Hey everyone:)

It looks like a scourcher again today over here (or what we Oregonians call scourchers). It's funny how you can live in California for 20 years of your life and although you don't care for the heat you are at least used to it. Then within the last three years I have been living in Oregon (which I love) and you find out that now your body has a whole different system for dealing with temperatures that are only in the 80s. How funny bodies are.

Anyways, it seems like that no matter how hot it is I always want some yummy warm food. I am not talking about hot (unless it is coffee and that is a whole different story). Chicken with yummy and good for you vegetables is a great thing to cook. After all, what is better than cooking your main course with your side dish? I love vegetables roasted like this too. I know you will love it too. You just have to give it a whirl. Feed it to your family for dinner tonight. They will definitely think it is very yummy....and moist. That's a great combination!

Here's the recipe guys:

"Herb Roasted Chicken With Hearty Vegetables"*

Ingredients: ½ tsp salt, ½ pound of green beans, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ tsp coarsely ground pepper, 1 cup baby-cut carrots, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 lemon, 7 small red potatoes cut in half, 1 tsp dried marjoram leaves, 5 pounds of whole chicken and 1 tsp dried rosemary.

1) Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.

2) In a bowl mix the oil, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Grate 1 tsp peel from the lemon and stir into the mixture. Cut lemon into fourths; place in the cavity of the chicken.

3) Fold wings across the back so tips are touching. Tie or skewer legs to the tail. On rack in a roasting pan, place chicken, breast side up. Brush some of the oil mixture on the chicken.

4) Roast for 45 minutes. Arrange the vegetables around the chicken. Brush oil mixture on chicken and veggies. Roast for 30 to 45 minutes until the meat reaches 180 degrees. Let stand for 15 minutes. Then remove the lemon and discard.

5) Place chicken on a platter and arrange the vegetables around the chicken. Serve with pan drippings.

6) Enjoy with a fresh green salad and a lot of flavor.

Alright, I'm off to make my terrific day!

Have not just a good one, but a great one:)

* Base of recipe from Betty Crocker and I molded it from there.

Just ten days into their honeymoon Gabe Watson's wife, 26-year-old former model and scuba diver Tina Watson, of Alabama, died on the Great Barrier Reef.

She had air in her tank, her equipment was working and the regulator was in her mouth.

Experts have all but ruled out the possibility of a medical problem or faulty equipment, leaving only two options: a tragic accident or foul play.

But did the honeymoon turn into murder?

State Coroner David Glasgow this week opened an inquest into the suspicious death of Christina Mae Watson on the shipwreck of the Yongala, 89km southeast of Townsville, on October 22, 2003.

The inquest was told it would be very easy to kill a novice diver underwater.

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More sexy photos of episode 5

Yamini

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Fight between Bosky and Prianca .... all on....

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Judges in paris.. see

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MTV Splitsilla Episode 5th photos

Wataru seken wa oni bakari. Continuación de la temporada de primavera y verano.

DanDan. Se anunció hace bastante tiempo aunque no se emitirá hasta septiembre. Es un drama madrugador, de las ocho y cuarto de la mañana, y los capítulos solo durarán quince minutos. Trata sobre dos gemelas separadas que se reencuentran y se convierten en cantantes. (¿Por qué tengo la sensación de que ya he hablado de este drama?).

Atsu-hime. Continúa tras las temporadas de invierno, primavera y verano.

Kaze no garden. O el jardín del viento (creo). La historia parece interesante a priori. Un anestesista en el mejor momento de su carrera pero con una vida familiar desastrosa, presencia en poco tiempo cómo su mujer se suicida por su infidelidad (la de él) y cómo le apartan de sus dos hijos. Siete años después, víctima de un cáncer terminal, vuelve a su ciudad natal en Hokkaido para enfrentarse a sus hijos y a sus últimos momentos en la vida. Del actor principal no sé absolutamente nada, pero una de las hijas es Kuroki Meisa (o la monja de One Pound) y el niño es Kamiki Ryunosuke, en mi opinión el niño-actor con más talento de todos.

Fuentes: Drama Wiki.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 1

Beyond Sibling Rivalry

If your siblings are married to huge celebrities andyou’ve just lost your chance of marrying one, wouldyou still strive to surpass their feat?

But how could you beat being married to an award-winning actress whose mother is a beautiful actress and whose father is the original Agent X-44 of Philipine movies?

Or being the wife of Mr. Pure Energy?

Or being Mr. Megastar?

Now, aren’t you glad that you’re not among thePangilinan siblings?

Former Penthouse Live co-host and newspaper columnist Anthony Pangilinan married Maricel Laxa, an excellentactress who is the lovechild of circa 60s actress Imelda Ilanan and action star Tony Ferrer. She is also the half-sister of 1990 Miss Asia runner-up Mutya Crisostomo Laxa.

Anthony’s brother, Senator Francis Pangilinan, was a campus figure in UP Diliman. He was the chairman of the UP Student Council in 1986. He married no less than the megastar, Sharon Cuneta.

Their sister, Angeli Pangilinan, was a campus beauty and brain while she was a student at the UP School of Economics in Diliman. Angeli married Mr.Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano.

REWIND:

In the early 80s, teenager Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano or Gary V. to most of us, fell deeply in love with a teenage girl who eventually became his girlfriend. Gary’s true love, they said. And they really looked perfect together.Their friends said that they were truly meant for each other. They were the picture of pure bliss. But not for long. Few weeks before Gary’s first major concert in 1984, a female singer became pregnant. And Gary was the alleged father. Gary did not deny it. At 19, Gary joined the growing list of unwed teenage fathers. Gary’s former girlfriend was shocked upon hearing about Gary’s indiscretion. She felt betrayed by Gary and the female singer. Gary’s former girlfriend was devastated.The pregnant singer who bore Gary’s child was a former Camay girl who joined the ultra exclusive league of several generations of Camay beauties from the first Camay girl Paquita Roces to her two daughters, Maritess Revilla (Ang lahat ay napapalingon¦ At muling napapalingon) and Rosie Revilla to actress Rosa Rosal’s daughter Toni Rose Gayda (Kutis porcelana) to concert pianist Ingrid Sala Santamaria’s daughter Crispy Santamaria to a few others. The female singer indeed looked devastatingly beautiful in her memorable Camay TV commercial. But there was a teeny weeny objection among his friends: She was too old for the teenage and vibrant Gary whose popularity was just beginning to zoom up. Everybody knows that the female singer who became pregnant with Gary’s child was Maria Anna Elizabeth Nepomuceno Pangilinan. In 1985, Gary exchanged vows with the female singer who is more popularly known by her nickname: Angeli. Angeli retired from her singing group, Music and Magic. Angeli sacrificed her flourishing singing career and leftbehind her fellow Music and Magic members led by jeepney driver’s daughter-turned-nurse-turned-singer Kuh Ledesma, tenor singer-turned-Music and Magic co-founder-turned-musical director Jet Montelibano and singer-turned-comedian-turned TNT-turned- bogus political asylum seeker-turned-Michael Garfinkel endorser Fe de los Reyes. Angeli decided to become a full-time wife to Gary, baby Paolo’s Mom and Gary’s talent manager. Meanwhile, the pain of losing Gary has left Gary’s former girlfriend in deep shock. Gary and his new bride tried to comfort her but Gary’s former girlfriend was inconsolable.

