Thanks to Pop Candy I have learned that my favorite soft drink Dr Pepper debuted way back in 1885 (even though I should have known this already because it says so on all of their cans). The brand celebrated it's 125th anniversary by staging a flash mob yesterday at the New York Stock Exchange.
The man singing is David Naughton (Cal Naughton, Jr's uncle?), who appeared in Dr Pepper's "Be a Pepper" ad campaign back in the 1970's. As much as I like Dr Pepper, I have to admit that this was one of the worst flash mob (apparently that's the term) performances that I have ever seen.
Either way, here are some cool things to know about Dr Pepper:
Dr Pepper predates Coca-Cola by one year.
There is no period in Dr Pepper as it was removed for styllistic and legibility reasons in the 1950's.
There is a Dr Pepper musuem in Waco, Texas.
In the Academy Award winning film Forrest Gump (1994), Forrest (played by Tom Hanks) is invited to the White House for being named as an All American kick returner for the University of Alabama. While there Forrest says, "The best part about goin' to the White House was, they had all the food and drink that you wanted ... I must have had me 15 Dr Peppers."
I own this t-shirt and wore it as a part of my not so witty Halloween costume.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Leading Role: Kate Winslet
I don't think there's really much debate. The six-time Academy Award nominee (one win- The Reader (2008)) is currently the best actress in Hollywood. If there was an acting Hall of Fame (and there should be) Winslet would be in on the first ballot. Her body of work, especially her versatility in terms of the characters that she plays, is simply incredible. There is no typecasting her. In that respect, (keeping the sports analogy going) she is like a five tool baseball player.
While there is no doubting the acting ability of Hollywood's number one leading lady, I must say that I do question her looks. I almost included her in my recent Hot or Not post, but I think the overwhelming majority would have leaned towards not. Now that isn't to say that she isn't an attractive woman. She certainly has her moments and is more of the elegant beauty type, but hot would not be a word to describe her. She's just a little thick (maybe too negative of a connotation, but I think you get my point) and apparently she has huge feet (size 11). That all being said, she certainly isn't shy about baring it all. In fact, she appears naked in Titanic, Little Children (if memory serves), and The Reader and had this to say about doing nude scenes back in 2002, "I like exposing myself. There's not an awful lot that embarrasses me. I'm the kind of actress that absolutely believes in exposing myself."
Perhaps my favorite part about Winslet is her friendship with Leonardo DiCaprio. I can't even think of a comparison for this friendship. Winslet, like I said, is hands down the best actress going right now and Leo is arguably the best actor. In fact, I was recently asked my top five actors and I responded with Denzel, DiCaprio, Penn, Phillip Seymour-Hoffman, and Matt Damon (Clooney is probably six and Tom Hanks and Daniel Dey Lewis are both still awesome, but they are past their prime). Anyway, as I'm sure you well know, Winslet and DiCaprio burst onto the scene together in James Cameron's Titanic back in 1997. Apparently the two have remained close ever since. They are so close, in fact, that Winslet's two children refer to DiCaprio as Uncle Leo (HELLO).
Okay, so now it's time to decide which of Winslet's roles is her finest. By now you should know the drill, but if you don't here it is. Let's assume that Winslet decides to pull a Joaquin Phoenix and walk away from acting. If that were to happen, which of her roles would be considered her best? Which role would be the one where she put it all together? Which role would she most be remembered for (I fear that this one is already decided no matter what she does for the rest of her career)?
The nominees are.....
1.) Rose in Titanic (1997)
In this incredibly long and anticlimactic film, Winslet plays a young socialite aboard the ill-fated ship who meets and falls in love with a lower class boy (DiCaprio) over the course of a few chance encounters.
Most Memorable Lines:
Jack: This is crazy.
Rose: I know. It doesn't make any sense. That's why I trust it.
Molly Brown: Hey, uh, who thought of the name Titanic? Was it you, Bruce?
Ismay: Yes, actually. I wanted to convey sheer size, and size means stability, luxury, and above all, strength.
Rose: Do you know of Dr. Freud, Mr. Ismay? His ideas about the male preoccupation with size might be of particular interest to you.
Rose: I believe you are blushing, Mr. Big Artiste. I can't imagine Monsieur Monet blushing.
Jack: He does landscapes.
Ruth: You're not to see that boy again. Do you understand me? Rose, I forbid it.
Rose: Oh stop it, mother. You'll give yourself a nose bleed.
Synopsis: This role notched Winslet her second Academy Award nomination (the youngest to do so) and really put her on the map. It's probably the role that she is most known for because until yesterday Titanic was the highest grossing film of all time, but I don't think it's her best performance.
Fun fact- I had not seen Titanic in its entirety until June of 2008.
2.) Clementine in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
In this film Winslet plays a carefree, commitment shy girl who dyes her hair and undergoes a procedure to erase her ex-boyfriend (played by Jim Carrey) from her memory after their relationship goes south.
Most Memorable Lines:
Clementine: Too many guys think I'm a concept, or I complete them, or I'm gonna make them alive. But I'm just a fucked-up girl who's lookin' for my own peace of mind; don't assign me yours.
Clementine: Sometimes I think people don't understand how lonely it is to be a kid, like you don't matter.
Clementine: I had you pegged, didn't I?
Joel: You had the whole human race pegged.
Clementine: Hmm. Probably.
Joel: I don't see anything I don't like about you.
Clementine: But you will! But you will, and I'll get bored with you and feel trapped, because that's what happens with me.
Synopsis: Of all of her roles Winslet has said that this one is her favorite. It earned her an Oscar nomination and showcased her versatility as an actress. Clementine is a fucked up girl whose need to be independent pushes her away from those that get close to her and Winslet nailed it. Not only is Eternal Sunshine wildly underrated as a movie, but so too is Winslet's portrayal of Clementine in it.
3.) Sylvia in Finding Neverland (2004)
In this film Winslet plays the widowed mother of three boys who begin spending a significant amount of time with J.M. Barrie (played by Johnny Depp) even though society condemns him for it (because he's married). Her character (Sylvia) develops a fatal disease, but she enjoys Barrie's relationship with her and her boys until she passes away.
Most Memorable Lines:
J.M. Barrie: They can see it, you know. You can't go on just pretending.
Sylvia Llewelyn Davies: Just pretending? You brought pretending into this family, James. You showed us we can change things by simply believing them to be different.
J.M. Barrie: A lot of things, Sylvia. Not everything.
Sylvia Llewelyn Davies: But the things that matter. We've pretended for some time now that you're a part of this family, haven't we? You've come to mean so much to us all that now, it doesn't matter if it's true. And even if it isn't true, even if that can never be... I need to go on pretending... until the end... with you.
J.M. Barrie: I think it was the first time she ever actually looked at me, and that was the end of the boy James. I used to say to myself he'd gone to Neverland.
Sylvia Llewelyn Davies: Where?
J.M. Barrie: Neverland. It's a wonderful place... I've not spoken about this before to anyone- ever.
Sylvia Llewelyn Davies: What's it like, Neverland?
J.M. Barrie: One day I'll take you there.
Synopsis: I think it's safe to say that this isn't her best role, but it might be the best movie that she's been in (and she's been in some very good movies). The movie is driven by J.M. Barrie's relationship with the kids. Syliva just so happens to be their mother.
4.) Hanna Schmitz in The Reader (2008)
In this post WWII film (of course Ralph Fiennes is in it) Winslet plays a German woman who has an affair with a young boy (highschool age). Years later, she is on trial for her involvement as a guard in a Nazi concentration camp and the now older boy can't make sense of it.
Most Memorable Line:
Hanna Schmitz: It doesn't matter what I feel. It doesn't matter what I think. The dead are still dead.
Synopsis: It's hard to believe that this is the role that finally won her the Academy Award for Best Actress, but I think it's safe to say that the award was long overdue. Winslet definitely delivers in a naive, confused, yet oddly desirous and quietly thankful sort of way (if you've seen the movie that should make sense), but I thought she was much better in the next film.
5.) April Wheeler in Revolutionary Road (2008)
In this film Winslet plays a housewife living in Connecticut in the 1950's who suddenly isn't satisfied with the suburban life that she thought she wanted.
Most Memorable Lines:
April Wheeler: So now I'm crazy because I don't love you, right? Is that the point?
Frank Wheeler: No! Wrong! You're not crazy, and you do love me. That's the point, April.
April Wheeler: But I don't. I hate you. You were just some boy who made me laugh at a party once, and now I loathe the sight of you. In fact, if you come any closer, if you touch me or anything, I think I'll scream.
April Wheeler: Look at us. We're just like everyone else. We've bought into the same, ridiculous delusion. This idea that you have to settle down and resign from life.
