tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74232073363038841382024-03-15T13:03:03.817-05:00Saltwater CokeGinger and Valerie are boring enough not to be able to post daily, but apparently interesting enough to have a blog.
Sisters separated by the state of New Mexico (Ginger is in Arizona and Val in Texas), they write because it's way more fun than just e-mailing their parents. They apologize for any sarcasm...it's genetic.Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.comBlogger487125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-87468881962903973442024-03-09T12:19:00.002-06:002024-03-09T12:19:13.315-06:0017th Annual Oscar PicksYou might have thought I was gone, never to post Oscar predictions again. But much like Josh Hartnett in "Oppenheimer," I am BACK! Predicting the correct winners in all 23 categories. And—also like Josh Hartnett—I am always 100% <i>right</i>.* <br /><p><br />(Previously: <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2023/03/16th-annual-oscar-picks.html">2023</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2022/03/15th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2022</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2021/04/14th-annual-oscar-picks.html">2021</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2020/02/13th-annual-oscar-picks.html">2020</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2019/02/12th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2019</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2018/03/11th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2017/02/10th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2016/02/9th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2015/02/8th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/03/7th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2013/02/6th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2012/02/5th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2011/02/4th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2009/02/2nd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2008/02/oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2008</a>.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxENwkT1wV3QcKyihGxky3DucTo-_lPWwLRqMnr2wOeazOp75s8gzCy5cxPbamypbHfT9k9-kG5U-HDk9XyPNjFwQN4VA1D_unQGsSduLAcgnDeSMM3eJwb_HFsJzkSfuVcZW42ZBJPRP5lDuXitebi2oAG3ivZbpZ3_kJrBpXDJSVfuxmUXy17Rn9Ho/s520/hartnettoppenheimer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxENwkT1wV3QcKyihGxky3DucTo-_lPWwLRqMnr2wOeazOp75s8gzCy5cxPbamypbHfT9k9-kG5U-HDk9XyPNjFwQN4VA1D_unQGsSduLAcgnDeSMM3eJwb_HFsJzkSfuVcZW42ZBJPRP5lDuXitebi2oAG3ivZbpZ3_kJrBpXDJSVfuxmUXy17Rn9Ho/s16000/hartnettoppenheimer.jpg" /></a></div><p><b>Best Picture:</b> It's an upside down world, where up is down and boy bands play instruments: a Christopher Nolan film is going to win the top honor at the Academy Awards! As a longtime Chris Nolan girlie, I couldn't be more pleased for him—"<span style="color: #cc0000;">Oppenheimer</span>" is gonna win Best Picture! </p><p><b>Best Director</b>: And the gold won't stop there... <span style="color: #cc0000;">Christopher Nolan</span> will hear his named called in this category as well! Oppenhomies, we ride at dawn.<br /></p><p><b>Best Actor</b>: I am fairly confident, though not certain, that <span style="color: #cc0000;">Cillian Murphy</span> will take this one home. His portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer was masterful and haunting and cerebral, and he deserves to get the gold. If it's not him, look for Paul Giamatti to be the one to swoop in and take it.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2i3na8y6NmbW_i_4TgtYuWK03MeFv7-fWyyQDTugouFzmGhGR-MFbFIyj91zqkxxCZ7HlKM_BD9zwnWktQdHf1N-RTIIP1ZzRM6PVrQsCcGZVUkvcJgIpSvTN4lgBUbSC313FSsnaUkoKb5Xr-uFvuZb2QgbAvurYdwXusJ1skhztl9ofn1MWJw7IjdM/s1265/KillersOfTheFlowerMoon_Feature_S06293F_f.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2i3na8y6NmbW_i_4TgtYuWK03MeFv7-fWyyQDTugouFzmGhGR-MFbFIyj91zqkxxCZ7HlKM_BD9zwnWktQdHf1N-RTIIP1ZzRM6PVrQsCcGZVUkvcJgIpSvTN4lgBUbSC313FSsnaUkoKb5Xr-uFvuZb2QgbAvurYdwXusJ1skhztl9ofn1MWJw7IjdM/s320/KillersOfTheFlowerMoon_Feature_S06293F_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Best Actress</b>: Lily Gladstone and Emma Stone are in a virtual dead heat here. There's a part of me that thinks it really might be Emma, but I'm going with <span style="color: #cc0000;">Lily Gladstone</span>. <br /><p></p><p></p><p><b>Best Supporting Actor</b>: I'm just going to get this out of the way real, real quick: Charles Melton's name should be here in this category. (Side note: I'm a firm believer that if you think someone's been snubbed, you've gotta say who you think should come out of the list instead. So, sorry Sterling K. Brown—I think they should have given this spot to Charles over you.) But anyway, the winner will be <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Downey Jr</span>. <br /></p><p><b>Best </b><b>Supporting </b><b>Actress</b>: <span style="color: #cc0000;">Da’Vine Joy Randolph</span> was absolutely BRILLIANT in "The Holdovers." If it can't be Rachel McAdams for "Are You There, God? It's Me Margaret," I'm happy it'll be Da'Vine.<br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1SeAOL2S6FdP7mRvFJUNA0Q_0FkYKBEKXYfirHQiMBBafI03pTvvDGnoF2wpkPaApY5gtKD-osh39WooGwzK6dSmXNf0RVch6UL3ijlbXA8VCQJQukfyu51F2oiOiU1kI-4_zc55pGuPeZQHHL5DJwrXWP-QUVDYDPlsd8qz24mR5mG1uxok3vwBVkk/s2780/spidergwenhood.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="2780" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1SeAOL2S6FdP7mRvFJUNA0Q_0FkYKBEKXYfirHQiMBBafI03pTvvDGnoF2wpkPaApY5gtKD-osh39WooGwzK6dSmXNf0RVch6UL3ijlbXA8VCQJQukfyu51F2oiOiU1kI-4_zc55pGuPeZQHHL5DJwrXWP-QUVDYDPlsd8qz24mR5mG1uxok3vwBVkk/s320/spidergwenhood.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Animated Feature</b>: I think there's a world where "The Boy and the Heron" wins because of the film community's love for Hayao Miyazaki. However, when I close my eyes and picture this category's envelope being opened on Sunday, I can only imagine hearing Anya Taylor-Joy or Dwayne Johnson or whoever saying "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse</span>."<br /><p></p><p><b>Production Design</b>: The production design for "Barbie" is truly incredible—if you haven't seen the behind-the-scenes walk-throughs of the sets, you've gotta seek those out. However, I think the team behind "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Poor Things</span>" will nab this one.<br /></p><p><b>Cinematography</b>: I think "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Oppenheimer</span>" will win this one, and I'm not mad about that, but <i>man</i> if "Killers of the Flower Moon" doesn't feel equally deserving. Tough category. </p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-aaUo-mlZFUapeWcrSIOVYxqpsawkEGOR23My3w2E03b_pkFmd6TD2Ak-GwjM-B9HU4_bmFItbDocOafAvPSKxwXBvbnyhlD15rN380zJNWGB_BkA_mjYltXoXiPiKffZh-nhIwACsodO5wcPCcUrcb12SICwgSslqui_gMEgbzUsUbfUqIX2bXqg6s/s1302/pinkbarbiecostumesketch.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1302" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-aaUo-mlZFUapeWcrSIOVYxqpsawkEGOR23My3w2E03b_pkFmd6TD2Ak-GwjM-B9HU4_bmFItbDocOafAvPSKxwXBvbnyhlD15rN380zJNWGB_BkA_mjYltXoXiPiKffZh-nhIwACsodO5wcPCcUrcb12SICwgSslqui_gMEgbzUsUbfUqIX2bXqg6s/s320/pinkbarbiecostumesketch.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmPHizwxpfoyjBuS-O_o68KXS17sZQs-f4VhVPDKmw8xN-qsynkvBU00KbyLiZHdL086h3sjf-VNPufoEWTcOEBrIsRRDECgwqiQ-nYGtDhk80Z4-YqJV8IdpGmjycoVq6SNM4jWJ_sJfXEOdL1Ku9vUKHQ78p-NxNWQMGVMsGQUhI0VyLEqkPRCt590/s1312/barbiepinkcostumesketch.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></b></div><b>Costume Design</b>: History tells me to pick the quirky historical costumes from "Poor Things." My heart tells me to go for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Barbie</span>."<br /><p></p><p><b>Film Editing</b>: I'm between "Oppenheimer" and "Killers of the Flower Moon" on this one, but when in doubt, the tie goes to the runner—aka the Best Picture winner. "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Oppenheimer</span>" it is!<br /></p><p><b>Makeup and Hairstyling</b>: First of all, JAIL to the Academy members who failed to nominate "Barbie" in this category. They toned my girl Margot's hair on the DAILY to make sure her locks were the perfect shade of blonde for her costume. Every! Day! Sigh. Anyway. I guess it could be "Maestro," but there doesn't seem to be a lot of passion for that film as a whole, so I'm picking "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Poor Things</span>" here. <br /></p><p><b>Original Score</b>: My jaw will be on the FLOOR if anything other than "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Oppenheimer</span>" wins this category. <br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoJn1udz_gSkE4bqDeMI8xL6PrmCk-3UHNlC5OP-p1qfJsIGVoJ-y_67zmddrPZByjgHlJuneKxOfOEKv0_znnGPEmsWikx8xJTgIJ6BymhK1GYbQcRzPqHjBtEmvcjzZ6n4A2GW8CdgBe8VfXeUnRJUgDKhb1efgbrOZGOmtrT2qTvg3hpGGzmWquao/s2524/billieandfinneasredcarpet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="2524" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoJn1udz_gSkE4bqDeMI8xL6PrmCk-3UHNlC5OP-p1qfJsIGVoJ-y_67zmddrPZByjgHlJuneKxOfOEKv0_znnGPEmsWikx8xJTgIJ6BymhK1GYbQcRzPqHjBtEmvcjzZ6n4A2GW8CdgBe8VfXeUnRJUgDKhb1efgbrOZGOmtrT2qTvg3hpGGzmWquao/s320/billieandfinneasredcarpet.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Original Song</b>: Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell have this one in the bag for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">What Was I Made For?</span>"—the duo's second win in this category in two years after 2022's "No Time to Die!"<p></p><p><b>Original Screenplay</b>: This category <i>could</i> be where the Academy shows "Past Lives" some love. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Alexander Payne pick up his third Oscar for best screenplay, this time for "The Holdovers." But if I have to pick just one (and clearly I do), I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Anatomy of a Fall</span>."<br /></p><p><b>Adapted Screenplay</b>: There's a lot of love for "American Fiction" in this category, but don't count out Christopher Nolan and his adaptation of a 700-page tome. I've gotta pick "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Oppenheimer</span>" here.<br /></p><p><b>Sound</b>: Another one for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Oppenheimer</span>!" You go, "Oppenheimer." <br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTPGd_q9z2hGSBhGL4Ap9dDqemlboHWWneqbEGGP6Gb7osAkl6L9JJo4HuqHH0WNKoLBltv6v8noPlyTKWuxml0KFb3JL1BjOSKGaCewjTkks7AOlWaLZQmjc2Dzyi0OpmKU0H1cBSwAQQGKNSo9IJdHAgS1lb_E5F28BupVxPLgk7dPdoK3_UNmEfjI/s1300/thecreator_viseffects.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1300" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTPGd_q9z2hGSBhGL4Ap9dDqemlboHWWneqbEGGP6Gb7osAkl6L9JJo4HuqHH0WNKoLBltv6v8noPlyTKWuxml0KFb3JL1BjOSKGaCewjTkks7AOlWaLZQmjc2Dzyi0OpmKU0H1cBSwAQQGKNSo9IJdHAgS1lb_E5F28BupVxPLgk7dPdoK3_UNmEfjI/s320/thecreator_viseffects.jpeg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Visual Effects</b>: Without an "Avatar" or a "Dune" in this category, it kind of feels like anyone's game. There's a ton of stacked talent here, without a real heavyweight to pull all the votes. That being said, I can't shake the feeling that it's going to be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Creator</span>."<br /><p></p><p><b>Documentary Feature</b>: "<span style="color: #cc0000;">20 Days in Mariupol</span>" is about Russia's attack on Ukraine, and I can't see voters picking something else over that one. <br /></p><p><b>Documentary Short</b>: The choice here seems to be coming down to a film about book banning, and a film about a repair shop for kids' instruments. So tough! But I think the latter will have a bigger impact on voters, so I'll go with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Last Repair Shop</span>." <br /></p><p><b>International Feature Film</b>: I'm feelin' REAL confident with this one, so please don't embarrass me, Academy! It's "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Zone of Interest</span>."<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOXTPl3n7nNln641sXiy1A8isrA8-GHY-fA1x7irNyoK6g4YU7PRJN6cSLBJAkegntWQBS2R47Q7Qg_g-m8Z8rl28uPWleejviYRz9qVl06TK906Ar9XkHE__z-VVsadUnrBWZqZmhpyeYPtzvKk4td7bjOqfA-FggNQJeMTVNMOHv8FNIrLvIddc6D4/s3107/henrysugarlibrarybooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1748" data-original-width="3107" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOXTPl3n7nNln641sXiy1A8isrA8-GHY-fA1x7irNyoK6g4YU7PRJN6cSLBJAkegntWQBS2R47Q7Qg_g-m8Z8rl28uPWleejviYRz9qVl06TK906Ar9XkHE__z-VVsadUnrBWZqZmhpyeYPtzvKk4td7bjOqfA-FggNQJeMTVNMOHv8FNIrLvIddc6D4/s320/henrysugarlibrarybooks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Animated Short</b>: Did I pick "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Letter to a Pig</span>" based solely on the title? I didn't NOT do that...<br /><p></p><p><b>Live Action Short</b>: Netflix has been pushing "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar</span>" hard, and the industry loves them some Wes Anderson, so I'm inclined to think they'll give him the gold here.<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Okay, so I'm not ALWAYS right. But I'm ALWAYS in love with Josh Hartnett, and <i>that's</i> the truth.</span><br /></p>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-13053131705694178732024-01-26T13:22:00.001-06:002024-01-26T13:22:32.367-06:002023 Favorites<p><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Books I Read in 2023</b></u></span><br />
<br />Favorite "new to me" books I read this year.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqIp2oae1f1uDnTJT9yYZCdYfCof97T6sWavCK1vqMQyq0Kbdo8DHpP2H9aruhOZZ_39pFQSwJhouc-FiZFY8rlsALyK5bbPCcsF1Lo1iSBGvbfR7O5znGjF4prWuYjhgeW-sOST6O-64PLKd3iqXQsT1PObCdbD6OrmLxW2Tb8KgnrC3UhRSUtiV8Bs/s1000/love%20theoretically.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqIp2oae1f1uDnTJT9yYZCdYfCof97T6sWavCK1vqMQyq0Kbdo8DHpP2H9aruhOZZ_39pFQSwJhouc-FiZFY8rlsALyK5bbPCcsF1Lo1iSBGvbfR7O5znGjF4prWuYjhgeW-sOST6O-64PLKd3iqXQsT1PObCdbD6OrmLxW2Tb8KgnrC3UhRSUtiV8Bs/w133-h200/love%20theoretically.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>3. <i>Love, Theoretically</i>, <b>Ali Hazelwood </b><br />This wouldn't be a complete "Val's list of top reads" without an Ali Hazelwood STEM-centric rom-com on the list, now would it? Exactly. As per usual, we have a male main character who is an absolute fool for the female lead. Plus he's so caring, so soft, so gentle, so capable. And Elsie, said female lead, was such a fun character to follow—teaching college courses, loving <i>Twilight</i>, striving after her dreams... we love to see it! Overall, I don't know what it was about this one—the chemistry between our leads? The fun and cheesy humor? The smarty pants science talk? I'm not sure, but I bet a second (or a third) read-through will help me decide!<br /><br /><i>“He studies my face for several moments, like he cannot stop on the cover or the first page, like he needs to read the whole book every time.” <br /> </i><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ-4hnKJLNH15_31sBLLpx1Qu7eJ_PQkEz6qONVLxDNW5lJrEWPdmn6x3jVWS8MsYtnTx6wdcAxY2TyVfUwLOkK3TlgmCm4RKQNEyfTDKFdPCbRpPeux4O79-LfNZgmxClpYUROIjoKQEC3X_C29t1c8mLHZITjmdjEchTEBxMaDSghJmIdkJeOGORVc/s500/right-move.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ-4hnKJLNH15_31sBLLpx1Qu7eJ_PQkEz6qONVLxDNW5lJrEWPdmn6x3jVWS8MsYtnTx6wdcAxY2TyVfUwLOkK3TlgmCm4RKQNEyfTDKFdPCbRpPeux4O79-LfNZgmxClpYUROIjoKQEC3X_C29t1c8mLHZITjmdjEchTEBxMaDSghJmIdkJeOGORVc/w133-h200/right-move.jpg" width="133" /></a></div> 2. <i>The Right Move</i>, <b>Liz Tomforde </b><br />Listen, if you have ALSO
read this book, I only need to say two words for you to understand this
book's high position in my ranking: Ryan. Shay. RYAN SHAY! Sigh. But to expand a little bit more... In the
romance book-readers world, "tropes" are everything, and this one
delivered SO MANY of my favorite tropes: grumpy
sunshine. Best friend's brother. Opposites attract. Fake dating. Pro athlete. Like, hi, I am SOLD. Plus, the number of <span class="emoji emoji-large">😍</span><span class="emoji emoji-large">
emojis Ellie and I sent back and forth while reading this? THE LIMIT
DOES NOT EXIST. Give me a caring and protective male main character and I
am absolutely here for it, always and forever. Tears were streaming
down my face by the end of this book, and I just thought to myself,
'Thank you, Lord, for Ryan Shay.'</span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span class="emoji emoji-large"><i>“You can’t stop being who you are because someone else thinks it’s too much, Ind. He can go find less."</i></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XDBu0Qxv_sL-CHFFFuRFRwZQRZ96MKw_3EjN3dDtfY4OoEXfAKjS9Ede4QQ0jWGNiYaFKPV77dFBU3Q8aa0pYE11oy0vDcYtfx4qOOYNXUg5nhobVRhLBlmwLd4YZKsYriSTSK6oVo3c77m58TlRCVMirzL2AWav7c9NvzeFLdBnoPYE9TIV-zRebWI/s1000/devil-deep-blue-sea.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="647" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XDBu0Qxv_sL-CHFFFuRFRwZQRZ96MKw_3EjN3dDtfY4OoEXfAKjS9Ede4QQ0jWGNiYaFKPV77dFBU3Q8aa0pYE11oy0vDcYtfx4qOOYNXUg5nhobVRhLBlmwLd4YZKsYriSTSK6oVo3c77m58TlRCVMirzL2AWav7c9NvzeFLdBnoPYE9TIV-zRebWI/w129-h200/devil-deep-blue-sea.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>1. <span class="emoji emoji-large"><i><i>The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea</i>, <b>Elizabeth O'Roark </b> <br /></i></span>When
international pop star Drew Wilson needs a break from her grueling tour
schedule, she ends up in Hawaii with the family of her ex-boyfriend.
Along for the ride? His dashing but grumpy older brother Joshua, a tall,
'Doctors Without Borders' type who soon develops a soft spot for Drew. I
gobbled up the entire "Devil" series in a flash, and seriously considered just
making three of them my top picks of the year, but this second entry was
the one to capture my heart along with the top spot. (It must be said, though, that the first book in the series, "A Deal with the Devil" is also great and I loved it SO MUCH.) But anyway—the Hawaiian
mountains, globe-trotting story, deep feelings, and sprinkling of
heart-sparkling moments (the pastry! at her door! I. DIE.) were just
exactly the perfect formula to make this a favorite all-time read for
me. <p></p><p><span class="emoji emoji-large"><i>“</i></span><i><span id="freeTextContainer4925881915082313076">It takes so little to make her happy and I wonder if anyone in her life even tries.</span></i><span class="emoji emoji-large"><i>” <br /><br /></i></span></p><p></p><p><u>Honorable Mention</u> </p><p><i>Flawless</i> by <b>Elsie Silver</b> (Never thought I needed a professional bull rider in my life, but then I read about Rhett Eaton.)<br /><i>Caught Up, </i><b>Liz Tomforde</b> (The third book in the <i>Mile High/Right Move</i> series. I'm thoroughly obsessed with these books, and this is another series that easily could have just taken up the top three spots on my list.)<br /><i>Freaks, Gleeks, and Dawson's Creek: How Seven Teen Shows Transformed Television</i>, <b>Thea Glassman</b> (If you're a pop culture/television fan, or if you loved any of these shows, this book is for you!)<br /><i>Kiss My Cupcake</i>, <b>Helena Hunting</b> (He owns the axe-throwing pub next door to her bakery. What more do you need to know?)<br /><i>Murder for the Modern Girl</i>, <b>Kendall Kulper</b> (A fun and interesting read, with a smart and inventive plot. Loved the main characters!)<br /><i>Say You Swear</i>, <b>Meagan Brandy</b> (I read a lot of romance books this year—obviously—but Noah Riley was one of my FAVORITE 'book boyfriends.')<br /><i>I'm Glad My Mom Died</i>, <b>Jennette McCurdy</b> (This girl has been THROUGH IT, but she wrote a beautiful, smart, and heartbreaking memoir about it all.)<br /><i>Always Mine / Ever Mine</i>, <b>Laura Pavlov</b> (The first two books in the <i>Honey Mountain</i> series were my favorite, but they're all worth reading!) <br /><i>Done and Dusted</i>, <b>Lyla Sage</b> (I need the sequel to this book to come out YESTERDAY. But I'll settle for March!)<br /><i>Bookworm</i>, <b>Cookie O'Gorman</b> (Cookie O'Gorman is my GIRL, and I will read her sweet, soft YA romances as long as she keeps putting them out.)<br /></p><p>I read 98 books this year, and the only people who would have been interested in that information are my grandparents. They aren't here anymore, so I'm telling you. Is 100 in my future? Come back next year...<br /></p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Movies of 2023</b></u></span> </p><p>Runner-Up: <b>Oppenheimer</b><br />"Oppenheimer" is an <i>outstanding</i> film. The cast, score, direction, structure... it just all works for me. It's absolutely top tier. Nevermind that it's a "who's who" of fiercely talented Hollywood actors (including my first true movie love Josh Hartnett), it's also a fascinating story that sweeps its way through time and across the world, and I just really loved the whole experience. <br /></p><p>3. <b>Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1<br /></b>"Dead Reckoning" is a smart, twisty, clever <i>blast</i>. These movies always strike the right balance between humor and tension, and "Dead Reckoning" is no different. It has a unique and inventive plot, some great character development, and, of course, more than a few jaw-dropping stunts and set pieces—plus a ton of laugh-out-loud moments! I love that they brought Hayley Atwell (forever my Agent Carter!) and Pom Klementieff (who was awesome formidable and... kinda scary!) into the fold—those two combined with the return of Rebecca Ferguson and Vanessa Kirby created a formidable line-up of strong female characters, and we really love to see it. It's a shame that "Dead Reckoning's" release got eclipsed by <i>Barbenheimer</i>, because it deserved more time in the theatrical spotlight, so to speak. Please see it if you missed it—if not for me, do it for Shea Whigham. That guy's awesome.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG6pOd2YZdAetkz0_S682VZZxjBZrc5CysW25B0iObEzoTvKmgf4wJgDWYI9gb0vfRirN_8muaeP01eh5hn45lEnxFp85JS_dlqpnJWmpw3VyX7lvcK2YTb3u5dL9TafGh2aIuMmjkXzXoGbOwFSPMjlnukq-C5UoDyVZfHgjEI0C-4jKQhBaojL4urY/s3000/mission-impossible-deadreckoning.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1688" data-original-width="3000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG6pOd2YZdAetkz0_S682VZZxjBZrc5CysW25B0iObEzoTvKmgf4wJgDWYI9gb0vfRirN_8muaeP01eh5hn45lEnxFp85JS_dlqpnJWmpw3VyX7lvcK2YTb3u5dL9TafGh2aIuMmjkXzXoGbOwFSPMjlnukq-C5UoDyVZfHgjEI0C-4jKQhBaojL4urY/s320/mission-impossible-deadreckoning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>2. <b>Barbie</b><br />It makes little to no sense, but part of me wanted to NOT rank "Barbie" super high? Just because it got SO popular, you know? But that's not really fair to Greta Gerwig, and it's <i>really</i> not fair to one Barbara Millicent Roberts. And it's also just not the truth, because "Barbie" was insanely fun, creative, smart, heartfelt, and hilarious, and <i>man</i> was it a great time at the theater! I mean I was <i>literally</i> pointing at the screen when I saw Barbie clothes I used to own. I had a blast spotting so many people in the audience dressed up in pink (I honestly had to stop myself from yelling "Hi Barbie!" to my fellow Barbies). Also I laughed probably a little too much (it had my favorite joke of the entire year!*). I truly think it's the funniest movie I've seen in the last few years. The whole experience was so nostalgic and refreshing and positive and FUN (I know, I keep using that word), and... I don't know. I just wish more movies could be like that.<br /> <br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*“It’s like I’ve been in a dream where I was really invested in the Zack Snyder Cut of </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Justice League!</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">”<br /><br /></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwIXKPf_KBx7ZDYZn5Qr3PYk3QmWMIa5PvGCzT8-fDtTIHprOA2-ln8OWlal59LRNq7oH_Q8tOaJKugM-oNNSqNh2t8aVZ5G8P_3l8uTmJAAPJHFvYYlSM5CpVEunA5A5S_cMZ4kMYaQR4uYLtEURPXMCBGEIkcn1zLvcmjUEOYGLSbhR1uffNppyR6s/s2500/barbie-movie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="2500" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwIXKPf_KBx7ZDYZn5Qr3PYk3QmWMIa5PvGCzT8-fDtTIHprOA2-ln8OWlal59LRNq7oH_Q8tOaJKugM-oNNSqNh2t8aVZ5G8P_3l8uTmJAAPJHFvYYlSM5CpVEunA5A5S_cMZ4kMYaQR4uYLtEURPXMCBGEIkcn1zLvcmjUEOYGLSbhR1uffNppyR6s/s320/barbie-movie.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p>1. <b>Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret</b><br />This. Movie. Is. <i>Wonderful</i>. My gosh. I already love coming-of-age films, but this one was so smartly, delightfully, and reverently crafted, I found it impossible not to immediately deem it a favorite. The cast is pitch perfect, the script is both funny and touching, and the direction is flawless. Abby Ryder Fortson did a fantastic job anchoring the film, but Rachel McAdams (playing Margaret's mom) nearly stole the whole movie. I love Rachel in everything, but she was so magnetic and sensitive and relatable and dynamic in this, I found myself in awe of her talents all over again. The whole viewing experience was outstanding—I laughed, hid my face in embarrassed amusement, and teared up throughout. I didn't want it to end! It's as close to perfect as a movie came for me this year, and I can't encourage you enough to check out this sweet, poignant, funny, relatable gem of a movie.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DEGF7IEBK9_rkqyimbi0bmMhVYrOd3Y4QIZuneHc5BQelHyADfK2cw6Mmn_PbwiJpWYtzEd2pQx9oswviok-kUjRKnywp8kH9Jo5Bg3evuzsx4TpPVg-jobulIbtP6SZkpkOfL1ZZ6eLXx7JgpK4DBdXC5UUvJX0u2FwyRijhAKB_FBbvfRS2S4LKfE/s1200/Are-You-There-God-tease_hpmpfz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DEGF7IEBK9_rkqyimbi0bmMhVYrOd3Y4QIZuneHc5BQelHyADfK2cw6Mmn_PbwiJpWYtzEd2pQx9oswviok-kUjRKnywp8kH9Jo5Bg3evuzsx4TpPVg-jobulIbtP6SZkpkOfL1ZZ6eLXx7JgpK4DBdXC5UUvJX0u2FwyRijhAKB_FBbvfRS2S4LKfE/s320/Are-You-There-God-tease_hpmpfz.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br />Honorable Mention</b>: The Holdovers, The Color Purple, Missing, Joy Ride, A Haunting in Venice, No Hard Feelings, Guy Ritchie's The Covenant <br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2023</b></u></span><br />
<br />
Favorite shows I started watching this year:</p><p>3. <i>Photo/Title Not Found</i></p><p>Here's the (very strange) deal: I only started—and <b><i>finished</i></b>—two new (to me) shows this year. I started several other good ones, but for whatever reason just haven't managed to make it to the end yet. That being said, at this point finishing all available episodes of a series is a big compliment from me, so with that in mind... Here are my top two new shows I stuck with this year!<br /></p><p>2. <b>Reacher</b><br />I didn't initially jump at the chance to check out "Reacher." Mostly because, to be honest? It seemed like the epitome of a "dad show." (Not <i>my</i> dad, but you know... DADS.) However, I saw a couple clips online, didn't have anything else to watch (clearly), and decided to give it a whirl. Okay so, to get it out of the way, yes: a lot of it is just a very (very) big guy punching and shooting people. And giving people the stink eye, and spouting off some pretttttty cheesy dialogue. BUT. But. "Reacher" also has a compelling season-long mystery, some fun twists and turns, and a few actors I loved in other shows (Hi, Clive from "iZombie!"). It's a little gory and sometimes pretty brutal, but overall I had a great time traversing rural Georgia with a 6'5" dude who can <a href="https://i.makeagif.com/media/11-10-2023/BcU24K.gif" target="_blank">snap his way out of zip-tie handcuffs</a> and <a href="https://i.makeagif.com/media/11-10-2023/BcU24K.gif" target="_blank">kick a car hard enough to deploy an airbag</a>.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaO4-FnbHTS8RGPwlMHrbkM4Ghw9q3rAqtZVLpm61Lc-Xhn34sbEdU5RbuUzysSA-3aFG7Exd9ZQhTmtBToEDLPaiLzn19_QVQlszhIa5CtnFdcZlsB6tAbLxCpDsSONvDIxooWO6LDinCY7qbnitRCKoaCxusURmL5DGEy2nMbpLaUh30hVYO0iMNzM/s498/jack-reacher.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="498" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaO4-FnbHTS8RGPwlMHrbkM4Ghw9q3rAqtZVLpm61Lc-Xhn34sbEdU5RbuUzysSA-3aFG7Exd9ZQhTmtBToEDLPaiLzn19_QVQlszhIa5CtnFdcZlsB6tAbLxCpDsSONvDIxooWO6LDinCY7qbnitRCKoaCxusURmL5DGEy2nMbpLaUh30hVYO0iMNzM/s320/jack-reacher.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />1. <b>Poker Face</b> <br />File this one under <i>"S" </i>for <i>"Shows That Feel Like They Were Made Just For Me."</i> I mean—a witty, sprawling mystery that unfurls over the course of ten tight and highly entertaining episodes? This has VALERIE written all over it! Natasha Lyonne is perfect in the lead role of Charlie Cale, a smart and compassionate gal-on-the-run who can always tell when someone is lying (it's a feeling, you see). As she makes her way across the country trying to stay one step ahead of bodyguard/bad guy Benjamin Bratt, she finds herself solving mysteries in a myriad of different venues—a barbecue joint, a race track, a retirement home, and more. Along the way, we are treated to a series of iconic guest actors like Judith Light, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Stephanie Hsu, Charles Melton, Tim Meadows, and Cherry Jones. It's absolutely outstanding, and I cannot wait for season 2. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXcfI_1KD0uweMDiLS65DwdgWuGrGy0lgYsFl9s-93wmuqp0dRQQkCasf8HzC7GlrdddjFhvxbdz-XS_2cL8wZkzSvZr9nK0docYrDSkT49j0BRJ8yVOH7Poi8VLg777joWNdVzRvd31a0qOw5aQ_F_rzgp1AqNeZvyenYhsHUmCIvQYu9DbAa1KxfTI/s500/pokerface.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXcfI_1KD0uweMDiLS65DwdgWuGrGy0lgYsFl9s-93wmuqp0dRQQkCasf8HzC7GlrdddjFhvxbdz-XS_2cL8wZkzSvZr9nK0docYrDSkT49j0BRJ8yVOH7Poi8VLg777joWNdVzRvd31a0qOw5aQ_F_rzgp1AqNeZvyenYhsHUmCIvQYu9DbAa1KxfTI/s320/pokerface.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #1d1c1d; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Events of 2023</b></u></span></span></span></span> </p><p>3. <b>Summer + Christmas Family Time</b><br />Our family's annual Galveston vacation is always one of my favorite weeks of the year! Going out on the boat, eating ice cream on the Strand, building sand castles, playing games, driving the golf cart, throwing water balloons, celebrating birthdays, fishing in the ocean... what's not to love? Wish I could play this week on repeat a few more times!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnP2iszadzxhSLewQh5zx_mIr_851WE26lJFWnzj-11xJKtYlhBRhZCVFHnvGey-jYrCvyc5YOSKeisjvqvK3fN-Fk6MViYxiB-QU2f_zxthZALvf3cBLjlRC1Zva4AXJTB4yORFl6Xcdncl39oxeiMi-2oSpAjcRZCScccazrkC-IQOJOSBT86PDZso/s2254/08F5C2B2-5FDB-42D6-84F2-801D80627741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2254" data-original-width="2254" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnP2iszadzxhSLewQh5zx_mIr_851WE26lJFWnzj-11xJKtYlhBRhZCVFHnvGey-jYrCvyc5YOSKeisjvqvK3fN-Fk6MViYxiB-QU2f_zxthZALvf3cBLjlRC1Zva4AXJTB4yORFl6Xcdncl39oxeiMi-2oSpAjcRZCScccazrkC-IQOJOSBT86PDZso/s320/08F5C2B2-5FDB-42D6-84F2-801D80627741.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />We got together again at Christmas, but why tell you about it when I can just SHOW you? Press play to see our December fun:<br /><p></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Oo31oLGZGjo?si=RdAC1YzXryh_eIhC" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p>2. <b>Morby Family Reunion</b><br />The reason we got together—my grandfather's memorial service—was less than fun. But everything that came with my entire extended family gathering together for it was pure magic. We took all the little kids to a trampoline park, spent time out at "Morbyland" (my nieces' first time ever!), laughed a ton, played board games, and just enjoyed all being in the same place. It was more fun than it should have been, and I am so, so incredibly thankful for this group of people. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhptSjS_lHAQoQp2AhBVMiTGw8fbn6aaFKPoXYPzzXYd9DTGFd_YFj7FpWZTi5BtgN-o5Og6nv-HhtA1fOFTCepZuxjxXc-ve80Mf5AXz80wMsq9zpqkdZMcx5xy4LR2p3zSeggvIau1Yk7j8vMCTyoTI08gv6Kd26sLzt_zP0TSesMBwvsr9tl1UgCSo/s1631/62A7FB60-F777-489F-AE16-35874013A52A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1631" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhptSjS_lHAQoQp2AhBVMiTGw8fbn6aaFKPoXYPzzXYd9DTGFd_YFj7FpWZTi5BtgN-o5Og6nv-HhtA1fOFTCepZuxjxXc-ve80Mf5AXz80wMsq9zpqkdZMcx5xy4LR2p3zSeggvIau1Yk7j8vMCTyoTI08gv6Kd26sLzt_zP0TSesMBwvsr9tl1UgCSo/w400-h228/62A7FB60-F777-489F-AE16-35874013A52A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>1. <b>Ciminellos and Morbys in New York</b><br />All my favorite people in one of my favorite places? IF I'M DREAMING PLEASE DON'T WAKE ME UP 'CAUSE BABY I CAN'T GET ENOUGH. My parents took me, my brother, and my sister and her family to New York City this October, and it was amazing! I loved getting to see the Big Apple through my nieces eyes—it was their first time up there, and it was SO fun getting to show them around! We ate fantastic food (family-style dining is my new favorite and I firmly believe more restaurants should be like this), got to experience so many iconic NYC landmarks/attractions together (Broadway Museum where have you been all my life??), and saw incredible shows ("Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" was a
mind-meltingly incredible experience and I will never be over how
