Monthly Archives: August 2010

Aug 31 2010
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TV

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! The Summer Hiatus Is Over!

Today’s post has been brought to you by the letter H; as in the summer hiatus is over.

Source: Google Images

If you’re a television nerd like me, you’ll probably know that the . . . “summer hiatus” (If you can call it that. The words crappy television torture sound more appropriate) is almost over. Or to be more specific, the summer hiatus ends next week (Yay!). When all some (Thanks ABC for canceling one of my favorite shows: FlashForward ) of our favorite shows come back, the restless hours spent relaxing on the deck sipping margaritas in the sun will be over, and the long hours spent on the couch watching television will begin. This might not sound like a good time for some, but for the others, it’s . . . it’s amazing.

There’s nothing like snuggling up with your loved ones and pulling out the popcorn for some fall T.V. Whether it be sitcoms, dramas, or the occasional reality show, the act of staying in on a Thursday night is always hard to resist when your favorite show is on.

This year, aside from watching my old favorites, Bones, House, Supernatural, The Big Bang Theory; and some new-old favorites: The Vampire Diaries and Glee; I’m also looking forward to expanding my nightly routine. After watching the Emmys, I really think I need to start watching Modern Family. I’ve heard it’s hilarious, but I never really gave it much time. But, now that I have nothing to watch on Wednesdays, I think I’m going to give it a try. Plus, I’m really excited to watch Boardwalk Empire. I really don’t think I have to explain myself here. Martin Scorsese. HBO. Enough said.

Now, remember how I kept asking if it was September yet? Do I really need to ask anymore? Even if it’s still August (Technically)? The fall season excitement is clearly upon us; promo stills are rolling in by the hour, new previews too (except for Supernatural. (Ahem! CW? Are you listening?)), and it’s finally possible to countdown your favorite show by the week, instead of month. Clearly, it’s time for some fall season television.

So, dear T.V nerds, what will be watching come September? New shows? Old shows? Old shows that you should watch (*cough* Supernatural *cough*)? Hmmm?

For more info on what shows will premiere and when, the lovely folks at EW have kindly made you a Fall TV Cheat Sheet.

Wait! The Vampire Diaries premieres, when? September 9th?! Thank you, T.V Gods!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

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Aug 30 2010
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Book Review

Book Review: Water For Elephants

* “Hey! Don’t crowd, mister! Can’t you see an elephant or do I have to paint her red?”

** Side Note: Think of this as a Doc Jensen column. It might be long. It might take a side trip. But, it’s all worth it in the end.**

When you go into your favorite Borders or Barnes & Noble, where do you find most of your books? Do you go straight to Fiction? Or Non-fiction? How about right to the Self-help section?

Wherever you look, I bet you find yourself scouring the rows and rows of freshly pressed books for that specific piece of literature of which you simply can’t remember the author’s name. So, you stretch and crouch, walk back and forth, until you find it. Your so happy and exhausted from the long search at this point, you dart right to the cashier, club card in hand, cash already on the counter, completely passing the best place to find a new read.

What? What is that you said?

Yes. As soon as you have exhausted yourself looking for that one book and are ready to go pay for it, you pass right by the elite treasure trove for paperback and hardcover delights: The clearance table.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. The clearance table? Isn’t that where they have the reject books? The ones that have poorly written storylines and cheeky callous characters? Nope. It’s not. It used to be. But, it’s not anymore. Today, it’s a wonderful collection of reads that usually score high marks with reviewers. Reading has become . . . hip in the last couple years. So, the book sellers are getting with the times and marking down prices (Maybe only for a short time) of amazing books.

How you ask, does this relate to Water For Elephants? Well it’s more of a caution tale, really. Late last year, I came across a book. This book, at the clearance table. I can’t remember the exact price, or why I wanted to exactly read it. But, I remember it being in my price range and the story sounded interesting. Now this is where the tale comes in. I put the book down. I know! Why? Why would I do that? I wanted to read it. It was cheap. So, why did I put it down? I have no clue. And as the story always goes: I forgot about it, for a long time. Until, that one day, where the memory popped open and I found myself a new book to read.

The point of this long, long story: Don’t pass up the bargain table. It’s really the gateway to wonderful books that you’ll probably love, once you read them. And now, since I lost most of you, let’s review this book!

My review is after the cut!

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Aug 27 2010
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Press Play Friday

Press Play Friday: Marcus Foster

Our featured artist this week is newbie Marcus Foster

Source: Marcus Foster – MySpace

As you start to read this, some of it might seem familiar. It might sound really familiar. But, rest assured, I’m not repeating artists. Marcus Foster is . . . Marcus Foster. Any similarity to another favorite Press Play artist (*cough* Bobby Long *cough*) is merely because they might be friends and share coincidentally, a similar sound. Both are unique musical talents and should be respected as such. Anyways, onwards and downwards!

You might have heard that Marcus Foster is similar to another artist we have previously featured. I don’t know where you might have heard this . . . but it’s only semi-true. Marcus Foster is a singer/songwriter with a tremendously beautiful folk/bluesy sound.