April Wheeler: Tell me the truth, Frank, remember that? We used to live by it. And you know what's so good about the truth? Everyone knows what it is however long they've lived without it. No one forgets the truth, Frank, they just get better at lying.
Synopsis: I am still flabergasted as to how this movie, and Winslet's subsequent role in it, got punked by the Academy. Winslet won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for this role, yet she wasn't nominated in the same category at the Oscars? Winslet is off the charts good in this film. She captures the volatility of a housewife yearning for more in an explosive way. As April Wheeler she is both equally rational and irrational and content and discontent. I've said before that when I first saw this movie I felt as if Winslet and DiCaprio were going back and forth trying to out act (steal the show) from each other. That being said, I think Winslet, hands down, came out on top. To me this is her opus magnum. The only problem is that she didn't get enough recognition from the big boy critics for the masses to take notice.
My apologies to Winslet's other great roles in Sense and Sensibility (1995), Iris (2002) and The Life of David Gale (2003) because I have not yet seen them, although let the record show that The Life of David Gale is in my Netflix queue.
While there is no doubting the acting ability of Hollywood's number one leading lady, I must say that I do question her looks. I almost included her in my recent Hot or Not post, but I think the overwhelming majority would have leaned towards not. Now that isn't to say that she isn't an attractive woman. She certainly has her moments and is more of the elegant beauty type, but hot would not be a word to describe her. She's just a little thick (maybe too negative of a connotation, but I think you get my point) and apparently she has huge feet (size 11). That all being said, she certainly isn't shy about baring it all. In fact, she appears naked in Titanic, Little Children (if memory serves), and The Reader and had this to say about doing nude scenes back in 2002, "I like exposing myself. There's not an awful lot that embarrasses me. I'm the kind of actress that absolutely believes in exposing myself."
Perhaps my favorite part about Winslet is her friendship with Leonardo DiCaprio. I can't even think of a comparison for this friendship. Winslet, like I said, is hands down the best actress going right now and Leo is arguably the best actor. In fact, I was recently asked my top five actors and I responded with Denzel, DiCaprio, Penn, Phillip Seymour-Hoffman, and Matt Damon (Clooney is probably six and Tom Hanks and Daniel Dey Lewis are both still awesome, but they are past their prime). Anyway, as I'm sure you well know, Winslet and DiCaprio burst onto the scene together in James Cameron's Titanic back in 1997. Apparently the two have remained close ever since. They are so close, in fact, that Winslet's two children refer to DiCaprio as Uncle Leo (HELLO).
Okay, so now it's time to decide which of Winslet's roles is her finest. By now you should know the drill, but if you don't here it is. Let's assume that Winslet decides to pull a Joaquin Phoenix and walk away from acting. If that were to happen, which of her roles would be considered her best? Which role would be the one where she put it all together? Which role would she most be remembered for (I fear that this one is already decided no matter what she does for the rest of her career)?
The nominees are.....
1.) Rose in Titanic (1997)
In this incredibly long and anticlimactic film, Winslet plays a young socialite aboard the ill-fated ship who meets and falls in love with a lower class boy (DiCaprio) over the course of a few chance encounters.
Most Memorable Lines:
Jack: This is crazy.
Rose: I know. It doesn't make any sense. That's why I trust it.
Molly Brown: Hey, uh, who thought of the name Titanic? Was it you, Bruce?
Ismay: Yes, actually. I wanted to convey sheer size, and size means stability, luxury, and above all, strength.
Rose: Do you know of Dr. Freud, Mr. Ismay? His ideas about the male preoccupation with size might be of particular interest to you.
Rose: I believe you are blushing, Mr. Big Artiste. I can't imagine Monsieur Monet blushing.
Jack: He does landscapes.
Ruth: You're not to see that boy again. Do you understand me? Rose, I forbid it.
Rose: Oh stop it, mother. You'll give yourself a nose bleed.
Synopsis: This role notched Winslet her second Academy Award nomination (the youngest to do so) and really put her on the map. It's probably the role that she is most known for because until yesterday Titanic was the highest grossing film of all time, but I don't think it's her best performance.
Fun fact- I had not seen Titanic in its entirety until June of 2008.
2.) Clementine in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
In this film Winslet plays a carefree, commitment shy girl who dyes her hair and undergoes a procedure to erase her ex-boyfriend (played by Jim Carrey) from her memory after their relationship goes south.
Most Memorable Lines:
Clementine: Too many guys think I'm a concept, or I complete them, or I'm gonna make them alive. But I'm just a fucked-up girl who's lookin' for my own peace of mind; don't assign me yours.
Clementine: Sometimes I think people don't understand how lonely it is to be a kid, like you don't matter.
Clementine: I had you pegged, didn't I?
Joel: You had the whole human race pegged.
Clementine: Hmm. Probably.
Joel: I don't see anything I don't like about you.
Clementine: But you will! But you will, and I'll get bored with you and feel trapped, because that's what happens with me.
Synopsis: Of all of her roles Winslet has said that this one is her favorite. It earned her an Oscar nomination and showcased her versatility as an actress. Clementine is a fucked up girl whose need to be independent pushes her away from those that get close to her and Winslet nailed it. Not only is Eternal Sunshine wildly underrated as a movie, but so too is Winslet's portrayal of Clementine in it.
3.) Sylvia in Finding Neverland (2004)
In this film Winslet plays the widowed mother of three boys who begin spending a significant amount of time with J.M. Barrie (played by Johnny Depp) even though society condemns him for it (because he's married). Her character (Sylvia) develops a fatal disease, but she enjoys Barrie's relationship with her and her boys until she passes away.
Most Memorable Lines:
J.M. Barrie: They can see it, you know. You can't go on just pretending.
Sylvia Llewelyn Davies: Just pretending? You brought pretending into this family, James. You showed us we can change things by simply believing them to be different.
J.M. Barrie: A lot of things, Sylvia. Not everything.
Sylvia Llewelyn Davies: But the things that matter. We've pretended for some time now that you're a part of this family, haven't we? You've come to mean so much to us all that now, it doesn't matter if it's true. And even if it isn't true, even if that can never be... I need to go on pretending... until the end... with you.
J.M. Barrie: I think it was the first time she ever actually looked at me, and that was the end of the boy James. I used to say to myself he'd gone to Neverland.
Sylvia Llewelyn Davies: Where?
J.M. Barrie: Neverland. It's a wonderful place... I've not spoken about this before to anyone- ever.
Sylvia Llewelyn Davies: What's it like, Neverland?
J.M. Barrie: One day I'll take you there.
Synopsis: I think it's safe to say that this isn't her best role, but it might be the best movie that she's been in (and she's been in some very good movies). The movie is driven by J.M. Barrie's relationship with the kids. Syliva just so happens to be their mother.
4.) Hanna Schmitz in The Reader (2008)
In this post WWII film (of course Ralph Fiennes is in it) Winslet plays a German woman who has an affair with a young boy (highschool age). Years later, she is on trial for her involvement as a guard in a Nazi concentration camp and the now older boy can't make sense of it.
Most Memorable Line:
Hanna Schmitz: It doesn't matter what I feel. It doesn't matter what I think. The dead are still dead.
Synopsis: It's hard to believe that this is the role that finally won her the Academy Award for Best Actress, but I think it's safe to say that the award was long overdue. Winslet definitely delivers in a naive, confused, yet oddly desirous and quietly thankful sort of way (if you've seen the movie that should make sense), but I thought she was much better in the next film.
5.) April Wheeler in Revolutionary Road (2008)
In this film Winslet plays a housewife living in Connecticut in the 1950's who suddenly isn't satisfied with the suburban life that she thought she wanted.
Most Memorable Lines:
April Wheeler: So now I'm crazy because I don't love you, right? Is that the point?
Frank Wheeler: No! Wrong! You're not crazy, and you do love me. That's the point, April.
April Wheeler: But I don't. I hate you. You were just some boy who made me laugh at a party once, and now I loathe the sight of you. In fact, if you come any closer, if you touch me or anything, I think I'll scream.
April Wheeler: Look at us. We're just like everyone else. We've bought into the same, ridiculous delusion. This idea that you have to settle down and resign from life.
April Wheeler: Tell me the truth, Frank, remember that? We used to live by it. And you know what's so good about the truth? Everyone knows what it is however long they've lived without it. No one forgets the truth, Frank, they just get better at lying.
Synopsis: I am still flabergasted as to how this movie, and Winslet's subsequent role in it, got punked by the Academy. Winslet won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for this role, yet she wasn't nominated in the same category at the Oscars? Winslet is off the charts good in this film. She captures the volatility of a housewife yearning for more in an explosive way. As April Wheeler she is both equally rational and irrational and content and discontent. I've said before that when I first saw this movie I felt as if Winslet and DiCaprio were going back and forth trying to out act (steal the show) from each other. That being said, I think Winslet, hands down, came out on top. To me this is her opus magnum. The only problem is that she didn't get enough recognition from the big boy critics for the masses to take notice.
