A Golden Globes Humpday

This Wednesday's post is all about my thoughts on the Golden Globes. And, away we go.....

People have mixed feelings, and there are mixed reviews about Ricky Gervais.  I confess:  I'm a fan.  Is he irreverent and tastless?  Often, yes.  But, I enjoy it, and I ain't gonna feel ashamed that I do.  #noshame #iwouldratherdrinkwithmelgibsonoverbillcosbytoo

Some would say Amy Schumer is tasteless for dropping the big C bomb on live tv.  I say she's fearless.  #moveoverjlaw #iwanttobeherbff

I have Mondays off.  The telecast for an awards show that is held on Sunday (L.A. time) airs live in Australia on Monday morning/afternoon.  Australia doesn't have the delay/edit feature on tv shows...plus, they don't edit as much out of shows anyway.  So...can I tell you how much fun it was to live tweet with blogger buddies and be able to report the things that were getting edited in the U.S. live show?!?  So much fun.  (Thanks Kerri, Kati, Dani, and others!) #whatthefuckdoessugartitsevenmean

The first presenters were Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum.  Their bit didn't go over so well, but Channing Tatum's comb-over was worth a good laugh.  And, Jonah Hill said "honey is fucking delicious".  A truer statement has never been said (at the Golden Globes). 

Out of all the choices that are offered to celebrities, I am baffled by what some choose to wear.  #imlookingatyouguilianarancic  #thoseshoulderpadsareawful

This made me laugh:

I have stated on many occasions that I love pockets in dresses.  I'm not the only one.  Jenna Dewan Tatum had pockets, as did Amy Schumer, Gina from a Virgin show, and Jamie Alexander.  #everydressshouldhavepockets

Why were Katy Perry and Tom Ford at tables right in the front?  Aren't there other actors/actresses (not a singer and a designer) that are more deserving of that front row spot at this particular awards ceremony?  Maybe if Lady Gaga was there, she wouldn't have bumped Leo's chair, and we wouldn't have this gif.....

 

No disrespect to the ladies this year, but my best dressed is a man.  He presented an award standing next to JLo, and he outshined her.  Not many could pull off this look and look this good, but Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson can.  #thepeopleschamp #ismellwhathescookin

Speaking of Dwayne, Bryce Dallas Howard wins best carpet interview from me.  Not only did she get downright giddy that "The Rock" was sitting at her table.  She also admitted that she took herself to a department store, tried on dresses, and bought her red carpet dress herself.  Kudos.  #opieraisedherright

Random quick confessions from my Golden Globes viewing...I confess:

• I've never found Leonardo Dicaprio attractive.  Still don't.
• I have no interest in "The Revenant".
• I've never found Orlando Bloom attractive, but when he presented an award, he was lookin' F-I-N-E.  Maybe I needed him to grow up a little.
• My teenage heart (as well as others) was thrilled for Christian Slater to win an award.
• Denzel is a badass.  He needs no last name.
• I got booknerd giddy when both authors Emma Donoghue (Room) and Andy Weir (The Martian) got shout-outs.  #booknerdsunite
• I thought JLo and her boytoy broke up. 
• Mustard yellow looks terrible on her.  I don't care what any fashion guru has to say.  Or maybe it's the cape.  I don't know.  I just don't like it at all.  I wanted something different than sheer sequins, but I didn't want this.
  
• I am indifferent about "Cookie"/Taraji.  I don't watch Empire, so I just don't "get" her.
• As many implied, "The Martian" in the comedy/musical category is a stretch, but I'm still happy the movie & Matt Damon won awards.  No matter how they cheated to win.
• Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling were adorable.  As if they wouldn't be.
• Except, Ryan Gosling looked like he stole a tuxedo from the waitstaff's wardrobe.
• Eva Longoria and America Ferrera were hilarious too. 
• I think Jon Hamm and Sylvester Stallone are fans (clients) of Hair Club for Men #sysperlingeatyourheartout.
• I don't just want to be Helen Mirren when I grow up.  I want to be Helen Mirren now.  That woman is fabulous!
  

Did you watch the Golden Globes? Got any confessions about them?