PLAY:

Gary Valenciano’s most inspired and most popular composition was first heard as the theme song of a Vilma Santos movie before it became the title of an Aga Muhlach-Lea Salonga flick and later, the title of a Kim Chiu-Gerald Anderson TV soap opera.The haunting melody and melancholy lyrics of this beautiful song make one wonder where Gary drew the passion and longing for lost love which every line of this song clearly evokes.

Listen:

Sana maulit muli

Ang mga oras nating nakaraan

Bakit nagkaganito

Naglaho na ba ang pag-ibig mo?

Sana’y maulit muli

Sana bigyan pansin ang himig ko

Kahapon, bukas, ngayon

Tanging wala ng ibang mahal

Kung kaya kong iwanan ka’

Di na sana aasa pa

Kung kaya kong umiwas na’

Di na sana lalapit pa

Kung kaya ko sana

Ibalik ang kahapon

Sandaling ‘di mapapantayan

Huwag sana nating itapon

Pagmamahalna tapat

Kung ako’y nagkamali minsan

Di na ba mapagbibigyan

O giliw, dinggin mo ang nais ko, oooh…

Kung kaya kong iwanan ka

Di na sana aasa paKung kaya kong umiwas na

Di na sana lalapit paKung kaya ko sana

Ito ang tanging nais ko

Ang ating kahapon sana maulit muli

Kung kaya kong iwanan ka

Di na sana aasa pa

Mahal pa rin kita

O giliw, o giliw ko, oooh…

This song was originally written by Gary in English.

Ironically, the one who translated it to Tagalog was Gary’s wife, Angeli.

FAST FORWARD:

Now, Gary has three grown-up children with Angeli. On the other hand, Gary’s former girlfriend is now known as Mrs. Buizon. She occasionally hosts a show on TV.The pain has eased. Somehow. Even if the former lovers get to see each other regularly. They meet at her Mom’s house during important occasions: Christmas. New Year. Birthday of Mrs. Buizon’s mother. Mrs. Buizon’sbirthday. Gary’s birthday. Holidays. Easter Sunday. Every Sunday, in fact.Gary’s equally famous in-laws were witnesses to the former lovers’ meetings. But they do not mind at all.Gary’s wife, Angeli, does not make a fuss over it. Even the family matriarch, retired public school teacher Mommy Emma, is not bothered by it.But the truth is, they could not prevent the formerlovers from seeing each other. Because Gary’s former girlfriend has to join hermother, siblings and in-laws during important family occasions.And because Gary’s former girlfriend was FelichiBuizon.And because before she got married, Gary’s formergirlfriend was known as Felichi Pangilinan.And yes, because Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon is the younger sister of Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano.And none of us would probably ever know the rest of this intriguing triangle’s story.

Untold Pinoy Story No.2

It Could Happen Only in the Movies

These two women move in different circles but they seem to lead parallel lives. Barbara C. Gonzales is the great-granddaughter of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Her great-grandmother is Dr. Jose Rizal’s elder sister, Maria, a liberated woman who was separated from her husband Daniel. Barbara is more popularly known by her nickname, Tweetums. She once appeared in a Del Monte tomato sauce TV commercial featuring three generations of women in the kitchen. Yes, that was Tweetums with her daughter, Panjee, and Tweetum’s mother whom they fondly called Mamu. Tweetums was married to Ramon Tapales, a successful businessman. Their daughter, Panjee Tapales ( a.k.a. singerPanjee Gonzales), was co-host of ABS-CBN’s daily morning show, Alas Singko Y Media (now Magandang Umaga Pilipinas) and its defunct Sunday morning game show with Roderick Paulate and Eric Quizon. Panjee soon became the second wife of ABS-CBN chairman, Gabby Lopez. (But that’s another story). Tweetums writes about art and culture in her column for the Philippine Star. She has published a couple of books consisting of collections of her essays from her newspaper column. She remains a highly-respected media personality, being the president of a major advertising company.Socorro Alicia R. Quirino is the granddaughter of former president Elpidio Quirino. More popularly known by her nickname, Cory, she hosts a lifestyle show on TV. Her kidnapping ordeal a few years ago was made into a movie entitled, The Cory Quirino Kidnap, which was directed by massacre king Carlo J. Caparas. Cory was married to Roman Cruz, Jr. who was the president of Philippine Airlines and head of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Cory writes a regular column on fitness and health for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. She also published a series of health, beauty and inspirational books. She remains a highly visible media personality with her radio and TV programs. While Tweetums and Cory were both successful in their respective careers, their personal lives were not as rosy. Tweetums Gonzales and her husband, Ramon Tapales, eventually decided to lead separate lives. Likewise, Cory Quirino and her husband, Roman Cruz, Jr., soon parted ways. Indeed, Tweetums and Cory seem to lead parallel lives.Then, in a strange twist of fate, the unthinkable happened. While geometry teaches us that parallel lines can never intersect, the parallel lives of Tweetums and Cory did intersect. Tweetums Gonzales got married to Cory’s former husband, Roman Cruz, Jr. Meanwhile, Cory Quirino got married to Tweetum’s former husband, Ramon Tapales. Just like in the movies. And you know the rest of their story.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 3