He is another artist who recently acquired another little place in my heart (Florence + The Machine is currently taking up most of the living space, but don’t worry, there is lots of room in there). I first heard Marcus’ music (More than just a song or two) just over a year ago, after purchasing his EP. But, even before that, I was listening to his music. How, you ask? Well, he just happens to have contributed “Let Me Sign” off the Twilight soundtrack with a fellow friend: Bobby Long. Surprised? Probably not, if you know anything about me or anything about Twilight, for that matter. But, that’s neither here nor there.

Marcus Foster is one of those artists that have soul. That have a fixed position amongst amazing songwriters. He brings a large amount of storytelling to his music, and a large amount of love and attention, as well. He carries more of a blues feel to his music, unlike that guy that these people keep comparing him too. (Sheesh! Their different, people! Understand?) His rough voice is a perfect companion to his songwriting.

Marcus is a musician. He’s not another flash in the pan. He is music (Please don’t start singing Manilow’s “I Write The Songs” here. Don’t do it!). By that I mean, he resembles all the things that music should be. He cares. He sings from the heart. He sings about life.

* Side note: I trying to prevent myself from going into a rant here. So, please stop listening to crappy music and I won’t have to go off on these rants. Okay? Okay.

I love music. So, when people who deserve recognition for their work don’t get it, I have to say something. This is me saying something. Listen. I’ll guarantee you’ll love him.

Wait! There’s More After The Cut!

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Aug 25 2010
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Movies

TCM, I Think This Is the Beginning Of A Beautiful Friendship

Movies in black & white? Are you serious?

Source: Google Images

There are things in life that we take for granted. Family. Health. And a lot of other crap. But, one of the things in today’s society we under-appreciate is the classic movie. If you go up to any teenager today and ask them what their favorite classic movie is, do you know what they’ll tell you? Star Wars. Grease. E.T.

Now, don’t get me wrong. These are all classic movies in their own right. But, what about Casablanca? Singin’ In The Rain? The Snake Pit? These are classic movies. Movies that are not necessarily in color or with Dolby Digital surround sound. Movies that are not filled with high-tech explosions or violence. Movies that live! They have their own life. Sunset Blvd. A Streetcar Named Desire. Yankee Doodle Dandy.

What happened to the appreciation and respect that these movies deserve? I, for one, am ashamed at the parents who do not bring these amazing movies into the lives of their children. I was lucky. My parents, my mother specifically, welcomed me into the world of classic movies. I remember watching, for hours on end, Guys & Dolls, A Star Is Born, Rear Window, etc. I loved them. I still love them. They changed me. Sometimes, I think these movies are the reason why I want to be a writer. They might not be perfect. They might not be million dollar makers, but their special.

I really doubt we’ll be talking about Cats & Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore in 50 years. Do you? Gone With Wind? Oh, yes.

In this digital age, I’m so thankful that we have Turner Classic Movies. What would life be like if we couldn’t watch Meet Me In St. Louis at 11 o’clock at night? How could we live without watching a Judy Garland marathon?! I shudder at the lack of black and white movies made available to the cable watching public. Lately, I’ve been watching TCM a whole lot more than usual. I don’t know why. I find that as I’m getting older, I can admire these movies even more. Do you know how much talent these actors had? They had to sing, dance, AND act! We’re lucky today if these people even can act.

This past month they’ve been playing marathons of certain stars. Monday, was Elizabeth Taylor. Now, I wouldn’t call myself a Taylor fan. I love Suddenly, Last Summer and a few other of her movies, but I could never really say that I was a fan. But, after watching a few of her films that I’ve never seen before, I really do have a new appreciation for her acting skills. Isn’t that amazing? Finding out that there is a whole new selection of movies that you can enjoy?

This is the power of the classic film. If it’s good, it stays with you.

See you tomorrow! I’m off to the T.V! TCM awaits! – Kim

What are your favorite classic films? Are they musicals, dramas, comedies? Are you a classic film fan like me? Tell me in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

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Aug 24 2010
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Nerd News

Oh. My. God. Zombies!

The Walking Dead

AMC announced that the premiere of its new zombified show The Walking Dead will begin with a 90 minute episode on Halloween night. I. Can’t. Wait. Check out the trailer:

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Aug 23 2010
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Movie Review

Movie Review: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

This is your Kim Pick for the week

Welcome to Kim The FanGirl; picking movies since 2010. What movie can I choose for you today? We have a wide selection to choose from. Maybe, I can interest you in selecting a Gene Pick. His pick for today is Weekend At Bernie’s II. No? That does not interest you? Well, may I suggest a Kim Pick. She has a good taste in movies, at least she think she does. Her pick for today is Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. *

*This has been a reference to the classic 90′s sitcom Seinfeld. You must be at least 20 years old to understand this reference. Yadda, yadda, yadda, Seinfeld is awesome.

Nerds! Nerds! Nerds! It’s my Scott Pilgrim vs. The World review! (This is where you jump up and down with excitement) First of all, going into this, I knew nothing of Scott Pilgrim the video game, graphic novel, etc. I only knew that one of my favorite directors was directing this little piece of epicness: Edgar Wright (Director of such amazing works as Shaun of The Dead & Hot Fuzz (Two of my favorite movies)); which means, I probably lost some nerd points. Damn.

