Get Your Stamp Cancellations from the North Pole

Did you know that you can obtain the North Pole Postmark on a letter from Santa or on a greeting card? Here’s how to do it.

A letter from Santa
Write a letter to your child and sign it “from Santa”. Place the letter into an envelope addressed to your child with the return address from Santa, North Pole. Please make sure you have a First-Class stamp affixed to the envelope. Place that envelope into a larger envelope, with the appropriate postage and address the larger envelope with this address:

On Greeting Cards
Write your greeting cards like you normally would. Place the cards into their envelopes, addressed and stamped as normal. Either have the return address from the NORTH POLE or from you and your address. Then place the greeting cards into a larger envelope or box, with the appropriate postage and address it to:

North Pole Holiday Cancellation
Postmaster
4141 Postmark Dr.
Anchorage, AK 99530-9998

All mail needs to be received in Anchorage, AK before December 15, 2009. After that date, they should be sent via Express Mail.

~*~ This is a new address this year ~*~

Creating a Corpse

Here's a video of what I went through to get ready for Halloween. I miss Halloween already :-(

Sunny Fun Sunday

Nothing Major Update

It’s been a long time since I’ve updated my blog about what’s going on with my life. I wish I could say there’s been so much excitement that I just haven’t had the time, but that’s not it. The only major thing that has happened that I haven’t written about was the day before I left for my trip to England I got twin Westies; Nuke and Tazer. I couldn’t be more grateful having these little bits of sunshine in my life, especially lately. I’ve been so down and my depression has gone into overtime and it’s all because I’ve let what others have said get to me. Usually I don’t care, but it’s the little things that are said here and there that make me take a look back to see where I went wrong. I’m hoping with the holiday season coming ahead that I’ll be getting lots of overtime at work and I can feel better. I’m always at my best when I’m working. I feel that when I’m working I’m being productive and not slacking off with life. So there’s a little update about me. I know it’s not the most pleasant of updates, but I’m hoping the next blog will be. I mean I can always write about my puppies! How can puppies not make anyone happy?!?

Whiteout

Whiteout
Rated R
96 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: D+

A law marshal who is stationed out in Antarctica, called out on an investigation of a dead body that’s several hundred miles away in the middle of the cold desert. This happens only days before she retires from law. This dead body leads to a murder investigation and brings out a serial killer in the icy tundra. Yeah my description is bland, but trust me …it was better than the show.

Characters
Carrie played by Kate Beckinsale
She’s the only main character in this film and honestly, any unknown actress could have played it better. Carrie is supposed to be this super tough cop that going through many hard times with her previous jobs in Miami. She rarely broke out of her monotone drone of a character except for the first time the killer is after her. I somewhat believed she was scared. Then when she found out who the bad guy was, she barely flinched in surprise. Well, I guess I can’t blame her, because I figured out who the bad guy was from the beginning. Dear Kate, give up on the action films and just stick with the cheesy chick flicks you were born to play in.

Production
The setting: Antarctica just before winter, the coldest and darkest place on Earth at this time. I think the film makers forgot about these two aspects. Yes it was dark some of the time, but it seemed like it was too convenient at some points when they needed day light it was there.

Costumes
The costumes were great for the most part, except if you’re in -65 degree weather, wouldn’t you want to cover up your face? Yeah, here are characters are bundled to the 9’s in the thermal and fur, but most of their faces are not covered besides goggles. The only smart one of the 200 scientists and researchers down in the cold was the serial killer covering every part of his flesh.

CGI and Special Effects
I’ve seen better effects and green screen work from my local weatherman. The graphics were so poorly done it made it feel cartoonish at times.

Hi-Low

+ The ending credits
Not because I was grateful that the show was over but the best landscaping and scenery shots were done here. The views of the sun on the ice and colors were great. They really needed more of this in the movie.

- The typical story line
The story about a busted cop, with trials from previous jobs runs away to someplace small and within only a few days of retiring finds the biggest job of their career. I’ve seen this plot too many times.

+ Soundtrack
The best player in the film was the music. I think it was the main reason this movie kept me somewhat interested in it.

- Long dragged out scenes
This movie is only 96 minutes long and it could have been done with 50 or 60. There are scenes that just take too long to get to the point. For example, Carrie is taking a shower, but don’t get to excited boys nothing is shown. Nothing but 3 minutes of her washing her hair and a steamed up bathroom.


This movie was far from original. There is no plot line I haven’t seen that was in this movie before. I think it was rated “R” for being RIDICULOUS. If it wasn’t for the two senior citizen men sitting behind me making funny comments, kind of like the Muppets Statler & Waldorf, throughout the film, I think I might have fallen asleep. Catch this movie when it comes on Lifetime, because Lifetime likes this kind of crap of a distressed woman with a man out to kill her.

9

9
Rated PG-13
79 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: B

It’s the end of the world. The war was between man and machine and the machines have won. The last man alive has created life or somewhat transposed it into his nine creations within his last moments on Earth. Now it’s their turn to save what is left of the world ruled by machines.

First off, yes this is an animated film and yes it is rated PG-13 for a reason. Do not take you little kids to see this, I guarantee they’ll have nightmares. I’m sure I’ll be having some after seeing this. I actually think one creature was a part of my nightmares not long ago.

Characters
#1 played by Christopher Plummer
#2 played by Martin Landau
#3 and #4 (the twins) had no voice acting
#5 played by John C. Reilly
#6 played by Crispin Glover
#7 played by Jennifer Connelly
#8 played by Fred Tatasciore
#9 played by Elijah Wood

I’m not going to go through all these characters individually because they need to be grouped together. Each number had their role such as #1 being the overzealous ruler of the group, #2 the old man, #3 and #4 the twins were the researchers, #5 the unlucky hero, #6 the nervous, out of place wall flower, #7 the ultimate heroine, #8 the brawny body guard and #9 the new guy with all the answers. Each character was written well, but I honestly can’t say too much for the voice work. Yes, these big names help bring the crowd into the theater, but just because they’re good “actors” doesn’t mean they are good “voice actors”. There needed to be a little more dramatics and fluctuations in the vocal range. It just seemed to monotone for an animated film.