My apologies to Winslet's other great roles in Sense and Sensibility (1995), Iris (2002) and The Life of David Gale (2003) because I have not yet seen them, although let the record show that The Life of David Gale is in my Netflix queue.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
10 things/questions about Avatar
Here's what you need to know about Avatar before, or after, you see it.
1.) Yes, the special effects are amazing. James Cameron's mythical planet Pandora is visually stunning. I don't even know how they did it, but the unique creatures, floating mountains, flight scenes, etc. are a thrill to experience, especially in 3D. The first half of the movie is absolutely visually stimulating and then the experience only gets better as things start to blow up.
2.) I've heard that the movie is awesome in 3D, but what is it about? A paraplegic ex-marine, named Jake Sully, travels to the planet Pandora as part of a scientific mission to learn about the natives (the Na'vi). Jake does just that, but there is also a military presence on the planet waiting for the go-ahead to attack the natives in order to obtain a precious mineral, unobtanium, that can solve the Earth's energy crisis. Jake reports schematic information about the Na'vi village back to the military commander, but insists on trying to reach a diplomatic agreement before the order to attack is given.
3.) What's the deal with these blue creatures? These blue creatures are the Na'vi. They are humanoids (taller, faster, and stronger than humans) who speak their own language and live on Pandora. Not only does each Na'vi have a tail, but they also have what appears to be a long pony tail with flailing tentacles that attaches to various creatures, wildlife, and other Na'vi. They worship the goddess Eywa and perfrom crazy tribal chants that are much wilder than this one.
4.) Why does James Camerson want me to root against the human race? The non-scientist humans in this film are completely and utterly vilified. Never in my life have I seen a movie where the human race, as represented by the military force on Pandora, is portrayed so negatively. The implication is literally that we (humans) are the bad guys and they (the Na'vi) are the good guys. Why are people okay with this? Is it because the Na'vi have weird trees with tentacles and they can communicate with their ancestors? Seriously, take a step back for a minute and look at it from the human's point of view. The fate of the Earth/human race is at stake. Another planet has a mineral that can solve the Earth's problem. The clock is ticking. Would it not make logical sense to do anything in our power to obtain this mineral?
5.) Is the film too long? Yes and no. The film is two hours and forty minutes, which by my standards is wayy too long, but it doesn't drag as much as I thought it would. That being said, I did feel as if some scenes were forced and unnecessary, even though they ended up being essential for future developments in the plot (1.) The introduction of Toruk 2.) When the Na'vi try to revive Sigourney Weaver's character). To me these scenes felt like an 8th grader's first attempt at foreshadowing.
6.) Should it have won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture-Drama? No. Up in the Air is a much better movie (and from what I've seen and heard, so is The Hurt Locker). The takeaway feeling after seeing Avatar is based solely on the film's physical presentation. Up in the Air connects with the viewer on a much more human level. Avatar is a fantasy targeted towards teenage boys. Up in the Air has a message for adults.
7.) Was I turned on by the Avatar sex scene? I'll be honest, I felt a little tingle in my man parts. Although, as my friend Frank writes, "If the film's constant declaration of Na'vi love, "I see you" becomes a catch phrase I'm done having conversations with people." This reminded me of the repeated use of the word "ditto", easily one of my least favorite words in the English language, in Ghost (1990).
8.) Is Avatar going to be our generation's Star Wars? Unfortunately I think the answer is yes and here's why. I'm sure you've heard this 1000 times by now, but it took James Cameron 12 years to make this movie. He filmed it in a way that no other movie has been filmed before. There was no way to create an actual, physical set to film Pandoran (Pandorian?) scenes, so the actors and actresses playing the Na'vi/Na'vi avatars wore crazy helmets that showed them what their surroundings looked like. I'm by no means a "gamer", but it's the equivalent of them all playing a virtual reality video game. This enabled Cameron to capture their genuine facial expressions/body language/etc. Now combine future advancements in computer technology with this way of filming and we may soon see the end of the physical set. Acting may soon turn into a bunch of people standing in front of a green screen wearing goofy helmets.
Also, I feel as if this film is going to be the one that gets all of the credit for the move to 3D even though I saw the Muppets in 3D in Disney World back in '96. While the thought of moviegoers wearing 3D glasses for every movie they go to is a bit absurd, I don't think we are too far away from this becoming a reality.
Lastly, I can already see the Avatar nerds forming fan groups and going to conventions dressed as Na'vi to develop more and more of the language.
9.) The star of the movie is....James Cameron. This movie has been Cameron's lifelong project. He has said that this is the film he wanted to see when he was a 13-year old boy. He wrote it, he directed it, and he made sure that he was the star even though he does not appear in it. The biggest name in the cast is Sigourney Weaver, but she's washed up and only plays a supporting role (which she did well). The real star of the film is Zoe Saldana, but her character (Neytiri) is a Na'vi. It's a shame, but she won't get nearly the amount of accolades that she should because no one will be able to recognize her. Yes, Neytiri is made in her image and likeness, but the blue skin and humanoid body ruin any chance for her to achieve any sort of identifiability (if that's not a word then I just made it up). Just so you know, this is what she looks like in the flesh.
10.) Is Avatar a social commentary? All the makings are there, but I hope not. Here is why some people think it is. In the film, Earth (the United States) invades a foreign land (Iraq) in order to obtain a precious mineral (oil) that will solve their energy crisis. Now I've connected the dots for you, but I just don't think James Cameron is the bleeding heart liberal Hollywood type. I'm convinced that he was just trying to make a movie that teenagers would love and remember for the rest of their lives.
1.) Yes, the special effects are amazing. James Cameron's mythical planet Pandora is visually stunning. I don't even know how they did it, but the unique creatures, floating mountains, flight scenes, etc. are a thrill to experience, especially in 3D. The first half of the movie is absolutely visually stimulating and then the experience only gets better as things start to blow up.
2.) I've heard that the movie is awesome in 3D, but what is it about? A paraplegic ex-marine, named Jake Sully, travels to the planet Pandora as part of a scientific mission to learn about the natives (the Na'vi). Jake does just that, but there is also a military presence on the planet waiting for the go-ahead to attack the natives in order to obtain a precious mineral, unobtanium, that can solve the Earth's energy crisis. Jake reports schematic information about the Na'vi village back to the military commander, but insists on trying to reach a diplomatic agreement before the order to attack is given.
3.) What's the deal with these blue creatures? These blue creatures are the Na'vi. They are humanoids (taller, faster, and stronger than humans) who speak their own language and live on Pandora. Not only does each Na'vi have a tail, but they also have what appears to be a long pony tail with flailing tentacles that attaches to various creatures, wildlife, and other Na'vi. They worship the goddess Eywa and perfrom crazy tribal chants that are much wilder than this one.
4.) Why does James Camerson want me to root against the human race? The non-scientist humans in this film are completely and utterly vilified. Never in my life have I seen a movie where the human race, as represented by the military force on Pandora, is portrayed so negatively. The implication is literally that we (humans) are the bad guys and they (the Na'vi) are the good guys. Why are people okay with this? Is it because the Na'vi have weird trees with tentacles and they can communicate with their ancestors? Seriously, take a step back for a minute and look at it from the human's point of view. The fate of the Earth/human race is at stake. Another planet has a mineral that can solve the Earth's problem. The clock is ticking. Would it not make logical sense to do anything in our power to obtain this mineral?
5.) Is the film too long? Yes and no. The film is two hours and forty minutes, which by my standards is wayy too long, but it doesn't drag as much as I thought it would. That being said, I did feel as if some scenes were forced and unnecessary, even though they ended up being essential for future developments in the plot (1.) The introduction of Toruk 2.) When the Na'vi try to revive Sigourney Weaver's character). To me these scenes felt like an 8th grader's first attempt at foreshadowing.
6.) Should it have won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture-Drama? No. Up in the Air is a much better movie (and from what I've seen and heard, so is The Hurt Locker). The takeaway feeling after seeing Avatar is based solely on the film's physical presentation. Up in the Air connects with the viewer on a much more human level. Avatar is a fantasy targeted towards teenage boys. Up in the Air has a message for adults.
7.) Was I turned on by the Avatar sex scene? I'll be honest, I felt a little tingle in my man parts. Although, as my friend Frank writes, "If the film's constant declaration of Na'vi love, "I see you" becomes a catch phrase I'm done having conversations with people." This reminded me of the repeated use of the word "ditto", easily one of my least favorite words in the English language, in Ghost (1990).