astounding it was). It felt like the trip of a lifetime and I am so, so grateful that we got to do that together. Thanks, Mom and Dad! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZUsl4hEs8fDWCuVRM-e32Y1uAxek91CctBdM3v1KaWzlig970xL2x6puhqNdaL-7tDCd7qLVePemTezQpZlCPynzr084taoFniqVVTIYHCTMZjoeWIS4hl7DyRTspwvlHNRpk06VfjnL3_mc5XMAjIpcCE7I8z0uZYqK0Mt_9diGpKnsD7zJ7si5WRU/s4032/IMG_4099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZUsl4hEs8fDWCuVRM-e32Y1uAxek91CctBdM3v1KaWzlig970xL2x6puhqNdaL-7tDCd7qLVePemTezQpZlCPynzr084taoFniqVVTIYHCTMZjoeWIS4hl7DyRTspwvlHNRpk06VfjnL3_mc5XMAjIpcCE7I8z0uZYqK0Mt_9diGpKnsD7zJ7si5WRU/s320/IMG_4099.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b>Honorable Mention</b>: Girls trip to Kentucky, SMG movie club, Galveston weekend with Ellie, celebrating 15 years at my job (!), Ciminellos at family camp, old media team reunion at Melissa's anniversary party, celebrating Dad's 70th birthday, sweet surprise gifts from co-workers, celebrating Kristen's time at Pine Cove, and Thanksgiving in Galveston.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRGCaEzvVikTCnsrhQHZllpf7ywViF-qIE8Y_4vPyJrIpoZ4BJ78dYOjdwQ3fDOWaMdXkgLUlrArlZ-NHiEjQmO4iqH4yyOjxkfaK1ZhjWznZUXP_HTpsIRNcL_DtfVTVJiI_XmoxCO98BaZs3aZ0peAS99WRTO2wH9SWmtZ8cblqIgFPoIW866B-6Gg/s3088/IMG_7104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRGCaEzvVikTCnsrhQHZllpf7ywViF-qIE8Y_4vPyJrIpoZ4BJ78dYOjdwQ3fDOWaMdXkgLUlrArlZ-NHiEjQmO4iqH4yyOjxkfaK1ZhjWznZUXP_HTpsIRNcL_DtfVTVJiI_XmoxCO98BaZs3aZ0peAS99WRTO2wH9SWmtZ8cblqIgFPoIW866B-6Gg/s320/IMG_7104.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Lastly, I can't end this entry without talking about the other big thing that happened this year. After nearly 93 years living, laughing, and working (Lord, how he worked) on this earth, Grandpa Glenn finally went to his rest. If we're honest I'm still wrestling and reconciling with this one, but I'm left with the sweetest memories of him and the legacy he left behind. Nothing is the same without him here, but oh—how grateful am I that I got to have Glenn Morby as my grandfather. Rest well, Grandpa, and enjoy eating some nachos, watching the Nicholas brothers dance, and making malts with Grandma. Love you. <br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-92087403626244446312023-03-11T17:57:00.002-06:002023-03-11T17:57:31.858-06:0016th Annual Oscar Picks<p>Grab your googly eyes and throw some confetti in the air—it's Oscar prediction time! If you're looking for totally and completely correct predictions in all 23 Oscar categories, you've come to the right place. Because I never get it wrong.*<br /></p><p>(Previously: <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2022/03/15th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2022</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2021/04/14th-annual-oscar-picks.html">2021</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2020/02/13th-annual-oscar-picks.html">2020</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2019/02/12th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2019</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2018/03/11th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2017/02/10th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2016/02/9th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2015/02/8th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/03/7th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2013/02/6th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2012/02/5th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2011/02/4th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2009/02/2nd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2008/02/oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2008</a>.)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwbXAhvbDA4s19IQ55tdzy4iJbZZwZBqjNrerYvDhM5JBfgb79nf7wYPD0lmoq50Z-aTOND8lmvnFAEXNfNMkSSVUHTJan--UeZPrDqWfZs5tjG-lTB8SqpvM3hZf365wyjFxKNEGaRIC0ySSHIdWqtXbCt1Nc3dDpK8Hq_M4D4Z6rDohRa5_Ssq7/s520/jobu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwbXAhvbDA4s19IQ55tdzy4iJbZZwZBqjNrerYvDhM5JBfgb79nf7wYPD0lmoq50Z-aTOND8lmvnFAEXNfNMkSSVUHTJan--UeZPrDqWfZs5tjG-lTB8SqpvM3hZf365wyjFxKNEGaRIC0ySSHIdWqtXbCt1Nc3dDpK8Hq_M4D4Z6rDohRa5_Ssq7/s16000/jobu.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Best Picture:</b> "All Quiet on the Western Front" is pushing hard, and "The Fabelmans," "Tar," and even "Top Gun: Maverick" all have a fighting shot at the top prize. But with big wins at all major guild ceremonies (Screen Actors Guild, Writers Guild, Producers Guild, etc.), I just don't see anybody but "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Everything Everywhere All At Once</span>" going home with this award. (Rightfully so! I'd hand the Daniels the gold for the scene with those two rocks alone.)<p></p><p><b>Best Director</b>: You may think he already has too many awards in this category already, but believe it or not, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Steven Spielberg</span> hasn't won the Best Director prize since 1998's "Saving Private Ryan"—TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. So while there's more than a solid chance the Daniels will grab this one, I think the Academy will find a way to honor "The Fabelmans" with a win in this category.<br /><br /><b>Best Actor</b>: The only surprise here will be if someone besides Brendan Fraser or Austin Butler wins. And as cool as it would be to see Fraser's "comeback" continue with a win on Sunday, I'm giving the edge to <span style="color: #cc0000;">Austin Butler</span>.<b><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb9i13byWlYogW9YfIYlCfz_Y3t1N2eREfCFwVt9kQlirZf21WJK7CeXpPV8PLH246nEXlolHDpHRTNV5KRajJpMXDVEC8-jcdwxGGlhvgdou0tIUEGbU5E8shmKPBcp51Q-7sRGBLzTQW1XyMz0U9VJupR5uAE7Kttk7Xom-bpy8mVNr6HrDcCnt/s838/Cate-Blanchett-and-Michelle-Yeoh-Variety-Actors-on-Actors-16x9-1.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="838" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb9i13byWlYogW9YfIYlCfz_Y3t1N2eREfCFwVt9kQlirZf21WJK7CeXpPV8PLH246nEXlolHDpHRTNV5KRajJpMXDVEC8-jcdwxGGlhvgdou0tIUEGbU5E8shmKPBcp51Q-7sRGBLzTQW1XyMz0U9VJupR5uAE7Kttk7Xom-bpy8mVNr6HrDcCnt/s320/Cate-Blanchett-and-Michelle-Yeoh-Variety-Actors-on-Actors-16x9-1.webp" width="320" /></a><b></b></div><b>Best Actress</b>: The only surprise here will be if someone besides Cate Blanchett or Michelle Yeoh wins. And just like above, although I would love to call this one for Yeoh, I think <span style="color: #cc0000;">Cate Blanchett</span> is an unstoppable force.<br /><br /><b>Best Supporting Actor</b>: I suppose there's a parallel universe out there where someone other than <span style="color: #cc0000;">Ke Huy Quan</span> wins this one. But it's not ours! Grab your fanny pack and get your speech ready, Ke—you're up!<br /><br /><b>Best Supporting Actress</b>: Man, talk about a toss-up. Sometimes this category is all sewn up (like last year with our queen, Ariana DeBose), but this time around it's truly anyone's guess! I want to say Stephanie Hsu because she's phenomenal (and also because I like bragging that I saw her on Broadway in "Be More Chill" back in 2019), but Jamie Lee Curtis, Angela Bassett, and Kerry Condon seem to have the best chances here. It's truly anyone's guess, and mine is <span style="color: #cc0000;">Angela Bassett</span>.<br /><p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyj1mUyh54xRLMjC7GiAQQ7UeqLJaAJb-DxuqnRYV3K0-O79ExkwbSEqraB23FjEWbwWo4SpJlelvK9_CtBW_CxvcADYV7N8Kmd9Euj8WO2gSWJD14-1yYd34t1we4NO2iKtn0iWQGXdwI9FytE59uqYLRL6go1SmUcmvPmQrvm44U_eUs0qHFRBr/s2000/Guillermo-Del-Toro-Pinocchio-First-Look-01.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyj1mUyh54xRLMjC7GiAQQ7UeqLJaAJb-DxuqnRYV3K0-O79ExkwbSEqraB23FjEWbwWo4SpJlelvK9_CtBW_CxvcADYV7N8Kmd9Euj8WO2gSWJD14-1yYd34t1we4NO2iKtn0iWQGXdwI9FytE59uqYLRL6go1SmUcmvPmQrvm44U_eUs0qHFRBr/s320/Guillermo-Del-Toro-Pinocchio-First-Look-01.webp" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Animated Feature</b>: As fantastic as <i>all</i> of these nominees are, I think this one belongs to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio</span>."<p></p><p><b>Production Design</b>: Man—talk about a stacked category! It's definitely possible "Babylon" or "All Quiet on the Western Front" could sneak in here, but I don't think it's wise to count a Baz Luhrmann movie out in this category. So I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Elvis</span>!"<br /></p><p><b>Cinematography</b>: I think this one will either go to "All Quiet on the Western Front" or "Elvis," and it's difficult to predict which direction the Academy will lean. "AQotWF" has picked up several precursor awards for this category, though, so while I wouldn't be at all surprised to see "Elvis" grab this one, I'm still going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">All Quiet on the Western Front</span>."</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX75OOIRH0_srH8mYk8XwfVCit7pn5ah7rnDcmy-M-kv4f4hwKyo9fop1qNjj3ev9LzfvjURgfIfNG_Z-eS_F2cuh0E8hXliykH3ke9-XnunRGCrnjLsLA7_gCMUpytJrpZrzWczYXWktHtLrzFXIeU7imk63jOAvO9Vfyb6j_XRQkyRPuh6adUE-S/s1200/elvis-costume-sketch.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1200" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX75OOIRH0_srH8mYk8XwfVCit7pn5ah7rnDcmy-M-kv4f4hwKyo9fop1qNjj3ev9LzfvjURgfIfNG_Z-eS_F2cuh0E8hXliykH3ke9-XnunRGCrnjLsLA7_gCMUpytJrpZrzWczYXWktHtLrzFXIeU7imk63jOAvO9Vfyb6j_XRQkyRPuh6adUE-S/s320/elvis-costume-sketch.webp" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Costume Design</b>: Right this way, Mr. Presley—"<span style="color: #cc0000;">Elvis</span>" has this one in the bag.<br /><p></p><p><b>Film Editing</b>: It's possible that "Top Gun: Maverick" scoops this one up, but I tend to like to go with my Best Picture pick, so my money's on "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Everything Everywhere All at Once</span>."</p><p><b>Makeup and Hairstyling</b>: I could pretend to be waffling between a couple of these, but come on. It's gonna be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Whale</span>."</p><p><b>Original Score</b>: Okay NOW I'm waffling. (And I want waffles.) It's down to "The Fabelmans," "Babylon," and "All Quiet on the Western Front" for me—although I suppose "Everything Everywhere" could grab this as well. (Or even "Banshees," wow! I didn't realize Carter Burwell composed that one!) Man this is tough. With minimal confidence and pretty much only a gut feeling to go on, I'm picking "<span style="color: #cc0000;">All Quiet on the Western Front</span>." (Although I would be delighted to hear John Williams' name being called for "The Fabelmans" come Sunday!)<br /></p><p><b></b></p><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvaIP_gLA-AFpyCq45IrMaxEKimre14rLCMnXCt2JyGru895WKPP-NYd8xqPKCmyFUUt838sMCz6DAvkpkT41enGfkoN9GLgLvmsJ7nxxwPus_UoKPO-jk0U3iFnF6ENvb8kIzvskYkpC6XPvnquJat8ZdqXOTNHaais_9Bw6k0IpqcyMjKVPHESZ/s1584/rrr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1584" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvaIP_gLA-AFpyCq45IrMaxEKimre14rLCMnXCt2JyGru895WKPP-NYd8xqPKCmyFUUt838sMCz6DAvkpkT41enGfkoN9GLgLvmsJ7nxxwPus_UoKPO-jk0U3iFnF6ENvb8kIzvskYkpC6XPvnquJat8ZdqXOTNHaais_9Bw6k0IpqcyMjKVPHESZ/s320/rrr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Original Song</b>: I know it's not wise to bet against Rihanna or Lady Gaga. But I'm going to—I'm picking <i>Naatu Naatu</i> from "<span style="color: #cc0000;">RRR</span>." <br /><p></p><p><b>Original Screenplay</b>: "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Everything Everywhere All at Once</span>" is so creative and inventive and well crafted, I have to believe it's going to win this award. <br /></p><p><b>Adapted Screenplay</b>: A lot of people seem to think this one will go to "Women Talking," but I just can't envision it happening. Plan on seeing "<span style="color: #cc0000;">All Quiet on the Western Front</span>" pick this one up too.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR06OqJGBKQ3iL8u7TOz5A95u590U97yOfR7MR9YEtbKO-oaBQyTDdWlH298FHNim7cYxOe6cKFujhBbEgGxsQV4-I9cqIHmxnL3nwuqFJJYccZjTiyvNfOdxiStNHLQDAHbnl2X56_OxlCSC9qZLaTbxFOSA0piUUntfWfGBILbs6kx2eYsbGULmc/s840/darkstar.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="840" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR06OqJGBKQ3iL8u7TOz5A95u590U97yOfR7MR9YEtbKO-oaBQyTDdWlH298FHNim7cYxOe6cKFujhBbEgGxsQV4-I9cqIHmxnL3nwuqFJJYccZjTiyvNfOdxiStNHLQDAHbnl2X56_OxlCSC9qZLaTbxFOSA0piUUntfWfGBILbs6kx2eYsbGULmc/s320/darkstar.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Sound</b>: While this could be another category clinched by "All Quiet on the Western Front," I think the Academy will be looking for ways to give a nod to "Top Gun: Maverick." So in a tight race, I'm giving the edge to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Top Gun: Maverick</span>."<p></p><p><b>Visual Effects</b>: I can't imagine "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Avatar: The Way of Water</span>" not winning this one. This is probably THE lock of the night.<br /></p><p><b>Documentary Feature</b>: Truly, truly I say to you: I have never heard of ANY of these movies. (Some film fan I am!) But most prognosticators seem to think it's gonna be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Navalny</span>," and I'm a very agreeable person (obviously), so I'm checking that box as well!<br /></p><p><b>Documentary Short</b>: This could very well go to "Stranger at the Gate," but if I learned anything from "My Octopus Teacher," it's to never count an animal film out. I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Elephant Whisperers</span>."<br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgdEFPUDu0C8TT2J3dl3QwGOB_UQmMEAYWzafOANAHnmaM7KrFOkx1vPZA2GwAL8oqx3X2N4B636eqZwBxZCDQh224D7zCXnrQ5vP4BoKfFJ35HlmnhWHE2YpXpxXw3y7ZwGfVmjkb1vHF-gCZmqPKBgsPX8lHHQfNgoIiUezlJpNM_QWfXRmMkxL/s1623/allquietbest.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1623" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgdEFPUDu0C8TT2J3dl3QwGOB_UQmMEAYWzafOANAHnmaM7KrFOkx1vPZA2GwAL8oqx3X2N4B636eqZwBxZCDQh224D7zCXnrQ5vP4BoKfFJ35HlmnhWHE2YpXpxXw3y7ZwGfVmjkb1vHF-gCZmqPKBgsPX8lHHQfNgoIiUezlJpNM_QWfXRmMkxL/s320/allquietbest.webp" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>International Feature Film</b>: Just going to pause here and acknowledge once again how insane it is that "RRR" was <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/oscars-2023-rrr-international-nomination-1235310942/" target="_blank">not nominated</a> in this category. So without that competition, the way is clear for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">All Quiet on the Western Front</span>," a very deserving film.<p></p><p><b>Animated Short</b>: My very informed and uh... confident... prediction is that the winner will be... "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse</span>." <br /></p><p><b>Live Action Short</b>: It looks to me to be down to "An Irish Goodbye," "The Red Suitcase," and "Le Pupill.<i>"</i> "<span style="color: #cc0000;">An Irish Goodbye</span>" won the BAFTA, so I'm going with that one!<br /><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Hey so... I don't know how to tell you this, but... I actually do get it wrong <i>pretty</i> frequently. Like, a lot a lot. I'm sorry I lied. I'll work on it.</span><br /></p>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-57291182511620522862023-02-13T09:47:00.011-06:002023-02-13T16:25:40.523-06:002022 Favorites<p> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Books I Read in 2022</b></u></span><br />
<br />Favorite "new to me" books I read this year.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrtA49i68kxyCM6A_HWioHWww-e4U43JD0wl0ZOwqZ6fd5zNgkfYP3EI60gK-UWh5YTt7tFKlR4WrF3cflpF-Hhen5VhaIAdqvEaiTFw8qFYyYEzo2oR6EYOttLovffUDq0fX8i607xNHfcAbEeRpJTbW-cgc5_CGUXN4eOZG59XFHxYPHxsLCnHZ/s2888/59856881.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2888" data-original-width="1925" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrtA49i68kxyCM6A_HWioHWww-e4U43JD0wl0ZOwqZ6fd5zNgkfYP3EI60gK-UWh5YTt7tFKlR4WrF3cflpF-Hhen5VhaIAdqvEaiTFw8qFYyYEzo2oR6EYOttLovffUDq0fX8i607xNHfcAbEeRpJTbW-cgc5_CGUXN4eOZG59XFHxYPHxsLCnHZ/w133-h200/59856881.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>3. <b>Love on the Brain</b><br />Look, we're all familiar with the fact that my final rating of a book will, in many ways, correlate directly to the number of Heart Sparkles (TM) it gave me. And much like its STEM/rom-com predecessor, "The Love Hypothesis," "Love on the Brain" <i>delivered</i> on Heart Sparkles. Dr. <span class="Formatted">Bee Königswasser finds herself transferred to NASA to work on a dream project... with her nemesis. Luckily for us (the readers), her nemesis just happens to be tall, dark, and handsome. And secretly soft, caring, and filled to the brim with heart eyes for Bee. "Love on the Brain" was sweet, clever, and even a little mysterious, and I can't wait to jump back in for a re-read. <i><br /><br /></i></span>
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<i>“She’s everything I ever wanted and I want to inject her into my veins and also to never see her again.”
</i></div></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4VU40ejfXpfCtCmhmRcoahKTh7kbVjnuI0Zg-N8rCZOmJ3f3snAhuUnwCJDBzN8XGF6-odf983JzlVKKWyEPT2fFZgD8TLvbBJCsQ9Cgp56uCEsbZsVZAcVVNgrE0fNBe4mLpktg5-dcFrdbZrHdqE9nsv1Qg8qwfDSHd-6aG09owUc53RyQkxXz/s630/9781534478862_p0_v4_s1200x630.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="417" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4VU40ejfXpfCtCmhmRcoahKTh7kbVjnuI0Zg-N8rCZOmJ3f3snAhuUnwCJDBzN8XGF6-odf983JzlVKKWyEPT2fFZgD8TLvbBJCsQ9Cgp56uCEsbZsVZAcVVNgrE0fNBe4mLpktg5-dcFrdbZrHdqE9nsv1Qg8qwfDSHd-6aG09owUc53RyQkxXz/w133-h200/9781534478862_p0_v4_s1200x630.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>2. <b>The Do-Over</b><br />From Lynn Painter, author of my #1 read from last year, "<a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2022/01/2021-favorites.html" target="_blank">Better Than the Movies</a>," comes "The Do-Over," another clean dive into a high school rom-com pool filled with heart-shaped sprinkles and a dash of impossible magic. Emilie <span class="Formatted">Hornby is fully prepared to have the best Valentine's Day ever, but instead it turns out to be... the worst. She sets out to fix everything the next day, but finds herself somehow reliving Valentine's Day again. It's Groundhog Day by way of enemies-to-lovers, but better, because "The Do-Over" has broody Nick Stark, sarcasm-laced banter, and a dark ribbon of melancholy running throughout. It's a quick, easy read, one that will leave you eager to find a way to step back into the same day over and over again—if only a Nick Stark is waiting on the other side. <br /></span><br /><i>"And as we ran over the snow-packed pavement, I felt magically, wonderfully, not like myself. I was the manic pixie dream girl in a movie, a character created solely to be uncomplicated, unexpected, and utterly unpredictable."<br /></i><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRntSFY9lkHfR9GnFo0i6JNT1hYjqVVqJBYXc_Flcq_k5bICL37vlzCnZ1dsvSGPeuxh1cuo-4-zuGqFLBrTZu1KQD6Pc9xfg4iyc704qHwRXGfXp8kc448VUGw4OaWAq-he4K5pINJLIGKOH-JiChzcLXVX3D02akLskAp7bjltQf-ZAWVETadLuK/s800/71H5Bm3ZNjL._AC_UF700,800_QL80_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRntSFY9lkHfR9GnFo0i6JNT1hYjqVVqJBYXc_Flcq_k5bICL37vlzCnZ1dsvSGPeuxh1cuo-4-zuGqFLBrTZu1KQD6Pc9xfg4iyc704qHwRXGfXp8kc448VUGw4OaWAq-he4K5pINJLIGKOH-JiChzcLXVX3D02akLskAp7bjltQf-ZAWVETadLuK/w133-h200/71H5Bm3ZNjL._AC_UF700,800_QL80_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>1. <b>The Replacement Crush </b><br />After her summer fling turns out to be a not-so-great guy, Vivian Galdi decides she needs someone else to swing her heart-eyed gaze onto. Enter her idea for a "replacement crush"—a new guy she can fixate on without risking heartache. It's a concept easier said than done, especially with new "McNerd" Dallas Lang on the scene, a Clark Kent-lookalike who ends up working side-by-side with Vivian at her mother's bookstore. There's a ton to love about "The Replacement Crush," including the delightful small coastal town setting, tons of book talk, and some excellent character growth. What tips this one into the #1 slot, though, is the Grand Gesture at the end of the book. I was sitting on my couch listening to the audiobook, and I was so delighted by the unexpected surprise awaiting me that I literally stood up in excitement and pumped my fists in the air. Who could literally ask for anything more? <br /><i><br />"It's like a bad movie, watching you pretend you don't like him."<br /></i><br /><p></p><p><b><u>Honorable Mention</u></b></p><p><i>Cupcake</i>, <b>Cookie O'Gorman</b> (This one NARROWLY missed being in my top three—it <span class="Formatted">made me grin and sigh and swoon.</span>)<br /><i>The Bookworm Crush,</i> <b>Lisa Brown Roberts </b>(A worthy follow-up to "The Replacement Crush!")<br /><i>The Body in the Garden</i>,<b> Katharine Schellman</b> (<span class="Formatted">A solid mystery.)</span><br /><i>When You Get the Chance</i>, <b>Emma Lord</b> (<span class="Formatted">Entertaining and fun—and packed with tons of Broadway references!)</span><br /><i>Moment of Truth</i>, <b>Kasie West </b>(<span class="Formatted">Another heart-swooping story from my girl Kasie.)</span><br /><i>Just Haven't Met You Yet</i>, <b>Sophie Cousens</b> (Well-written and super sweet.)<br /><i>The Wrong Prom Date</i>, <b>Alexandra Moody</b> (Adorable! <span class="Formatted">It had shades of "A Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad," another fave of mine.)</span><br /><i>Reluctantly Yours</i>, <b>Erin Hawkins</b> (<span class="Formatted">Fun, sweet, cute. The ending made me cry—in a good way!)</span><br /><i>Blind Side</i>, <b>Kandi Steiner</b> (Sweet (and spicy) and made me tear up!)<i><br />Get a Life, Chloe Brown</i>, <b>Talia Hibbert </b>(Hibbert's<span class="Formatted"> use of similes and metaphors—stars streaming
across the sky and camera pops behind eyelids—is incredible.)</span><br /></p><p> I was going to try to read 80 books this year but I only read 67. Oh well! Who cares! <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2022/47724511" target="_blank">Full list here</a>. <br /><br /></p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Movies of 2022</b></u></span> </p><p>3. (tie) <b>Bullet Train<br /></b>What an absolute blast. Every actor riding the "Bullet Train" seems to be having the time of their life—including those popping up in the handful of surprise cameos I had no idea were coming. It was a highly entertaining mix of hilarious jokes, sly references, fun characters, and tons of bloody mayhem—almost like a Guy Ritchie or Quentin Tarantino joint. I mean, any movie that introduces each new character with a splashy, stylized title graphic automatically wins extra points in my book. The whole thing is crazy, twisty, and surprising—just so much fun. Come for Brad Pitt, stay for Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s over-the-top “Fanks but it's a Bullet Train, innit?” accent. <b><br /></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrJuDxyUCVXLlsSdlJ741H-JVortkr8HWyy8e8ktt1ZSMf5-pJHvY1F9VM2F8WwvBpc1MHdqgQSrxwyCj7hrCkn840QZOqnmBE3cUVfS0Bu0GrrlGwT3yeb4lnGkovqjlFxBE_BuO4TXdiqlqElHnDTIzlEoGXgVdPRsUr5dc8OWE5cRJCQfyGbrT/s1200/bullet%20train.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrJuDxyUCVXLlsSdlJ741H-JVortkr8HWyy8e8ktt1ZSMf5-pJHvY1F9VM2F8WwvBpc1MHdqgQSrxwyCj7hrCkn840QZOqnmBE3cUVfS0Bu0GrrlGwT3yeb4lnGkovqjlFxBE_BuO4TXdiqlqElHnDTIzlEoGXgVdPRsUr5dc8OWE5cRJCQfyGbrT/s320/bullet%20train.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b></b><p></p><p>3. (tie) <b>Vengeance<br /></b>Continuing our run of excellent late-summer movies: "Vengeance." Smart storytelling, unique characters, and a solid (and satisfying!) mystery all added up to make up a brilliant and incredibly entertaining film. BJ Novak turned his sharp and observant eye on Texas, and the result is a hilarious, familiar, and spot-on portrait of the Lone Star State. From the characters' use of phrases like "fixin' to" to their fierce love of Whataburger, everything that ribbed them about their "Texan-ness" felt like it came from a place of love. And even though Novak's character clearly came to the state to make fun of the "local yokels," they often make him the butt of the joke and roll their eyes at what he THINKS he knows about them ("I know what South By is!"). Can't recommend this one highly enough.<b><br /></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsrDFs6twqsIcZAyw0iq3TaCbwRSNx0fiGqyV6jWsvcvveQfMPdTNxvXVQPEFiB_RwQR_nJnVbqbDwQl86YClIXTNwngqfKFpigo3RrI_PIpOiA2BNq810mG18_4HsC7bIDIR5hw0wwqRX0wCxO9PKd22ap3F_TGiQ3aOWASr5LKO6cMlJbEGofrc/s800/VENGEANCE1_0729_t800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsrDFs6twqsIcZAyw0iq3TaCbwRSNx0fiGqyV6jWsvcvveQfMPdTNxvXVQPEFiB_RwQR_nJnVbqbDwQl86YClIXTNwngqfKFpigo3RrI_PIpOiA2BNq810mG18_4HsC7bIDIR5hw0wwqRX0wCxO9PKd22ap3F_TGiQ3aOWASr5LKO6cMlJbEGofrc/s320/VENGEANCE1_0729_t800.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><p>2. <b>Matilda the Musical<br /></b>"Matilda the Musical" is one of my favorite Broadway shows. Seeing it felt like experiencing lightning in a bottle, so I was delighted to discover it was being adapted for the screen. And while the stage version still reigns supreme, Netflix certainly created a worthy film adaptation. The story remains inventive and heartbreaking, the casting was top notch, and elements like the production design and costuming dazzled. The breakout, though, is the music and choreography. From our sweet lead actress Alisha Weir doing handstands on her roof as she sang her heart out about being naughty to a group of children dreaming and singing about what it will be like to be grown up to the <i>iconic</i> <a href="https://youtu.be/EzPZ9VCCRmU?t=89" target="_blank">red beret girl</a> dancing fiercely down the school hallways, it's all magic. If you're a musical fan at all, this one is not to be missed!<br /></p><p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fsv5RK7dZMc0IXV1rn4bwBQuM8Ml-nyQp6eU_B7i4uHVsq0mImcDSne4fMS3BNvpfPJnL0WD8hH1pE3E7CVv3lMwYzIKdK2AzsMN4QC-opeb0PRcBBD4U1R6Css-DysGW6sTFZak3-BXYJQ3yaRVIG1fu74Mk5blioMbEK_UWDYFGcFNSF6rjXvR/s3157/MATILDA_Unit_14171RCA2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1954" data-original-width="3157" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fsv5RK7dZMc0IXV1rn4bwBQuM8Ml-nyQp6eU_B7i4uHVsq0mImcDSne4fMS3BNvpfPJnL0WD8hH1pE3E7CVv3lMwYzIKdK2AzsMN4QC-opeb0PRcBBD4U1R6Css-DysGW6sTFZak3-BXYJQ3yaRVIG1fu74Mk5blioMbEK_UWDYFGcFNSF6rjXvR/s320/MATILDA_Unit_14171RCA2.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><br />1. <b>Top Gun: Maverick<br /></b>Part of me is convinced that I'll never have a movie theater experience like "Top Gun: Maverick" again. How could anything surpass it? It had so many things working in its favor: nostalgia, adrenaline, humor, pathos... it's movie magic at its finest! Everything in this movie works: the tight, straight-forward plot, the mix of old and new characters (all perfectly cast, although the standouts are Glen Powell and Miles Teller), the music, the cinematography, and, of course, those adrenaline-inducing stunts. Seeing it in a packed theater of people who were all genuinely pumped to be there—everyone laughing, clapping, and cheering (yes, CHEERING!)—felt absolutely electric. By the end I felt like I was levitating in my seat, and I couldn't wait to go see it again. (And again.) (And again.) I just hope we don't have to wait another 30+ years for the next one.<b><br /></b><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFL1PTjaJQBoHH12eapBHjPoj5HPP6jUIBinUEmy5xzFNJTveZH34yrDzHbBcUFd2AFXUeS_lsywsi8uJ9jNqxJmqdAnPjzH7zP5R_dNvfi0SfDdVJw9IPavDsZ3D-dESCcTlz_AtMEgpR_PJpR8_uKrFgDYbEOfw1Pd555PyBytIYtj0aiNwJOzNk/s2968/top%20gun%20maverick.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1669" data-original-width="2968" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFL1PTjaJQBoHH12eapBHjPoj5HPP6jUIBinUEmy5xzFNJTveZH34yrDzHbBcUFd2AFXUeS_lsywsi8uJ9jNqxJmqdAnPjzH7zP5R_dNvfi0SfDdVJw9IPavDsZ3D-dESCcTlz_AtMEgpR_PJpR8_uKrFgDYbEOfw1Pd555PyBytIYtj0aiNwJOzNk/s320/top%20gun%20maverick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b></b><p></p><p><b>Honorable Mention: </b>Apollo 10 1/2, Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Gray Man, Nope, Ticket to Paradise, She Said, The Menu, The Fabelmans<br /><br /></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2022</b></u></span><br />
<br />
Favorite shows I started watching this year:</p><p>3. <b>Bridgerton<br /></b>Okay, right off the bat let me just come clean and admit that I never watched season 1 of "Bridgerton." I just wasn't interested, for whatever reason. But when I saw<span style="font-size: small;"> a few clips and pictures from season 2, I was intrigued and decided to check it out. (Apparently I wasn't the only one to do this—bff Julie admitted she did the exact same thing!) I love an enemies-to-lovers romance, and "Bridgerton" delivered that in <i>spades</i>. The show is far from perfect, and at times it's downright silly, but Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, and the chemistry between my favorite pair, Eloise and Theo, went a long way in endearing the 'ton to me. Bring on that Colin + Penelope pairing, season 3!</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> <br />Stream it on</i></span><b> </b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Netflix</span></i><b> <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.redd.it/mukjimzm38r81.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="540" height="222" src="https://i.redd.it/mukjimzm38r81.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />2. <b>Players<br /></b>I absolutely adore mockumentary series with high production values that balance humor with real drama. Off the top of my head, this list includes "American Vandal" one of my <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2018/01/2017-favorites.html" target="_blank">top shows of 2017</a>, and now "Players," a new series from the creators of... "American Vandal."<b> </b>Taking you behind the scenes of the cutthroat world of professional e-sports, "Players" rides the line between the ridiculous (the main character's gamer name is "Creamcheese") and the believable <i>extremely</i> well, whipping the audience between poignancy and hilarity at breakneck speeds. It kept me on my toes, made me laugh out loud, and left me wondering what Cream, Organizm, and the rest of the Fugitive gamers would be up to now.<b><br /></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Paramount+</i></span><b> <br /></b><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media.tenor.com/a8RPxQaUlNgAAAAd/im-a-professional-gamer-creamcheese.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://media.tenor.com/a8RPxQaUlNgAAAAd/im-a-professional-gamer-creamcheese.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />1. <b>The Bear<br /></b>"The Bear" is one giant ball of tense, anxiety-inducing excellence. And I loved it.<b> </b>From the opening scene to that final surprising, promising shot, "The Bear" was an absolute ride. The story of a world-class chef who finds himself back at his family's local Chicago Italian beef sandwich shop unfolded in exhilarating sequences of beautiful food preparation, stressful business-ownership, and sharply realistic characters—mostly fighting with and yelling at each other. At the center of it all is Jeremy Allen White's Carmy, an expert chef setting out to prove himself, lead his kitchen, and process some heavy grief. It all culminates in a series of smart revelations and one of the best television <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/06/making-a-scene-the-bear" target="_blank">monologues</a> I've ever seen, delivered deftly and emotionally by Jeremy Allen White. <b><br /></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Hulu</i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/67517f2d6597f26d343027d57db080a7/35375e1c8a7bb76b-db/s540x810/23ac4720e16cd6cc3a29339dd8e171a49e685e93.gifv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="540" height="240" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/67517f2d6597f26d343027d57db080a7/35375e1c8a7bb76b-db/s540x810/23ac4720e16cd6cc3a29339dd8e171a49e685e93.gifv" width="320" /></a></i></span></div><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Honorable Mention</b>: Murderville, Starstruck, The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window</span></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I just want to add a note that many of the shows I watched and ranked as favorites in previous years are still releasing new episodes—namely Cobra Kai (Netflix), Girls 5Eva</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> (Netflix)</span></span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">, Never Have I Ever (Netflix), and Only Murders in the Building (Hulu). These shows are still </span><b><span style="font-size: small;">killing</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"> the game, and if you didn't take me up on it before, go check them out now! </span><br /></i></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #1d1c1d; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Events of 2022</b></u></span></span></span></span> </p><p>3. <b>August Galveston Trip<br /></b>At the beginning of August, I escaped the confines of my house (I'd recently gotten over Covid) and enjoyed the best, most leisurely long weekend at the beach house. For a few days it was just me, my stack of books, coffee and cinnamon rolls, and easygoing trips to the beach. Then I was joined by my parents and brother, and Dad treated the four of us to a delicious, fancy dinner at a restaurant overlooking Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn. It was fun and special and delightful and I am more than ready to go back. (How 'bout it, Dad?)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIruIfq5AWa05Brsr8sgldvar0FVtQL_wvJ4xuKD_Ga2sgF55rWxfj1j_28CNO2u98imGR-T4BDup4UKEDqK5yDyyA1evj1a-muluityT99MnmNWBfIU7YCXS2RIA7zmJntlb4eCBbcekyRKlYANEcs2BaJ8NIjQamc-sLnMbRb499dRoJFIsH9kgI/s2729/7ED36401-7A6A-4915-B219-4A0E2E3764E4%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2729" data-original-width="2729" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIruIfq5AWa05Brsr8sgldvar0FVtQL_wvJ4xuKD_Ga2sgF55rWxfj1j_28CNO2u98imGR-T4BDup4UKEDqK5yDyyA1evj1a-muluityT99MnmNWBfIU7YCXS2RIA7zmJntlb4eCBbcekyRKlYANEcs2BaJ8NIjQamc-sLnMbRb499dRoJFIsH9kgI/s320/7ED36401-7A6A-4915-B219-4A0E2E3764E4%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>2.<b> Oregon College Friends Trip<br /></b>Last spring, Julie and I flew up to Oregon to see Dani and get away for a girls trip in Bend! It was so fun not only to get some face time with two of the best, but to do it in such a cool, tourist-y setting! We shopped at cute stores, ate amazing food, hiked the gorgeous Deschutes river trail, saw Dani's home/family/horses, watched "West Side Story" (😏), and talked non-stop. It was good for my soul, and I can't wait to Girls Trip again with them soon!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hlUcWP02kuJlFT0vo0jR5Yimhp4PPBJR2tyK7nWHsJgQtR_mWNK_dWNW69jBqmwDqCRET0cwigKHOw1BcrOkoVdDZtUFd5DPPUyrFDrtTOP524KdQSiOeYWOodlqAGB0fqBLZDvTOtLDA5x8xQDrsjHlXFF5P8SmemfuIXmfJtJUj8Wz0h54f4BC/s3088/IMG_1112.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hlUcWP02kuJlFT0vo0jR5Yimhp4PPBJR2tyK7nWHsJgQtR_mWNK_dWNW69jBqmwDqCRET0cwigKHOw1BcrOkoVdDZtUFd5DPPUyrFDrtTOP524KdQSiOeYWOodlqAGB0fqBLZDvTOtLDA5x8xQDrsjHlXFF5P8SmemfuIXmfJtJUj8Wz0h54f4BC/s320/IMG_1112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />1. <b>Family Time in Galveston + Christmas</b><br />There's truly nothing better in the world to me than being with all of my people, relaxing and enjoying time together at the beach house. This year we rode the ferry, sang karaoke, went go carting, swam in the canal, took the boat out, threw all the water balloons, ate ice cream on the Strand, went to see the peacocks, and took many, many trips to the beach. It was heaven on earth.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgd84Q2abwCxf5DvzjPd6rAnosDijnKk7UJ9QKeeAEsfCRjJhnItGQH--WsakqNrLsNhNUS9loeFBYUJVEvi-4fqEQDhKJe3j9_NbK2xCQt9dCDA63Z_1of8kvpi7wp5ekWKQo-P1wEiwdJmbb1gwls8Axc8KslNlhy48AX6MGY-Zyq1NCe93TyY-U/s3088/A33FAD7A-02E6-412F-A69C-623476424711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgd84Q2abwCxf5DvzjPd6rAnosDijnKk7UJ9QKeeAEsfCRjJhnItGQH--WsakqNrLsNhNUS9loeFBYUJVEvi-4fqEQDhKJe3j9_NbK2xCQt9dCDA63Z_1of8kvpi7wp5ekWKQo-P1wEiwdJmbb1gwls8Axc8KslNlhy48AX6MGY-Zyq1NCe93TyY-U/s320/A33FAD7A-02E6-412F-A69C-623476424711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Then in December, the whole family got together again to celebrate Christmas in Houston! I could write a whole paragraph about it, or you could just press play on this video:<b><br /></b></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AsmnvboqnZ0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p><b>Honorable Mention: </b>Dallas Fan Expo/Hobbit reunion with Lara, Clay singing "Red and Black" from Les Miserables AT KARAOKE, March trip to Phoenix, Dani's book "<a href="https://www.wranglerdani.com/?page_id=3650" target="_blank">Buzz the Not-So-Brave</a>" finally releasing, Austin pool day with Ellie, double feature movie day with Stacy, and Taco Club!<br /></p>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-58940054059124389462022-03-26T16:11:00.001-05:002022-03-26T16:11:44.394-05:0015th Annual Oscar Picks<p>If I were an Academy voter, I'd be ticking the box next to "West Side Story" all the way down the ballot. Unfortunately they still haven't invited me to be a member (crazy, right?), so it's not up to me. Instead, these are my predictions of what I <i>think</i> Academy voters will do. And I know I'm 100% right, as I have never been wrong before. What's that like?<span style="font-size: x-small;">*</span></p><p>(Previously: <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2021/04/14th-annual-oscar-picks.html">2021</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2020/02/13th-annual-oscar-picks.html">2020</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2019/02/12th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2019</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2018/03/11th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2017/02/10th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2016/02/9th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2015/02/8th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/03/7th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2013/02/6th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2012/02/5th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2011/02/4th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2009/02/2nd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2008/02/oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2008</a>.)</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5plttlH--lee3emmB_8HxbhybwqLRbksR-k7s_s52aSMebbnf0mlojxNQU3x12KkUs38VQ0prqEZuJoLm4vSTmlgaWRlIXamwsbWrHI_vNSgXxzu7nZDsUANYotV2y7T8PlKIp6X0M5WJ2gJydEWPHrRg6ifIiAWogFAIKd5tc9tsOo8fQuemvUV/s520/power.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5plttlH--lee3emmB_8HxbhybwqLRbksR-k7s_s52aSMebbnf0mlojxNQU3x12KkUs38VQ0prqEZuJoLm4vSTmlgaWRlIXamwsbWrHI_vNSgXxzu7nZDsUANYotV2y7T8PlKIp6X0M5WJ2gJydEWPHrRg6ifIiAWogFAIKd5tc9tsOo8fQuemvUV/s16000/power.jpg" /></a></div><b><br />Best Picture</b>: For the longest time, all anyone was predicting for this category was "The Power of the Dog." Then "CODA" won the SAG and the PGA, and the tide turned its favor: everyone seems to be forecasting a "CODA" win. But I've got to go with my gut—I'm sticking with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Power of the Dog</span>." It's got a pile of awards on its side, plus a slew of the right Oscar nominations like director and editing, and I just don't think it's enough for "CODA" to overcome. (Side note: if anything other than those two wins, I <i>will</i> be truly shocked.)<p></p><p><b>Best Director</b>: I'm pairing this category with Best Picture: I think it's going to <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jane Campion</span>. What's cool is that a win for Campion would mean back-to-back female winners in this category after Chloe Zhao's took home the prize last year!<br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64xraGCaGT5E359bwBMoeu9mB13ESwghAeT4l7Ui2LFv8GUR__PY8_IX_54dwicWiAiTMF4vMc21Zie6sdxinMwbU_jD8OtX8Xg7XvBr2LhAvpTxoQLEuqpRcC0v24ObSUZK8PrJRROQWV_akVwIxgD-Zj6J2fmN0L7uD7LSyfWzfRW20YFsoxyPd/s1946/Screen%20Shot%202022-03-26%20at%204.02.00%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1946" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64xraGCaGT5E359bwBMoeu9mB13ESwghAeT4l7Ui2LFv8GUR__PY8_IX_54dwicWiAiTMF4vMc21Zie6sdxinMwbU_jD8OtX8Xg7XvBr2LhAvpTxoQLEuqpRcC0v24ObSUZK8PrJRROQWV_akVwIxgD-Zj6J2fmN0L7uD7LSyfWzfRW20YFsoxyPd/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-03-26%20at%204.02.00%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Best Actor</b>: The name I wish I was writing here: Andrew Garfield for "tick, tick...BOOM!" The name I am writing: <span style="color: #cc0000;">Will Smith</span>. <p></p><p><b>Best Actress</b>: This is the rare category where almost anyone could walk away with the prize. It makes it super tough to predict, but I think <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jessica Chastain</span> might finally pull out a win after two previous nominations.<br /></p><p><b>Best Supporting Actor</b>: I mean, the SHOCK I will feel if anybody but <span style="color: #cc0000;">Troy Kotsur </span>gets this one. I will be ON THE FLOOR.<br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaHe0pZSuU0-xDZPGcTY6nKIeQ9Yy-JVo-51Yt6xDvVKlG1pUqYuogpsNClLM_ygYJBzKODJMuYb-ABj_rimDS60jV9Ca9Ao4J4VYhQN8_9j2amqrU7MYAvr8TU6nWt8Zt9_l_6Ai2BkYyJhiuFObEKAnNfqvHFfTYAAx6RYZ6p2fCNFHBWun6am-/s900/ariana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="900" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaHe0pZSuU0-xDZPGcTY6nKIeQ9Yy-JVo-51Yt6xDvVKlG1pUqYuogpsNClLM_ygYJBzKODJMuYb-ABj_rimDS60jV9Ca9Ao4J4VYhQN8_9j2amqrU7MYAvr8TU6nWt8Zt9_l_6Ai2BkYyJhiuFObEKAnNfqvHFfTYAAx6RYZ6p2fCNFHBWun6am-/s320/ariana.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Best Supporting Actress</b>: Let's hear it for our girl, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Ariana DeBose</span>! She has danced her way through this awards season scooping up every prize on her way to the Oscars, and I can't wait to see her smiling face shining on the stage of the Dolby Theatre.