Production
This movie was beautifully animated! At times it felt so real and lifelike. You can stare at the stitches in the dolls and think to yourself “that has to be real”. But then there were some animation errors that to me, the director and producers should have noticed before releasing. Most of the animation errors come from the light bulb that they used throughout the movie. Next, the animation did felt rush at the end. This seems to be common with Tim Burton films. Everything looks great and in place at the beginning, but the end feels like the production company was getting sick and tired for dealing with these 9 little men. Just like I said, at the beginning it felt so lifelike and real, but at the end you notice that you’re watching animation.

Hi-Low
+ The details in the backgrounds and foregrounds. Again animation was greatly lifelike.

- The timeline
I honestly couldn’t comprehend what time this was supposed to be. It was suppose to the apocalyptic era, but at the beginning they’re showing the scientist working as an old man during WWII. Now I can pretend it’s another parallel universe, but they didn’t specify that either.

+ The way that #8 gets an euphoric high if very creative, along with how all of them use everyday objects to go into battle against raging machines.

- Background story
If felt the story was missing something and that was the background story of the individual ragmen. We get the story of #9 but I honestly would like to hear how the others came to be and how they learned.


I can tell this film is going to be a cult classic, but like most cult classics they were never made for the big screen. I did enjoy this film and it gave me a few chills, even made me jump a couple of times, but this is something a group of people should watch a raining night at home, but not with the kiddies.

(500) Days of Summer

(500) Days of Summer
Rated PG-13
95 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: A

A story about a love, but this is no love story. It says this at the start of the film and it hold true. Summer is a woman who doesn’t believe in love, but Tom falls in love with her. This is a story that tells about their relationship. How they met, the ups and downs, the humorous funs times and even the tragic times. The film is set up in a non-chronological order of these 500 days and opens up at day 488 which shows our couple sitting on a bench holding hands and the first thing you notice is Summer’s engagement ring. They look so happy! Then the movie rewinds back to day one, when they met.

Characters
Tom Hansen played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Tom is your typical mid-20’s man. He’s been to school and studied an area that he had passion for, architecture, but just like life he isn’t using his talent in his field but working for a greeting card company, this is where he meets and falls for Summer. Tom’s character does go through a lot of emotions, but if you’re a guy that’s ever dated a girl, you know these feelings. The feelings of love at first sight, to loving her even to the point where he wants to just slap her for some of the odd and obscure “girly stuff” that Summer does to him. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays this part to a “T”, a complete 160 from his role as Cobra Commander.

Summer Finn played by Zooey Deschanel
If you seen Zooey in other roles you know she has an unforgettable look about her, but she does play the same type of character. A laid-back but yet quirky girl that doesn’t feel quite right in her own skin. This part isn’t much different, but it was the part needed to play Summer. Summer loves to play the “fishing game” with Tom. What do I mean by fishing game? She makes him get closer and closer to him and then she throws him back into the water, just to do it again. A character that you have a love/hate relationship with.

Production
Because this is a movie house film not much was done with CGI, special effects, wardrobe or make up. At time I think this is what actors will wear and look like in real life. But the thing that was great about this show was the filming itself. There are artistic angles and creative transitions from scene to scene, even a few times of split screens. It reminded me a lot of the style used in Citizen Kane and Ed Wood. This filming style is what makes you feel like you’re a part of the movie, not as a main character but as a fly on the wall watching some of the most personal parts of people’s lives.

Hi – Low
+ Ringo Starr Reference
Throughout the movie there is a reference to Ringo. At one point in the film Tom dresses up similar to the Beatles mop-top days with the suit, skinny tie and boots. Me being a Beatles fan loves this!

- The Paceing
For a summer film the pacing of this movie was a bit slow, but not enough that it makes you want to look at your watch. Even though it was slow at times, you still were entertained by what was going on on the screen.

+ The Day Title
Each sceen starts off with a title screen of what day it is in their relationship and you can see what kind of day it’s going to be by the art of the screen. It all is set up to look like summer day outside, but we all know that summer days can be bright, foggy, rainy or just plain miserable.

- Secondary Characters
I love Tom’s friends and I wish they would have used them more as well as seeing any of Summer’s friends. I know the story isn’t about their friends, but they all seem to have an interesting back story as well.


I encourage anyone that has been in a relationship for longer than 3 months to go this movie. You will find a similar situation that Tom is going through and be dragged into the emotion of this film. This isn’t your typical summer blockbuster film, with loud explosions and a plot that may not go anywhere, there is a true meaning to this film, one I can’t tell you or it’ll ruin the revelation. Men, this is a romance film made for you, the women will enjoy this film but I think that men will enjoy it more.

To see a video review of this movie go to my YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/beatlesdiva

District 9

District 9
Rated R
118 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: A-

An extraterrestrial race has gotten stranded in Johannesburg, South Africa. Due to lack of resources they cannot leave. It’s been 28 years and they are still here, but put into a small area to take refuge. The area set aside for the “Prawns” (the alien race named because they look like prawns) has become over populated and slum ridden. The South Africans want them out so the Prawns are being evicted and forced to more to area with smaller living areas and looks more like concentration camp. Wikus Van De Merwe is one of these agents that has to go out, have the aliens sign their eviction notice and give feedback on any that are storing weapons, technology or seem hostile. During the raid Wikus becomes contaminated from a fluid. Because of what happened to him afterwards, he finds himself in conflict with which side he should fight for…Alien or Human?