8.) Is Avatar going to be our generation's Star Wars? Unfortunately I think the answer is yes and here's why. I'm sure you've heard this 1000 times by now, but it took James Cameron 12 years to make this movie. He filmed it in a way that no other movie has been filmed before. There was no way to create an actual, physical set to film Pandoran (Pandorian?) scenes, so the actors and actresses playing the Na'vi/Na'vi avatars wore crazy helmets that showed them what their surroundings looked like. I'm by no means a "gamer", but it's the equivalent of them all playing a virtual reality video game. This enabled Cameron to capture their genuine facial expressions/body language/etc. Now combine future advancements in computer technology with this way of filming and we may soon see the end of the physical set. Acting may soon turn into a bunch of people standing in front of a green screen wearing goofy helmets.
Also, I feel as if this film is going to be the one that gets all of the credit for the move to 3D even though I saw the Muppets in 3D in Disney World back in '96. While the thought of moviegoers wearing 3D glasses for every movie they go to is a bit absurd, I don't think we are too far away from this becoming a reality.
Lastly, I can already see the Avatar nerds forming fan groups and going to conventions dressed as Na'vi to develop more and more of the language.
9.) The star of the movie is....James Cameron. This movie has been Cameron's lifelong project. He has said that this is the film he wanted to see when he was a 13-year old boy. He wrote it, he directed it, and he made sure that he was the star even though he does not appear in it. The biggest name in the cast is Sigourney Weaver, but she's washed up and only plays a supporting role (which she did well). The real star of the film is Zoe Saldana, but her character (Neytiri) is a Na'vi. It's a shame, but she won't get nearly the amount of accolades that she should because no one will be able to recognize her. Yes, Neytiri is made in her image and likeness, but the blue skin and humanoid body ruin any chance for her to achieve any sort of identifiability (if that's not a word then I just made it up). Just so you know, this is what she looks like in the flesh.
10.) Is Avatar a social commentary? All the makings are there, but I hope not. Here is why some people think it is. In the film, Earth (the United States) invades a foreign land (Iraq) in order to obtain a precious mineral (oil) that will solve their energy crisis. Now I've connected the dots for you, but I just don't think James Cameron is the bleeding heart liberal Hollywood type. I'm convinced that he was just trying to make a movie that teenagers would love and remember for the rest of their lives.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Hot or Not
Hollywood C-lister (maybe B) Amanda Peet appeared on the CBS comedy How I Met Your Mother on Monday night and she looked great. This caught me by surprise because I've never really been a fan of hers in the past.
After thinking more about it I realized that she's just one of a handful of actresses whose attractiveness experiences certain ebbs and flows. In one movie she's hot, the next she's not. Then you see her on The Tonight Show (I'm not getting into that whole fiasco, but an inordinate amount of female celebrities look great as guests on late night talk shows) and she looks hot again. You get the idea. I imagine that these women must be the actresses that actually have talent whereas the Jessica Alba's and the Megan Fox's of the world get by simply because they're hot.
The only other explanation would be that their inconclusive sexual appeal is the very characteristic that makes them appealing in the first place. Now I don't necessarily buy that, but take a look at this excerpt from a July '09 article (well, mailbag) written by ESPN.Com's Bill Simmons.
"Q: My girlfriend has been making me watch "The Bachelorette" and I'm not even ashamed. Isn't it easily as good as any other Monday night comedy? Plus, there's Jillian and the unending internal debate in my head as to whether she's hot or not. Literally every shot of her evokes a different reaction from me. I'm amazed at how intriguing the show is.
-- Mike B. Brighton, Mass.
SG: And you left out Wes, the two-timing country singer who wasn't there for the right reasons, as well as the appropriately named Ed, who couldn't rise to the occasion with Jillian in a sleepover date and now is headed for a double-bathtub ad with her for Cialis. But I had to follow up on your Jillian comment. Never, not ever, not in the history of mankind, has a TV or movie star vacillated back and forth between "not attractive" to "super attractive" this frequently. If you charted it, it would be like an EKG exam gone haywire. She's cute. She's not cute. She's hot. She's smoking! Yikes, I wish her face didn't just do that. She's cute. She's not cute. She's super cute. A genius selection by the show's producer. No wonder Ed couldn't come through on the sleepover date; even his organs were confused by Jillian's looks."
For the record in that case I do buy it, but that's neither here nor there. This waffling of hotness by certain actresses has gone too far. It's time to make some decisions.
I've selected five actresses that teeter back and forth on the theoretical scale of attractiveness. To help illustrate my point I have included two pictures of each. One where I think that they look attractive (on the left) and one where I think that they do not (on the right). I will then decide, once and for all, whether the actress in question is hot, or not.
Let's get to the judging.
1.) Amanda Peet
I think the reason that I wasn't a fan of hers is because I only really knew her from her roles in two movies.
1.) In The Whole Nine Yards (2000) she plays a young, crazy girl who falls for a serial killer. Bottom line- she didn't do it for me.
2.) In Saving Silverman (2001) she plays an unlikable, controlling girlfriend (her name in the Australian version of the film was "Evil Woman") named Judith. She by no means looked bad, but I never fell for her because she was the villian.
Nine years have transpired since she's really been in the spotlight (she's now 38), but after her appearance on HIMYM I think it's safe to say that she's matured quite nicely.
Verdict: HOT
2.) Kirsten Dunst
She looked great in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) (jumping around in your underwear doesn't hurt) and decent in the Spiderman movies with red hair, but if you don't look good with air blowing in your face then something's wrong.
Verdict: NOT
3.) Hilary Swank
I know that the entire subplot of an episode of The Office was centered around whether or not she was hot, but I would like the record to show that I weighed in on this debate in a 2007 column that I wrote for my college newspaper.
Furthermore, there is a website (ishilaryswankhot.com) that is a running poll devoted to answering this question. The majority opinion only has 51% of the vote.
All that aside, I think the two-time Academy Award winner is hurt (from an attractiveness standpoint) by the roles that she chooses. In her breakout role in Boys Don't Cry (1999) she plays a popular teenage boy who is discovered to have been born a girl. In her other Oscar winning role in Million Dollar Baby (2004) she plays a female boxer who gets bruised and battered and wears a mouth piece.
Lastly, I know a girl that has a little Hilary Swank thing going on (the mouth/jaw), but she's much more attractive (and younger- I think she's 20?). I'd post a picture of her, but I think it might be a little creepy considering that 1.) I hardly know her and 2.) She is 1-2 years younger than my friend's little brother (a senior in college) whom she dated.
Verdict: NOT
4.) Uma Thurman
I don't know if it was her seductive portrayal of Poison Ivy in Batman & Robin (1997), her badass murderous rampage in the Kill Bill films (bonus points for being the Black Mamba- the very nickname that Kobe Bryant stole), or her role as Ben Affleck's love interest in the very underrated film Paycheck (2003), but I'm an Uma Thurman fan.
She looks horrendous in the picture to the right above, but it's hard to argue with her long, slender frame.
Verdict: HOT
5.) Amy Adams
She's not drop-dead gorgeous by any means and I don't think she's really all that well known, but she's definitely a rising star in Hollywood.
I first noticed her potential when she played Frank Abagnale, Jr.'s (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) wife in Catch Me If You Can (2002). I then loved her in both Talladega Nights (2007) and Charlie Wilson's War (2007). She defintely took a step back (in terms of her attractiveness) when she played a nun in Doubt (2008), but that role got her a second Oscar nomination, so I can't knock her too much for it.
I'm not wild about red heads, but certain ones do it for me and Amy Adams is definitely one of them.
Verdict: HOT
After thinking more about it I realized that she's just one of a handful of actresses whose attractiveness experiences certain ebbs and flows. In one movie she's hot, the next she's not. Then you see her on The Tonight Show (I'm not getting into that whole fiasco, but an inordinate amount of female celebrities look great as guests on late night talk shows) and she looks hot again. You get the idea. I imagine that these women must be the actresses that actually have talent whereas the Jessica Alba's and the Megan Fox's of the world get by simply because they're hot.
The only other explanation would be that their inconclusive sexual appeal is the very characteristic that makes them appealing in the first place. Now I don't necessarily buy that, but take a look at this excerpt from a July '09 article (well, mailbag) written by ESPN.Com's Bill Simmons.
"Q: My girlfriend has been making me watch "The Bachelorette" and I'm not even ashamed. Isn't it easily as good as any other Monday night comedy? Plus, there's Jillian and the unending internal debate in my head as to whether she's hot or not. Literally every shot of her evokes a different reaction from me. I'm amazed at how intriguing the show is.
-- Mike B. Brighton, Mass.
