I spent Tuesday night with this. It's good. I won't give anything away, but if you dig these kinds of films, it's worth a shot. The whole thing felt like Michael Clayton-lite. If you happen to think movies such as that, or, say, "Breach" are a bit too tough to follow, the movie to the left does a good job to go out of its way to make sure you understand exactly what is going on at all times. And that can be good. It's certainly the best role I've seen Mr. Trainspotting in. Ever. He even looks like Jason Bateman at times, which, of course I love. Moving right along, it's Wednesday, and it's the middle of the week. I'm tried. Really tired, actually, so I'm going to cut this a bit short (that, and, well, I have a big, big soccer game tonight of which I have to be prepared for). So alas, here's to hoping you have a wonderful Wednesday after you check out a few of the links below. Be nice to others.
Late on this, but still: A woman reporter mistypes something. No editors catch it. And boom goes the dynamite. (TBD)
The better half of this blog, in an e-mail offering this link for today’s Ride: Excuse me while I wipe this egg off my face. (Ad Age)
A list of 15 people you should not be friends with on Facebook. Because I have no idea how that stuff works, I’ll simply just use this time to say you really should go see “The Social Network” tonight. (The Frisky)
Wow. Check this out. No hints. Just check it out. (Cracked)
Now, this is interesting. The agent that came clean to Sports Illustrated may be connected to Mel Kiper Jr. If that’s the case, we’ll finally know why Ryan Leaf was scouted so high. (The Big Lead)
NPR reporters will not be allowed to attend the Jon Stewart, Steve Colbert rallies. But why? (Dan Kennedy)
Gavin Rossdale was gay. No, really. He was. (Lime Life)
There was a story on Yahoo’s main page yesterday that was entertaining if nothing else. It was all about conversation starters for singles, with valuable tips such as “be casual and friendly,” (duh) “accidentally eavesdrop” (creepy) and “show your sense of humor” (as long as it’s not too sadistic, I imagine).
Let’s be honest, when they say “conversation starters” they really mean pick up lines.
Pick up lines are always funny to me for some reason, although I must admit I don’t remember ever using one. I always got the impression that the people who used them spent more time perfecting their pitch than focusing on their extreme character flaws… but I digress.
Here’s a few of the classics off the top of my head – those tried and true pick up lines that have stood the test of time… and most likely never got anyone a real phone number in the process. I hope you get a few chuckles out of these:
- Did it hurt? You know, when you fell from heaven? - What's the problem with the alphabet? You and I aren't together. - Are you religious? Because you are the answer to my prayers. - Falling for you would be a very short trip. - Remember me? Oh, that's right. I've only met you in my dreams. - Want to play conductor? You be the engineer and I'll go choo choo. - I'm feeling a little off today. Would you like to turn me on? - You're like pizza. Even when you're bad, you're good. - Do your feet hurt? Because you’ve been running through my mind all night.
I’ve clearly been out of the game for a little while and don’t know some of the better ones… but surely you do, and can leave them in the form of comments below, hehe.
Now for the point of this post - I have not needed to think of a good pick up line in quite some time, seeing as how my beautiful wife and I celebrated our two year wedding anniversary yesterday! Oh that’s right, an exclamation point friends.
For those of you who are curious, we were pretty low key. We went on a 10 mile bike ride (no, we’re not hippies, we just like to bike ride), packed a picnic lunch then later we grilled some PERFECT Delmonico steaks. My wife planned the day… she is awesome.
And just so you know, the picture above is NOT us. Thank you Google images.
Don’t forget to leave some love and pick up lines – see ya’ll at 4 p.m. for The Ride Home. Exes and Ohs.
As I said Friday, I was finally able to take in "Leap Year" - a movie I had coveted for months and months - Thursday evening. "Prepare to be disappointed," my roommate said beforehand. Ironically enough, he had already seen it. I say ironically because, much like any other straight 20-something male in the entire universe, he never wanted to see it in the first place.
