The day rapidly improved

[cleolinda]

More fun in the mail! I don't know who sent me the key pendant, but I LOVE IT.

(I always love things people send in the mail, and thank you so much--I just wanted to make it clear that I don't usually post about things unless I'm trying to figure out who sent it, not because I didn't like it. I just don't want it to turn into, you know, Send Cleo Presents and Buy a Shoutout on Her Journal.)

(Although I do want to mention a glittery Christmas card from Chesh: "Just pretend the snowmen are vampires sparkling in the sunlight. They feed on snowballs.")

Re: Official SKIN OF A KILLER Glitter: I am so disturbed by how many people were like, "I know exactly what I'm getting my friends for Christmas now!" I mean, I know it's intended as a lolgift, but... it gives me the wig to think of so many jars of powdered sparklepire with THAT TERRIFYING PICTURE on it in people's houses on Christmas morning. If someone gave me one I'd have to cover it up with masking tape or make it face the wall or something. Don't get me wrong, he's a cute guy, but that particular shot is so BAD TOUCH, DO NOT WANT.

So of course, they're also selling That Face on pillowcases. WHY? I mean, I understand they're selling it because they know the girls and their moms will totally buy a dozen so they'll have spares when they wear them out from surreptitious kissing, but why THAT expression? I don't want a pillow that glares at me! I mean, I don't want a sparklepire pillow at all, but I REALLY don't want one with the evil eye!

(It's SOLD OUT? )

Oh, and I wanted to mention/recommend this--every year, I get a Kinuko Craft calendar because I love her artwork. (I have already secured 2009's, because apparently I am doomed to know every single thing I am getting for birthday and Christmas, to the point where my mother and aunt and grandmother sat around in my grandmother's kitchen and sorted out who would give me what when. While I was sitting there in front of them. "Would you rather have Prince Caspian for birthday or Christmas?" "OMG STOP IT!!") So... consider it rec'd.

Also, a link request: A write-in campaign to protest the whitewash casting of 'The Last Airbender.'

More linkspam:

’40s heartthrob Van Johnson dies at 92.

Scott Ruffalo Case Gets Seedier, Sadder [Mysteries].

Ex-Idol Producer Responds to Paula Abdul. Okay, let me break it down for you: what happened was, Abdul is alleging that the producers let a stalker of hers audition for the purpose of messing with Abdul. The woman overdosed outside Abdul's house afterwards. If the producers did what Abdul is saying they did... well. You can imagine how bad it's going to look for the show, and that's not even getting into how completely horrible the whole thing is. So "Scoop: Abdul as good as gone from ‘Idol’ " is not very surprising, in other words. Nor is "Report: ‘Idol’ to make changes in 2009" or "A Scandalous ‘American Idol’ Tell All Book." The show gave me us David Cook, so as far as I'm concerned, its destiny has been fulfilled and it can fall off the face of the planet now, if that's where it's going.

Governor declares 'Year of Alabama History,' "another installment of yearly tourism campaigns that have focused on Alabama food, sports, outdoors and arts." Yes, I share a birthday with my own state.

David Henry Hwang Honored As M. Butterfly Hits 20.

Actor slits own throat accidentally in suicide scene ("After emergency treatment at a hospital, Hoevels declared that the show must go on, and returned to the stage on Sunday night with a bandage tied around his neck, ready to once again meet his mock demise"); Police Launch Investigation Over Theatre Suicide Scene.

New 'Doctor Who' Christmas special promos + trailer.

Lost Season 5 Promo Shots. These are studio photographs of pretty people being pretty (Deeeeesmoooond!), no spoilers.

Another helpvera update: Fans & Friends Raise More Than $20K For An Author in Need.

The Power List: 20 Movers And Shakers In Science Fiction.

Richard Roeper Names His Top 25 of 2008.

Stephen King: 10 best movies of '08. Number 10? Death Race. It's that kind of list. I wish I could do my own top ten list, but (as always) I'm not even sure I saw ten theatrical releases this year, and I can tell you straight off that at least three of them were flat-out awful. Lessee... Cloverfield, The Other Boleyn Girl (STAB), 10,000 B.C., Vantage Point, Prince Caspian, Iron Man, Indiana Jones, Wanted, The Happening, The Dark Knight, Hamlet 2, Quantum of Solace, and... Twilight. Okay, so I managed to see more than ten, at least. (And four of them got Fifteen Minutes...ed. This is a level of productivity unseen since the glory days of 2004, let me tell you.)

