TV Movie Stuff

Found this here: http://www.filmwise.com/visual/bigscreensmall_01.shtml

Name the Movies/TV shows – I’ll give you a hint for the first one: “You rang?”

Big screen: Raul Julia Small screen: John Astin

Big screen: Dan Aykroyd Small screen: Jack Webb

Big screen: Ben Stiller Small screen: Paul Michael Glaser

Big screen: Goldie Hawn Small screen: Lorna Patterson

Big screen:Christopher Lloyd Small screen: Ray Walston

Big screen: Jim Varney Small screen: Buddy Ebsen

Big screen: Claire Danes Small screen: Peggy Lipton

Big screen: Walter Matthau Small screen: Joseph Kearns

Big screen: Will Smith Small screen: Robert Conrad

Big screen: Jennifer Lopez Small screen: Carla Gugino

Big screen:Christopher Walken Small screen: Anthony Michael Hall

Big screen: Kristy Swanson Small screen: Sarah Michelle Gellar

Big screen: Eddie Murphy Small screen: Bill Cosby

Big screen: Shelley Long Small screen: Florence Henderson

Big screen: Jennifer Grey Small screen: Jennifer Aniston

Big screen: Colin Farrell Small screen: Robert Urich

Big screen: Elliott Gould Small screen: Wayne Rogers

Big screen: Nicole Kidman Small screen: Elizabeth Montgomery

Big screen: Janine Turner Small screen: Barbara Billingsley

Big screen: Harrison Ford Small screen: David Janssen

Big screen: Bill Murray Small screen: David Doyle

Big screen: Alicia Silverstone Small screen: Rachel Blanchard

Big screen: Walter Matthau Small screen: Jack Klugman

Big screen: Heather Graham Small screen: Marta Kristen

Blog of the Week Stuff

Please take the time to read this wonderful writer’s work. She’s literally brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. Please add her to your blogrolls.

http://mymixedcompany.com/wp/?p=383

Stuff

I’m in the mood for talk so I’ll be going on and on today, probably jumping from topic to topic. (who said that’s what I do all the time?)

If there’s a state superior court, doesn’t that mean by definition that there must be an inferior court?

Today the left lane drivers worked together and we refused to let a single driver who was in the HOV lane get in front of us to avoid the police car up ahead. I watched him get busted in my rear view mirror. It’s sad that I felt so victorious, but this happens every day and some times the cheater get theirs. Karma at work. Yay! (?yeah? yah?)

I’m all for any child’s adoption. If Madonna will give a baby a better life, then I think it’s wonderful. Boo to the naysayers who would rather the baby be left in an orphanage.

My favorite commercial right now is the “Sonic” ad where the husband says he’s going to write in his blog about the new ice cream treat to share the experience with his readers. His wife responds, “You mean reader. Your mother.” Hilarious.
Second for me is the Dwayne Wade – Cadillac ad when he rides off on a bike after giving the neighborhood coach a new S.U.V. – touching.

High beams in fog is not good. Why don’t some drivers know this?

A child’s birthday party should include more children than adults, serve foods that children like and liquor should not be the table centerpiece or the highlight of the day.

I’m still afraid to eat spinach. I have frozen spinach in my freezer, and despite my urge to eat it, I just can’t make myself. Friends have explained how safe it is – I just don’t believe.

I’ve always wanted a monkey as a pet. (no guys, Lester doesn’t count).

My ex-husband (#2) asked me last night if in retrospect I felt that our breakup was a mistake. I had to mute the call so he wouldn’t hear me squealing with laughter since he was being serious and I suppose, his version of sweet. I tried to be diplomatic and kind. I wanted to say, “Hells No! It was one of the best things to ever happen to me.” I didn’t, so I’m expecting something good as a reward for my restraint.

Why must some people answer each and every cell phone call they receive? I don’t understand being that available to everyone at all times. I’ll no longer stand for it – if you ignore me to talk to someone else – I don’t mean a brief conversation then I’m outie!