Characters

Wikus Van De Merwe played by Sharlto Copley
This character was very complex, having to go through every emotion and reaction. Hard to believe that the actor has never played in a motion picture before this. Through the entire film you despise him, love him and feel sorry for him…even end up rooting for him. Sharlto is one actor to look forward to seeing in many movies in the future, at least I hope so.

Christopher Anderson
With the name Christopher Anderson, you wouldn’t expect it to be one of the Aliens. Who knew that a being so insect like could bring out emotions and expressions. You also come to know that Christopher is highly intelligent and have been working under ground for years to get back home. You’ll come to enjoy seeing his face on the screen.


Production

First off kudos to Weta Workshop and their great animatronics! The robotic aliens had great movements which included eye expression, torso breathing and believable mandible work.

As for the alien work in CGI and graphic work, for a production of $30 million dollars the graphics were as good as production with twice the budget. The graphics were at times over pixilated, but were hidden well with the biographical shooting style of the film

Shaky cam…again with shaky cam! Yes it annoys me but with this film it worked, it had a purpose. Because of the shooting style of the film it didn’t feel out of place. Plus it was so shaky, that it got distracting. I think there were only two times that I had a hard time picking out details of the scene. The use of the waist camera angle was a great way to get away from the shaky cam but keep it real to the biographical style of the film.

Makeup style was remarkable! Especially at the end where there’s a major transformation of Wikus. They were not overdone and very believable.

Hi-Lo

+ Baby Prawn
I dare you to come out of this movie without loving this little guy. He did a great supporting role for the adult aliens.

- Cell Phone Charge
At one point in the movie Wikus needs to make a call to his wife but is on the run, so he steals a phone from a person on the street. This phone keeps a charge for days even though he uses it a lot. I really want to know what phone he used.

+ Mechs
Robots controlled by biological entities. I so want one of these!

- Trailer…teasing a bit
The trailer that most people have seen has certain scenes that were not included in the final cut of the film. I understand that this happens but there was one part in the trailer I was so excited to see, but it was never shown. Boo!


I honestly can’t find much fault with this movie. It has a great storyline, a main character in conflict that does a 160, and it brings out emotions that you thought you couldn’t have an alien race. Yes, the story has a hidden and underline meaning of today’s society, but everyone could use a good message. I guess the one thing I can find fault with it, is that I got too emotionally involved with the story myself. I’m a person that honestly cannot take another life. Heck, I catch and release the spiders in my house and too see intelligent beings being sacrificed during the film, pulled at my heart strings a lot. I should mention the violence. Before going to this film I thought it was going to be a gore fest, but the violence was minimal to what I was expecting. Yes there was blood and vomit, but wasn’t near as graphic as some slasher flicks.

I truly enjoyed this show and I can’t wait to see the special features on the DVD. I think the way this movie was produced will be as good as the movie itself.

To see a video review of this go to my YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/beatlesdiva

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra
Rated: PG-13
118 Minutes
Nicole's Rating: B-


The U.S. Army is in charge of transporting an elite weapon to another location. During the transportation, they are attacked by several men of Cobra. During this battle, the two sides are interrupted by the secret ops, G.I. Joe. The Joes being the heroes end up winning this fight and recruiting a couple more soldiers to their team, those members come to known as Duke and Ripcord. Well, Cobra isn't happy that their scheme was foiled by G.I. Joe and the battle begins.



*~* SPOILERS AHEAD *~*

Characters

Duke - played by Channing Tatum
Duke is the cover boy for G.I. Joe, when you see cartoons or play with toys; you're going to see Duke's face, so his role is a very important one. Unfortunately Mr. Tatum couldn't pull off the complete character. What do I mean by complete? He did a great job during the military scenes for the most part, but when there was suppose to be true drama, romance or comedy, he was dull and uncharacteristic.

Baroness - played by Sienna Miller
This is the character that made me view this film. Growing up Baroness was cold-hearted and ruthless, the type of character that you like to see on film. Overall Baroness was true to her 1980's until the end where she remembers her romantic past with Duke. Then she because like the rest of the Joes...fully of unrememberable personality.

Ripcord - played by Marlon Wayans
Out of all the G.I. Joes, Ripcord was the only one that I can say had a rememberable role. In all honestly, Marlon Wayans did a great job. Ripcord was filled with puns and jokes and yet can play the hero as well.

The Doctor/Cobra Commander - played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt
OK, when I first heard that the scrawny boy from 3rd Rock from the Sun was playing the evil Cobra Commander, I literally laughed out loud. This kid is nothing like what I knew Cobra Commander to be like! And frankly, it's the main reason why I did not want to go see this show. Boy was I wrong! He did this part wonderfully and in my opinion the best character in the movie. Yeah, he overacted in many of the parts, but if you think about it, that's what the Commander, was like in the cartoons and comic...over dramatic. Plus, the poor guy did 90% of the role with most of his faced covered up, so he had to use dramatics so you can see all the emotion coming at you with only one eye.

Production
I first want to start off with the score. The score was just as a major part as any of the characters in the movie and it stayed true. Great sound enough to get you into the action but also not to distract what was going on.

If there is one thing I'd like to change about this movie is the costumes. Well, mostly on the G.I. Joes. I would have rather seen more traditional uniforms that the latex, super suits that everyone was sporting. As for the makeup department, they could have spent just a few more minutes getting the texture, locations of the prosthetics and the shading more accurate. During the movie you can see Dukes scar beneath his eye change color, shape and size, as well as Storm Shadow's open wounds at the end, they were a bit too bright and "fleshy". And the one thing that probably most people didn't notice was Scarlett's hair roots. Sometimes it takes more than one dye job during the production of a film. Blonde roots came through a few times.

The CGI aspect...I have a love/hate relationship with the CGI in this film. For a $160 million dollar production the CGI was just ok, it looked to fake at times. But then again, the fakeness worked at times. It made me feel like I was back watching the 80's cartoon and comics, so in a way it really didn't break the film.