<br /><p></p><p><b>Animated Feature</b>: Listen, this one may very well go to "Encanto." Which is... fine. But I just don't see how a <i>kind of</i> lackluster film (granted, with great songs) gets more love than the supremely well-crafted and insanely creative "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Mitchells vs the Machines</span>." I'm praying for an 11th hour miracle and hoping the Academy shows up for the Mitchell family. <br /></p><p><b>Production Design</b>: I kind of want to be controversial and pick "West Side Story" or "Nightmare Alley." But—despite how not great I may be doing so far—I actually <i>want</i> to pick the most winners. And in this case, the winds seem to be blowing in the direction of "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Dune</span>."<br /></p><p><b>Cinematography</b>: There are a few indicators out there that point to a win for "Power of the Dog," but the American Society of Cinematographers gave their top prize to "Dune." So I think it'll be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Dune</span>."<br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPsYVmaHMBhTljsZSfgoPfx-vKm-L-mMqAapE78lNIEf6aGciXBFCFr9aIgveSziy1tJA3uVPNqXbXxZcG691NlBpI_JrvLbpfUVqPnLks2CpAsfwME1KWyGXQAbhlt0QDDNPiRZ2mL3rwHrKhE3-PxrVcEWpWIsBGrBvZqWzHYd25_sGRdkbYs-Y/s1920/j7r04lj0-1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPsYVmaHMBhTljsZSfgoPfx-vKm-L-mMqAapE78lNIEf6aGciXBFCFr9aIgveSziy1tJA3uVPNqXbXxZcG691NlBpI_JrvLbpfUVqPnLks2CpAsfwME1KWyGXQAbhlt0QDDNPiRZ2mL3rwHrKhE3-PxrVcEWpWIsBGrBvZqWzHYd25_sGRdkbYs-Y/s320/j7r04lj0-1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Costume Design</b>: If Paul Tazwell were to win for "West Side Story" (which I think would definitely be deserved), he would be the first Black male to win in this category! But "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Cruella</span>" has this one in the bag.<br /><p></p><p><b>Film Editing</b>: Feels like it could really be anyone! (Wouldn't it be cool if it was "tick, tick...BOOM!" though?) I kind of think it comes down to "Power of the Dog" and "Dune," though, so e<span class="aCOpRe"><span>eny, meeny, miny, "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Dune</span>."<br /></span></span></p><p><b>Makeup and Hairstyling</b>: I won't be surprised if "Cruella" picks this one up, but I'm putting my fictional money behind "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Eyes of Tammy Faye</span>."<br /></p><p><b>Original Score</b>: If there's a lock on this ballot, it's gotta be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Dune</span>" winning Best Score, right?<br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bet1gLL-Rdm_P-G7jD1NUGaHGf9idi9ubL1neQwEmDzOYyDh07ckxCSsxnuotJfZg5VprLEzVCAlXJBXwefYvrZ6OCwJFI6xleJCftPxfG2iaxI_8frLKI-IUuX-d7Qgm_03pi7Lq2EpRbz8xaT2iGkOLg1WzP0TNV6ajzh_kexXrCu175_2mZ9o/s2118/Screen%20Shot%202022-03-26%20at%204.04.49%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="2118" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bet1gLL-Rdm_P-G7jD1NUGaHGf9idi9ubL1neQwEmDzOYyDh07ckxCSsxnuotJfZg5VprLEzVCAlXJBXwefYvrZ6OCwJFI6xleJCftPxfG2iaxI_8frLKI-IUuX-d7Qgm_03pi7Lq2EpRbz8xaT2iGkOLg1WzP0TNV6ajzh_kexXrCu175_2mZ9o/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-03-26%20at%204.04.49%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Original Song</b>: I think it's more than possible that Billie Eilish will scoop this one up for "No Time to Die." But I can't shake the feeling that Academy voters will be looking for a way to award the whole "Encanto" soundtrack (most notably "We Don't Talk About Bruno") when they select "Dos Oruguitas" to win this category, so let's go with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Encanto</span>." <b><br /><br />Original Screenplay</b>: This will probably the only award of the evening that "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Belfast</span>" goes home with. <br /><p></p><p><b>Adapted Screenplay</b>: It's a showdown between the two top Best Picture contenders—if it's not "<span style="color: #cc0000;">CODA</span>" it'll be "The Power of the Dog."<br /></p><p><b>Sound</b>: It's gotta be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Dune</span>," right? I feel pretty comfortable saying no other movie has a chance here.<br /></p><p><b>Visual Effects</b>: I don't think the Academy is ready to give Marvel the gold in this category, so count on "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Dune</span>" grabbing this one too.<br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5afW5On2QKOvv7796qQuGHVESYBXGAT934mc8JvoVnvAY8AI_d2tEe9QdL9qWIBFNHThwCwBYFqof4B8BsFPw7JTb3oDUu4lNwREcF_IRxygxRKLQ1rd_mg_3dprZNDbkx0feORQ433bDAAVUc14NTH-2nfVyfAf6J_BRKmoAqN1HEzkOJqWDNGw/s1200/SummerOfSoul_Banner_1200x675.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5afW5On2QKOvv7796qQuGHVESYBXGAT934mc8JvoVnvAY8AI_d2tEe9QdL9qWIBFNHThwCwBYFqof4B8BsFPw7JTb3oDUu4lNwREcF_IRxygxRKLQ1rd_mg_3dprZNDbkx0feORQ433bDAAVUc14NTH-2nfVyfAf6J_BRKmoAqN1HEzkOJqWDNGw/s320/SummerOfSoul_Banner_1200x675.jpeg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Documentary Feature</b>: It's going to be fun seeing Questlove accept the award for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Summer of Soul</span>!"<br /><p></p><p><b>Documentary Short</b>: We're going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Queen of Basketball</span>" for this one, folks!<br /></p><p><b>International Feature Film</b>: I can't envision a future where "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Drive My Car</span>" <i>doesn't</i> win here. <br /></p><p><b>Animated Short</b>: "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Robin Robin</span>" is the only one of the nominees I've even heard of, and it seems to have some steam behind it, so that's going to be my pick!<br /></p><p><b>Live Action Short</b>: This is me spinning a giant wheel with all five potential winners on it and landing on... "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Long Goodbye</span>!"</p><p><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*For legal reasons, this is a joke. </span><br /></p>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-8437235641609811292022-01-16T20:10:00.000-06:002022-01-16T20:10:30.298-06:002021 Favorites<p> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Books I Read in 2021</b></u></span><br />
<br />Favorite "new to me" books I read this year.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmshQ1hWGagQz8tIXp5B_rPFKZucwCwyCEa11bnkkiUTxWLLIYQDxJZd85pq_YanLCuDKZHFvFOcgSSndvMDrnQkLuM7dYqtFAEpCJN0364XZa_SrB-pxpUlJ-pto95CiThMVi6DbQA-VQ8AzM8kjrFK9pWRDaMi4GBBcuvSef5V5VOdel1be-H59f=s500" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmshQ1hWGagQz8tIXp5B_rPFKZucwCwyCEa11bnkkiUTxWLLIYQDxJZd85pq_YanLCuDKZHFvFOcgSSndvMDrnQkLuM7dYqtFAEpCJN0364XZa_SrB-pxpUlJ-pto95CiThMVi6DbQA-VQ8AzM8kjrFK9pWRDaMi4GBBcuvSef5V5VOdel1be-H59f=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><p>3.<i> </i><i>The Wall of Winnipeg and Me</i>, <b>Mariana Zapata</b><br /> As many books as I read in a year, I still don't come across many that I would consider "un-put-down-able." This one definitely qualifies. I stayed up way too late immersed in this sweet, warm blanket of a romance leaving me heart-eyed and daydreaming of a gruff and caring Aiden of my own. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, and it doesn't feature the most beautiful writing I've ever experienced. It does, however, constantly invoke a slow, dopey grin at the push-pull of Aiden and Vanessa's love/hate relationship, and sometimes that's all we're looking for in our comfort books. <br /><br /><i>
“You haven’t
left me when I needed you. Why wouldn’t I do the same for you?” <br /></i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaL33BiSqdfxWbHHhdqngvl78gfAy_4RDr3Pk8e6gNR0i4A_hjal9SAxOcZQ2OztxZqrsFbGUFwiXbfh_hTwjeiqthaZWl4SEUQrNlgaQZAX_nSK0VKzBDCXb_kXThKtVZQHKb4pkVR4T53AtjrpnTmj6d5oE0C1LgjPDzSQd4i3_btOIk5kZTf5Vi=s475" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaL33BiSqdfxWbHHhdqngvl78gfAy_4RDr3Pk8e6gNR0i4A_hjal9SAxOcZQ2OztxZqrsFbGUFwiXbfh_hTwjeiqthaZWl4SEUQrNlgaQZAX_nSK0VKzBDCXb_kXThKtVZQHKb4pkVR4T53AtjrpnTmj6d5oE0C1LgjPDzSQd4i3_btOIk5kZTf5Vi=w131-h200" width="131" /></a></div><p>2. <i>More Than Maybe</i>, <b>Erin Hahn<br /></b>I literally read a dozen books last year before I made it to a five-star read: "More Than Maybe." And I fell hard and fast for this sweet gem! An intelligent and passionate female lead? Check. A dashing yet uncertain (and British!) male lead? Check! <span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview3471935735">Erin
Hahn truly has a gift for romance writing—her descriptions of the thoughts you
have when you have a crush on someone... like, GET OUT OF MY BRAIN! This
was fun and lovely and tinged with sadness—I cried my way through the
end. And even though I'm not much of a popular music fan, I still found myself admiring and respecting Luke and Vada's zeal for it. </span></span>"More Than Maybe" is a book that feels alive with passion and anticipation, and Hahn really seems excited to be telling this story. It's absolutely fantastic and I can't wait to read it again.</p><p><i>"We want to be moved and changed and knocked over and pieced back
together. We want to swoon and taste and cry and scream to the sky, yes,
Yes, this."</i> <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvWZBzEMUDIxhXbAC1w8sG-Eu5Ff0kSWHcpO0pYKFLRBIPviN2tRjWjimib8z57zvCfxj_H1vUulx8DczcGqL2ZxKJmzt44xUKzo27Iuu78u_q4jKOKkcNdrG9Xzmkox0pqq-vvW8w-vdpqfm50hcvSyGr-tdCP-b1og6Z2TwANA6wuMeVw5qyAXHA=s2114" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="1399" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvWZBzEMUDIxhXbAC1w8sG-Eu5Ff0kSWHcpO0pYKFLRBIPviN2tRjWjimib8z57zvCfxj_H1vUulx8DczcGqL2ZxKJmzt44xUKzo27Iuu78u_q4jKOKkcNdrG9Xzmkox0pqq-vvW8w-vdpqfm50hcvSyGr-tdCP-b1og6Z2TwANA6wuMeVw5qyAXHA=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></div>1. <i>Better Than the Movies</i>, <b>Lynn Painter<br /></b>Oh my heart! It's pretty rare that you read a book that feels like it was written just. For. YOU. But that was "Better Than the Movies" for me! A high school-set rom com? With an enemies-to-lovers story? And endless film and song references? Sign me UP! This is the kind of book that I found myself truly losing myself in. I would listen to it in my car, and then arrive somewhere and then just sit in the front seat staring out at the middle distance and smiling as I listened to Liz and Wes banter their way to their happily-ever-after. I love this book. I want to listen to it a hundred more times. If you love a sweet young adult rom com <a href="https://y.yarn.co/74705adb-cda9-4b01-83de-b9e5ebe84891_text.gif" target="_blank">as much as I do</a>, you owe it to yourself to hunt down a copy of "Better Than the Movies." <br /><p><i>“She. Isn’t. You. When I see her, I don’t feel like I have to talk to her or mess up her hair or do something – anything – to get her to swing that gaze on me.”</i></p><p><u>Honorable Mention</u></p><p><i>The Bookshop on the Corner</i>, <b>Jenny Colgan </b>(This will make you want to move to Scotland and fall in love with a farmer.)<i><br />Frankly in Love</i>, <b>David Yoon</b> (I couldn't read this one fast enough!)<br /><i>Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania</i>,<b> Erik Larson </b>(Our research king strikes again!)<br /><i>The Love Hypothesis</i><u>,</u> <b>Ali Hazelwood</b> (Ridiculous and cliche and SO MUCH FUN.)<u><br /></u><i>Well Met</i>, <b>Jen DeLuca </b>(I'm in love with Simon Graham and I don't care who knows it!)<br /><i>The Cheat Sheet</i>, <b>Sarah Adams (</b><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview4299481727">So, so cute! I had a lot of fun reading this one.</span>)</span><br /><i>New Morning Mercies</i>, <b>Paul David Trip (</b><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview3969774067">Precious and holy, full of reminders of the gift of grace.)</span></span><br /><i>If I Never Met You</i>, <b>Mhairi McFarlane </b>(What an author! Can't wait to read more by Mhairi McFarlane.)<br /><i>Wallflower</i>, <b>Cookie O'Gorman</b> (A book <span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview4070195632">as sweet as the author's name!)</span></span><br /><i>The Tourist Attraction</i>, <b>Sarah Morgenthaler </b>(<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview3698589432">Absolutely delightful. Alaska, here I come!)</span></span><br /><i>A Very Punchable Face</i>, <b>Colin Jos</b>t (<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview4019069012">Super entertaining. I laughed out loud multiple times!)</span></span><br /><i>Don't You Forget About Me</i>, <b>Mhairi McFarlane</b> (<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview4133380826">The final "declaration of love" speech was one of the best I've ever read!)</span></span></p><p>I ended up reading about 77 books, and I feel like you can sense a theme as to the category most of them fell into! If you're interested, you can view my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2021/47724511">full list here</a>.</p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Movies of 2021</b></u></span><br /></p><p><b>Runner-Up:</b> Even though it feels like I hear a lot of people talking about "The Mitchells vs. the Machines," I still find myself thinking, "Why aren't more people talking about 'The Mitchells vs. the Machines?'" It is the <i>most</i> hilarious, <i>most</i> creative film of the year, and you owe it to yourself to check it out as soon as possible! You will laugh out loud and probably cry (I certainly did!), and I really can't imagine anyone not enjoying it.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguWVhjOgyPm1x9trEsYRqDmjP5ZcetrpMnRWieKvrSGG81OqyqwLyHUbC_6c6bKZGIua2RIryHS5Kiyxit5si_4P3L7CNRJFYN3OXLeQjDu575eTM1U1cpOfyL_VD4yJSagJiir3cTqmFgWcDHmqLkGJqvN2SLLQnjGjm0wMIM3sNUBHbwk5otgGwA=s2500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="2500" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguWVhjOgyPm1x9trEsYRqDmjP5ZcetrpMnRWieKvrSGG81OqyqwLyHUbC_6c6bKZGIua2RIryHS5Kiyxit5si_4P3L7CNRJFYN3OXLeQjDu575eTM1U1cpOfyL_VD4yJSagJiir3cTqmFgWcDHmqLkGJqvN2SLLQnjGjm0wMIM3sNUBHbwk5otgGwA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>3.<b> Kid Detective</b><br />I don't think I could describe this movie any better than Kevin Smith did on his podcast when he said, "What if '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zfw8__A7ps" target="_blank">Brick</a>' was funny?" And I don't mean funny like "parody" funny or "silly" funny, I just mean layered, deadpan, <i>noir</i> humor embedded into the DNA of this script and all of the performances. It's definitely got a "Veronica Mars" flair, but also a dash of something Jason Reitman-y and maybe Edgar Wright-y. If any of those references piqued your interest, then I cannot encourage you enough to check it out. Adam Brody is perfect as a private detective trying to live up to his former glory days as a young Encyclopedia Brown-type who gets served up an intriguing and twisty case. I promise you will not see the ending coming in any way, shape, or form. Please watch this movie—it's amazing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji1ZHDiCMOdFfYvfpl1MxjJJyeY3cfoWV7PHzQBfyRnKYBfT1Ff_W6dQFzuuUgGpRg_ONEUIrQEeyXbzdmv5eLN9yQcl4eYztdcrxqxQba9vPpboHpN16TVdAIPqZZYvfwz8mXqsEYUosdidonYwdVW8U783ADc2rdd06IGXzCorW0qcFRZeoSHUCW=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1920" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji1ZHDiCMOdFfYvfpl1MxjJJyeY3cfoWV7PHzQBfyRnKYBfT1Ff_W6dQFzuuUgGpRg_ONEUIrQEeyXbzdmv5eLN9yQcl4eYztdcrxqxQba9vPpboHpN16TVdAIPqZZYvfwz8mXqsEYUosdidonYwdVW8U783ADc2rdd06IGXzCorW0qcFRZeoSHUCW=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />2. <b>Tick, Tick... Boom!</b><br />If you're envisioning a dry or hard-to-follow or rote, uninspired movie musical whenever you hear about "Tick, Tick... Boom," you need to take a giant eraser to your brain and replace those misconceptions with the reality of this vibrant, sparkling film full of swirling songs, breathless storytelling, and performances that will make your hair stand on end. The entire film, to borrow a phrase, "<a href="https://www.lyricsfreak.com/o/original+broadway+cast/rent_20561855.html" target="_blank">crackles and pops with incendiary wit</a>." Andrew Garfield is a musical revelation and he infuses every frame with the jittery time-is-running-out creative spark that the real-life Jonathan Larson exuded every day of his too-short life. Garfield dances, sings, smiles, and cries out in such desperation that it's hard to believe the Oscar doesn't already have his name engraved on it. He takes viewers on such a personal, complete journey of emotions that by the time he's raw and pouring out his heart on a stage in Central Park wailing "Why?", our hearts are raw and yearning right along with him. "Tick, Tick... Boom" is an incredible piece of art, and you owe it to your heart, your soul, and your ears to check it out.<br /><p></p><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihJi7xUhOHII-hnLMbxmAvvRdSAz6WFcE_fZuocxNVWEd7DLB_U4xaow4I2zSLQDV9W6LzzFVQ61CcnwFIzp64EBNrcWRDisuGBPSUTFdwcJYdtI2WABVTVnVQ1cmoqZ-mng8ETxEj_y3ZhCWaLZFCZQE4WUfHckJ0jvt5UkNiibO-nIJTrVzmxJ6V=s3000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihJi7xUhOHII-hnLMbxmAvvRdSAz6WFcE_fZuocxNVWEd7DLB_U4xaow4I2zSLQDV9W6LzzFVQ61CcnwFIzp64EBNrcWRDisuGBPSUTFdwcJYdtI2WABVTVnVQ1cmoqZ-mng8ETxEj_y3ZhCWaLZFCZQE4WUfHckJ0jvt5UkNiibO-nIJTrVzmxJ6V=s320" width="320" /></a></div>
<p>1. <b>West Side Story</b><br />If you're surprised by this pick, you haven't been paying attention. I've been looking forward to "West Side Story" since 2019 (its released was delayed to 2021 due to you-know-what) and proceeded to see it five times in the theater. I absolutely could not get enough! Suffice it to say, Steven Spielberg and company more than met my expectations. Rachel Zegler, David Alvarez, Ariana DeBose, Mike Faist and the entire cast burst onto screen with style and flair and soul and passion that I haven't seen on screen since... I don't know when. Justin Peck's choreography is mindblowing, and watching the Jets dance together is like watching a grown-up cast of "Newsies" roam the streets (mostly because half the Jets are literal former members of the cast of "Newsies"). "West Side Story" paints the story of Romeo and Juliet in bold, beautiful strokes, and it pushes one of my all-time favorite stage actors into the spotlight he's always deserved. As Tony's right-hand man Riff, Mike Faist grabbed the camera with both hands and wouldn't let go until... well. You know. If you haven't seen this one yet, run to the theater as soon as you can so you don't miss this incredible, heartfelt movie musical on the biggest screen possible.<br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYH8hnmHXjskCLtz2lH-c4Bbrf4O-i3E5risAZwe0g58owOsJIhTnmfGebG2CkWODxWx5BoE1nyWD3axIvqyqK5Z8EG2n8AXo5Tk3WgWfVt81pJo7RgxlQ6yc3fimj4q4zdTTuLwtBDes0IaA7yoVVKXa5Q3LFK18VpWmOG2vHot4DSlvDWuHdOZOb=s2000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYH8hnmHXjskCLtz2lH-c4Bbrf4O-i3E5risAZwe0g58owOsJIhTnmfGebG2CkWODxWx5BoE1nyWD3axIvqyqK5Z8EG2n8AXo5Tk3WgWfVt81pJo7RgxlQ6yc3fimj4q4zdTTuLwtBDes0IaA7yoVVKXa5Q3LFK18VpWmOG2vHot4DSlvDWuHdOZOb=s320" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br />Honorable Mention: </b>Free Guy, Black Widow, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Finding 'Ohana, Last Night in Soho, Always and Forever<p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2021</b></u></span><br />
<br />
Favorite shows I started watching this year:</p><p>3. <b>Girls 5eva<br /></b>Busy Philipps, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Sara Bareilles, Paula Pell, and two of Broadway's "Mean Girls" (Erika Henningsen and Ashley Park) were always going to be a winning combination. So we're not surprised this show was a WIN! Whip-smart writing, memorable songs, and countless all-star cameos add up to one intensely fun and funny show, one I am thrilled to know is getting a second season. It harnesses early-2000's nostalgia, hilarious song lyrics, and unexpectedly silly sight gags into an unstoppable joyride that will have you laughing out loud and seeking out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM3A2ZU0vWw" target="_blank">music</a> to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6naKHbmwgE" target="_blank">listen</a> to on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baaSjb-Cihs" target="_blank">repeat</a>.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Peacock<br /></i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-05/13/17/asset/4570f1f0e7f6/anigif_sub-buzz-538-1620926937-27.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-05/13/17/asset/4570f1f0e7f6/anigif_sub-buzz-538-1620926937-27.gif" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">2. <b>WandaVision</b> <br />By the end of episode one I was intrigued. After episode two, I was hooked. By episode three my mind was blown, I was all in, and I'd bought the t-shirt. (Sweatshirt, actually, but you get the idea. I literally bought the shirt.) "WandaVision" is the perfect bridge between Wanda's experiences in "Infinity War" and "Endgame" to her next adventures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What's amazing is that they could have used "WandaVision" to tell a relatively straightforward story about Wanda's grief and introduce a new adversary for her. Instead, they placed the characters and elements of the show into a kaleidoscope, spun it, and held it up to the light of a television screen playing famous sitcoms from throughout television history. The result is an imaginative and affecting journey that kept me guessing the entire way.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Disney+<br /></i></span></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/5ynC1W40TZ805Prdlp/giphy.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="450" height="180" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/5ynC1W40TZ805Prdlp/giphy.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />1. <b>Only Murders in the Building</b><br />I love this show. I love the opening credits, I love the cast, I love the writing, I love the cinematography, I love the jokes, I love the costumes, I love the twists, I love the cameos, I love the music, I love the references. I just love it all. A murder mystery with comedic elements? Set in New York City? Featuring tons of Broadway favorites (not to mention Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as pitch-perfect trio of amateur detectives slash podcasters)? Sign. Me. UP. Was this made for me? I was hopeful that I'd like it, but from the moment the murder victim broke the fourth wall and looked at me and told me that he would be dead in approximately 12 minutes, I was hooked. It's brilliant and unpredictable and fascinating, and the second season just cannot come soon enough.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />Stream it on Hulu</i></span><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/4b2a8d1607233dc1815e44e71017f86a/c70bf97063ddf3b5-41/s540x810/df53b56a19e2531f3073b18332a9b75011015a95.gifv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="540" height="180" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/4b2a8d1607233dc1815e44e71017f86a/c70bf97063ddf3b5-41/s540x810/df53b56a19e2531f3073b18332a9b75011015a95.gifv" width="320" /></a></i></span></div><br /><b>Honorable Mention</b>: Schmigadoon, Loki, Reservation Dogs, One of Us is Lying <br /> <br /><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #1d1c1d; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Events of 2021</b></u></span></span></span></span> </p><p>3. <b>Vaccination Station</b><br />Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 in March truly felt like a miracle. After I received in my first dose I sat in my car and just felt a sense of awe and thankfulness that a year into the pandemic, I had finally received protection against the worst affects of Covid. Thank you, Lord, for creating the incredibly smart researchers and doctors and systems that led to my first dose, second dose, and booster shot. All glory to God!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLXUqqNFnMtkyANHhcRUBhoKmllyjQF5gGyD3wW5tK-Y6kf94oYzihKZzGBg8QKCR4JSS57IsIyxp4-IMrP0vUc8hYNexhvG-wXr3n88N1h9KYHV7xYDbqSz52rB3tS_Bnt_jsd0ThYrwO58levuR5JO36giDfO5uMZQU-zPiWdxYzjYS31JWgdM9r=s2000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLXUqqNFnMtkyANHhcRUBhoKmllyjQF5gGyD3wW5tK-Y6kf94oYzihKZzGBg8QKCR4JSS57IsIyxp4-IMrP0vUc8hYNexhvG-wXr3n88N1h9KYHV7xYDbqSz52rB3tS_Bnt_jsd0ThYrwO58levuR5JO36giDfO5uMZQU-zPiWdxYzjYS31JWgdM9r=s320" width="180" /></a></div><br />2. <b>Summer Family Time + Christmas</b><br />My sister and nieces were in Texas for the entire month of June this year—thanks, home renovations! I got to soak up time with them in Houston and Tyler, and then for an entire week in Galveston when we were joined by my brother-in-law (and my parents and brother, of course). During these four weeks we went to the pool, picked blueberries, surfed in the ocean, played games, collected seashells, went on boat rides, visited the zoo, and so much more! It was amazing and my favorite and I wish I could relive it all again now.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW-8fXwKyCca85xU9SIId4Pcq3JIbyWqK0l8RQOWSIZC8WjwIUZmUnPNRUtMlybspb0mDvSUdMM52ReZEq1NdrdFl1gK8itENWbE-OFyiLgVFH4jb4z1bECoe2JNj9KontWeEWQeRt0Zf4ZZdFo6hxZxdrLIoPK0MCOWtMgDNmiJIm0JBcxl-DSfFH=s1702" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="1702" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW-8fXwKyCca85xU9SIId4Pcq3JIbyWqK0l8RQOWSIZC8WjwIUZmUnPNRUtMlybspb0mDvSUdMM52ReZEq1NdrdFl1gK8itENWbE-OFyiLgVFH4jb4z1bECoe2JNj9KontWeEWQeRt0Zf4ZZdFo6hxZxdrLIoPK0MCOWtMgDNmiJIm0JBcxl-DSfFH=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Christmas? You know I have a video for that!<p></p><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TDCXBlzQc_M" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p>1. <b>Morby Madness in Virginia<br /></b>My babiest cousin Dawson got married to his bride Hannah in Virginia this past November, and their wedding was lovely. What was really memorable for me, though, was seeing family members stretching from 12-year-old Lexi to my 92-year-old grandparents make the trek to the east coast to celebrate the new couple. Consistently showing up for family members is one of my favorite parts of being a Morby, and all of us coming together to dance, laugh, toast, and honor Dawson and Hannah filled my heart with enough joy to tide me into the new year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH3XvwgL6jmLIzgKSMSCk75UyoB1XdgEOEYIJ9_7g14HCR6lTGYEW0GlSAueqr9MbE0tYKA7buCQGOsN2KBhVtOulfIQ7MFmih8OMldeyS01OC3kA-oO_Bn6TuCjW8vfnoGehUmuV1CcEtBQb5EPM2DbwvPMsxYE_fePCXNQ2Kkq5RStOguUkGK0FW=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH3XvwgL6jmLIzgKSMSCk75UyoB1XdgEOEYIJ9_7g14HCR6lTGYEW0GlSAueqr9MbE0tYKA7buCQGOsN2KBhVtOulfIQ7MFmih8OMldeyS01OC3kA-oO_Bn6TuCjW8vfnoGehUmuV1CcEtBQb5EPM2DbwvPMsxYE_fePCXNQ2Kkq5RStOguUkGK0FW=s320" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />Honorable Mention</b>: Really fun office shenanigans, Maddy starring as Cruella in her elementary school's production of "101 Dalmatians," Dani surprising me in Galveston for my birthday, seeing some of my articles published in Pine Cove's magazines, celebrating Ellie's 30th birthday in Austin with an amazing rom-com themed bash, and seeing my neighborhood blanketed in snow.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgThzsT5M8wguB9MXYHlz3pLbxMnuAJCuIfIi0Ckcj345QZOnB1bmPETUkd5LMTDRN6s1F3A6sJteOhnkK19q8oYcdOSIfVgsfjI_TRbnGrHA9a_jPNuAjCHLNNVVKibAmOt9psbSdLJwfpLUNQGAOziY3KprF38c5dym6yMjHPhougD8ntzJFdP7gD=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2314" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgThzsT5M8wguB9MXYHlz3pLbxMnuAJCuIfIi0Ckcj345QZOnB1bmPETUkd5LMTDRN6s1F3A6sJteOhnkK19q8oYcdOSIfVgsfjI_TRbnGrHA9a_jPNuAjCHLNNVVKibAmOt9psbSdLJwfpLUNQGAOziY3KprF38c5dym6yMjHPhougD8ntzJFdP7gD=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />I feel like I can't close out any sort of summary about my year without mentioning the passing of one of my closest friends, <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/doris-morby-obituary?id=32012517" target="_blank">Grandma Doris</a>. She stepped out the door of this life and into her new body and new life with Jesus on Christmas Eve. While it still feels surreal and I'll never stop missing her, I'm also at peace knowing she was more than ready to go, and got to do it on her own terms—at home, surrounded by loved ones, and with the promise that we'll all see her again one day. I love you, Grandma.<br /><p><i>So long, farewell, auf wiedersehn good night! I hate to go and leave this pretty sight...</i><br /></p>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-60529668534489622142021-04-24T19:28:00.005-05:002021-04-24T19:35:20.937-05:0014th Annual Oscar Picks <p>It's been a weird year for movies, and it very well may also be a weird Oscars ceremony. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate films! Or that I can't make correct predictions in every single category, as I do every year.*<br /><br />
(Previously: <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2020/02/13th-annual-oscar-picks.html">2020</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2019/02/12th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2019</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2018/03/11th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2017/02/10th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2016/02/9th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2015/02/8th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/03/7th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2013/02/6th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2012/02/5th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2011/02/4th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2009/02/2nd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2008/02/oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2008</a>.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3putQC0sS4Y/YIS5M7atKuI/AAAAAAABtZU/fi4aJkykObEpTa7JZkahzNDmVxVVc7cTQCNcBGAsYHQ/s520/nomadland-frances-mcdormand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3putQC0sS4Y/YIS5M7atKuI/AAAAAAABtZU/fi4aJkykObEpTa7JZkahzNDmVxVVc7cTQCNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/nomadland-frances-mcdormand.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>Best Picture</b>: As always, I think this is pretty much anybody's game—particularly "Nomadland," "The Trial of the Chicago 7," and "Minari." However, with a whole pile of wins in various awards show's best picture categories, I'm calling this one for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Nomadland</span>."<br /><br />
<b>Best Director</b>: This category doesn't always go to the Best Picture winner—but I think it will this year. Count on <span style="color: #cc0000;">Chloe Zhao</span> to be the second woman to ever win Best Director!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jgtbP_Kxxc/YISy_VdD_7I/AAAAAAABtYE/Nag4l4CiZKAl5EQGlgYhNkeMjH_AXppngCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/marainey1-videoSixteenByNine3000.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jgtbP_Kxxc/YISy_VdD_7I/AAAAAAABtYE/Nag4l4CiZKAl5EQGlgYhNkeMjH_AXppngCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/marainey1-videoSixteenByNine3000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />Best Actor</b>: If ever there were a lock, it's this one. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Chadwick Boseman</span> is sure to win a posthumous Oscar for his performance in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." Bless you, Chadwick.<br /><p></p><p><b>Best Actress</b>: This one feels a little bit like a toss-up to me. I really think anyone in this category could pull off a win—well, except for Vanessa Kirby. (But you're lovely, Vanessa! I'm sure your time will come!) I think it's actually going to come down to Frances, Viola, and Andra, and in the end I'm putting all my (fake) money on <span style="color: #cc0000;">Viola Davis</span>. <br /><br /><b>Best Supporting Actor</b>: We could potentially see an upset here, but ultimately all the signs are pointing to a win for <span style="color: #cc0000;">Daniel Kaluuya</span> for his performance in "Judas and the Black Messiah."</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEVrCpmKA8o/YISzU-SIz2I/AAAAAAABtYM/kYdvN9ls0GQBVq7zJkAmnXU203kXdP3bgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2000/minari.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEVrCpmKA8o/YISzU-SIz2I/AAAAAAABtYM/kYdvN9ls0GQBVq7zJkAmnXU203kXdP3bgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/minari.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br />Best Supporting Actress</b>: A category I don't feel confident about: this one. It's coming down to Youn Yuh-jung and Maria Bakalova for two films at opposite ends of the spectrum ("Minari" and "Borat"), but in the end I'm going with sweet <span style="color: #cc0000;">Youn Yuh-jung</span>.<p></p><p><b>Animated Feature</b>: Look, TECHNICALLY anything is possible. But not any film other than "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Soul</span>" walking away with this award.</p><p><b>Production Design</b>: "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Mank</span>" has a lot going for it in this category, chiefly its old Hollywood aesthetic that Academy voters won't be able to resist.</p><p><b>Cinematography</b>: Who will reign supreme in the world of cinematography: the sweeping vistas of "Nomadland," or the black and white artistry of "Mank?" I wish I could pick two—maybe there'll be a tie! (<a href="https://youtu.be/7f99N_QrA60?t=27" target="_blank">hey, it could happen!</a>)—but in the end I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Nomadland</span>."</p><p><b>Costume Design</b>: It's hard to imagine a Regency-era film like "Emma" not taking home Best Costumes, but it's really looking like "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Ma Rainey's Black Bottom</span>" is the one to beat.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3APopxAJ3rk/YIS07s3TuyI/AAAAAAABtYk/nDu2nsNEq4wGtDqEVaI6y2lGXZEZ5UieQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/merlin_177227988_de81c935-ade5-46bf-80b2-094c38758f25-videoSixteenByNineJumbo1600.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3APopxAJ3rk/YIS07s3TuyI/AAAAAAABtYk/nDu2nsNEq4wGtDqEVaI6y2lGXZEZ5UieQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/merlin_177227988_de81c935-ade5-46bf-80b2-094c38758f25-videoSixteenByNineJumbo1600.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br />Film Editing</b>: When all else fails, I like to predict the Best Picture winner to also win this category, so it's entirely possible "Nomadland" could win here as well. However, the addition of actual archival footage woven into "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Trial of the Chicago 7</span>" means I believe they're going to win this category.<p></p><p><b>Makeup and Hairstyling</b>: Okay, it's really hard not to pick "Hillbilly Elegy" here, because did you see the transformation they pulled off for <a href="https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ionHILLBILLY-ELEGY.jpg?w=1000" target="_blank">Glenn Close</a>? Insane. But I don't think it's "Hillbilly Elegy's" night. (Do you think Academy members are too embarrassed that people might find out they voted for that movie in ANY category to actually check that box?) Instead, "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Ma Rainey's Black Bottom</span>" will almost certainly take this one home.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QY-CbEOohYo/YIS0aN7rMmI/AAAAAAABtYc/4aUtUQFeVtQ6GLIXBxWSEV_qqE1WUnDQgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1548/JONBATISTE-CR-Deborah-Coleman-Pixar-bb17-2020-billboard-1548-1606956974-compressed.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1548" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QY-CbEOohYo/YIS0aN7rMmI/AAAAAAABtYc/4aUtUQFeVtQ6GLIXBxWSEV_qqE1WUnDQgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/JONBATISTE-CR-Deborah-Coleman-Pixar-bb17-2020-billboard-1548-1606956974-compressed.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br />Original Score</b>: An animated film hasn't taken home the award for Best Score since 2009's "Up," which we all know is one of my all-time faves (movies <i>and</i> scores). This year Pixar will make a return trip up to the stage for this category when they win for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Soul's</span>" breathtaking music.<p></p><p><b>Original Song</b>: Listen. I actually, genuinely think the song "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjuphuG3ndw" target="_blank">Husavik</a>" from "Eurovision" is truly, unironically good. And it's entirely possible that it could win. (Seriously.) However, we've all heard Leslie Odom Jr. sing, and I don't know how they can vote for anyone else. "<span style="color: #cc0000;">One Night in Miami</span>" will win its only award of the night for "Speak Now."</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv6igyRISiU/YIS1fI1upnI/AAAAAAABtYs/8LrP2A2lXDoxsbYTOHejeGCnUIXWGgWmgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1080/NBCU-T0B3W-Full-Image_GalleryBackground-en-US-1609876289166._SX1080_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv6igyRISiU/YIS1fI1upnI/AAAAAAABtYs/8LrP2A2lXDoxsbYTOHejeGCnUIXWGgWmgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/NBCU-T0B3W-Full-Image_GalleryBackground-en-US-1609876289166._SX1080_.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br />Original Screenplay</b>: I wouldn't be at all shocked if Aaron Sorkin were to win for "The Trial of the Chicago 7"—he is a master, after all. But I think the Academy will want to honor "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Promising Young Woman</span>" in some way, so look for their support to show up in this category.<br /><p></p><p><b>Adapted Screenplay</b>: I can't bring myself to predict a win for "Borat" here, I just can't—despite what some prognosticators are saying. Others think it will be "The Father," but I think "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Nomadland</span>" will get the gold here. </p><p><b>Sound</b>: They finally, finally combined the two sound categories of years past (editing and mixing) into one and lo, there was much rejoicing. No shade to the sound professionals, it just made predicting difficult! That being said, I think we'll all be shocked if "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Sound of Metal</span>" doesn't take this one home.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-id7kmDTVWI4/YISz1z99y8I/AAAAAAABtYU/u4-vcQq0VaM_c9KtoXUoAys5pJlExCm4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1400/tenet.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-id7kmDTVWI4/YISz1z99y8I/AAAAAAABtYU/u4-vcQq0VaM_c9KtoXUoAys5pJlExCm4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/tenet.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br />Visual Effects</b>: Honestly, "Tenet" should be up for more categories. There, I said it. But the important part is actually winning, and I think "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Tenet</span>" will win for Visual Effects.<br /><p></p><p><b>Documentary Feature</b>: This category is weirdly giving me a lot of trouble. I keep trying to visualize the moment they open the envelope—will they say "Time," or will they say "My Octopus Teacher?" Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute, I've got it: it's going to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Time</span>." </p><p><b>Documentary Short</b>: Ah yes, everyone's favorite category. I'm ticking the box next to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">A Love Song For Latasha</span>" for this one.<br /></p><p><b>International Feature Film</b>: This will probably go to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Another Round</span>." Probably.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ame9_txENkY/YIS1wsmVUOI/AAAAAAABtY0/0RZ4wBO1lNg-0sWrR1CmZk5qCf9jDIEAwCNcBGAsYHQ/s600/if-anything-happens-i-love-you-2020.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ame9_txENkY/YIS1wsmVUOI/AAAAAAABtY0/0RZ4wBO1lNg-0sWrR1CmZk5qCf9jDIEAwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/if-anything-happens-i-love-you-2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br />Animated Short</b>: I've heard so much about "<span style="color: #cc0000;">If Anything Happens I Love You</span>" this year, it's hard to imagine anything else winning.<br /><p></p><p><b>Live Action Short</b>: Sorry, just gotta pick between "The Letter Room" and "Two Distant Strangers" real quick. <span class="aCOpRe"><span>Eeny, meeny, miny... "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Two Distant Strangers</span>."</span></span></p><p><span class="aCOpRe"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></p><p><span class="aCOpRe"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Here's the thing: that's just not true. And I'm sorry I lied. I'm so sorry.</span> </span></span></p>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-4426968266100567402021-01-26T21:38:00.000-06:002021-01-26T21:38:27.932-06:002020 Favorites<p> <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Books I Read in 2020</b></u></span><br />
