Christmas is fast approaching. I feel like a little kid again. My excitement level is exceptionally high this year. I am not exactly sure what is so special about this year but I am very happy with everything and optimistic about the holidays. This marks my second Christmas married and away from home. Last year at this time, I really did not know what to expect. I am sure all newly married couples experience the same thing. The first Christmas away from family and with someone new. Well, of course, it was amazing and I could not have been happier. My wife is wonderful and amazes me more and more every day with her selfless devotion and unwavering commitment to our family and household. Last year we visited both our families the day of Christmas and her father the day before, all of which we are repeating this year. Looking back at this time last year, four Christmases did not sound as wonderful as it turned out to be. I was afraid things would be rushed and we would miss so much and barely get to spend time with everyone and just spend the whole time driving. Of course it turned out to be fantastic which is why I am doubly excited this year. I think I am also a little excited because I am not experiencing gift-anxiety the way I usually do since I was fortunate enough to complete my shopping some time ago this year. That is truly a load off of the mind and feels so nice that I intend to make a habit of shopping earlier. Easier said than done of course, but I did manage once so why not?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Holly and Jolly
Christmas is fast approaching. I feel like a little kid again. My excitement level is exceptionally high this year. I am not exactly sure what is so special about this year but I am very happy with everything and optimistic about the holidays. This marks my second Christmas married and away from home. Last year at this time, I really did not know what to expect. I am sure all newly married couples experience the same thing. The first Christmas away from family and with someone new. Well, of course, it was amazing and I could not have been happier. My wife is wonderful and amazes me more and more every day with her selfless devotion and unwavering commitment to our family and household. Last year we visited both our families the day of Christmas and her father the day before, all of which we are repeating this year. Looking back at this time last year, four Christmases did not sound as wonderful as it turned out to be. I was afraid things would be rushed and we would miss so much and barely get to spend time with everyone and just spend the whole time driving. Of course it turned out to be fantastic which is why I am doubly excited this year. I think I am also a little excited because I am not experiencing gift-anxiety the way I usually do since I was fortunate enough to complete my shopping some time ago this year. That is truly a load off of the mind and feels so nice that I intend to make a habit of shopping earlier. Easier said than done of course, but I did manage once so why not?
Friday, December 10, 2010
Top 10 Christmas Movies
Well, here's my next Top Ten list. It was not nearly as easy as I had thought it would be. Pretty hard actually. Anyway, here are my 10 favorite Christmas movies:
10. Die Hard
Really awesome movie. I enjoy pretty much all action movies like this but very few are good enough to watch more than once. Maybe it is just the nature of adventure/thrillers that multiple viewings are not necessary. Die Hard however, is a rare gem that I could watch a hundred times and still love.
9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
A touching clay-mation with some very good tunes. "Put one foot in front of the other.....".
8. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
I can still recall what it was like watching this as a child. It seemed so epic. With grand adventures and peril and scary monsters, as well as some great tunes, it was so much more to me than just the story of a reindeer.
7. Miracle on 34th St.
I have seen two versions of this film and I really liked them both. Wonderful story.
6. Charlie Brown's Christmas
Somehow this is touching in such a profound way that I have trouble describing. So timeless.
5. White Christmas
Great songs and hilarious performances by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
4. Home Alone
This movie is still so funny. Such a nice Christmas movie that everyone enjoys and continues to laugh at year after year.
3. Holiday Inn
Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are fantastic together in this hilarious holiday classic. I find it funny every time and am always amazed at the great dancing scenes. This is a must see.
2. It's a Wonderful Life
If this movie doesn't move you, then you don't have a soul. No matter how many times I have seen it (which has been quite a few) I always get choked up at the end. Jimmy Stewart shines as one of my all time favorite actors just on this performance alone.
1. A Muppet's Christmas Carol
This was by far the easiest. No other Christmas movie comes close. It doesn't matter that I am a huge Muppet's fan and I love Michael Caine. This movie is fantastic and will never grow old with me. The music is incredible and moving as are the performances. There have been many, but in my mind this is the greatest adaptation of Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" there is. This movie is incredibly important to me. So much so that if you have any negative comments about this film (unlikely but some people are crazy) I ask that you don't share them here. My favorite Christmas film will likely never change and I couldn't care less if anyone disagrees. Anyway, there you have it. My top ten Christmas movies.
Don't forget to read Jason's list as well.
10. Die Hard
Really awesome movie. I enjoy pretty much all action movies like this but very few are good enough to watch more than once. Maybe it is just the nature of adventure/thrillers that multiple viewings are not necessary. Die Hard however, is a rare gem that I could watch a hundred times and still love.
