Love for Pixar -- which do you love?

In previous posts and comments on other people's blogs, I proclaimed not only my love for Pixar but my son's love for it as well. I try not expose him too much to it as it IS viewed either on television or via my computer and as I've been told so many times, children his age are not supposed to watch television. Although, I just recently read something on BabyCenter about how 15 minute increments (controlled watching of selected material) for children under 2 shouldn't hurt them (and other mommy guilt laden topics). But that's not what this post is about, so I digress.

Since moving the "office" to our basement, I've found it lonely and boring for some reason. Maybe it's because the window in our previous "office" location overlooked our street and I could watch the comings and goings of the world. Now I just have a sliding glass door that looks onto our fenced in yard. So to give myself some "company" and if I need some background noise to make working easier, I've been putting on movies. This is better than daytime television because A) most daytime television is boring or just plain stupid, B) I've already watched all of the movies we own so I can block it out should I need to put more concentration into something. I know some people find this concept baffling -- when I worked in an ACTUAL office, I listened to my iPod often. That was to BLOCK out certain individuals in the office though. So I suppose I got used to background noise and when there is none, I can't work. (BTW, Monsters, Inc. is on in the background now because DH is gaming and I'm, well, I'm writing this!)

Okay, back on topic!

I've been watching a LOT of Pixar movies lately. I simply LOVE Finding Nemo and could watch it over and over again. It has so much to offer besides a cute story and amazing graphics. Many palatable lessons for young and old alike exist in its storyline. Most of Pixar's movies have this quality. Maybe all? I'll need to rewatch Toy Story 1 and Toy Story 2 to verify this as I haven't rewatched them in a while.

For instance, in Finding Nemo, there are two obvious lessons. One, parents should not overprotect their kids because it could just drive them into danger. Two, kids should listen to their parents and not stray to far from them because the world IS a dangerous place. In The Incredibles, there are a few good lessons but the one that always strikes me is the one about the "bad guys" and how they don't show restraint like the cartoon bad guys. In Monsters, Inc. there are some sutble statements about our society (e.g. use of energy, assumed views of those we don't know much about). But there are so many others. I'm not going to state them all here -- today anyway.

I do want to catalogue these lessons somewhere so when Monkey is old enough to comprehend we can talk about them after viewing the movie.

Enough of my extolling the virtues of Pixar movies. Which one is your favorite and why?

P.S. I've had some posts in queue. Sorry for the onslaught.

DWTS: Semi-finals!

I know I've been lagging on the posts about this. But given that most of my readers don't watch, I didn't feel it was very pressing. If you HAVE been watching and haven't watched your recording for this week, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER!

So since I last posted about DWTS, these individuals have been voted off:

Adam Carolla
Priscilla Presley
Marlee Matlin
Shannon Elizabeth
Mario
And last night, Marissa Jaret Winokur (again, apologies to anyone who hasn't watched their recording).

This season I was really hoping a woman would win since it's only been men winning except for the first season. However, as I've stated before, I think Kristi, the only woman left, had an unfair advantage going into this. I mean, if anyone saw her tango last week, I mean ... C'MON! She might as well have been wearing ice skates during that spin! (DH keeps teasing, pretending to be her, saying "Um, could we like put some water on the floor and then like make the room really cold?" I don't think I've ever heard her use "like" in this manner but he puts a lot of "likes" into sentences when trying to imitate a woman. Not sure what that says ... hmmm.)

So my new favorite, since Shannon was voted off, has been Jason. He's fantastic! Very smooth and deliberate with all of the dances. Plus, he's definitely a looker. :)

However, my second choice would definitely be Kristi. The woman does work her butt off and it shows (in her dances and her actual butt). Maybe the producers chose her because they knew people would be rooting for a woman this time (or at least the women probably would be). And they knew, she'd kick everyone's ass. I dunno.

Who is your favorite to win and why?

P.S. I know today is Wednesday and I owe everyone a Politics Wednesday post (for about two months now!). However, I have an idea I'd really like to devote some time to so it might have to wait until next week. Sorry!

BTW, DH doesn't watch regularly. Only when I have it on. I'm sure he'd like me to make that clear. ;)

Movies and Television -- New Vantage Point

Updated below

In the past few weeks, I've noticed something about my attitude toward things I had watched PRIOR to lil' Monkey's birth and how it has changed. I'm not talking about cursing or nudity or the usual things adults change their minds about once becoming parents. I'm referring more to the feelings certain movies or television shows evoke while watching them.