Passengers going through fast food drive throughs should be ready with their orders – I don’t want to sound like a special ed child over the mic: “Um…one – no two small – no (what did you say?) no – make that large fries. (yes the fries come with the value meal) – no cancel that – make it one small fry and an onion ring – no (shut up you guys – I can’t hear!) I’m sorry, make that a large onion ring, please. Please hold on for a moment. (c’mon you guys, what else do you want?) Okay, I’m ready, I’d like two fish sandwiches, one superburger with no pickle and a crispy chicken with extra mayo.(no, I’m not asking them to change it now – c’mon now – damn!) Hello, I’m sorry, can we start again? Okay – One large onion ring, one small fry, a fish sandwich, two burgers and a side salad please. No – nothing to drink. Nope.” I’ve gone through this too many times to count.

I just noticed that “Mary Worth” and “Mark Trail” are still on the comic pages of the newspaper. Who reads this stuff? Actually I looked at all the different comic strips and none of them were funny enough to warrant publication in a major newspaper. Some of them are really poorly drawn. (lightbulb) Hey! Maybe I can do it too – I’m not very funny and I can’t draw for shit – I could be a local superstar in the newspaper. (I just remembered “Chasing Amy” when poor Banky was ridiculed as a “colorer”. I’ve got to rent it again, soon. – God, my mind is a mess)

I’ll be back with more stuff later.

More Football Stuff

I’ve seen football “training camps” for women crop up all over the country in the last few years. The following was taken from the Falcons web site regarding an upcoming event here in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Falcons Women’s Association invites fans to the Falcons Football Academy to learn the Xs and Os of football through hands-on instruction from current and former Falcons players. Enroll in the NFL 101 session to learn the basics of the game through hands-on instruction, or in the NFL 201 session to learn what the pros know including an opportunity to participate in a flag football game!

I started my love for football as a member of the “Ocean of Soul”, Virginia Union University’s marching band. (sounds like jali’s a talented musician, doesn’t it? Nope. I was a pom-pom girl and proud of it! We were high stepping cuties in great uniforms IMHO) For a time, I considered the actual football game to be the intermission between performances of the band and knew almost nothing beyond the fact that the uniforms looked good on some of the players from the back and that we were supposed to play a hot song after every touchdown. During one of these intermissions I asked one the guys about the 1st, 2nd, 3rd down thing and why the numbers kept changing as the team made it’s way down the field. After he explained that actual lightbulb going off in my head moment happened and I started paying attention to what was happening on the field. (and finally cheered at the right moments thank you very much)

I’m from NYC and the Jets and the Giants are our local teams. There’s an unwritten rule that one must choose one or the other – we’re not supposed to root for both teams and my decision was made by my father (the controller of all things electronic in our home – this may have been one of the first man laws) who was an avid Giants fan. It’s pretty simple to pick the team you get to watch regularly.

Well, kind of regularly… If the game was a sell out, then we were able to watch it on TV. If the game wasn’t forecast to be a sell out then we would literally drive to Dover, De. to watch the game. My father loved the idea of a road trip and the opportunity to hang with his Brother-In-Law and partner in crime, my Uncle Dave. They would drive to Maryland (where beer is sold on Sundays) and get ready for some football! The games may not have been actually blacked out, but since my father was the Emperor of our home and all he surveyed, his word on this was never questioned. I remember even catching a ride up from VUU to Delaware to surprise my Dad one weekend to learn that he decided not to make the trip, and that I was stuck with very little money and classes in Virginia the next day. My family pulled together (after the game of course) and put me on the train and I made it back safely. I decided to concentrate on college football (and my grades too, I suppose) for the rest of the semester.

I didn’t return to regular cheering for the Giants until the 1980’s. I married and had children in the 70’s and found other things to occupy my Sunday afternoons back then. (Laundry, spying on cheating husband – all the exciting happenings in the life of a fly girl.)

After moving back home (sounds sad to move back in with my parents as a divorced adult, but it was great for me! More about all that in a later post) I was able to focus a little attention on professional football.

My dad was happy to have a football partner in the house with him again- My mother and sister made it clear that they would rather eat each others boogers than watch football. My dad and I spent many happy afternoons arguing (he inspired by Georgi Vodka – me with my sense of righteousness) the finer points of the game.

