An awesome, smart, romance loving, celebrity obsessed girl I'd like you to meet

All my life, I have struggled with being smart. When I was younger, I used to say that "I'm not smart, I just work really hard." I still think that's partially true. I do work really hard. But, as I've grown up and survived four grueling years of high school, I have come to think of myself as at least a little intelligent.

Finally, I accept this in myself. Yet, the world around me still doesn't. I may have the top IB score in my class (in the history of my school, for that matter!), but no one cares. I may have one of the top three averages in my class, but no one notices. I may have gotten into every university I applied to, including the top university in the country, but, still, I'm not smart. I didn't win in academic awards at graduation. They even forgot to announce that I was an Ontario Scholar (which requires a 80% average), when I beat the qualifying level by 16%. I tell you, I may think I'm smart, I may have the grades, but it's still not good enough. Close, but no cigar. 

My supposed idiocy is only supported by hobbies. I read young adult romance. As one girl put it in my yearbook, "the novels you read juxtapose your intelligence."Yes, she was calling me kind of smart, in a way, but she was calling YA dumb. I think it was meant as a compliment.

Another hobby I have is collecting celebrity trivia. I've mentioned it before, I'll mention it again: I am boss at the Kevin Bacon game. I mean it, no one can beat me. Most people can't even play me, considering they've never heard of this game, but those who have, watch out. I'm pro. I play with my best friend all the time, and I am one to be beat.

In order to be so boss at such games, it not only takes practice, but it also takes research. Hours on IMDb. Many a lunch hour spent flipping through the new issue of People.

It was hilarious. I used to volunteer in my school library most days at lunch, mostly doing circulation. I loved it. Sometimes, after a long morning of classes, I needed a brain break, so I would grab the latest People and read it while waiting for people to check out books. One day, the librarian saw me reading it, and commented, "that's a nice break." I smiled. But she kept commenting on it. Other library volunteers read Atwood novels or the Economist. But still, I kept reading People. What was wrong with me?

Well, it's like this. My brain loves celebrity gossip. It absorbs it, craves it. It's like the mental equivalent of movie popcorn. Light, buttery, and oh so tasty. Sometimes, I judge myself for this. It is a rather useless hobby. But still, nearly nothing makes me happier than a new film that it'll allow me to connect a bunch of actors or an article about the Emmys.

Let me say it, once and for all. I AM A SMART GIRL. But I also love to read about Michael and Mia getting together. To me, the best part of Harry Potter is when Ron and Hermione kiss in the seventh book. I'll read almost any book, as long as there is romance. And I'll read almost any article, as long as it mentions a celebrity. I am smart, I love romance, and I love celebrities. If you're not okay with that, screw you. I think I might know a school full of smart, stuck up kids or a nosy librarian who you might what to hang out with.

Believe it or not, this post is supposed to be a book review. Somehow it has become a personal protest. Sorry for the tangent. I really do have a book to review. Sometimes I get going on rants. But I'm back on track now. To tell you the book I just finished, Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe:

Now, this is not a book for everyone. You really have to like celebrities. And you have to have at least a marginal interest in Rob Lowe. But if you're anything like me, this is a good book for you. 

I don't need to summarize much, other than to say this is the autobiography of a man who has starred in a wide range of tv shows and movies, including The Outsiders, St. Elmo's Fire, The West Wing, Brothers & Sisters, and most recently, Parks and Recreation. If you are a fan of any of those things, I think you'd enjoy this book. 

It is well written. I mean, it's not Sarah freaking Dessen. But it's solid. Interesting. At times, Lowe can come off as self-obsessed or arrogant, but, on the whole, it's an engaging read. 

He'll tell a story about an early tv show he did as a kid, describing a girl he worked with, and then end the story by saying "oh, by the way, that girl was Janet Jackson." Rob Lowe has worked with some interesting people in his life. Francis Ford Coppala directed him in his first big role. He was an integral part of the Brat Pack. He not only starred with Martin Sheen on the West Wing, but he also used to swim in his backyard, since he went to school with the Sheen boys Emilio and Charlie. He worked with many people before they made it big--Tom Cruise, Dick Wolf, Ron Howard. He hung out with a lot of exciting people--JFK Jr., Bill Clinton, Princess Stephanie of Monaco. This guy has seen a world many of us only read about in tabloids. And it's fascinating. 

I loved Rob Lowe on West Wing. I found him marginally okay on Brothers & Sisters. I like him a lot on Parks and Rec. He was never my favourite part in any of those shows, but I liked him enough. So, I was already invested. Add in my love of any and all things celebrity, and I'm on fire. With the exception of one or two names, I knew everyone he talked about. I learned so much. I had so much fun. 

I've never read a celebrity biography before. For that matter, I've never dabbled much in the biography section. With this book, I took everything with a grain of salt, understanding that he was only describing his side of the story. I think that issue of perspective would be a challenge in any autobiography. 

This book makes me want to explore other celebrity memoirs. They're not deep reads, but they're engrossing in a way I've only ever truly experienced with young adult novels. With YA, I always want to get the end so I can read about the couple getting together. Here, I wanted to keep reading not for the end, but for the journey. That's impressive. This guy doesn't just play a great speech writer on tv. He must be a pretty good writer in real life. Or he must have a pretty great life. Either way, I throughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves celebrities like I do. It won't make you stupid, I promise. In fact, hold the book up proud. You are smart and you can enjoy a good afternoon of celeb gossip. You are just like me. Isn't that great?

Canada and Pop Culture

When I first started this blog I was very proud of my Canadian roots. My first few posts were right in the middle of the Vancouver Olympics, so the collective Canadian patriotism was at an all time high. It was a good time to be Canadian.

Since then, my blog has descended into reviews about tv shows, rants about romance, and ramblings about random things. But tonight I bring you back to Canada (with references to tv shows, romance, and random things).

This last week Canada has been popping up everywhere in pop culture. It's been quite amusing for us up here in the Great White North. But I've always wondered what Americans think of Canadian humour? Us Canucks find it funny because we like to laugh at ourselves--but why do Americans care? Is all this Canadian humour just waste of time to them? What exactly is the American appeal to making fun of Canadians?

The examples are neverending. There's the whole Robin is Canadian thing on How I Met Your Mother, which, for me, is a joke that keeps on giving. I loved the whole Canadian pop star thing, and the episode where Marshall and Robin go to the Canadian bar ("Everyone knows Canadians are afraid of the dark"). And I adored the episode when Barney and Robin came to Toronto. I love Barney's comment about Canadian money! And how the lady at Tim Horton's said that Robin wasn't Canadian because she didn't watch the hockey game and she didn't say thank you for her coffee. Personally, I loved all that stuff. The thank you thing is totally true--I always say thank you to the servers at Tim Horton's (or Timmies as many Canadians call it) or Starbucks or whatever. And I agree with Barney--our money is dumb. It has pictures of people playing hockey with random french poetry. It's so much fun for me to hear all these Canadian jokes because I can connect with them, relate them to my own life. But what do Americans care about our money or our obsession with hockey or whatever?