But what could hurt the film was the shaky cam. One more aspect that Hollywood should get over. I don't mind the hand held shaky cam once in awhile, but when someone is talking and I'm looking at a knee or chest, it doesn't sit well with me. Especially if it's not the body part of the person talking.

Hi - Low
+ The flashbacks

I enjoyed seeing the back stories of the characters, I just wish there was more of an extended story of the Ninjas.

- Matrix Moves
ARghh...Hollywood, please stop with this! Especially when it has no true meaning to the part of the film. Such as lining up and walking slowly so you can see the handy-dandy suits. No more Matrix Slow Mo!

+ Red/Blue fighting
When the first Joe/Cobra encounter happens in the forest, firepower is exchanged and the good guys are hitting with "red power" and the bad guys "blue power", just like the old cartoons. I just thought this was a great homage to the good ol' days.

- Eye Kills
If you want to survive this movie just cover your eyes. It seems like the way to die, was getting stuck in the eye.

+ Ninjas and Robotic Fish
I don't need to explain this, those are just cool.

- Blatant advertising
Norton Anti-Virus, Hummer, CNN and Cisco Systems were the major supporters of this film and it’s not hard to pick them out. Honestly, don't you think that a super-duper ultra secret military operation uses Norton?! I'm sure they have their own security system. As for Hummer, ughhh again. These vehicles are great, don't get me wrong, but they are not indestructible and I'm pretty sure they get their paint scratched, but not according to this movie. You can should bullet holes and blow it up and it'll still look pretty.

+ Use of Color
The colors used for this film made if feel like you just stepped into the pages of a comic book. Bright and bold during the action scenes and the right shade of darkness for Team Cobra.

- The Love Story
Don't get me wrong, I love a good love story, if it fits. This love story didn't though. I felt like it was pushed in the plot just to get a few things across. Plus, I honestly didn't feel a true attraction between Duke and the Baroness.

+ Cobra Burns
When The Doctor makes up his army of Neo-Vipers he injects them with Nanomites right behind the ear. If you look carefully, you'll notice they're in the shape of the Cobra emblem. A very nice touch.

- The Biggest Negative
NO LADY JAYE! My favorite character growing up, the character I wanted to be was left out of the film. So sad, but maybe in the sequel...and yes you know, there will be a sequel, this is Hollywood after all.


Overall I enjoyed this movie; I thought it was filled with "dumb fun". I went into this film thinking I was going to hate every moment of it, I rarely heard a good thing about it. Maybe it was this low expectation going into the film that made me coming out feeling satisfied. I think most people can enjoy this flick if they go in thinking of what the old shows were like.

I'm a Tubber!

Well...I did it! I caved in to peer pressure and I'm starting to do movie and book reviews on YouTube. I may even use my channel to do blogs/vlogs. It's been so long since I've wrote about myself and my run-abouts, I hope that the YouTube hobby will help me with it. Any help, constructive criticisms and suggestions are welcomed on what to do with my page. Thanks!

So, here is my introduction to the YouTube Community.
http://www.youtube.com/BeatlesDiva

A Little Update

Man it's been a long time since I've posted a blog so I thought I give a quick fill-in.

I got back from my awesome trip and I've been working only one job (USPS). Well I thought this was going to be a good idea because I can get insurance through here, but unfortunately the post office is very, very, very slow lately, meaning I'm getting around 20 hours a week working here. With this being said, I'm taking up any shift that I can so my schedule is a bit hectic. I can be at work at 5:00 in the morning or head out for a full shift at 11:00 at night.

There's been a few family (immediate and extended) issues, which I shall not share here, but everything is fine, nothing to traumatic, just crazy-busy stuff I suppose.

If anything major or exciting happens I'll be more likely to blog about it now. I also have a few movie reviews that I need to post up. Thank goodness for movie matinees...they've become my get away from reality mini-vacations!

Changes - Not In The Cards

As I sit here writing this blog, I just get more and more down about life. I just found out the puppy that I have being trying to adopt has gotten a home somewhere else. I'm just heart broken about this. I honestly thought at this time next week I'd be training a new member of my family. I swear to adopt this little gal, I had to go through just about as much as adopting a child. I had to fill out applications, do interviews and have references, but I guess in the end she wasn't meant to be with me, but I'm sure she has found a great home.

Another thing I've been trying to do is get back to work at my old job with eBay. I honestly don't know what I need to do to get someone to call me back. I've left several messages, sent out emails and have even sent my resume in several times just so that someone would call me back. Guess that's not going to happen either. I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to be stuck at the Post Office for a long time, but of course not as a full time employee, just as a temporary employee like I have been for 4 1/2 years. ARGGHHH!

I swear I look back on my life and I had it so much better when I was 23 years old. I had everything going for me. I look at myself now and I'm not improving I'm reverting back to the days of high school where I had a crap job and trying to figure out what to do at school. Most people my age in life have something to wake up to, either a great career, family or something that requires them to be there each day. Oh well maybe next year I'll have something that requires me to wake up to, until then, I'll just go to the post office and review movies.

New Adventure = New Blog

Hello everyone!

My father has set off on another work adventure to the dark continent of Africa and just like last time I've set up a blog so you can join in what it's like to be there. My father doesn't have access to phones, so everything is done through email and Skype.

To follow check out this site:

http://ronhaleinzambia.blogspot.com/

17 Again

17 Again
Rated PG-13
102 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: B+
(non-spoiler)

I had to get the horrible images from that last movie out of my mind, so I headed to the theater not knowing what to watch. Lo and behold there was a teen comedy and I thought what the heck, I'll give it a shot and I'm very happy I did.

Mike O'Donnell is stuck in a mid-life crisis; going through a divorce, not getting promoted at a job that he's been at for 15 years and his kids are not speaking to him. He meets up with his spirit guide to give him a 2nd chance on life turning him back into a teenager.