SG: And you left out Wes, the two-timing country singer who wasn't there for the right reasons, as well as the appropriately named Ed, who couldn't rise to the occasion with Jillian in a sleepover date and now is headed for a double-bathtub ad with her for Cialis. But I had to follow up on your Jillian comment. Never, not ever, not in the history of mankind, has a TV or movie star vacillated back and forth between "not attractive" to "super attractive" this frequently. If you charted it, it would be like an EKG exam gone haywire. She's cute. She's not cute. She's hot. She's smoking! Yikes, I wish her face didn't just do that. She's cute. She's not cute. She's super cute. A genius selection by the show's producer. No wonder Ed couldn't come through on the sleepover date; even his organs were confused by Jillian's looks."
For the record in that case I do buy it, but that's neither here nor there. This waffling of hotness by certain actresses has gone too far. It's time to make some decisions.
I've selected five actresses that teeter back and forth on the theoretical scale of attractiveness. To help illustrate my point I have included two pictures of each. One where I think that they look attractive (on the left) and one where I think that they do not (on the right). I will then decide, once and for all, whether the actress in question is hot, or not.
Let's get to the judging.
1.) Amanda Peet
I think the reason that I wasn't a fan of hers is because I only really knew her from her roles in two movies.
1.) In The Whole Nine Yards (2000) she plays a young, crazy girl who falls for a serial killer. Bottom line- she didn't do it for me.
2.) In Saving Silverman (2001) she plays an unlikable, controlling girlfriend (her name in the Australian version of the film was "Evil Woman") named Judith. She by no means looked bad, but I never fell for her because she was the villian.
Nine years have transpired since she's really been in the spotlight (she's now 38), but after her appearance on HIMYM I think it's safe to say that she's matured quite nicely.
Verdict: HOT
2.) Kirsten Dunst
She looked great in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) (jumping around in your underwear doesn't hurt) and decent in the Spiderman movies with red hair, but if you don't look good with air blowing in your face then something's wrong.
Verdict: NOT
3.) Hilary Swank
I know that the entire subplot of an episode of The Office was centered around whether or not she was hot, but I would like the record to show that I weighed in on this debate in a 2007 column that I wrote for my college newspaper.
Furthermore, there is a website (ishilaryswankhot.com) that is a running poll devoted to answering this question. The majority opinion only has 51% of the vote.
All that aside, I think the two-time Academy Award winner is hurt (from an attractiveness standpoint) by the roles that she chooses. In her breakout role in Boys Don't Cry (1999) she plays a popular teenage boy who is discovered to have been born a girl. In her other Oscar winning role in Million Dollar Baby (2004) she plays a female boxer who gets bruised and battered and wears a mouth piece.
Lastly, I know a girl that has a little Hilary Swank thing going on (the mouth/jaw), but she's much more attractive (and younger- I think she's 20?). I'd post a picture of her, but I think it might be a little creepy considering that 1.) I hardly know her and 2.) She is 1-2 years younger than my friend's little brother (a senior in college) whom she dated.
Verdict: NOT
4.) Uma Thurman
I don't know if it was her seductive portrayal of Poison Ivy in Batman & Robin (1997), her badass murderous rampage in the Kill Bill films (bonus points for being the Black Mamba- the very nickname that Kobe Bryant stole), or her role as Ben Affleck's love interest in the very underrated film Paycheck (2003), but I'm an Uma Thurman fan.
She looks horrendous in the picture to the right above, but it's hard to argue with her long, slender frame.
Verdict: HOT
5.) Amy Adams
She's not drop-dead gorgeous by any means and I don't think she's really all that well known, but she's definitely a rising star in Hollywood.
I first noticed her potential when she played Frank Abagnale, Jr.'s (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) wife in Catch Me If You Can (2002). I then loved her in both Talladega Nights (2007) and Charlie Wilson's War (2007). She defintely took a step back (in terms of her attractiveness) when she played a nun in Doubt (2008), but that role got her a second Oscar nomination, so I can't knock her too much for it.
I'm not wild about red heads, but certain ones do it for me and Amy Adams is definitely one of them.
Verdict: HOT
Friday, January 15, 2010
Facts About Beer
I hate chain letters/forwaded emails. In fact, I hate them so much that I might add them to my running hate list. Last week my brother sent an email to my two other brothers, parents, and I about how the grammar school that we all went to is closing. I hit reply all and responded to the news in a lighthearted fashion, but if I had known the reprecussions of my action at the time I never would have done so.
Apparently my mother had never known my email address until she saw my response to my brother's email. The next day I opened up my inbox to find not one, but two chain letters/forwarded emails from her. I cringed at the sight of them. I mean, let's be honest, has anyone ever been excited to read an email that has FWD: in the subject? A few days later I returned to the city of hopes and dreams for the first time in months and while I was there I told my mother that I would not like to receive any more chain letters/forwarded emails from her in the future.
Although I thought my point blank, honest approach would rectify the situation, it did not. On Wednesday I received two more chain letters/forwarded emails from her. I, again, did not read them.
That all being said, 1 out of about every 100 chain letter/forwarded emails is outstanding. Ladies and gentlemen, this is that one. The following was sent to me by my buddy Hermo. He is an 8th/9th grade math teacher and one of the biggest boozehounds I know.
Beer contains female hormones.
This indeed is worrisome.
Last month, Wits University and RAU scientists released the results of a recent analysis that revealed the presence of female hormones in beer. Men should take a concerned look at their beer consumption. The theory is that beer contains female hormones (hops contain phytoestrogens) and that by drinking enough beer, men turn into women. To test the theory, 100 men drank 8 pints of beer each within a 1 hour period.
It was then observed that 100% of the test subjects :
1) Argued over nothing.
2) Refused to apologize when obviously wrong.
3) Gained weight.
4) Talked excessively without making sense.
5) Became overly emotional
6) Couldn't drive.
7) Failed to think rationally.
8) Had to sit down while urinating.
No further testing was considered necessary.
Apparently my mother had never known my email address until she saw my response to my brother's email. The next day I opened up my inbox to find not one, but two chain letters/forwarded emails from her. I cringed at the sight of them. I mean, let's be honest, has anyone ever been excited to read an email that has FWD: in the subject? A few days later I returned to the city of hopes and dreams for the first time in months and while I was there I told my mother that I would not like to receive any more chain letters/forwarded emails from her in the future.
Although I thought my point blank, honest approach would rectify the situation, it did not. On Wednesday I received two more chain letters/forwarded emails from her. I, again, did not read them.
That all being said, 1 out of about every 100 chain letter/forwarded emails is outstanding. Ladies and gentlemen, this is that one. The following was sent to me by my buddy Hermo. He is an 8th/9th grade math teacher and one of the biggest boozehounds I know.
Beer contains female hormones.
This indeed is worrisome.
Last month, Wits University and RAU scientists released the results of a recent analysis that revealed the presence of female hormones in beer. Men should take a concerned look at their beer consumption. The theory is that beer contains female hormones (hops contain phytoestrogens) and that by drinking enough beer, men turn into women. To test the theory, 100 men drank 8 pints of beer each within a 1 hour period.
It was then observed that 100% of the test subjects :
1) Argued over nothing.
2) Refused to apologize when obviously wrong.
3) Gained weight.
4) Talked excessively without making sense.
5) Became overly emotional
6) Couldn't drive.
7) Failed to think rationally.
8) Had to sit down while urinating.
No further testing was considered necessary.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
El Capitan
For as long as I can remember I have been a Yankee hater. George Steinbrenner and his Evil Empire have been the bane of my existence as a Bluejays fan for the better part of the last 15 years. Case in point, last year (first time I'm saying last year and referencing 2009- it feels a little weird) they won the World Series with former Blue Jay great A.J. Burnett as their number 2 starter. They also had former Blue Jay Rookie of the Year Eric Hinske on their roster, but he's been dead to me ever since his sophomore slump in 2003, during which he hit .243 with just 12 homeruns and 63 RBI's.
Winning with former Blue Jays doesn't even begin to describe the hate in my soul, though. Admittedly my hate has dissipated over the years, but growing up I hated how the Yankees always signed the big name free agents. I hated how they always found a way to come back and win. And I hated how they always made the playoffs. The face of the Yankees for the past 15 years has undoubtedly been Derek Jeter, but despite my hate for the organization I have never hated him. Sure he's overrated defensively and I think that this play is overly dramatic, but like I included in a post a few months ago, Jeter is just hard to hate.
Not only is Jeter hard to hate, he's cool. He is largely regarded as one of the lone brightspots of the so-called "steroids era". In fact, baseball fans have become so desensitized to PEDs (performance enhancing drugs) that they would only be surprised if Jeter or Ken Griffey, Jr. were discovered to be users. Jeter's ability to thrive in the clutch as well has his fistful of rings make him a mortal lock to be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame five years after he plays his last game.