HIMYM is one example of a show that has a major Canadian element. This week there was lots of little Canadian moments. In no particular order:

1) The BNL Bashing on Community

I love the Barenaked Ladies. They're from Toronto! If I had a Million Dollars is like our city's theme song! I grew up listening to Steven Page and Ed Robertson with my Dad. I'll always have a soft spot for BNL. So, I was greatly amused by the whole thing on Community. First, on the most surface level: yay, a Canadian band is getting a shout out! And, of course, on a deeper level: hah, Community, that's right, Big Bang will always kick your butt!

But...why would Americans care about this reference? I'm sure BNL is barely heard of south of the border.

2) The 30 Rock Canadian hate fest

This episode was hilarious. Some of my favourite lines:

"I know. I'm a living stereotype. Everyone assumes a guy from Quebec can do karate."

"I don't know. I tried to ask how far it was to the border and they answered in kilometres!"

"Come on, Avery. We're going to find a Canadian who will take our money!"

I think part of the reason this storyline worked so well (for me at least) was that Jack and Avery weren't just average Americans, who are actually quite similar to Canadians in a lot of ways. Jack and Avery are Republicans, very extreme Republicans. That gave it a different edge. It made more sense why Jack and Avery were being so ridiculous--why they wouldn't support Canadian healthcare, for instance.

3) The Toronto Mix Up on Jeopardy

This one was funny too. Yeah, the main airport in Toronto is Lester B. Pearson International Airport, named after a Prime Minister from the 60's; not at all correct. And we have another airport called Billy Bishop Airport, named after a Canadian hero from WWI; again, nowhere near correct. Besides the fact that Toronto is not an American city. But hey, shout out to Toronto! TO! The TDOT! Go Toronto!

4) Justin Bieber Jokes About Canada

I love this picture! And I laughed at Justin Bieber's interview (for the record I am NOT a Bieber fan. NO WAY IN EVER). I loved his whole thing about the Canadian healthcare system and Canada just being awesome. I agree Justin, I agree.

There are countless other references, but they all lead to the same points:

1) Why is making fun of Canada such a big thing (especially this week?)

2) Why do Americans find Canadian humour funny, when it doesn't connect in the same way?

3) How do Canadians feel about being made fun of all the time?

(To be fair, the Jeopardy question doesn't really relate to any of these things. But still, a shout is a shout out)

To question c), I say that these type of jokes are walking a thin lines. Sometimes I love Canadian humour. Sometimes it just offends me. There was a line in Friends where Joey is telling Rachel why he shouldn't go out with this list of guys, and one of the reasons is that a guy is Canadian. That was a weak, sloppy joke that kind of annoyed me. Thin line, thin ice. Step over too far or too often and you might just fall through.

I'd be interested to go to the states and actually ask Americans what they think of Canadians. I can tell you what Canadians think of Canadians. Generally, I think we're pretty lame. Humble at least. Expect when we win at hockey. We're very proud then (Sidney Crosby is practically our national hero for his Olympics goal). But, generally, we're proud of our country, but we don't show off about it. Living in Canada and being Canadian is great. But, you, sometimes it's not so great, for not so obvious reasons (not because we live in igloos or anything like that). Here are a few examples:

-Ordering anything online is a freaking pain in the butt. We have Amazon.ca, sure, but the selection and pricing is way worse than Amazon.com. So it's a choice--higher price or higher shipping. Or, don't order anything at all?

-Our books, from physical bookstores, cost way more. It says it right on the back of the book. US price: $15. Canadian price? $18.50! Are you kidding me? A $3.50 difference when our dollars are almost on par?

-We refuse to do anything even remotely controversial, even when no one would really care. For example, we won't even say that we won the freaking War of 1812. The Americans claim they won. We say we tied. What kind of lame thing is that? Who ties at a war?!? We need to stand up for ourselves, gosh darnit!

-We have different channels/networks in Canada, which means we get different commercials. Usually, this doesn't matter. But sometimes, especially during the Superbowl, people like to talk about the commercials. Canadians have no idea what anybody is talking about. Totally lost.

But, of course, I love Canada. I celebrate with the best of them on July 1. And I cheer for my country during every sports game or Olympic event or whatever. I love being Canadian everyday. And I love being referenced in pop culture! Us Canadians make fun of ourselves enough, it's okay you Americans do it for a night. One night that is. Don't cross the line. We will get you back in the form of something totally lame and non-controversial. You'd better be scared!

One of Those Days

You knows those days, when life seems so unfair? Today is one of those days. All week I've been killing myself (yes, literally. No sleep. No food. Body slowly deteriorating) to get all these culminatings done. History culminating. Math culminating. French culminating. I've been working my butt off (not literally this time. I've been eating junk food all week to sustain myself) and you know what I get for it? I get sick!! Are you kidding me?!? I can't afford to get sick now! I have exams in a week and a half! And I still have so much culminating stuff to do. This is NOT the time to get sick. But alas,

This sucks in SO many ways. I cannot afford to miss school right now. And I cannot afford to waste any time. But I also can't lift my head from my pillow. There's no way to get any work done. I was freaking out about the lack of time before I got sick. I have no idea what I'm going to do now. The suckiest thing, though, is that I am going to recover right before exams. Which means that I will be healthy enough to write them but not healthy enough to study for them. Yippeee!

Now, enough of this wow-is-me crap. I could have it a lot worse, I know. It's just hard to remember that sometimes. And besides, being sick has some benefits. Lots of tv watching (meaning lots of How I Met Your Mother, my new addiction, as well as a few Big Bang Theory repeats and a Project Runway clip or two). Lots of web surfing. I've found some pretty cool stuff:

1) The Tim Gunn Video Blog

As any Project Runway fan knows, Tim Gunn is awesome. And as I now know, his video blog is awesome. He tells his real opinions, and doesn't hold back like most celebrities. He's not right out mean, but he's honest, and very insightful. Sadly, only season 7 videos are posted on youtube, so the rest can't be viewed from Canada.

2) The Most Awesome TV Blog

I stumbled across this blog in a Google search of some sort, though I can't remember what for. Wow, was I lucky. It is an awesome, awesome blog. The author reviews individual episodes of some of my favourite shows, like Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother and Flight of the Conchords. It really interesting. Also, the comments section is always great, reading everyone's different opinions. All together, one of the best blogs I have ever found. Hooray!

3) The Entertainment Weekly 100 Top Characters of the Last 20 Years List

I love me a list, of course. And I love me a pop culture list even more. So, of course, I had to go through and find all the characters I knew. The bolded ones are my favourites:

94) Truman from The Truman Show (awesome movie, but I don't remember anything spectacular about this character)

92) Christopher Boone from Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (GREAT BOOK!!)

91) Hancock from Hancock (meh)

88) Napoleon Dynamite from Napoleon Dynamite (a tad bit overrated)

82) Tracy Flick from Election (read the novel, didn't see the movie. Not Tom Perrotta's best work)

79) Elphaba from Wicked (my favourite character from my favourite musical)

69) Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada (good call, even if she was played by Meryl Streep)

66) Allie and Noah from The Notebook (Best Couple Of All Time)

65) Lorelai and Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls (Best Mother and Daughter of All Time)

60) Mary Jones from Push by Sapphire (AGAIN, GREAT BOOK)

56) Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother (been watching How I Met Your Mother for a few weeks. Barney is definitely my favourite character!)