In the late 80’s early 90’s our Playoff/Superbowl Extravaganzas began. No catering was acceptable at any of our football fests. We would cook for days then solemnly gather at the church of the NFL for that particular game to give praise. We would dress up a little for these particular games – they were more important that even Monday Night Football – these were the playoffs.

Superbowl Sunday dawned bright and clear every year (regardless of the actual weather – happiness makes everything shiny). Some years I was Queen of the pick – others, for example the year I walked into the house singing, “Don’t Mess With The Bills” – was the year that Dallas stomped all over the Bills defensive line. Can’t pick ‘em all.

I guess the point of all these words is that you have to take the time to learn to love the ballet of football. Every offensive movement is a well rehearsed step downfield. If some of you imagine beautiful choreography instead of game playing, you might be able to see a little more of the beauty.

ProBaller Stuff

This was written mostly on Monday and just never posted. I was too busy reading all of your lovely pages so don’t get upset.

The Giants. (to really feel it, please say it the way Mike Ditka said, “the Bears”‘)

I had a BALL yesterday watching the beloved Giants defense make their “jump shot” celebration move SEVEN times yesterday in the game against the Falcons. Seven sacks – a Michael Vick record. I generally root for the Falcons since I live in Atlanta, but my heart belongs to the Giants. There are a lot of former New Yorkers living here and the cheering section for our team was strong.

New Orleans did it! Sorry rev. steve but I’m happy! Boo Eagles!

One giant sized bag of Lime flavored chips and 2 large jars of salsa and cheese will only last for about 7 or 8 minutes in Atlanta if the Falcons are losing. I can report that the Atlanta fans watching from my home yesterday really started eating when their QB got sacked. They were also very quiet in the second half of the game – as opposed to the loud and boisterous chanting they did during the beginning of the game.

Edit: The game last night was unbef*%^inglievable!

Juast have to post this about my little school:

I attended Virginia Union University, a small historically black college in Richmond, Virginia. As I did a little research this week on an NFL player I knew way back when and have been bragging about for years, I learned that others from V.U.U. played for the N.F.L. Roger Anderson played for the New York Giants from 1964 – 1968. James Atkins played for one season for the Titans in 2003 and one for the San Francisco 49-ers in 2004. John Baker played for the Giants in 1970. Malcolm Barnwell played for five years as a pro, 1981-1985 for the Oakland Raiders, The Los Angeles Raiders , the New Orleans Saints and the Redskins. Carl Bland was another former V.U.U. Panther who’s NFL career lasted from 1984-1990 as a Detroit Lion and a Green Bay Packer. There are others: Hez Braxton was a pro from 1962-1963 playing first as a Charger, then as a Buffalo Bill. Mike Brim played in the NFL from 1988-1995 for a number of teams: Phoenix, Detroit, Minnesota, New York (Jets) and Cincinnati. Pete Hunter played as a pro from 2002-2005 for Dallas and Cleveland. Cornelius Johnson was a Baltimore Colt from 1968-1973. Bob Jones played from 1973-1976 for Cinti and Atlanta. Tony Leonard (the guy I knew) played for the San Francisco 49-ers from 1976-1979. Irvin Mallory was a New England Patriot in 1971. Bobby Phillips also played for one year in the NFL: 1995 for Vikings. Herbert Scott’s career lasted much longer, 1975-1984 as a Dallas Cowboy. Adrian Wright played for one year for the Tampa Bay Bucaneers in 1987. Pretty good for a small school.

Tagged Stuff

I’m down with the cool kids, I’m in with the in crowd, I’m one of the boys…
I got tagged!

1. One book that’s changed your life.
A Wrinkle In Time by Madelyn D’Engle. It gave me a love for sci-fi.

2. One book that you have read more than once.
Pride and Prejudice by Austin – I read it every year.

3. One book that you would want on a deserted island
Araminta Station by Jack Vance to take me away from my lonliness, starvation and impending death.