Wednesday link-ups with Laura & Lauren,  Alanna & Sarah, and  Nadine & Kathy:

I show you my books, you show me yours vol.12

Hooray for Show Us Your Books link-up ~ the first of 2016!  Hooray for our hosts, Jana & Steph!  Hooray for all of you who participate!  Hooray for books!

 

I had a pretty enjoyable month of reading...well, as much as one can enjoy psychos, drug addicts, killers, war, and other "fun" topics.

Books I've read since last link-up:

 

1.  Finders Keepers by Belinda Bauer - The last of a trilogy I read, this was the best of the three.  Overall, the trilogy was good, not great, not run out and get this now, but good enough that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys a little bit of mystery, a little bit of thriller, a little bit of creepiness, all set in a different locale than I usually read - an English village. (how's that for a run-on sentence?) 4/5

 

 2.  The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah - If you like historical fiction, read this book.  If you like strong female characters, read this book.  And, have a box of Kleenex next to you for the last 50 pages or so...and preferably don't read those pages in public.  5/5

 

3.  Finders Keepers by Stephen King - (follow-up to Mr. Mercedes) - Guess what.  Stephen King is a talented writer.  Admittedly, I haven't read many of his books, but those that I have tackled have been good ones.  Reading the various stories in this one, I knew they would all come together in a big ol' combustible ball of fire.  That they did.  Some things came together a little too easily, but it was still quite an enjoyable read.  Alright, I know I'm being pedantic, but early on, a song is quoted and they tell you what year it is happening.  The song wasn't released until a year later.  That edit really bugs me.  4/5

 

 4.  Tweak by Nic Sheff - I've read a lot of addiction memoirs. This young author writes with such detail about the lowest of low points that he reaches as an addict in a way that I'm not sure I've ever read before. He admits to so.many.horrific things, but I didn't feel it was for shock value.  He is insightful about his need for belonging, security...his low self-worth that leads to co-dependency and destructive relationships. Throw some mental illness in the mix, and he shows the struggles, dangers, and destruction of addiction.  4.5/5

 

 5.  Crank by Ellen Hopkins - A fictional account loosely based on the author's experiences with an drug-addicted daughter.  I'd had this on my TBR list awhile and never realized it's written in a series of poems.  Haunting, yes, but...I thought Tweak was better.  Because I'd just read Tweak prior to this, I noticed the role of destructive boyfriend/girlfriend relationships that played such a major role in the drug use/abuse too.  4/5

 

 6.  I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh - Thriller readers: read this book. You know when you're reading and think you've got it figured out...then you change your mind... then think "well, maybe"... then you are completely wrong...then you are kinda correct, but there's a twist...then you've figured part of it out but it doesn't matter because the book is still so good?  That was this book for me.  I stayed up past my bedtime because I couldn't put it down.  There was a teensy tinsy part of the end that bothered me, but I still highly recommend to those who like this genre. 4.75/5

 

7.  The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon - I think my problem (when I step out of my comfort zone and try to read a paranormal ghost story...which I do that from time to time) is this: I don't allow myself to get completely immersed into the story.  Too often, I'm holding back because I just don't believe it to be real.  I like escapism.  I like good stories.  I enjoy scary movies every now and then.  But, books about people being brought back from the dead just don't pull me into them far enough for me to really "get" them.  I keep trying though.  3/5

  

Currently Reading:  Dancing with Myself by Billy Idol

 

Waiting for the library to deliver:  Beautiful Boy by David Sheff (the companion book to Tweak)

 

I've shown you mine, now you show me yours!



Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.55

Books read, currently reading, to read ...

My beautiful stylist, blonde friend, and me ~ hair party!

Snuggles with my sweet boy, Astro

It rained a lot this week, so I welcomed the sun this weekend. 

Dressed & ready for my stepdaughter's birthday dinner

The birthday girl

What's happening right now as I try to post this...

Hope your weekend was full of snuggles & celebrations ... or happiness and laughter!  

Memorable performances from televised singing contests

I don't watch them all.  You know.  Those reality shows that are singing competitions.  I've missed the X Factors and America's (Australia's) Got Talent.  I've watched most American Idol seasons, a few seasons of The Voice (America & Australia), and the two Rock Star shows.  So, no, this is not a complete list. There is no Susan Boyle, Singing Nun, or any of the One Direction guys.  They all caused quite a stir, but I didn't see them. This list is completely my preferences and my favorites based on my viewing. 