55) Tracy Jordan from 30 Rock (pretty funny guy)

54) Juno from Juno (Ellen Page is awesome. And, incidentally, Canadian. Double awesome)

53) Edward from Twilight (oh dear god, KILL ME NOW)

46) Jerry Maguire from Jerry Maguire (only good Tom Cruise role)

34) Cher from Clueless (YES!!!!!!!!!!)

25) Woody from Toy Story (Childhood favourite)

24) Felicity from Felicity (awesome hair)

18) Sue Sylvester from Glee (Most hilarious character of all time!)

16) Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones (a little annoying, actually. And the movies sucked)

15) Shrek from Shrek (yeah, sure....)

9) Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City (I like Charlotte better, but Carrie's alright, I guess)

6) Rachel Green from Friends (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

5) The Joker from The Dark Knight (Did not like this film. Do not understand why this character is so high on the list)

2) Harry Potter from Harry Potter (Hermoine is WAY BETTER)

Good list. I mean Edward Cullen should go die (and, I know, he can't. He's a vampire and what not). And there's a lack book characters, which is annoying. And Homer Simpson won. The state of the world today, I tell you. But most of the shows I like were represented. And Rachel is 6th! Yah!

My head is officially THROBBING. Must go kill self. Or watch more How I Met Your Mother. Whatever makes me feel better (I'm betting on Barney, personally. Suit up!). Bye for now, dear readers.

OMFG

Okay, you know I have to say something about it. After my declaration that THE WORLD HAS ENDED after the first Bluck break up, you have to know I'll have, well, things to say about the disaster which was last night. I am still FREAKING OUT, but I will spare you too many CAPITALS, I promise. They are sore on the eyes.

Oh, but first, the obligatory SPOILER ALERT

Oh, where to start. Well, let's break it down in WTF moments:

1) Dan and Serena

I used to love Dan and Serena back in season one. I loved how cute they were together and how innocent Dan was. Everyone on the show was so screwed up, and they were the only sane thing to hold on to. But, alas, that relationship was screwed up as well, since they are now step siblings. I had kind of given up on the whole Dan/Serena thing, especially since the show kept pushing Nate and Serena. I moved on to Chuck and Blair and kind of forgot about these two. So, you know, I don't love that they are getting back together. They are nothing in comparison to Chair and they never will be. Dan used to be sweet and innocent but now he's as corrupt as the rest of them (but not in a good way). And Serena has officially become the most annoying character of all time (I mean, what is with the freaking daddy issues?!?). But, whatever, if they want to be together....

2) Chuck and Blair

In a weird way I'm glad they didn't end up together in this episode. The whole thing would've been tainted with the whole Chuck/Jenny thing (which is a OMFG moment all it's own). I was excited to see Chuck propose, but, of course, that was ruined by Dan. He looked so sad! It was so romantic! Plus, I am confident they will get back next season because of the next OMFG moment.

(One day, I swear! One day all my dreams will come true!)

3) CHUCK GOT SHOT (sorry can't go lowercase on that one. It was just too shocking)

No one saw that coming. I mean this is a teen show. The worse that's going to happen is a bad break up or a drug overdose. But, no, somehow, CHUCK GETS SHOT (I'm sorry, I really can't stop). I really don't know what to say about this except OH MY F****ING GOD. I mean it's Chuck. He can't die. The Gossip Girl writery person, even admitted it here. Chuck is safe. And, according to that article at least, Chuck and Blair will get back together because of this whole disaster. So, the world is not ending. Yet. I mean he's still Chuck Bass (didn't you love that he said that to the muggers, like they would actually care! It was so Chuck!):

Well, maybe the world is ending, if the next OMFG moment doesn't turn out to be a hoax:

4) Georgina's pregnant!!!! (excessive exclamation marks instead of capitals, thank you very much)

(Okay, so I couldn't actually find any pictures of Michelle Tratchenberg pregnant. Just imagine her with a really big beach ball under her shirt)

Personally, I think this is going to be reversed somehow. Either it won't be Dan's baby or she won't actually be pregnant or something. Everyone knows you can't trust Georgina. But still, what if it's true? You never know...Except if it is true, that would be absolutely ridiculous, since a bunch of the other characters saw Georgina before she confronted Dan and none of them blinked an eye. Either pregnant Georgina is a normal sight, or these people are selectively blind...

Last night's episode makes me want to stop watching the show. It was just too much. Chuck and Blair are awesome, there's no denying that. But it's too soap-opera-y. And Georgina and Serena and Jenny all need to die (They are so annoying! I wish one of them had got shot instead of Chuck. I would love to see them die!). I suppose now would be a perfect time to do a quick little evaluation of the show to see if I should stick around for next season.

Best Part of GG: Chuck and Blair (well no duh)

Worst Part of GG: Too many to choose. Jenny. Anytime Chuck and Blair aren't on the screen. Georgina. Serena. Serena's dad. Vanessa. Lily and Rufus. Nate's hair.

Verdict: I know how bad it is, I just can't give it up. Well, I should try. So, I guess the verdict is NO, it's not coming back. But who wants to take bets about how quickly I'll give in? (personally, I'd bet at least $20 against me. I love Chair too much).

Minute to Win It

I usually do my whole witty, annoying introduction thing, but I'll spare you all today and jump right into my tv reviews (if you have no idea what I'm talking about, go to this link. It'll all make sense, I promise!). I want to burn through a few of the shorter shows today, but I only have until 9:00, when Gossip Girl starts. Because I cannot miss one minute of the Chuck/Blair drama I have decided to try and review as many tv shows as I can in 20 minutes, as a kind of fun competition for myself. Okay, can't waste any more time with introductions. On your marks, get set, go!

1) Secret Life of the American Teenager

I have no idea how or why I started watching this show, but I can't seem to stop, even though it is PUERILE GARBAGE. It was kind of cute in the first season, with the whole Ben/Amy thing, but now that's definitely over since BEN GOT ADRIAN PREGNANT (any fans of the show understand how completely awful this is). It's now all garbage, with the the preachiness and the predictably. Plus, I absolutely hate the main character Amy. She is so annoying! And she's so selfish! I understand being a teenage mother is hard. But you don't have whine about it all the time! Dear God!

Why do I watch this show if it is SOOOOOOOO bad? I honestly don't know. I can't help myself. But I must stop. This show has to go. Hasta la vista, baby (I know, terrible line, but I'm under a time crunch!)

BOTTOM LINE

Best Part of SLOTAT: Ben/Amy

Worst Part of SLOTAT: Whenever Adrian is on the screen

Verdict: Sayonara, baby!

2) 30 Rock

This show can be really funny--sometimes. But other times it's just stupid and annoying. I mean, yes, Tina Fey is a goddess. And Alec Baldwin totally rocks (sidenote: how strange is it to see his brother Billy Baldwin as Serena's dad on Gossip Girl? I keep hearing his voice and expecting to see Jack Donaghy). This show can be great, but it can also miss the mark entirely. I never mind missing an episode, which isn't a good sign. I usually can't resist catching up on the weekend though. I should just cut it out once and for all, but I always end up watching it somehow.