Her Mother’s Joy

Her mother has always been proud of her. Mighty proud. And rightly so. In the spring of 1991, Julia Roberts graced the cover of People Magazine’s special issue featuring its annual list of The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. Together with Julia Roberts in this ultimate list of the most beautiful people were Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Madonna, Mel Gibson, Whitney Houston, Michelle Pfeiffer, Isabella Rossellini, supermodels Claudia Schiffer & Naomi Campbell and oops!..a Filipina? Yes, People Magazine’s 1991 list of The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World included a true-blooded Filipina who was born, raised and educated in the Philippines.Unlike most beautiful Filipinas who were the products of mixed marriages and who have therefore acquired foreign physical features, this Filipina was born to a Filipina mother and a Filipino father. It is no wonder that she does not typify a beautiful woman by any standards: She is short, standing only 5′2. She has a huge and deep acne scar on her forehead. She has that distinct Asian nose (read: flat). She uses only Avon cosmetics (gasp!) and applies makeup by herself. During her pre-Inno Sotto days, her clothes were not made by known couturiers: They were lovingly sewn at home by her mother who is a dressmaker. She does not even have the right genes to inherit beauty from: Her mother was plain, even stern-looking. Her father was a dark-skinned guy with the tough facial features of a hardened military man. Although both the first names of her mother and father means happy in two different languages, their union was not as joyous. Her mother and father were never married, making her and her only brother illegitimate children. In the mistress hierarchy, her mother was not even her father’s second woman. Her father had a first mistress who ranked above her mother. She and her brother only belong to their father’s third family. And yes, the gay club performer who once appeared on national television was indeed her half-brother. She couldn’t therefore be faulted for not talking about her father. In contrast, too much has been known about her mother. Her mother was always visible, too visible for comfort. Her mother gave her the name Carmen and raised her in a province north of Manila. However, when it was time for her to go to school, her overprotective mother brought her and her brother to Manila to give them the best education. Carmen studied in Preciosa Soliven’s Operation Brotherhood Montessori in Greenhills where she emerged as the school’s valedictorian. However, Carmen’s academic rival protested the school’s decision to award Carmen the school’s highest honors, claiming that she had better grades than Carmen. Carmen’s rival even revealed that the school’s owner, Mrs.Soliven, was only fond of Carmen because she always performed in school programs which gave Carmen an edge in extra-curricular activities. But academically, Carmen reportedly did not really rise above her rival. Lured into show business, Carmen became part of German Moreno’s inane daily afternoon TV show, That’s Entertainment, where she got paired with comedian and now Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista. (Somesay that Vice Mayor Bautista was soenamored with Carmen that he later refused to marry his partner despite their having a child). As one of the countless stars of Kuya Germ’s That’s Entertainment, Carmen’s talent was overshadowed by the ridiculous mass appeal of the triumvirate of Sheryl Cruz, Manilyn Reynes and Tina Paner. Later, Carmen made a couple of forgettable filmswhich were big flops. Unsuccessful in local show business, Carmen enrolled as a BS Biology student in Ateneo de Manila, hoping to become a doctor. However, the lure of fame and fortune shattered her medical ambition. She followed her other dream and landed in a Dreamland! Yes, instead of comforting innocent and fresh-smelling babies in a hospital, she ended up entertaining horny, sweaty and foul-smelling drunken men in seedy bars. When Carmen was a little girl, a local manghuhula predicted that she would be crowned MissUniverse. Her mother, legally known as Miss Imutan, was ecstatic upon hearing this. Sadly, the prophecy did not come true. However,when Carmen was 18 years old, she bagged a beauty title. But it was farfetched from a Miss Universe crown. Carmen became Miss Saigon. Yes, the only true-blooded Filipina who was included in People Magazine’s The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 1991 is Feliciano Salonga and Ligaya “Joy” Imutan’s only daughter: Carmen Lea Imutan Salonga. Most of us know her simply as Lea Salonga.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 4

At a tender age of 17, Marcial was a war correspondent for The Manila Times. Marcial’s war experience provided him with a treasure chest of stories which inspired him to write a movie screenplay.His screenplay was made into a movie, starring Jaime de la Rosa and a 16 year old actress named Dorothy. Helmed by renowned director Lamberto Avellana, the movie was a huge success. During the first FAMAS award ceremony in 1952, Dorothy received the first FAMAS trophy for best supporting actress for her role in the movie.The only child of a US soldier and a Filipina, Dorothy was also a semi-finalist in the 1952 Miss Philippines beautycontest. It was therefore not surprising that Marcial got so enamored with Dorothy that he did everything to court her. Marcial even carried Dorothy’s make-up kit during movie shootings. Marcial became Dorothy’s dakilang alalay.Dorothy studied pre-Law at the University of Santo Tomas but her booming movie career made it impossible for her tocontinue. Likewise, Marcial took up Law at the University ofthe Philippines but the lure of journalism ended hisdream of becoming a lawyer.Marcial became known for his gift of gab and political skill. This led to his victory as a town mayor at a young age of 22. Meanwhile, Dorothy became popular for her actingprowess and dancing skill. This led to her victory in several acting derbies.Marcial’s younger sister was the director of the movie which won for Dorothy her last FAMAS best supporting actress award.But while Philippine politics and show business naturally intertwine, political kingpin Marcial and movie queen Dorothy were not destined to be together.Dorothy married a man named Victorino who fathered her only daughter. But their union did not last. After a seriesof unsuccessful relationships, Dorothy finally tied the knot again with an American B-movie actor-singer. In contrast, Marcial remained faithfully married all his life to an American-educated woman who bore his only son and fourdaughters.But while Marcial survived the Korean War which he covered,he did not survive the war on the home front. Likewise, Dorothy did not survive her own war at home.Both Marcial and Dorothy suffered violent deaths.Marcial was shot. Dorothy was stabbed several times.Committed 18 years apart, the separate murders ofMarcial and Dorothy made headlines several years ago. However, both murders remained unsolved to this day. Some say that identifying their killers is not the issue because everyone, except the authorities,seems to know the identity of their respective killers. Rumors even abound that the masterminds in the murders of Marcial and Dorothy were related to them by affinity. But the real mystery lies in the fact that the perpetrators of these high-profile crimes remainscot-free to this day, despite the enormous clout which the victims’ respective family wields.Some say thatMarcial’s death was a result of hisbeing branded a communist by the government. This is ironicbecause the screenplay which Marcial wrote and which won for Dorothy her first FAMAS trophy was the second in a trilogy of anti-communist movies which were produced by LVN Pictures in support of the government’s efforts to fight communism.Dorothy’s shocking death led to embarrassing revelations about her painful personal battle. Marcial’s equally shocking death led to well-deserved recognition of his heroic political battle.Dorothy was killed amid rows of cars in the coveredand dark parking lot of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) building. Despite his escorts, Marcial was killed amid rows of airplanes in a wide open space in broad daylight while descending down the tarmac of what was then known as the ManilaInternational Airport (MIA).Of course, we all knowDorothy as Dolphy’s TV wife,Marsha.And we all know Marcial as Cory’s real-life husband,Ninoy.Yes, Dorothy Jones was the real name of Nida Blanca.And yes, Marcial Bonifacio was the fictitious nameon the passport of Benigno Aquino, Jr. on the day that he was murdered.And you know the rest of their stories.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 5