While he'll have to wait the requisite time to be inducted into Cooperstown, he will soon become a member of a more illustrious Hall of Fame. In case you haven't heard, the New York Post has reported that the 35-year old Jeter is set to marry his current girlfriend Minka Kelly (more on her later) on November 5th of this year. If this is in fact true it would put an end to one of the most impressive dating resumes of all time. Seriously, everyone always talks about how Joltin' Joe DiMaggio married Marilyn Monroe, but just take a look at what/who D'Slangin' Derek has done. If this isn't worthy of the Bachelorhood Hall of Fame I don't know what is.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey, the 5-time Grammy Award winner, is the only of Jeter's girlfriends that was more famous than him at the time that they dated(right now I'd say they are equally famous). Dating Mariah from '96-'98 may be Jeter's most impressive feat as a bachelor because 1.) She was married to Tommy Mottolla until 1997 and 2.) She was in her (career and sexual) prime and could have had any guy that she wanted (She released her Butterfly album in '97)
By the way, look at Mariah's dating resume. She went from Mottolla (white and 21 years older than her) to Jeter (mulatto and 4 years younger than her) to Nick Cannon (black and 10 years younger than her). P Diddy and/or Mase definitely fucked her during the making of the Honey (Bad Boys Remix) video and she's been working her way towards black guys ever since, right?
Lara Dutta
Dutta, who was born in India, was named Miss Universe in 2000 at the age of 21.
In September of 2009 ESPN.Com's Rick Reilly wrote, "A few years back, Jeter let me open an entire locker full of his mail. The most interesting letter was from a different Miss Universe, who included a photo with not a lot of clothing and her cell number. When I told Jeter -- with astonishment -- that he was being pursued with vigor by a Miss Universe, he said, and I quote exactly: "No way, dude. I'm not going down that Miss Universe road again." I just stared, open-mouthed, at him. Has any man ever uttered that sentence before?"
Jordana Brewster
Jeter dated the soap opera turned Hollywood actress just as she came into the national spotlight for her role in the film The Fast and the Furious (2001).
Adriana Lima
Lima is a Victoria's Secret model who was born in Brazil. She is a devout Catholic that attends church every Sunday. In fact, Lima told GQ in 2006 that she was a virgin and was going to wait until she got married to have sex.
I find it hard to believe that Jeter couldn't snake her v-card, but she has since married former NBA player Marko Jaric and they have a baby girl named Valentina.
Vanessa Minnillo
Long before Nick Lachey came along, Jeter dated the former Miss Teen USA and TRL host. I'm a big fan of Minnillo because she's smoking hot, but still comes across as the girl next door type.
Jessica Alba
Alba is one of the most pre-eminent sex symbols in America (#1 in Maxim's Hot 100 list in 2001, #1 in AskMen.com's 99 Most Desirable Women in 2006) and Jeter, of course, dated her in her prime. Alba is both so hot and known for being so hot that it took me a good 15 seconds to remember that she is an actress.
I thought she was going to be the one to tie Jeter down (they seemed right together), but the two split and she is now married with a child.
Jessica Biel
There was big debate in the 00's about which Jessica, Biel or Alba, was hotter. Go figure Jeter dated them both. Biel first hit it big as the oldest sibling of the Camden family on the WB show 7th Heaven. By the turn of the millenium she knew that she had to branch out from her "goody goody" image to have a lasting career in Hollywood, so what did she do? Although it pissed off her producers at 7th Heaven, she posed for semi-nude photographs for Gear magazine at the age of 17. She has since said that she regrets that decision, but I think it's what skyrocketed her towards super stardom. If she didn't pose for those pictures does she still date Jeter and Justin Timberlake? My guess is no, but then again, I was always in the Alba camp.
Minka Kelly
Jeter has reportedly been dating the Friday Night Lights star since May of 2009 and the two have already been falsely rumored to be engaged.
Even if the rumors are again false, the question still needs to be answered. Where does Minka Kelly rank among Jeter's former flames?
Well first and foremost I'm a huge fan of Friday Night Lights and Minka is unconscionably hot everytime she appears on screen, so I think she's right up there. Next, it's hard to believe, but Minka/Lyla Garrity, is older than both Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel (the youngest of the 3- shocking, I know), but I think this makes her a more compatible match for Jeter. Next, her father is a former guitarist for Aerosmith, which is cool, except for the fact that he abandoned Minka and her mother. Lastly, she may not have the same kind of star power that Jeter's former girlfriends had, but she's entering her prime as an actress and a baby maker and I think Jeter finally wants to settle down.
There are also unsubstantiated rumors that link Jeter to Vida Guerra, Scarlett Johansson, and Gabrielle Union.
Seriously, is anyone else even in Jeter's league? The only other contenders that I can think of are:
Brad Pitt: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie
Justin Timberlake: Britney Spears, Vanessa Milano, Cameron Diaz, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel
and
John Mayer: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson, Minka Kelly, Jennifer Aniston
Winning with former Blue Jays doesn't even begin to describe the hate in my soul, though. Admittedly my hate has dissipated over the years, but growing up I hated how the Yankees always signed the big name free agents. I hated how they always found a way to come back and win. And I hated how they always made the playoffs. The face of the Yankees for the past 15 years has undoubtedly been Derek Jeter, but despite my hate for the organization I have never hated him. Sure he's overrated defensively and I think that this play is overly dramatic, but like I included in a post a few months ago, Jeter is just hard to hate.
Not only is Jeter hard to hate, he's cool. He is largely regarded as one of the lone brightspots of the so-called "steroids era". In fact, baseball fans have become so desensitized to PEDs (performance enhancing drugs) that they would only be surprised if Jeter or Ken Griffey, Jr. were discovered to be users. Jeter's ability to thrive in the clutch as well has his fistful of rings make him a mortal lock to be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame five years after he plays his last game.
While he'll have to wait the requisite time to be inducted into Cooperstown, he will soon become a member of a more illustrious Hall of Fame. In case you haven't heard, the New York Post has reported that the 35-year old Jeter is set to marry his current girlfriend Minka Kelly (more on her later) on November 5th of this year. If this is in fact true it would put an end to one of the most impressive dating resumes of all time. Seriously, everyone always talks about how Joltin' Joe DiMaggio married Marilyn Monroe, but just take a look at what/who D'Slangin' Derek has done. If this isn't worthy of the Bachelorhood Hall of Fame I don't know what is.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey, the 5-time Grammy Award winner, is the only of Jeter's girlfriends that was more famous than him at the time that they dated(right now I'd say they are equally famous). Dating Mariah from '96-'98 may be Jeter's most impressive feat as a bachelor because 1.) She was married to Tommy Mottolla until 1997 and 2.) She was in her (career and sexual) prime and could have had any guy that she wanted (She released her Butterfly album in '97)
By the way, look at Mariah's dating resume. She went from Mottolla (white and 21 years older than her) to Jeter (mulatto and 4 years younger than her) to Nick Cannon (black and 10 years younger than her). P Diddy and/or Mase definitely fucked her during the making of the Honey (Bad Boys Remix) video and she's been working her way towards black guys ever since, right?
Lara Dutta
Dutta, who was born in India, was named Miss Universe in 2000 at the age of 21.
In September of 2009 ESPN.Com's Rick Reilly wrote, "A few years back, Jeter let me open an entire locker full of his mail. The most interesting letter was from a different Miss Universe, who included a photo with not a lot of clothing and her cell number. When I told Jeter -- with astonishment -- that he was being pursued with vigor by a Miss Universe, he said, and I quote exactly: "No way, dude. I'm not going down that Miss Universe road again." I just stared, open-mouthed, at him. Has any man ever uttered that sentence before?"
Jordana Brewster
Jeter dated the soap opera turned Hollywood actress just as she came into the national spotlight for her role in the film The Fast and the Furious (2001).
Adriana Lima
Lima is a Victoria's Secret model who was born in Brazil. She is a devout Catholic that attends church every Sunday. In fact, Lima told GQ in 2006 that she was a virgin and was going to wait until she got married to have sex.
I find it hard to believe that Jeter couldn't snake her v-card, but she has since married former NBA player Marko Jaric and they have a baby girl named Valentina.
Vanessa Minnillo
Long before Nick Lachey came along, Jeter dated the former Miss Teen USA and TRL host. I'm a big fan of Minnillo because she's smoking hot, but still comes across as the girl next door type.
Jessica Alba
Alba is one of the most pre-eminent sex symbols in America (#1 in Maxim's Hot 100 list in 2001, #1 in AskMen.com's 99 Most Desirable Women in 2006) and Jeter, of course, dated her in her prime. Alba is both so hot and known for being so hot that it took me a good 15 seconds to remember that she is an actress.
I thought she was going to be the one to tie Jeter down (they seemed right together), but the two split and she is now married with a child.