<br />Favorite "new to me" books I read this year.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5aa7qyGTTg/YASEcK1lB9I/AAAAAAABj7k/6amdRktPbXw2UEYLNUfvu5bGO9oxPysBgCNcBGAsYHQ/s500/byyourside.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5aa7qyGTTg/YASEcK1lB9I/AAAAAAABj7k/6amdRktPbXw2UEYLNUfvu5bGO9oxPysBgCNcBGAsYHQ/w129-h200/byyourside.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>3.<i> </i><i>By Your Side</i> <b>Kasie West</b><br />One of the coping mechanisms I turned to during this absolute swamp of a year was reading light, bright young adult romance novels—the easier, the sweeter the better. And the author that delivered the joyful champagne bubbles that I needed again and again was Kasie West. Of the eight Kasie West books I read this year, <i>By Your Side</i> was my soft, heart-eyed favorite. One fateful Friday night, Autumn Collins finds her locked inside a gigantic, empty library. Only it's not so empty: the school "bad boy" soon makes his presence known, and the two find themselves pairing up to fight off boredom, hunger, and perhaps some burgeoning feelings. This book was just exactly what I was needing when I read it, and I found myself grinning and feeling bubbly throughout. I see myself reading it again soon! <br />
<i><br />
“What was I scared of? Letting someone close? Handing him the power to
hurt me? Letting go of control? Possibilities don’t hurt as much as
realities. Possibilities are exciting and endless. Realities are final.”</i> <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6yOyHIV59k/X_-2QwpJbqI/AAAAAAABjtY/V4q3ztufMBc9a8mE5xQkvb-177dgVKIMQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/natalietan.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6yOyHIV59k/X_-2QwpJbqI/AAAAAAABjtY/V4q3ztufMBc9a8mE5xQkvb-177dgVKIMQCNcBGAsYHQ/w133-h200/natalietan.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>2.<i> Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune</i>, <b>Roselle Lim</b><br />I gobbled this book up in one day, and it's hard to say what I enjoyed more—the story line, the love interest, or the food descriptions! When they're all vying first place like that, you know you're in a good spot. Natalie Tan returns to her childhood home after the death of her mother determined to reopen her grandmother's old restaurant, and finds herself armed with an old cookbook containing recipes for more than just delicious dishes. Incredibly, this is Roselle Lim's first novel, and we are so fortunate that she chose to bestow on us her exquisite descriptions of everything from food to grief. With a touch of the fantastic, <i>Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune </i>is the perfect novel to whisk you away into a swirling world of charm, steam, and mystery.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span><i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #1d1c1d; display: inline; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">“Wishes are worth nothing because there’s so many of them. If they turned into stars, there will be no sky left.”</span></i></span></span></span></span></span> <br /><p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHcVQPPcwYQ/X_4wTuxogmI/AAAAAAABjmY/pSI95njA3ZQ9YcUY13Av2-J9Q1exOh09QCNcBGAsYHQ/s475/Alex%2BApproximately.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Alex Approximately book cover" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHcVQPPcwYQ/X_4wTuxogmI/AAAAAAABjmY/pSI95njA3ZQ9YcUY13Av2-J9Q1exOh09QCNcBGAsYHQ/w134-h200/Alex%2BApproximately.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>1.<i> Alex, Approximately</i>, <b>Jenn Bennett</b><br />A blonde movie fan with a penchant for crushing on charming gentlemen? No, unfortunately this book is not about me. However, it is about lover of all things retro Bailey Rydell, who moves to a tiny California town, takes a job at a quirky local museum, and sets about searching for her fellow cinema-lover and pen pal, Alex. In the meantime, she makes friends, has more than one adventure (including rescuing a replica of the Maltese falcon), and even catches the eye of a terribly attractive museum security guard slash surfer. With every chapter beginning with a different movie quote ("10 Things I Hate About You," "The Force Awakens," "You've Got Mail), it felt at times that <i>Alex, Approximately </i>was written just for me. This book absolutely turned my heart into confetti, and I can't recommend it enough.<br /><br />"<i>I'll give him a pass. Because, hello! </i>The Philadelphia Story<i>. I could watch this a thousand times and never get weary of it. Watching with someone else who's never seen it is so much better. With Porter? I can't believe my luck.</i><i><i>”</i> <br /></i><p><u>Honorable Mention</u><br /><i>There's Someone Inside Your House</i>, <b>Stephanie Perkins</b> (Terrifying and unputdownable.)<br /><i>The Fill-In Boyfriend</i>, <b>Kasie West</b> (This one VERY narrowly missed making my top three.)<br /><i>My Life Next Door</i>, <b>Huntley Fitzpatrick</b> (I'm in love with the main character's love interest!)<br /><i>Serious Moonlight</i>, <b>Jenn Bennett</b> (Mysterious and lovely.)<br /><i>How to Speak Boy</i>, <b>Tiana Smith </b>(Gave me heart eyes for days!)<br /><i>One Of Us is Next</i>, <b>Karen M. McManus</b> (Even better than the first book in the series.)<br /><i>Girl at Heart</i>, <b>Kelly Oram</b> (Gave me all the butterflies!)<br /><i>P.S. I Like You</i>, <b>Kasie West</b> (More like <i>P.S. I Love This Book!</i>)<br /><i>Shuffle, Repeat</i>, <b>Jen Klein</b> (Sweet and well-written.)<br /><i>The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad</i>, <b>Cookie O'Gorman</b> (Listened to this in one day!)<br /><i>Two Can Keep a Secret</i>, <b>Karen M. McManus</b> (Twisty and fascinating.)<br /><i>Our Stop</i>, <b>Laura Jane Williams</b> (I literally cried from the loveliness.)<br /><i>A Good Girl's Guide to Murder</i>, <b>Holly Jackson</b> (I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel to be released!)<br /><br />My goal heading into this year was to read 60 books. Thanks to the-virus-that-shall-not-be-named, I had a lot more reading time and ended up finishing 83. If you saw me throughout the year, this doesn't surprise you. "I've read 50 books." "I've read 60 books." "I've read 70 books." Maybe I thought if I said it enough, it could be something other than my only accomplishment of the year. Regardless, I genuinely enjoyed almost everything I read! You can view my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2020/47724511">full list here</a>.<br /></p><p><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Movies of 2020</b></u></span><br /><br />3.<b> The Gentlemen</b><br />Exceptionally dynamic and unmistakably <i>Guy Ritchie</i>, "The Gentlemen" has to be the most fun I had watching a movie this year. Stacked with the most impressive cast this side of "Ocean's 11" (Matthew McConaughey, Henry Golding, Hugh Grant, Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, Michelle Dockery) and an intricately spun and delightfully twisty script, Ritchie's latest film takes us on a wild ride of blackmail, betrayal, and more than a little hilarity. "The Gentlemen" had me laughing, gasping, and covering my eyes, and thinking back on it now, it's taking everything in me to not abandon this blog in favor of watching this movie again. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnusncnSfO0/YA4O1eIjhoI/AAAAAAABkUU/DyAKfypavoAIAi1911T9d2daOgutITIYwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/gentlemen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnusncnSfO0/YA4O1eIjhoI/AAAAAAABkUU/DyAKfypavoAIAi1911T9d2daOgutITIYwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/gentlemen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />2. <b>P.S. I Still Love You</b><br /><i>Dear Peter Kavinsky... </i>If you're surprised to see the second film in the "To All the Boys" series on my list, you clearly do not know me well at all! While it didn't <i>quite</i> live up to the first (mostly due to its undercurrent of sadness and edge of heartbreak), I still found it to be a fun and charming escape. Jordan Fisher was a brilliant (and swoon-worthy) addition to the cast, and Lana Condor and Noah Centineo are still the perfect, absolutely magnetic center of the franchise. Overall "P.S. I Still Love You" was absolutely delightful, full of tender moments, swirling snowflakes, and a sky full of lanterns.<b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9pCe7DqpJ8/YA4OWHPZfUI/AAAAAAABkUI/3KGVm8spwOcAgUk5PRqBg_Salef_hQQJQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2000/ps%2Bstill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9pCe7DqpJ8/YA4OWHPZfUI/AAAAAAABkUI/3KGVm8spwOcAgUk5PRqBg_Salef_hQQJQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/ps%2Bstill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>1. <b>Palm Springs<br /></b>What a breath of fresh air! From its very first moment, "Palm Springs" showed itself to be smart, original, and laugh-out-loud funny. Starring the brilliant Andy Samberg and a lovely Cristin Milioti (who was more than up for the task of holding her own against Andy), the latest film from the Lonely Island crew is more than a "Groundhog Day"<i> </i>retread. It's a bright, colorful, and unexpected joy ride that keeps you guessing for the entirety of its runtime. While the story of a man trapped reliving the same day again and again, desperate to create joy where he can may not sound like much of an escape from our current reality, it's nevertheless an enchanting and surprising diversion with more than a little heart—and a GREAT use of J.K. Simmons. Now hand me my jean jacket—it's time to go dancing.<br /><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lr9vxKoT1Y/YA4N06zsW8I/AAAAAAABkUA/UF91YNTkjqcqfnrpgND6gM6LOd6vB3e6wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1100/palmsprings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1100" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lr9vxKoT1Y/YA4N06zsW8I/AAAAAAABkUA/UF91YNTkjqcqfnrpgND6gM6LOd6vB3e6wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/palmsprings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />Honorable Mention</b>: Tenet<p>I obviously didn't get to see the number of movies I would have liked this year—yet another thing the pandemic ripped away from me. One of my favorite moments of <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2020/01/2019-favorites.html">last year</a> was unrepeatable this year, and the less said about it the better.<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2020</b></u></span><br />
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Favorite shows I started watching this year:</p><p>3. (tie) <b>Outer Banks</b><br />This show? This show right here? Is absolutely ridiculous. And stressful and dramatic and unbelievable... but I don't know! It's also eternal summer and pretty people and a treasure hunt and friendship and storm surfing and wait why are you running from the cops and WHY DOES THAT GUY HAVE A GUN I THINK I'M GOING TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK. I just kept coming back for more, and when a BIG MOMENT happened in the penultimate episode, I legit stood up and screamed from the SHOCK of it, and honestly isn't that what we want from our suspenseful TV shows? And then when my winter needed an extra dose of eternal summer, I found myself diving straight back into the OBX for a second time.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Netflix<br /></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2N4xU2bSTbY/YAjz9M-d8oI/AAAAAAABkG0/FjG_agUSr7ccoj9dhCChFcN6--Lm30CVgCNcBGAsYHQ/s556/pogues.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="556" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2N4xU2bSTbY/YAjz9M-d8oI/AAAAAAABkG0/FjG_agUSr7ccoj9dhCChFcN6--Lm30CVgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h200/pogues.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />3. (tie) <b>Downton Abbey</b><br />A few months into lockdown I was desperate for something new to watch. Enter the Crawleys, their household staff, and a truckload of Maggie Smith one-liners here to transport me to World War I-era England. I started the series not knowing the difference between a housekeeper and a lady's maid, and left scoffing at the idea of household with only one footman (can you IMAGINE). At times over-the-top and incredibly soapy (jail! illegitimate babies! blackmail!), <i>Downton </i>nevertheless offered a brilliantly written and perfectly acted escape from the mundanity of yet another evening spent at home. <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Amazon Prime</i></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOZFtPgj-vc/YApI95Wx_bI/AAAAAAABkKU/iStxXNjxh-MGJK1BgiVVqmydDbmdTt0MACNcBGAsYHQ/s500/da.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOZFtPgj-vc/YApI95Wx_bI/AAAAAAABkKU/iStxXNjxh-MGJK1BgiVVqmydDbmdTt0MACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/da.gif" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>2. <b>High School Musical: The Musical: The Series<br /></b>Before she blessed us with "Drivers License," Olivia Rodrigo was lighting up the screen and tugging our heartstrings with songs like "All I Want" in the Disney+ small screen treasure <i>High School Musical: The Musical: The Series</i>. There's honestly just too much to love about this show: the songs, the musical theater in-jokes, the breaking of the fourth wall, the love triangle, the callbacks to the original HSM. I'm here for it, I'm in heaven, I just started watching it for the third time, BRB.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Disney+<br /></i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQmNKg89Tw0/YAjspyM_NDI/AAAAAAABkGY/2jX6eB99py0qWc-oDZpRI9pj-5k8IyFEQCNcBGAsYHQ/s300/bigred.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQmNKg89Tw0/YAjspyM_NDI/AAAAAAABkGY/2jX6eB99py0qWc-oDZpRI9pj-5k8IyFEQCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/bigred.gif" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fl3FZ7DwUUk/YAjss9FIKoI/AAAAAAABkGc/OUeGpZB7Ofc4mDRsnnxxcImukDqFHldhwCNcBGAsYHQ/s300/ricky.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fl3FZ7DwUUk/YAjss9FIKoI/AAAAAAABkGc/OUeGpZB7Ofc4mDRsnnxxcImukDqFHldhwCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/ricky.gif" /></a></div></div><br />1. <b>Taskmaster</b><br />Just when the long days of quarantine were realllllly starting to drag, lo: the heavens opened up and the Lord bestowed upon me the MOST perfect show for escaping pandemic living: <i>Taskmaster</i>. It's premise is incredibly simple: Greg Davies, aka "The Taskmaster" forces a set of five comedians to complete a task, and then awards them points based on their performance. The tasks range from the straightforward (create the tallest cardboard box tower) to the bizarre (measure the circumference of a caravan in baked beans), but they are always, always hilarious. Even better are the moments between tasks in the studio when the Taskmaster passes judgement on the performances of the comedians (nothing makes me laugh harder than Greg Davies staring in silent disappointment at a contestant who knows they totally failed their task). This hilarity, along with the show's puzzle-solving aspect (certain tasks contain a hidden clue, while some contestants parse the language of the task itself to find a workaround), combined to create my ideal television show, and my most favorite of the year.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on YouTube</i></span> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t1fTsEGQBY8/X__DPaxysWI/AAAAAAABjt0/iMf2ETFEC1c2RFqblTRyePn7dFGnef3bgCNcBGAsYHQ/s480/taskmaster.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t1fTsEGQBY8/X__DPaxysWI/AAAAAAABjt0/iMf2ETFEC1c2RFqblTRyePn7dFGnef3bgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/taskmaster.gif" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #1d1c1d; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>Honorable Mention</b>: Never Have I Ever, The Mandalorian, The Baby-Sitters Club, The Queen's Gambit </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #1d1c1d; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Events of 2020</b></u></span></span></span></span> </p><p>3. <b>New York, New York</b><br />Some people call the day the pandemic became real—like, really REAL—"Tom and Rita Day," because it was the first day most people finally felt like they knew someone (albeit two very famous people—the Hankses) who'd been diagnosed with COVID-19. Well I just happened to be in New York City on Tom and Rita Day. (I know, I know. I know.) I was there with Lori and Emily, and while our trip kind of folded in on itself due to... <i>gestures around wildly at the <b>all</b> of everything</i>... we still pieced together a memorable holiday spent thrifting, visiting my favorite restaurants (Buvette and Valerie!), spotting celebrities on the street (Hugh Dancy!), and seeing <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FE5JH7VVqw" target="_blank">Six</a> </i>in its as of yet final performance before the shutdown. And even as the world crumbled around us, I was fortunate to face it all with slightly unhinged laughter ("MHMMM!") and pizza consumed on our hotel room beds with Lori and Emily. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_DvYACoti4/YA4089upZ1I/AAAAAAABkW0/o41MatzRx-AuIgqIWLY5fjxIxb_v-ueQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8580.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_DvYACoti4/YA4089upZ1I/AAAAAAABkW0/o41MatzRx-AuIgqIWLY5fjxIxb_v-ueQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8580.JPG" /></a></div><br />2. <b>Gal Pal Weekends</b><br />Before, during, and... also during quarantine (lockdown?), I was blessed to get weekends away with some of the best ladies in the land. In February several handfuls of Britt's nearest and dearest descended on her family's lake house to celebrate her bachelorette weekend with food, games, <i>Mamma Mia</i>, and all the catching up with far-flung friends. It was glorious. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-0L__g-E_Q/YA4xr_HVncI/AAAAAAABkWY/riWHX14Ll5MVUW7XxcL39JPSwerjfJjgwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0054.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-0L__g-E_Q/YA4xr_HVncI/AAAAAAABkWY/riWHX14Ll5MVUW7XxcL39JPSwerjfJjgwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Then in August, I grabbed a few close buddies and escaped down to the Morby beach house for a relaxed birthday weekend. It was incredibly, blessedly chill, full of coffee and reading and laughing and talking. We made more than a few trips to the beach, walked down to watch the sunset each evening, played games (a movie game AND a <i>To All the Boys</i> game), made homemade pizza, and watched <i>Taskmaster. </i>Though we never ventured into town, I think this low-key time away was just what we all needed. (As Melissa put it, "All I want to do is sit on the deck and drink coffee." And we did.)<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-PBVHBAl0A/YA4x06lnkUI/AAAAAAABkWc/ycvDJ3CbAvQLqhnwvW-DnxbHHn_tiHjZACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-PBVHBAl0A/YA4x06lnkUI/AAAAAAABkWc/ycvDJ3CbAvQLqhnwvW-DnxbHHn_tiHjZACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0045.JPG" /></a></div><br />Finally, early in the fall Ellie and I booked a room at a charming hotel in Dallas with pink doors, twinkling string lights, and a sparkling pool. We spent our time reading in the pool, reading next to the pool, eating good food, and watching <i>Cobra Kai</i>. We never left the hotel grounds and I still find myself longing for a repeat visit. (Ellie?)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNCT5gwKB0o/YA4yhYw9TAI/AAAAAAABkWo/3Aol9EMeK00hfEXEVRnD_vyLTeVNhfOxgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4590.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNCT5gwKB0o/YA4yhYw9TAI/AAAAAAABkWo/3Aol9EMeK00hfEXEVRnD_vyLTeVNhfOxgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4590.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>1. <b>Double Family Vacays</b><br />The very best people, in one of my very favorite places. If I had to pick a bright spot for the year, as I've been doing for each day, this would be it. And that we got to do it TWICE in 2020? All glory to God. Because it was dreamy, dreamy, dreamy. Trips to the beach and swimming at the club. Boat rides, catching crabs, flying kites, fishing, golf cart rides, catching crabs, playing card games, jumping in the canal, watching movies... Literally, what more could I want. What. More.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dM64yJi8XQ/YA4Ql-RDkEI/AAAAAAABkUg/bmfBaTTAjSgi4ZwAePmxGqbj4EUtConegCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0002%2Bcopy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dM64yJi8XQ/YA4Ql-RDkEI/AAAAAAABkUg/bmfBaTTAjSgi4ZwAePmxGqbj4EUtConegCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0002%2Bcopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The last thing I want to do is leave the impression that my year was full of highs, or that I was exempt from the lows. This year took so much from me—from all of us, of course—and we won't be forgetting its effects anytime soon. The important thing to remember is that there <i>are </i>bright spots, even if they're as mundane as morning coffee, and that they're bestowed on us by the very One who holds this whole thing together. Be near, Oh Lord! (And open Broadway again as soon as you can, thanks SO very much.)<br /><br />XOXO,<br />Val<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-42449113052729237002020-02-08T17:24:00.000-06:002020-02-08T17:24:20.818-06:0013th Annual Oscar Picks Lucky number 13! I think that clearly means that THIS is the year I'll DEFINITELY get every category correct! Just like always.*<br />
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(Previously: <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2019/02/12th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2019</a>, <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2018/03/11th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2017/02/10th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2016/02/9th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2015/02/8th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/03/7th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2013/02/6th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2012/02/5th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2011/02/4th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2009/02/2nd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2008/02/oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2008</a>.)<br />
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<b>Best Picture</b>: Let's not fixate on this, but it's been a WHILE since I called this category correctly. Fortunately I think this is the year I turn it around: I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">1917</span>." The only possible upset that I can envision is "Parasite," but I'm still sticking with the heartfelt, technical wizardry of "1917."<br />
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<b>Best Director</b>: Tough category, but I think the serious contenders are Bong Joon Ho, Quentin Tarantino, and Sam Mendes. I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see any of them win, which makes this an exciting category to watch! However, while I don't like being a slave to the math or history of predictions, it's been many, many years since the winner of the Directors Guild Award didn't go on to win to Oscar, so I'm going with <span style="color: #cc0000;">Sam Mendes</span>.<br />
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<b>Best Actor</b>: This is a year where it seems like each of the acting categories are prettttttty sewn up. Anything can happen, of course, but all of the awards have been going to the same people in each of the four categories. So let's do these quickly! Best Actor is definitely going to <span style="color: #cc0000;">Joaquin Phoenix</span>. (As much as I may be personally pulling for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6iDeakVAk0" target="_blank">Adam Driver</a>...)<br />
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<b>Best Actress</b>: <span style="color: #cc0000;">Renee Zellwegger</span> will win her second career Oscar for her portrayal of Judy Garland in the lovely, heartbreaking "Judy."<br />
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<b>Best Supporting Actor</b>: The only thing better than <span style="color: #cc0000;">Brad Pitt</span> winning his first Oscar is the anticipation of what is sure to be another amazing, hilarious speech.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhqPqmv0uI0/Xj82K_Eu6nI/AAAAAAABKso/Jc0ns2Tdca02qL62sHRflnXI-KzrhJwdACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/laura%2Bscarlett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="634" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhqPqmv0uI0/Xj82K_Eu6nI/AAAAAAABKso/Jc0ns2Tdca02qL62sHRflnXI-KzrhJwdACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/laura%2Bscarlett.jpg" width="256" /></a><b>Best Supporting Actress</b>: Scarlett Johansson was MAGIC in "Jojo Rabbit," and I'd <i>love</i> to see her win, but I believe this award belongs to our girl <span style="color: #cc0000;">Laura Dern</span>. And no one's mad about that. Not even Scarlett, I don't think.<br />
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<b>Animated Feature</b>: Remember when "The Missing Link" won the Golden Globe? Man. That was wild. And then "Klaus" won the Annie Award? I mean, it's cool to mix things up, but <a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/filmeditor-mean-girls-movie-3o7aTsuMiDzGq1w80g" target="_blank">what is happening to the world</a>? Don't they know Pixar is <i>always</i> supposed to win? (Kidding.) (But they will this year.) I think it'll be <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">"</span>Toy Story 4</span>!" <br />
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<b>Production Design</b>: Man. Talk about a stacked category. It should come down to "1917" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," with the award going to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Once Upon a Time in Hollywood</span>."<br />
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<b>Cinematography</b>: ROGER! <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">clapclapclap</span></i> DEAKINS! <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">clapclapclap</span></i> Hollywood's reigning King of Cinematography will take home his second career Oscar, this time for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">1917</span>."<br />
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<b>Costume Design</b>: Let's be honest: "Jojo Rabbit" should win this one purely for Sam Rockwell's battle costume alone. Full stop. But I think this category is where "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Little Women</span>" will eke out its only win of the night.<br />
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<b>Film Editing</b>: Remember when "Bohemian Rhapsody" won this category last year? BON-KERS. I mean, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dn8Fd0TYek" target="_blank">LOOK AT THIS</a>. Moving on. "Ford v Ferrari" and "Parasite" seem to be in a dead heat. But in the end, cutting between shots in racing scenes is a lot more flashy than the building tension of "Parasite," so I'm picking "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Ford v Ferrari</span>."<br />
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<b>Makeup and Hairstyling</b>: All of the love for the makeup in "Bombshell" has been going to Charlize Theron and her transformation into Megyn Kelly, and rightfully so. But let's not forget what they did to <a href="https://cdn-img.instyle.com/sites/default/files/styles/684xflex/public/1578068669/010320_Bombshell_Embed_2.jpg?itok=kUd7PCGB" target="_blank">Nicole Kidman's face</a> to make her resemble Gretchen Carlson. It was unreal! Anyway, if you couldn't tell, I'm picking "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Bombshell</span>" to win this category. <br />
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<b>Original Score</b>: Man. You know what's crazy? Thomas Newman has NEVER won an Oscar. We're talking about the composer of "Wall-e," 1994's "Little Women," "Finding Nemo," "The Shawshank Redemption," and so many more. This is his 14th nomination in this category, and it would be amazing to hear his name called. Unfortunately, I think Hildur Gudnadóttir will sneak in here with a win for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Joker</span>."<br />
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<b>Original Song</b>: My personal favorite song on this list is "Stand Up." It's so, so good, and I frequently listen to it on repeat. Cynthia Erivo's voice is just OUT OF THIS WORLD. Plus if she wins here, she'll officially be the youngest EGOT winner in history. So let's just say I'm pulling for her here, despite that I'm predicting the award to go to Elton John for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Rocketman</span>."<br />
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<b>Original Screenplay</b>: Conventional wisdom says that Bong Joon Ho will win this one for "Parasite," but for some reason I can't fathom Quentin Tarantino's name not being called in this category. I think it's going to be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Once Upon a Time in Hollywood</span>." <br />
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<b>Adapted Screenplay</b>: You know what's possible? Greta Gerwig winning for "Little Women." You know what's not going to happen? An Academy of 68% male members voting for "Little Women." <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/12/little-women-awards-season-men" target="_blank">Where's the lie</a>? ANYWAY. I think Taika Waititi's going to win for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Jojo Rabbit</span>," and Taika giving an acceptance speech at the Oscars is a win for us ALL.<br />
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<b>Sound Mixing</b>: Racing sounds verses war sounds. Is it <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2018/03/11th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, and I'm being forced to decide between "Baby Driver" and "Dunkirk" again? With "Ford v Ferrari" and "1917" going head to head in this category, it certainly feels like it! Picking the war movie worked for me then, so let's try it again now: "<span style="color: #cc0000;">1917</span>."<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBI5eScOrjA/Xj89tEnvgDI/AAAAAAABKtU/Im4DYKxGKHw320WtYyeuBuMyZMQ0mtqIgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1917%2Bsound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="768" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBI5eScOrjA/Xj89tEnvgDI/AAAAAAABKtU/Im4DYKxGKHw320WtYyeuBuMyZMQ0mtqIgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/1917%2Bsound.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>Sound Editing</b>: Honestly, for the same logic I just used, I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">1917</span>" here too.<br />
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<b>Visual Effects</b>: "<span style="color: #cc0000;">1917</span>" was made to look like it was shot in one continuous take. But it wasn't. That's what is going to win it the award for Visual Effects.<br />
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<b>Documentary Feature</b>: This one should be going to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">American Factory</span>," but if not, don't be surprised to see "Honeyland" zip away with the win.<br />
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<b>Documentary Short</b>: All signs are pointing to a big win by "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl)</span>." <a href="https://media0.giphy.com/media/26FL4IAAT5URD9IWY/source.gif" target="_blank">Let's go, girls</a>! <br />
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<b>International Feature Film</b>: Definitely, definitely, definitely "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Parasite</span>." <br />
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<b>Animated Short</b>: "Hair Love" dissolved my heart and made me <i>weep. </i>And with its cool story of <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/02/03/how-hair-love-went-beloved-kickstarter-project-an-oscar-nominated-animated-short/" target="_blank">how it got made</a>, it would be amazing to see it win. And you know what? I think it will. I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Hair Love</span>."<br />
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<b>Live Action Short</b>: Let's... go... with... "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Brotherhood</span>." (?)<br />
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*🎵 <span style="font-size: x-small;">That's not truuuuuuuue! 🎵</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-53691026253768587632020-01-13T09:01:00.000-06:002020-01-14T16:27:39.231-06:002019 Favorites<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Books I Read in 2019</b></u></span><br />
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Favorite "new to me" books I read this year.<br />
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3.<i> The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You</i>, <b>Lily Anderson</b><br />
First things first: this is a great book title. Second: this is a great book. (At least for me. Surely you know by now that I'm a sucker for a sweet YA romance novel.) Set in a school for gifted students and populated with a surprisingly fascinating group of supporting characters, <i>The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You </i>delivered on everything I love about these young adult books. It had me grinning uncontrollably, covering my face in empathetic embarrassment, and turning pages faster and faster so I could find out what happened next. If a modern day adaptation of "Much Ado About Nothing" set in a high school sounds up your alley (and why wouldn't it be?), I can't recommend this book enough!<br />
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<i>"I'd always assumed that I wasn't the kind of girl that anyone would stay up late thinking about. And here I was with a boy who was thinking about me. It just happened to be a boy whom I spent hours torturing."