I stuck to a rule.  They had to be memorable enough performances to me that I didn't have to go internet searching for help.  I pulled from my mental rolodex to compose my list.  Then, I used youtube to find video clips.  Join me for this musical journey, will you?  (There are 15 in all.  I seriously doubt you will join me for the entire post, but it would be fun to believe that you will.)  In no particular order....

1. Marty Casey (Rock Star INXS) - Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" - I liked Marty.  A lot.  And bought his Lovehammers music since this show's appearances.  If you like this performance, check out Marty perform Radiohead's "Creep" and Britney's "Baby One More Time".

2. Adam Lambert (American Idol) - Tears for Fears/Gary Jule's "Mad World" - Adam was know for his vocal theatrics.  In this performance, he was controlled, intense, and magnificent.

3. Carrie Underwood (American Idol) - Heart's "Alone" - If I'm not mistaken, Carrie is the Idol contestant that has sold the most.  This is the performance that caused Simon Cowell to correctly make that prediction. I have not purchased one song released by Carrie Underwood, but that doesn't mean that I don't respect her talent.

4. Jena Irene (American Idol) - Paramore's Decode - Most of the time, when I watch these shows, I ask myself "would I buy this person's album?" After seeing this performance, I decided I'd buy hers.  Sadly, I'm not sure she even made an album.

5. Mitchell & Steve (The Voice Australia) - Marc Cohn's "Walking in Memphis" - Two seasoned veterans who've probably played a lot of bars and pubs, been session musicians, and never quite made it.  Bless 'em for still chasing their dreams.

6. Dilana (Rock Star Supernova) - Nirvana's "Lithium" - Damn.  This chick rocked.  This performance rocked.  (side note: Butch Walker fans - you catch a glimpse of our favorite producer a couple of times in this)

7. Chris Daughtry (American Idol) - Fuel's "Hemorrhage" - The worst tragedy in the history of American Idol is that Taylor Hicks (who?) won his season.  But, Daughtry's career isn't worried about his loss.  I love this guy's voice.

8. Toby Rand (Rock Star Supernova) - Original! - Prior to this television venture, Toby's group, Juke Kartel, had a good fan base in Australia.  This was/is one of their songs.  Yep, this one is still in regular rotation on my ipod as well as Juke Kartel's "Save Me".  When I moved here in 2008, I saw them perform in a small pub in Sydney.  And, it was awesome!

9. Kelly Clarkson (American Idol) - Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman" - Am I remembering this correctly?  She worked in Wal-Mart, right?  She is the epitome of what this kind of show is capable of doing for you.  Burleson, Texas y'all.

10. Matthew Garwood (The Voice Australia) - Phantom of the Opera's "All I Ask of You" - He didn't even make it past the battle rounds, but this performance gave me chills.  So good.  Plus, it is what makes that whole coaches don't get to see the singer until they turn around part about The Voice so much fun.  The judges reactions in this clip are priceless. 

11. David Cook (American Idol) - Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" - I actually have this song on my work playlist.  It shows that a good pop song can be worked to be appealing to anyone (because I can't take Mariah Carey's version).  

12. Jordis Unga (Rock Star INXS) - David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" - This song has been covered by many...most famously (is that a word?) by Nirvana.  You know what?  I like this version the absolute best.  Truth.  It is also on my work playlist.  Meaning, for the last five years, I've heard this song on repeat at least 3 times a day.  I still love it. 

13. Bo Bice (American Idol) - Badlands "In a Dream" - He was going up against the girl with the major pipes (Carrie Underwood).  He took a risk to show he could sing.  I'm not sure if any other Idol contestant has ever sang acapella.  I'm a sucker for a good ol' Southern boy singing a good ol' Southern rock song.  What can I say?