Best Part of 3R: TINA FEY!!!

Worst Part of 3R: When it goes too far/thinks too much of itself

Verdict: Not returning next year, if I can resist

3) Cougartown

This show is underrated. It is smart and funny and almost always enjoyable. I am generally wary of any new projects from Friends actors because I can't think of them as anyone but their original character. Generally, though, this isn't a problem with Courtney Cox and Cougartown. She's a good enough actress and the character is different enough for me to forget, most of the time (sometimes, though, when her character Jules is a romantic relationship (like with Grayson, this last week, which was, by the way, SO EXCITING), I can't stop myself from yelling at her for cheating on Chandler). Cougartown is a nice, light half hour comedy. I think it deserves to stay.

Best Part of C: Grayson/Jules

Worst Part of C: Bobby

Verdict: Give it another chance

4) Make It or Break It

I'm sorry, there's no way you can make me give this show up. I am absolutely, positively in love with it. I love Emily. I love Damon. The deal is done (by the by, here is a great Emily/Damon video, if anyone's interested).

Most people probably haven't heard of this show, since it is one of those stupid ABC family shows, like SLOTAT. Unlike SLOTAT, though, this show doesn't suck. It is about a competitive gymnastics club in Colorado where all these intense teenage gymnastics train to try to make it to the Olympics. There are four main girls--Emily, who dates Damon, as mentioned--there is more to her (she is a very likable character), but not of it really matters to me. There's Kayley, who's okay. She's can be a little annoying and a little stuck up, but she's a good friend, generally. There's Payson, who is the top gymnast girl (or, at least, she will be when she comes back from her injury next season). And finally, there's Lauren, the bad girl, the sort of villain of the show. They are all friends, at least most of the time.

This show certainly has its faults. It can get too cheesy and too predictable and too contrived. But I can't resist. The friendship is sweet. And I would rather die then see Emily and Damon break up.

Best Part of MIOBI: Emily/Damon (obviously)

Worst Part of MIOBI: Anytime it gets cheesy or preachy

Verdict: It is here to stay (unless, of course, Emily and Damon break up. But that is NOT GOING TO HAPPEN)

Whew. That was four shows. Pretty pathetic, I know. But I did manage to eliminate two shows from the roster, no small feat. Oh no, Gossip Girl starts in less than two minutes. Gotta go. You know you love me,

Gossip Girl

(I know, I know, I've done this stupid sign off before. But it just seems so fitting, considering where I'm running off to now)

I Don't Want to Fall in Love

I have a really, really big fear. And no, it's not spiders or heights or anything like that. It's love. I know, that sounds ridiculous. But please, let me explain.

And no, I am not a commitment-phobe (how could I be? I'm only 16!)

You see, I have grown up reading romance novels and watching romantic comedies and sappy TV shows. These experiences have taught me a few things:

• If you have a boy as a best friend, he is in love with you. You may have loved him since the beginning of time or you may just realize it when it is too late (or, at least, when it seems too late, but really, you'll rush to find him at the last second at the airport/university/planetarium)

Examples: Post Grad (Ryden & Adam), Clueless (Cher & Josh), Where the Heart Is (Novalee & Forney), When Harry Met Sally (Harry & Sally), Dawson's Creek (Joey & Dawson), Northern Exposure (Maggie & Joel), Bones (Brennan & Booth), Teen Idol (Jenny & Scott), How to Be Popular (Stephanie & Jason), Airhead Series (Em/Nicki & Christopher)

• When two people break up it is rarely permanent, because they are soulmates

Examples: The Notebook (Allie & Noah), Friends (Ross & Rachel), Dawson's Creek (Joey & Dawson), Gilmore Girls (Lorelai & Luke), Everwood (Ephram & Amy) The Princess Diaries (Michael & Mia), Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Lena & Kostos)

• Couples will always reunite in a big climatic scene where they confess their undying love for each other

Examples: All the couples already listed, plus 27 Dresses (Jane & Kevin), While You Were Sleeping (Jack & Lucy), Pants on Fire (Katie & Tommy), Psych Major Syndrome (Leigh & Nathan), and every other couple fictional couple that has ever existed

All these so-called experiences have made me fear love. I mean, how could it possibly live up to my expectations? What if I have a boy who is really just a friend? Or what if "friends with benefits" is not a cover for the fact that he really loves me? And what if, instead of a big climatic break up and reconciliation, we just stay together (or, worse, we just break up)? And what if, worst of all, there are no soulmates, no person we're "supposed to end up with"? I would be so disappointed. My ideas of love come from very unreliable and unrealistic sources and I fear I am bound to be crushed by these big ideas about love.

I'm not scared to love because it might be too much, or too overwhelming. I'm scared it will be too little. I mean, what if all my dreams do come true, but they're just not enough? What do I do then? What do I have to look forward to without love? What is life without love?

Ignorance is Bliss

Some days, I will admit, being a teenager is kind of cool. I'm trying to think of an example of this, but none come to mind. But they must exist, surely. It isn't all embarrassment and awkwardness (well maybe it is). It certainly was awful today. Yes, that's right, an adult in my life tried to be funny. Yes, I did want to die (and no, to all you adults, I am not exaggerating. This is actually how teenagers feel when adults talk about sex. Especially when that adult happens to be their teacher).

It was this morning, during my school's version of philosophy class, we were talking about sunsets. My teacher was arguing that they were beautiful, but my classmate was arguing that no one cared about sunsets (and no, this argument is not as stupid as it sounds. My classmates are actually smart, I swear. You just catch them during their stupider moments). Well, my teacher rebuts my classmates argument with the following statement: "Watching a sunset is the best thing you can experience...that I can talk about in this room.". Yes, we were all squirming. Bad. Oh god, oh god, oh god.

It made me wish that I could go back to a time when I did not understand statements such as these, when I blissfully ignorant of sexual innuendos. Basically, I wish I could back to a time before I went to school with teenage boys, a time when the phrase "that's what she said" wasn't coming out of people's mouths every five seconds.

For instance, there was a time when this song didn't seem naughty to me at all:

Lines like "You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere" seemed perfectly innocent. After all it was something I did with my barbies all the time. I sang along to line like "Come jump in, be my friend, let us do it again" joyfully, with no comprehension of the funny looks adults were giving me. It was a great time, I tell you.

This bliss continued up into my tween years (god, don't you hate that word?). I remember the first time I saw The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie. Until a friend pointed it out to me, I had no idea that Bridget and Eric had sex on the beach. And I had read the book. (go to this link to see the scene if you want to laugh at my ridiculous naivete).

The worst though, is rewatching old Friends episodes. Everything that used to go right over my head suddenly makes sense. It's so bizzare. There used to be so many lines that I had no idea what they were talking about. Now, thanks to those teenage boys and there oh-so-subtle catchphrase, I understand them all. Very well, and very graphically, I might add.