Wes Anderson Directs Brad Pitt in Ad for Wacky Japanese Sensibility; Lemon Zest [Mysteries Solved].

The Hater: Hugh Jackman To Turn The Oscars Into The Tonys. AND MORE POWER TO HIM, SAYS I.

Oscar Visual Effects Short List Revealed, and it really is an embarrassment of riches this year.

11 Brand New Oscar Scripts from ‘Revolutionary Road,’ ‘Milk,’ ‘Ben Button’ and Many More; Meryl Streep Liked Awards-Season Better When She Didn't Have to Beg.

Trailers and clips: Must Watch: Brand New Full Length Trailer for 'Knowing'; Exclusive: Three TV Spots for 'The Spirit'; 'Goemon' Trailer: It's Like if Anime Were Semi-REALITY; 'Paris by Night of the Living Dead' Clip: Zombie Murder!

Three Ways to Make the Most of "Day the Earth Stood Still" [Review]; 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' doesn't do original justice; Review: 'Earth Stood Still,' movie falls apart; ‘Day the Earth Stood Still’: Klaatu barada stinko (someone out there is really proud of that headline); Vulture’s Complete Field Guide to the Facial Expressions of Keanu Reeves; The Tao Of Keanu [Profitable Prophets]; Reeves: 'Fame Is A Drag'; Reeves Is Jealous Of Jackman (he wanted to play Wolverine!).

Bryan Singer's Valkyrie Review - This Year's Best WWII Film. Really? Because there were a lot of them this year. Like, so many that someone made an actual flow chart. I'm just saying.

Emma Watson ‘Thrilled’ With ‘Deathly Hallows’ Ending, Looking Forward To Filming Favorite Scene.

J.J. Abrams' Star Trek Coming to IMAX; 'Star Trek' Returns with Classic Plot Device.

Success Of ‘Twilight’ Kills Planned Remake Of Gory Vamp Romance ‘Near Dark.’ Or, you know... you could just go rent 'Near Dark.'

David S. Goyer Directing 'The Invisible Man' Before 'Magneto'; Exclusive: Goyer Talks 'Flash Forward'!

Lucas Launches Star Wars Stage Show.

Tom Cruise to Reprise 'Thunder's' Les Grossman?

Terry Gilliam Visits Last Country On Earth Willing to Give Him Money.

Caruso Won't Helm 'Thor.'

Giamatti and Mackie Head for 'Babylon.'

Odette Yustman Talks Tarot Card Comedy 'Rogue's Gallery.'

Friday Producers Eye Satanic Thriller.

With Kristen Stewart And Jessica Biel Taking Up Pole-Dancing, Here’s Our Top 10 Strippers In Film List.

Reese Witherspoon Postpones Participation in Unofficial 'Joe Versus the Volcano' Remake [Bad Ideas].

Will Smith’s Search For Mr. Miyagi Continues As ‘Karate Kid’ Remake Moves To China.

Kim Cattrall does a Polanski movie. What?

'A Nightmare on Elm Street' Gets the Green Light.

The Alien Rape Menace Has a Catchy Theme Tune [Found Footage]. What?

Comments

[disdainful-soul.livejournal.com]

All Hugh Jackman needs now is a singing Disney character, and no ability to feel crushing humiliation.

Well, the first thing should be easily solved: Jackman was the original Australian Gaston in the stage show of Beauty and the Beast - he's even on the cast recording.

[callmesyd.livejournal.com]

Nooooooooo.... ooooooone.... SNIKTS LIKE GASTON

[queenanthai.livejournal.com]

'A Nightmare on Elm Street' Gets the Green Light.



...I am srs fan.

[nitedula.livejournal.com]

That guide to Keanu's facial expressions was hilarious!

[cmdr-zoom.livejournal.com]

"Dull surprise!"

[particle-person.livejournal.com]

Police Launch Investigation Over Theatre Suicide Scene.