She was born on the day of hearts, February 14. But her parents did not name her Valentina. Not even Venus or Aphrodite. They opted for the holy-sounding Kristina Bernadette. But she did not turn out to be a saint. Being the youngest, Kristina Bernadette captured the heart of her father. Father and daughter were inseparable. Until tragedy struck. Kristina Bernadette’s father was sent to prison. His heart ailment grew worse there. On February 14, 1974, Valentine’s Day, Kristina Bernadette celebrated her third birthday with her father in prison. On the same day, a man was exchanging hearts with a southern belle in nearby San Juan church. Nine years later, on August 21, the man who got married in San Juan church was celebrating his birthday with his basketball buddies. On the same day, Kristina Bernadette’s father was killed. Kristina Bernadette and the married man never kneweach other. They lived very different lives. But in 1994, Kristina Bernadette and the married man met at work. Their first meeting blossomed into deep friendship. Some said that she longed for a father figure. But the friendship blossomed into romance which went beyondcontrol. Kristina Bernadette used her heart, not her head. She decided to live with the married man. Kristina Bernadette’s mother was furious at the relationship. How could Kristina Bernadette’s mother like a man who celebrates his birthday every year on the death anniversary of her murdered husband? But more than this was the fact that the man’s heart already belonged to someone else. In fact, he has a grown-up daughter in New York who was nearly Kristina Bernadette’s age. Despite her religious mother’s efforts to put an end to Kristina Bernadette’s adulterous affair with the man, Kristina Bernadette had her way. It didn’t matter to Kristina Bernadette that her decision prevented her from receiving church communion because she was openly living in sin. It did not take long before Kristina Bernadette gave birth to her love child who was the spitting image of her live-in partner. But Kristina Bernadette’s son was born with Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder. Her son’s birth softened the heart of Kristina Bernadette’s mother who announced that Kristina Bernadette’s son was her favorite grandson. When Kristina Bernadette first planned to have a liposuction, her mother tried to stop her, warning Kristina Bernadette that she (the mother) was too old to take care of Kristina Bernadette’s son if something happened to her during her surgery. But as in the past, Kristina Bernadette had her way. She went on with her liposuction. But Kristina Bernadette’s relationship with her live-in partner was not meant to last. In her Ateneo accent, Kristina Bernadette would always correct her live-in partner’s grammatical lapses. Her live-in partner also got annoyed whenever Kristina Bernadette would hand him a stick of Milagrosa candle every time he used the bathroom. According to Kristina Bernadette, the candle helped drive away the stinking smell of her live-in partner’s crap. Kristina Bernadette confessed that she learned this trick from her mother. And when Kristina Bernadette’s live-in partner stopped pursuing his petition for the annulment of his first marriage in San Juan church, Kristina Bernadette began to express doubt about her live-in partner’s sincerity in marrying her. Kristina Bernadette’s heart was hurt. Their relationship turned for the worse. Kristina Bernadette finally realized that her live-in partner could never be her savior. She decided to leave the father of her son and her live-in partner for many years: Philip Salvador. Yes, Kristina Bernadette is the youngest daughter of President Corazon (means heart in Spanish) Aquino and the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. And yes, Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino is the full name of Kris Aquino. And everyone knows the heart of her story.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 6