I really wish I could go back to this blissful ignorance. Well, let's face it: I wish I wasn't a teenager. Being a kid is cool. You have no idea what's going on but you're always having fun. And being an adult seems okay. You have freedom and you don't have to go to school. All good things. But being a teenager is just a series of awkward moments that don't end until the day you turn eighteen (at least, they better end then. I cannot handle a single day more of this). As I said in this post, it would be nice if we were older. We wouldn't have to wait so long to actually have sex and not just make dirty innuendos about it.

(sorry to any grandmothers I just upset with that sentence. I am a little shocked at myself, actually)

I better stop before this get any dirtier. Signing off for now folks.

TV Tropolis (Hit TV lives here!)

The ultimate days of TV are officially over. The episodes are over, the screens have turned off. Did it live up to my expectations, you ask? Well, the results were mixed (warning: spoilers ahead):

• Brothers & Sisters 2-hour movie--Pretty good, pretty good. The whole Kevin paralyzed a guy was a fairly good secret. And Kitty doesn't have cancer! Yay! But, of course, the best news of the night was that JUSTIN AND REBECCA GOT MARRIED! Yes, all my dreams finally came true. It was amazing--sweet and simple. I loved it, just loved it.

(The flashback parts of the episode were pretty awesome. It was cool to see everyone as teenagers. Little Justin was so cute!)

• Life, Unexpected season finale--Average. There was no Bug in this episode, and he's my favourite character, so, you know, it wasn't great. And the whole Baze and his father storyline was awful. But the ending was good. I'm soooo glad she married Ryan. If she had chosen Baze over Ryan they (Cate + Baze) would've just broken up in an episode anyways. Though, I'm sure Ryan and Cate will get divorced eventually (assuming, of course, the show gets renewed)

• First Post-Bluck Breakup episode of Gossip Girl--Very mixed feelings about this one. I didn't like how they teased us by getting them back together and then breaking them up again. And the whole Nate/Serena/Jenny/Carter storyline was ridiculous. And Bluck didn't get back together in the end. But, you know, that's fair. Blair can't forgive him. I understand. They better be back together by the season finale though. And Blair and Dan better not get together, like they were hinting at the end of the episode (there are actual fan sites for this? Are people insane?). I would just die...

• Spring Premiere of Glee--Well. It was surprising, I'll say that. Good? I'm still not sure. I mean, Sue was hilarious as ever, especially with her principal Figgins trick thing (didn't you love how she was still wearing her track suit in bed?). And Brittany had some funny lines. But, I have to say, WILL SCHUESTER SUCKS!!!! (sorry couldn't find the exact article. You're going to have to scroll down a little). I can't believe they broke up already! Also, Rachel and that new guy are already annoying. Why can't a romance go right on this show?

Next, of course, is the first half of the season finale of Project Runway, which I always love because Tim Gunn visits all the designer's houses, which is always a ton of fun. Sadly, though, I'll be away for the weekend, so I might miss both Project Runway and the new episode of Brothers & Sisters, which would suck. But that's what online episodes are for, I suppose.

So, what has been happening in my life besides some epic TV watching? Well, I had half a french test. And I played flute at this big famous concert hall thing. And I wrote most of a biology lab. You know, big glamorous stuff. My life is the very definition of exciting, I tell you:

(And, I know, the expression "woo hoo" has a very different (and very dirty) definition to all you Sims fans. I can't stop thinking of it like that either...)

TV ROCKS MY SOCKS

The Secret Life of the American Teenager

Make it or Break it

Life, Unexpected

Gossip Girl

Being Erica

Glee

America's Next Top Model

Modern Family

Cougartown

Project Runway

30 Rock

Brothers & Sisters

Above is list of all the shows I regularly watch (with my favourite, absolutely-cannot-miss-it-or-I'll-die shows in bold). To be fair, not all of these shows air at the same time. Make it or Break and Secret Life have both ended for the season and Glee is just coming back. But still, that's a good ten hours of TV every week. Clearly, I have a problem. Usually, I feel guilty about all this TV time. However, this week I will not. Because these next three days are the best three days in TV history (not counting the Oscars, obviously). Here's the lineup:

Sunday April 11, 2010

9:00-11:00 pm--Brothers & Sisters 2 hour movie

Is this not the best thing of all time? Brothers & Sisters has been on break for three weeks, and it's finally coming back. And it's coming back big! Justin and Rebecca might get married! (finally! It's been almost a season since they got engaged!). We're finally going to find out what secret Dennis York has on Nora! Tommy is back! Oh my god, it's all so exciting!

Monday April 12, 2010

8:00-9:00 pm--Life, Unexpected season finale

I just recently started watching this show after it got rave reviews online. It's quite good, I have to say. Though I do hate that all the characters have such strange names--Lux, Baze, Cate (with a C? What kind of blasphemy is that?!?), Bug, Jones--but besides that, it is a good show. I really like the Lux-Bug relationship. In the finale this week, the whole Baze-Cate-Ryan triangle comes to a head, which should be exciting (though, I have to say, I'm not sure who I'm rooting for. I mean, Baze is cool and all, I know we're supposed to be cheering for him, but I still like Ryan because I liked Kerr Smith from his Dawson's Creek day's (he played Jack, if you are a fan of DC)). Either way it goes, it should be exciting, a nice warm up for all the drama that's going to go down on the next show of the night....

9:00-10:00--First post Chuck-Blair break up episode of Gossip Girl

They better get back together, that's all I have to say. I don't really care about the whole Nate/Serena thing. I have to have Chuck and Blair back together. I cannot go another week like this. They have to be together. Oh please, please, please, please, pray god they get back together (if you would like to hear more pathetic groveling in this vain, read this post I wrote last week).

Tuesday April 13, 2010

9:30-10:30--The spring premiere of Glee

Yes, the night we've all been waiting for since December is finally here! Glee is coming back! And after the last episode, I'm so excited! Emma and Will finally got together (but what is Terri still doing around? I wish she would just go die already)! Sue Sylvester is back (need I say more?)! And all new songs! It's all so exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, this is the three best days of TV of all time, barring maybe the Friends finale (but really, that was just sad). I am so freaking excited. Who cares about school? Who cares about crappy friends or sucky teachers or any of it when I have 2 hours of Brothers & Sisters plus a new episode of Chair plus Glee? I mean, what else really matters?

IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT (AND I DON'T FEEL FINE!)

THE WORLD HAS ENDED. LIFE, AS WE KNOW IT, HAS CEASED TO EXIST.

CHUCK AND BLAIR BROKE UP!!!!

I do not know how to go on. It's over. It's all over. The best (gossip girl) couple of all time is done. Over with. No more Bluck. No more Chair. The world has officially ended.

(Side note: sorry to anyone who missed last night's episode and now wants to kill me for spoiling it for them. But I just can't keep it to myself. My grief is too great.)

If any of you remember my previous post where I rambled on about my love of all things Chuck and Blair, you remember how much I love this couple. And you will remember how I said they were the ONLY REASON I WATCHED THE SHOW. And now, they're gone. And sure, they might get back together, eventually, at least according to this article. But who knows? And who wants to wait for that? I mean, who knows if/when they will get back together. An episode? The season finale? The series finale? I don't want them to be broken up for one more second. They belong together!