Disappointed I was not. In fact, with the exception of "The Kids Are All Right," I would even venture to say it's the best movie I have seen released this year (that sound of a loud thump you just heard was the noise my credibility made when it hit the concrete after falling 12 stories). Loved, loved, loved Matthew Goode and, as always, Amy Adams is someone I hold near and dear to my movie-watching heart. The ending was fabulous and it would take more than one hand to count the amount of times I legitimately laughed out loud at some nonsensical gag portrayed within the film.
But none of that is really the story here. Nope. That honor goes to the fact that my love for the movie only reiterated my inexplicable, unmatchable, undying and unrequited love for romantic comedies. I mean, my God. This is a movie that released to awful reviews and more negative ratings on all of the internet movie critic sites than the latest Vin Diesel effort. Me loving this thing doesn't just make me look feminine. It makes me feel as though I should keep an eye out for subscription offers for Redbook.
All of this said, I sat down to think about the amount of romantic comedies I've seen, and realized that my number is sadly low. "Music and Lyrics," "Definitely, Maybe," "50 First Dates," "Did You Hear About The Morgans?" "Valentine's Day," "How To Lose Friends And Alienate People," "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," "Wedding Crashers," and, of course, the best-ever, without-any-doubt-crazy-ridiculous-good film, "Love Actually." But that's it.
So, alas, I turn to you, my Internet, blogtastic, dear friends. I need suggestions. And while all are welcome in the comments section, I must ask that you keep the following in mind: No Dane Cook , Katherine Heigl or Seth Rogan movies, please ("Good Luck Chuck" and "The Ugly Truth" was unbearable and though I know most of you seem to have an unwarranted crush on him, Seth Rogan simply needs to go away). Knowing my love for "Leap Year," though, this task should be fairly easy. I mean, come on. If I can fall in love with a movie such as that, I should be able to find joy in just about anything you lovely individuals offer.
And if you all fail me (which, I pray to God I don't happen upon this blog later today to find a grand total of zero comments, mind you), at least I can look forward to this...
It's here. Having seen "Precious," "Up In The Air," "An Education," "The Hurt Locker" and pretty much every other important movie from last year (aside from "Crazy Heart," which will be here soon enough), I am now confronted with one of the last celebrated movies of 2009 I have yet to see. She better bring it. I'll be rooting for her to bring it. So hopefully, well, she brings it. If nothing else, that scene when the two kids start grooving in the car always makes me smile. So it's got that going for it. Welcome to Thursday, the second to last day of the week. It's been an odd week, hasn't it? I just haven't found my footing. Maybe I'm already in vacation mode (more on that tomorrow). Maybe the heat is just getting to me. Maybe I need to take a break from running as I come up on a month straight of running at least five miles a day, every day. Maybe I'm just restless. Maybe I can't get over that new "Downfall" show. Who knows. All I know is that we had LeBron going to the Heat first yesterday, and that's all that matters. Speaking of that, we have provided not one but two links concerning the said topic below, links that we sincerely hope you find interesting. While you're at it, we suggest clicking on a few others, too. What else are you going to do? Sit next to an air conditioner all day? That's what we thought. Now don't forget to be nice to others.