The Story of the Muslim Princess

Suppose that there was a Muslim princess from the flood capital of the Philippines, Malabon, who has just finished her degree in Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines with Latin honors (cum laude). Suppose that she decided to work for Discorama. Remember the Saturday afternoon show on GMA Channel7 with former Senator Tito Sotto, his brother Vic Sotto and comedian Joey de Leon as hosts? The Muslim princess was assigned to host the Tough Hits segment of the show. As Tough Hits girl, she did the weekly countdown of popular songs with bastardized lyrics to elicit cheap laughs. Her mother, who was an executive at the Philippine National Bank in Escolta, just shrugged her shoulders whenever her colleagues would ask about her favorite daughter’s TV show. Soon, a female newscaster of a major TV network introduced the Muslim princess to her brother, a flight steward. After a whirlwind courtship, the Muslim princess married the flight steward who used to be a child actor whose only claim to fame was playing the role of a toddler Bongbong Marcos in a Marcos bio-flick. After a couple of months, the Muslim princess and the flight steward quietly separated. But career-wise, lady luck smiled at the Muslim princess when she was given a big break by the major TV network. She bagged the plum assignment of delivering the evening news while at the same time hosting a successful TV magazine program which was pitted against a similar program in a rival TV network hosted by her former UP professor. However, the Muslim princess was such a perfectionist that it was reportedly not uncommon to see objects flying whenever she was unsatisfied with her TV staff’s work. Later, the Muslim princess got married again, this time to a well-known local politician from a province south ofManila. The name sake of her father, her politician husband had grown-up children close to the Muslim princess’ age and it was being talked about that his first wife lived in the same condominium building where the Muslim princess and her new husband occupied the penthouse. TheMuslim princess’ husband also reportedly decided to become a Muslim so that he could have more than one wife. They were blessed with two sons. The Muslim princess’ husband soon retired from politics and became contented with being a magician and a human toothpaste applier for his Muslim princess’ toothbrush. (Incidentally, the Muslim princess once appeared in a Close-Up Toothpaste TV commercial.) Now, the Muslim princess and her magician husband (He couldmake a bigCoke bottle disappear before your eyes) are happily separated. Later, the Muslim princess’ husband was accused of being responsible for the disappearance of his close friend. The Story of the Black Nazarene Devotee Suppose that there was a Black Nazarene devotee from the tamaraw capital of the Philippines who claimed to have graduated with a business degree from the University of the East despite his critics’ contention that he just bought his college diploma from the sidewalk of C. M. Recto Avenue. He worked as a radio reporter for a major radio and TV network. With perseverance, he was given a Sunday morning radio show. Later, he would occasionally pinch-hit for announcers whenever they would not show up for their radio program. He also hosted a daily radio serialization of movies for a program dubbed as Sineradyo. His biggest TV break came when a TV network hired him for atop-ratedshowbiz-oriented TV show called See-Tru. Theshow was hosted by gossip queen, Lourdes Jimenez-Carvajal who was more popularly known as Inday Badiday or Ate Luds to her legions of fans. The Black Nazarene devotee’s appearance was only through voice-over (and he was never really seen by the TV audience) and it was always preceded by his usual line: “Ate Luds, may phone-in question po tayo rito galing kay…”. Yes, his job involved reading TV audience’s phone-in questions to Inday Badiday’s movie star guests. However, despite the TV show’s enormous popularity, it was immediately cancelled after one of the show’s female guests hurled an ashtray at another female guest. Later, the Black Nazarene devotee married a lady executive of the radio and TV network where he had moved up to become the host of its early morning radio show. They adopted a girl and had a younger son later. Never The Twain Shall Meet Suppose that the Muslim princess and the Black Nazarene devotee met in the same office where they both work. Suppose also that the Black Nazarene devotee personally chose the Muslim princess as one of the principal sponsors for his adopted daughter’s wedding to one of the members of the staff of his widely popular TV program. Suppose further that both the Muslim princess andthe Black Nazarene devotee became elected government officials and they both decided to run for the same government office on the same year.They both run for say, the presidency of the Philippines. No, that’s being too ambitious. Okay, suppose that they both run for the position of Vice President under opposing political parties. Who would you vote for? The Muslim princess or the Black Nazarene devotee?If you would vote for the Muslim princess, you just wasted your vote. If you would vote for the Black Nazarene devotee, you are good at spotting a winner (but it does not mean that you did not also waste your vote). Because the honorary Muslim princess is former Senator Loren Legarda who lost her bid for the Vice Presidency of the Philippines in the2002 national elections. And yes, the Black Nazarene devotee who helps carry the replica of the Black Nazarene image barefoot and wearing only a white undershirt (sans bullet-proof vest) during the annual Quiapo procession as part of his religious devotion (yes, he still does it up to this day) is Noli de Castro, current Vice President of the Philippines.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 7

Pure Innuendoes.

They were the best of friends. They were always seen together around the University of the Philippines (UP) campus in Diliman: one was undoubtedly a very good-looking guy and the other was unquestionably a plain-looking guy. Opposites really attract. Hey, but they’re both brilliant students. Well, birds of the same featheralso flock together. Indeed, they were very close to eachother. Unusually close. They were the perfect tandem. Like suman and ripe mango. Or nuts and bolts. Peg and a hole. They were both protégées of then UP Student Councilchairman Chito Gascon. Soon, the good-looking guy took the helm as UP Student Council chairman. But the best friends seem to follow each other’s path. The plain-looking guy also ran for the same position with the all-out support of his good-looking friend. He won, of course. The good-looking guy was the crush ng bayan of theiskolars ng bayan. During lunchtime, students of all persuasions flocked to the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)cafeteria to catch a glimpse of the good-looking guy. Even singer-actress Regine Velasquez later admitted on national television that she had a big crush on the good-looking guy. But loveless Regine’s daring admission did not earn her even just a movie date invitation from the good-looking guy; instead, the good-looking guy merely flashed a demure smile in response to desperate Regine’s thinly-veiled date invitation. But after finishing college, the best friends went their separate ways. (Or so it seemed). The plain-looking guypursued his law studies and later taught law courses. The good-looking guy delivered the evening news on TV, hosted a TV quiz show and wrote analytical articles on pop culture. His good looks, intelligence and impeccable manner endeared him to televiewers.Despite their divergent career choices, the good-looking guy and the plain-looking guy really seemed to followeachother’s path. But this time, their path led to a nice little apartment near the Ateneo de Manila campus. And they shared that nice little apartment. Just the two of them.Yes, the plain-looking guy and the good-looking guy lived together. Those gifted with wild imagination got titillated at the mere thought of these two young men sharing a lovely apartment. The moralists out there shook their heads at the mere thought of the goings-on beyond that innocent-looking apartment door amid rows of middle-class houses in Loyola Heights in Quezon City.But the pair would not budge from their nest. Nor would they yield to any pressure. Not even from the plain-looking guy’s bible-reading siblings who berated him for living with another guy. The plain-looking guy’s own family started to cast doubt about his masculinity. All telltale signs which have accumulated all those years could no longer be ignored. People started talking openly about the two guys. Speculations about the true nature of the pair’s friendship became a daily fodder for gossip mongers. The academic freedom which alma mater UP’s oblation symbolizes seemed to have gone beyond the duo’s lust for knowledge. In order to prove to his family that he was not what they thought he was, the plain-looking guy suddenly announced that he was getting married. His family jumped with joy.But the plain-looking guy’s marriage did not dispel wild speculations about his sexuality; instead, it only succeeded in erasing any remaining doubt about his alleged agenda of using his wife to finally succeed in his failed initial crack at pursuing his lifelong dream. And it was well worth his efforts. Because thisformer loser’s desperate act finally triumphed. Thanks to his wife.However, the plain-looking guy’s deep friendship with his good-looking friend took a backseat as a result of the former’s new civil status. The plain-looking guy did not want to hurt his new wife’s flourishing career nor spoil his newfound success. That’s why he played his role as a good family man to thehilt. However, he had not forgotten his good-looking best friend at all. As a token of their undying friendship, the good-looking guy stood as one of the godfathers of the plain-looking guy’s first baby, together with Edu Manzano, Cesar Montano, Cherie Gil, Ciara Sotto, Angeli Valenciano, Fanny Serrano and a host of other household names. Of course, the plain-looking guy’s wife was clueless about her husband’s past. But the plain-looking guy’s wife had her share of dark past. She is a single mother who parted ways with hergood-looking “first husband” after she discovered that her good-looking “first husband” was already married to another woman when she hastily married him after she got pregnant at a young age. This meant that her marriage to her good-looking “first husband” was not legally binding after all.Now, the plain-looking guy was her knight-in-shining-armor who rescued her from the stigma of being an unmarried mother. Ironically, while her non-binding marriage with hergood-looking “first husband” was solemnized by several high-ranking priests at the cavernous Manila Cathedral amid countless clicking cameras and thousands of shrieking admirers several years ago, her supposedly legitimate marriage with the plain-looking guy was officiated not by a Catholic priest but by a pastor in a cramped living room, with only few relatives and friends as witnesses. Later, the good-looking guy reportedly got married also without fanfare. They said that his bride was a creative consultant for ABS-CBN Interactive. However, some women still believe and hope that he is still unmarried to this day. The good-looking guy soon rose to become ABS-CBNNews Channel’s ANC) Director for Current Affairs. He has been circling the globe as host of ANC’s weekly travel show, Executive Class.Yes, the good-looking guy is David Celdran. And the plain-looking guy is megastar Sharon Cuneta’s husband, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