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WNyjCgPUI0/XhPFdR7X15I/AAAAAAABJdA/tWLk7JBHPrI495kMS1P7pFDSjVApIv8CgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/wtcs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WNyjCgPUI0/XhPFdR7X15I/AAAAAAABJdA/tWLk7JBHPrI495kMS1P7pFDSjVApIv8CgCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/wtcs.jpg" width="132" /></a>2.<i> Where the Crawdads Sing</i>, <b>Delia Owens</b><br />
The most popular books that everyone's reading don't always turn out to be a win. This book, however, lived up to the hype. The story of Kya, her abandonment, her relationship with the environment, and the people who weave their way in and out of her life were at once heartbreaking, hopeful, and riveting. Add to that a deep, perplexing central mystery and you have exactly why this book has been flying off the shelves. Delia Owens is a breathtakingly talented author, and the fact that this is her first foray into fiction is almost unbelievable. I wanted to copy down line after line of her gorgeous writing so I wouldn't forget it. Get on the waiting list at the library as soon as you can, because reading this book is a must.<br />
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<i>“She laughed for his sake, something she’d never done. Giving away another piece of herself just to have someone else.”
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1.<i> Eleanor & Park</i>, <b>Rainbow Rowell</b><br />
Wow. My heart. This BOOK. It's so well-written, so sweet, so tender, and yet completely unrelenting and heartbreaking. Park is the kind of guy you wish you'd known in high school. Eleanor is the kind of girl you wish you could just protect and take care of. The way Rainbow writes about these people, and the feelings they have (my goodness, the FEELINGS), you can't help but relate to them so strongly that you all but fall headfirst into the pages themselves a la Harry Potter in <i>The Chamber of Secrets</i>. Throughout the novel, the point of view switches from Park to Eleanor and back again, keeping you on your feet, and also giving insight into what's going on in each of their minds. Get your hands on a copy of this book and read it immediately. It's that good. <br />
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<i>“You can be Han Solo. And I'll be Boba Fett. I'll cross the sky for you.” </i><br />
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<u>Honorable Mention</u><br />
<i>Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen<i>, </i></i><b>Brian Raftery</b><i> </i><br />
<i>Since You've Been Gone, </i><b>Morgan Matson</b><br />
<i>We Were Liars</i>, <b><b><b>E. Lockhart</b></b></b><i></i><br />
<i><i>The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle</i>, </i><b><b><b>Stuart Turton</b></b></b><br />
<i>Evvie Drake Starts Over, </i><b>Linda Holmes</b><br />
<i><i>Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered</i>, </i><b>Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark</b><br />
<i><i>I Believe in a Thing Called Love</i>, </i><b>Maurene Goo</b><br />
<i><i>The Unexpected Everything</i>, </i><b>Morgan Matson</b><br />
<i><i>Fall and Rise</i>: The Story of 9/11, </i><b>Mitchell Zuckoff</b><br />
<i><i>God is Able</i>, </i><b>Priscilla Shirer</b><br />
<i><i>Murder on the Ballarat Train</i>, </i><b><b>Kerry Greenwood</b></b><br />
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At the beginning of the year, I set a pretty big goal for myself: to read 50 books in a year. I finished reading my 52nd book on New Years Eve, surprising myself in the process for managing to pull it off. Reading a book a week involved many trips to the library, constant perusal of Goodreads, and <i>always</i> carrying a book in my purse. Thankfully I really enjoyed most of the books I read, and only hated two. (Curious? Check out my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2019/47724511" target="_blank">full list</a>.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Movies of 2019</b></u></span><br />
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3.<b> Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker </b><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spoilers ahead! </span></span><br />
The first three quarters of <i>The Rise of Skywalker </i>were a blast. I enjoyed watching the interplay between Finn, Poe, and Rey, meeting new characters, and just being along for the adventure. I laughed a ton, loved the music, and was just overall thrilled that this movie was more in line with<i> The Force Awakens</i>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2019/01/2018-favorites.html" target="_blank">which I loved</a>, than <i>The Last Jedi</i>, which I... did not. And then (spoilers ahead) Ben ran into the cave. (The lair. Whatever it was.) And everything that happened for the next 15 minutes? Holy moly. I felt absolutely electrified. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and if you told me that I'd started levitating in my seat during these sequences, I WOULD BELIEVE YOU. Every time I thought it couldn't get better, IT DID. Man. I've seen this twice so far, and I can't wait to see it again. In summary, I leave you with just three words: <a href="https://am23.akamaized.net/tms/cnt/uploads/2019/12/tumblr_d2f083d0af502e42c42c36e2f803f78e_805e0d66_640.gif" target="_blank">Ben. Solo. Shrug</a>.<br />
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2. <b>Knives Out</b><br />
From the moment the first trailer dropped, I was hooked. A whodunnit? With <i>that</i> cast? And Chris Evans wearing <a href="https://toofab.akamaized.net/2019/12/25/evans-inset-810x610.jpg" target="_blank">THAT sweater</a>?? Sign. Me. Up. And this movie totally delivered! It had everything: twists. Turns. Jamie Lee Curtis in a pink power suit. I mean, what more could you want? There was no way to predict where this movie would go next, which made it all the more satisfying by the end. Also, I've just gotta say: this is a movie that rewards re-watches! I picked up several things the second time around that I'd missed the first. So go back and watch it again, and you'll see that the donut hole has a hole in its center, and it is not a donut hole
at all but a smaller donut with its own hole...<br />
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1. <b>The Peanut Butter Falcon</b><br />
A man with Down's Syndrome escapes his care facility and ends up traveling down the coast of North Carolina with Shia LaBeouf. I know—it's not the log line you expect for the movie that beat Star Wars <i>and </i>the Avengers for the top spot on my list. But there's more to it than that, of course. There's joy, and there's sorrow. There's life. And somewhere around the time Zach told Tyler, "I'm gonna give you all my wishes for my birthday," my heart completely shattered. In the absolute best way, if that's possible. And by the end of the movie, as tears streamed down my face, my heart was whole again.<br />
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When people talk about the power of cinema, about what movies can do, this is what they're talking about. A movie that can scoop out your insides and replace them with glowing stardust. And a movie that knows that rule number one? Is <i>party</i>.<br />
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<b>Honorable Mention</b>: Avengers: Endgame, 1917, Little Women, Marriage Story, Late Night <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2019</b></u></span><br />
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Favorite shows I started watching this year:<br />
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3. <b>Fosse/Verdon</b><br />
I can tell you in two words why Fosse/Verdon was so good: <i>Michelle Williams.</i> How about two more: <i>Sam Rockwell</i>. Oh, I can have four additional words?<i> The Hamilton creative team</i> (producer Lin-Manuel Miranda, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, director Tommy Kail). The wrenching story of lovers turned co-dependent, separated collaborators is so creatively, lovingly told, you just can't look away. Add in a cast of Broadway all stars (Norbert Leo Butz, Santino Fontana, Brandon Uranowitz, Laura Osnes) with a side of <a href="https://66.media.tumblr.com/6b3696c2e04bc91d7b2e92a9019586ef/tumblr_pyiiufJpKZ1qzjw8go1_400.gif" target="_blank">Michelle Williams' tears</a>, and you've got a recipe for a truly outstanding TV show.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Hulu</i></span><br />
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2. <b>Derry Girls</b><br />
<i>Derry Girls</i> is a gift. I'm so glad it exists in the world. Because the world absolutely needed a show about Catholic school girls navigating their lives in Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles in the 90's. And it is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS. You'll be obsessed with these girls and their stories, and by the end of the second season you'll be right there with Cousin James, screaming, "I'M A DERRY GIRL!" It's on Netflix, so go look it up right now, because you're gonna love it. (Just be sure you watch it with subtitles—those Irish accents are no joke.) Sláinte!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Netflix</i></span><br />
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1. <b>Schitt's Creek</b><br />
When I saw the first handful of episodes a year or two ago, I dismissed the show as <i>not for me</i>. "I mean I get it," I would tell people. "It's just not that funny to me." This summer I decided to give the show another try, and this time something clicked. The more I watched, the more I could see pieces of myself in each of the characters. The more I genuinely laughed at the brilliant writing. And as the series progressed, I found that each season was better than the last. Now I'm ALL IN, can't wait for the next season, and find myself taking on more and more of Annie Murphy's mannerisms. What can I say? I'm just <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc9zPUkrybE" target="_blank">a little bit Alexis</a>.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Netflix</i></span><br />
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<b>Honorable Mention</b>: In the Dark, The Other Two<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Events of 2019</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">3. <b>Let's Go to the Movies</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I (obviously) love movies, and a huge part of that is seeing them in the theater. This year I got to see an amazing amount of new releases, and it just made my heart so happy! A big reason I made it to the theater so often is due to my movie buddy who's as committed to keeping up with the cinemaverse as I am: Ellie Bennett. Of the 37 movies I saw in theaters this year (and up through this weekend), 24 of them were with Ellie. And that's on God, for blessing me with a fellow entertainment-obsessed friend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">2. <b>Double New York</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This past spring, Ellie moved to New York for a few months. And I got to visit her! We ate great food (especially at <a href="https://www.valerienewyorkcity.com/" target="_blank">Valerie</a>!), visited the Museum of Natural History, went rowing in Central Park, and of <i>course</i> saw some shows. In total I was able to take in five Broadway musicals (<i>My Fair Lady, Tootsie, Be More Chill, Kiss Me Kate</i>, and <i>Mean Girls</i>), placing me squarely atop cloud nine. It was an incredible trip, and I'm so grateful I got to go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then in July, Emily and I returned to the Big Apple together for our sixth time! Power outage aside, we had a fantastic time, saw some beautiful art, toured Ellis Island, and took hundreds of photos. And this trip's Broadway shows were all over-the-top exceptional: <i>Frozen, Moulin Rouge!</i>, and <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Part 1 </i>(we missed Part 2 thanks to the aforementioned power outage). But we're coming back for you, Harry! Stay tuned...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">1. <b>So Morby</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">a. Morbyfest 2019</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This year, two of my grandparents turn 90 (!). And if that weren't enough they <i>also </i>hit another big milestone: 70 years (!) of marriage. To celebrate, my entire extended family descended on Crawford, Texas for a weekend of toasts, games, and laughing at each other. Press play for a small taste of our celebration weekend: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">b. Galveston</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The
whole Morby/Ciminello clan returned to Galveston for another amazing
family vacation this summer, and it was filled to the brim with golf
cart rides, water balloons, sand sculptures, chocolate malts,
crab-catching, and boat rides. There was a moment when David and I were
fishing, Ginger and Dad were reading, and Mom and Clay were watching
Norah and Lucia play in the pool, and I thought to myself, "This is how
life should always be." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">c. Christmas</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I could tell you about our magical Christmas, but wouldn't you rather see for yourself? Check it out: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here's to you, 2019! See y'all next year... </span> Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-16996650614863408942019-02-22T13:25:00.000-06:002019-02-22T13:26:47.238-06:0012th Annual Oscar PicksListen. It's always hard to do this. THIS year? Predicting the winners seems almost impossible! Every single guild award has gone to a <a href="https://twitter.com/mrRuimy/status/1097775580144193536" target="_blank">different movie</a>.<br />
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Fortunately, that doesn't affect me, because I never end up picking the wrong winners! Ever!*<br />
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(Previously: <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2018/03/11th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2017/02/10th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2016/02/9th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2015/02/8th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/03/7th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2013/02/6th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2012/02/5th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2011/02/4th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2009/02/2nd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2008/02/oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2008</a>.)<br />
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<b>Best Picture</b>: As stated above, this category is more difficult than ever to predict. "Green Book COULD pull off a win here. Maybe. But for no real reason other than following my gut, I've got to go with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Roma</span>" this year. </div>
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<b>Best Director</b>: More often than not, this award goes to the winner of Best Picture. So keeping with that tradition, I've got to pick <span style="color: #cc0000;">Alfonso Cuaron</span>. The only upset I could foresee might be Spike Lee (for his first Oscar <i>ever</i>!), but I just don't think it's his year.</div>
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<b>Best Actor</b>: Christian or Rami? Rami or Christian? This year it'll be <span style="color: #cc0000;">Rami Malek</span>, in what could end up being "Bohemian Rhapsody's" only award of the night. But don't cry for Christian Bale! He'll always have <a href="https://66.media.tumblr.com/e3fb709a59dce803715dd243737c2263/tumblr_inline_p80zaqRS3j1s1ddnl_250.gif" target="_blank">Santa Fe</a>.<br />
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<b>Best Actress</b>: I would honestly love to see Lady Gaga win this category (I've had a soft spot for her ever since I watch the stunning documentary about her: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxI1iOi0t-c" target="_blank">Five Foot Two</a>."), but I'm afraid it's not her year—at least in this category. (Spoiler alert. For... further down the page.) This year will FINALLY be the year <span style="color: #cc0000;">Glenn Close</span> ends her streak! She currently holds the record for most Oscar nominations without winning, and it's finally her turn to stand center stage. You go, Glenn Co... I mean, Glenn Close!
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<b>Best Supporting Actor</b>: Man, this category is such a question mark to me. But Mahershala Ali has been winning a lot this awards season, so let's go with <span style="color: #cc0000;">Mahershala Ali</span> for "Green Book."</div>
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<b>Best Supporting Actress</b>: There seems to be a chance that Amy Adams could sneak in here and snag her first Oscar ever (which is insane, because this is her 6th nomination—Leo won on his <i>fifth</i> time out!), but I think she's going to have to wait a bit longer. This year the award is going to <span style="color: #cc0000;">Regina King </span>for "If Beale Street Could Talk."<br />
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<b>Animated Feature</b>: "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse</span>." That's it, that's the prediction. <br />
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<b>Production Design</b>: Conventional wisdom tells me to pick "The Favourite" here. But I can't. I think the winner will be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Black Panther</span>."<br />
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<b>Cinematography</b>: The award this year will go to <span style="color: #cc0000;">Alfonso Cuaron </span>for "Roma," and I'll tell you why that's interesting: because he'll be the FIRST director to ever win Best Cinematography for a film he also directed. Pretty crazy!<br />
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<b>Costume Design</b>: I'll say it again: Best Costume Design goes to the most over-the-top, historical costumes in the category. What makes it a little more interesting this year is that you have "The Favourite" up against "Mary Queen of Scots," two big movies with equally big dresses. My money's on "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Favourite</span>," although it must be said that there's an alternate universe out there somewhere in which "Black Panther" sneaks in a win here.<br />
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<b>Film Editing</b>: Conventional wisdom dictates that the year's Best Picture winner will also take home the award for editing, but conventional wisdom is out the window this year. I think it's either going to "Bohemian Rhapsody" or "Vice," and "Bohemian Rhapsody" needs to chill, so I'm picking "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Vice</span>."<br />
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<b>Makeup and Hairstyling</b>: For the same reason I picked "The Darkest Hour" to win this one last year (making a famous actor UNRECOGNIZABLE), I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Vice</span>." Maybe this is an indirect way for Christian Bale to get a little nod since he'll miss out on Best Actor!<br />
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<b>Original Score</b>: Remember in that one episode of "Sherlock" where he first met The Woman, and he just couldn't figure her out or read her at all, so all he saw when he looked at her were <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9IRfhRy1tVbGkb4xRzYaVOFBP5L6dbFK-2GasdXk5RBVhjCvRFV7yINXNP3arye2P_-IZaIUUW8Wj1R0u25vnW8OOUJsNqhEKFW08TdJ3_H-OKU2Z6OVm5bFRezdVl-JmsLUO0gjtJM/s1600/QuestionMarks.png" target="_blank">question marks</a>? That's me looking at this field of nominees. "If Beale Street Could Talk" has gotten a lot of critical acclaim, but history teaches us that a Best Picture nominee has better odds in this category. In that case, a film like "BlacKkKlansman" or "Black Panther" (which won the Grammy) might have the edge. DOES ANYONE HAVE A FRIEND WHO'S A VOTING MEMBER OF THE ACADEMY THAT I CAN PLEASE SPEAK TO. Failing that, I suppose I'm leaning critical darling over historical data (which is SO unreliable this year) and picking "<span style="color: #cc0000;">If Beale Street Could Talk</span>."<br />
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<b>Original Song</b>: What if SNL's <a href="https://youtu.be/KsEByB-L7zE?t=57" target="_blank">Melissa Villaseñor</a> came out and sang "Shallow" instead of Lady Gaga? I. Would Die. She's hilarious. No, but really though, I think this is a well-deserved win for Gaga. She may not be taking home Best Actress, but she will be taking home her first Oscar: Best Original Song for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">A Star is Born</span>."
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<b>Original Screenplay</b>: It would make sense here for the winner of the WGA award to have a pretty good shot at winning here. Mindbogglingly enough, their top winner, "Eighth Grade," isn't even nominated for an Oscar, so it's back to the drawing board. So unless "Green Book" pulls out a win here, I think "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Favourite</span>" will win this <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/making-eighth-grade-how-bo-burnham-brought-his-anxiety-screen-1162239" target="_blank">Bo Burnham</a>-less category.</div>
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<b>Adapted Screenplay</b>: "Can You Ever Forgive Me" won at the WGA's last week, so there's an outside chance they could repeat on Sunday. However, I think the Academy will find their chance to honor Spike Lee in this category, for his work on "<span style="color: #cc0000;">BlacKkKlansman</span>."</div>
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<b>Sound Mixing</b>: Okay fine. I guess "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Bohemian Rhapsody</span>" <i>will</i> win more than one award. And honestly, I have nothing against the sound in this movie. (Truthfully the sound was the best part!) </div>
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<b>Sound Editing</b>: SHHH! The sound editors are accepting their Oscar for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">A Quiet Place</span>!" </div>
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<b>Visual Effects</b>: "Ready Player One" was a crap movie, but its visual effects <i>were </i>pretty spectacular. Not enough, however, to get them in the running for this award, which seems to be between "Avengers: Infinity War" and "First Man." I kind of want to just play eenie meeny miney mo with this one, but you know what? I love the Avengers. So I'm going "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Avengers: Infinity War</span>."</div>
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<b>Documentary Feature</b>: First things first: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-OF0OaK3o0" target="_blank">Three Identical Strangers</a>" should be here. Full stop. That movie BLEW MY MIND. Just put my whole brain in a blender. Watch it as soon as you can, you will not regret it! But anyway. "Free Solo" was also very good and <i>incredibly </i>suspenseful, and I'd like to see it win. But "RBG" also has a lot of great momentum, so I don't know! Maybe 'the little justice that could' will help them pull off a win! "Free Solo," however, just won the BAFTA, so I think that may have given them the edge. "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Free Solo</span>" it is!<br />
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<b>Documentary Short</b>: It's these little categories that can make or break your ballot, and I always get so stressed out picking which depressing (sorry) documentary short will be crowned the winner. It's just difficult, period. End of sentence. Anyway, I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Period. End of Sentence.</span>"<br />
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<b>Foreign Language Film</b>: Unless voters don't want to pick the same film here that they did for the top prize of Best Picture, this one should be going to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Roma</span>."<br />
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<b>Animated Short</b>: Have you SEEN how cute that little dumpling is? It's gotta be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Bao</span>."<br />
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<b>Live Action Short</b>: If "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Skin</span>" is compelling enough to be turned into a full-length feature (which it has been), that should be good enough to win it this award!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*(Counts on fingers) </i>Wait. Am I wrong... a lot? Like, really a lot of the time? Huh.</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-62637565051657945142019-01-10T17:03:00.000-06:002019-01-11T14:54:22.714-06:002018 Favorites<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Books I Read in 2018</b></u></span><br />
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Favorite "new to me" books I read this year.<br />
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3.<i> Triple Threat</i>, <b>Gwenda Bond</b><br />
A book series that imagines Lois Lane as a high school student and junior investigative reporter chasing down mysterious leads and instant messaging someone known only as "SmallvilleGuy" on the side? This one was a no-brainer for me! The third and final book in the series, I loved reading the fast-paced story of a strong, fearless female lead investigating the fantastic and experiencing a sweet, budding romance along the way. Gwenda Bond's Lois is smart, sassy, and brave, and does a solid job filling that <i>Veronica Mars</i>-sized hole in my heart. If you enjoy inventive young adult mysteries, this whole series will be right up your alley!<br />
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview1874742928"><i>"</i></span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview1874742928"><i>I didn't mind walking into danger on my own. Not the concept of it, anyway."</i></span></span><br />
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2.<i> How To Find Love Love in a Bookshop</i>, <b>Veronica Henry</b><br />
<i>How To Find Love in a Bookshop</i> was the first book I read in 2018—and what a way to kick off my year of reading! I loved it, rated it five stars, and immediately started recommended it to everyone I could think of. (I even gave it to my sister for Christmas!) It's sweet and lovely (two of my favorite adjectives when it comes to books), interweaving stories from various townspeople in the small village of Peasbrooke, England into one delightful novel. I've not yet met anyone who didn't enjoy this book, so pick it up if you're craving sweet and lovely.<br />
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<i>
“The whole point of life was you couldn't ever be sure what would
happen next. Sometimes what happened was good, sometimes not, but there
were always surprises.”
</i><br />
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1.<i> To All The Boys I've Loved Before </i>trilogy, <b>Jenny Han</b><br />
When Lara Jean Song-Covey finds out that her private letters to every boy she's ever had a crush on have actually been mailed out, she's ready for the earth to swallow her whole. Awkwardness, hilarity, and melt-in-a-puddle sweetness ensue. I love so much about this book series, but here are a few of my favorites. One, Peter Kavinsky. Two, everything. The story did not go at all in the direction I expected it to, and every unanticipated turn was a delightful surprise. Jenny Han is a gifted writer, and her ability to get into the mind of a high school "good girl" character is remarkable. I could not put any of these books down; they were all completely mesmerizing to me. Always and Forever, Valerie Mae.<br />
<i><br />"My heartbeat is going quick-quick-quick. I’m giddy. Is this a dream? If so, let me never wake up."</i><br />
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<u>Honorable Mention</u><br />
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<i>Nate Expectations </i>by Tim Federle<br />
<i>The City Baker's Guide to Country Living</i> by Louise Miller<br />
<i>One, Two Buckle My Shoe </i>by Agatha Christie<br />
<i>I'll Be
Gone in the Dark </i>by Michelle McNamara<br />
<i>Something Wonderful</i>: <i>Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution </i>by Todd S. Purdum<br />
<i>This Will Only Hurt a Little </i>by Busy Philipps<br />
<i>The Secret Life of the American
Musical: How Broadway Shows Are Built </i>by Jack Viertel<i><br />The Hate U Give</i> by Angie Thomas<br />
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My goal for 2018 was to read 40 books. Miracle of miracles, I was able to finish 44! If you're looking to set a reading goal for the year, I can't recommend <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> enough. It's a great way to track what you're reading, what you'd like to read next, and what your friends are reading! Plus, once you set your goal it tells you where you are in the journey to completion. Check it out, and then find me <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/47724511-valerie" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Movies of 2018</b></u></span><br />
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Runner-Up: <b><i>Mary Poppins Returns</i></b><br />
What a joy. What a soundtrack. I'm so, so glad this film lived up to my expectations! I laughed and cried and haven't stopped listening to the soundtrack since. It's pure sunshine.<br />
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3. (tie) <i><b>Searching</b></i><br />
Everything is fine. Then one day, a single dad's only daughter doesn't come home, and he partners with the police to try to piece together what happened. He goes on a journey to learn more about his daughter's life, and in the process, finds out exactly how much he DOESN'T know. As the mystery deepens, the story takes more than a few left turns, and just when you think the twists are over THERE'S STILL MORE TWISTS. (And if you know me, you know I love a good twist.) All of this would be enough on its own, but here's one more reason you might want to check it out: the entire movie takes place on a computer screen. And I know that sounds like a gimmick, but it all works. It really does! It serves the story, and adds a layer of relate-ability because everything Jon Cho's David does (search Facebook, look up Google Maps, etc.) is something <i>I </i>would do if I were trying to solve a real-life mystery. Don't miss this one!<br />
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3. (tie) <i><b>Bad Times at the El Royale</b></i><br />
Spin me a solid, creative tale with plenty of twists and turns and my heart is yours forever. I fell in love with the<i> Bad Times </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ChlEALX-sk" target="_blank">trailer</a>, but didn't fully know what I was getting into. I'm so glad I didn't, because not knowing who the main characters were or exactly what the movie was about made everything all the more deliciously enjoyable. I am obsessed with mysteries (see my love of Agatha Christie, <i>Veronica Mars</i>, etc.) and have a healthy appreciation for movies set in a single night. Add in a stellar cast, a slowly unfolding story, gorgeous, haunting music, and I'm hooked. It all culminates in bloody mayhem, but the reveals and surprises that come along the way make it all completely worth it.<br />
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2. <i><b>Game Night</b></i><br />
The moment Kyle Chandler's character gave the<i> </i>"Poor man's Johnny Depp<i>"</i> clue<span style="font-size: x-small;">*</span> in a game of "Celebrity," I knew this movie was for me. Starring some of my favorite performers (Rachel McAdams, Jesse Plemmons, Jason Bateman, the aforementioned Coach Taylor), <i>Game Night</i> is a nonstop thrill ride of laughs, clues, reveals, and money being slid across a table reeeeeeally slowly. It's so funny, it's such a blast, and I can't wait for you to see it, if you haven't already. <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Skeet Ulrich</span><br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
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1. <i><b>To All The Boys I've Loved Before</b></i><br />
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Did you really think I'd pick something else? I watched this movie for the first time with a big group of girls, and it was the <i>ideal </i>movie-watching environment. We all instantly turned 15 years old (it was crazy, I know!) and spent the movie laughing, blushing, swooning, and hiding behind blankets because OH THE EMBARRASSMENT. When it was over we restarted the movie from the beginning and watched all the highlights again. And I've watched it many, many (many) times since. It's turquoise and pink and perfect. I could write a book about how much I love this movie. I could write a whole musical (and I actually did—well, <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oPLQXqWz3VAVfhxhYxy1YT7BDp5yQA3v_t1Dgx7onAQ/edit" target="_blank">kinda</a>) about how much I love this movie. It's such a beautiful adaptation of the book, with a delightful cast and a whole collection of tiny moments that are like little snow globes for me—pick each of them up and swirl the magic around and relive the perfection. The handshake under the cherry blossom tree. Moving the popcorn. The splash. Everybody wants to rule the world. The milkshake. "Progress." And of course (OF COURSE), <a href="https://media1.tenor.com/images/ea4a41081df032a409518443a0f1535b/tenor.gif?itemid=12375009" target="_blank">the pocket twirl</a>. I love this movie to death, and if you'll excuse me, I think it's time for me to go watch it again.<br />
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<b>Honorable Mention</b>: Avengers: Infinity War, Set It
Up, Crazy Rich Asians, Mission Impossible: Fallout, The Hate U
Give, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, A Star is Born<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2018</b></u></span><br />
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Favorite shows I started watching this year:<br />
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3. <b>Veep </b><br />
Everything you've heard about "Veep" is true: it's that funny. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is that genius. (It's also that crass, unfortunately, so fair warning!) This show is just truly a joke machine, using one-liners, crazy situations, and every other available element in its comedy arsenal. It's a dream of a cast, led by the incomparable JLD, and I can't wait for Hulu to release more seasons so I can fully catch up!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Hulu and HBO</i></span><br />
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2. <b>Queer Eye</b><br />
Show me a more encouraging and uplifting show that came out this year. Because I can't think of one! "Queer Eye" matches compassion with entertainment and joy, and it makes for a truly winning combination. A lesson in empathy and kindness, QE utilizes its platform to demonstrate a healthy dose of generosity—and more than a few laughs along the way. It was a joy to watch, and I am more than ready for season 3!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Netflix</i></span><br />
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1. <b>Cobra Kai</b><br />
No, I'm not kidding. My favorite show of the year is the YouTube Premium series "Cobra Kai." Despite not being super familiar with <i>The Karate Kid</i>, I fully embraced the continuing story of "good guy" Daniel and "bully" Johnny. But when lines blur, motivations change, and empathy grows, an incredible opportunity for unexpected storytelling presents itself. Shockingly hilarious and extremely bingeable, "Cobra Kai" surprised me with its twists and turns, its phenomenal cast, and its "world turned upside down" sensibility. Forget that it's a YouTube show. Forget that it's based on a 30-year-old property. I encourage you to jump full into this incredibly well-made series and enjoy its unexpected storytelling, its deeply felt character moments, and its out-and-out hilarity.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on YouTube Premium</i></span><br />
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<b>Honorable Mention:</b> Busy Tonight, Homecoming, Evil Genius, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Other Things That Don't Fall Into Another Category of 2018</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />3. <b>The Hamildrops</b></span><br />
Lin-Manuel Miranda has released a lot of amazing new music based on or inspired by <i>Hamilton.</i> Two of my favorites were released this year: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5Fj31lFuQ0" target="_blank"><i>The Hamilton Polka</i></a> and <i>Found/Tonight</i>. Weird Al's cover of a majority of the songs in <i>Hamilton—</i>in five minutes, no less<i>—</i>is a feat in itself. The fact that it's also a blast (not to mention hilarious) just pushes it over the top! Then with <i>Found/Tonight</i>, Lin found a way to marry one of the undersung <i>Hamilton </i>songs with the beautiful anthem <i>You Will Be Found </i>from <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2018/01/2017-favorites.html" target="_blank">last year's</a> top event <i>Dear Evan Hansen. </i>Press play on that song and tell me you don't get chills from second one.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />2.<b> Bandstand</b> </span><span style="font-size: small;">filmed live</span><br />
During the summer of 2017, I saw an incredible Broadway show starring two megawatt stars (Corey Cott and Laura Osnes). It was called <i>Bandstand.</i> It was outstanding, and once it was over I was so sad thinking I'd never get to see it again. Fast-forward to this spring when my heart swelled with JOY finding out this Tony-winner for best choreography had been filmed during its all-too-short run, and would be coming to big screens across America! My friends and I loaded up the car on a Tuesday night in June and drove one city over (<a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/Smjo9iKgrt3DW/giphy.gif" target="_blank">eye roll</a> that it did not play here) to relive this exhilarating, beautiful, heart-stopping show one more time. It was extraordinary, and I am forever grateful that I had that opportunity.<br />
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1. <b>Tesssa Virtue & Scott Moir</b><br />
I know the Winter Olympics seem like FOREVER ago, but it really was this year! And the highlight of the Olympics, for me, was Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue's <i>Moulin Rouge</i>-inspired program. It's just so, so beautiful. I love it so much. And I absolutely cried watching it again just now. If you haven't seen it in a while, then it's time to treat. your. self.<br />
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<b>Honorable Mention:</b> John Mulaney's "Kid Gorgeous" (honestly would have made the list but <a href="https://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2017/01/2016-favorites.html" target="_blank">I've already waxed poetic</a> about my love for Mulaney),
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TheMilanTooner/status/996808569889742849&source=gmail&ust=1547050861308000&usg=AFQjCNEnbQqPHNGQSmFhcTbCiTN41IrycQ" href="https://twitter.com/TheMilanTooner/status/996808569889742849" target="_blank">these Muppet outtakes,</a> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TomMunns1/status/1060592423586402305&source=gmail&ust=1547050861308000&usg=AFQjCNGe8PGHFnm8l6im24Oe63y9J3StnQ" href="https://twitter.com/TomMunns1/status/1060592423586402305" target="_blank">this video</a>, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/waxpancake/status/1022332133325455360&source=gmail&ust=1547050861308000&usg=AFQjCNH4AaV4i1wD07PSYYP2x0R1PaGdyg" href="https://twitter.com/waxpancake/status/1022332133325455360" target="_blank">this video</a>, and <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TeiHusky/status/909734836755161088&source=gmail&ust=1547050861308000&usg=AFQjCNE5XWkbeejkjrnUHr3ISlKFuYvSjA" href="https://twitter.com/TeiHusky/status/909734836755161088" target="_blank">this video</a>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<u><b>My Three Favorite Events of 2018</b></u><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. <b>Broadway 2018</b><br />
For the fifth summer in a row, my roommate Emily and I took on the Big Apple, cramming in <i>tons</i> of sightseeing, walking (literally FIFTY BLOCKS FROM THE MUSEUM OF NEW YORK TO BLACK TAP), and of course, Broadway shows! <i>The Band's Visit </i>(2018's Tony winner for Best Musical) was breathtaking and original<i> </i>and <i>Anastasia </i>was beautiful and classic. <i><a href="https://twitter.com/Lin_Manuel/status/1041633884260188160" target="_blank">Carousel</a> </i>was everything I hoped it would be, from the mind-blowing choreography ("<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JspmndiE6Sw" target="_blank">Blow High, Blow Low</a>" was a high point of MY LIFE) to that hall of fame-worthy score (tell me <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbnnlxx-BYs" target="_blank">the overture</a> doesn't make you cry!). But when Joshua Henry started singing the Act 1 closer, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3cmZxPfk6o" target="_blank">Soliloquy</a>," man. I have no words. Actually, yes I do: it was incredible. It was like witnessing something that only happens once in the history of the world. His voice filled the entire theatre and blew us back in our seats. I cried, I got chills, and I'll never, ever forget it.<br />
<br />
The fourth show I saw was <i>Mean Girls</i>, and it has instantly vaulted itself into the list of my top favorite stage musicals of all time. The songs are phenomenal, the cast astonishing, and the entire thing is hilarious and heartfelt. It has so many of the things I love: quick changes, exceptional choreography, whip-smart dialogue (thanks, Tina Fey!), empathetic characters, and on and on. The cast recording was the album I listened to most this year (and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE0SvKqw5Pc" target="_blank">Stupid With Love</a>" was my top song), I've been having a blast following the cast on social media, and I am so, so, so, so, so glad I got to see it.<br />
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<br />
2. <b>Nashville Friend-cation</b><br />
We drank tea and talked. We went out to eat <i>delicious </i>food (including the best burger OF MY LIFE) and talked. We shopped and talked. Walked and talked. And at the end of the day? We'd sit down and TALK. And it was the most life-giving, soul-soothing weekend I can recall. Together for the first time since 2009, my reunion with Annie, Julie, and Dani came at the perfect time for all of us to get a break from normal life and spend time breathing and talking deeply. We piled into boutique dressing rooms, trying on clothes and encouraging each other to treat ourselves to new coats or high-waisted pants. We sat on the floor of a brand-new art gallery, listening to music by artists like <a href="http://www.modaspira.com/" target="_blank">Moda Spira</a>. We went to brunch to have a "blind date with a book," and each came home with a new read. The entire time was a breath of fresh air, a sigh of relief, and I'm so, so thankful we had this time together. <br />
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<div>
1. <b>Family Vacations</b><br />
a. Galveston<br />
It was all sand and sunglasses, wind and laughter. Chalk on the breezeway, bubbles on the stairs, and a shuffleboard tournament with a side of guacamole. Sunset boat rides, giant sea creatures molded from sand, angry live crabs in buckets, and endless fishing on the bulkhead. We ate good food, strolled the Strand, and visited our <a href="http://www.lakingsconfectionery.com/" target="_blank">favorite ice cream shop</a>. Family time is always the best, and my nieces were a dream. If I could rewind my life and press play again at the start of this trip, I would. Plus, I caught a STING RAY. IN THE CANAL. TWICE. (<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>They're boneless!</i></span>)<br />
<br />
b. Christmas<br />
The whole family together in Houston. Be still my Christmas-loving heart! </div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OTC7ta1sRbc" width="560"></iframe>
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<br />
<b>Honorable Mention: </b>My new office building, and my cousin Shannon's son <a href="https://www.wacotrib.com/sports/youth_sports_plus/from-h-town-to-waco-town-houston-little-league-team/article_8dcbe520-fdd5-52a5-9205-de358aca1064.html" target="_blank">Justin in the Little League World Series</a>!<br />
<br />
What a year. Thank you, Lord! </div>
Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-46315066376022239102018-11-29T17:53:00.000-06:002018-11-29T17:53:29.312-06:00Digital Faux Pas<div>
The Lutheran school I attended from preschool through eighth grade
felt huge. In reality, the entire school probably had no more than 300 students during any given year. Like most schools, it was its own ecosystem,
with popular kids, school lore, and notorious teachers who you'd
somehow get for third grade, and then later for 7th grade science,
followed by 8th grade art. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ginger and I
have frequently documented some of the stranger quirks of our school,
including the traffic light mounted on the wall of our cafeteria to
indicate our allowable conversation volume (green for talking, yellow
for whispering, and red for silence).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The light
must have been green the day Linda and a few friends and I were talking
and laughing at lunchtime. Linda was tall with a razor sharp ear-length
bob. She had a reputation for being a fast runner, and from what I
recall, everyone liked her. In fact, one year
while on the way to Linda's birthday party, the entire car
full of school girls erupted into repeated cheers of "L-I-N-D-A!" over
and over on our way to Penny Whistle Park.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That day the girls and I were eating our sack lunches, miniature
cartons of milk beside each of us. Linda extracted a single Cheeto from
a clear plastic baggie, but instead of eating it, she proceeded to
place it in an upright position between her middle and ring fingers.</div>
<br />
<div>
"Look!" she said with mischievous excitement in her eyes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I stared at her hand, and at the Cheeto standing in for a middle finger. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Well,
that's not hard," I said, thinking she was unable to lift her middle
finger in such a way. Maybe holding up that finger was something akin to
being able to roll your tongue, or make one eye move independently from
the other (a skill my sister had mastered which I, sadly, had not).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I quickly held up my own hand, middle finger standing at attention. I was
eager to impress the girls at my table with my apparently unique
ability to single out this particular appendage.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Valerie!" Linda exclaimed, looking gleeful at my digital faux pas. "You can't do that!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Why not?"</div>
<div>
<br />
"Because! It means <i>I hate God!"</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
I
don't know the circumstances in which this was explained to her, but I
like to imagine a pint-sized Linda spotting "the bird" out in the wild and
questioning her parents as to what that meant. Her mother and father
probably shared a look, telepathically agreed on their story, and gave Linda an elementary-appropriate explanation for what such an act meant: <i>I hate God.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
(The
parents of most of the children at my school undoubtedly fed their
children similar stories about the worst the world has to offer. They
also must have told them religious reasons for why we do certain things.