The overall story was your typical story of body switching and somewhat predictable to the overall storyline, but there were so many fun scenes you forgot that you watched the same scenario back in the 1980's.

The cast was excellent! Matthew Perry does play his stereo-typical Chandler role, but Zac Efron stole the show. Not only by his great looks, but he did a wonderful job portraying an adult and a great job getting Mattew Perry's actions down. Another great performance was Thomas Lennon who plays the lovable, nerdy sidekick that helps Mike through this transition. If you have ever seen Reno 911 you know this man is a comedy genius and he brings it out for this role as well. You can't help but love this character, because deep down inside we all have a bit of nerd in us that he is more than willing to display.

If you're looking for a good laugh and fun-filled movie, I high recommend this one. And if you're not looking for laughter, go and see this for the eye candy then.

Terminator Salvation

Terminator Salvation
Rated PG-13
114 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: D+
(spoiler alert)

This was one movie that I had to see this summer, I even made it to the midnight showing so that no one could spoil it for me. I wish I would have been spoiled, maybe whoever was telling me the story could have made it more interesting than the P.O.S. displayed on the screen.

The movie begins in the year 2018 when the war with the machines is full fledged and humanity is losing the war and everything depends on our hero John Connor. Just like all the previous Terminator movies we're introduced to YET another bigger, badder, more advanced Terminator who is out to destroy John because he is 21st century Jesus apparently. I wish there was more plot to give, but that's basically it. Machines vs. Humans and everything being blown up.

As for the casting, Christan Bale plays our main man John Connor, but most of the time I forgot since he still thinks he was playing Batman. And yes he uses the groggily, gurglely Batman voice. Christan, it didn't work for Batman and it doesn't work for this film! Most characters are forgettable, even John's wife. Why they even put this character in the movie I have no idea?! The only character that was remotely enjoyable was the part of Star. The best part about this character, she doesn't say one word in the entire film.

The cinematography was beyond horrible. If you didn't like the shaky cam look of Cloverfield or Blair Witch Project, you'll hate this. It's basically the whole look of the movie, along with extreme close ups of the actors, so you basically have to sit there and guess what in the world is going on around them. Next the make-up was too unbelievable. Our heroine has been battling for hours against the machines, has been blown up and has fallen from towers, but yet she still had her shiny lip gloss on.

If there was a cheese factor scale of 5, this movie was a 6. There were soooooo many bad cliches and one liners from the previous films it just added onto the gag factor. Yes it worked for Star Trek, but here it was just plain pathetic.

Warning MAJOR spoiler: There was only one part of this movie that didn't make me give it a lower rating than "D+" and that was a small 3 minute cameo of the Govenator himself Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I was utterly bored through most of this film! The only way I would recommend it is if it came on late at night on TNT when there's nothing else on but infomercials.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Rated PG-13
107 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: B-
(non-spoiler)

A superhero movie about one of the most beloved characters in the comic book world with A-list actors sounds like the perfect combination for a great summer movie…wrong. This movie had such great potential but ended short on the enthrallment meter.

If you have ever read a Marvel comic book, 98% chance you’ve come across Wolverine and his story and his journey living an immortal life. The best part of his story in this movie comes at the very beginning while the opening credits are running, so if you go to the show, make sure you get there for the very start. Then comes the part where Logan tries to live a normal life and things go a bit downhill from there. They could have cut back on this portion of his story and given us some better action sequences instead. While living this life of simplicity in Canada, his life gets turned around again as he has to face battling demons of the past and finally the film picks up.

Hugh Jackman does a great job playing Logan/Wolverine and looks great doing it! You do come out feeling that Mr. Jackman is the only one that could give this part everything needed to convince you that he truly is Wolverine. The main reason why I saw this film is because they finally introduce my favorite X-men Gambit. This came to be a disappointment for me. When you’re first introduced to Gambit, the character was almost spot-on with the Cajun accent, special abilities and attitude but his character looses almost everything Gambit is known for within the remainder of the film. Maybe if they do an Origins movie about him, they’ll get it correct. Another surprise for me was the choice to cast Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool. I believe Mr. Reynolds gave the best performance he could, but I would have liked to have seen an unknown actor play this part instead.

The biggest disappointment in this film was the graphics. I’ve seen better graphic 30 years ago! Wolverine’s claws and explosions looked so fake so many times of the film it made me wonder if the entire budget went into donut fund. The production company should have cut out a bunch of the B.S. parts of the film and put more into the graphic arts department.

Honestly, this movie isn’t as bad as I’m making it out to be, but it truly isn’t worth seeing in the theater. Save you money and wait to rent it on DVD. Hugh Jackman’s performance is worth seeing it.

Star Trek

Star Trek
Rated PG-13
126 Minutes
Nicole’s Rating: A
(non-spoiler)

What a way to start off the summer movie season! Action, humor, emotional conflicts and a bit of romance this movie has what the average movie go-er wants.

The movie takes us back to the time when Captain Kirk and Spock we’re young men learning the ways of the Federation, so your typical prequel. If you are a Star Trek, (you most likely have seen this film already) you’ll realize that the story line of Kirk’s father and past has changed a bit, but it works out perfectly for the film.

When I first heard about who was play Kirk and Spock, I was very skeptical of the choices, but after seeing the film every bad though I had changed. The casting of this movie was almost perfect. And by saying almost I only had an issue with one character that that was Amanda Grayson (Kirk’s mother) played by Winona Ryder. She acted liked like she just got the script that day and she looked like she was reading queue-cards off to the side. Thank goodness she has a very minor part. I don’t think I could take too much of her poor performance.