La primera es que he terminado de ver Zettai Kareshi. Para ser una persona que dice que le importan poco las audiencias hablo mucho de ellas, ¿verdad? Lo sé, pero es que no dejan de sorprenderme. Por ejemplo en este drama. Es cierto que no es ninguna maravilla, pero teniendo en cuenta las "maravillas" por las que la audiencia se mata, no logro entender cuál es la diferencia entre unos dramas y otros. No sé cuál es el factor determinante que inclina la balanza hacia un lado o hacia otro. Me gustaría mucho que alguien me lo explicara con datos estadísticos, de verdad.

Volviendo al drama, es el típico triángulo amoroso, salvo que este caso uno de los vértices es un robot. El final es igual de horroroso y de malo que el de todos los dramas a los que los productores no quieren dar un final claro. En este caso quizá hasta lo entiendo, porque a mí también me surgiría la duda de con cuál de los dos quedarme, pero la solución que le han dado tampoco me convence, porque ni con uno ni con otro. El mejor, sin duda, es Hayami Mokomichi (o el robot). A Aibu Saki cada vez la soporto menos (y era una actriz que en sus primeros papeles me gustó mucho) y el otro vértice lo único que tiene es una belleza bastante importante y demasiadas muecas y gestitos de mal actor.

También he empezado a ver Manhattan Love Story. Es del mismo guionista que Ikebukuro West Gate Park y se nota. De hecho, un cincuenta por ciento del reparto de IWGP aparece en este drama, ya sea con cameos o con papeles más o menos protagonistas. Lo bueno, lo original y lo que me gustó mucho es que el protagonista, Matsuoka Masahiro, apenas dice tres frases en todo el capítulo. Y es el protagonista. Lo único que oímos es su voz en off, pensamientos y emociones, al estar al frente de un café y al empezar a sentir algo por una taxista un tanto especial, Koizumi Kyoko. El drama se presentaba como firme candidato a que lo subtitulara, pero no he podido ver más que el primer capítulo porque las raw no tienen ni un seed. Esto de ver dramas antiguos es un sufrimiento, o no hay subtítulos o no hay seeds...

Y antes de acabar, solo decir que la temporada de verano ya ha comenzado. Todavía no se han estrenado los dramas importantes, pero los que lo han hecho, empiezan en su tónica de audiencias muy bajas, bajas o normales (vamos, de perogrullo). El único que sobresale es Code Blue, con 21.2, una cifra muy buena, pero de la que no puedo opinar porque no he visto aún el primer capítulo.

De los dramas del otoño os hablo mañana :).

“It will be on the cheek. I don’t want my effigies burnt again,” said the Indian actress quickly blocking any possible way of the controversies which could have been created back home.

Well, with such a great reward, no wonder the charity had it’s bag so full with money.

'I am obsessed with her and was very sad to know that she got married, ' said the 21-year-old, adding 'If I would have been a boy, I would have definitely married her.'

'I envy Abhishek because he has married Aishwarya. I would have said the same thing if she would have married anyone else, ' Shweta, who debuts with 'Mission Istanbul', told.

Shweta says she did not have to struggle much to get the role in director Apoorva Lakhia's macho film 'Mission Istanbul' that deals with global terrorism.

'My Nivea ad worked for me. Suniel Shetty (who is producing the film) saw me in the ad and called me for audition. I went through the normal audition process and after a few days I came to know through an SMS that I was selected for the role.'

Shweta teams up with Vivek Oberoi, Zayed Khan, Suneil and others in the film and says her role is different from others.

'Normally, in a Hindi film a girl is not seen to perform stunts and action, but I have done all that for the film. Besides, I have a bit of romance and a song is also picturised on me. So I got to do everything in the film, ' said Shweta who plays Lisa Lobo in the action thriller that was shot in Istanbul.

'Lisa Lobo is very interesting character in the film. She plays cross with Zayed and Nikitin Dheer. Zayed is playing a positive role and Nikitin is the bad guy. I am in between the two because of a mission, ' said Shweta who is all praises for the director.

'Apoorva is the best guy in town. He helped me to understand the character so well. He used to always tell me that I should always have the character of Lara Croft in mind and behave like her. In every scene, he would tell me to think how Lara would behave in such a situation, ' said Shweta.

She says her favourite Hollywood actress is Angelina Jolie, who played the athletic character of Lara Croft in 'Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life'.

Shweta had not taken any formal training in martial arts. She was trained on the sets by the action directors Javed-Aejaz. She hopes once the film releases, people start recognising her for her performance.

'Right now, people do not recognise me much, only a few say this is the Nivea girl. But, once 'Mission Istanbul' releases, I hope that people recognise me better, ' said Shweta who always aspired to be an actor.

Talking to press here this afternoon, Karishma, who was in town in connection with a private event, said, ''Kareena slimmed down to 48 kg for Yash Chopra's 'Tashan', but I think there was nothing extraordinary about it.

The movie demanded such kinds of looks and she worked hard to acquire that. I don't know why there was so much ho-hum over her figure in the flick.''