Jessica Biel
There was big debate in the 00's about which Jessica, Biel or Alba, was hotter. Go figure Jeter dated them both. Biel first hit it big as the oldest sibling of the Camden family on the WB show 7th Heaven. By the turn of the millenium she knew that she had to branch out from her "goody goody" image to have a lasting career in Hollywood, so what did she do? Although it pissed off her producers at 7th Heaven, she posed for semi-nude photographs for Gear magazine at the age of 17. She has since said that she regrets that decision, but I think it's what skyrocketed her towards super stardom. If she didn't pose for those pictures does she still date Jeter and Justin Timberlake? My guess is no, but then again, I was always in the Alba camp.
Minka Kelly
Jeter has reportedly been dating the Friday Night Lights star since May of 2009 and the two have already been falsely rumored to be engaged.
Even if the rumors are again false, the question still needs to be answered. Where does Minka Kelly rank among Jeter's former flames?
Well first and foremost I'm a huge fan of Friday Night Lights and Minka is unconscionably hot everytime she appears on screen, so I think she's right up there. Next, it's hard to believe, but Minka/Lyla Garrity, is older than both Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel (the youngest of the 3- shocking, I know), but I think this makes her a more compatible match for Jeter. Next, her father is a former guitarist for Aerosmith, which is cool, except for the fact that he abandoned Minka and her mother. Lastly, she may not have the same kind of star power that Jeter's former girlfriends had, but she's entering her prime as an actress and a baby maker and I think Jeter finally wants to settle down.
There are also unsubstantiated rumors that link Jeter to Vida Guerra, Scarlett Johansson, and Gabrielle Union.
Seriously, is anyone else even in Jeter's league? The only other contenders that I can think of are:
Brad Pitt: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie
Justin Timberlake: Britney Spears, Vanessa Milano, Cameron Diaz, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel
and
John Mayer: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson, Minka Kelly, Jennifer Aniston
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Happiest New Year?
Now that the new year is upon us (happy new year to you and yours by the way), I have a few questions. First, what are we going to call 2010? Is it going to be 20-10 (twenty-ten)? or 2010 (two-thousand and ten)? Personally, I don't care all that much, but I would appreciate a little consistency as I have heard both numerous times already. I kind of like 20-10 because it's short and has almost a nickname sort of ring to it, but no one called 2009 twenty-nine, so I'm not convinced that it's a legitimate moniker. Also, moving forward the only other year where this will work seems to be 2012 (twenty-twelve), so it's not like this is something that will catch on. Alright, I talked myself into it. I'm going with 2010 (two thousand and ten).
My second and final question is perhaps more important. Which group of Americans is the most excited for it to be 2010? To better answer that question, let's take a look at the candidates.
1.) New York Knick Fans
In 2006, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James surprised everyone when he chose to sign a 4 year extension instead of the maxmimum deal allowed (a 5 year deal). This move was unprecedented. Young franchise players always sign for the max. Soon after Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, and Toronto Raptors center Chris Bosh followed suit. These three additions to an already loaded 2010 NBA free agent class literally changed the way that many organizations did business over the next(and now past) four years.
In an effort to attract LeBron, Wade, Bosh, etc. the Knicks, who were ruined financially because of the missteps of Isiah Thomas, have essentially mailed in the past two seasons. From a front office standpoint, their goal has not been to win. It has been to shed payroll so that they can make a run at this crop of free agents in the summer of 2010. New team president Donnie Walsh has done an admirable job (well admirable if you have no problem with mailing two seasons in just for a chance at LBJ, etc.), but still needs to move one or both of the heinous contracts given to Eddy Curry and Jared Jeffries in order to have full flexibilty this summer (by full flexibility I mean the cap space to sign 2-3 big name players). The Knicks front office did everything but release a statement in 2008 that said, "We don't care what our record is these next two seasons. We are only worried about shedding cap space, but we are still going to charge you the same ludicrous amount to watch our rag tag team because we play in the "world's most famous arena."
It's no secret that the Knicks are going to do everything in their power to convince LeBron into coming to New York in 2010. New York has been the most speculated destination for LBJ ever since his decision to not sign for the maximum in 2006. He admittedly loves New York because of it's celebrity culture, atmosphere, big stage, etc. He's even a Yankee fan. I was in MSG when LeBron came to town earlier this season and the crowd has no qualms about blatantly rooting for him even though at this juncture he plays for the opposing team.
The prevailing thought had Phoenix Suns point guard and two time NBA MVP Steve Nash signing with the Knicks and his former coach Mike D'Antoni in the summer of 2010 to help lure other big name free agents like LeBron to New York. Nash lives and plays in a soccer league in NYC in the summer and is thought to be one of the best teammates in the league; However this plan fell through when Nash signed a two year extension with the Suns in July.
Now virtually all of the Knick's eggs are in LeBron's basket. The hope is that he signs with the Knicks and brings the likes of Chris Bosh/Joe Johnson with him. But will LeBron leave Cleveland and try to revive basketball in the city that never sleeps? No one (including LeBron) knows for sure, but for the first time in almost 10 years Knick fans have something to rest their hopes on.
2.) Republicans
The GOP was dealt a major blow in 2008. Not only did Obama trounce McCain for the presidency, but the Democrats expanded their majority in the House by 21 seats and achieved a super majority in the Senate (58 Democrats and 2 Independents). Ever since that election the Republicans have been on a rampage to regain control of Congress. You've seen coverage of the tea parties, the town hall meetings, etc. 2010 is the first chance for the American public to essentially give an up or down vote on Obama. Aside from every House of Representatives seat being up for re-election (members of the House serve two year terms),36 Senate seats will be up for grabs (18 of which are currently held by Democrats and the other 18 are currently held by Repbulicans), and 37 states will hold gubernatorial elections.
If history has anything to say about the 2010 mid term elections, it's that the Republicans will surely pick up a few seats in Congress. For starters, the president's party almost always loses a few seats in the mid term elections. Also, it's next to impossible to maintin the kind of majority that the Democrats currently have, even in prosperous times.
Picking up a few seats won't suffice for the GOP, though. They want to shift the power of the American political structure back in their favor in 2010. These mid term elections already have shades of the "Republican Revolution" led by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich in 1994. Back then Republicans were unhappy with a young, democratic president that was trying to push a health care reform bill through Congress. In the mid term elections of 1994, the Republicans took control of the House and looked to make Clinton a lame duck president in 1996; However (as the late, great Doc O explained to me) Clinton essentially became a Republican in the next two years and rolled in his re-election bid in '96.
That being said, here is the case against Obama in 2010. First and foremost, the economy continues to lag. When he was elected, Obama (to much of the American public) had this magical quality about him. They thought that he could come into office and fix any problem with the wave of his hand. Problem was, he couldn't. There's no doubt that he's trying, but the continued stagnation of the economy has at least taken Obama off of the pedestal that many had placed him on. Furthermore, this health care fiasco is splitting the country in two. Although everyone in Congress admits that our current health care system needs to be reformed, a comprehensive overhaul of the system is such an enormous task that it should come as no surprise that there are so many disagreements about the proposed bills. Lastly, even though the 2010 midterm elections are basically like a report card on Obama's first two years in office, his name won't be on the ballot. All of those people that registered and enthusiastically went to the polls to vote for Obama in '08 (yes, I'm talking about black people) aren't going to show up in '10 to vote for Chuck Schumer, Harry Reid, etc.
3.) Soccer Fans
American soccer fans probably have a hard on knowing that the World Cup kicks off in less than 160 days in South Africa. To them, and the rest of the world, the World Cup is bigger than the Superbowl. I would also like to point out that calling the event the World Cup is actually accurate whereas the World Series is a complete misnomer.
American soccer fans must be even more excited this year after learning last month that the US team received a favorable draw. In case you haven't heard, the United States has been placed in a group with England, Slovenia, and Algeria. I don't know much about Slovenia or Algeria, but I'm pretty sure that we should beat them both and if we do we will most likely advance to the knockout stage.
Before I move on, I have a point of contention with many Americans that like soccer. I don't care if the US Team doesn't have a realistic chance at winning the whole thing or not. They are the only team that you should be rooting for. I can't stand the kids that root for the team of their heritage (unless your parents were born and raised in that country in which case I'm totally OK with it) because they are better than the United States team, especially if the teams play each other. All of those Italian kids that rooted for Italy when they played the US in 2006 can go fuck themselves.
4.) People born in the year 1910
This painting is one of the most famous in American history. It was painted by Grant Wood and is titled, "American Gothic". Information that you should know.
Now hear me out before you write this off as a throwaway choice. Obviously these people must be pumped that it's 2010 so that they can reach triple digits in age. Sure, most of them probably aren't all there mentally and a large percentage of them might die before they reach their birthday (although statistics show that most people die shortly after their birthdays/Christmas), but reaching 100 has to be the light at the end of the tunnel for what they must have gone through in their time on Earth.