Ngaio Marsh? Is that you? (I should add that she wrote at least two books about people being murdered on stage. Also, since we're doing Golden Age Mysteries, Michael Inne's book Hamlet, Revenge! is another good stage killing mystery, although that one was a shooting rather than a knifing.)

[katharhino.livejournal.com]

Heh.

I love Alleyn Ngaio Marsh.

[oasis-beatles.livejournal.com]

I really have to say I'm irritated at Twilight right now... but I can't say that it's Twilight's fault. Mainly because in my retail store of retailness, there were two girls ogling over how much better Twilight was than Harry Potter... and I had to walk away. But so much love for Hermione's choice of scene for DH! :D

[sucrelefey.livejournal.com]

It's a little sad that there anger for Hugh who is said to be one of the sweetest guy in the industry. Or maybe their just all envy they don't look that good in formal wear.

[wolfsilveroak.livejournal.com]

RE all the remakes-

WHY CAN'T THEY LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE?!?!?

[ninepointfivemm.livejournal.com]

Hollywood has just realized what the Greeks were saying -- "There's nothing new under the sun."

[soulforophelia.livejournal.com]

yeah i posted the link (to the glitter) on my facebook and I got a comment of someone squealing they knew what they wanted for their birthday now. sigh.

[honorh.livejournal.com]

Hey! No remaking "Joe Versus the Volcano"! That film is a quirky, eccentric gem, and a remake would probably try to normalize it. I do not approve.

(Neither does the Doctor.)

[mollywobbles867.livejournal.com]

I didn't see that link! I disapprove!

[aficat.livejournal.com]

Jon Stewart is going to see Twilight over the break, according to the last Moment of Zen. What do you think he'll think?

[barrelgoddess.livejournal.com]

They should have him and Colbert go together and record them riffing on it ala MST3k. That would be epic.

[emmaorgana.livejournal.com]

Urrgh, that Avatar: The Last Airbender casting infuiriates me more and more. It's so offensive and bizzare.

Hugh Jackman hosting the Oscars? I may have to watch them now... damn. :p

[crumpeteer.livejournal.com]

What baffles me is the choice of Jesse McCartney. I mean was there no REAL actor out there?

[crumpeteer.livejournal.com]

Is it just me or does Edward have a lazy eye on that poster?

[modpixie.livejournal.com]

isn't kim catrall a little old for polanski?

i am so going to hell...

[ninepointfivemm.livejournal.com]

*dies*

Here, have my internet.

[black-hgwtspimp.livejournal.com]

Am I the only one who didn't know about this?

http://community.livejournal.com/pattzonline/

The official RPattz LJ?

[mollywobbles867.livejournal.com]

Looking at the user info, it's only "official" b/c it's affiliated with the "web's top" RPattz site.

[zrath.livejournal.com]

Hugh Jackman hosting the Oscars? YES!
It will be a nice break from the smirky comic dudes.

"Star Trek" in IMAX? OH YES!!
I am SO there!

[word-herder.livejournal.com]

Aw, but Jon Stewart was so much fun!

[mollywobbles867.livejournal.com]

and my forebrain was thinking, Oh, man, this is the year's biggest pile of cinematic dog vomit. But the rest of my brain is thinking, I'm at the mooooovies! IS THIS GREAT OR WHAT?

I ♥ you, Stephen King. I feel this way all the time about movies.

God, I hope that accusation against the American Idol producers isn't true. That's just fucked up.
Though, I wouldn't mind if it makes the show go down the crapper. When it's in season and my sister is over, we always have to watch it. I don't wanna!

The fact that flow chart doesn't point to it (and that the trailer was really good), makes me want to see The Boy in Striped Pajamas.

[aquidis.livejournal.com]

The 'Edward Cullen will eat your soul' picture scares me so much. I can't see how anyone would want to see it.

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

I dare you to look at the hi-res version. It's LIFE-SIZE.

[edibility.livejournal.com]

I'm thrilled that you'll be following The Last Airbender's progress. My roommate and I recently watched the entire series and we think it's fantastic.

I have to admit, I don't care too much about the whitewashing of the movie as I'm not sold entirely on the concept of a movie. I'm generally against movie adaptations, as I often sit there yelling "REJECTING! REJECTING!" I really hope this doesn't turn out horribly for any reason, casting included.