''We both love gorging on food, but somewhere we have to draw the line and keep a check on what we are eating because the demands of our profession are different from those of others, '' she added.

''Kareena is doing very well for herself. I am very happy for her and about the fact that others are emulating what she has already done. It's a very good feeling seeing your little sister growing into a hardcore professional as well as a very versatile actress, '' the actor gushed.

Asked when the two sisters, Lolo and Bebo, would be seen together on the big screen, Karishma said, ''Though we are getting some very good scripts and offers featuring both of us, we have yet to decide on them and as and when something is finalised the whole world would get to know about it.

There will be lot at stake and even we would like to do justice to our jobs.''

Karishma, who has long been in hibernation since entering wedlock, said, ''It is not that I have severed my links with Bollywood. Yeah, I do admit that it's been long since I was last seen on the silver screen, but I will certainly stage a comeback whenever I come across some meaningful role.''

Karishma, however, sounded evasive when a query was hurled at her regarding the ''impending'' marriage of Kareena with actor Saif Ali Khan, saying, '' I don't think I should comment on that as it is a private matter between two individuals. So, I think that matter should not be touched upon.''

How does she react to entertainment entering the sports arena? the actress, who stepped into tinselville with a forgettable 'Prem Qaidi', said, '' It is good that entertainment has entered sports, like in IPL and these are the two things which have interested the people of the country like anything.

So, the two joining hands will definitely usher in a very good era, which will be fruitful for both.''

Hey everyone:)

Happy Independence Day to those who live in the states and good day to all the rest. What a wonderful day it is going to be. I am grateful for being independent. I know a lot of people who would say that our government says that we are independent, but we really aren't. Me, I say that I feel independent whether or not the government believes we are or we aren't. I am just grateful to our forefathers for what they did. Could you imagine what differences it could have made in our nation if no one would have stood up for independence as a nation? A whole different planet.

Independence Day will be a joyful time for all of us to get together with our families and enjoy their wonderful company. BBQ and fireworks. It's the American way (ha, ha, ha). Well, we will be doing all of that but we are also going to bake. I tell you that there is no bread that is quicker and more delicious to make. It has a few ingredients, mixes easily, goes in the oven, and you have the moistest bread that you have ever tasted. We use the recipe on Independence Day because there is so much to do, that it just makes dessert a little easier (although Grandma is making homemade ice cream).

Anyways, if you would like to give it a try here it is:

"Independence Day Lemon Poppy Seed Bread"*

Ingredients: 1 cup warm water, 4 tsps poppy seed, 18 and ¼ oz white cake mix, ½ cup vegetable oil, 3.4 oz of instant lemon pudding mix, 4 eggs, and 1 tbs lemon peel.

1) Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

2) In a large mixing bowl combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water, and oil. Beat until well mixed. Stir in the lemon peel. Fold in the poppy seeds.

3) Pour into two greased 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pans. Bake for about 35 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool.

4) Be decadent and enjoy with a small slab of lemon butter, and feel a little bit more of that happiness flow in.

Alright, I'm off to make my terrifc Independence Day!

Have a great one:)
* Base of recipe from Taste of Home and I molded it from there.

Kimberly Pugh & Jay Pounds

An amazing wedding sprinkled with lots of love.

Wedding date, Saturday, June 7th 2008 at 6:00pm

Location, Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Photographer, Scott Watt Photography

Videographer, Jeffrey Stoner Video

Floral designer, Lee Forrest Design

Catering, Puff n Stuff (specifically Heidi Brice)

Pastry Chef, Bake me a Cake

Linens, BBJ Linen

Lighting & Draping, TEC Support (Tim Eggers)

Ceremony, Cocktail & Reception entertainment, Jeff Scott

Photo booth, Plumb Fun (Zach)

Just Marry! Coordinators, Michele Butler, Kristen Wilkins & Cathrina Dionisio

I love to talk about this wedding. It was two great families with wonderful friends. There was so much love and happiness at this wedding. And well, that's what it's really all about. This wedding was different. Not your run of the mill, looked like last weekends wedding. The bride is an actress and had very specific ideas about what she wanted for her wedding. I love that in a bride. After all, it's her wedding. I love being able to help point her in the right direction based on her vision. All of the stars aligned for this wedding. From beginning to end on the wedding day, this wedding was virtually flawless and as a wedding planner, that is a true rarity. Something always goes wrong. But, the vendors were on time and brought the correct products, the venue was cooperative, the wedding party and family were ready to go on time for the wedding and the weather even stayed sunny. Definitely hot, but still a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and cocktail hour. Perfection on a wedding day is not easily achieved. We, wedding planners have all of the ingredients to oversee. I expect such perfection that it really does consume me, but the reward is always in viewing the photos and video. Enough of my ramblings.

I asked Kim to answer some questions about her wedding, so that I could share her wedding day with you, in her words. We invite you to enjoy a Just Marry! real wedding in both pictures and words.

Where did you all first meet?

We met in college, and both had significant others at the time. When we remet 6 years later at a karaoke bar (!), we were instantly drawn to each other. He does a mean "Fly me to the moon" :)

Tell me about the engagement.

First, you must know that both Kim and Jay love word games. They often challenge each other in Scrabble and love to do crosswords together. While on a trip to Orlando (they both live in Manhattan), Jay surprised Kim with a crossword puzzle he had made her. The theme was "Can I ask you a question", with such answers as "is this seat taken" and "to be or not to be". Jay insisted she work on the puzzle right then, so she proceeded to solve it (with his help, naturally). The next night, Jay had made reservations for dinner at Manuel's on the 28th, a restaurant they had always meant to visit while living in Orlando. As the two finished dessert, the waiter returned with a special delivery for Kim. To her surprise, it was the completed crossword puzzle, but with an additional clue: "The most important question of all". The answer was made up of four answers in the crossword puzzle: "will - ewe - Mary - mi". As Kim finished putting things together, Jay got down on one knee, pulled out the Tiffany's box he'd kept hidden, and made the question official. Kim of course said "Yes" through tears of joy, and the waiter reappeared with two glasses of champagne!

What is your favorite detail of the wedding?

