feel good experience that really does do some good.
www.operationgratitude.com,
the address is NOT posted on line for security reasons, but it is on Victory west of Balboa across from Birmingham High.
Honestly, I don't think about our battles in Afghanistan and Iraq (and other places) until I watch the nightly news and hear the stories from the front lines. Our troops are putting themselves in harm's way every day and every minute while I go about my day to day activities worrying about the high price of clementines or the fat content in almonds .
An easy way to remember our troops and let them know we care is to donate to Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude is a non profit, volunteer organization that sends care packages (with all types of items) and letters addressed to individual U.S. Service people deployed overseas.
There's an outpost of Operation Gratitude in Encino and they are taking all kinds of donations. We brought our extra Halloween candy there and they added it to the care packages that were sent out in December. At year's end they had sent 500,000 care packages to our troops that contained snacks, toiletries, entertainment items and letters.
In addition to Halloween and Easter candy, Operation Gratitude accepts $$ donations, Beanie Babies (the troops hand them out), scarves, Girl Scout cookies, nuts, greeting cards, etc.
You can also go there and help pack out the packages. It's a feel good experience that really does do some good.
www.operationgratitude.com,
the address is NOT posted on line for security reasons, but it is on Victory west of Balboa across from Birmingham High.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A better Mongolian BBQ
I've been going to Mongolian BBQ places since I was a kid growing up in L.A. These restaurants are often not the prettiest places but the food is fine. Nothing amazing but it's kinda fun to pick your own meat and veggies and watch the guys grill your food in front of you. I don't know how sanitary the whole thing is, but I don't worry too much about that.
Nowadays, the closest Mongolian BBQ places by me is Mogo's in Sherman Oaks. I always thought it was fine until we went to Gobi Mongolian BBQ last night is hip Silverlake.
I read about this place in Friday's edition of Tasting Table L.A. (free on line subscription) and by Saturday, I was there.
This is a great version of Mongolian BBQ. The veggies were outstanding and unique--asparagus, shataki mushrooms, butternut squash, cilantro, spinach, etc. The meat choices included lamb, chicken, rib eye and pork and there was also tofu (my husband loved that) and shrimp available ($3 more for shrimp). The sauces were also not run of the mill--lemongrass, smoked oyster sauce (mild or medium) and curry sauce were all delicious. The smoked oyster sauce reminded me of the taste of BBQ potato chips--really yummy.
This isn't an all you can eat place like Mogo's, but that's ok. The bowls are huge and people pile it on. For $13.95 for dinner, it's a great deal. We had enough left over for a decent doggie/people bag.
This is a small place and they don't take reservations for small parties but we were seated pretty quick. The host said "16 minute wait" and it was. I have no idea how they planned that.
There are cocktails and dessert but we were stuffed so we didn't try it. DEFINITELY worth the quick drive. I can't wait to go again.
Gobi Mongolian BBQ, 2827 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake; 213-989-0711 or gobimongolianbbq.com
Nowadays, the closest Mongolian BBQ places by me is Mogo's in Sherman Oaks. I always thought it was fine until we went to Gobi Mongolian BBQ last night is hip Silverlake.
I read about this place in Friday's edition of Tasting Table L.A. (free on line subscription) and by Saturday, I was there.
This is a great version of Mongolian BBQ. The veggies were outstanding and unique--asparagus, shataki mushrooms, butternut squash, cilantro, spinach, etc. The meat choices included lamb, chicken, rib eye and pork and there was also tofu (my husband loved that) and shrimp available ($3 more for shrimp). The sauces were also not run of the mill--lemongrass, smoked oyster sauce (mild or medium) and curry sauce were all delicious. The smoked oyster sauce reminded me of the taste of BBQ potato chips--really yummy.
This isn't an all you can eat place like Mogo's, but that's ok. The bowls are huge and people pile it on. For $13.95 for dinner, it's a great deal. We had enough left over for a decent doggie/people bag.
This is a small place and they don't take reservations for small parties but we were seated pretty quick. The host said "16 minute wait" and it was. I have no idea how they planned that.
There are cocktails and dessert but we were stuffed so we didn't try it. DEFINITELY worth the quick drive. I can't wait to go again.
Gobi Mongolian BBQ, 2827 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake; 213-989-0711 or gobimongolianbbq.com
Saturday, January 23, 2010
movies
My friend asked me the other day if I'd seen any good movies lately. I have seen a ton this year because 1) my husband's in the Writer's Guild so we got a lot of screeners to "review", 2) a typical family outing is my family going to the movies and 3) by living in L.A, you just go.