14. Gabriel & Cecilia (The Voice Australia) - Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - These shows, judges, coaches, mentors are always talking about making a song your own.  This brother and sister duo did just that.  This is BY FAR the most unique performance of a cover song I've seen on any show.  They aren't necessarily my style of musicians, but I couldn't look past the musicianship and individuality.  Warning: it's a bit strange, but it's 2 minutes.  Give it a listen for the uniqueness of it.  You may hate it, and that's okay too.

To close this little collection of mine..............

15. Clay Aiken (American Idol) - Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - That's right...judge me all you want...but don't judge without listening because this performance is really good.  I'm serious.  It gave me goosebumps then, and I just watched it again.  Goosebumps again.  That last note.  Wait for it.  It's less than 3 minutes of your time to give.

What did I miss?  If you watch or have watched any of these shows, share your most memorable performances with me.

First Humpday of 2016

Sometimes these Humpday posts are themed, sometimes random.  I'm still having trouble forming complete thoughts since coming back to work in the New Year, so random it is.  #randomftw

When I see people use "FTW", I have to remind myself it stands for "for the win" and not "fuck the world".  #whostartedftw

I googled to see the origin (I use that term loosely) of FTW because I swore it was a Tupac tattoo or something.  Then, this post on urban dictionary tells me its use originated by white supremacists meaning Forever Truly White.  I shall never use FTW again after this very post.  #banftw

As I type this, I am standing at the counter of my shop, and an older, short, petite Asian lady is looking in the window right next to our open door.  She just let out the loudest fart.  I looked up, and she smiled at me.  #ownitsister

We took ten days off work.  Remember, my guy and I work together.  On facebook, he and a friend of mine were discussing the crappiness of that first Monday back to work.  He posted a meme that said "The Look When You Don't Want to Go to Work"...and claimed it looked like me on our first Monday back.  I found this picture of myself circa 1977, made a quick side by side comparison, and asked "whatever do you mean?"  #resemblancemuch ?  #pigtails4eva #poutitout

I am behind on reading blogs.  I started to read some today, felt overwhelmed with it all because I couldn't give the posts the attention they deserve, and just said "fuck it".  We all do it, at least most of us do.  #iaintevengonnaworryboutit

Two different authors responded to tweets of mine.  Jana has been recommending Dean Bakopoulus books, and I have checked bookstores and libraries here.  No DB in Australia.  So, I ordered some, tweeted about it, and the author "liked" it.  #authorsloveme

Then...I read a fantastic thriller (I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh - you'll hear more about it in the Show Us Your Books link-up) and tweeted about it.  This time, the author replied.  #ithinkthismeanswerefriends

I confess:  I failed to organize this post with actual confessions.  #whatevs #imout

Wednesday link-ups with Laura & Lauren,  Alanna & Sarah, and  Nadine & Kathy:

Bloggers Love Book Challenges - Blogger Love vol.3

 I host a book challenge that I've invited you all to join in this post.  The challenge is mostly organized through a facebook group, but...as we know...there's a lot of bloggers in blogger land that love a good book challenge.  I thought I'd give them a shout out, spread a little blogger love, and link you to their posts about their challenge participation.  If you like books and/or you like blogs, check 'em out!

BLOG ROLL with Book Challenge by Erin 4.0 posts:

Ashley at The Wandering Weekenders

Cat at Kitty Kitty La La

Sanch at Living My Imperfect Life

Ferne at Ferne Merrylees

Megan at Can I Decide Another Day?

Ericka at A Quiet Girl's Musings of a World that Talks Too Much

Kimmi at Chaos & Cocoa

Jana at Jana Says

Christina at Easily Entertained

Kristen at See You in a Porridge

Kerry at Till Then, Smile Often

Louise at Life as Louise

Heather at I Do What I Want

Kristen at Divulge and Indulge

Lynn at Smoke & Mirrors

Brita at Bella Brita

Kristin at Stuff, Things, etc.

Heather at Heather's Hurrah

Karen at Run Wright

Other bloggers that I'm happy to have join us:  Alyssa, Kelli, Jenn, Kaity, Gwen,  Karen... I think there might be more, but I don't have a link for them.  If that's the case, let me know!

BOOK CHALLENGE BY ERIN 4.0 has officially started!