Seriously, too many of our favorite things to choose one. The day is a blur of joy. . . I loved it all. I was so giddily thrilled to see the venue with all the details pulled together . . . the DIY projects my family and Jay helped create, the wedding "cake" by Bake Me a Cake complete with a bird topper pulled from a graphic on our invitations/programs -- designed by my super talented friend Jessica Rodgers, the florals (and the blue mason jars that my parents lovingly tracked down), the paper lanterns, the lighting, the mashed potato bar!. . . it was the perfect backdrop for a celebration with our closest friends and family.

My bouquet had 3 calla lilies for remembrance of deceased loved ones, and the stem wrap was material taken from my mothers wedding dress -- it was very special to me.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome while planning your wedding?

General: the plethora of design resources online! It's overwhelming!

Specific: the girls dresses! I kept meaning to order the final 2 bridesmaids dresses, but between school and production work the time slipped by. . . three months later I discovered the line had been discontinued!!! The good news was that they were discounted big time, the bad news was that we had to call at least 7 Davids Bridals to track the elusive sizes down. Advice to future brides? Helping with details like this is what Just Marry does best !!! No need to go crazy with issues like this yourself when you have trusty planners in your corner.

What is your most memorable moment of the wedding?

JAY: The moment I first layed eyes on you. (awwwwwwww!)

KIM: When we danced to "In Your Eyes" -- and the speeches at our reception. So heartfelt and touching.

Is there a funny moment?

:) Yep.

We stayed at the Grand Bohemian, and decided to go downtown for a drink or two (after changing clothes, but some of our wedding party stayed dressed). At some point Jay and I were seperated long enough for a guy to approach me and say "Hey... so, how's it goin'? You look really nice. . .you guys with a wedding party?" "We sure are!" I said. "Who's the bride?" he asked. I smiled and held up my newly be-ringed finger and said "I am."

Ouch.

Looking through our "guestbook" the day-after was also hysterical -- so many funny pictures and captions! I am so glad we chose to have a photobooth, I will long treasure that guestbook.

Was there an unexpected event on your wedding day?

Honestly, Just Marry! took care of everything on our wedding day -- if there were any snafu's, we had no idea.

Can you give some advice to a bride who is planning her wedding?

I kept an idea-book that helped me when meeting potential vendors (I know you were waiting for mention of this one, Michele ;). I cut-out all of my favorite images from magazines and online resources, and collaged them in a journal. I think it gave our vendors an immediate sense of what Jay and I wanted -- and it helped me remember off-beat ideas I came across. There are an abundance of resources and it's easy to get overwhelmed, and this was an easy way to stay focused on our favorites!

This is by no means a new idea, but my advice is to make the wedding and reception as personal as possible. Choose details that mean something to you and your future husband -- and don't shy away from bringing back old traditions or kicking tired ones to the curb, whatever suits you! You'll end up with a celebration that is a unique expression of your love for each other . . . and it doesn't get much better than that.

What was the design inspiration for your wedding?

I adore the displays at Anthropologie. . .I think we started there. I knew I wanted a celebration that wasn't terribly formal, and felt like it had homespun elements. Along the way we came up with the phrase "rustic elegance" -- making choices such as using blue mason jars to hold the florals, a chalkboard for our seating arrangements, and cupcakes instead of regular cake (with a cupcake stand built by my dad!). We also worked with Lee Forrest to incorporate branches into our table arrangements. . . and he designed an archway that added so much to the aesthetic of our wedding cerimony. I didn't even notice it on our wedding day, I was too focused on Jay. . . but it stands out in the photos! Along with Just Marry!s help, our vendors really brought our ideas to life.

On a sidenote ;)
We sketched a JK logo which was refined by a friend who is a graphic designer -- we used that on our save the dates and invites, as well as on napkin rings we crafted and the take-home boxes for our candybar. That simple element really tied the entire wedding together, from start to finish!

And our favorite photo???

Eeeek! Also impossible to narrow this down, as Scott is just an incredible artist. I love the shot on your blog. . . me slipping the ring on Jays finger, with two of my dearest friends looking on. I also love love love the shot of my dad and I (with my mom blurry in the foreground) -- just after the ceremony. His expression is priceless!! He looks so thrilled and excited. There is a surprise shot of my cousin and I dancing that is pretty amazing too (she has short, blonde hair and we are dancing back to back).

]]> http://roberthooperphotography.wordpress.com/?p=75 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:54:49 +0000 roberthooper http://roberthooperphotography.wordpress.com/?p=75 This Blog is now updated and located at the following address:

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...and you can find our main website here:

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For wedding photography go directly here:

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Hey everyone:)

So, who else absolutely loved the movie "Speed Racer?" I was in a great state of mind yesterday when I went to see it. This is how you make a movie absolutely incredible. You go into a really good movie expecting it to be enjoyable and then when you watch it you get blown away, because it wasn't only enjoyable, it was an incredible feat for the mind. It was moving, visually stunning, and just fun on top of it.

My favorite part about the movie was that the editing was done just like one thinks. You know how your mind fires off and you see all sorts of images in a weird sequence? Well, just watch the first part of the movie and you will see a good example. There are all different images that make up what the characters are thinking. It works though. Usually, a filmmaker would want to be careful using that technique just because the not so artistic might not understand what is going on and get confused. Never a good thing, but I didn't hear the audience getting confused. It was great.

We can't go anywhere without hearing about how visually stunning it was. What an incredible art direction! It reminded me of all those driving video games I used to play when I was a kid and I got to go on all these weird tracks. I was getting a little whoosy in a few spots, but nothing I couldn't handle. If you have ever seen any part of the television series then you know that the color scheming on it was absolutely perfect.

The acting was good for what they were looking for. Hirsch played Speed Racer perfectly. He looked the part and did a good job acting it. John Goodman looks and acts exactly like Pops so that is a given there. Susan Surandon did a great job as Mom. The little brother was perfect. He looked exactly like John Goodman too. Then there was Christina Ricci as Trixie. She did a really good job. Matthew Fox was in it and did an absolutely terrific job, as well as Eddie Izzard. You have to give them all brownie points, because they had to shoot this movie almost purely on green screen. That's a challenging thing to do. You try acting like something is there when it is not.....quite tricky.

This movie was the most surprising movie of the year. I was really blown away. Well worth a watch, especially if you have seen part or all of the television cartoon. I want to own this movie and if you guys know me at all that is a huge victory to end up in my DVD collection.

Alright, I'm off to make my terrific day!

Have a great one:)