Based on what I've seen recently, here's my thoughts on some of the potential Oscar-y movies... "A Single Man" with Colin Firth--very well done movie that is more about relationships than about two gay men. I don't think it was showing in a lot of theaters, but it is worth seeing. It did not make me squirm in my seat from being uncomfortable watching it with an almost 15 year old girl even though it's rated R.
"Up in the Air"--I liked it but it is not action packed. I don't think it's the best movie of the year. Oscar-y movies are more impactful and make a statement. This movie is very subtle. Acting was strong, there was a good twist and there were some funny lines.
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"--great stop-animation movie. The detail of the animals' clothes, fur and mannerisms were spot on. It was fun to watch and had a good story too. Not just for kids.
"The Lovely Bones"--I liked the book much more. Stanley Tucci is a great bad guy but the idea of heaven is too abstract for me (I blame Peter Jackson's vision for that) and I hate seeing dead people. Even though it's rated PG-13, it was hard for me to watch.
"It's Complicated"--has one of the funniest scenes in a movie in a long time. Meryl Streep is always great and I'd love to own/work in her bakery and kitchen . Steve Martin looks like he had too much plastic surgery and Alec Baldwin is Alec Baldwin-ish.
"Precious"--very good movie. Mo'nique was just great. Even though she doesn't shave her legs in real life, she was really, really powerful as the horrible mom. She was ugly inside and out in that film. I was concerned the abuse scenes would be too much for me to watch, but they were ok. It's definitely worth seeing.
"Young Victoria" and "Bright Star"--beautiful movies. The costumes are just wonderful and the male co-stars are a pleasure to watch. Both great romances.
"An Education"--I liked the acting in the movie even though Peter Saarsgard's character is creepy. I know he's supposed to be creepy, so that works.
"Julie and Julia"--come on, it's Meryl Streep, and she's great in EVERYTHING.
It may seem like I've seen every big movie, but I haven't--haven't seen "The Blind Side", "Avatar,"Invictus" or "The Hurt Locker." I should watch these so when they win I can say, "I saw those movies and they deserve the Oscar", but I'm not rushing to the theaters.
I do still want to see "Crazy Heart" with Jeff Bridges. Have to find the time for that.
Based on what I've seen recently, here's my thoughts on some of the potential Oscar-y movies... "A Single Man" with Colin Firth--very well done movie that is more about relationships than about two gay men. I don't think it was showing in a lot of theaters, but it is worth seeing. It did not make me squirm in my seat from being uncomfortable watching it with an almost 15 year old girl even though it's rated R.
"Up in the Air"--I liked it but it is not action packed. I don't think it's the best movie of the year. Oscar-y movies are more impactful and make a statement. This movie is very subtle. Acting was strong, there was a good twist and there were some funny lines.
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"--great stop-animation movie. The detail of the animals' clothes, fur and mannerisms were spot on. It was fun to watch and had a good story too. Not just for kids.
"The Lovely Bones"--I liked the book much more. Stanley Tucci is a great bad guy but the idea of heaven is too abstract for me (I blame Peter Jackson's vision for that) and I hate seeing dead people. Even though it's rated PG-13, it was hard for me to watch.
"It's Complicated"--has one of the funniest scenes in a movie in a long time. Meryl Streep is always great and I'd love to own/work in her bakery and kitchen . Steve Martin looks like he had too much plastic surgery and Alec Baldwin is Alec Baldwin-ish.
"Precious"--very good movie. Mo'nique was just great. Even though she doesn't shave her legs in real life, she was really, really powerful as the horrible mom. She was ugly inside and out in that film. I was concerned the abuse scenes would be too much for me to watch, but they were ok. It's definitely worth seeing.
"Young Victoria" and "Bright Star"--beautiful movies. The costumes are just wonderful and the male co-stars are a pleasure to watch. Both great romances.
"An Education"--I liked the acting in the movie even though Peter Saarsgard's character is creepy. I know he's supposed to be creepy, so that works.
"Julie and Julia"--come on, it's Meryl Streep, and she's great in EVERYTHING.
It may seem like I've seen every big movie, but I haven't--haven't seen "The Blind Side", "Avatar,"Invictus" or "The Hurt Locker." I should watch these so when they win I can say, "I saw those movies and they deserve the Oscar", but I'm not rushing to the theaters.