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

I actually haven't watched the show--now that it's over, I think I'd like to get the DVDs and just marathon them, it sounds great--but the moment they were like, "And we're going to cast it all wrong," I thought, "I have to keep an eye on this, for better or for worse."

[musikologie.livejournal.com]

Cleo, I was linked to this today and had hoped that you had seen it at least some point in your life: Austenbook: Pride and Prejudice in the form of facebook status updates (http://www.much-ado.net/austenbook/).

I especially enjoyed "Elizabeth Bennet and Caroline Bingley are attending the event 'Take a Turn about the Room.'"

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

Hee, yeah. I think I linked it yesterday. It immediately spawned "Meyerbook," sadly.

[gwynnywonk.livejournal.com]

You know, I have the same thing happen to me every Christmas. My parents ask me what I want for Christmas, and if I don't tell them I literally get nothing- maybe a gift card. If I DO tell them what I want, then I get that and only that. They'll even tell me when they get deals on the stuff on my wishlist- "Oh, we found that Dee-Vee-Dee you wanted for Christmas at costco for only fifteen bucks! You should really get a card there now that you're 18. Think of all the money you could save!"

Oh, and, uh, I know I already told you this, but if/when you get a necklace in the mail, could you message me? I'm terribly sorry to sound like a broken record, but I bought it on Etsy and I've never bought from there before, so I'm sort of nervous about it arriving and I want to be able to provide seller feedback. :)

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

No, I know--I'm keeping a lookout for it. Honestly, I'm getting a little worried about it myself. I don't mention things up in public posts necessarily, but yeah, I always contact the person if I know who it is.

[glass-radical.livejournal.com]

DANG DESMOND IS LOOKING SUPARFINE. He's literally got that eyes of melted butterscotch thing going on. BUT IRL.

[bya-san.livejournal.com]

Is it strange that The Boston Globe gave both "Doubt" and "Frost/Nixon" 2 1/2 star reviews? Because I thought they were supposed to be major contenders for best picture (or maybe I just have a weird paper).

[snowwhite2421.livejournal.com]

nope. just means they formed their own opinions rather than regurgitating the PR.

[imdissertating.livejournal.com]

new reader !hi! came here to read your Twilight thoughts.
re: Twilight merch. I was just wondering last night when they were going to role out the merch. en masse. I don't want to see character faces on Burger King cups when NewMoon comes out :( There goes Pattinson's wish for a non-cash cow franchise.

[sun-star-n-moon.livejournal.com]

Omg. I love Kinuko Craft's art too! Its so magical! I just recently made massive post of icons of her artwork over in my community (http://community.livejournal.com/roxicons/17442.html).


I waaannnnnnt that calendar....

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow--do you have the full-size picture from #45, the Galadriel icon (I'm guessing that's what it is)? I collect Galadriel artwork, and I don't see it on Craft's site...

[sweet-pessimism.livejournal.com]

Speaking of Valkyrie and Tom Cruise.. I couldn't sleep last night so I was flipping through crappy 2am programming when I came across Tom Cruise on Jay Leno's show.. He was promoting Valkyrie I guess, but they were also talking about Tropic Thunder. I have no interest in either of those movies really, except to comment to people how ridiculous it is that Cruise didn't even attempt a German accent for Valkyrie. I mean, even if it sucked, I would have given him brownie points for trying.

But anyway, my point is this.. They got around to talking about Katie and Broadway and blah blah blah.. And I don't know how it happened, but Tom Cruise, professional nutcase, ended up singing. And he was actually quite good. I was shocked. Not at all what I expected crazy to sound like.

[topazera.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I'm curious about Tom Cruise's singing voice now. I kind of have to respect anyone who breaks out into song on national TV, even if they're crazy. ;)

...except to comment to people how ridiculous it is that Cruise didn't even attempt a German accent for Valkyrie. I mean, even if it sucked, I would have given him brownie points for trying.

I'm sure this discussion has been had a million times before, but I hate it when actors have to put on an accent to match their subject matter. I think the movie should either a) be in German or b) have the viewer accept that they can understand them, as if there's a universal translator in their head. I think adding accents to everyone's performances gets ridiculous and can be a distraction. But that's just me. ;)