4. One book that made you cry
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston is the first tearjerker that came to mind. The Color Purple by Alice Walker, The Good Earth by Pearl Buck – there are so many that have made me cry.

5. One book that made you laugh.
Six Of One by Rita Mae Brown

6. One book you wish had been written.
Another in either Sarah Shankman’s or Anne George’s series.

7. One book you wish had never been written.
I don’t like this question.

8. One book you are currently reading.
I’m re-reading The Old Wine Sellers by Martha Grimes.

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read.
Sequel to Tracy Hickman’s and wife’s series but I’m waiting for paperback – Ca’t afford hardcover.

10. One book you’re glad to own.
All of them
11. One book from which you must read aloud.
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

I just found the tag at Macarena’s site: http://macarena-de-verano.blogspot.com/2006/10/book-whore-one-book.html

Football Stuff!!!!!!!!

I play “Beat The Hosts” on HBO every week. We pick the teams we like for upcoming games and hope our record is better than the four hosts, Chris Collinsworth, Chris Carter, Dan Marino and Bob Costas.

I printed my picks and brought them home this weekend. “A” and my son, Charlie scoffed at many of my choices for the early games. I asked them to pick right then and there so that there would be no changing of horses midstream (they deny this, but we all know the deal).

I can’t take credit for the teams winning any of the games, but I can take credit for picking all eight of the winning teams that played at 1pm EDT on Sunday.

I picked KC over Arizona but I got the next four wrong. Jacksonville killed my Jets and San Francisco shocked the hell out of me! I usually go with the 49-ers but I decided to go with my head instead of my heart this week – bad choice. I’m still waiting for Pittsburg to win…sigh. Let’s grab the announcers mic from Jerome Bettis and put him back in the game.

My low of the day: The eagle’s win over Dallas. I don’t particularly care for Dallas but I HATE the eagles! The pregame show of egg throwing and jersey burning was a great reminder to me of what I don’t like. (rev. steve, you’re the only Philly fan I love so don’t yell at me)

My highlight of the day: Immediately following the TV announcers discussion of Reggie Bush’s college record for running TD’s from deep in his own territory, Reggie Bush ran for one of the most beautiful touchdowns of the day. His first NFL touchdown and I got to see it! Magic!

I have Baltimore tonight and I’m sticking my fingers in my ears and ignoring all you naysayers! Gooooooo Colts…I mean Ravens! (for the youngsters: back in the day, the Colts played in Baltimore – google Johnny Unitas to see for yourselves)

EDIT: Anyone remember the L.A. Rams? (google Rosie Grier (Pam’s needlepointing cousin), or Fred Dryer, Eric Dickerson or the Youngbloods)

Musical Stuff

The other day I touched on music and how it can affect you (well how it affects me, but I use the language as I wish). Marvin Gaye’s music brings out the love, but other music brings out other feelings.

If I’m driving long distance I need hot music from my past to keep me going.

Unfortunately when I start singing (okay, squawking for those of you who’ve heard me live), I start speeding without realizing it. I’ll glance down at the speedometer ( a rent-a-car of course, with a working speedometer since my car doesn’t deal with such petty information anymore) and shock myself (ooops – 97 MPH, I didn’t mean to do THAT), I’ll give the gas a break for a while and go with the flow of traffic. I might stop the CD player and listen to the local radio station for a bit. I usually go for “urban” radio, but once in a while I might listen to country of classical music.

Country music is safe for driving – at least until something like, “Jesus Take The Wheel” comes on. I can’t help looking around to see who’s listening to the same station and actually letting Him take the wheel while they apply makeup, eat a salad, or argue with their wife. After watching some of the other drivers on the interstate, I make a soon to be broken promise to myself to drive 55 for the rest of the ride.

Classical music is hazardous for me in a car. It usually starts out quietly, so I in turn drive at a moderate pace. The tempo and volume increase so I have to drive faster to keep up. Crescendo! By the time the movement climaxes, I’m driving over 90. The big (f*%^!!) ticket I got on the N.J. Turnpike was a direct result of my listening to classical music.