Because the only themed week we’ve ever done (so far) had to do with Norah Jones: An extensive Q&A with the singer. (AV Club)
All signs point to Bob Bradley leaving the United States Men’s National Soccer Team head coaching position. Or, well, we can only hope. (The Big Lead)
Mitch Albom attacks LeBron, the media and pretty much everything surrounding this whole mess. Well done. (Detroit Free Press)
Speaking of that, here’s Michael Wilbon’s column relating the NBA free agents to his own experience as a free agent. (Washington Post)
2010 as the year of “no comment.” Interesting. (Politico)
It’s really weird to think the Emmys are only a month and a half away. Nominations we will be rooting for: Anything “Dexter,” “Mad Men,” “30 Rock” and “Modern Family.” (Los Angeles Times)
Cristiano Ronaldo has a baby. And names it…well, you won’t be surprised. (People)
Jen Aniston goes on a date with some guy from “True Blood.” This is supposed to be important because everyone loves “True Blood” and not “The Bounty Hunter.” (Showbiz Spy)
Gave this movie a shot last night. It's John Krasinski's directorial debut. Also, unbeknownst to me, it features two "Wire" alumni. It's bad. Really wanted to like it. It's an IFC movie, so it has all the indie credibility, and it has a boatload of recognizable figures. But it's simply too scatterbrained. The movie tries to be too smart - in a smuggier than smug way, mind you - and it becomes overbearing. And I like smug and smart. This just didn't work, though. And it's not really funny. This was supposed to be a funny movie. It's not funny. It was, however, the first time you don't see Jim Halpert while looking at Krasinski (even though you have to suffer through the first hour and ten minutes to get there). In any case, welcome to Thursday, the beginning of July and, well, the first day of the rest of your life. How do you do? Good? That's good. Does it seem a bit cooler outside than it's been, or is it just me? Come on, now. It's July. I want 1,000-degree weather, damnit. Had a fabulous dinner last night as I warmed up some spaghetti, turned on side A of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and sat at the dinner table with nothing else going on. It was peaceful. Honestly. It was. That said, before you try and emulate a nice dinner of your own tonight, take a quick look at the following links, leave some nice book suggestions for my partner who clearly isn't literate and try to take a walk. They are romantic.
Kate Gosselin is going to record a holiday album. I’m not even going to make a snarky remark after that. (Popeater)
Billy Corgan walks off stage after hecklers shout at him during the first show of this latest club tour the Smashing Pumpkins are doing. Songs sacrificed? “Today” and “Freak.” (Spin)
Stephen A. Smith leaves The Philadelphia Inquirer. Again. This is the second time within the last two years. He says he’s got bigger and better things. Like what? “Quite Frankly 2” on Spike TV? (Philly.com)
Ahh, yes. I'm back, friends. Need to extend a big thank you to the other, better half of this particular blog for picking up The Ride Friday afternoon as we said goodbye to week seven (and I couldn't even remind you all that we love you and miss you, either. So sad). We hope you had a good weekend. Managed to stay awake for the underwhelming season finale of "Saturday Night Live" and caught the above performance from Tom Petty. Wow, it's good. Damn good, actually. He looks so much better without being strapped to an instrument, doesn't he? This track far outweighed the second performance of the night, and if this song is any indication of how the rest of this new record is going to be, sign me up. Can't wait to catch him this summer. In any case, we begin week eight with some pizza and links. Still doesn't feel quite like spring/summer yet, so let's hope that changes. As for now, read on and be good.
This is sort of neat: They are going to hold a contest for the new catch phrase in the upcoming NBA Jam game. Unfortunately, it’s run through Facebook. (MTV)
Sarah Palin once wore a leather jacket. And it caused an awful lot of outrage. (Chicago Sun Times)
NBC isn’t happy that its fall lineup was leaked. Glanced over it a few days ago, and was it me, or was there no “Parks & Recreation” anywhere in sight? Please don’t say that show is done. Please. (The Wrap)
Wow. U.S. standout Oguchi Onyewu asks for AC Milan to extend his contract for a year. His going rate? Free. No, seriously. He said he’ll play for free. (Yahoo)
Jenna Fischer is in a movie that looks mildly interesting, and she's been making the rounds. The movie's called "Solitary Man," and for more on it, well, check the "Double Feature" post, silly. Seems like it would be the type of movie I would like. Don't know much about Michael Douglas, though. We shall see. Either way, it's Thursday, which means "The Office" will be on your television tonight. Moving forward, it's Thursday and it's the middle of May (but it certainly doesn't feel like it). We have some surprises in store for you lovely, lovely readers, which we will get to in a couple of weeks. Different features. More offerings. Only because we love you. Unrelated: Pink just came on the radio. Recently saw her "Behind The Music" again. Really like it. Like all the "Behind The Music's" actually. They could put Yanni on one and somehow it'd be interesting. OK, that's all. Be good, and don't do anything your mother wouldn't allow...