9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
A touching clay-mation with some very good tunes. "Put one foot in front of the other.....".
8. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
I can still recall what it was like watching this as a child. It seemed so epic. With grand adventures and peril and scary monsters, as well as some great tunes, it was so much more to me than just the story of a reindeer.
7. Miracle on 34th St.
I have seen two versions of this film and I really liked them both. Wonderful story.
6. Charlie Brown's Christmas
Somehow this is touching in such a profound way that I have trouble describing. So timeless.
5. White Christmas
Great songs and hilarious performances by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
4. Home Alone
This movie is still so funny. Such a nice Christmas movie that everyone enjoys and continues to laugh at year after year.
3. Holiday Inn
Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are fantastic together in this hilarious holiday classic. I find it funny every time and am always amazed at the great dancing scenes. This is a must see.
2. It's a Wonderful Life
If this movie doesn't move you, then you don't have a soul. No matter how many times I have seen it (which has been quite a few) I always get choked up at the end. Jimmy Stewart shines as one of my all time favorite actors just on this performance alone.
1. A Muppet's Christmas Carol
This was by far the easiest. No other Christmas movie comes close. It doesn't matter that I am a huge Muppet's fan and I love Michael Caine. This movie is fantastic and will never grow old with me. The music is incredible and moving as are the performances. There have been many, but in my mind this is the greatest adaptation of Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" there is. This movie is incredibly important to me. So much so that if you have any negative comments about this film (unlikely but some people are crazy) I ask that you don't share them here. My favorite Christmas film will likely never change and I couldn't care less if anyone disagrees. Anyway, there you have it. My top ten Christmas movies.
Don't forget to read Jason's list as well.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Top 5 Scary Movies
I must point out before beginning this list that I do NOT like scary movies and have seen relatively few. I have little to no interest in watching movies like The Silence of the Lambs, Halloween, The Exorcist, etc. I enjoy very few scary films. They are just not my thing. There are a bunch I have seen that I really did not enjoy. As usual, share your comments and feel free to link to your own lists.
Also, Jason's list is HERE.
5. I am Legend
Made me jump a bit. I am easily scared so don't give me crap about this one. I know it is not a classic horror but I don't really LIKE classic horror.
4. The Sixth Sense
This probably should rank higher. It is genius. Amazing performances by the lead cast and an incredible story by M. Night Shyamalan.
3. Alien
This movie, in fact this series, really seems to set the bar for the thriller genre. I really enjoy these flicks and it is just scary enough that I get freaked out but not hysterical.
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2. The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Gosh, this one really scared me. Definitely the scariest movie on my list, but somehow I still liked it. Perhaps it is the positive message and the fact that so much of the story is based on true events.The story is amazing and the film is downright creepy.
1. Signs
Certainly not the MOST terrifying show but that is not how these are measured. This is one of my favorite films of all time. One of Shyamalan's masterpieces. This movie is so good, I will watch any other movie that Shyamalan makes, no matter what the reviews. Although that Devil movie looks a little scary.......
Honorable Mentions: The Village, Shutter Island, The Shining, Aliens.
Also, Jason's list is HERE.
5. I am Legend
Made me jump a bit. I am easily scared so don't give me crap about this one. I know it is not a classic horror but I don't really LIKE classic horror.
4. The Sixth Sense
This probably should rank higher. It is genius. Amazing performances by the lead cast and an incredible story by M. Night Shyamalan.
3. Alien
This movie, in fact this series, really seems to set the bar for the thriller genre. I really enjoy these flicks and it is just scary enough that I get freaked out but not hysterical.
2. The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Gosh, this one really scared me. Definitely the scariest movie on my list, but somehow I still liked it. Perhaps it is the positive message and the fact that so much of the story is based on true events.The story is amazing and the film is downright creepy.
1. Signs
Certainly not the MOST terrifying show but that is not how these are measured. This is one of my favorite films of all time. One of Shyamalan's masterpieces. This movie is so good, I will watch any other movie that Shyamalan makes, no matter what the reviews. Although that Devil movie looks a little scary.......
Honorable Mentions: The Village, Shutter Island, The Shining, Aliens.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Top Ten Funny Movies
Here are my top ten funniest films of all time (that I have seen). Jason's list is HERE.
Few movies are more classically hysterical than this masterpiece starring Cary Grant. No matter how many times I watch it, it will always be hilarious. Of course that holds true for all the films on this list but this one in particular is just fantastically done. When Cary Grant is tied up in the chair.....wow...or when he is talking on the phone in the midst of a brawl.....SO FUNNY!!
