Recently in entertainment Category

Once a week Bella and I have a movie afternoon, where we make a picnic lunch indoors and watch a kid-friendly movie together. (I know my family in So Cal has a hard time understanding summer weather that is cold and drizzly and not 100+ degrees!) Our latest movie was The Water Horse by Walden Media. I wasn't sure if it would be too scary for her since she is leery about any kind of "monster," but she really enjoyed it.

A friend was telling me that Walden Media (which brought us such movies as The Chronicles of Narnia, Holes, Charlotte's Web, Bridge to Terabithia etc) is owned by a Christian man who wanted to make movies that were both entertaining and moral. Here's an interesting article on the subject from msnbc.com.

"Narnia" Studio's Mature Approach to Kid Flicks: Walden Media's Films Prove That Moral Uplift Doesn't Have to Be Preachy

Let me be the first to admit that, on paper, the very idea of production company Walden Media makes me skittish. For one thing, it's owned by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz, who's given lots of money to the Republican Party and to anti-gay causes like Colorado's Amendment 2. Add to that the fact this mega-rich Christian conservative wants the films that come out of Walden "to be entertaining, but also to be life affirming and to carry a moral message" and all my warning buzzers go off. So how is it that I've become such a fan of Walden Media's films? ( Continue Reading)

Okay, I have ten minutes to myself so I’ll make one more quick post for the day. Last night I had a chance to watch my recorded episode of Sunday’s show. It’s funny that the ones I originally liked at the beginning of the show have fallen to the bottom of the heap (except Kelsey) and the ones I didn’t like have risen higher.

Of the guys, I liked Aaron and Adam but Adam went from cute, funny guy to annoying guy who can’t cook well. Aaron seems like a cool guy to hang out with but he doesn’t seem to have the chops to hold a show. Of the girls, Jen seemed to have a great concept – making kid friendly meals but she just never got off the ground. (It was painful to watch her this week and I hope she doesn’t regret at least trying!) My other fave was Kelsey. I didn’t think I would care for someone so perky but something about her is appealing and I think she could have a successful show for beginning cooks.

My surprise movers are Shane and Lisa. Shane started out knowledgeable but dry and stiff. Since then he’s really loosened up and seems more natural. I predict he’ll be in the top three with Kelsey. Also on top will be Lisa. Before the show even started weeks ago, when I saw Lisa’s photo I immediately liked her simply by her style and I had great hopes. Then she talked about her fancy French food and just seemed too uptight. But I think her humiliating spill last week was the perfect opportunity for her to show a more natural and personable side. So if she can continue to make herself accessible, I think she could win the whole thing. There’s definitely no one else like her on FN.

Okay, so my current score is as follows: Who do I want to win? I’d love a miracle and see Aaron rise from the ashes. Who do I think will make the top 2? Kelsey and Lisa. Who will ultimately win? Hmm…..that’s a hard one. My buddy Eileen wants to bet a Starbucks that Lisa will win. I don’t feel strong about it but what the heck, I’ll play. I’ll vote Kelsey.

Disclaimer: All critiquing of the contestants is done knowing that I couldn’t do squat in comparison to them. (I have boiled eggs to the point of explosion and have yet to finish preparing a meal in the allotted time.) So I commend them for making it on the show and giving it their best shot!

Last night I was sitting on the couch lamenting my tooth ache and fearing a root canal and needed a little diversion so I check my DVR for something to watch. I had forgotten about The Next Food Network Star show and happily watched. It is too early to have a front runner favorite (unlike Season 2 when I was rooting for Guy) but of the girls I like Jennifer and Kelsey and out of the guys I like Aaron and Adam. On the top of my “gotta go� list is Nipa (pain in the) Bhatt. I’m just hoping that after her break down that she learns to be less arrogant. With a little humility and enthusiasm, I’m sure she could have an interesting show!

Speaking of cooks, Andrew is learning his way through the kitchen. The other day he was trying to sauté a building block. Perhaps there's a Food Network star in the making!

Well, last night was the big AI finale. I resisted the urge to check online to see who won since I didn't want to spoil the surprise. Unfortunately, that also meant I had to FF nearly 2 hours of music performances that I didn't care about much. But when the big moment came I hoped against hope and was ecstatic when Ryan announced the results!! If Andrew hadn’t been asleep in my arms I would have been jumping up and down on the couch screaming WOOHOO!! And not to mention Brian was already in bed and would think I was going insane if I started yelling. (But he knows this is my "superbowl" so he cuts me some slack. I'll do the same for him in fall when Green Bay is on!) Instead I cheered silently and cried with David. So touching! (And don't tell anyone but this morning I waited until the house was empty and rewatched the end of the show and cheered my head off. Haha!)

Last night I was rushing around to get all my chores done and bottles washed and diapers changed so I could relax and enjoy the last AI dual between the two Davids. I must admit that I think they both are incredibly talented and genuinely nice guys but I am a Cookie through and through! I love David C and hope he wins – so much so that my fingers are still sore from all the text messaging and phone dialing I did. (Not to mention having to wait until midnight to get thorough!!) But you know, if David A wins instead, I won't be too upset. Little D is a sweetheart and has an incredible voice. Either way, both will benefit and have a record deal soon!

Speaking of music artists, here are two up and coming Catholic artists that were recently brought to my attention. Both have interesting stories behind their music.

If you like Josh Groban type music, check out www.johnpaulrudolph.com.

If you like coffee house/alternative, check out http://www.helpmebecomeapriest.com/.

This is my first year of tasting the American Idol phenomenon. I knew the basics but this is the first year I actually got into it. (I was surprised to discover that Ryan bugs more than Simon.)

I was shocked when Michael John’s was voted off last week and was eager to see how my favorites performed tonight. My AI fave David Cook rocked! My fave out of the girls (Brooke) was a little weak. I am worried she may be off next. We’ll find out tonight!

A friend told me about a new Catholic magazine for kids that is trying to get started. There is definitely a need for one so show your support here: St. Mary's Messenger