The only other major issue I had is the same one I have with most movies that rely on CGI and that is the continuity of size. At one point in the movie, the space pod from the Enterprise was the same size of the Enterprise, but I’m sure most people will not notice it, because of the intense moments at that time. One more thing that I thought could have been added to the movie is the deleted scenes I read about. Yes, it would have made the movie longer, but many questions would have been answered, such as why the Romuln ship looked the way it did.

Even if you’re not a Star Trek fan, I highly recommend this movie. It’s one that I know I could see over again in the theater and have just as good of time as I did the first time around.

Reality...I Don't Like It...Or Maybe I Do

Well it's been a week since my vacation ended and I'm still trying to get used to being back in reality and I'm not liking it. I want to be back in the laid back life of "Down Under". I'm still adjusting to driving (I know it's crazy).

However I'm glad to be back to good American food. I can't believe how much I missed ketchup and ranch dressing. Plus, I can start my favorite time of year for movies. I love summer movies! Love, love, love them! So be on the look out for many movie reviews from me. Another good thing is I'm going to start working out again. My vacation did me wonders for getting me wanting to get back to the gym. I got plenty of exercise while on holiday and even lost seven pounds! Now I just need to keep it going.

Even though my vacation is over, I can honestly say that it was one of the best things to happen to me. So big loves and hugs to my parents who gave me this opportunity!

Vacation Blog

Hey everyone!I've set up a blog just for this vacation. I know it seems like that's all I talk about and I'm making a big deal of this, but it is to me. If you care to watch my day to day adventure Down Under, follow my blog!
http://thehalefamilyvisitsthelanddownunder.blogspot.com/

I'll see you in a month!
Enjoy!
Luvs & Hugs,~ Nicole

Life Changes = Head Spinning

Well today is my last day at The Document Group and I honestly don’t think it has hit me until now that I most likely will not be coming back here. I gave up working here so that I can go on a vacation with the folks and sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice or not.

So many people are without jobs right now and I voluntarily left mine. What am I thinking?!? But again, this is a chance to start anew, something I think I desperately need. Honestly this vacation couldn’t come at a better time with all the drama that has surround me lately, but I’ll have to come back to eventually.

I will miss this place. I love the people I work with and I couldn’t ask for a better boss. I guess it’s time to step down and give someone else a chance of working, in the meantime…I’m getting ready for a trip of a lifetime!

Postcards From Down Under

Hey everyone!

If you didn't know yet, in two weeks I'll be headed on a plane for my first trip in over five years (sorry I don't count Vegas anymore as vacation). If anyone would like a postcard from Australia, New Zealand or both, send me an email with your full name and mailing address.

BeatlesDiva@aol.com

Vampire Wars

There’s a reason why I no longer have any game consoles and that’s because I used to be a game addicted. I missed college classes, any type of socializing and not to mention many hours of sleep. While I’m at work and when there are some down times I like to play some games to pass the time. Well, I have found the game “Vampire Wars” on Facebook and it’s starting to come to the point of the console days of college. Yesterday I actually had some time to myself. I spent the whole time playing this dumb game along with going to bed two hours later than usual. Bejeweled is bad enough, but now I have this to drain my brain with. ARGHHH! Why do I have to be so competitive?!



BTW – if you are on Facebook come and join my clan :-P

Sleepless in Las Vegas

If you’re on Facebook you’ll know that I’ve spent the last 6 days in Las Vegas. Unfortunately it wasn’t for fun. The closest I got to any casino was driving past the strip going from one hospital to another. My sister, Tiffany was in the hospital in major pain. She has been sick for a long time and it was her boss that made her go into the hospital.

I got the call Saturday afternoon, right after my shift at work that she was in the hospital and not doing well. So I got packed up and headed towards Vegas. When I got the hospital I saw Tiff lying there in major pain and it broke my heart.

To make a long week short here is the low down:

~ Tiff has pinched nerves and collapsed discs, basically causing her to have a slow and very painful way that could eventually lead to paralysis. Because she can still feel pain and her legs still spasm, the doctors feel that it wasn’t a cause for an emergency surgery, even though she needs surgery big time.

~ Because of the way the doctors have put in her I.V. and left it in she has an infection (cellulitious) that she’s now fighting off.

~ There was only one hospital in the area that surgeons do back surgery at, and it wasn’t the one that she was at and because insurance is a joke, they wouldn’t pay for the transfer, so we got her discharged and had to transfer her ourselves to another hospital out in Henderson. Here is where we sat for hours in the E.R. with a bunch of sickos. Listening to other’s issues, seeing other’s infections and the smell and sounds of others vomiting…who knows what we might of caught ourselves.

~ So now we wait for 10 days when Tiff can actually go in a see the specialists about surgery.

In the time that I was there, I got very little sleep and what sleep I did get was in the hospital chair and I got to shower only twice. Gross I know, but comfort was not a top priority while there. I did get to meet a couple of Tiff’s friends who are nurses so they’ll be able to look after her until her appointment time, so that’s a great comfort.

I know it sounds like I’m rambling, because most likely I am. Lack of sleep will do that. I just ask that everyone keep Tiff in your thoughts and prayers as she goes through this difficult time.

The view outside the hospital window that we came to know well. If you look if the very far off distance you can see the strip.

A Rant or Two or Three or...

Man I've been one cranky woman these days and since I've been anti-social lately I'm letting it all out here. Beware, a lot of complaining is to come.

I guess I'm getting to that stage in my life where the more people I know and the more I know about others...I just don't care. I guess it's not that I don't care, it's because I'm getting worn out. The older I get the more "issues" I have to deal with. Which is fine if they were just my issues, but I'm a sucker for helping out anyone in need and I think some people a.k.a. "leeches" can smell that. I know a few people, who unlike myself, haven't worked for months...literally months. One person I know hasn't worked since 2007. How they have a nice apartment, new electronics, brand name clothes, etc I don't know. But maybe I do. It's because of people like me...the big hearted suckers wanting to be mankind's heroes. I know that many of these "leeches" are living of the government and churches and people like me. But how are they going to improve their life if everyone keeps coddling them? I say cut them off! And I have begun to do this myself. Why should these people live life to the fullest going on vacations, eating out every day, having a nice car and gas money to fill it...basically having all the time in the world to do what they want when I struggle with working 60-80 hours a week just to make ends meet?!?