I do still want to see "Crazy Heart" with Jeff Bridges. Have to find the time for that.
Friday, January 22, 2010
here goes
My sudden interest (and hidden talent) in writing about the people and places in my neighborhood (check out www.mydailyfind.com) has encouraged me to keep writing. Also since my daughter now has a blog with one entry (firstimpressionsoffilm.blogspot.com) posted, I figured I can do this too.
I love to read good books. I've read quite a few of them lately and am always searching for my next favorite book. Four of my recent faves ("The Help," "The Art of Racing in the Rain," "Sarah's Keys," and "Water for Elephants") are now optioned to be made into movies. I usually love the book more, but I have highish hopes that these movies will be good, however after seeing the terrible movie version of Jodi Picoult's "My Sister's Keeper," I should probably lower my expectations.
My daughter calls me a lazy reader--she says I give up books too quickly and don't give them enough time. That is true. If I'm not hooked pretty soon into it, forget about it. There are a million more where that one came from.
Recently I started some books, gave them up, tried again and turned out to love them. First one is "The Kite Runner." Too wordy for me, too foreign, too something. Tried it again months later and loved it.
Second one is "The Book Thief". Too hard to grasp that the narrator is death, too sad, too something. Tried it again and loved it--cried and cried.
The third book I'm reading now, "The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Society." I started that book a while ago, got maybe 10 pages into it and gave it up. I just couldn't get into it--too Irish (I thought), too old fashioned, too something. After seeing it week after week on the L.A. Times bestseller list, I thought I'd try it again. For some reason this time it stuck. It's a sweet book, easy read and has an interesting concept (it's written in the form of letters). So far so good.
I usually go for popular fiction books; yes some are corny and not the top of the literature heap, but entertaining anyway. Because I'm a "lazy reader" (and very tired) my books have to be somewhat straightforward. A few of my favorite authors are Jodi Picoult, Alice Hoffman, Sophie Kinsella, Harlan Coban and even Mitch Albom. I might not love all of their books, but I always pick them up. I'm up to 238 books read in about 6 years so I read a lot of different authors.
I also like Young Adult books--not little kid books, but teen books. They are really pretty good. I'm not talking Twilight or some teen Nanny/Slut books, but "The Book Thief," "Boy in the Striped Pajamas" and "Elsewhere" were all really good teen books.
I can post my entire book list, but I don't think I will (for now).
I love to read good books. I've read quite a few of them lately and am always searching for my next favorite book. Four of my recent faves ("The Help," "The Art of Racing in the Rain," "Sarah's Keys," and "Water for Elephants") are now optioned to be made into movies. I usually love the book more, but I have highish hopes that these movies will be good, however after seeing the terrible movie version of Jodi Picoult's "My Sister's Keeper," I should probably lower my expectations.
My daughter calls me a lazy reader--she says I give up books too quickly and don't give them enough time. That is true. If I'm not hooked pretty soon into it, forget about it. There are a million more where that one came from.
Recently I started some books, gave them up, tried again and turned out to love them. First one is "The Kite Runner." Too wordy for me, too foreign, too something. Tried it again months later and loved it.
Second one is "The Book Thief". Too hard to grasp that the narrator is death, too sad, too something. Tried it again and loved it--cried and cried.
The third book I'm reading now, "The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Society." I started that book a while ago, got maybe 10 pages into it and gave it up. I just couldn't get into it--too Irish (I thought), too old fashioned, too something. After seeing it week after week on the L.A. Times bestseller list, I thought I'd try it again. For some reason this time it stuck. It's a sweet book, easy read and has an interesting concept (it's written in the form of letters). So far so good.
I usually go for popular fiction books; yes some are corny and not the top of the literature heap, but entertaining anyway. Because I'm a "lazy reader" (and very tired) my books have to be somewhat straightforward. A few of my favorite authors are Jodi Picoult, Alice Hoffman, Sophie Kinsella, Harlan Coban and even Mitch Albom. I might not love all of their books, but I always pick them up. I'm up to 238 books read in about 6 years so I read a lot of different authors.
I also like Young Adult books--not little kid books, but teen books. They are really pretty good. I'm not talking Twilight or some teen Nanny/Slut books, but "The Book Thief," "Boy in the Striped Pajamas" and "Elsewhere" were all really good teen books.
I can post my entire book list, but I don't think I will (for now).
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