Christina's Top List of 2008

I've been doing a "top 10" type list for awhile. So, here is this year's version:

Best Movie: "The Dark Knight" was probably the best movie of the year for all its qualities from acting, writing and stunts. But, my favorite movie of the year was by far "Twilight." I think you'll notice a theme this year with the vampires. Really, wizards are soooo 2006.

Worst Movie I Paid For: "Hairspray" and that was only a DVD rental. I could only make it 38 minutes into it. The songs were far from catchy and Zac Efron can only make girls swoon to a box office success so far.

Best DVD Rental: "Iron Man" was an awesome guilty pleasure movie. Robert Downey Jr. is a total bad ass super hero. Gwyneth Paltrow was even bearable.

Best Song: Taylor Swift was churning out the hits this year. She might have been dumped by that stupid Jonas Brother, but she had how many top 10 hits? Yea, "Our Song" was in my head most of the year and overplayed on the iPod. To the Jonas Brother who dumped her: you're a moron like Tony Romo.

Song I Couldn't Get Out of My Head: Tie: "I Want It All" by Ashley Tisdale on the "High School Musical 3" soundtrack and "Spotlight" by Mutemath on the "Twilight" soundtrack. Two completely different songs, but both get me pumped to do my runs.

Best New Restaurant I Tried: Mekong Cafe. The Vietnamese, Laotian, Thai restaurant on the Tosa/Milwaukee border makes great pho noodle soup and bubble tea.

Best Book I Read: Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga is amazing. Finishing almost 2,000 pages in like two weeks during the busy summer months is a record for me. I'm absolutely in love with Edward Cullen and have strange fantasies about fictional characters. Any book that can kick Harry Potter from the New York Times best seller list has to be good.

Best Moment: Getting married? Yea, getting married would undoubtedly have to be the best moment of the year. I can't believe it's been almost a year! Between the planning, the ceremony and the honeymoon, it has been a whirlwind adventure for us. I can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for the newlyweds!

New Year's Resolution: Finishing my first 5K run.

Spinning the tunes...

Since I'm at the station for my Christmas night, I thought I'd share some of the highlights with you all.

11:22 p.m. - Can't believe I've resorted to looking at TMZ.com.

10:54 p.m. - I'm in some sort of reggae Christmas hell...Please send help...

10:21 p.m. - Reminiscing about Animaniacs and how amusing that show was in 7th grade. I wonder if that's on DVD...

9:33 p.m. - Does anyone else feel that Mannheim Steamroller is highly cliched? And really, what is a steamroller from Mannheim?

9:30 p.m. - We're finally rockin' around the Christmas tree with Brenda Lee.

9:19 p.m. - Dear Rob Pattinson, How could you cut your hair off? Was the thought of my fingers in your tousled locks too much to bear on this Christmas? Please grow it back in time for "New Moon." Love, your biggest fan.
(Photo thanks to Twilighters Anonymous)

9:07 p.m. - Does anyone know what Kenny G.'s last name is?

8:12 p.m. - Sick of my travel mug dripping every time I take a sip. I keep looking like I wet my pants.

7:29 p.m. - Really? Johnny Mathis singing "Jingle Bell Rock"?

7:23 p.m. - Trying to figure out what Andrea Bocelli is singing about in this song with Celine Dion.

7:10 p.m. - Just gave the forecast for tomorrow to a guy who sounded disappointed that it will be in the 40s.

6:46 p.m. - Starting to write the great American novel. Be careful, you might end up in it.

6:33 p.m. - Talked with Brett to tell him how great he is.

6:28 p.m. - Wondering what happened to actor Brian Bonsall who played Worf's son and was on "Family Ties."

6:24 p.m. - Michael Bolton is singing "White Christmas". I can't say it's "Steal Bars" or "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," but it is definitely not Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby. On the tube, a "Star Trek: The Next Generation" marathon is leftover from the last producer's shift. Currently Lt. Worf is in sickbay with a paralyzing back injury. Captivating.

6:01 p.m. - ABC News is reporting that Eartha Kitt died today. Play "Santa Baby" in her memory.