Why else would a boy in my class have told me that spelling the name of
our Heavenly Father with a lowercase g is a sin—"god" instead of "God?")</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
don't know how long I believed holding up your middle finger meant "I
hate God," but the message that it was inappropriate certainly embedded itself in my brain. <br />
<br />
We never discussed middle fingers again. I don't recall that explanation being repeated, so it must have left with Linda when her family moved away the following year.<br />
<br />
For the record, though, just in case it was true: I do not hate God.</div>
Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-49896588797827653612018-03-02T12:46:00.000-06:002018-03-02T12:54:15.350-06:0011th Annual Oscar PicksIt's a crazy world, where up is down, boy bands play instruments, and "Boss Baby" is an Academy Award-nominated movie. Fortunately, it stops there, and won't also become an Academy Award-<i>winning </i>movie. And I can guarantee that, because I know <i>exactly</i> who is going to win. And I've never, ever been wrong.*<br />
<br />
(Previously: <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2017/02/10th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2016/02/9th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2015/02/8th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/03/7th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2013/02/6th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2012/02/5th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2011/02/4th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2009/02/2nd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2008/02/oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2008</a>.)<br />
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<b>Best Picture</b>: I used to always get this category right. Now I always get it wrong. But this is the year I turn it around! I know it's down to "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" and "The Shape of Water." (Some are predicting an upset by "Get Out" or "Lady Bird," but I just don't see it). If I wasn't sure before, their big win at the BAFTA's convinced me: this year's top prize is going to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Best Director</b>: This one, however, WILL go to "The Shape of Water," as the Academy has recently moved to awarding the director of the most technically advanced film of the year. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Guillermo del Toro</span> will win this one.<br />
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<b>Best Actor</b>: There's no doubt in my mind that <span style="color: #cc0000;">Gary Oldman</span> is taking home the gold in this category. His turn as Winston Churchill in "Darkest Hour" is absolutely breathtaking, and he's finally bringing home a long-deserved award. And while young <span class="st">Timothée</span> Chalamet may not be winning this time, we'll always have <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvWefB4NGGI" target="_blank">this video</a>, where his high school self raps about statistics.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Actress</b>: There's an outside chance that Saoirse Ronan could sneak in a win here, but I really can't picture anyone winning over <span style="color: #cc0000;">Frances McDormand</span> and her riveting turn in "Three Billboards." She's such a pro, and watching her act is truly watching a master at work.<br />
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<b>Best Supporting Actor</b>: I really, really, really love <span style="color: #cc0000;">Sam Rockwell </span>(particularly for his hilarious and heartfelt turn in "The Way, Way Back.") He's such an incredible actor, and so much fun to watch. (Plus, have you seen him <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB7Vb2_QpA0" target="_blank">dance</a>?) All that to say, it's going to be really fun to see him walk away with the gold come Sunday.<br />
<b><br /></b>
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<b>Best Supporting Actress</b>: It's another two-woman race, this time between Allison Janney and Laurie Metcalf. And here's the thing: while I absolutely <i>adore </i>Allison Janney (I own six of her movies!), I think Laurie Metcalf's heartbreaking and nuanced performance in "Lady Bird" is miles ahead of Janney's portrayal of LaVona Harding in "I, Tonya." However, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Allison Janney </span>has been unstoppable this awards season, and I think she'll come out on top once again. <br />
<br />
<b>Animated Feature</b>: Sorry, "Boss Baby!" The award for Best Animated Feature will be the sweet, beautiful, musically rich "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Coco</span>!" Pixar gets to add another golden statue to their pile when they take home the win for this wonderful trip through the Land of the Dead.<br />
<br />
<b>Production Design</b>: Let's be honest: "Blade Runner 2049" really SHOULD win this. It really, really should. But the scales seem to be tipping in "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Shape of Water's</span>" direction, so I think they'll end up swimming away with the big award in the end. <br />
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<b>Cinematography</b>: BUT. THIS is where "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Blade Runner 2049</span>" is almost a shoe-in to win. Roger Deakins, legendary cinematographer, will finally, FINALLY win an Academy Award this year, after 14 (FOURTEEN) nominations! <br />
<br />
<b>Costume Design</b>: I can hardly imagine a movie <i>about </i>gorgeous clothes <i>not </i>winning the Oscar for Best Costume Design. It'll be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Phantom Thread</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Film Editing</b>: "Dunkirk" and "Baby Driver," two of my favorite films of the year, are in a dead heat for this category. And as much as I would love (LOVE) to predict this one for "Baby," I think the Academy is more likely to award the time-jumping narrative of "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Dunkirk</span>."<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Makeup and Hairstyling</b>: Awww, yes. Hair, done by one team of people, and makeup, done by another team. So sure, let's make them share a category! That is definitely a thing that makes sense. Anyway! While watching "Darkest Hour," I kept looking at Winston Churchill and thinking, "I am looking at a person that <i>does not exist. </i>Gary Oldman looks nothing like this guy on the screen, and there's simply not an actor that actually looks like that. For this astounding feat, "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Darkest Hour</span>" is the clear winner.<br />
<br />
<b>Original Score</b>: I really loved the music in "Dunkirk," and I think they have a small chance of winning, as does "Phantom Thread." However, all of the momentum in this category seems to be for Alexandre Desplat's score for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Shape of Water</span>." <br />
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<b>Original Song</b>: Look out, 'cause here comes... a really tough category! Again, it comes down to two: "Remember Me" (the heartbreakingly beautiful earworm from "Coco," which appears in a remarkable <i>three </i>different forms in the film), and the power ballad "This is Me" from "The Greatest Showman." In the end though, the exceedingly talented Benj Pasek and Justin Paul will win their second Oscar in a row in this category, this time for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Greatest Showman</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Original Screenplay</b>: Talk about a STACKED category! The question of who will win comes down, though, to just two nominees: "Get Out" and "Three Billboards." Do you go with the really creative, original idea for a movie ("Get Out")? Or do you pick the one with the twisting story and razor sharp dialogue ("Three Billlboards")? I have a feeling most of the voters <u>loved</u> "Get Out" and will want to find a way to honor Jordan Peele, so he's got a shot here. However, I don't see it happening. I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Adapted Screenplay</b>: Three things lead me to believe this award is going to James Ivory. 1) He's kind of old (89, actually) and that makes for a great Hollywood narrative. 2) He's been nominated three previous times and never won. 3) The voters seem to love "Call Me By Your Name," which likely won't pick up any other awards on Sunday. So there you have it: "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Call Me By Your Name</span>" will win Best Adapted Screenplay.<br />
<br />
<b>Sound Mixing</b>: It's once again between "Dunkirk" and "Baby Driver." If it was a true RACE race, I would bet everything on "Baby Driver." But alas, Baby can't drive his Subaru through this one. The Academy historically loves war movies in this category, so I'm going "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Dunkirk</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Sound Editing</b>: I would love to be wrong in one of these sound categories, if only it meant that "Baby Driver" could pick up at least one Oscar. I don't think it's going to happen though; I think "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Dunkirk</span>" will win this one as well.<br />
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<b>Visual Effects</b>: I keep avoiding this category because I just! Don't! Want! To make! A decision! The effects in "Blade Runner 2049" were stunning. S T U N N I N G. They shouldn't be counted out in this category. On the other hand, though... you have those apes. This is the third in a trilogy of films that hasn't won yet in this category. I think it's very possible that the Academy will want to award the whole series by finally giving them a visual effects Oscar for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">War for the Planet of the Apes</span>." <br />
<br />
<b>Documentary Feature</b>: Man, this one could go to any of these movies. I don't envy the voters on categories like this. In the end, I'll go with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Faces Places</span>."<br />
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<b>Documentary Short</b>: The opioid crisis is about as topical as it gets, so I'm going to guess "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Heroin(e)</span>" will grab this award.<br />
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<b>Foreign Language Film</b>: The only movie I've heard of in this category is "A Fantastic Woman." (Something tells me that might be the case for a large percentage of the Academy voters as well.) Look for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">A Fantastic Woman</span>" to win here.<br />
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<b>Animated Short</b>: Guys, if "Dear Basketball" wins? Kobe Bryant will be an ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER. And I think that actually might happen on Sunday night! Pixar is usually not one to be bet against, and they still might pull out a win with "Lou." However, once I was reminded that Hollywood is a <i>Laker </i>town, I became convinced that this category is indeed going to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Dear Basketball</span>." <br />
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<b>Live Action Short</b>: In this current climate, it's kind of hard to imagine that a short about a school shooting won't score a ton of votes. That's why I think the winner will be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">DeKalb Elementary</span>."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Just kidding. I'm wrong about this... (sigh)... a lot. An awful lot. *stares out into the distance*</span><br />
<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-2881292628782225782018-01-14T18:16:00.001-06:002018-01-15T14:53:29.245-06:002017 Favorites<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Books I Read in 2017</b></u></span><br />
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3.<i> Into the Wild</i>, <b>Jon Krakauer</b><br />
<b></b><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview1874742928">At the beginning of the
book, I was on team "this guy was an idiot." By the end I just felt so
sad that Christopher McCandless was gone (spoiler alert?)—even if he was a bit of a punk. The author did a
great job weaving an empathetic and tragic story that was truly
gripping, although perhaps I shouldn't be surprised, as I'm a huge fan of <i>Into Thin Air</i>. The level of detail was fascinating rather than tedious, and the picture Krakauer painted of McCandless's life and tragic death was thoroughly engrossing. It's a great read, and one that moves briskly through the story (save one inexplicable extended foray into the author's own climbing background). In the end, I was left both cursing McCandless for his hubris and mourning the way his story turned out.</span></span><br />
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview1874742928"><i>"The trip was to be an odyssey in the fullest sense of the word, an epic journey that would change everything."</i></span></span><br />
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2. <i>Cocaine Blues</i>, <b>Kerry Greenwood</b><br />
One of my favorite TV shows from <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2017/01/2016-favorites.html" target="_blank">last year</a> was <i>Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries</i>. (I was correct in my prediction that I would only come to love it more—it's now one of my all-time favorite shows, and my roommate and I are constantly re-watching episodes.) All this love led me to seek out the books the television series was based on, and I'm SO glad I did! Book 1 in the series, <i>Cocaine Blues</i>, introduces our beautiful and independent heroine Phrynne Fisher, who is just as highly intelligent and capable in the books as she is on the show. This brilliant mix of 1920's Australian culture, a fascinating and brisk mystery, and, best of all, our terribly clever protagonist. I love a mystery that doesn't just reveal itself in the end, and sure enough, once again Phyrne can only save the day by using her smarts and lots of really hard work. This was a joy to read, and I can't recommend it enough.<br />
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<i>“You broke the window, Bobby, and you pinched the necklace. Do you want to confess or shall I tell you how you did it?” </i><br />
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1. <i>Wild</i>, <b>Cheryl Strayed</b><br />
I don't like hiking. I don't identify with Cheryl Strayed, her story, or her need to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. But I figuratively walked every step of the way right along with her, shaking my head at her foolish unpreparedness, waiting with bated breath to learn if she made it through her most recent setback, and cheering at every minor victory along the way. I wouldn't have thought this was my kind of book, but I found it to be completely un-put-down-able for the entire duration. Her stories about her journey and the unforgettable people she met along the way are seamlessly interwoven with her backstory: the heartbreak of losing her mother (she said she wasn't afraid to be alone on the trail because THE WORST THING HAD ALREADY HAPPENED TO HER) and every other event that led to her embarking on her journey on an otherwise unremarkable summer day in 1995. The theatrical adaptation starring Reese Witherspoon was perfectly fine, but if you haven't read the full story of Cheryl's time on the PCT, you haven't experienced <i>Wild</i>.<br />
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<i>"I walked and I walked, my mind shifting into a primal gear that was void
of anything but forward motion, and I walked until walking became
unbearable, until I believed I couldn't walk even one more step.<br />And then I ran.”</i> <br />
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<u>Honorable Mention</u><br />
<i>Born a Crime</i>, <b><b><b>Trevor Noah</b> </b></b><i><br />Death in the Clouds</i>, <b>Agatha Christie</b><br />
<i>Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal</i>, <b>Amy Krouse Rosenthal</b><br />
<i>You Couldn't Ignore Me If You Tried</i>, <b>Susannah Gora</b><br />
<i>Slave Day,</i> <b><b>Rob Thomas </b></b><br />
<i>Fallout </i>and<i> Double Down</i>, <b>Gwenda Bond</b><br />
<i>Crazy Rich Asians</i>, <b>Kevin Kwan</b><br />
<i>I Love You, Ronnie</i>, <b>Nancy Reagan</b><br />
<i>The Boys in the Boat,</i><b> Daniel James Brown </b><br />
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My goal for this year was to read 30 books. For once I actually blew past my goal: this year I read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2017/47724511" target="_blank">38 books</a>! That may not seem like a huge deal, but I'm pretty proud of myself for constantly searching for new books to read, making several trips to the library, and suffering through Audible narrators doing things like pronouncing the word 'capsule' as 'cap-sue-al'—yes, really. (And he wasn't even British or anything! Looking at you, <a href="https://bmackela.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/ready-player-one-audiobook-e1397237237808.jpg?w=474" target="_blank">Wil Wheaton</a>!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Movies of 2017</b></u></span><br />
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3. (tie) <i><b>Thor: Ragnarok</b></i><br />
Without a doubt, <i>Thor: Ragnarok </i>was the FUNNIEST movie I saw this year. Taika Waititi is an absolute genius, and I'm eternally grateful that he was given the reins to a Marvel movie. He crafted a irreverent, fun, hilarious film and still managed to imbue it with weight and<i><b> </b></i>lasting meaning. I love quoting this movie, I love laughing about this movie, and I can't wait to see it again. <br />
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3. (tie) <i><b>Coco</b></i> I didn't think <i>Coco </i>was ultimately going to make my list this year. I really didn't. But every time I think about leaving it off of my list, my heart clenches, and I just can't bear the thought. This movie is so sweet and charming, and its themes on family and memory are deeply affecting. I can't stop listening to the music, most of all the tear-inducing "Remember Me (Lullaby)" and "Remember Me (Reunion)." Also "Proud Corazón" and "The World Es Mi Familia." (Okay THE WHOLE SOUNDTRACK! <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7nMexBA71PdwPnfqS5Yji5" target="_blank">Go check it out</a> if you haven't yet!)<br />
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2. <i><b>Home Again</b></i><br />
You're questioning my taste in movies, I know it. But just hear me out: this simple, sweet, and very pretty movie just makes me SO happy. When I was re-watching movie trailers trying to decide what order to put my favorites in, this is the one that made me smile and feel all warm and sparkly inside. It's such a fluffy, inconsequential little film, and yet it just fills my heart with joy. Everyone's just so beautiful (including the male lead, as explained in <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2017/09/home-again-pico-alexander-hot-guy-is-too-hot.html" target="_blank">this essay</a> in which the author calls him "an extremely attractive 20-something who looks like a Hillsong youth pastor" and questions, "Was his face created by a Pinterest algorithm? Or in the same CW lab that created Nate Archibald?"), their problems are so simple, and they do things like watch old movies outside on artfully arranged designer blankets under the stars. This movie is all about low stakes and high comfort, and sometimes that's exactly what you need from your movies.<br />
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1. <i><b>Baby Driver </b></i><br />
I don't think I can adequately express to you how much I <u>loved</u> <i>Baby Driver</i>. As a huge fan of <i>Hot Fuzz </i>(Edgar Wright directed them both), I went in with pretty high expectations. <i>Baby Driver </i>surpassed them all. Everything worked for me: the stunts, the music, the acting, the romance, the dancing, the classic Edgar Wright cuts—everything. When I left the movie theater, I felt breathless and excited and full of adrenaline, almost as if I'd just gone on an exhilarating 100-mile-an-hour car ride with Baby himself. I just had a BLAST. And then I went and saw it again and had another
blast. Then I went back AGAIN because I just couldn't get enough, and
guess what? IT WAS STILL A BLAST. <i>Baby Driver</i> was my favorite movie of the year by SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES. I
saw 33 of the movies that came out in 2017 and 32 of them pale in
comparison to <i>Baby Driver. </i>I hope you got a chance to see it on the big screen, because there's just nothing like it. If you didn't, you should still check it out as soon as you can. It'll blow your hair back and make your heart race and by the end you'll feel like you can go kick a hole in the sun.<br />
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<b>Honorable Mention: </b>The Post, Wonder Woman, The Big Sick, Everything Everything, Dunkirk, The Greatest Showman, Murder on the Orient Express<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2017</b></u></span><br />
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Favorite shows I started watching this year:<br />
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3. <i><b>American Vandal</b></i><br />
Here's the thing about <i>American Vandal</i>: it's incredibly crass. There's no getting around that. The central mystery of this eight-episode mockumentary is: "Who spray painted a bunch of obscene images on 27 cars in the faculty parking lot?"<i> </i>The Netflix original is a comedic send-up of true crime shows like <i>Making a Murderer </i>and <i>Serial. </i>It takes this seemingly silly "whodunit" concept deadly seriously, which naturally just makes it funnier. You can't believe that this was one of my favorite shows of the year, and that's fine. I kind of can't believe it either. But as I continued to watch, I was surprised to find the mystery intensify, the characters become deeper and more layered, and the documentary (fake or not) itself lend meaning and weightiness to such an (apparently) dimwitted story. It's a difficult show to describe, so let me just end with this: the scene where high school documentarian Peter storms up to Dylan's house in a downpour to pummel on the back door and demand to know why he's been lied to and betrayed was as riveting as any I saw this year.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Netflix</i></span><br />
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2. <i><b>Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television</b></i><br />
Not every show is for everybody. I'm a firm believer in that. Frankly, I don't know who <i>Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television</i> is for, exactly—other than me. A show that stars a <i>Veronica Mars </i>alum, guest starring everyone from <a href="https://78.media.tumblr.com/10b7301b330b718dda15a2c1ecc00caf/tumblr_oyek4hrrwx1sptr5ro1_1280.gif" target="_blank">Joel McHale</a> to <a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/f24d96f617cf624e0a0cbe45cf6d67d6/tumblr_owpo6tYMqe1r5dpsxo2_540.gif" target="_blank">Kristen Bell</a> herself, and makes constant reference to <a href="https://i.redd.it/8bgywqf1u5uz.gif" target="_blank">television</a>, acting, and the entertainment industry as a whole? They might has well have called it, <i>Ryan Solves Crimes on Television Just For You, Valerie! </i>A delightfully bonkers comedic mystery series that takes meta to the extreme, RHSCOT is one of the most creatively risky shows I've ever experienced. It's a true delight from top to bottom that probably wouldn't work with any other lead—Ryan Hansen plays the perfect combination of guileless, optimistic, and delusional—and I'm not just saying that because we're total <a href="https://twitter.com/HiRyanHansen/status/930979092794454016" target="_blank">Twitter BFFs</a>.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Watch it on YouTube Red </i></span><br />
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1. <b><i>The Good Place </i></b><br />
I TECHNICALLY started watching <i>The Good Place</i> last year, but only a few episodes had aired by the time I wrote last year's blog. When the show came back in January of 2017, it had gathered some serious steam, and each episode just got better and better. The season 1 finale BLEW MY FORKING MIND and ever since then I have been obsessed. Kristen Bell is her usual luminous and effortless self, and the writing (especially <a href="https://www.avclub.com/here-are-all-of-the-food-pun-restaurant-names-that-didn-1819016075" target="_blank">the restaurant puns</a>) is on POINT, brilliantly marrying comedy and an intriguing world-spinning narrative. I can't oversell this show to you: it's that genius, that creative, and that hilarious. Do yourself a favor and catch up on the best network comedy since <i>Brooklyn Nine-Nine.</i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch season one on Netflix and season two on NBC</span> </i><br />
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<b>Honorable Mention:</b> <i>Bletchley Circle, Great News, Manhunt: Unabomber, The Keepers</i><br />
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<b>Special Mention #1</b>: <i>Riverdale</i> is overly dramatic and a LOT of the time I just find myself rolling my eyes at the TV. But here's the thing: I cannot stop watching it. This moody, beautifully shot, dumb show knows exactly how to keep me coming back for more. Step 1: Base it on my favorite (read: only) comic book series I read as a kid. Step 2: Cast a combination of super fun, super pretty stars, and throwback actors like Luke Perry and Skeet Ulrich. Step 3: Throw in a ton of hilarious one-liners and zingers delivered by the saltiest teenagers since a <a href="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-07/20/10/enhanced/webdr04/anigif_enhanced-buzz-1801-1437402237-5.gif" target="_blank">certain blonde detective</a> went to high school. Step 4: Keep me guessing about any number of fascinating mysteries: Who killed Jason Blossom? Who's the Black Hood? <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2017/12/riverdale-clothes-what-temperature-is-it.html" target="_blank">What temperature is it supposed to be</a>??? It's a winning combination, and one that always leaves me coming back for more.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Netflix or The CW App </i></span><br />
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<b>Special Mention #2</b>: This year I finally finished watching ALL six seasons of <i>Dawson's Creek</i>. I had a blast, and it made me so nostalgic—not necessarily for the show itself, since I wasn't watching it live when it first aired, but for the time period of the late '90's and early '00's, the exact time I was in high school. From the costumes and hairstyles to the music and lack of cell phones, it brought back a ton of memories for me, and I'm so glad I finally got to experience the fun (and ridiculousness) of Capeside for myself.<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dawsons-Creek-James-Van-Beek/dp/B005CGI3ZG/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1515962659&sr=1-1&keywords=dawson%27s+creek&refinements=p_n_format_browse-bin%3A2650304011" target="_blank">DVD</a> like a peasant because they took it off Netflix before you could finish it. But apparently it's on Hulu now. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>My Three Favorite Other Things That Don't Fall Into Another Category of 2017</b></u></span><br />
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3. <i><b>Holiday Inn</b></i> filmed live<br />
I wasn't able to make it to New York to see <i>Holiday Inn </i>during its limited run last year. That's why I am SO grateful that they filmed this beautiful, funny, and sweet show and aired it on PBS so that I could record it, bless it, and keep it safe on my DVR forever. If you missed it, come over to my house and we'll watch Corbin Bleu dance through fire crackers, rows of gifted performers tap dance while jump roping, and my <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2017/01/2016-favorites.html" target="_blank">close, personal friend Bryce Pinkham</a> serenade us through the screen.<br />
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2.<i><b> My Favorite Murder </b></i>podcast<br />
I have a confession to make: I am what they call a <a href="https://78.media.tumblr.com/f8c56ea3962dd16babe85b3b46e86fea/tumblr_orr4fw9lxu1w5ft3no2_540.gif" target="_blank">murderino</a>. (Chances are, you're one too, because who <i>doesn't</i> have at least a minor fascination with true crime?) I was hooked on the first episode I listened to, and I've thoroughly enjoyed every episode since. Treading the line between reverent fear and out-and-out hilarity (<span class="st">"Unless you're a ghost baseball player, you don't need to be in that field<i>.")</i></span>, <i>My Favorite Murder </i>never fails to keep the laughs (or the chills) coming. Just remember: stay sexy and DON'T get murdered!<br />
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1. <i><b>Disney's Newsies: The Broadway Musical</b></i> filmed live<br />
You've heard me talk endlessly about <i>Newsies</i>, so I won't go back over well-trod territory. Suffice it to say, knowing that they filmed my all-time favorite Broadway show with the original Broadway leads and a hybrid super-cast made up of both touring and original Broadway dancers thrills me to no end. I went and saw it three times at the movie theater, and now it's on Netflix for us all to enjoy again and again and again. (And again, probably.)<br />
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<b>Honorable Mention</b>: Psych: The Movie, The Meet Cute Cafe <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-cute-cafe/id1298882382?mt=2" target="_blank">Podcast</a>, Tiffany Haddish on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2PneBztZ3g" target="_blank">Jimmy Kimmel</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32byfjSXIX0" target="_blank">SNL</a>, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMeIMC_s0GQ" target="_blank">Potato Salad Guy</a>, Busy Philipps' <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/culture/persons-of-interest/how-busy-philipps-became-the-breakout-star-of-instagram-stories" target="_blank">Instagram Stories</a> <br />
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<u><b>My Three Favorite Events of 2017</b></u><br />
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3. <b>Working Girl</b><br />
This was a difficult year at work, but in the end one good thing happened: I got a title change, added responsibility, and more time to spend on my passion: social media. It's hard to be excited amidst the challenge and change that have come to define the past six months at work, but in the end I have this wonderful shining bright spot that I can return to and take pride in. <br />
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2. <b>Morby</b> <b>Family Christmas</b><br />
Family time is always the best time. Our Christmas this year was packed with laughter, Christmas lights, fun, cookie-making, games, presents, hide-n-seek, movies, playgrounds and more. I could keep talking about it, or you could just click play and see for yourself!<br />
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1. <b>Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway</b><br />
I was fortunate enough to go to New York again this past summer, and we saw a lot of amazing Broadway shows, including <i>Bandstand, Groundhog Day, </i>and <i>Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812. </i>But the very best show I saw last year, and the best show I've seen in a long time, was <i>Dear Evan Hansen</i>. It's so good, it's so good, and I feel like I could just keep typing "IT'S SO GOOD" for the rest of this paragraph and it still wouldn't be enough. If <i>Hamilton</i> is the bomb that blew up Broadway and lit the pop culture
world on fire, then <i>Dear Evan Hansen</i> is the sparkling star that fell
from above for you to cradle in your hands and protect at all costs. And to be more precise: if I had to pinpoint the happiest, most fulfilled few moments of my year, it happened during Ben Platt, Will Roland, and Mike Faist's performance of the song <i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd05LUNHVDp/" target="_blank">Sincerely, Me</a>,</i>
three minutes and 40 seconds of pure, concentrated joy. I've loved that song since the first time I heard it, and I can remember
the feeling of finally experiencing it in real life so clearly: leaning
forward, grinning from ear to ear, and feeling like sunshine was pouring out
of my own face.<br />
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What a year!<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
Me <br />
<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-63949135266403915992017-02-25T17:47:00.001-06:002017-02-25T17:47:33.857-06:0010th Annual Oscar PicksYou know the best part of making these predictions year after year? The fact that I have never been wrong, ever. It's a great feeling.*<br />
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And happy<i> 10th Oscar Picks</i> to me! <br />
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(Previously: <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2016/02/9th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2015/02/8th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/03/7th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2013/02/6th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2012/02/5th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2011/02/4th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2009/02/2nd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2008/02/oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2008</a>.)<br />
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<b>Best Picture</b>: Sometimes people like to predict an upset just because they're bored with a certain movie winning a majority of the awards leading up to the Oscars. Well, guess what? Sometimes that movie wins a lot because it's wonderful, and people just really, really love it. And this year, that special, spectacular film winning hearts in movie houses everywhere is the dazzling "<span style="color: #cc0000;">La La Land</span>." And for those asking if anything can "stop 'La La Land'" – why would you want to?<br />
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<b>Best Director</b>: The word "visionary" is probably bandied about a little too much in the film world. However, it absolutely applies to this year's Best Director winner <span style="color: #cc0000;">Damien Chazelle</span>.<br />
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<b>Best Actor</b>: I'm having déjà vu to <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2015/02/8th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">two years ago</a> when I couldn't decide between Eddie Redmayne and Michael Keaton for this category. (Which is ironic, because Denzel Washington was in a movie called "Deja Vu." Could it be A SIGN?) (Probably not.) Anyway, I ended up being wrong in 2015 when Eddie walked away with the gold, and I'm afraid the same thing will happen this year. I just can't decide between Denzel Washington and Casey Affleck. I didn't get to see "Fences," but Casey absolutely blew me away in "Manchester by the Sea." He was just so, so excellent. I think he deserves to win, but I know there's a chance that he won't due to his reputation. However, while I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Denzel win this category, in the end I'm going with <span style="color: #cc0000;">Casey Affleck</span>.<br />
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<b>Best Actress</b>: Thankfully, this is an easier category to call. I've heard a few other names thrown out, but I just can't fathom <span style="color: #cc0000;">Emma Stone</span> not winning this one.<br />
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<b>Best Supporting Actor</b>: The most difficult part of picking this category is spelling <span style="color: #cc0000;">Mahershala Ali<span style="color: black;">'s name</span></span>.<br />
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<b>Best Supporting Actress</b>: <span style="color: #cc0000;">Viola Davis</span> nabs the acting Triple Crown (Oscar, Tony, Emmy) – and moves one step closer to an EGOT) with her win for "Fences."<br />
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<b>Animated Feature</b>: I honestly wasn't as taken with "Zootopia" as I think many Academy voters probably were. And as much as I want "Moana" to steal the win, I think the film with the best shot at an upset is actually "Kubo and the Two Strings," which won the BAFTA earlier this month. In the end, though, "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Zootopia</span>" will "hop" (smirk emoji) away with the Oscar.<br />
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<b>Production Design</b>: I was a little lost here, thinking about the eye-popping visuals of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and the gorgeous look of "Arrival." However, when I was reminded of the stunning opening and closing numbers of "La La Land," I went, <i>'Oh, duh.'</i> So yeah. "<span style="color: #cc0000;">La La Land</span>" will win this one as well!<br />
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<b>Cinematography</b>: As much as I love "La La Land," it would be awesome to see "Arrival" win this category. But they call it a sweep for a reason! I think "<span style="color: #cc0000;">La La Land</span>" is poised to dance off with the cinematography gold.<br />
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<b>Costume Design</b>: I promise that I really do not plan to call ALL of the technical categories for "La La Land." It just so happens that I also think that "<span style="color: #cc0000;">La La Land</span>" will win in THIS technical category.<br />
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<b>Film Editing</b>: And also this one. It's "<span style="color: #cc0000;">La La Land</span>."<br />
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<b>Makeup and Hairstyling</b>: In 1997 I predicted that "Men in Black" would win this award, and actually turned out to be right. I was only 12 years old at the time, and I remember being so proud of myself for calling an upset. (Wait, was it an upset? I guess it is in my mind!) Anyway, all that to say: this story has nothing to do with my prediction. It's just something I was remembering. This year I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Star Trek Beyond</span>."<br />
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<b>Original Score</b>: If you're tired of me saying "La La Land," you might want to skip this paragraph. And if you don't think "<span style="color: #cc0000;">La La Land</span>" deserves to win Best Original Score, go revisit the soaring music of <i>Epilogue</i>. It's breathtaking.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lin, Justin, and Ben, astounded to be with JT and Quincy Jones. </td></tr>
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<b>Original Song</b>: Obviously I wish my close, personal friend Lin-Manuel Miranda would win this award, and become the youngest and fastest person ever to EGOT. Because to reiterate: I <i>loved </i>"Moana," and all of the songs in it. However, there's no beating "City of Stars" from "<span style="color: #cc0000;">La La Land</span>." But that's okay, because its lyrics were written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, two astounding Broadway writers/composers (you MUST check out "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYtkbyGHJ0udAtg0wQiiNadSNiJKjaaXM" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a>") who just happen to also be friends with Lin. <br />
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<b>Original Screenplay</b>: This is actually shaping up to be a pretty tight race between "Manchester By the Sea" and, you guessed it, "La La Land." But if there's any category that another movie seems poised to steal from "La La Land," I think it's this one. I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Manchester By the Sea</span>."<br />
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<b>Adapted Screenplay</b>: Here we go, "Moonlight" fans! HERE WE GO! You got this. High five, "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Moonlight</span>."<br />
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<b>Sound Mixing</b>: Obviously I am an expert on this category. OBVIOUSLY. That's why you can trust me when I say with 100% that this award will go to... um... "<span style="color: #cc0000;">La La Land</span>." (Nervous laughter.)<br />
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<b>Sound Editing</b>: I keep these categories semi-straight by remembering that Sound Editing is the "noisy" one. So with that infallible logic, I think it's going to be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Hacksaw Ridge</span>."<br />
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<b>Visual Effects</b>: I didn't care for "The Jungle Book," but that doesn't mean I wasn't impressed by the creation of all of these talking animals out of thin air. ALL the hats off to the team behind the visual effects in "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Jungle Book</span>!"<br />
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<b>Documentary Feature</b>: For the first year that I can recall, I've actually heard incredible things about <i>three </i>different documentaries in this category. And while I wouldn't be surprised if "13TH" eked out a win here, I think it's all about "<span style="color: #cc0000;">O.J.: Made in America</span>" this time.<br />
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<b>Documentary Short</b>: And I've heard of ALL of these documentaries! (Full-disclosure: I am a liar.) That being said, this category offers a trio of films about Syrian refugees, one about an Oakland ICU, and an uplifting film called "Joe's Violin." And while voters <i>might</i> be more inclined<i> </i>to pick the more hopeful option, I think in this politically fraught climate, they'll be going with one of the Syrian shorts. In that case, I think the winner will be "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The White Helmets</span>."<br />
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Also, that's the most I've EVER had to say about the Documentary Short category!<br />
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<b>Foreign Language Film</b>: Another case of the most political film winning the gold. "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Salesman</span>" should have this one in the bag.<br />
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<b>Animated Short</b>: When I saw "Piper" on the ballot, I went, "Aw!" Assuming Academy voters have a similar positive reaction, "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Piper</span>" will be the winner here.<br />
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<b>Live Action Short</b>: This is likely to be another politicized category, so yea! I can't wait. Out of the most political shorts, I'll go with... eeny, meeny, miny... "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Ennemis Interieurs</span>."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Minus the fact that I'm actually wrong so, so often. </span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-49436877857953869612017-01-05T22:37:00.001-06:002017-01-06T09:23:21.394-06:002016 Favorites<u><b>My Three Favorite Books I Read In 2016</b></u><br />
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3. <i>Graduates in Wonderland</i>, <b>Jessica Pan</b> and <b>Rachel <span class="st">Kapelke-Dale</span></b><br />
I won this book in a giveaway, and it languished on my shelf for a few years before I finally threw it in my bag to read on the plane. A few pages in and I couldn't put it down. The book is comprised of the real-life emails between two friends and recent college graduates, and it was so reminiscent of the missives sent between me and my own friends. Granted, I never moved to China or New York, but the universal feeling of loneliness and attempting to scratch out a brand-new life applies as much to moving across the state and away from your friends as moving across the world. <br />
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<i>"Sometimes I think I really don't know what's best for me. Getting what you want can be the worst sometimes."</i><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVKZNk3HGgg/WGvQxi7pEvI/AAAAAAAAXd8/XfXZue7_jIgjtTycdt_zDJwK_IlnC-ApACLcB/s1600/77392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVKZNk3HGgg/WGvQxi7pEvI/AAAAAAAAXd8/XfXZue7_jIgjtTycdt_zDJwK_IlnC-ApACLcB/s200/77392.jpg" width="121" /></a>2. <i>The Anne of Green Gables Series</i>, <b>L.M. Montgomery</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Books 1-5, except #4, because Audible didn't have it.)</span><br />
Before this year, I'd never actually read <i>Anne of Green Gables</i>. So when I saw that there was a new version of the book narrated by Rachel McAdams, I jumped at the chance to finally get on board. After that, I just had to read the next book and the next, falling in love not only with charming characters like Anne, Marilla, Gilbert, et al, but also with Montgomery's brilliant writing. Her descriptions of beautiful flowers and foliage, hilarious town happenings, and new characters around every corner were completely captivating. I think my favorite of the four I read is <i>Anne of the Island</i> because her college years were so lovely and nostalgic, but I do love the story of sweet Miss Lavender in <i>Anne of Avonlea, </i>and I also have a soft spot for Captain Jim of <i>Anne's House of Dreams.</i><i> </i>If you've put off dipping a toe into these sweet stories, let me encourage you to go ahead and jump headfirst into these idyllic Avonlea waters.<br />
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<i>“In imagination she sailed over storied seas that wash the distant shining shores of 'faëry lands forlorn,' where lost Atlantis and Elysium lie, with the evening star for pilot, to the land of Heart's Desire. And she was richer in those dreams than in realities; for things seen pass away, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”</i> <br />
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1. <i>The Martian</i>, <b>Andy Weir</b><br />
Engrossing. Funny. Smart. Thrilling. Suspenseful. Funny. (Not a mistake. It's actually that funny.) I don't think I've been this absorbed in a science fiction novel since... ever. Granted, I don't normally delve into the genre, but reading one so based in reality (What would it actually look like for someone to be stranded on Mars?) and based on a movie I thoroughly enjoyed was the perfect entrance into the sci-fi world. By the end of <i>The Martian </i>I was so riveted to the story I was practically having to blink and shake my head like a cartoon character to break the spell. Every heartbreaking misstep, every complication on Mark Watney's long journey home was keenly felt, and when I think back on reading this book I mostly remember the feeling of holding my breath. But it wasn't all strife and setbacks! I want to emphasize the fact that Mark Watney is a truly hilarious narrator, and this book will make you smile, and maybe even laugh out loud. Read, read, read this book.<br />
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<i>“He’s stuck out there. He thinks he’s totally alone and that we all gave up on him. What kind of effect does that have on a man’s psychology?” He turned back to Venkat. “I wonder what he’s thinking right now.”<br />LOG ENTRY: SOL 61 How come Aquaman can control whales? They’re mammals! Makes no sense.” </i><br />
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<u>Honorable Mention </u><i><br /></i><br />
<i>Death on the Nile, </i><b>Agatha Christie</b><br />
<i>Stories I Only Tell My Friends</i>, <b>Rob Lowe</b><br />
<i>Scrappy Little Nobody</i>, <b>Anna Kendrick</b><br />
<i>The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion</i>, <b>Fannie Flagg </b><br />
<i>Devil in the White City, </i><b>Erik Larson </b><br />
<i>Talking As Fast As I Can</i>, <b>Lauren Graham</b>
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<br />
Overhyped: <i>Girl on the Train, </i><b><span class="st">Paula Hawkins</span></b><i> </i>(A better book: anything by Agatha Christie)<br />
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I set a goal to read 30 books in 2016. I fell short and only read 25. But in the wise words of Aaliyah, "If at first you don't succeed, Dust yourself off and try again, You can dust it off and try again."<br />
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I'm coming for you in 2017, 30 books!<br />
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<b><u><b>My Three Favorite Movies of 2016</b></u> </b><br />
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3. <i><b>Moana</b></i><br />
Make way, make way! Readers, it's time you knew: <i>Moana </i>lives up to the hype. Wait, has there been hype? I don't even know. I saw it four times, so clearly I was picking up exactly what Disney was putting down. What's not to like about this movie? The Rock was hilarious. The animation was stunning. The music was incredibly catchy and I can't stop listening to it. The script was smart and original. And... I don't know, did I mention I saw it four times? <br />
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2. <i><b>Undrafted</b></i><br />
There's a line in a musical called "Title of Show" where a character
writing a musical sings, "I'd rather be nine people's favorite thing, than a
hundred people's ninth favorite thing." That's how I feel about <i>Undrafted</i>. This is a film that was released with very little fanfare and didn't receive great reviews. It's not for everybody. And yet, sometimes you find something that is just your exact sense of humor, that packs unexpected emotion that hits you in just the right spot, and that you find inexplicably endearing. It's a simple story: Aaron Tveit plays a character who despite being an exceptional baseball player, has just been passed up for the draft. He and his summer league teammates work through this disappointment over the course of a single baseball game, and... that's the movie! Simple, yet character-driven and heartwarming — not to mention based on a true story. It's also incredibly funny, and features an argument over who's the best Backstreet Boy, pre-game ice cream cones, and a particularly hilarious rendition of the <i>Full House</i> theme song. What more could you want?<br />
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1. <i><b>La La Land</b></i><br />
How could it be anything else? A movie musical starring two of my favorite actors? YES PLEASE. Is it an oxymoron to say there should be more unique movies like this? When you can create a film and make <i>anything</i> happen... why wouldn't you? Why not have your leads dance while floating through the air? Why not involve an 80's cover band? Why not break out into song every now and then? Why not completely enchant your audience with music and dance, bright colors and glitter, classic jazz and classic silver screens? This movie put a spell on me, and it's one that I'm not eager to have lifted.<br />
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<b>Honorable Mention</b>: Arrival, Captain America: Civil War, Ghostbusters<br />
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(<i>Note: </i>Last year I made my list of 2015 favorites before I'd seen "Spotlight," one of the best, most moving, brilliant films I've ever experienced. If I'd seen it before creating my list last year, it definitely would have warranted a spot.) <br />
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<u><b>My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2016</b></u><br />
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Favorite shows I started watching this year:<br />
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3. <i><b>Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries</b></i><br />
I like to say that <i>Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries </i>is a lot like Veronica Mars, if Veronica was less angry and lived in 1920's Australia. So, basically the same, right? Phryne (with the Australian accents I initially thought her name was Franny, but it is indeed Phryne, pronounced <i>Fry-nee</i>) Fisher is a smart, fearless, headstrong detective in post-World War I Melbourne. Each 60-minute episode follows Miss Fisher and the local police, with whom she has an amiable and banter-filled friendship slash rivalry, working to solve a case. Accompanied by her sweetly naive maid Dot and numerous other employees and friends (I'm partial to taxi driver Bert), every case is brilliantly solved with plenty of fun along the way. Full disclosure: I only just started watching this show last month, so I'm only a handful of episodes in. I suspect I'll only come to love it more.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Netflix</i></span><br />
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2. <b><i>Stranger Things</i></b><br />
If all you know about <i>Stranger Things</i> is that it's set in the 80's and it has something to do with Christmas lights, I can't encourage you enough to go ahead and press play and see what all the fuss is truly about. During the course of marathoning this show over the course of a weekend, I screamed and covered my face with a blanket, laughed out loud numerous times, and put forth MANY theories and guesses attempting to untangle the mysteries held in this magnificent, funny, suspenseful, layered show.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Netflix</i></span><br />
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1. <i><b>Agent Carter </b></i><br />
I love the character of Peggy Carter. I adore Edwin Jarvis. I have such a
soft spot for Daniel Sousa. And that's exactly what draws me to all of
my most favorite TV shows: a deep affection for the characters. Add in
espionage, romance, real stakes, brilliant dialogue, jaw-dropping story
twists and turns (not to mention a setting in the late 1940s—my
favorite!) and it's not hard to see why this show is so dear to me.