I can recall two instances where my emotions regarding something I've watched made me realize I have a whole new vantage point on the world as we know it. I know there was a third but I can't think of it now.

1) Lord of the Rings, Two Towers -- I was watching this movie this past weekend (TNT was rerunning the trilogy). And you know that scene where all of the women are sent to the bowels of Helm's Deep for safety? Well, two scenes from that particular part of the movie brought me to tears unlike before.

The first being the scene where the men are ripping the young boys from the mothers' arms to go to battle. This really struck home for me. I wouldn't want Monkey at the front lines of Helm's Deep facing Sauron's army! (Yes, I realize this is all fiction -- or is it? If our country institutes the draft again ... let's just say I'm thinking of starting Monkey on French lessons.)

The second being the scene where the blond woman is holding her little blond haired toddler who is crying heavily as they hear Sauron's army approaching. That, too, made me a little upset.

2) DWTS, this week -- They had two kid couples on the results show this week. Both danced better than some of the stars! But only one couple would continue on to appear week after week. The judges did a nice job of complementing them both but in the end, they had to choose a couple.

Before Monkey's birth I thought the concept of a trophy for everyone, even the losing team, was completely bogus, setting these kids up for a life of failure because they'd expect the world to honor them even if they aren't the best or work as hard. This competition between the two kid couples last night made me rethink it just for a bit. But in the end, I still agree with my original sentiment. Take the losing team out to dinner and recognize them for their efforts, but no trophies.

Has anything you've watched since becoming a parent made you stop and think about your feelings or viewpoint whereas you either thought nothing of it or thought differently before?

UPDATE (4/10/2008)

I just read this post by Gray Matter, and felt horrified for my child. What kind of world are we living in anyway? What is wrong with the parents of these deranged children?

DWTS -- week 4

Update below

I apologize for skipping last week's post about DWTS but I will say that even though he wasn't as great of a dancer as the remaining stars, I was sad to see Steve Guttenberg go because he seems like such a nice guy. Such a nice guy, that when DH was watching it with me he commented that something must have happened to him, either he had a scary accident or found religion or something because the guy is just super nice and most people aren't THAT nice naturally. Or maybe we're just cynical.

Moving on ...

This week's performances were really good. Since my memory is not the best, I jotted a few notes while watching this week so I could blog about them later. Here are some of the things I noted which might peak the interest of anyone watching or even not watching:

KRISTI -- Great dance, as always, but the band did a HORRIFIC job on New Order's Blue Monday. Poo Poo!

PRISCILLA -- Also danced wonderfully, the judges were out of their minds, she deserved better scores.

ADAM -- I'm not going to spoil this one for anyone who DVR-ed it and has yet to watch -- this means you, Dana :) -- HOWEVER, you've really got to see the shananigans he pulled this week.

MARLEE -- Very good, Judge Carrie Ann Inaba's reaction was surprising (again, won't spoil it).

MARIO -- Really liked the choice of music for his paso doble. It's so interesting when the dance couple chooses music that you wouldn't normally choose for a particular type of dance and it works well none the less.

JASON -- Was good, sexy, although I'm not sure the judges glowing marks were quite warranted. I thought Priscilla's dance was on par and either she should have received marks like his or vice versa.

CHRISTIANE -- Good paso doble. Cheryl's outfit was very dirty as usual. Sidenote: This is DH's favorite dance instructor, not sure if it's the outfits or the body or the hair or what but he's always very interested in what she's done for the week so I leave the shows on the DVR just for him. :P

SHANNON -- Some drama with her dance instructor (I won't spoil it). However, their dance was excellent and her dress was beautiful.

MARISSA -- Her dance was great but whoever did her makeup should be slapped. They made her look too harsh. It's the paso doble, not a horror fest people!

Last nights results show was pretty good. Most of the time I fast forward through everything to get to the results or guest professional dancers, but this time I found myself watching a good bit of it. They had these two kid couples (ages 8-9) each doing a dance and had the judges pick which one would come back for the rest of the season. They were so cute and VERY good! Although, I felt bad that one couple would lose. Such is life though, I suppose. (I will be posting a topic on this very soon.)

So if you watched, or watch later, feel free to post your comments about the dancing!

I just reread this and I apologize for my apparent boycott of apostrophes, especially for the possessive nouns!