My "Twilight" review

It's been almost 10 years since I graduated high school. So, I'm slightly removed from what contemporary high schools are like but I have a feeling there will always be the girls striving to be perfect, the over-achieving academics, and the jocks out for all the attention.

Catherine Hardwicke's record-breaking new film "Twilight" starring Kristen Stewart ("Panic Room" and "Into the Wild") and Robert Pattinson ("Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire") lead the cast of the film based upon Stephenie Meyer's teen vampire love saga of the same name. Stewart and Pattinson, along with co-stars Taylor Lautner ("The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl"), Nikki Reed (Hardwicke's "Thirteen") and Kellan Lutz (tv's "90210"), portray the Teen Vogue-esque cast that embodies beauty, brawns, and flaws of adolescent angst.

Unlike other books-turned-films of recent past, most notably the "Harry Potter" series, "Twilight" is lucky to have a strong adapted screenplay penned by Melissa Rosenberg ("The O.C." and "Ally McBeal") that captures the true essence of its author's work. The 498-page epic novel translates nicely into a two-hour film escape that works for everyone from 'tweens to their "Twilight moms." Even guys can find something to like whether its the bad ass vampires or the hottie girl eye-candy.

Some of the high school scenes make "Twilight" uncomfortable to watch. But, in retrospect, most of high school was uncomfortable. You can empathize with the new student, Bella Swan (Stewart), as she tries to make friends at school, or not hit the cute boy in her gym class with a wickedly spiked volleyball. Hardwicke and her cast seemlessly portray the gossiping and joking natures that have made up high schools for years, and will surely continue to invade for years to come.

What makes "Twilight" successful is the chemistry between Stewart and Pattinson. Bella's love for the century old Edward Cullen comes alive on-screen. As an avid reader of the "Twilight" saga, my heart raced as Edward says "There's one thing I've always wanted to try," and leans in to kiss his true love.

While the forbidden love story between mortal and vampire is probably the biggest draw, there are elements of comic relief, surprise, and action. A vampire baseball game propelled with the help of British alt-rockers Muse and their song "Supermassive Black Hole" will get you geared up for opening day and cheering for the Forks, Wash., baseball team. The culminating sequence between Edward and James (Cam Gigandet) demonstrates the power that these unconventional vampires possess. Plus, the film will leave you wondering just what is up with werewolves?

There won't be any best actor or best film Oscars coming from this film, but don't be surprised if you see a best adapted screenplay nod coming when nominations are announced. Plus, you have three more films to wait for. Summit Entertainment has announced a green light on at least two of the last three "Twilight" saga novels. Stewart and Pattinson will be making $12 million each for "New Moon," an increase of $10 million.

That said, I'd go back to high school in a heartbeat if there were guys with impossibly perfect coiffed hair, hypnotically smooth voices and ivory-toned skin like Rob Pattinson.

"Twilight" trivia

• Rob Pattinson contributes two songs to the film's soundtrack and he plays the piano on "Bella's Lullabye".
• Author Stephenie Meyer makes a cameo in the film in a sequence in the diner (she orders a salad and is working on a laptop).
• The opening weekend gross of $70.6 million is the most for any female director.
• Kristen Stewart picked the prom dance song that Edward and Bella dance to "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" by Iron & Wine.

March Disney Trip Update

We have been waiting for ages to make our dining reservations for our anniversary trip/Princess 5K trip to Disney World in March. Since they're revamping the reservation system (you'll eventually be able to make your reservations online starting in mid-December), it's put a hold on the normal 180-day mark to call. Today was the first day we could call for March vacations. And, it paid off! We got everything we wanted even if it took two phone calls.

Since we're not on the Disney Dining Plan this trip, we're only trying three table service meals out-of-pocket, and then a few counter services around the parks. We're also getting a rental car, so we can easily eat off-site if we want to.

But, here is the lowdown on our choices:

Wednesday, March 4 - Cafe May Cafe

Dinner will be at Cape May Cafe at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort. This all-you-care-to-eat New England Clam Bake features crab legs, mussels, clams, barbecue ribs and chicken, salad, soups, a kid's buffet, and a dessert selection. There are no characters at this meal. The airy, beach-theme should be nice and relaxing for our first night.