More fun facts about Book Challenge by Erin 4.0:

• I know of 8 different countries represented (USA, Australia, Scotland, England, Romania, Guam, Canada, China)
• 22 different US states (CA, CO, DE, FL, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, RI, SC, TX, WA, WV, UT) updated
•  If I've forgotten anyone, correct me...because I do think there are a few more that I've left off.

I'd LOVE to get all 50 states represented (someday)...and even more countries. But I think this is a fantastic result for a group that's been active since mid 2014. Thanks to those that have spread the word and love of books...and continue to invite others. Hooray for books!

• As of December 22nd, two challenge participants already read one book and reviewed it.  The reading of books isn't supposed to start until the 1st of January.  I love the enthusiasm!  (yes, they have to choose a new book for that category.)

PRIZES!:  In the past, I've always invited the first three finishers of the challenge (excluding bonus round) to choose a category for the next challenge. That offer still stands. This time I'm offering more ...prizes!

• 1st finisher (excluding bonus round) - small prize
• 2nd finisher (excluding bonus round) - small prize
• 1st finisher of BOTH rounds of books - grand prize!

If the grand prize winner is the 1st or 2nd finisher of the initial round, she'll just win the title of Grand Prize. The other two prizes will go to the next finishers in line.

Also, to claim a prize, all book selections MUST be over 200 pages. There are a few selected that are less, and I'm not too fussed about it. But, if you want a prize, I think it's fair to hold to the rules.

Most of all, this challenge is to encourage the love and reading of books through a supportive, encouraging, no-pressure group. But, hey, some fun prizes for those that have a competitive spirit can't hurt, right?

My preliminary book selections have already had a couple of changes (as you do).  Here is the updated version:
5pts - Read a book, any book that is at least 200 pages long. - The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
10pts - Read a book that begins with the letter "D". - Dancing with Myself by Billy Idol
10pts - Read a book with a four word title. - I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
15pts - Read a book with one of the following words in the title: "Mother(s), Father(s), Son(s), Daughter(s), Child(ren). - Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction by David Sheff
20pts - Read a book by amazon's top 100 authors from an author that you've never read before - The Silent Girls by Eric Rickstad (never even heard of him, but he's #47 as I type this)
20pts - Read a book set in Asia. - The Pearl that Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi
25pts - Read a book with a season in the title ("Summer", "Spring", "Winter", "Autumn", I'll even allow "Fall") - The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
30pts - Read a book that will make you laugh from the attached list: - Kill Your Friends by John Niven
30pts - Read a book that is a friend or family member's favorite (or favorite book from another participant of this challenge)  - Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall (my college roommate and favorite friend, Katy, lists this as one of her faves)
35pts - Read a book published the year you were born. - Child of God by Cormac McCarthy

Although, a few more may change because 3 of them aren't available at any of the libraries I frequent.  I'm hitting my favourite second hand bookstores to see if I can find them.

Whew!  That was a long post.  If you're still with me, you rock!  Now...come rock this challenge with me!

Sunday's (more than) Seven Snapshots vol.54

For our week off work, we ended 2015 and kicked off 2016 by packing a lot of little adventures into it. Here's a slice of those.....

Yep. I slept in a tent. Don't get me wrong, I have slept in a tent before, but it's been probably a decade since my last camping adventure. 

Of course, part of my camping fun involves reading a book under gorgeous blue skies. 

I was told there'd possibly be a wombat sighting. I was not disappointed. This particular campsite shares its space with these funny creatures. My kind of creatures. They sleep all day and eat all night. 

Some scenic shots:

We went to Walkabout Wildlife Park where many of the animals roam freely.

This is Livingston. He came to the park after surviving being hit by a car. He shattered his patella and isn't able to live in the wild anymore. He looks pretty content anyway. 

I was gobsmacked and in awe when I saw this mother kangaroo carrying her baby joey. I sat down on the ground right beside her, took some pics, then put the phone away and just talked to her. 

We rang in the New Year by watching the Sydney fireworks (on tv) while in the comforts of our bed. 

First day of 2016 was pretty perfect. There was a picnic in the park...

...followed by an afternoon at Jibbon beach. 

Now, I'm taking note from Astro and having a day of rest, relaxation, (and reading) before I go back to work tomorrow. 

Happy 2016 to all of you!!