They better not get Blair or Chuck together with anyone else while they're broken up. I just couldn't watch. They are already took Dan and Serena away from me (and Serena and Nate? Are nowhere near as good a couple). They need to give me Chuck and Blair!

In all fairness, I think Blair was justified for breaking up with Chuck. I can't believe he would choose the hotel over Blair! I mean, who cares about some stupid business, in comparison to the love of your life? You can always make more money, but you can't get the love back. Come on, Chuck, don't be such an idiot!

Of course, I immediately went online to see the preview for the next episode. Nothing too helpful. I did a few google searches and found this video, which was a little more encouraging (Chuck is so destroyed because her lost Blair! It's so cute!). I also found this video, which was just sad:

I don't know what's going to happen with these two. But I do know that I'm going to tune in next week! (And yes, I am aware that I am playing right into the producers little game right now. But I can't resist!).

Must go now. Homework, as always. But I will still be in mourning. For the better part of the day. Or week. Or month. What is it, the twelve stages of grief?

Shaking Things Up (Cue Blender Noises)

So, sitting down, trying to think of witty opening for today's blog post, when a spider appears on the curtains next to my head. Twenty minutes and a few (justified) blood-curdling screams later, it is gone. Transported from my bedroom to the backyard by my darling dad. Very much appreciated.

The spider interrupted the beginning of my post about the movie I saw tonight called The Last Station. As I mentioned, my friends wanted to go and see The Last Song, but they changed their minds at the last minute, and decided to go to politically charged historical film instead of a teen chick flick. Apparently they really like James McAvoy:

(personally, I don't see the whole cute angle, but whatever)

As you may have guessed, if you are a regular reader or you have read the tagline of my blog, this is not my type of film, seeing as it does not have a deliciously predictable romance, a female protagonist, or a sappy ending. Instead it had political unrest, 1910's Tsarist Russia, and an old Russian author. They say it's good to shake things up some times. Well, here I am, putting my life in a blender (oh man, that was some bad writing there!).

In the end, it was an okay film. I don't really know. As you well know (seeing as I just told you!), I don't have much of a frame of reference. But from I could tell, it was fairly well done. It held my interest for the first two-thirds of the film, by which time I got sick of the whole Tolstoy-Sophya-Tolstoyian thing. I'm not one for politics (except for West Wing, of course). And Helen Mirren, Oscar winner she may be, got kind of annoying.

For those of you who haven't heard of this film (which is practically impossible, considering it was nominated for an Academy Award or two this past March), the plot is about the life of Leo Tolstoy, the famed Russian writer, who wrote such classics such as this one:

(another one of those classics I tried to read and failed)

The romance between James McAvoy and some-random-actress-I-don't-know (yeah, just looked her up on imdb, as she really hasn't been in anything. Except, apparently, a movie called How Harry Became a Tree, which I must say, sounds excellent) was surprisingly well done. It's an odd comment for me to make, but I must say I really liked the cinematography. The shots were really intimate and close. It was sweet and realistic and really romantic, in it's own way.

Oh wow, just fell asleep at my computer in the middle of writing this review. I think it may be time to go to bed. Well, in conclusion, I will give The Last Station 2.5/5 stars. The highest yet, but by no means the gold standard. I just haven't seen a good movie in a while...(this drought is set to end with Sex and the City 2 in May, if all goes according to plan, meaning the second movie is infinitely better then the first). My eyes are starting to drop again. I better stop while I can still complete my sentences. Good night, and good movie watching!

Great Expectations

Remember the time when I used to post everyday? That seems so long ago. Somehow, I've gone a full week without posting. I'm sorry, my loyal readers (who knows, I could have one, somewhere). School has been bad this week. School is always bad. But, now it's Easter weekend, and seeing as I have no religious obligations, I will have lots of time to blog (and to catch up on homework. As always). Now, I know you are all waiting for the next category of the YA awards, but I think I may have to put it on hold for a little bit. I promise though, all the winners will be announced. Soon. Just as long as school isn't bad again.

This interruption in your previously scheduled programming is caused by an urgent movie review for all you romance-addicts out there. What film might that be? Well, I'll tell you a few things about it. It has sap. It has songs. And it has Miley Cyrus. Yes, I am talking about The Last Song. And yes, I did go and see it on opening day. And yes, I am going to see it again. And no, it isn't that good. (I went on Wednesday with my mother. Now my friends from school want to see it. I would not voluntarily go to this film twice in two days. I'm not insane).

The Last Song is, of course, the newest book-to-film adaption from Nicholas Sparks, the author of such literary/cinematic hits as A Walk to Remember (good, but WAY too depressing), Dear John (meh. Too sappy), and The Notebook (THE GREATEST ROMANCE OF ALL TIME). Going into the theatre I had some mixed feelings. I didn't know what to expect. Was this going to be another sapfest (yes, that is so a word! Shut up Blogger spellcheck!) or another great film with such classic scenes such as this and such great kisses such as this (why did I even link that? If you are reading this blog, you've most certainly seen that kiss. A few dozen times)? Well, it was a mixture of both, really. Yes, there was sap. And yes, I did cry (and okay, for the record, I am not a big movie crier. The last movie I cried at was Raise Your Voice, when her brother died. Stop laughing).

The romance part of the film revolved around Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth (Ronnie and Will respectively). Personally, I didn't buy it. The romance was too quick and formulaic and predictable. And the writing wasn't good. And remember, this is coming from someone who has seen and loved every romantic movie and tv show known to man. My standards are obviously low (I enjoyed Legally Blonde 2), so when I say the romance is bad, the romance is bad. They sure do look like a nice couple though:

(as everyone already knows, they are a couple in real life. How long do you think that's going to last? Longer than 6 months? I'll take you on that bet)

The other half of the plot revolved around Greg Kinnear. Now, I don't want to give any spoilers, but we all know someone must die in a Nicholas Sparks film (Mandy Moore in A Walk to Remember, Richard Gere in Nights in Rodanthe, Kevin Costner in Message in a Bottle, Gena Rowlands and James Garner in The Notebook). Just putting that out there...

Anyway, that part of the film was good. Sappy, of course, but not terrible. It could have been a lot worse. And they didn't actually show anyone die, which I appreciated. The funeral was a bit much for me, with the whole song thing. But it is called The Last Song, so what can you expect?

All in all, 2 1/2 stars. The very definition of average. Will I be seeing it again? Yes, but only to because my friends want to. Will I be buying the DVD? (the true test, especially in the age of illegal online movies. Only the best of the best are purchased for road trips/internet failures) No. Should you go see it? Well, if you want a good cry...and an bad romance.

And The YA Award Goes To...

So, always one to be prepared, I did a little research before starting up my little blog. I read articles and articles and lists upon lists, trying to see what made a good blog. I wanted to have a good blog--one people would find interesting, visually appealing but not any eyesore, and one people would want to follow. I don't know if I've achieved any of these things yet, but I keep trying. I try to remember the tips I learned from my research. For example, I always make sure my spelling and grammar is correct (at least, as far as I can tell. I'm not too great at grammar). I try to add lots of pictures (this post being the exception). I try to think of witty titles (yeah, my wit is also not so good, as you may have noticed. I'm sorry, I really am).