Please find a way to check it out. There may only be two seasons, but if
you're looking for a fantastic show with a fierce, capable, smart,
dynamic, driven female lead, Agent Carter is for you. (And don't say <i>anything </i>to me about how you don't want to watch a show named after a female character. I will be forced to handle you <a href="http://www.cakeoven.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/tumblr_inline_nk2xxbI9g11ruwyli.gif" target="_blank">as Peggy would</a>.)<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stream it on Amazon</span></i><br />
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<b>Honorable Mention</b>: Agents of Shield (I loved the first few seasons of this show, and am heartbroken at how different it is now. But I'll love you forever, Agent Coulson!) <br />
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<b><u>My Three Favorite Variety Specials of 2016</u></b><br />
These are things I LOVED this year that didn't make it into any other category, but need to be mentioned.<br />
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3. <b>Songs from The Lion</b>, Ben Scheuer<br />
You've no doubt deduced that I listen to a lot of show tunes. The reality is that I listen almost <i>exclusively</i> to show tunes. (As I write this, the title song from "Merrily We Roll Along" is playing. So.) That being said, in my list of most listened to tracks on Spotify this year, only two songs are not from a musical, and both from from Ben Scheuer's album. The songs are beautiful, complicated, and, at times, gut-wrenching. Check out my favorite song, accompanied by delightful, "Up"-ish animation.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Watch the entire album <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqPqJf8XZPdj-N0SZ3LLYIXsgA2Nk1sxm" target="_blank">here.</a></i></span> <br />
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2. <b>The Comeback Kid</b>, John Mulaney<br />
John Mulaney is my favorite comedian, and his latest stand-up special is absolutely hilarious. Released only a year ago, I have watched this special no less than four times. And looking up clips to find a good one to embed had me giggling and wanting to watch it all over again. He's much cleaner than other comedians (although there is a small amount of cursing, full disclosure), and his talents as a storyteller are extraordinary. I can't recommend this enough.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Netflix</i></span> <br />
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1. <b>Grease Live</b><br />
I didn't particularly care for <i>The Sound of Music Live </i>or <i>Peter Pan Live</i>. I wanted to like <i>The Wiz</i>, but it wasn't for me. <i>Grease Live, </i>though? I LOVED <i>Grease Live.</i> From the smart production choices by director Tommy Kail ("Hamilton") to perform before a live audience and stage numbers outside, to the near-perfect casting, to the fun/genius <a href="https://youtu.be/1ZH6WWlDmd0?t=25s" target="_blank">costumes</a>, to the extraordinary re-imagining of several numbers, this performance was just non-stop. And when <i>Hairspray Live</i> came along and took a page from <i>Grease </i>with the live audience and outdoor sets, I thought they'd cracked the code and I'd find another live musical to love. Alas, the magic wasn't there. But we'll always have "Those Magic Changes."<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Stream it on Netflix</i></span><br />
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<br />
<u><b>My Three Favorite Events of 2016</b></u><br />
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3. <b>Flagstaff</b><br />
In October, my parents took my siblings, my nieces, and me on a wonderful, fun, relaxing, unique vacation to Flagstaff, Arizona. I got to see the Grand Canyon for the first time, actually enjoy hiking in the mountains (no really) (like, for real), play so many games and have so much fun with family, and so much more. It was luxurious to go on such a well-planned vacation with every detail taken care of. Thanks, Mom and Dad.<br />
Bonus: Morbyland Campout (check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFyqeUQudKk" target="_blank">the video</a>!) and Christmas break (check out <a href="https://youtu.be/nS0jEN6lvt4" target="_blank">the video</a>!) <br />
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2. <b>Broadway Serendipity</b><br />
Every year for the past several years has seenits share of Broadway shows, touring productions, and theater fun. This year, however, had an extra spark of serendipity.<br />
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This summer when we went to New York, Emily and I were blessed to see and love "Waitress," "An American in Paris," "Shuffle Along," and "Fiddler on the Roof." And as amazing as all of those shows were, there was a small pang of regret that we were in New York several months too early to see one of our favorite Broadway performers, Bryce Pinkham, star in "Holiday Inn." During the trip we caught a glimpse of the show's bright and colorful marquee, and joked that we should go hang out under it and hope to just run into Bryce. We didn't do that, because we are not insane. Fast forward to Saturday night, when we walked up to the Music Box Theatre to see "Shuffle Along." And who was standing outside the theatre also about to see "Shuffle Along"? Bryce. Pinkham. (I know, I still can't believe it either.) After Emily and I conversed and decided that approaching him would not make us crazy fans, we walked up and actually ended up talking with him for a few minutes. He was so incredibly kind, charming, and continues to be a favorite of ours. Thank you so much, Bryce.<br />
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Serendipity 2: Guess who was performing a show at BB King's while we were in NYC? Our old friend Ramin Karimloo! As I'm sure you remember, Ramin is the Tony-nominated Broadway star who surprised Emily at her school in 2013, and we've been lucky enough to see perform a few times since. He appeared on Broadway as Jean Val Jean in "Les Miserables," and will soon be back on the Great White Way in the brand-new stage musical, "Anastasia." This concert was extraordinary, as his talent is just through the roof, and he sang so many beautiful, meaningful songs. Plus, thanks to Emily's friend Debbie being friends with Ramin, we were even able to go backstage and visit with him for a few minutes afterwards. And we got hugs and free t-shirts and now I am just a skeleton typing this out because my soul hath since gone straight up to Jesus.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Video I took at the concert. WATCH IT!</i></span><br />
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Serendipity 3: My all-time favorite Broadway show, Newsies, unfortunately ended their two-year tour in October. And of all the numerous locations they've been to (65 total cities!), and out of everywhere in the world they could have ended their tour, where did they close it out? <i>Austin, Texas</i>. Seeing the show one more time before it closed was absolutely unexpected, and I'm so incredibly grateful that it happened.<br />
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1. <b>Lucia Jeanne </b><br />
The world is a brighter, lovelier, more sunshiney and snuggly place, and that's all thanks to the grand entrance of one precious, pink, and full-cheeked girl. Welcome to the world, my gorgeous and cheerful Baby Niece, Lucia Jeanne! Only seven months old and the Lord is already blessing our socks off through you. (But if you could go ahead and start blessing us by sleeping through the night to save your parents' sanity, that would be GOLDEN.)<br />
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<br />
<u><b>And Because I'm a Fool for Twitter</b></u><br />
Super excited for...<br />
<b>Retweets</b>: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., and Sean Lowe.<br />
Quote tweet calling my comment hilarious: Newsie Chaz Wolcott <br />
<b>Likes</b>: <i>Aladdin's</i> James Monroe Iglehart, Iain Loves Theater, <i>Hamilton's </i>Renee Elise Goldsberry, Newsies Ben Cook and Joshua Burrage, <i>Undrafted</i> director (and <i>Jurassic Park</i> child star!) Joe Mazzello,<i> Matilda's</i> Lesli Margherita, Lin-Manuel Miranda, <i>Gentleman's Guide's </i>Bryce Pinkham, Gilmore Guy Kevin Porter, The Tony Awards, Annoying Actor Friend, <i>A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Aladdin, Fiddler on the Roof</i>, and <i>School of Rock</i>.<br />
<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-76575692119249589362016-11-23T22:20:00.000-06:002016-11-23T23:02:42.196-06:00Scattered Thoughts for a Stars Hollow-day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">It's late November, so naturally it's time to think about family, Thanksgiving, the inevitable Christmas shopping, and of course, the return of <i>Gilmore Girls</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm quick to tell anyone who will listen that I have four all-time favorite television shows, and I absolutely love them all. But there's only one show that I fall asleep to each and every single night, and that's <i>Gilmore Girls</i>. I'm somewhat of a Gilmore historian now, with more trivia and facts about the show packed into my brain than you might believe. I own two books about the show, I used to frequent online message boards about the show, and I'm currently an avid listener of the <i>Gilmore Guys</i> podcast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hi, I'm Valerie, and I'm a<i> Gilmore Girls</i> addict.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And yet, I am a bit wary of this Friday's release of four new 90-minute episodes. Yes, Amy Sherman-Palladino is back.* But remember: Amy was still involved with season six, a series of episodes that saw Rory and Lorelai be separated for "five months, three weeks, and sixteen days,"** the introduction of fan-favorite April Nardini (j/k everyone hates her), the introduction of dog Paul Anka (Who honestly believes Lorelai is a dog person? To quote season one Lorelai: "<i>That's it! We are not animal people! Period.</i>"), the introduction of doormat Lorelai (the Lorelai of seasons past would have spoken up and voiced her opinions to Luke long before things built to an ultimatum), and an increasingly insufferable Rory (I could write an entire additional blog entry about the inappropriate way she badgers her way into a job in The Prodigal Daughter Returns.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">All that to say, if <i>Gilmore Girls Colon A Year In The Life</i> feels more like season six than the show's heyday (aka everything that came before season six), I will be a bit disappointed.<br /><br />But. I'm still really excited, and can't wait to check back in on Stars Hollow and my favorite characters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Incidentally, here are my favorite characters:<br /><br />5. Brad Langford<br />4. Jess Mariano<br />3. Brian Fuller<br />2. Dave Rygalski<br />1. Lorelai Gilmore</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Gilmore Girls</i> has always been a warm fuzzy blanket to pull around my shoulders. It has always been more than the base-level question of which of Rory's boyfriends she should end up with. </span><span style="font-size: small;">It's a honey-colored hug, and a visit to a familiar, hilarious, quick-witted place we ALL wish existed in real life. I love the character of Lorelai so, so much. Positive, clever, caring, independent, capable, sparkling, and smart-- so much to aspire to.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />The show is obviously well-known for the speed and wit of its dialogue. But I think some of its funniest moments are actually non-verbal, or at least only funny because of the way the actor performs it. Here's a not-so-comprehensive list:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Teach Me Tonight</i> - Lorelai tries a brownie to which Luke accidentally added too much chocolate. Lorelai tries a bite, looks like she's going to spit it out, then considers and says, "Mm, that's good!" The way Lauren Graham performs this line has always cracked. Me. Up.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Bridesmaids Revisited</i> - Rory, heartbroken over Logan being the worst, goes to a bar and gets drunk. A waitress clearing dishes picks up Rory's beverage napkin. This incenses a tipsy Rory, who immediately starts berating the waitress. "</span><span style="font-size: small;">Don't take what's mine. These came with MY drinks." She ends it with the kicker, "Sick of people touching my STUFF!" I realize this is not at all funny on paper, but the line reading Alexis Bledel gives it is absolutely hysterical.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They?</i> - Jackson is upset about Sookie and Lorelai discussing his and Sookie's personal life. He yells, "My child-bearing arrangements are between me and Sookie!" Then Luke interjects, "And the Lord." Scott Patterson's deadpan here is pure gold.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Keg! Max!</i> - Brian's freaking out before the band's first-ever gig. Zach hears that it's heartburn and insists, "I told you, dude, it's your citrus intake. Stop eating oranges." What high school-aged guy says this to another guy? Hilarious.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> <i>Let Me Hear Your Balilaikas Ringing Out</i> - Luke has unknowingly become the sponsor for a soccer team full of violence-obsessed girls. After a winning game, one cherubic-looking player gleefully announces, "She went one way and her knee went the other!" Then all the girls cheer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Third Lorelai</i> -Tristan is incredulous at the fact that Rory would suggest he date Paris. Please re-watch the way Chad Michael Murray says, "Are you serious?" It KILLS me!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Say Goodnight, Gracie </i>- It's the morning after the disastrous party at Kyle's house. Lorelai learns that Rory was the cause of an enormous fight that broke out and says, "So not only did you go to a cop-raided party but you started the raid?<br />Rory: Yes.<br />
Lorelai: This fence is broken because of you, this crap is on the ground because of you.<br/>Rory: What's your point?</span></li>
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And then, immediately, this: <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />And now, two slightly controversial opinions.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">Jason Stiles was a great boyfriend. He came the closest to matching Lorelai's wit and pace of dialogue (</span><span style="font-size: small;">"Take a poll! No one in this room has any idea what this crazy old man is talking about!"), and he really cared about her. Plus he was way more FUN (and Lorelai is all about having fun!) than Max, Alex, Christopher, or Luke. Let's go.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">April Nardini is not the worst character on the show. That honor belongs to her mother Anna: an unreasonable, spiteful, and joyless human being. Stay in New Mexico forever, Nardini!</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Finally, I'm not above acknowledging one of <i>Gilmore's </i>biggest weaknesses: continuity. Specifically, its utter lack of any type of understanding of time/anything that's happened in the past. How long did Lorelai live at her parents with Rory before she moved to Stars Hollow? How long has Luke actually known the girls? Don't think about these questions too hard! However, the most egregious offense to me is an off-hand exchange between Rory and Jess in <i>A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving. </i></span><br />
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Jess: It's not the first time a couple’s broken up.<br />
Rory: It is for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Uh... in what universe is this the first time Rory and Dean broke up? Apparently the writers temporarily forgot that they were broken up for like five episodes in season one. And two of those episodes were ALL ABOUT the break-up! Literally! There was an episode called <i>The Break-Up Part 2</i>! And Dean and Rory even discuss that storyline in season two! (</span><span style="font-size: small;">"Breaking up, not for us.") And I know what you're thinking. 'Val. You're obsessing over a reference made by two fictional characters from an episode of a television show that aired 14 years ago. Get over it.'</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Well, that's something that's just between me and the Gilmore Girls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And the Lord.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <i> </i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Sherman-Palladino, the creator and voice of the show, famously left after season six. Season seven was produced without her, and it's pretty universally agreed-upon that this season is a bit sub-par. (Jason Mantzoukas: "I felt like I was watching a show that I love be haunted.")</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">**What a weird way to say that amount of time. Would this not actually be six months, one week, and two days? I mean, far be it from me to correct Lorelai, but... <i>what</i>??</span> </span>
Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-56501662061111208762016-06-08T18:25:00.001-05:002016-06-08T18:49:43.318-05:00Lin-Manuel Shouldn't Win The TonyScattered thoughts on the Tony Awards slash the current Broadway season. Way more than you want to read, but you should anyway. Because reasons. Let's go!!!!<br />
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<li>Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of my favorite people. "Hamilton" is the best piece of theater I've ever seen in my life, hands down. He should win every single creative Tony award he's up for, from score to book and everything in between. He's created an AMAZING piece of art, and what he's done deserves all the acclaim it's received. <br /><br />
BUT. I don't think he should win the Tony for Best Actor. He's bested in this category by Leslie Odom Jr., who consistently stops the show as Hamilton's foil, Aaron Burr. Odom's voice is <i>out of this world</i>, and he's just a very skilled performer. Lin would be the first person to tell you that his voice is not as strong as some of his co-stars, and I just don't think he deserves to win in this category. But he will, because the Tony voters can't not give it to him. I mean, he wrote the thing! They'll probably check his name every time his name comes up on the ballot. And every other time, he totally deserves it. But in the Lead Actor in a Musical category? Lin-Manuel shouldn't win the Tony.</li>
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<li>It's no secret that I'm a big fan of "Hamilton." I love that so many people who wouldn't normally be musical fans are head over heels for a Broadway show. I just hope that the audience "Hamilton" brings to the Tonys on Sunday night will take note of the many other wonderful productions currently on Broadway! "Hamilton" is being hailed as a gateway to Broadway. I just hope people will actually walk through it!</li>
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<li>The person I'm rooting for the MOST? Daveed Diggs. I want him to win more than I've wanted any one person or show to win a Tony since I was pulling for "Newsies" back in aught twelve.(<i>Gives the side-eye to "Once."</i>) Anyway, Daveed is an incredibly magnetic performer. This is his FIRST theater experience (not just Broadway), and he NAILS IT. He's hilarious, he raps faster than anyone else (he spits 19 words in three seconds), and he masterfully takes on two incredibly disparate characters: Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. I could watch him perform all day! <br /><br />Also it doesn't hurt that he is super attractive.</li>
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<li>Did you know that Danny Burstein, up for the same award as Manuel and Odom, has been nominated for a Tony a total of FIVE times now? And he's never won. Any other year and his acclaimed role of Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof" would probably be awarded with the spinning trophy. Too bad "Fiddler" had the unfortunate timing to open in the same season as "Hamilton." He'll soon be in the company of Broadway soprano Kelli O'Hara, who was nominated five times before her sixth time out finally netted her the long-deserved award. Let's just hope Burstein also strikes gold in his next role!</li>
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<li>Laura Benanti won't win, but that's okay. She's already won once before, and she's definitely won the heart of the internet, with brilliant and HILARIOUS videos like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl0olb-_iaQ" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDUagAB6bbE" target="_blank">this</a> being consistently released! </li>
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<li>You know who might win in her category? Not the "Hamilton" actor, shockingly enough. But I really think Cynthia Erivo might win this one! She's supposed to be phenomenal in "The Color Purple." </li>
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<li><a href="https://twitter.com/ABrightMonster" target="_blank">Alex Brightman</a> is super fun to follow on social media. He just seems like a really cool person! It's no wonder he's been getting rave reviews for his role in "School of Rock." (Also: Dude runs the equivalent of 3.5 miles EVERY SHOW! <a href="http://hawkbi-pierce.tumblr.com/post/130312069162/daveed-diggs-all-of-jeffersons-whaaaats-in" target="_blank">Whaaaaaaat</a>!) This isn't his year to win, but I'm hopeful that he'll take home the big prize another year! </li>
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<li>"Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed," you guys. This same <i>I've got to experience this show, I need to know what everyone is talking about</i> feeling I have about it is exactly how I felt about "Hamilton" a year ago. (Fun fact: "Shuffle Along" producers submitted the show to the Tony committee as a revival, since it's based on a 1920's show of a similar name, in order to get out of the way of "Hamilton." No such luck -- the show was ruled an original musical.)</li>
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<li>Audra McDonald, Billy Porter, and Brian Stokes Mitchell ALL IN ONE MUSICAL ("Shuffle Along"). It's almost too much for me!!! I mean, Audra is the QUEEN and it would thrill my heart to no end to get to see her in this. Billy Porter gave one of my most favorite <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axvdCiBTioc" target="_blank">Tony acceptance speeches</a> of all time, and it never fails to make me tear up! And Brian Stokes Mitchell's voice pours out of him and just makes your heart soar. Between <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggddMfQLB_0" target="_blank">Sarah Brown Eyes</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SOCBl-ojss" target="_blank">This Nearly Was Mine</a>, this man is just the ultimate Broadway singer. </li>
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<li>Savion Glover, of "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk" (and Sesame Street!) fame, choreographed "Shuffle Along," is going up against Andy Blankenbuehler, whom I love. This will be a tough category.<br />
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<li>I love Megan Hilty. I hope she wins. </li>
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<li>"Waitress" seems like a magical musical. It certainly has a magical cast album! Check it out if you've not had a chance to listen to it yet. It has some <i>beautiful</i> (and funny!) songs composed by Sara Bareilles.</li>
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<li>RIP but props to "Tuck Everlasting," "American Psycho," and "Dames at Sea," who have already closed their doors after short runs, but still received at least one Tony nomination! You go, Glen Coco.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am with all of my Tony-nominated pals at the top of the Empire State Building yesterday! Wow, what a crew. Thanks again, guys! I'm so glad we're all best friends forever!</td></tr>
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The Tony Awards will air Sunday at 7 on CBS. Don't miss it!
Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-1452168067559553742016-02-27T14:45:00.002-06:002016-02-27T14:46:45.039-06:009th Annual Oscar PicksI can feel it, people! This is my year! I'm about to correctly predict TWENTY-FOUR Academy Award categories. A thing that will totally, TOTALLY happen, because I've never been wrong before ever.*<br />
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(Previously: <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2015/02/8th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/03/7th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2013/02/6th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2012/02/5th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2011/02/4th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2009/02/2nd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2008/02/oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2008</a>.)<br />
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<b>Best Picture</b>: I've not had such a difficult time picking the Best Picture winner since... well, since last year. And I was wrong last year. But who's keeping track (nervous laugh)? Anyway, with apologies to all of the other nominees, I think this race comes down to "The Big Short," "Spotlight," and "The Revenant." But despite the critical love for "The Big Short," I just don't think this one is remarkable enough to take the top prize. That leaves "The Revenant" and "Spotlight," which is truly one of the best movies I've ever seen. If I was voting, Michael Keaton and his team would get to go up on stage to accept the award. Unfortunately, I think the tide has turned, and the votes are going to come down in favor of "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Revenant</span>." Good job, Alejandro. Good job, Leo. Good job, bear.<br />
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<b>Best Director</b>: Speaking of Alejandro: Congratulations, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Alejandro Innaritu</span>! You are about to become only the third director ever to win back-to-back Oscars for Best Director! Sorry, George Miller. Better luck in another <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/movies/ci_28107454/mad-max-creator-george-miller-returns-after-30" target="_blank">30 years</a>!<br />
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<b>Best Actor</b>: Okay, yes. After four fruitless nominations, this fifth should stick, as it is finally, FINALLY <span style="color: #cc0000;">Leonardo DiCaprio</span>'s year. And we're all very happy for him. (Particularly Kate Winslet, which makes me tear up every time I think about their <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/743603/watch-leonardo-dicaprio-kate-winslet-s-adorable-friendship-evolve-over-20-years" target="_blank">sweet friendship</a>.) But if we're not careful, Matt Damon could soon be in the same boat: come Sunday he will have lost three times! So. Fair warning, Academy voters, of which doubtless scores of you are reading this. Don't let what happened to Leo happen to Matt! Anyway, the question now is this: is Leo winning because this is truly the greatest performance of the year? Or because OH JUST GIVE HIM ONE ALREADY, HE ATE A DEER CARCASS (or whatever it was)? Spoiler alert: it's probably the latter.<br />
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<b>Best Actress</b>: All things being equal, and every Oscar year being a clean slate, Cate Blanchett might actually be in the running for this award. But all things are NOT equal, and the Academy has a very good memory for anyone they've honored recently. And unfortunately for Cate, she's just won too recently to have a fighting chance this year (the same fate that's befallen Eddie Redmayne). All of this to say: <span style="color: #cc0000;">Brie Larson</span> will be the one to win. An Oscar for you, Brie Larson! You go, Brie Larson! (And none for Gretchen Weiners, bye!)<br />
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<b>Best Supporting Actor</b>: <span style="color: #cc0000;">Sylvestor Stallone</span> all but has this one in the bag. If somehow it doesn't go his way, though, look for one of the Marks (Ruffalo or Rylance) to steal it away.<br />
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<b>Best Supporting Actress</b>: Kate or Alicia? Alicia or Kate? As much as we'd all love to see a "Leo/Kate with their Oscars" photo op, I think<span style="color: #cc0000;"> Alicia Vikander </span>is going to win. (Although let's be honest: she already won big when she starred in <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2016/01/2015-favorites.html" target="_blank">one of the best films of 2015</a>, "The Man from Uncle," amiright?)<br />
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<b>Animated Feature</b>: I don't believe there's a universe where "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Inside Out</span>" doesn't win. But if something strange happens with time and space and Pixar DOESN'T scoop up this award, I suppose "Anomalisa" could possibly upset.<br />
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<b>Production Design</b>: I think this one probably comes down to "Mad Max: Fury Road" or "The Revenant," not that I believe "The Martian" is any less deserving. In the end, however, my money is on "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Mad Max</span>."<br />
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<b>Cinematography</b>: "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Revenant</span>" being shot all in natural light makes a pretty good case for it to win for Best Cinematography (along with, I'm sure, plenty of other... technical... cinematographical... reasons). Interesting side fact: this will be Emmanuel Lubezki's third straight win in this category!<br />
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<b>Costume Design</b>: One of my favorite things about "Cinderella" was the glorious, gorgeous costumes<span class="st">–</span>particularly those worn by Cate Blanchett's character. However, it's facing stiff competition from both "Mad Max" and "Carol." At the end of the day, I think we'll be seeing a win for the innovative designs of "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Mad Max</span>."<br />
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<b>Film Editing</b>: Conventional wisdom would have me pick the Best Picture to win in this category as well. But with the Best Picture category so up in the air this year, conventional wisdom is in <i>shambles</i>. Look for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Mad Max</span>" to pick up yet another award here.<br />
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<b>Makeup and Hairstyling</b>: Tra la la, "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Mad Max</span>" again. Sigh.<br />
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<b>Original Score</b>: Man, wouldn't it be great to see John Williams win for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"? (Would that make <a href="http://www.ew.com/article/2015/12/01/lin-manuel-miranda-star-wars-force-awakens-music" target="_blank">Lin-Manuel Miranda</a> a winner by extension?) Too bad, though. Ennio Morricone will be winning for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Hateful Eight</span>." (Likely that film's only award of the evening.)<br />
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<b>Original Song</b>: 2016 is off to quite a start for Lady Gaga! First she won a Golden Globe for her work in "American Horror Story," and as of Sunday night she'll also be an Oscar winner for her song from the movie "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Hunting Ground</span>."<br />
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<b>Original Screenplay</b>: Oh, I hope I hope I HOPE that "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Spotlight</span>" wins this one! <br />
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<b>Adapted Screenplay</b>: To me, this field seems wide open; any of these movies could win! And while it would be so wonderful to see the lovely "Brooklyn" scoop this one up, I think it's going to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Big Short</span>."<br />
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<b>Sound Mixing</b>: Honestly? I have no idea. Probably either "The Revenant" or "Mad Max"? I guess? Sure, "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Mad Max</span>." HAVE ANOTHER.<br />
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<b>Sound Editing</b>: See above. "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Mad Max</span>."<br />
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<b>Visual Effects</b>: "The Revenant's" bear. "Star Wars'"... battles and aliens. "Mad Max's"... mad... people. This one could go to any of those three. And at first I was going to pick "Mad Max" AGAIN, but the more I think about it, the more I think that this is the one category that "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Star Wars: The Force Awakens</span>" could reign supreme.<br />
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<b>Documentary Feature</b>: Once in love with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Amy</span>," <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIL5J6H3soo" target="_blank">always in love with Amy</a>!<br />
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<b>Documentary Short</b>: Dang. These categories could not be more difficult to predict, and I won't pretend to have ever heard of these films! It's a total crapshoot, and crap... I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">A Girl in the River</span>."<br />
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<b>Foreign Language Film</b>: Some years you hear buzz about some of the Foreign Language Films, but this year? I've never heard of any of these titles. Whoops. Well, apparently Academy voters were pretty enamoured of "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Son of Saul</span>," so I'd imagine that's the big winner!<br />
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<b>Animated Short</b>: I recently watched "World of Tomorrow" on Netflix, and it was so incredibly creative and inventive and strange and sad and intriguing and... I'm out of adjectives. But it really was fascinating (oh, there's another one!), and-- who knows?-- voters might be up for picking something a little different! If not, though, they'll probably instead throw their support behind a safer bet: Pixar's "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Sanjay's Super Team</span>."<br />
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<b>Live Action Short</b>: Frankly, my dear... I have no idea. But the Academy seems to like to pick more serious fair, so with a short about war on the list, I think I'll go with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Shok</span>."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Oh, what's that, Bob? I'm wrong all the time? Got it!</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-28609980296131384202016-01-03T21:27:00.000-06:002016-01-04T11:49:05.622-06:002015 Favorites<u><b>My Three Favorite Books of 2015</b></u><br />
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3. <i>Mr. Kiss and Tell</i>, <b>Rob Thomas </b>and<b> Jennifer Graham</b><br />
Rob Thomas is a master at spinning clever and compelling mysteries, and his second <i>Veronica Mars </i>novel is no exception. Despite the fact that I liked this one a bit less than <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2015/01/2014-favorites.html" target="_blank">the first</a>, <i>Mr. Kiss and Tell </i>still captivated me and kept me guessing. The authors have done a remarkable job transplanting the jaded, film
noir quality of the show from the screen to the page, and I was so
engrossed listening to the story that at times it was as if I'd been
watching Kristen Bell herself. Veronica is a fascinating narrator, and the balance between the case she's working and the tumult of her personal life makes for a very compelling book. <br />
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<i>“Not that I like having my direst preconceptions about humanity confirmed or anything. But I was right.”