10. Arsenic and Old Lace
Few movies are more classically hysterical than this masterpiece starring Cary Grant. No matter how many times I watch it, it will always be hilarious. Of course that holds true for all the films on this list but this one in particular is just fantastically done. When Cary Grant is tied up in the chair.....wow...or when he is talking on the phone in the midst of a brawl.....SO FUNNY!!
9. Talladega Nights
This might rank higher if it weren't for the fact that I have watched it so many times. Probably more than any film on this list. Absolutely fantastic. I love all the great lines.
8. Anchorman
"Sky rockets in flight...." My favorite Will Ferrel performance. Truly great. So many great lines.
7. Spaceballs
My favorite Mel Brooks film. Lord Dark Helmet is one of my all time favorite movie characters. "What's all that churning and bubbling? You call that a radar screen?".
6. Airplane
"I guess I picked the wrong week to quit drinking."Honestly, can anyone NOT have this on their list? I mean this is unbelievably funny. The wordplay in this film is legendary.
5. Dumb and Dumber
Gosh....I am sure there is not another movie that I have quoted more often than this. George and I used to have the argument about two pairs of mittens EVERY time we were out in the cold.
4. Strange Wilderness
I don't know if this movie could be any funnier. Not many people I know have seen it but I laughed until I HURT the first time I saw and the second time too!
3. Monty Python's: The Life of Brian
Monty Python is as funny as it gets. Period. They certainly did not miss with this epic comedy that features some of the very best performances by the MP gang. "Welease Bwian!".
2. Monty Python's: The Holy Grail
I don't think many people will argue with this. I mean this is the Holy Grail of comedy.
1. Hot Rod
Genius. Classic. Gut busting. Perfection. This is how I describe Hot Rod. I have yet to see anything I enjoy more than this awesome movie. What can I say? "I like to party".
Honorable Mentions: Idiocracy, Walk Hard, Young Frankenstein, Robin Hood: Men In Tights, Starsky and Hutch, Zoolander, Old School.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Top 10 Actors
Well, here is my first top list. Jason will be posting his soon HERE but you should also check out my mom's interesting top list HERE. I knew this would catch on!
I have to say, this list was REALLY hard. Favorite actors? I mean, there are way too many who really can make a film worth watching. I tried not to spend too much time on this. If I did it would only become more difficult. Even now I am thinking of actors I left out. Feel free to share your thoughts and link to your own list.
10. Mel Gibson
Mel is just good. His roles are fantastic and his movies are superb. Gosh I love Signs and Braveheart and a whole bunch of others.
9. Matt Damon
Man is this guy productive. Mr. Damon has starred in more fantastic roles than most of the guys on this list. I am a huge fan of the Bourne trilogy and enjoy everything from Good Will Hunting to The Informant.
8. Cary Grant
Cary Grant should be what all actors aspire to be. He is just fantastic in every way. One of the top guys on this list I wish had made more films.
7. Michael Caine
This guy is Scrooge. Need I say more? I could, of course. I love everything Michael Caine does without exception.
6. Robin Williams
What can I say about Robin Williams? I suppose it has all been said already. I doubt anyone will scoff at him making this list, except to say he should rank higher.
5. Russell Crowe
This guy seems to ONLY do GREAT movies. He is just so good! Gladiator, American Gangster, A Beautiful Mind, Master and Commander, the list is long.
4. Harrison Ford
If this guys is NOT on everyone's list, there is a problem. He is freaking Han Solo AND Indiana Jones!!
3. Leonardo DiCaprio
This selection may surprise a few people but DANG! I like his movies. Catch Me If You Can, Blood Diamond, The Departed, Shutter Island, and his latest hit Inception were all fantastic. So good I can forget about Titanic.
2. Jim Carrey
Come on! He is funny! Funny to a degree which I have never seen accomplished by ANY actor and that is on his BAD days. Seriously, no one else could do Liar Liar like that.
1. Al Pacino
Number 1 was actually a tough call. In the end I had to go with Al. Probably not a big surprise. He is awesome.
Honorable Mentions: Jack Nicholson, Will Smith, Sean Connery, Steve Martin, Bruce Willis, James Stewart, Will Ferrell.
I have to say, this list was REALLY hard. Favorite actors? I mean, there are way too many who really can make a film worth watching. I tried not to spend too much time on this. If I did it would only become more difficult. Even now I am thinking of actors I left out. Feel free to share your thoughts and link to your own list.