Next complaint is about myself. I'm so irritated with myself and the jealousy that I have for others. I read peoples Twitters, Blogs and Vlogs and I can't help but think "Why not me? Why can't I have what they have"? I swear I just have bad luck when it comes to figuring out what to do with my own life. I've been to school three times and each time the degree has failed me due to the industry that it's been in. Yes, I love to learn but certain degrees can only get you so far. I'd love to go back to school again, but I'm afraid of failing once more. I feel like everytime I try to improve myself, something throws me back farther than when I started. I honestly think that my way of life was so much better right after the first round school. I had a career that I used my degree for, I had a good savings, enjoyed my time off, I even had a prospect of starting a family. These days I dread having any spare time to myself because it gives me too much time to think.

Next I hate to complain about this, but I'm going to anyway. I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS, Mormons) and even though I love my church and what it teaches, I'm so sick of having to stand up for it. I know what I believe but I'm sick of wasting my breath trying to defend it others who are not members. Most of the time I know I'm not going to change their minds so why should I sit there and debate with them. They see how I live, what I do and how I treat others, that's my part for my church...no more debates! I just think it's ironic that in these days people who have religion and follow the ways of religious leaders are looked at as the evil ones.

One more rant for the road...

Politicians and Actors - When did these two "industries" merge? I'm sick of how the media is portraying Barack and Michelle Obama as celebrities. Taking pictures of every step they make, show off their latest fashions, even telling the world what they had for breakfast that day. Leave them alone and let them do their jobs! I'd like to think that with the nation in the state that it is today, that the President has more on his mind then what designer tie he'll be wearing that day. As for the actors and actresses...yes it's great that you have an opinion, but so does the rest of the nation. Just because you're in the lime light most of the time, doesn't give you the right to make decisions for the rest of us. And if certain entertainers have played the part of a President or Vice President, that doesn't MAKE you a politician, it still makes you an actor.

Sorry about all the bitching and moaning lately, but sometimes I just have to get these thoughts out of my head and place them somewhere else. You're just the lucky victims that get to read it.

Have I Missed Out?

People ask me a lot why I work so much. My answer…so I don’t have time to think about what I’ve missed out in life. When I’m constantly working I feel productive and useful, it’s when I actually have free time that I get down and depressed with life.

Well, it’s one of those slow, unproductive moments here at work and I have too much time to think. I’ve been thinking about just the little things that people have said to me in the past few weeks and I feel like I have missed out on some major happening in life. Here’s a few thing that were mentioned:

~ Just two days ago the lady in front of me (while in line at the store) said to the clerk that her boy better get married soon because once someone turns 28, their chances of getting married and having a family is slim to none.

~ A friend of mine said to me and a group of people that to have a kid over the age of 30 isn’t fair to the kid because older people just can’t handle the energy of children.

~ I’ve been told that I shouldn’t have any debt because I don’t have a family.

~ Someone mentioned to me that my jobs are pointless and that anyone can do them and that I should try to make an effort to do more.

Maybe that last statement is true…heck maybe all of them are. I’ve put effort in careers and school and they have landed me jobs that have been good for the time being, but LIFE happens. Unfortunately my life hasn’t been what I want it to be. I’ve had goals since I was 12 that I’ve been working on. A couple of those goals have been to be married and have children, but life hasn’t dealt me that hand. So have I missed out? According to the majority of people I know, I have. I’m only 32, how can my life be over and have no meaning? Honestly people, I’m not giving up on life just because I work. I work so I don’t give up on life.

Size Matters

Wow! This just shows how tiny our little world is. It's mind boggling!

Just Say No to Travelocity

For the past four days I’ve been trying to rebook my trip for Australia and New Zealand because there was a cancellation with the company that my father is training for down there. All I want to do is change if from travel in February to traveling in April. I know my exact flights I want to change to, I’m know about the all the change fees and all of the regulations and I'm willing to pay all of that, I just need someone to make that change. Doesn’t sound that hard does it? WRONG! I’ve had more fun at the dentist than trying to deal with Travelocity to make these changes. I have spent at least nine hours on the phone with this company! That’s more than a regular day’s work! I’ve been hung up on seven times (twice by the same agent and twice by managers) and then when I finally got someone on the phone they said there is nothing we can do to help you. WTF?!? If you have ever seen a Travelocity advertisement they say “Satisfaction Guaranteed! We'll make sure everything is right.” and that “We’re #1 with customer service”. This is the biggest pile of crap!

I don’t like to throw out numbers around but I want everyone to know how big this trip is. The cost of airline tickets, hotels and cars is over $12,000 and they turn around and tell us that there is nothing they can do for us. By the way, we have used Travelocity so much in the past we’re Gold V.I.P. members and this is how we get treated. I can't imagine how they'd treat first time users.

I’ve had enough of the run around so I’m out to boycott this company until they do something for us to get this changed. So I just want everyone out there that is booking travel online, NOT to use Travelocity. There are plenty of other sites out there that I’m sure will be more willing to help then Travelocity.

Revenge of the Fallen - New Trailer

Yep...the Transformer geek girl strikes again with a new trailer for the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. If you haven't noticed yet, I'm totally getting giddy for this movie.

Emotional Roller Coaster

My life lately has been filled with so many ups and downs, twists and turns, I’m literally making myself sick. After my last blog talking about how I’m making some decisions and changing my life, with into two days everything I decided on hit me like flaming bag of poop thrown at my face.