</i> <br />
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2. <i>For the Right Reasons: America's Favorite Bachelor on Faith, Love, Marriage, and Why Nice Guys Finish First, </i><b>Sean Lowe</b><br />
There's never been any shame in my love of <i>The Bachelor</i>, so it should come as no surprise that I immensely enjoyed Sean Lowe's first foray into writing, <i>For the Right Reasons</i>. This was just an incredibly fun, engrossing, and informative book, detailing Sean's personal background as well as his time on <i>The Bachelorette </i>and <i>The Bachelor</i>. I ate up every detail about both shows, how he and Catherine fell in love, and most importantly, how they wove the Gospel into their wedding knowing it would be televised to millions of people.<br />
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"<i>Soon, word spread that I had daily devotionals, and guys started showing up. I really liked the guys, and being in such a strange situation bonded us together. Even though most of our time was spent lounging around waiting for dates</i><i><span class="st" data-hveid="48">–</span>or recovering from them</i><i><span class="st" data-hveid="48">–</span>the mornings were dedicated to our little devotionals. Without ever meaning to, I found myself leading this Bible study on the set of </i>The Bachelorette."<br />
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1. <i>The Murder of Roger Ackroyd</i>, <b>Agatha Christie</b><br />
I adore Agatha Christie, and I have a particular fondness for her highly intelligent character Hercule Poirot. <i>The Murder of Roger Ackroyd</i> did not disappoint, and Poirot is still my favorite little Belgian detective. To say much of anything about the plot of this book will be to say too much, because half of the fun is the dawning realization of what Christie has pulled off (its ending was virtually the first of its kind when this book debuted in 1926). <i>The Murder of Roger Ackroyd</i> ranks quite high on many lists of best mysteries, and while it's not my favorite Agatha Christie novel of all time, it was still a very engrossing read.<br />
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<i>“It is completely unimportant. That is why it is so interesting.”</i><br />
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<b>Honorable Mention:</b><br />
<i>Paper Towns, </i><b>John Green</b><br />
<i>As If: The Oral History of Clueless as told by Amy Heckerling and the Cast and Crew, </i><b>Jen Chaney</b><br />
<i>A Murder is Announced, </i><b>Agatha Christie</b><br />
<i>Evil Under the Sun, </i><b>Agatha Christie</b><br />
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<b>Thumbs Down:</b><br />
<i>Dante's Inferno</i>. Alright, I'll say it: I enjoy Dan Brown novels (particularly <i>Deception Point</i>). But this one was doo doo.<br />
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Also, there are two main reasons that I read fewer books than usual this year, and their names are <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/12/gilmore-guys-podcast-interview/383851/" target="_blank">Kevin and Demi</a>. Once I discovered the <a href="http://www.gilmoreguysshow.com/" target="_blank">Gilmore Guys podcast</a>,
my usual audio book listening took a serious nose dive. So instead of
listening to literary classics (like my number two favorite), I was
listening to segments like Pop Goes the Culture and Where You Tweet I
Will Follow.<br />
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(It was awesome.)<br />
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<u><b>My Three Favorite Movies of 2015</b></u><br />
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3. <i><b>Brooklyn</b></i><br />
I was so surprised by this sweet and unexpected little movie. The story of Eilis and her immigration to America from Ireland was in turn heartbreaking, suspenseful, and ultimately hopeful. And "pleasant" sounds like such a boring, vanilla word to describe a movie you loved, but it fits this one so well. So if you're looking for a nice, <i>pleasant </i>movie, be sure to check out the effervescent Saoirse Ronan in <i>Brooklyn.</i><br />
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2. <i><b>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</b></i><br />
I stayed away from most trailers, articles, and reviews of <i>The Force Awakens </i>before I saw it, and I'm so glad I did! Going in dark, not knowing any theories or opinions ahead of time, helped me manage my expectations and end up being so thrilled with the entire experience. I thought the characters were so well-drawn, and I loved that Rey and Finn were played by virtual newcomers so that we could really focus on the characters and the story. The music was fantastic, the practical effects were outstanding, I laughed a ton, and the whole thing was FUN but still packed an emotional punch. Plus, I think I have a crush on Adam Driver now? Maybe. Is that weird?<br />
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1. <i><b>The Man From U.N.C.L.E.</b></i><br />
Every time I tell someone that <i>The Man From U.N.C.L.E. </i>was my favorite movie of the year, I get a blank stare, and usually a puzzled, "Wait, what's it called again?" It's a shame that most people seem to have missed this one, because it's just SO. MUCH. FUN. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer are an incredibly entertaining pair (not to mention easy on the eyes), and the entire movie is a sleek and playful ride from beginning to end. The 1960's wardrobe, music, and technology are truly immersive and make for a super fun atmosphere. I could watch this one again and again (and now I can, since I got it for Christmas!), and I find myself quoting it more than I ever thought I would ("<i>He's trying. To stop. The car."</i>). Plus I had the hardest time not using the word "fun" about five dozen more times in this paragraph than I did. Don't miss this one!<br />
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<b>Honorable Mention:</b> <i>The Duff </i>(both Jimmy Fallon and I loved this movie, so you can trust the pair of us), <i>The Martian</i>, and <i>Aloha </i>(I know it wasn't popular but I just liked it!)<br />
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<u><b>My Three Favorite TV Shows of 2015</b></u><br />
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Favorite shows I started watching this year:<br />
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3. <i><b>Brooklyn Nine-Nine</b></i><br />
I think I may have been the very last person to discover the brilliance of <i>Brooklyn Nine-Nine</i>. But just in case there's anyone out there reading this who hasn't yet seen it: you've got to check this show out. Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Chelsea Peretti and the rest of the police precinct make for a <i>hilarious </i>team. One of the things I love most, however, is that it's not just joke-joke-joke-joke (although it IS just about the only show to make me laugh out loud on a regular basis), but all of the detectives are actually incredibly capable officers, and it's just awesome to see Jake, Amy, and the rest take down bad guys again and again.<br />
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2. <i><b>iZombie</b></i><br />
Another title met with blank stares almost every time I mention it! I'm so glad I finally sat down and caught up with Rob Thomas' newest show, one I've wanted to watch ever since it debuted on The CW last year. A high-concept cousin to <i>Veronica Mars</i>, <i>iZombie </i>is a brilliant mash-up of a simple case-of-the-week mystery with a dash of the undead: our protagonist Liv Moore is a zombie. As an assistant medical examiner, each episode finds her eating the brains of a murder victim and using the visions those ingested brains provide her to help solve the mystery of their death. I hope that sounds more intriguing than confusing, because it really is a supremely enjoyable hour of television. Come for the clever story-telling, stay for Rahul Kohli's charming, incredibly endearing forensic pathologist Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti.<br />
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1. <b><i>Awkward</i>.</b><br />
This is the first show in quite a while that I've been so invested in that I <i>had </i>to watch the next episode right away. Next episode. Next episode. Next episode. This show makes me feel like I'm a teenager again, reliving high school and completely engrossed in the world of Jenna and Matty, the guy that makes my inner 15-year-old blush. But that's not the only reason I love it. It's incredibly clever and witty <i><span class="st" data-hveid="48">–</span></i><span class="st" data-hveid="48"> with words like <i>flirtationship </i>and <i>carefrontation</i>, </span>Tamara's "slanguage" deserves its own blog entry. The characters are all so well-developed and endearing (by the end even "Darth Hater" Sadie had carved herself a spot in my heart), the story lines are always unpredictable, and it just feels DIFFERENT. It's incredibly original, and doesn't feel like any other show I've watched. I can't tell you if YOU would personally like it <i><span class="st" data-hveid="48">– </span></i>after all, it <i>is</i> an MTV show, and all that comes along with that. If you're not a teenage girl... or me... this one might not be for you. BUT if a hilarious and heartfelt teen dramedy with whip-smart dialogue sounds appealing to you, definitely check this one out!<br />
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<b>Honorable Mention</b>: <i>Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Great British Baking Show </i><br />
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<u><b>My Three Favorite Events of 2015</b></u><br />
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3.<b> Family Birthday Bash in Galveston</b><br />
There's nothing in the world more fun to me than to have all seven (soon to be eight! #cimibaby) members of my family all together in one place. Add in an amusement park, daily trips to the beach, games, and MY BIRTHDAY, and you've got the makings of an amazing dream vacation. It was pure bliss, and I wish I could relive it again and again.<br />
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2. <b>Sweet, Sweet Adoptions</b><br />
2015 saw the addition of three precious babies into their forever families. I've watched the long, <i>long</i> road the Nicholses and Redfearns have had to travel down to bring their children home, and it's been frustrating at times to witness just how long this entire process can take. But now that we're on the other side, it's such a thrill to get to see the joy that Adelay, Micah, and Cade bring their respective families. Welcome home, kiddos. You are SO loved.<br />
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1. <b>Broadway Baby</b><br />
I feel like I need to pinch myself when I look back and realize that in one year I got to see:<br />
<ol>
<li>My all-time FAVORITE musical not once, not twice, but THREE times. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</li>
<li>My beloved "Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" with its original, Tony-nominated stars one last time before it closes later this month. <br /><i>(2b: Bryce Pinkham Skyping my roommate's fifth grade classroom out of the kindness of his heart! From his dressing room on Broadway! And I got to witness it all. Still pinching myself.)</i> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</li>
<li>The greatest musical I've ever seen on stage: "Hamilton." Five months later and I still have no words for what I saw. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmEo4qJrVjc/Vonfg1GWEjI/AAAAAAAADT4/7LC7PP1zDiI/s1600/IMG_6111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmEo4qJrVjc/Vonfg1GWEjI/AAAAAAAADT4/7LC7PP1zDiI/s320/IMG_6111.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</li>
</ol>
<br />
Bonus: REMEMBER WHEN <a href="https://twitter.com/Lin_Manuel" target="_blank">LIN-MANUEL</a> RETWEETED ME?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj3Ly5FB8ys/VoimJtqCnVI/AAAAAAAADS4/-rVz6btOX_s/s1600/Lin%2BManuel%2BRetweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj3Ly5FB8ys/VoimJtqCnVI/AAAAAAAADS4/-rVz6btOX_s/s320/Lin%2BManuel%2BRetweet.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
And because I'm a fool for Twitter, I also got super excited when my tweets were <strike>favorited</strike> liked by <i>Guardians of the Galaxy </i>director James Gunn, former Jack Kelly Corey Cott, <i>Hamilton </i>actors Daveed Diggs and Leslie Odom Jr., <i>Gentleman's Guide</i> star Bryce Pinkham, <i>Veronica Mars</i> and <i>iZombie </i>show runner Rob Thomas, <i>Hamilton </i>composer/conductor Alex Lacamoire, author Tim Federle, and <i>Newsie </i>Chaz Wolcott.<br />
<br />
Party. Rock.Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-40301375462239555632015-03-14T21:40:00.001-05:002015-03-14T21:56:36.685-05:00Movie MarathonLast January, I decided to embark on a quest. It would take a lot of time, and it would take a LONG time.<br />
<br />
I would watch all of my movies in alphabetical order.<br />
<br />
Okay, so it wasn't learning a new language or anything. But I own over 200 movies, and I've never before attempted something like this. Sure, I'll decide to watch a movie here or there, but I realized I'd left some languishing on the shelf for years. It's not because I don't like them, but because I just don't often say, "<i>I think I'll watch 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' today!</i>" I don't think I've ever gone, "<i>You know what my day needs? A little 'Curious Case of Benjamin Button.'</i>" Both good movies, but not go-tos for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So it was decided. One at a time, from A to Z. Or rather, from '2 Days in Paris' to 'Zombieland.' </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgT6Bk6InOc/VQOSbM2uYVI/AAAAAAAABrw/m8ok-Afn4Uo/s1600/photo%2B1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgT6Bk6InOc/VQOSbM2uYVI/AAAAAAAABrw/m8ok-Afn4Uo/s1600/photo%2B1.PNG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my movies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A little background on my watching patterns: I have a television in my room, and I always have something playing on it (usually a TV show) while I get ready for work, fold clothes, get ready for bed, etc. I decided to instead use this time to chip away at my movie collection, and really take stock of the DVDs that I own. <br />
<br />
I ended up getting rid of the very first movie that I watched: '2 Days in Paris.' I couldn't see myself watching it again, and I also couldn't imagine anyone wanting to borrow it. So congratulations, Goodwill! Another DVD for your illustrious collection.<br />
<br />
From then on I kept plugging away, going through roughly one movie every two days. Sometimes I was away on vacation and didn't take any movies with me, other times I worked on a project in my room and watched more than one movie in a sitting. <br />
<br />
One of the most entertaining aspects of this venture was that every so often my co-workers would want to play "Guess What Movie Valerie is Watching," and I'd give them different clues, leaving them to try to come up with what movie might come between.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cwHWp3eMlo/VQOSbC8hSeI/AAAAAAAABrw/KdYOHDSudEo/s1600/photo%2B2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cwHWp3eMlo/VQOSbC8hSeI/AAAAAAAABrw/KdYOHDSudEo/s1600/photo%2B2.PNG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Fourteen months and 227 movies later, I'm finally done! It was a sad moment when the credits for 'Zombieland' finally rolled<span class="st"> – so much so that I immediately watched the entire movie again with commentary. </span><br />
<br />
In not-so-shocking news, I made several lists as I watched. Sometimes I forgot to write things down, so it's not as comprehensive as I'd like, but c'est la vie. (<i>"La vie." </i><span class="st"><i>–Woodchuck Todd, 'Easy A'</i>)</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><u><b>Standout Scenes (Or: Scenes to Make Your Soul Soar)</b></u></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Almost Famous: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qn3tel9FWU" target="_blank">Tiny Dancer</a></span><br />
<span class="st">Big Fish: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVlPGdAKw2Y" target="_blank">Daffodils</a></span><br />
<span class="st">Casablanca: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM-E2H1ChJM" target="_blank">Marseilles</a></span><br />
<span class="st">Finding Neverland: "<a href="https://youtu.be/or4o4Qwsn0s?t=1m12s" target="_blank">That is Neverland</a>"</span><br />
<span class="st">Gone with the Wind: <a href="https://youtu.be/aIRqL689rBI?t=1m12s" target="_blank">The End: Scarlett at Tara </a></span><br />
<span class="st">Little Miss Sunshine: <a href="https://youtu.be/GJT_pAYaWB8?t=1m24s" target="_blank">Olive puts her head on Duane's shoulder</a>*</span><br />
<span class="st">Return of the King: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBtzudk40pE" target="_blank">You bow to no one</a>"</span><br />
<span class="st">Moulin Rouge: <a href="https://youtu.be/ANQGkOfzkkc?t=3m1s" target="_blank">'Come What May' Finale</a>* </span><br />
<span class="st">That Thing You Do: <a href="https://youtu.be/FxovZ5ATKAA?t=17s" target="_blank">Good and kissed</a></span><span class="st"><span class="st">*</span></span><br />
<span class="st">Up: <a href="https://youtu.be/2T-hFFsDaFQ?t=1m43s" target="_blank">House on Paradise Falls</a></span><br />
<span class="st">Waitress: <a href="https://youtu.be/0cQ0WwcKCLk?t=1m25s" target="_blank">Dr. Pomatter Hugs Jenna</a></span><br />
<span class="st">The Way Way Back: <a href="https://youtu.be/6qoaVUdbWMs" target="_blank">Owen shields Duncan from Trent</a>**</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"><i><span class="st">*Terrible video quality, but it's all I could find, sadly. Still-- SO GOOD.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="st"><i><span class="st">**I can't even find even a PICTURE of this moment, so here's a trailer instead. </span></i></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><u><b>Movies Better Than I Remembered </b></u></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Australia</span><br />
<span class="st">The Curious Case of Benjamin Button</span><br />
<span class="st">First Knight</span><br />
<span class="st">Gone With the Wind</span><br />
<span class="st">Notting Hill</span><br />
<br />
<strong><u>Movies Less Awesome Than I Remembered</u></strong><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span> <span class="st">Grease</span><br />
<span class="st">The Phantom of the Opera</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><u><b>Movies I Own That Take Place in 1899</b></u></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span><span class="st">Moulin Rouge</span><br />
Newsies<br />
<span class="st">The Prestige</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><u><b>Funniest Movies I Own</b></u></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs</span><br />
<span class="st">Hot Fuzz</span><br />
<span class="st">Waiting for Guffman</span><br />
<span class="st">Zombieland</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"><u><b>Favorite Teen Comedies</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">10 Things I Hate About You</span><br />
<span class="st">Easy A</span><br />
<span class="st"><span class="st">Clueless</span> </span><br />
<span class="st"><span class="st">Mean Girls</span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span class="st">Never Been Kissed </span></span><br />
<span class="st">Can't Hardly Wait</span><br />
<span class="st"> </span><br />
<strong><u>Actors That Are In More Than Five Of My Movies</u></strong><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span> <span class="st">Tom Hanks</span><br />
<span class="st">Kate Winslet</span><br />
<span class="st">Joseph Gordon-Levitt</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><u><b>ZOMG This Is My Childhood</b></u></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">3 Ninjas</span><br />
<span class="st">Charlotte's Web</span><br />
<span class="st">The Chipmunk Adventure</span><br />
<span class="st">Gulliver's Travels</span><br />
The Last Unicorn<br />
The Rescuers Down Under<br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<u><b><span class="st">I Just Really Want You To Watch These Movies</span></b></u><br />
<br />
<span class="st">Blast from the Past</span><br />
Return to Me<br />
Waitress<br />
<span class="st">The Way, Way Back</span><br />
Zombieland<br />
<br />
<strong><u>My Top Five Favorites</u></strong><br />
<br />
Almost Famous<br />
A League of Their Own<br />
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers<br />
Moulin Rouge<br />
That Thing You Do<br />
<br />
So there it is. The movie marathon that took over a year.<br />
<br />
Roll credits.<br />
<br />
<span class="st"><em>Final note: </em></span><span class="st"><em>Five is a </em>lot <em>of 'Twilight' movies to watch in a row.</em> </span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-35310105450797538032015-02-21T16:20:00.000-06:002015-02-21T16:20:43.195-06:008th Annual Oscar PicksIt's the most wonderful time of the year! Oscar weekend! Let's predict some winners, shall we? And remember-- I am NEVER wrong. Ever.*<br />
<br />
(Previously: <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/03/7th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2013/02/6th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2012/02/5th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2011/02/4th-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2009/02/2nd-annual-oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2008/02/oscar-picks.html" target="_blank">2008</a>.)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_30vQNWGwCo/VOf-EUcRSzI/AAAAAAAABpk/-l-fp8Zq44g/s1600/Boyhood-Gallery-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_30vQNWGwCo/VOf-EUcRSzI/AAAAAAAABpk/-l-fp8Zq44g/s1600/Boyhood-Gallery-2.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Best Picture</b>: A few weeks ago, I would have said that "Boyhood" was a lock. Now I'm not quite so sure. "Birdman" has been climbing up the prediction charts, and they are a serious threat to Richard Linklater et al. However, I don't think you can ignore the scope of filming the same film over the course of TWELVE YEARS, plus the emotional punch it packs at the end. That's why I think that "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Boyhood</span>" will be the one to ultimately walk away with the gold.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Director</b>: If "Boyhood" does indeed take home the big prize, Academy voters are going to need another way to honor "Birdman," and I believe it will be in the form of Best Director going to <span style="color: #cc0000;">Alejandro González Iñárritu</span>. However, I certainly wouldn't be mad if Richard Linklater won.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XQSzp03Rpk/VOj8R43HthI/AAAAAAAABp0/lqktvRgcaNo/s1600/Michael-Keaton-Eddie-Redmayne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XQSzp03Rpk/VOj8R43HthI/AAAAAAAABp0/lqktvRgcaNo/s1600/Michael-Keaton-Eddie-Redmayne.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a><b>Best Actor</b>: Man, this is a tough one. Even as I'm typing I just don't know how this paragraph is going to end. Either you give it to Michael Keaton, thereby rewarding a long career and a Hollywood veteran (not to mention a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybnL66CP6fY" target="_blank">remarkable speech-maker</a>), or you go with Eddie Redmayne, the rising star with a masterful turn in a critically lauded biopic. They've each won their share of awards this season, but the thing I keep coming back to is the fact that Eddie Redmayne is still so young, and probably has plenty of chances to win this award in the future. In the end I think voters will want to honor <span style="color: #cc0000;">Michael Keaton</span> and his go-for-broke performance in "Birdman."<br />
<br />
The one thing that makes me nervous about that pick is the fact that Redmayne won the SAG Award, and for the last 10 years the winner of the SAG has gone on to win the Oscar. I may live to regret ignoring this indicator...<br />
<br />
<b>Best Actress</b>: This category has basically been a lock for the past couple of years, and this year looks to be no different. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Julianne Moore</span> all but has this one in the bag, and it's about time! Her nomination for "Still Alice" is her FIFTH, so this one is a long time coming! Treat yo'self, Julianne Moore!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Best Supporting Actor</b>: We're all thinking J.K. Simmons, right? J.K. Simmons? Cool, let's do it. <span style="color: #cc0000;">J.K. Simmons</span>!<br />
<br />
<b>Best Supporting Actress</b>: <span style="color: #cc0000;">Patricia Arquette</span> has been picking up every single award from the Golden Globe to the Critic's Choice, so come Sunday she'll have another one to throw on top of her pile!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb4Kj1Yzaus/VOj-cM44eFI/AAAAAAAABqE/THfrFtCGIYo/s1600/dragon_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb4Kj1Yzaus/VOj-cM44eFI/AAAAAAAABqE/THfrFtCGIYo/s1600/dragon_a.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Animated Feature</b>: It's completely insane that "The Lego Movie" wasn't nominated, and it kills me that we don't know WHY it was passed over. However, that doesn't mean that "How to Train Your Dragon 2" or "Big Hero 6" are completely undeserving of the honor. I would be surprised if anything in this category wins over those two, and in the end I'm going with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">How to Train Your Dragon 2</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Production Design</b>: Wes Anderson does a lot of things very well, chief among them the creation of beautiful and meticulously created cinematic worlds. I can't imaging anything winning in this category over "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Grand Budapest Hotel</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Cinematography</b>: They filmed <span style="color: #cc0000;">Birdman</span> in a style to look like it was all one continuous shot (much like Hitchcock's "Rope"). That creativity should be enough to allow Birdman's Emmanuel Lubezki to win this award for the second year in a row (he also won last year for "Gravity").<br />
<br />
<b>Costume Design</b>: It's usually a safe bet to go with the movie that has the most corsets and giant historical dresses. This year we also have a lot of fantasy thrown in, with their own capes and giant dresses and horns to deal with. That makes this category a bit of a head-scratcher for me, and I'm down to either "The Grand Budapest Hotel" or "Into the Woods." Gosh I'm bad at this category. Okay, I'm going bellhop. Let's say "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Grand Budapest Hotel</span>."<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Film Editing</b>: My go-to method for predicting this one is typically to choose the best picture winner, so why mess with something that's been working for me? I'll go with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Boyhood</span>" here, not only because I think it will win best picture, but also because–can you IMAGINE how much footage they had to go through? Unreal.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEq0Uft6zwE/VOj91g_u8NI/AAAAAAAABp8/7sU5Fm1pcbw/s1600/tildacompare_2709595a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEq0Uft6zwE/VOj91g_u8NI/AAAAAAAABp8/7sU5Fm1pcbw/s1600/tildacompare_2709595a.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Makeup and Hairstyling</b>: Why do these things have to share a category? They are done by totally different people! This is dumb. Anyway, when I saw "Grand Budapest Hotel" on the ballot, I was only thinking about Saoirse Ronan's facial birth mark, and kept moving on to "Foxcatcher" and "Guardians of the Galaxy." Then I remembered TILDA SWINTON, HELLO. So this one also belongs to "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Grand Budapest Hotel</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Original Score</b>: Gosh I loved Hans Zimmer's music for "Interstellar." Unfortunately all of the buzz in this category seems to be surrounding "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Theory of Everything</span>," so I'm predicting a win for Jóhann Jóhannsson.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Original Song</b>: This will probably be the only award of the night for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Selma</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Original Screenplay</b>: On the other hand, it looks like this will end up being a pretty BIG night for "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Grand Budapest Hotel</span>!"<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Adapted Screenplay</b>: There's a pretty <a href="http://deadline.com/2015/01/academy-and-wga-at-odds-over-acclaimed-whiplash-screenplay-will-it-hurt-oscar-chances-1201341846/" target="_blank">interesting story</a> on why "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Whiplash</span>" is listed in this category rather than Original Screenplay, which it is–even the Writer's Guild had it listed in their Original Screenplay category. Either way, I think it will still come out on top of its biggest competition, "The Imitation Game."<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Sound Mixing</b>: I think it's probably either "American Sniper" or "Interstellar," with "Whiplash" thrown in as a dark horse. Let's go with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">American Sniper</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Sound Editing</b>: Let's just say "<span style="color: #cc0000;">American Sniper</span>" again.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHO4oA7adbU/VOkA3CO_aVI/AAAAAAAABqY/Avm4jQ-rMtU/s1600/interstellar_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHO4oA7adbU/VOkA3CO_aVI/AAAAAAAABqY/Avm4jQ-rMtU/s1600/interstellar_2.png" height="173" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Visual Effects</b>: What a packed category! All of these films have a tremendous amount of computer graphics, and it's hard to pick the best among the best. I think it will almost definitely be either "Interstellar" or "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," with "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Interstellar</span>" <i>just</i> eeking out a win.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Documentary Feature</b>: It looks like "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Citizenfour</span>" is the front-runner here, and who I am to argue with popular knowledge?<br />
<br />
<b>Documentary Short</b>: I first read this one as "Chris Hotline," rather than "Crisis Hotline." I don't know what a Chris Hotline would do. Maybe connect you with famous guys named Chris, like Evans, Pratt, and Pine? (Note to self: look into setting up a Chris Hotline.) ANYWAY. Winner: "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Foreign Language Film</b>: Poland's "Ida" is not only nominated in this category, but also in cinematography. Along with being a well-reviewed picture, this double nomination for a foreign film is a good indicator that "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Ida</span>" will take this win.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AtMOn_7m2YY/VOkAD9oqZvI/AAAAAAAABqQ/AV_l0MgROO4/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AtMOn_7m2YY/VOkAD9oqZvI/AAAAAAAABqQ/AV_l0MgROO4/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" height="152" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Animated Short</b>: "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Feast</span>" was so creative and adorable. I hope it wins. If it doesn't, look for "The Dam Keeper" to be the one to stage an upset.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Live-Action Short</b>: Obviously I am an expert in this category. Despite the fact that that is absolutely not true, I think "<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Phone Call</span>" will win.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Upon further review, it seems that I am, in fact, wrong quite a lot of the time.</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-56049912065223962932015-01-26T21:53:00.004-06:002015-01-26T21:56:27.689-06:00Stitch Fix #3<i>Why post about trying on some clothes and shopping over the Interwebs?</i><br />
<br />
So glad you asked.<br />
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This is my 3rd foray into utilizing an online personal stylist through Stitch Fix. When I first discovered Stitch Fix through social media, I was intrigued. I've never really liked shopping. I'm an impulsive shopper - as long as something marginally fits, I buy it, sometimes in three colors. The idea that someone else might do the hard work for me and stick it in the mail for me to discover on my doorstep sounded like Christmas. Mail on my doorstep always makes me smile!<br />
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For those of you who aren't familiar, here's the scoop on how to schedule a Fix.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">1. Create your style profile.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">2. Pay $20 styling fee toward your box.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><em>(You can use toward your final order – any of the 5 products you keep!)</em></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">3. Schedule your box.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">4. Open you box and try on the clothes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><em>Take awkward photos in the backyard (trying not to freeze in January) and send to your friends and family members. (Each item also comes with styling tips on how to best wear the products.)</em></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">5. Once the box arrives you have 3 days to decide what you are keeping and what you are returning. The returns are all free and super easy: drop the prepaid envelope in any USPS box.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">I blogged about my first box over on my other website. <b>Check out <a href="http://www.gingerciminello.com/2014/02/12/stitch-fix-for-the-win/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">this link</a> to see how my first box was a win and <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/04/stich-fix-2.html" target="_blank">this one</a> to read about fix number two.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">I was pretty pleased with my box this go around. I scheduled my fix to come the week of my birthday. I had a credit that covered my styling fee and still left room for a little discount if I ended up keeping something. I was very careful to be detailed in my notes to my stylist this time. My husband and I are planning a beach trip to celebrate our 5th anniversary this year, so I was looking for a few fun items to take with us. My husband reassures me that I don't have to dress like a nun ALL of the time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">I opened my box and here's what I found.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>1. The LINE BACKER SHIRT. </b>In theory, this could have been a great selection. I also hinted to my stylist that I wanted some casual tops to wear with skinnies and ankle boots. The front is interesting enough on this shirt, but everyone agreed: this does nothing for my shoulders. RETURN.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>2. The COLOR BLOCK TOP. </b>I liked this one as soon as I put it on. My husband wasn't convinced, but everyone else in my life reassured me it was a keeper. So... I KEPT IT.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>3. The SASSY SWEATER. </b>When I opened the box my first thought was, "I am not going to like this shirt." But then I put it on. Although I would not ordinarily try on a pattern like this, I was glad to have a new perspective shopping in the future... if I ever do that again. (Tell me why I want to leave the house?) I was on the fence with this one but some angles in pictures made me look like I was pregnant. (That could have actually been my stomach but we are going to choose to blame the shirt.) RETURN.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>4. The SECTIONAL DRESS.</b> This one is cute and confusing. I liked the fabric of the skirt, but the material on the top just felt so cheap. This dress was NOT CHEAP, so why buy something that feels cheap? Although cute, I didn't think it did much for my coloring. RETURN.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>5. THE RED DRESS.</b> I think David was initially surprised when I wanted to keep it. <i>(Surprised and thrilled.)</i> I'm ordinarily so conservative with clothing, and I"m not about to go crazy here, but I just really liked this dress. I felt great it in it and I'm looking forward to celebrating a night out on our anniversary trip. I KEPT IT.</span></span><br />
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<i>So why post about trying on some clothes and shopping over the Interwebs? </i><br />
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Every time I post I share my referral number. If anyone uses my number to set up their first fix, I get a credit. So far I have been able to cover all of my styling fees through said credit. AWESOME. So pull through for me, Internet. I know that you, like me, wonder what a stylist might send in that little white box. You long for a little box of happy to show up on your doorstep, I know you do. ;)<br />
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Here's <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3310293" target="_blank">my referral code</a>, make me proud.<br />
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xo,<br />
GingerGingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11073404471226573100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423207336303884138.post-77571654208176290552015-01-06T18:19:00.000-06:002016-01-04T11:49:34.427-06:002014 Favorites<u><b>My Three Favorite Books of 2014</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXbuyDGbK2s/VKroq0-qZLI/AAAAAAAABoU/b_tFZCSF8FM/s1600/nate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXbuyDGbK2s/VKroq0-qZLI/AAAAAAAABoU/b_tFZCSF8FM/s1600/nate.jpg" width="131" /></a>3. <i>Better Nate Than Ever </i>and<i> 5, 6, 7, Nate</i>, <b>Tim Federle</b><i></i><br />
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Thirteen-year-old Nate Foster and I don't have a lot in common, save one very important thing: a love (<i>LOVE</i>) of Broadway musicals. The fact that these two books are classified as "junior fiction" does not mean that they aren't incredibly well-told, or that they aren't laugh-out-loud funny. Tim Federle (my <a href="https://twitter.com/TimFederle/status/551895202777288704" target="_blank">favorite person to follow on Twitter</a>) has spun such a clever, original, and hilarious story about Nate and his scheme to travel to New York City to audition for a new Broadway show. When Emily and I went to New York this summer, everywhere we looked there were real-life reminders of the books and it made the trip so much more fun! I just cannot stress how funny these books are. I kept wanting to highlight or underline huge chunks because I could not get over the creativity and hilarity. Read these books and maybe you too can laugh quietly aloud to yourself on a plane surrounded by strangers!<br />
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<i>“</i><i>Imagine: pretzels sold on the street! It’s as if anything is possible. Do they also sell hopes on the street? Do they sell hugs and dreams and height-boosting vitamins? Or hot dogs? I bet you they do.” </i><br />
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2. <i>Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line</i>, <b>Rob Thomas </b><br />
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If you like <i>Veronica Mars</i> the TV series, there's absolutely no reason you wouldn't love <i>Veronica Mars </i>the book. Rob Thomas, the creator and showrunner of VM, actually started out as an author, so this really is a return to form for him. The entire novel reads like an extra-long bonus episode of the show! The mystery is engrossing and compelling, the characters are as witty and charming as you remember them to be, and there are more than a few twists and surprises that you won't see coming. Perhaps the best part of the experience for me was listening to the audiobook, as it was narrated by Veronica Mars herself, Kristen Bell. Bonus points to Bell for doing spot-on imitations of her cast-mates when she read their dialogue. Hilarious.<br />
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<i>“She suddenly realized that this was Bri Lafond’s first lesson that people sucked. Veronica remembered that letdown, the way the world suddenly seemed stripped of bright colors, your beliefs toppled like dominoes.” </i><br />
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1. <i>The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets</i>, <b>Eva Rice </b><br />
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My friend (and the <i>most</i> voracious reader I know!) <a href="http://katieleigh.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Katie</a> counts this book among her favorites, so I've always intended to read it. Now I'm so glad I finally got around to it! It really is such a special book. Full of joy, sorrow, and champagne, <i>The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets </i>tells the story of Penelope, an 18-year-old girl living in a post-World War II England, in a grand house that is crumbling around her and her small family due to lack of money. Enter the effervescent Charlotte, her hilarious Aunt Clare, and Clare's witty son Harry. (Full disclosure: I <i>adore</i> Harry. I found myself missing him when he wasn't on the page, and constantly grinning at his quips.) This remarkable trio of characters bring about a great deal of change to Penelope's life, in the best possible way. Check it out and get a chance to attend glamorous parties, spend a snowy New Year's at Milton Magna Hall, and maybe even fall for the strange and mysterious Harry Delancy.<br />
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<i>"He looked at us almost pityingly, with a hint of a smirk on his face, his chaotic hair almost hiding his extraordinary eyes. Newfound knowledge of his skills as a magician seemed entirely appropriate; never before had I met someone who looked capable of turning men into frogs and frogs into princes."</i><br />
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<b>Honorable Mention:</b><br />
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<i>One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories,</i><b> B.J. Novak</b><br />
Super creative, very fun, and totally un-put-downable.<i></i><br />
<i>“If you love something, let it go. If you don't love something, definitely let it go. Basically, just drop everything, who cares.” </i><br />
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I read several Agatha Christie mysteries this year (five in all), as I'm a big fan of hers and frequently say that she can do no wrong. But when I read <i>Endless Night</i>, I began doubting that opinion, because I just thought Christie was completely missing the mark. You should have seen my face when I got to the end of the book and realized that SHE TOTALLY GOT ME. For the entire duration of the book I was looking the wrong direction, and I never saw the twist coming. It was completely genius. You win again, Christie...<br />
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I also read some really good non-fiction as well, including <i>Creativity Inc. </i>(about Pixar) and <i>Superfreakonomics/Think Like a Freak</i>. I'd recommend checking any of those out if any of that sounds interesting to you! And if you're looking for a good memoir, Cary Elwes's <i>As You Wish </i>and Amy Poehler's <i>Yes Please</i> were both were quick and entertaining reads.<br />
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<u><b>My Three Favorite Movies of 2014</b></u><br />
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3. <i><b>The One I Love </b></i><br />
I watched this one on a whim the other day (it's streaming on Netflix) and I really, really enjoyed it. I had read only a little bit about this movie<span class="st">—</span>mostly about how no one could talk about the plot because saying anything would spoil it. So of course I was intrigued! The movie itself was fascinating; it was small and strange and incredibly compelling. It's just kind of weird and Twilight Zone-y, and if you like things that are weird and Twilight Zone-y, I think there's a good chance you'll like this.<br />
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2. <b><i>Veronica Mars</i></b><br />
The entire experience of seeing this movie<b> </b>was just SO MUCH FUN. First of all, I backed the movie on Kickstarter, so I got tons of insider information while they were making the movie and then leading up to the release. Second, I made the release of the movie an EVENT. I wore Veronica Mars t-shirts every day to work that week, and when the big day finally arrived, I drove to Dallas with my roommate (to the closest theater showing the movie) to see the midnight showing. We got a hotel so we could stay the night, and I took the following day off from work so we could sleep in. All of that awesomeness, plus the fact that the movie itself was amazing! It was like having a reunion with old friends, and Emily and I laughed, gasped, and squealed our way through the whole thing. A great mystery, all of our favorite characters, an IRA GLASS CAMEO, and Logan in a Navy uniform. I mean, what more could a VM fan want?<br />
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1. <i><b>Guardians of the Galaxy</b></i><br />
Did you ever have more fun in a movie theater? From the rockin' throwback soundtrack to the action and the non-stop humor, this movie was just golden. I saw it three times in the theater, again on the cruise ship, and I just got the DVD for Christmas. It's fantastic, and if you haven't seen it yet, I just don't even know what you're doing with your life. Also, let's please not forget that before he was Star Lord and even before he was Andy Dwyer, Chris Pratt was <a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mccl3zGZ5u1rtssfbo2_r1_250.gif" target="_blank">Che on "The OC."</a><br />
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<b>Honorable Mention: </b>Interstellar, Into the Woods, Chef, Captain America 2<br />
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<u><b>My Three Favorite Events of 2014</b></u><br />
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<b>3. Oh Hey, I'm Like a Speaker Now I Guess?</b><br />
Theoretically, public speaking doesn't bother me. However, once I'm in front of a crowd, somehow I forget to breathe and my hands start shaking and WHAT IS HAPPENING. So when I was asked to speak at a Christian camping conference in February, I was obviously a bit hesitant to accept. The topic, social media, is something that I'm passionate about, but again: the shaking and not breathing thing. But I finally just decided that I wanted to say YES to more new things, and before I knew it I was giving a talk to a packed room of people in the camping industry actually there to hear ME talk about what I do! In addition, I was asked to give a talk on social media this summer to a group of our 8th and 9th grade campers. I spoke every other week about how awesome I think social media is, but about how we shouldn't give it too much power, and how our validation should come from Christ and not how many likes you get on Instagram. It was almost more unnerving to talk to 13-year-olds than it had been to talk to adults, but again, I'm glad (and kind of proud of myself!) that I decided to say yes.<br />
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2.<b> Can't Stop Won't Stop Cruising </b><br />
When my dad called me to ask if I'd like to go on a cruise in November, I said, "Are you crazy? A man in a really nice camper wants to put our song on the radio! Give me a pen, I'm signing, you're signing, we're all signing." Not really, but you get the sentiment! I had SUCH a blast aboard the Emerald Princess with my mom, dad, and brother, I can't even tell you. It was so relaxing, all of our ports were so packed full of fun things and warm sun, we ate amazing food (goat cheese souffle, I still dream about you!!), watched movies ON DECK, played games, went to cheesy trivia nights... It was just so, so great. I didn't want to leave the ship!<br />
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1. <b>Broadway Times Four</b><br />
Sometimes I still can't believe that when I went to New York this summer, I got to see "Newsies." And "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder." And "Matilda." AND "Les Miserables." Four shows in three days. It was so amazing, so magical, so unbelievable. You can check out the full story <a href="http://saltwatercoke.blogspot.com/2014/07/four-broadway-shows-how-we-did-it.html" target="_blank">here</a>. They were all fantastic, and I frequently look back on that trip with such wonder, asking myself "How did we get here, Skitch?"<br />
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<b>Honorable Mention:</b> Morby/Ciminello Family vacation in Galveston/Houston. Stand up paddle boarding, Top Golf, games, shuffleboard, Schlitterbahn, and LOTS of Norah time. (We just won't talk about that whole "everybody got sick and threw up all over the place" part.)Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10495878178424454556noreply@blogger.com0