Friday, March 6 - Boma: Flavors of Africa
We tried Boma: Flavors of Africa for dinner during our honeymoon. We were originally going to go to 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, but decided two meals in one trip there was a bit much. So, we opted to go to Boma to try their African-themed breakfast. Plus, the great view of the savannah, will be awesome in the morning. I can't wait to try some of the crusted ham or pork loin and even if I'm not a coffee drinker, the Kenyan coffee sounds amazing!

Saturday, March 7 - Narcoosee's

Our 1st Anniversary is just two weeks before our trip. We're having a special dinner at Disney's Grand Floridian at Narcoosee's, a seafood restaurant that sits on the edge of the Seven Seas Lagoon and overlooks Cinderella's Castle and Tomorrowland. We're very excited about this one. They have an extensive wine list and feature fresh seafood. We will also be in touch with the resorts bakery to recreate our wedding cake for this special anniversary dinner.

Well, only about 130 days left until we leave. I'm busy training for the 1st Princess 5K. Brett and I bought new shoes last week (thanks Fleet Feet in Brookfield!) I'm down to a 17:10 mile. I need to shave off a little over 2:00 minutes before race time, but I'm confident that I will do it. We received the race course -- we'll be racing through Epcot on Saturday morning. Plus, there's a health and running fare. I'm very excited to be doing this race! My only goal is just to finish in 45 minutes or under so I can get the finisher medal. I would hate to have the little golf cart come and pick me up because I couldn't keep up with the pace.

We also have our tickets for the Pirate and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom on Sunday night. The park closes to regular guests and stays open to transform into a wonderland of Pirates coves and Princess kingdoms. There's a special parade that stars Jack Sparrow and the princesses. I'm so psyched about this trip! I can't believe it's coming so fast!!!

Join Briggs & Al's Run and Walk for Children's Hospital

Join this year's Briggs & Al's Run and Walk for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin on Saturday, Sept. 20 in Milwaukee.

Help the patients at the hospital by running and walking. If you can't run or walk, contribute to the cause by clicking here.

We hope you can join our team and fighting childhood illnesses!

Well, we're going again...

I'm excited to say that we're going to Disney World again in March.

"What," you say. "Didn't you just get back?"

Well, yes, young grasshopper. We did just get back. And, we're planning on going again in March to run in the inaugural Princess 5K Run. It's only a "long" weekend trip for four days, but it's enough to get us by until our next "big" trip at Christmas 2010.

So, this time we'll be down at the World from Wednesday, March 4, until Sunday, March 8. We're staying at the All-Star Movies Resort, a Disney-themed "value" hotel that includes large icons of 101 Dalmations, Toy Story, Fantasia, The Mighty Ducks, and Herbie: The Love Bug.


Photo courtesy: www.wdwinfo.com


Photo courtesy: http://www.wdwinfo.com/

Unfortunately, we can't do the dining plan with the special deal we're getting on the room rates and ticket discounts, but we do have some initial plans in mind for our upcoming meals.

We're thinking the following table service meals on these days:

Wednesday night: 'Ohana (means "family" in Hawaiian) - a family-style restaurant at the Polynesian Resort. It specializes in meat skewers, tropical fruit, and other flavors of the island.


Photo courtesy: http://www.wdwinfo.com/

Thursday night: Tokyo Dining - This new sushi eatery at Epcot's World Showcase has an extensive sushi menu. The entire staff are women. The large picture windows overlook the World Showcase lagoon for specatular views of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, the nightly fireworks and laser show.


Photo courtesy: http://www.wdwinfo.com/

Friday morning: 1900 Park Fare - The Supercalifragilistic Character Breakfast features Mary Poppins, Burt, giggly penguins, the Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland, and more friends at the Grand Floridian Resort. The buffet is extensive with everything from make-your-own omelettes to Mickey waffles and a sundae bar. There's also a turn-of-the-century calliope that hangs from the wall playing festive music to entertain guests.