DWTS -- Winner of round one

Looks like 33% of us were correct in choosing Kristi Yamaguchi as one the week's winners. I was going to discuss this more but I'm still sick and Monkey was a major PITA at bedtime (he had a shot today and got a late nap).

DWTS -- Ooops, no winner this week!

Sorry folks! I forgot that at the beginning of the season, they do the whole two week elimination schedule. So that means no one will win or be eliminated until next week. Tonight was just the guys dancing and tomorrow will be the gals. Therefore, I've updated the closing date on the poll to midnight of NEXT monday.

Thanks for coming out to vote! I'll update with comments about the dancing either tomorrow night or Wednesday night once I have the time to watch the rest of it on our DVR and see both groups.

DWTS Line Up -- Season Six

Dancing with the Stars is starting back up this upcoming Monday, March 17 on ABC (I should get paid for this plug). Just in time to fill the void from Project Runway ending! Both shows are a guilty pleasure of mine and I'm hoping you'll join me in watching this season of DWTS! The list of stars this season is very impressive and surprising (last season there weren't that many big names). I think those who normally don't watch the show might just tune in because of the stars they've chosen this season.

Here's the list of stars and their corresponding dance instructors:

• ADAM CAROLLA & JULIANNE HOUGH


• CRISTIÁN DE LA FUENTE & CHERYL BURKE


• SHANNON ELIZABETH & DEREK HOUGH


• STEVE GUTTENBERG & ANNA TREBUNSKAYA


• PENN JILLETTE & KYM JOHNSON


• MARIO & KARINA SMIRNOFF


• MARLEE MATLIN & FABIAN SANCHEZ


• PRISCILLA PRESLEY & LOUIS VAN AMSTEL


• MONICA SELES & JONATHAN ROBERTS


• JASON TAYLOR & EDYTA SLIWINSKA


• MARISSA JARET WINOKUR & TONY DOVOLANI


• KRISTI YAMAGUCHI & MARK BALLAS

I don't know about you, but I'm highly interested in seeing quite a few of these individuals dance! I'm especially curious about Penn Jillette's dancing capabilites and those of Adam Carolla. Question is, which one will turn out to be the obligatory season clown? Perhaps it will be Steve Guttenberg?

I'm starting a poll to see who YOU think will come in first place on week one! Poll voting will end at midnight following Monday night's show (the first part when only the judges vote). Then we'll see if we're right the next night when the public votes as well! If you're feeling crazy, go ahead and vote now!

Also, if you care to comment, which stars do you think have an unfair advantage due to their current or past professions? There's always a few questionables like Drew Lachey, Joey Fatone, or Laila Ali. I think that Kristi Yamaguchi might have an advantage due to the figure skating. What do you think?

Book Review: Sippy Cups are not for Chardonnay

As obnoxious as it might sound (or read) as I'm writing this ... I like to think of myself as a hip mom with wit, style and well, no, not class. Therefore, the title of this book (and the fact that Molly Shannon from SNL thought it was was good) made it instantly appealing to me. Plus, I like wine.

Now a little forewarning before going any further in this post. This book is not for the Sanctimommies out there. Those who are not comfortable with cursing might not want to read this book either. The author, Stefanie Wilder-Taylor, doesn't curse a whole lot but it's enough that some might be offended. Also, she touches on subjects some might not wish to address (such as sex) and is really BLUNT about other things. I plan on posting a few tidbits from this book, so beware!

Wilder-Taylor covers typical mommy topics such as going to mommy groups, dealing with the Alpha Mom and sex after baby from her point of view. Although in some instances she's giving advice, this book isn't a reference book by any means and she's clearly kidding in some parts.

Below are a few bits I found very amusing (I won't post too many so not to spoil the fun should you read it!):

ON BABY MONITORS --

"Some people get the video monitors so they can keep an eye on their baby, as though they're working the night shift at 7-eleven and their baby's a potential shoplifter."

ON BABY EINSTEIN --

"I have to say, watching a puppet in a raspberry beret speak with a bad French accent is downright frightening -- unless you're buzzed, then' it's hilarious ... "

ON PACKING A DIAPER BAG --

"I know a lot of women still stuff steamer trunks like they're going on the Gilligan's Island 'three hour cruise,' secretly thinking they might be stuck somewhere with their baby for eight seasons."