I thought I FINALLY had everything worked out: my vacations, my work situations, my decisions on school, etc. After booking my flights, cars and hotel rooms for my trip to Australia and New Zealand I had to give my boss two weeks notice that I was leaving to go on this trip for 4+ weeks. It was 48 hours later that I got notified that the trip has been cancelled because the job there was cancelled. The job is only for 2 weeks, but I planned on another two weeks vacation there. So needless to say I’m out money no matter if I don’t go or if I reschedule everything. Plus, I quit my job for this trip!

After a few days of mopping around I did find out the trip was rescheduled for the end of April. Yeah, I get to go on a trip. I still need to rebook everything because I honestly don’t want to spend the money on the exchanges yet. Unfortunately after speaking to a neighbor that’s from Queensland, she said well that’s usually when it floods there. ARGGH! Oh well…If I do end up finally going I’m going to enjoy it even if I’m walking waist high in water. But if I do stay as long as I planned, that means I have to cancel my trip to California to go to BotCon. So far my “Year of Travel” isn’t working out too well.

So I’ve been very nervous about what I’m going to do when my job ends in two weeks, I won’t have that income and I’d have way too much time off (I can’t sit around too long, I need work). Well, my boss goes to the same LDS ward (church) as my family and my mother and my boss’ wife got talking. Well, it wasn’t long that it got back to my boss and he told me I could stay as long as I needed to. I wouldn’t be surprised if he offered me my job back once I returned home, but that’s another decision I don’t want to think about.

I’m more confused on what to do with my pathetic life as ever. Hopefully once this first trip comes around and I actually get to go, I’ll get to relax and think things over. Sorry for the rambling, but my mind feels like it’s in the spin cycle.


Quirky Quote: Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained. ~Arthur Somers Roche

It's Here Finally - Transformers 2 Trailer

I'm the biggers Transfomers Fangirl out there, so I HAVE to share this teaser trailer that was shown tonight during the Super Bowl. I'll be seeing you in the theaters June 26th!

Moving On - A Tough Road

My last post and this post have a lot in common. It’s the beginning of the Chinese New Year. Oddly this usual is when I make my resolutions for the new year. It gives me a few weeks to step into the changes that I need to make.

This year is going to be the year I take care of myself. It’s all about me in 2009! I know that sounds so selfish, but I need to work more on making myself happy and not putting myself last. I believe this is why I have been very unsocial lately. My depression taking a major toll on me and I just don’t have much time away from work so I just don’t care to be around many people these days. If you’re just read that, don’t be offended, it’s just I rather lay on the couch or my bed in the few hours I have then have to talk or face anyone, included the closest people in my life.

Late last week was the start of this new making of myself. I made the decision to cash in what I have in my Camaro fund and booked my trip to Australia and New Zealand. I’m so happy that I get this opportunity to do this. Almost 4 weeks away from any work and I get to be by the ocean every day, better yet…the Great Barrier Reef! I’ll start saving for the Camaro again later on this year.

Unfortunately this decision for this once in a lifetime trip came with the heart-breaking decision to leave one of my jobs. I knew I couldn’t take that much time off of work, so I put my notice in yesterday that I’ll only be with the company for 3 more weeks. Why does this break my heart to leave…because I love my co-workers and my boss is probably the most enjoyable boss to be around. He makes coming into work fun! I guess I’ll have to wait until after my trip to decide if I want to make my part-time job my full-time job or look for another job. Gotta start saving again for that Camaro!

So many twist and turns are starting to happen; I just hope it all just doesn’t come to smack me in the face!

Quirky Quote: Although every man believes that his decisions and resolutions involve the most multifarious factors, in reality they are mere oscillation between flight and longing. ~Herman Broch

Gung Hay Fat Choy! - Happy Chinese New Year

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

If you messed up your New Year's resolutions, here your 2nd chance to start over again.

Just for thought, here is what is being said to look for in the year to come:

The first day of the year of Earth Ox is with the solar eclipse, January 26, 2009, indicating a decisive ending and new start in the world. The Chinese astrological conditions on that day and hour show that the element Metal rules the year and that Metal is extremely weak. The chart style, called Proper Authority, points to questions of authority. Weak Metal means weak boundaries, weak resistance. People, nations, institutions and businesses in trouble, or under siege, will have a bad time holding up. World health is poor. War brings starvation. Tyrannical and criminal elements are rampant. The element of Authority is also very strong. Confrontations between forces in opposition are likely. Danger in the world lies in the destructive use of power. Corruption in governments and businesses are going to be exposed. Arrogant people in positions of authority will be attacked. Plenty of rules and regulations are coming down. There will be important reforms made. The year favors those in civil service, government and legal fields. Proper Authority can turn its attention to the problems of feeding the world and to education. Humanitarian and environmental areas are stressed. Authority is best expressed when giving positive attention to earth and common life. Benign characters in positions of authority may see their luck increasing. Western powers are weak. In the US, the western states are weak. There will be fires and floods. On a more positive note, we can anticipate new discoveries and breakthroughs in medical and scientific fields.

Earth Ox is 25th in the 60 year cycle of Chinese years. In the I Ching the astrological signs for the new year give us the 4th line of the hexagram of Opposition. It says, "Isolated through opposition, one meets a like-minded man with whom one can associate in good faith. Despite the danger, no blame." The hexagram shows key elements opposing not cooperating with one another. It suggests group split in two by dispute. There is nothing more to do but pay attention to details and not enter the fight. In time productive alliances will be made.


Picture by Imaginism on devianART

Fairy Tale Origins - Not for the Faint of Heart

Everyone likes a story and we all grew up with fairy tales where the Princess and Price always live happily ever after. I found a site where fairy tales show how they were originally written, mostly for adults and to scare children. The Top 10 most gruesome tales mostly involved rape and murder.


Find the list here and a brief synopsis of each. Those Grimm brothers really had a crazy mind!