Photo courtesy: http://www.about.com/

Saturday night: Narcoosee's - This upscale dining room at the Grand Floridian overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon (a manmade lake that the GF, Contemporary, Polynesian, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge, all share the banks of). Specializing is rich seafood and meat entrees, the chef staff does everything from salmon fillets to filet mignons. The top-end wine list includes wines from around the world to complete a perfect anniversary meal.

CSI: No William Petersen

So, I haven't had the change to blog a lot recently with the new job. But, I have some freetime tonight at work and thought I would publish my musings in the past few weeks to the world.

Well, the first topic to tackle is the news at the CSI: set that William L. Peterson (Gil Grissom) will only be on for half of next season. The veteran actor is supposedly going to be replaced by one of two actors: John Malkovich or Lawrence Fishburne.

While they're both very talented actors, I don't think they have quite the je nais se quois that Gil has. However, I am leaning toward Fishburne since in other CSI: star news Gary Dourdan, who plays Warrick Brown, will be written off the show. If you watched the season finale, you'll know why. And if you read a newspaper, you'd know that Dourdan is in trouble with the law for a little drug violation late last spring.

This is all on-top of Jorja Fox (Sara Sidle) leaving the show last year to pursue other acting jobs. Her character, as well as Lady Heather and the Miniature Killer, will be back for guest spots to send Gil Grissom off into the sunset.

So what does this all mean?

Well, no offense, I don't think Marg Helgenberger can carry the #1 rated TV drama by herself, let alone with D-list names like George Eads and Eric Szmanda (a Milwaukee-area native, by the way).

An actor like Fishburne or Malkovich will be needed to keep CSI: for an 11th season. Otherwise, it's buh-bye good CSI's and hello David Caruso's bad acting and counting how many times he can bend over a body and take his sunglasses off. Honestly, I don't think that man has done an autopsy in six seasons.

Dear Rain Clouds...

Dear Rain Clouds,

I'm not sure if you're the same clouds that brought us over 100 inches of snow this past winter, but I'd like to introduce myself. I'm not happy. I'm wet. My umbrella has been overused. There's a tree down in my backyard.

It's very hard to enjoy spring, or in a few days, summer, when it rains every two seconds. I don't have the means to build an ark, nor do I really want to since I have no idea how to use a hammer with any accuracy.

I feel for the meterologists who are starting use colors like cyan and magenta in lieu of green and yellow. When the scale of colors gets to black I think it's safe to say that we've come to Armageddon. Would someone just please warn me when the swarms of locusts and wasps are on their way?

This is absolutely ridiculous. Who did Wisconsin piss off to deserve the last six months of absolutely ridiculous weather. Maybe I was lucky to have planned a winter wedding.

Please, let it stop!

Sincerely,

A very soaked Midwesterner

Harry Potter prequel

JK Rowling has written a two-page prequel to Harry Potter.

Read it here

Click 'Read out author's stories' and then her name to access the story that is in no way to be confused with her writing a new book. The actual card was auctioned off.

Jeff Dunham Christmas Show!

After a few days of constant persistence I was able to come away with two tickets for the Comedy Central taping of Jeff Dunham's Christmas Show at the Pabst Theater on Saturday night. If you care, it'll be airing on Nov. 16th.

So, I have to say, it was a brilliant show. I haven't had the chance to see a comedian live before, but this was amazing. It was an intimate show. He even had a Q&A afterwards (at 2 a.m. Sunday) with his puppets that'll air as an extra on the DVD version.

If you haven't seen Jeff Dunham before, he's best known for his puppets - Peanut, Walter, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Bubba J, and Jose the Jalapeno on a Stick just to name a few of his ingenious creations.

Brett loves Dunham's comedy, so when I found out about the show on Friday night I had to get tickets no matter what (it didn't hurt that I had also gotten paid). So despite all the rain and crappy weather, I kept calling the ticket office every hour and logging on to tickets.com to see if extra seats were released. Alas, they finally were and we landed seats next to the producers. Besides, I owed Brett since not having time with starting a new job to get him a birthday present next month.

Well, I don't want to ruin the show since I know jokes that you don't. But, if you google "Jingle Bombs" you'll see a little bit of what I'm talking about. If you don't laugh your ass off, something is really wrong with. Enough for me to say...

"I keeeeeelll you!"