I can no longer listen to any type of music while walking down the street because I’m overly conscious of the beat, and have to step along with the music. Fine if I’m listening to something with a moderate beat – less fine if a song like “Whip It” by Devo is playing. Imagine watching someone trying to walk down a busy sidewalk as if they were being controlled remotely by a comedienne with a wicked sense of humor. The sexy aura I’m famous for goes right out the window and people literally stop and stare.

Music works for me if I’m making an entrance somewhere and the beat is just right. That awkward walk into the club becomes my personal fashion show down the runway if something jazzy is playing.

Or not.

Sometimes the music changes mid-entrance and I’ll find myself prancing to “Country Road, Take Me Home” or something else I hate and I have to admit, the look isn’t good. It’s hard to do the sexy walk thing with a smirk of distaste on one’s lips.

I’ve talked about me being stoooooooopid in the gym. The “Rocky Theme” is the worse thing I can listen to while working out. Amadeo noted another song that has a similar effect: “The fighting theme for “The Karate Kid”. They both make me feel invincible, mighty, dum-dum-dum-dum: Super-chick! I’m answer D on the health quiz – none of the above and my body pays for the music for days after the event.

Certain music is mood killing. “A” and I sleep with the TV on every night, and don’t consider program changes while in the mood for love. We’ve had to stop once we realized that early morning TV includes Gospel Hour and it’s hard to feel sexy while someone is screaming, “Jesus”. (correction, it depends on who’s screaming and in what context, but I think you guys know what I mean).

“Musak” makes my teeth hurt. I hate certain elevators and rest rooms that are wired to the same station that all dentist seem to use. I sort of wait for the drill sound and even though I know I’m not at the torture chamber, my subconscious reacts to the sounds.

Rap automatically takes me back to Afro-puffs and the ‘revolution’ until I listen to some of the lyrics. “Lean with it, rock with it” or “My laffy-taffy” don’t exactly call for social change. Rock isn’t good for me at certain times since I’m usually compelled to play the air guitar which doesn’t go over too well in the produce aisle. For some reason, when I listen to rock I really believe I can sing and I’ve scared people with “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” at the wrong moment in time.

Neo-soul and R & B are my favorites for almost everything. Right now Lupe Fiasco just makes me smile – no matter what I’m doing. Ceelo in any form (in any collaboration) is a good mood maker and Jill Scott is inspirational to me (know what I mean? -wink!)

What music works for you guys?

Mushy Stuff

Marvin is a celebrity I never met, but dreamed of dating when I was a teen. I was convinced that one day he might look across a crowded room and see the chick he had been waiting for; and honest chick, a sweet chick, a chick with great hygiene, a big Afro and great S.A.T. scores. Me.

Instead of my dating dreams coming true, I married A Nightmare on Elm Street (he was going by the name Lester back then – Freddy was the alias he used in the film).

I married the second dude (if you must know his name is Beetlej____ – don’t say it 3 times or you’ll be very sorry!) instead of waiting for my dreams to come true.

My guy was Marvin Gaye. I remember holding the “What’s Going On” album cover in my arms and staring at Marvin’s face. I fell in love with him based on his lyrics. I followed Marvin’s career closely – I even bought the collabo album with Diana Ross (Love Twins- ewwwww). I actually compared the dudes I dated to Marvin. I played “Come Get To This” repeatedly – even my Dad knew all the lyrics and he didn’t really like Marvin Gaye.

It’s amazing how music can really transport you to a place you might really need to be in your life. Marvin’s music gave me the understanding of exactly what I wanted from love.

I imagined that I’d never find the ideal I’d come to expect listening to Marvin sing. Witty as well as sexy. Confident as well as sweet.

I’ve found that ideal, my sweetheart: “A”.

“A” is more than 10 years younger than me. (shut up some of you guys with the rude comments!) He’s close to my height and he is very, very slim. When people meet “A” as my man, some seem surprised. Based on what they’ve seen in the past I think they expect a six footer with a lot of muscle who’s a couple of years older than me.

I’ve never been in an easier relationship and I’ve never been happier.

I love you “A”.