I recently made two new Rachel McAdams wallpapers. I'm very happy with them. They are pretty simple, but I like it that way. Here they are.
As always, you can use the wallpapers on your own desktop if you want.
woensdag 6 juli 2011
dinsdag 5 juli 2011
Best of... Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer is one actress that I've liked for so many years. And she's still on of my favorites list. There are so many great films she's made and she aged well. Here are my favorite Michelle Pfeiffer movies.
"Scarface"
The best performance is off course by Al Pacino and he made this film a succes. Michelle Pfeiffer looks very beautiful and is adequate in her role. This is one of the best movies in film history.
"The Witches of Eastwick"
This movie has something for anyone. Fantasy, horror, comedy, it's all there. This is a supernatural version of the 'The Battle of the Sexes'. Together with Cher and Susan Sarandon she plays one of the three witches that request for the perfect man, whom arrives in the form of Jack Nicholson's character Daryl.
"Tequila Sunrise"
It's not the most original story, but "Tequila Sunrise" is full of effective plot twists. Michelle Pfeiffer actually gives more depth to the story with her character and shows us that the woman in a love triangle is not just a trophy role.
"Dangerous Liaisons"
Michelle stars with Glenn Close and John Malkovich in this story about sex, seduction and deception set in 18th century France. It's a morality tale, but one that fascinates in its exposure of ego, vanity, intrigue and the war between the genders, subjects that are timeless in their relevance.
"The Fabulous Baker Boys"
It's a dreamy and romantic movie, yet cynical. The Bridges brothers are great in combination with Michelle. I don't think a lot of people saw this movie so it's underappreciated.
"Frankie and Johnny"
The second time Michelle Pfeiffer teamed up with Al Pacino. Also a movie that has been overlooked by many. It's a simple and genuine approach to different themes like yearning for love, fearing it and hoping to find it.
"Batman Returns"
Batman movies are great, even if you're not a fan of superhero movies or comic book adaptations. Michelle really gives it all in her role as Catwoman. She's the perfect woman for the job.
"The Age of Innocence"
Not a typical Scorsese movie and not his best work, but it definitely deserves a spot on this list. This is not for the people who like fast paced stories or the usual Scorsese stuff. If you liked the novel, you will probably enjoy the film as well.
"Wolf"
This is my favorite on the list. "Wolf" has always captivated me. It's a werewolf movie done in style. Nicholsons acting was refreshingly low-keyed and Michelle is not just perfect eye candy for the guys. She gives away a very solid performance.
"Dangerous Minds"
I remember that this movie was very popular when it came out. Now I'm a teacher the movie speaks even more to me then it did back then. Michelle Pfeiffer is fantastic in this film!
"One Fine Day"
Not her best, but a very enjoyable feel-good film, where she appears on George Clooney's side.
"What Lies Beneath"
I remember seeing this film in the cinema and it was pretty scary. I always like suspense movies, with a lot of scares in it. Harrison Ford is good, but Michelle is even better.
"I Am Sam"
I liked how this movie made you think about parenting. Sam was a great parent because he showed unconditional love to his daughter, but he couldn't teach her basic stuff like math. Rita could provide for her son perfectly, but barely had any time for him. Sean Penn stole the show, Michelle did very well too.
"White Orleander"
It's based on a terrific novel. Especially Michelle Pfeiffer gives away a stunning performance and this is just such a beautiful story about a teenagers journey through a series of foster homes.
"Stardust"
i didn't expect to like this movie. Don't you just love it when Michelle pretends to be a bitch? Or a witch in this case.
I didn't really like "Hairspray", it's one of the most disappointing musicals I saw. And although she paired up with Bruce Willis for "The Story of Us" it didn't make my list. I hope Michelle will go on and make more great movies, because she hasn't yet lost it.
"Scarface"
The best performance is off course by Al Pacino and he made this film a succes. Michelle Pfeiffer looks very beautiful and is adequate in her role. This is one of the best movies in film history.
"The Witches of Eastwick"
This movie has something for anyone. Fantasy, horror, comedy, it's all there. This is a supernatural version of the 'The Battle of the Sexes'. Together with Cher and Susan Sarandon she plays one of the three witches that request for the perfect man, whom arrives in the form of Jack Nicholson's character Daryl.
"Tequila Sunrise"
It's not the most original story, but "Tequila Sunrise" is full of effective plot twists. Michelle Pfeiffer actually gives more depth to the story with her character and shows us that the woman in a love triangle is not just a trophy role.
"Dangerous Liaisons"
Michelle stars with Glenn Close and John Malkovich in this story about sex, seduction and deception set in 18th century France. It's a morality tale, but one that fascinates in its exposure of ego, vanity, intrigue and the war between the genders, subjects that are timeless in their relevance.
"The Fabulous Baker Boys"
It's a dreamy and romantic movie, yet cynical. The Bridges brothers are great in combination with Michelle. I don't think a lot of people saw this movie so it's underappreciated.
"Frankie and Johnny"
The second time Michelle Pfeiffer teamed up with Al Pacino. Also a movie that has been overlooked by many. It's a simple and genuine approach to different themes like yearning for love, fearing it and hoping to find it.
"Batman Returns"
Batman movies are great, even if you're not a fan of superhero movies or comic book adaptations. Michelle really gives it all in her role as Catwoman. She's the perfect woman for the job.
"The Age of Innocence"
Not a typical Scorsese movie and not his best work, but it definitely deserves a spot on this list. This is not for the people who like fast paced stories or the usual Scorsese stuff. If you liked the novel, you will probably enjoy the film as well.