Alluded to this last night, but the Montreal Canadiens eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins from the NHL playoffs. The league will be lucky if they get eight people to watch their product from now until a champion is crowned. (Post-Gazette)
Instead of an “Idol” wrap-up, take a look at this awfully interesting piece on how the show’s producers will not name a replacement for Simon Cowell before the final show this season. Also, it takes a look at a mighty neat survey found on the “American Idol” Web site. (Washington Post)
The Little Orphan Annie comic strip will be discontinued June 13. (Chicago Tribune)
Jay-Z and Eminem are going to do two shows with each other. One in Detroit. One in New York. If a performance of “Renegade” doesn’t occur, refunds should be distributed. (Spin)
The Sarah Silverman Show will not return for another season. Feels odd. Seems like a lot of people liked that show. (Yahoo)
First Jim Nantz and now this: Matt Lauer is cheating?! Say it ain’t so, Matt. (The New York Daily News)
The Mayweather-Mosley fight earned $78 million dollars. Just imagine what Mayweather-Pacquiao would be able to pull in. (USA Today)
25 rules that will make you a better dressed man. (GQ)
Who's makin' love to your old lady, while you were out makin' love? That's what the Blues Brothers ask in the above video (channeling the great Johnnie Taylor in the process), taking you into the weekend after finishing week six of this blog's existence. It's been fun, hasn't it? This week, we professed our love for Butch Walker, learned some valuable lessons and broke down the calendar year like no other. Next week? Oh, well you will just have to wait and see the fun we have planned for you, the talented, fantastically pretty reader, you. As for now, before you get your tickets to see what has already become a blockbuster, "Iron Man 2," be sure to click on a link or two, leave a comment or six, and meet us right back here Monday morning with more fun than a box of slinkies. Before we go, a reminder: Don't forget the question the above video asks while you are out this weekend, fellas. Stay loyal, stay proud. As always, love you, miss you.
Hell of a week for Kobe and these pictures. Saw them Sunday and didn’t think to link them. Now that the Interwebs have used all week funnin’ around with them, it’s worth a mention. (The Big Lead)
Can’t recall a time I was more excited for an episode of “Saturday Night Live” in the past year. Naturally, I won’t be in a position to watch it. (MTV)
College newspaper’s farewell issue goes over the line with annual vulgar hidden message in the pages’ copy. Why does this matter as much? It’s in Utah. Always thought people in Utah were nice people. (The Salt Lake Tribune)
Five words: Jon Stewart succeeding Katie Couric. (Market Watch)
Only because “The Invention Of Lying” is one of the greatest movies of the last five years. And because for anyone who has ever, wait, take some time to let that set, EVER, been involved with concerts or bands in any way, this rings too true for comfort. (Pollstar)
Good point: Google image searches are a pain. (Popmatters)
The stars from “Twilight” admit they are dating each other. We knew it must be true when they were spotted watching Kings Of Leon together. Three years ago. (E!Online)
Came across this Tweet Saturday morning. Thought it was poignant for being so tiny. The weather was considerably warmer than it had been all week. It was the first time in months I woke up not having to worry about how many layers of blankets I had kicked off my body. And the feeling of something new was in the air.
But that’s what the changing of a season or month can do for you. It’s just so damn vibrant. Reading the message triggered an immediate feeling of objection, followed by an immediate feeling of consideration. Is May the best month? Kind of thought if would be April (yes, that has nothing to do with my birthday, either). Maybe June? It’s so summer-y and continues to hold tight the remains of the yearly hope brought on by springtime. How about the beauty of December, though? Goodness, gracious it can get cold, depending on where you are, but if you happen across the right night – in the right mood – you could find a bag of cherished memories sitting like a hotel buffet before your eyes.
It’s provocative, isn’t it? What really is the best month of the year? Is it dependent and varied considering one’s memories? Has to be, right? I mean, come on: You aren’t going to feel good about November if you got dumped on Thanksgiving day. Or maybe those Fourth of July fireworks simply aren’t as beautiful if they are attached with finding out a loved one passed. Or are they? Silly me. Maybe there are people out there who function on something that proves to be the complete opposite of my usual train of thought, drenched in cynicism and speculation. Maybe there are individuals who can turn could-be bad memories into inspirational moments. Wait. Are there?