When I was doing all this research I came across one tip I liked: Do things in series. Like this series from Pimp My Novel, for example. I couldn't think of a good series to do until I came across this survey. I was trying to think of which books to nominate, and it came to me, the perfect series for Katherine was Thinking: The Best YA Moments. Like my version of the Oscars, I will be giving away awards for the Best Kiss, Best Lead Character, Best Couple, Best Male Lead, Best Supporting Character, Best Ending, and on into infinity (or, until I get bored and need to change topics). These awards are of the highest honour, I assure you. When authors practice their acceptance speeches in the shower, it's for these awards. Yes, that is how important they are. No, I am no full of s***. Not at all.

As with the Oscars, we shall not start with the biggest category (Best Picture, or in this case, best book), but with a medium sized one to catch people's interest. Without further ado (and with no Neil Patrick Harris dance numbers. Sorry to disappoint!), our first category of the night...

BEST MALE LEAD

Definition: The guy who ends up with girl ie. Prince Charming

And the nominees are:

1) Michael Moscovitz, The Princess Diaries Series

2) Nathan, Psych Major Syndrome

3) Wes, The Truth About Forever

4) James, Audrey, Wait!

5) Eric, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series

And the YA Award Goes to....(drum roll please!)

Yes, Nathan from Alicia Thompson's Psych Major Syndrome takes home the statue for this one. For those of you who have never heard of this book the trailer and author website are here and here respectively. Nathan, aka, Mr. Prince Charming, is my absolute favourite male lead of all time. I'm always a sucker for the whole he-loves-her-from-a-far story (much like in the Princess Diaries, Audrey, Wait!, and The Truth About Forever). I just love the idea of a guy watching a girl from a far, being totally in love with her. It's so romantic. Somewhat cheesy, yes. But so romantic.

Nathan is sweet and cute and he loves Leigh so much ("I love you too and the genius that Bono is, I don't mean the band"). He meets her during orientation week and instantly falls in love (that part I don't believe that much--I'm not really a love at first sight person) and he can't stop thinking about her. I love how awkward he is. I love him, plain and simple. I want a Nathan in real life....

Now, I'm sure Alicia Thompson stayed up extra late (9:30 pm) to see if she won. I know she's already cleared a place on her mantel for the award (a snapshot of this post perhaps?). And I know you're all on the edge of your seats to see who will win the next category. Stay tuned to find out!

Wouldn't It Be Nice If We Were Older, Then We Wouldn't Have to Wait So Long

Remember in 13 Going on 30, when she wishes she could instantly be thirty years old? Sometimes, I feel like that. Sometimes I get sick of being a teenager, with all the drama and the gossip and the homework. Sometimes I want to be like Adam Sandler in Click, just fast forwarding through my life. I want to get married, I want to have kids. Now. Not ten years from now. As the Dawson's Creek theme song says, I don't want to wait. Somedays. Like today.

Don't you ever imagine what you're life's going to be like? Don't you imagine marriage proposals and wedding gowns? Adults always say that life works out differently than you imagine it will (there is a pop culture reference here, but I can't remember it). And I'm sure they're right. But it sure is fun to imagine a proposal like this. Though I think that might be a little embarrassing, on live television and all. And in real life proposals don't always work out. But whilst I'm in this mood I thought it might be nice to make a list of the best movie/tv proposals, to keep the fantasy alive a little big longer.

1) Justin proposes to Rebecca, Brothers and Sisters

I loved this proposal. It was just so perfect. It was intimate, and personal. And it wasn't some cheesy romantic thing. It was simple and it was real. Oh god, I love this couple so much. As with Chuck and Blair, they are the sole reason I watch the show. Though they are getting less and less airtime, so I don't know how much longer I'll be watching...Alas, it's a perfect proposal. Just an ordinary day, lying in bed, with an extraordinary event. Perfect, just perfect.

2) Jack proposes to Lucy, While You Were Sleeping

I love this proposal too, just in a different way. I love how his family is talking in the background, yet it still manages to be simple and sweet, just between the two of them. Again, no grand romantic gesture, just a proposal. It's romantic and real and everything a proposal should be. Unlike the last proposal, this one seems more planned (he has ring, after all). And I think planned proposals are fine. But I always like the pure emotion in a spontaneous proposal. No time to think--you just have to ask. You can't stop yourself. But this proposal is just as sweet anyway. (Side note: isn't hard to believe that that same actress now has an Academy Award? My, how things change).

3) Robbie proposes to Julia, The Wedding Singer

Yes, this is a bit of a cheesy one. But I love the song! It's so cute. The whole scene is great. I don't know what else to say, except it's pretty darn perfect. Oh, how I heart Robbie Hart. (And a very young Drew Barrymore).

4) Johnny proposes to June, Walk the Line

I haven't actually seen this film. But I stumbled across this scene whilst looking for another proposal, and I just loved it. Sure, they aren't alone, but it's still intimate. I love the way he lowers his voice to a whisper when he really asks her. It's so sweet. And he looks so vulnerable. He really wants to marry her. I should really see that movie (plus, it has Reese Witherspoon, who can do no wrong).

5) Monica proposes to Chandler (kind of), Friends

And, of course, it always comes back to Friends. Whilst Ross and Rachel are my favourite couple, these two definitely have the best proposal (okay, well, Ross and Rachel never really have a proposal scene. But they get close sometimes). This proposal has a little bit of the romance, but it's still very sweet, with both of them crying and everything. It's funny and unique and just perfect.

Now, you may be wondering what my perfect proposal would be. I'm not sure, but I think probably something private, intimate, in a way that means something to us as a couple. A meaningful place or meaningful memory or something. No big hoopla. No skywriting or cheesy hiding in the cake or anything like that. Just simple and sweet and romantic. Now only if I could find someone to marry me. And if only I wasn't sixteen....

And Then There Was This Plane...

I LIKE CHICK FLICKS. I'm not ashamed. I do not like so-called "intelligent" films. I do not like drama or action or thriller or horror. I like romantic comedies (more emphasis on the "romantic" then the "comedy" part). I am willing to admit all these things. So, when I see a trailer like this, I know it's not a movie for me. However, when a see a trailer like this one,

I know it's my kind of film. I mean sure, it has bit of a dark edge. But there's a boy (Robert Pattinson, Twilight bloodsucker) and a girl (Emilie de Ravin, apparently some character from Lost). That means romance. And sappy endings. And great kissing scenes. That does not mean violent deaths. Or annoying metaphors that make no sense.

I should stop right here and say that this review is going to have spoilers. Now, I know, that is a faux pas in the movie critic world. However, this movie sucks so bad, no one should ever go see it. Or maybe, go see the first 9/10ths of it. Those parts were fine. Average. Nothing special. Some bad Rob Pattinson acting, both nothing too horrifying. It's that last tenth that ruins the film. I mean, it's going along fine. Bad boy gets arrested by cop, starts dating cop's daughter for revenge. Cop's daughter is quirky and sweet and the two instantly fall in love. Cop has fight with daughter, daughter moves in with bad boy boyfriend. They both admit their darkest secrets to each other. Family drama ensues. Hearts are broken, mended, broken again. Whoop whoop. Everything's fine. And then there's this plane...