So, when I entered my local cinema, little did I expect to see a 8 bit (For all you younglings, that is like the original Nintendo) rendering of the Universal theme song. Um, awesome. I will admit, I might have choked out a little fangirl squee right about then (1000 coins to Edgar Wright!). From there, there is really no grace period between introduction and story.

The Story: Scott Pilgrim is an unemployed, self-centered, semi-charming 20 something (Michael Cera) from Toronto (That’s in Canada!) who spends most of his time rehearsing with his band, Sex Bob-Omb, and has been recently dumped (1 year ago) by his thought-she-was-the-one girlfriend who left him for a bigger and badder music career. In an attempt to get over her, he starts dating a high schooler called Knives Chau, much to the dismay of his sister (Anna Kendrick) and gay roommate (Kieran Culkin). The relationship seems to be a comfortable, convenient situation for Scott. Then, he meets Ramona Flowers. She’s beautiful, interesting, aloof, and trying to get away from an overbearing ex boyfriend. Immediately, Scott is captivated by her – he must have her. But, he can’t break-up with Knives, because that would just be too hard. So he pursues Ramona, while seemingly dating Knives. But, not so fast, Scott Pilgrim. There is a league of 7 evil ex’s trying to kill you!

Wait! There’s More After The Cut!

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Aug 20 2010
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Press Play Friday

Press Play Friday: Fresh Music 8/20/10

It’s time once again for some new music

While researching this Press Play Friday, I had a little trouble. Apparently, I haven’t gotten any new music in a while (Gasp!). I know. How can this be? I have a deeply rooted music obsession that requires me to have at least one new song per week. To be honest, I was dumbfounded. Is there really no new music out there? Definitely not. Is there really no new good music out there? Wrong. So, I scanned iTunes to find something. Then suddenly (It was home page Kismet), I found that some of my favorite classic (By classic, I mean, established) artists have new albums coming out. Thank goodness! Or this Press Play Friday would have been a real bummer.

Up first, Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs. Their new album, God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise (Currently #1 on iTunes) just came out on Tuesday. My favorite track so far: For The Summer. This album is more country/folk than his other albums, which have more of a blues feel to them. Still, it’s hard not to love the sound of his voice.

Wait! There’s More After The Cut!

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Aug 18 2010
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Nerd News

Nerd News: Deathly Hallows EW Exclusive

Totally Awesome

Source: EW.com

The lovely people at Entertainment Weekly have given us Potter Fans 9 exclusive photos from Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1. You can find this pic and the rest, here. Now, part of my brain (The rational part) is telling me to ask if it’s November yet? While, the other half is drawing up plans for a time machine to take us into the future, November 19th, to be exact. So, dear Ravenclaw’s, Gryffindor’s, Slytherine’s, and Hufflepuff’s (Yay!), enjoy and discuss all the totally awesome things you’ve seen in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

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Aug 17 2010
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Miscellaneous

My Favorite Things

As some of you know, today is my 23rd birthday. While I planned to take the day off, enjoying the warm weather and freeing my brain from the all-encompassing interwebs, I just couldn’t stand leaving you without an awesome post. What kind of blogger would I be then? So, we’re going to play My Favorite Things – Kim the FanGirl style. Take that Oprah! Here are two (Because this list could go on forever) of my favorite things: Florence + The Machine and Supernatural.

1. Florence + The Machine: “Drumming”

2. Supernatural: Funniest Moments

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Aug 16 2010
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Movies

I Can Quote That!

Today we’re quoting some movies!

We’ve all done it. We all know how it feels; to find the precise moment where we can take that semi-useless piece of movie knowledge and apply it to some random conversation or situation. Now, to a movie lover, this yearning to randomly quote movies is almost a constant feeling. I can’t tell you how many times the urge has come over me. Sometimes this feeling comes at inappropriate times, so I just shout them out in my head and laugh at my own stupid joke. Ha. Ha. Ha.

Lately, I’ve been quoting along with the movie, much to the dismay of my family and friends. The truth is, quoting movies is fun. You know it too. Because, how can you not say “Not you, fat Jesus,” every time you see Zach Galifinanakis? Or think of, “I’m the king of the world!” when you see Leonardo DiCaprio? Exactly. You can’t.

One of my favorite movies to quote is Up. The precise sum of how many times I’ve said “Squirrel!” in the past year is incalculable. The precise total of how many times I have recited Russell’s opening monologue is also incalculable. In fact, I can quote that entire movie right now if asked . . . “Good Afternoon. My name is Russell. And I’m a Wilderness Explorer in tribe 54, sweat lodge 12. Are you in need of any assistance today, sir?” I could go on . . . “My name is Dug” . . . and on  . . . “But it’s a talking dog!” . . . and on, but I’ll stop here. I’ve probably just lost half of my audience. Oh, well. Let’s continue.

Wait! There’s More After The Cut!

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