Voodoo knife rack

Whoever thought of this is hysterical. If I ever get engaged, I am so registering for it.

Oscar madness

OK, seriously. What is up with the Martin Scorsese snub that comes time and time again every film the man makes? He is a filmmaking genius, and I really don't use that word lightly. It's like we're in 1990 again, when Goodfellas lost to Dancing with Freaking Wolves. And I'm not really sure how I feel about Cate Blanchett winning the Oscar for best supporting actress. Her Katherine Hepburn, at least towards the beginning of the film, was WAY over the top. I am, however, THRILLED with Charlie Kauffman's win for Best Original Screenplay for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

We have some other things to talk about too... like, when did Renee Zellweger become a Goth chick? Scary. On the other hand, Kate Winslet looked stunning. So did Sophie Okonedo -- she is adorable! Too bad Gisele decided to wear a bedsheet to the Oscars... I guess she couldn't take time out from her busy underwear-modeling schedule. And Johnny Depp is really sticking with this whole weird-European-guy thing, isn't he?

Other looks:
*OK, it's official. Charlize Theron is incredibly beautiful. And I'm glad she's not still sporting the whole "Aeon Flux" hairdo she had a few months ago. That wasn't working for her.
*Did I miss something about Melanie Griffith? What's with the cane? And why didn't Antonio wash his hair before the Oscars??
*Yeah, yeah, Imelda Staunton looks nice. But get a load of the woman behind her!!!
*Robin Williams: That's a REALLY pink shirt.
*Sideshow Bob made an appearance... Oh, I'm sorry. That's Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows.

And I'm just going to go ahead and say this: So. Sick. Of. Jamie. Foxx. His acceptance speech at the Emmys was touching. At the Oscars? Extremely forced. OK, Jamie, you've got your Oscar. Now GO AWAY.

Speaking of played out, why is P. Diddy always everywhere with something to say? He annoys the living hell out of me.

And to conclude this post, I'll leave you with a quote from my boyfriend's mom while we were watching the Oscars last night: "Why doesn't [Martin Scorsese] do something about those eyebrows?"

At least she's dressed...

Can someone PLEASE tell Christina Aguilera that she is NOT Marilyn Monroe??? Seriously, this look is so tired. Nice ring, though.

The art of the crossover

I have a couple problems with this gossip briefing on Renee Zellweger... first problem is Damien Rice being referred to as a "rocker". Anyone's who's listened to anything the man's ever performed could tell you he's not exactly rockin' out. Jack White? Most definitely a rocker. Damien Rice? Not so much.

Problem #2: (And this is just a personal issue) They're saying that RZ now wants to be a writer, and is taking time off to come up with some "life experiences" to write about. Why is it that everyone who's famous these days can't just be famous for one thing? Everybody's got to be a designer, a singer, an actor, a restaurant owner, a campaign manager and anything else they can think of? And really, is anyone pining to hear Zellweger's thoughts on life? What, exactly, is she planning on writing? God help us all if it's poetry... does anyone else remember Jewel's A Night Without Armor? Yeah, I didn't think so.

I'll keep my eye out for Zellweger's debut CD and clothing line next.

The Death of Gonzo Journalism

I was completely shocked when I heard this news. I know Hunter S. Thompson was a strange man, even bordering on crazy, but I really didn't expect to ever hear that he would take his own life.

I have long been a fan of his... I'm really sorry to hear about this.

Ladies night

Last night I went to see Hitch with my friends Sarah and Jackie. It was OK -- pretty funny, actually, but teetering a little too heavily on the cheesy, chick-flick side. But it was enjoyable. I was entertained. The best parts of the movie, though, were the interactions between Will Smith and Kevin James. Those two were hysterical together.

I also bought The Killers' CD yesterday -- which I find that I'm really enjoying. However, I just found out that my favorite song on the CD, "Smile Like You Mean It" was also featured on soundtrack for The O.C. That instantly makes me not want to like it. It's not that I hate the show, but... I don't know. In a way, I feel like I inadvertently jumped on a bandwagon.

I've also been listening to the Garden State soundtrack, which my boyfriend bought me for Valentine's Day. It's very mellow.

That's about it... I have to get myself settled and ready for Carnivale. Peace out.

How nerdy are you?

Don't ask. Obviously, I'm very bored.

Death and taxes

Well, I just completed my taxes for 2004. I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with myself. For the last two or three years, I've been filing anywhere between April 10 and April 14. Yes, I'm one of those procrastinators. But I promised myself I would get it done sooner this year, and I actually came through. I'm not all that impressed with the refund I'm receiving, but at least I don't owe anything, right? Not that it really matters -- all that money will go straight to bills anyway ... (sigh) ... I love being an adult!

These ain't your momma's figurines!