Overall, the book was a delightful read. But there were a few instances when the comedic timing was a little redundant for me. I'm obviously not a comedian but have been to enough comedy shows and followed enough comedians to know a little bit about what makes funny, funny. As I was reading, I'd sometimes, hear the ol' "Ba Da Dum" drum roll after her punchlines in my head and that was the first clue maybe the comedic timing was getting a little old. HOWEVER, don't let this turn you away from this book (if you can put up with the aforementioned cursing and bluntness anyway). It's really funny and I seriously LOLed more than a dozen times. Once was while flying to Florida. I had my headphones on while reading and didn't quite realize how loud the laugh really was. That was embarrassing! The book also made me realize that I have a lot in common with yet another mom on this planet (which always feels good) and she made me think about some things in a different light (for instance, why going to Mommy and Me groups can be beneficial).

If you do buy this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

BTW, IF you read this book and you know me personally, I'd like to know which type of mommy you think I am. I think I lie somewhere between the dreaded Alpha Mom, Drama Mama and Freshman Mom (if that's possible).

LOST: Sawyer nickname? Real life nicknames?

I think, if I remember correctly, a couple of the few readers I have are LOST fans. So I thought some of you might enjoy this little game: Sawyer's Nickname Generator.

My nickname was Grimace the first time and Avalanche the second after changing a few entries. Both seem kinda lame if you ask me. Especially since Grimace is the big purple guy from the McDonald's commercials.

My hubby used to call me Doo Doo Brown because I like the song and was trying to explain it's significance to the Baltimore dance scene when we first met. I'm pretty sure he thought I was silly and after listening to the song had a new appreciation for all of the facets of my personality. I think I still like Doo Doo more than Sawyer's nicknames even though it's spawned new names like Poopyface. Romantic, isn't it?

BTW, NO ONE but my hubby is allowed to call me Doo Doo or Poopyface!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Reading list, question for hardcore readers

Inspired by CaraMama and KZ, I'm going to try to fit in some reading. I've started several books, one of which I can't seem to find in my house anymore and I'm wondering if I left it somewhere. But I'd really like to start speaking like an educated adult again and I'm thinking by increasing my reading, it's gotta happen, right? I mean, er, it must happen, correct? ;)

Here's the short list:

Sippy cups are not for chardonnay (started, not finished)
Reading Lolita in Tehran (started ages ago, still haven't finished, may never since I never remember where I left off, which brings up a good point)

These two could be categorized as reference books but I still want to read them:

Raising a Son (started, LOST)
Toddler

I regularly watch the Colbert Report and he has recently interviewed the writers of some books I think I may be interested in as well. Here's what I plan to add to the list eventually (maybe in between the others -- if that is possible).

The Purpose Driven Life
Red Letter Christians
You're Wearing That?: Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation (CaraMama introduced me to this author ages ago and I've been meaning to read this one but was reminded of it by Colbert)

AND POSSIBLY,
The Cult of the Amateur: How today's Internet is killing our culture

But that might be asking too much for this year. Am I pathetic or what?

Question to the hardcore readers

What if the book just doesn't grab you? For instance, I've started Reading Lolita in Tehran several times and I just can't seem to finish it. It's interesting to find out pre-revolutionary and post-revolutionary Iran but it's really hard to follow -- or maybe that's just me. So when do you give up and why? I feel as though I should finish this book because of it's significance to what our country is dealing with now in regard to Iran. However, for whatever reason, it just doesn't grip me like other books have in the past.

T.V. -- how much do you watch?

I thought that once lil' monkey was born that I'd have less time to watch t.v. and in a way I do. But thanks to DVR, I don't necessarily need to be in front of the tube at any particular time. This means I can catch up on "my shows" (no, not soaps) while breastfeeding, folding laundry, etc.

Most of you reading this will be either a friend or family member and while I probably know a good bit of what each of you chooses to watch on television, I thought it might be interesting make a post out of it where everyone can comment. Here are my favorites to watch (in no particular order) with the ones I record designated with an asterisk. As you can see, our DVR is close to being maxed out all of the time.

• The Office *


• Colbert Report *


• Daily Show *


• Dancing with the Stars *


• Heroes *


• Dexter


• Hotel Babylon *


• Dirty Jobs *


• The Wire


• Lost *


• Iron Chef America (and Next Iron Chef while it lasted)


• Good Eats


• Men in Trees

Okay, you're it! Go ahead, list your shows and if you choose, indicate which ones you are so fond of that you actually DVR them!