10. Mel Gibson
Mel is just good. His roles are fantastic and his movies are superb. Gosh I love Signs and Braveheart and a whole bunch of others.
9. Matt Damon
Man is this guy productive. Mr. Damon has starred in more fantastic roles than most of the guys on this list. I am a huge fan of the Bourne trilogy and enjoy everything from Good Will Hunting to The Informant.
8. Cary Grant
Cary Grant should be what all actors aspire to be. He is just fantastic in every way. One of the top guys on this list I wish had made more films.
7. Michael Caine
This guy is Scrooge. Need I say more? I could, of course. I love everything Michael Caine does without exception.
6. Robin Williams
What can I say about Robin Williams? I suppose it has all been said already. I doubt anyone will scoff at him making this list, except to say he should rank higher.
5. Russell Crowe
This guy seems to ONLY do GREAT movies. He is just so good! Gladiator, American Gangster, A Beautiful Mind, Master and Commander, the list is long.
4. Harrison Ford
If this guys is NOT on everyone's list, there is a problem. He is freaking Han Solo AND Indiana Jones!!
3. Leonardo DiCaprio
This selection may surprise a few people but DANG! I like his movies. Catch Me If You Can, Blood Diamond, The Departed, Shutter Island, and his latest hit Inception were all fantastic. So good I can forget about Titanic.
2. Jim Carrey
Come on! He is funny! Funny to a degree which I have never seen accomplished by ANY actor and that is on his BAD days. Seriously, no one else could do Liar Liar like that.
1. Al Pacino
Number 1 was actually a tough call. In the end I had to go with Al. Probably not a big surprise. He is awesome.
Honorable Mentions: Jack Nicholson, Will Smith, Sean Connery, Steve Martin, Bruce Willis, James Stewart, Will Ferrell.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The New Blogging Sensation
Jason and I are going to start a new blogging phenomenon. Starting this week we are going to begin posting "Top Lists" of everything we think of. We hope to get everyone else making their own "Top Lists" as well and commenting too. So look forward to reading about all of our favorites like the Top Ten Gynecologists and the Top Five Cardiovascular Diseases or maybe the Top Ten Richard Gere movies (gag me). All this and more is in store, just keep tuning in right here.
Jason's Blog is HERE.
Jason's Blog is HERE.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Goofy pictures of stuff
A huge moth I found as I was out walking.
Our friend's leg which we personalized for her.
A very.....er.......interesting game of Scrabble at the in-laws. Can you spot my best word?
My dear wife mowing the lawn. She is just so good at everything she tries to do.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Totally hilarious
I found this to be absolutely hilarious. It is so flippin' true!!
| Phonecall: | Result: |
Cage: Nick Cage's phone. This is Nick Cage. Cage's Agent: Nick, baby, I got a movie offer for you on my desk. Cage: I'll do it. Cage's Agent: Don't you want to see a script or something? Cage: I haven't read a script since Leaving Las Vegas. Just sign me up. Cage's Agent: Do you even want to know the title? Cage: I pay you to do these things for me. Tell them I can film the whole thing next week. |  |
| Cage: That was terrible. Cage's Agent: I know but I'm looking at your next blockbuster right now. In this one you can see into the future. Cage: Sounds cool. Will my face take up a third of the poster again? Cage's Agent: I can make it happen. Cage: I'm in. |  |
Cage: My own mother didn't see that one. What's the point of hiring an agent if you can't find me a hit? Cage's Agent:Fair, but you know what's in right now? Sequels. Cage: You sure? Cage's Agent: Absolutely, you can't miss. I've already got an offer for a new chapter to that treasure movie. Cage: Just get me top billing. Cage's Agent: Naturally |  |
Cage's Agent: Ok that was a flop but I'm really feeling this next project. Another action film. And this time you can wear your hair long. Cage: Damn you really know how to rope me in. |  |
| Cage: You need to get me some better work. I was dusting my Oscar last night and I'm pretty sure he was frowning at me. Cage's Agent: Ok I promise this next one is going to be a hit. Your character knows the future. Cage: Didn't I just do that plot? Cage's Agent:They're offering 20 million. Cage: You know, I could always use another castle. |  |
Found it HERE.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Our fun felines
#3 chowing on the dog food. Not sure why she does that.
Bella as a sweet and innocent kitten.
Bella now.
A young, innocent, squinty-eyed Brisa.
An older, mischievous, still squinty-eyed Brisa.
And of course, the reliable, loveable, and extremely persistent #2.
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