Yes, this is the point where the movie explodes both figuratively and literally

You see, at the beginning of the movie there was this flashback to 1991, and then back to present movie day, 2001. The whole time I was watching the movie I was trying to figure out why they would set a film in 2001 if it were released in 2010. It makes no sense. I know, you're thinking I'm really dense right now. What big event happened in 2001? I think everyone knows the answer to that. But they had mentioned terrorism at the beginning of the film. I assumed it was October or November 2001. It kept nagging at me. It just didn't make sense.

And then, it did. Apparently, all the relationship drama was before 9/11. Who knew? And so, you can see where this is going. Yes, Remember Me, a quote "romantic drama", ends with Twilight lover boy getting killed in the World Trade Center. Like, what? Just, what? Where did that come from? I mean, what is the message of the movie supposed to be. You can try hard to reform your life and then you'll be killed in a freak terrorist plot? Like, what?

You know, that sad part is I was this close to going to see She's Out of My League, which got rave reviews. But I thought Robert Pattinson, romance, can't go wrong (and before you freak out, I am not a Twihard. I just thought I'd give the guy another chance. Well, he's definitely out of chances now.). Never again, that's all I have to say. Never again.

Most reviewers give a rating for movies. I suppose I should do the same. Well, I give nine tenths of the film 2/5 stars. And I give the ending negative 1000000000000000000000/5 stars. What does that average out to exactly? (I'm not good at math, but it doesn't look good...).

'Til Next Year, Oscar

Sorry, I'm a day late. I've been sick for a while and am in the process of making up all the homework I missed. It's been pretty crazy and couldn't find time to blog last night. But don't worry, I'm back (didn't you miss me?). I know you must be wondering what I thought of the Oscars. Well, where do I start...

I think the highlight of the night might have been when that Music by Prudence guy got kanyed by that random woman:

Wondering what the story was behind that? Go to this link to find out. Also, didn't you love how they did the Best Actor/Best Actress categories? The speeches were sooooo sweet. Michelle Pfeiffer's (to Jeff Bridges) was my favourite. I really hope they do something like that every year. Ben Stiller didn't annoy me as much as usual...though he was very random.

Tina Fey was great, as always. Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin did an average job hosting, I think. Their opening monologue was pretty weak. I mean, have they ever heard of a transition sentence?

So, all of that was interesting. But, of course, the best moment of the night was the one that didn't happen. Yes, that's right. James Cameron didn't get to make a SINGLE speech. HA HA HA. That's all I have to say. Seems like someone isn't king of the world anymore. But the Academy did crown a new queen!

This was the most predictable Oscars of all time. Sandra Bullock, Jeff Bridges, Christoph Waltz, Mo'nique, and Up all won, as expected. Big shockers. There was no great upset, no big dramatic moment. On the bright side, I bet on all of these people for my Oscar pool and ended up winning by ten points. I believe congratulations are in order.

And that's it. The biggest day in entertainment is over. All that wait and anticipation, and now we have to wait another whole year. Of course, there are the Emmys and the Golden Globes, but they're just not the same (though I am looking forward to watching Glee deseed 30 Rock in September). Maybe someone will EGOT this year (okay, that part of 30 Rock was funny. But Glee is still 1000x better).

And The Oscar Goes to...

It's here! It's here! The biggest entertainment day of the year! Yes, today is the day that us pop culture junkies wait for all year. All the movies. All the celebrities. All the suspense. It's a truly magical night and it's FINALLY here.

Oh, where to start? I love this night so much. From top to bottom, there's so much to see. There's the outfits, the hosts, the awards, the acceptance speeches. And this year, there's so much drama--Hurt Locker vs. Avatar for Best Picture, Bigelow vs. Cameron for Best Director (ex-spouses! First woman to win best director! Most arrogant man of all-time!), Streep vs. Bullock for Best Actress. Unlike in previous years, there's no favourite to sweep the awards a la 2009's Slumdog Millionaire (which I did not see, making last year a snooze) or 2003's Return of the King (didn't see that one either. Didn't read the books either. I really didn't know what was going on). There could be real drama! So exciting! (doesn't it seem like I've taken some type of drug before writing this post? All the exclamation marks...).

I have been reading articles about the Oscars for months now, bookmarking them for this exact post. I have read many predictions and many pieces of trivia and I feel about ready to make my predictions. Drumroll please...

1) Best Picture

Seeing as I have seen only 2/10 nominated pictures (Up and Up in the Air), some would say I am an unfair judge. But, as in my last post, you know what I say? Who cares. I have opinions, God dammit, and I'm going to share them. Of the two I've seen, I think Up in the Air should win, even if it was a little depressing and even though it stars a girl from Twilight. From what I''ve been reading, though, this film has little shot at winning. Out of the only two real contenders left, Avatar and The Hurt Locker, I would pick The Hurt Locker. Not only has it been getting good buzz, but I would rather stab myself in the eye than have to listen to another James Cameron acceptance speech (I'm King of the World! Oh god, kill me now). Although, I would rather see a total surprise winner, like District 9 or A Serious Man, to shake things up (though I really hope The Blindside loses. I really hate that film).

Final Prediction: The Hurt Locker

2) Best Director

Again, I have only seen one of these films. But what does that matter? I still hate hate hate hate HATE James Cameron, even if he is Canadian (bet you didn't know he was Canadian. Yes, he's one of the ones we're ashamed of, like Pamela Anderson). And I'm always pulling for women's rights, so I'd have to go with the masses and say Kathryn Bigelow (even if she does spell her name with a y instead of an i, ruining my life). After my theatre class last semester I have a new appreciation for directors (now that I actually know what they do. Now, if I could just figure out what producers are paid for, I'd be all set).

Final Prediction: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker

3) Best Actress

I'm going to go against the tide in this category and pick Meryl Streep. Like the Sean Penn-Mickey Rourke upset of last year, I think there could be a surprise in this category. And I'm sorry, but an actress who's previous work includes All About Steve, Miss Congeniality 2, and Two Weeks Notice, can't possibly be in contention. And for such a sappy, predictable movie like The Blindside. I didn't see it, true, but the trailer made me sick enough to know. Plus, the academy loves Meryl (god knows I don't, but I did enjoy It's Complicated and her half of Julie & Julia). This could be a major upset...

Final Prediction: Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia

4) Best Actor

I feel an obligation to include this category because I included its counterpart, but really I don't care. George Clooney was alright in Up in the Air, I guess. I don't know. But sure, I want Jeff Bridges to win. He seems like a nice guy, a guy who deserves it. Sure, why not?

Final Prediction: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart

Now, seeing as the Best Supporting Actor and Actress are sewn up by Christoph Waltz and Mo'nique respectively, there's really no point in discussing them. And I really have no idea about all the other smaller categories (though I do want Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart), to win. I listen to it on iTunes all the time). I suppose then, I will stop here (good thing, cause I've got some homework callin' my name. Pretty loudly). SOOOOOOO excited for tonight. Hope it's as scandalous as possible (for what is life, without some streakers?)! Good day and good luck to all the Oscar contenders (except James Cameron and The Blindside, of course)!