See what I mean, though? Most everyone relates wonderful moments with so much more than wonderful surroundings. It has just as much to do with one’s perception than it does with one’s environment. That said, the answer to the aforementioned question remains: Is May indeed the best month?
Who knows? In light of such an obtuse notion, though, I decided to make an official list of months in order of best to worst. We can call it the Unusual Suspects’ Unofficial Official Best-To-Worst Months List. But only because it rolls off the tongue so well. Consider…
1. June – Have no idea why, except that it’s easy to associate June with fun. School is let out. No worries about the weather. Positive expectations fill your brain as you know the next two months present a plethora of opportunity, no matter how old or young you may be. The summer concert season is in full effect. And the summer blockbuster films have finally caught their stride (even if it does happen to be something as awful as the film below).
2. April – It’s a close second, but no matter where you live, April promises cold weather is gone forever by the end of the month. Plus, it's quintessential springtime, the most romantic season of the year. 3. May – Take everything previously said about April, and add Memorial Day to it. Me? Too many bad Memorial Days to lift the month higher than the top two. Most equate such a thing with fun and happiness. Me? Nope. Still, no denying the desire May gives an individual to want to take a walk. And walks are the best. Honestly.
4. December – Think of how incredibly beautiful the month can be. If you live in certain areas, it may take until December to finally get a first picture perfect snowfall. But once you get it, all you want to do is grab someone’s hand and make a snow angel. Or. Well, I do, at least. And presents. Giving is better than most anything else in the world (except receiving, but we don’t need to go there, dirty-minded reader). Plus, every once in a while, you stumble across an honest-to-goodness fun New Year’s Eve, complete with kiss.
5. July – The Fourth is one of those odd “I feel like this should be special, so I’m going to try to make it special” situations that pique the interest of most anybody. The height of random neat occurrence possibility (RNOP) happens during this month, as well. Get a tan and find a date, damnit.
6. February – Valentine’s Day can be the most fun you have all year, if you only let it. Stupid silly romantic.
7. September – Such a bummer September can be, right? Go back to school. The summer, its memories and those chance make-out sessions are gone. You turn your attention to cold, and I don’t care what anyone says, for as pretty as fall can be at times, it’s awfully depressing, as well. This is your last reminder that it’s coming.
8. March – Holds the best week of sports all year: The NCAA basketball tournament’s first round. Unfortunately, that’s about it.
9. November – What good are you? You make us fat with your Thanksgiving feasts and awkward family reunions. You give us middle-of-the-season irrelevant football. You force us to finally turn the heat on, increasing whatever bill you may have. Bad November, bad.
10. August – Too. Hot.
11. January – It’s like the depths of hell. 31 days. You need to come down from your post-Christmas high. Depending on where you live, it may be impossible to leave your home for 30 of those 31 days. No glimmer of hope. Shut the doors and go to bed. The novelty and beauty of winter has warn itself dry. Go away, January, if you know what’s good for you.
12. October – Never had a good October in my life. I know I’m in the minority here, but goodness, this month makes me want to cry every day. The rain and the leaves. The warm nights turn to chilly evenings. Loneliness sets in like a dark cloud before a rainstorm. Ugh. October actually makes you look forward to snow because at least then, you know you’ll have an excuse to complain about the weather. Pretty or not, October can’t go away soon enough. Having 31 days doesn’t help, either. The only redeeming quality? October always promises another installment of these movies…
I spent Tuesday night with this. It's good. I won't give anything away, but if you dig these kinds of films, it's worth a shot. The whole thing felt like Michael Clayton-lite. If you happen to think movies such as that, or, say, "Breach" are a bit too tough to follow, the movie to the left does a good job to go out of its way to make sure you understand exactly what is going on at all times. And that can be good. It's certainly the best role I've seen Mr. Trainspotting in. Ever. He even looks like Jason Bateman at times, which, of course I love. Moving right along, it's Wednesday, and it's the middle of the week. I'm tried. Really tired, actually, so I'm going to cut this a bit short (that, and, well, I have a big, big soccer game tonight of which I have to be prepared for). So alas, here's to hoping you have a wonderful Wednesday after you check out a few of the links below. Be nice to others.