My sister and I ventured into Value City today to see if we could find some home decor items for low, low prices. I'd link you to their website, but their website is just a blank, white page. Not very informative. Anyway, they were selling a disturbing amount of these little figurines of policemen and rescue workers in different lines of duty on the job. There were some firing guns and rifles, some bringing oxygen in the white protective suits, some guiding children by a vicious dog behind a fence, and then there was a large one of three soldiers dressed in camo holding a gigantic (I promise you) missile launcher. I almost bought one for my boyfriend, just because I know he would think they were funny, but then I was concerned... are people really buying these in seriousness? The thought troubled me to the point that I had to walk away and find something else to look at.

On a totally different note, I found this blog today, and I found that I really enjoyed it.

Another successful Valentine's Day

My boyfriend and I had a lovely dinner at Fellini's Cafe last night -- however, they played a dirty little trick on us! Usually, the pricing is very fair... however, when my boyfriend made reservations, they failed to tell him they would be having a fixed price, special menu for Valentine's Day. We found out only after we'd been seated and our wine uncorked and poured for us. That's lousy. So what are you going to do if you think the price is too high? Pour your wine back into the bottle and re-cork it? Get up and leave? It's not like it's a big place by any means. I felt bad that he ended up spending so much money -- because, by the way, gratuity is not included in that special price, so he ended up forking out over a hundred bucks for dinner. It's not like we're poor, but we're not exactly rolling in dough, either. To my man's credit, though, he was very gracious about the whole situation.

Thankfully, it was an otherwise flawless experience... the service was excellent, they gave a LOT of food, and it was delicious, and the waitstaff doubles as opera singers, so we were treated to some wonderful singing as well. So all's well that end's well, I guess. I'm glad I got him extra Valentine's Day presents this year!!!

Part of the reason I missed the Grammys...

Who else out there is glued to their TV sets for Carnivale this season? I am, without a doubt, addicted to this show. I still don't quite get it all (not that I think you're supposed to), but I can't stop watching it. This episode was especially a good one.

47th Annual Grammy Awards

I am such a loser. I totally missed the Grammys this year, and solely because I completely forgot about them being on. But I was happy to see some of the winners, such as Loretta Lynn for Van Lear Rose (Best Country Album), Toots and the Maytals for True Love (Best Reggae album), Ben Harper for Best Pop Instrumental Performance, U2 for Vertigo (for a couple categories), Velvet Revolver for Slither (Best Hard Rock Performance), Wilco for A Ghost is Born (Best Alternative Music album), Prince for Call My Name (Best Male R&B Vocal Performance) and Musicology (Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance), Jay-Z for 99 Problems (Best Rap Solo Performance), Loretta Lynn & Jack White for Portland Oregon (Best Country Collaboration with Vocals), Zach Braff for Best Soundtrack Compilation album for Garden State, and of course, Jon Stewart and the cast of the Daily Show for Best Comedy Album.

However, and I mean no disrespect by this, but I'm just going to throw this out there: do you think that just maybe Ray Charles' Genius Loves Company album wouldn't have gotten as many awards if he hadn't just passed away this year and they hadn't made that movie? Just thinkin' out loud here... I'm not taking away from the album -- it's excellent. But the awards it received, to me, seemed almost excessive. I could be wrong.

Test your 80s music knowledge

Thanks to my friend Abbe for sending me this.

Valentine's Day fast approaches

... and what better way to say "I love you" than with these meaningful, straight-from-the-heart love coupons courtesy of The Onion?

Simple Life: The Wedding

Any wagers on how long this will last?

Kinda how I feel:

Grandma: How was school today, Napoleon?
Napoleon Dynamite: The worst day of my life, what do you think?

Patriots-24, Eagles-21

Enough said. I'm in a state of depression over the loss.

Will he or won't he?

Whether or not Terrell Owens starts in the Super Bowl this Sunday still remains to be seen. However, I am supremely confident we will see the man in action on the field at some point or another. I think his leg could fall clear off his body, and he'd still be out there hopping around, making an ass out of himself in the end zone. God bless him. ;-)

In other Super Bowl news, Sir Paul McCartney has assured the FCC and the rest of America at a press conference yesterday that they need not worry about any "wardrobe malfunctions" on his part -- he is just intending on playing in the nude.

Evening at the movies

My boyfriend and I went to see Million Dollar Baby last night -- and I have to say, I'm highly impressed. The story was excellent, and the acting was phenomenal. I may have to change my former statement and concede that Hilary Swank does, indeed, deserve the Oscar for this role. Again.

I must say, I was totally unprepared for the way the movie ended. I cried for pretty much the last 45 minutes to an hour of the film. I couldn't help myself. But I can honestly say that I was not the only one -- all you could hear was sniffling throughout the entire theater.

Afterwards, a drink was in order, so we went to Bahama Breeze across the street. Seriously, they make the best White Russians. Also, they always have the nicest waitstaff every time we go in.

Two very enthusiastic thumbs-up for both Bahama Breeze and Million Dollar Baby.

What Really Happened Last Year

I really wish this Budweiser commercial would actually make it to TV, but I know it won't. Enjoy!

Anchorman Quote of the Day

Ron Burgundy: You have an absolutely breathtaking heinie. I mean... that thing's good. I want to be friends with it.