People born in 1910 were teenagers during the Roaring '20's. They probably witnessed all sorts of Gatsby style wild parties and rowdy saloons without being able to participate. By the time they were old enough to partake in the decadence of the decade, it was over. The Stock Market crashed and the Great Depression began.
They probably struggled to find work, raise a family, etc. Most of them probably moved west like the Joad family of Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." By the time they turned 31-32 many of them were probably drafted and forced to serve in World War II.
After the war these men and women lived through the Civil Right Movement of the 50's and 60's. They were 40-50 years old at the time and probably held steadfast to their bigoted ways. As the laws began to change I bet they blamed the government.
In the 60's and 70's they had to endure the JFK assassination, the Vietnam War, and Watergate. I'm sure these three events only made them distrust the government even more.
I'm hoping, for their sake, that they enjoyed the 80's and 90's with the downfall of the Soviet Union and years of American prosperity because just when they, and the rest of us for that matter, thought everything was fine the 00's came along.
As I've already pointed out, Time magazine called the 00's the "Decade from Hell" because of 9/11, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the global financial crisis that we are still battling through.
The lives of those born in 1910 could not have been easy. Here's hoping that they reach 100.
My second and final question is perhaps more important. Which group of Americans is the most excited for it to be 2010? To better answer that question, let's take a look at the candidates.
1.) New York Knick Fans
In 2006, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James surprised everyone when he chose to sign a 4 year extension instead of the maxmimum deal allowed (a 5 year deal). This move was unprecedented. Young franchise players always sign for the max. Soon after Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, and Toronto Raptors center Chris Bosh followed suit. These three additions to an already loaded 2010 NBA free agent class literally changed the way that many organizations did business over the next(and now past) four years.
In an effort to attract LeBron, Wade, Bosh, etc. the Knicks, who were ruined financially because of the missteps of Isiah Thomas, have essentially mailed in the past two seasons. From a front office standpoint, their goal has not been to win. It has been to shed payroll so that they can make a run at this crop of free agents in the summer of 2010. New team president Donnie Walsh has done an admirable job (well admirable if you have no problem with mailing two seasons in just for a chance at LBJ, etc.), but still needs to move one or both of the heinous contracts given to Eddy Curry and Jared Jeffries in order to have full flexibilty this summer (by full flexibility I mean the cap space to sign 2-3 big name players). The Knicks front office did everything but release a statement in 2008 that said, "We don't care what our record is these next two seasons. We are only worried about shedding cap space, but we are still going to charge you the same ludicrous amount to watch our rag tag team because we play in the "world's most famous arena."
It's no secret that the Knicks are going to do everything in their power to convince LeBron into coming to New York in 2010. New York has been the most speculated destination for LBJ ever since his decision to not sign for the maximum in 2006. He admittedly loves New York because of it's celebrity culture, atmosphere, big stage, etc. He's even a Yankee fan. I was in MSG when LeBron came to town earlier this season and the crowd has no qualms about blatantly rooting for him even though at this juncture he plays for the opposing team.
The prevailing thought had Phoenix Suns point guard and two time NBA MVP Steve Nash signing with the Knicks and his former coach Mike D'Antoni in the summer of 2010 to help lure other big name free agents like LeBron to New York. Nash lives and plays in a soccer league in NYC in the summer and is thought to be one of the best teammates in the league; However this plan fell through when Nash signed a two year extension with the Suns in July.
Now virtually all of the Knick's eggs are in LeBron's basket. The hope is that he signs with the Knicks and brings the likes of Chris Bosh/Joe Johnson with him. But will LeBron leave Cleveland and try to revive basketball in the city that never sleeps? No one (including LeBron) knows for sure, but for the first time in almost 10 years Knick fans have something to rest their hopes on.
2.) Republicans
The GOP was dealt a major blow in 2008. Not only did Obama trounce McCain for the presidency, but the Democrats expanded their majority in the House by 21 seats and achieved a super majority in the Senate (58 Democrats and 2 Independents). Ever since that election the Republicans have been on a rampage to regain control of Congress. You've seen coverage of the tea parties, the town hall meetings, etc. 2010 is the first chance for the American public to essentially give an up or down vote on Obama. Aside from every House of Representatives seat being up for re-election (members of the House serve two year terms),36 Senate seats will be up for grabs (18 of which are currently held by Democrats and the other 18 are currently held by Repbulicans), and 37 states will hold gubernatorial elections.
If history has anything to say about the 2010 mid term elections, it's that the Republicans will surely pick up a few seats in Congress. For starters, the president's party almost always loses a few seats in the mid term elections. Also, it's next to impossible to maintin the kind of majority that the Democrats currently have, even in prosperous times.
Picking up a few seats won't suffice for the GOP, though. They want to shift the power of the American political structure back in their favor in 2010. These mid term elections already have shades of the "Republican Revolution" led by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich in 1994. Back then Republicans were unhappy with a young, democratic president that was trying to push a health care reform bill through Congress. In the mid term elections of 1994, the Republicans took control of the House and looked to make Clinton a lame duck president in 1996; However (as the late, great Doc O explained to me) Clinton essentially became a Republican in the next two years and rolled in his re-election bid in '96.
That being said, here is the case against Obama in 2010. First and foremost, the economy continues to lag. When he was elected, Obama (to much of the American public) had this magical quality about him. They thought that he could come into office and fix any problem with the wave of his hand. Problem was, he couldn't. There's no doubt that he's trying, but the continued stagnation of the economy has at least taken Obama off of the pedestal that many had placed him on. Furthermore, this health care fiasco is splitting the country in two. Although everyone in Congress admits that our current health care system needs to be reformed, a comprehensive overhaul of the system is such an enormous task that it should come as no surprise that there are so many disagreements about the proposed bills. Lastly, even though the 2010 midterm elections are basically like a report card on Obama's first two years in office, his name won't be on the ballot. All of those people that registered and enthusiastically went to the polls to vote for Obama in '08 (yes, I'm talking about black people) aren't going to show up in '10 to vote for Chuck Schumer, Harry Reid, etc.
3.) Soccer Fans
American soccer fans probably have a hard on knowing that the World Cup kicks off in less than 160 days in South Africa. To them, and the rest of the world, the World Cup is bigger than the Superbowl. I would also like to point out that calling the event the World Cup is actually accurate whereas the World Series is a complete misnomer.
American soccer fans must be even more excited this year after learning last month that the US team received a favorable draw. In case you haven't heard, the United States has been placed in a group with England, Slovenia, and Algeria. I don't know much about Slovenia or Algeria, but I'm pretty sure that we should beat them both and if we do we will most likely advance to the knockout stage.
Before I move on, I have a point of contention with many Americans that like soccer. I don't care if the US Team doesn't have a realistic chance at winning the whole thing or not. They are the only team that you should be rooting for. I can't stand the kids that root for the team of their heritage (unless your parents were born and raised in that country in which case I'm totally OK with it) because they are better than the United States team, especially if the teams play each other. All of those Italian kids that rooted for Italy when they played the US in 2006 can go fuck themselves.
4.) People born in the year 1910
This painting is one of the most famous in American history. It was painted by Grant Wood and is titled, "American Gothic". Information that you should know.
Now hear me out before you write this off as a throwaway choice. Obviously these people must be pumped that it's 2010 so that they can reach triple digits in age. Sure, most of them probably aren't all there mentally and a large percentage of them might die before they reach their birthday (although statistics show that most people die shortly after their birthdays/Christmas), but reaching 100 has to be the light at the end of the tunnel for what they must have gone through in their time on Earth.
People born in 1910 were teenagers during the Roaring '20's. They probably witnessed all sorts of Gatsby style wild parties and rowdy saloons without being able to participate. By the time they were old enough to partake in the decadence of the decade, it was over. The Stock Market crashed and the Great Depression began.
They probably struggled to find work, raise a family, etc. Most of them probably moved west like the Joad family of Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." By the time they turned 31-32 many of them were probably drafted and forced to serve in World War II.
After the war these men and women lived through the Civil Right Movement of the 50's and 60's. They were 40-50 years old at the time and probably held steadfast to their bigoted ways. As the laws began to change I bet they blamed the government.
In the 60's and 70's they had to endure the JFK assassination, the Vietnam War, and Watergate. I'm sure these three events only made them distrust the government even more.
I'm hoping, for their sake, that they enjoyed the 80's and 90's with the downfall of the Soviet Union and years of American prosperity because just when they, and the rest of us for that matter, thought everything was fine the 00's came along.
As I've already pointed out, Time magazine called the 00's the "Decade from Hell" because of 9/11, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the global financial crisis that we are still battling through.
The lives of those born in 1910 could not have been easy. Here's hoping that they reach 100.
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