"Wolf"
This is my favorite on the list. "Wolf" has always captivated me. It's a werewolf movie done in style. Nicholsons acting was refreshingly low-keyed and Michelle is not just perfect eye candy for the guys. She gives away a very solid performance.
"Dangerous Minds"
I remember that this movie was very popular when it came out. Now I'm a teacher the movie speaks even more to me then it did back then. Michelle Pfeiffer is fantastic in this film!
"One Fine Day"
Not her best, but a very enjoyable feel-good film, where she appears on George Clooney's side.
"What Lies Beneath"
I remember seeing this film in the cinema and it was pretty scary. I always like suspense movies, with a lot of scares in it. Harrison Ford is good, but Michelle is even better.
"I Am Sam"
I liked how this movie made you think about parenting. Sam was a great parent because he showed unconditional love to his daughter, but he couldn't teach her basic stuff like math. Rita could provide for her son perfectly, but barely had any time for him. Sean Penn stole the show, Michelle did very well too.
"White Orleander"
It's based on a terrific novel. Especially Michelle Pfeiffer gives away a stunning performance and this is just such a beautiful story about a teenagers journey through a series of foster homes.
"Stardust"
i didn't expect to like this movie. Don't you just love it when Michelle pretends to be a bitch? Or a witch in this case.
I didn't really like "Hairspray", it's one of the most disappointing musicals I saw. And although she paired up with Bruce Willis for "The Story of Us" it didn't make my list. I hope Michelle will go on and make more great movies, because she hasn't yet lost it.
zondag 3 juli 2011
50 Books Challenge 2011 - # 35: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Title: My Sister's Keeper
Author: Jodi Picoult
Story: Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister -- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.
Start: june 29th 2011
End: july 3rd 2011
Comment: While reading this book, there's only one question that you'll ask yourself constantly: Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? That question isn't an easy one to answer, because you aren't the one dealing with it. But Picoult did a wonderful job writing about it so you can feel what the characters feel. I liked the fact that she wrote the story from different perspectives, except Kate's. It's not untill the end of the novel that she let's Kate speak and maybe that was my favorite part of the book. I loved the twist in the end, which was so surprising and it made me appreciate the book more then I initially intended. And now I finished it, I still can't answer the question. I understand Sara and Brian, they want to save their daughter Kate. But I get Anna as well. For her it feels like she was only born to save her sister and they don't care about her well being. The one thing I didn't like was the romantic subplot between Campbell and Julia. Completely unnecessary and not interesting. Overall I was impressed by the writing and how this book made me think about this complicated theme. A very emotional and powerful story.
Rating: 4/ 5
Author: Jodi Picoult
Story: Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister -- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.
Start: june 29th 2011
End: july 3rd 2011
Comment: While reading this book, there's only one question that you'll ask yourself constantly: Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? That question isn't an easy one to answer, because you aren't the one dealing with it. But Picoult did a wonderful job writing about it so you can feel what the characters feel. I liked the fact that she wrote the story from different perspectives, except Kate's. It's not untill the end of the novel that she let's Kate speak and maybe that was my favorite part of the book. I loved the twist in the end, which was so surprising and it made me appreciate the book more then I initially intended. And now I finished it, I still can't answer the question. I understand Sara and Brian, they want to save their daughter Kate. But I get Anna as well. For her it feels like she was only born to save her sister and they don't care about her well being. The one thing I didn't like was the romantic subplot between Campbell and Julia. Completely unnecessary and not interesting. Overall I was impressed by the writing and how this book made me think about this complicated theme. A very emotional and powerful story.
Rating: 4/ 5
Pic Spam: Paul Rudd
I've loved this guy ever since I saw "The Object of My Affection" for the first time. He was just adorable and now he's an actual leading man who steals the show in his movies. Paul Rudd is so funny and he proves that in films like "Role Models", "Anchorman", "Knocked Up" and "The 40 Year Old Virgin". Here are some of his best pictures.



zaterdag 2 juli 2011
In the Picture: The Characters from "Toy Story"
Disney movies are great, even when your getting older. Off course the handdrawn animated movies have more charm, but I came to love the Pixar movies. "Toy Story" is one of my favorites and here are all the important characters from the first installment.
Woody
Voiced by: Tom Hanks
Woody is Andy's favorite toy. He loves Andy with all his heart and he is devastaded when he finds out about his newest toy. Woody is a very jealous cowboy when he finds out that Andy is paying more attention to Buzz and he tries to do anything in his power to become Andy's number one again. Woody is a leader and someone others trust.
Buzz Lightyear
Voiced by: Tim Allen
Buzz is Andy's new favorite toy and he's loving it. He's a bit unwordly, he can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality. Buzz is a very confused astronaut after entering the world of Andy and his toys. But he means well. He just wants to fit in with the rest of the toys.
Rex
Voiced by: Wallace Shawn
Rex is an excitable, large, plastic Tyrannosaurus Rex. He's very curious, suffers from anxiety and is constantly concerned that he isn't scary enough. Rex is a loveable dinosaur, not very smart but big hearted and a true friend.
Hamm
Voiced by: John Ratzenberger
Hamm is a wise-cracking piggy bank and a realist. Out of all the toys he seems to have the most knowledge about the outside world.
Slinky Dog Voiced by: Jim Varney
Slinky is a dachshund with a metal slinky for a body and he's like every other dog: faithful to its owner. He's Woody's go-to-guy when he needs advice or an opinion.
Mr. Potato Head
Voiced by: Don Rickles
Mr. Potato Head is very moody and always sarcastic. With his many faces, he has a great sense of humour and only one wish: a Mrs. Potato Head for Andy's birthday.
Andy
Voiced by: John Morris
Andy is a kid like any other kid. Enthusiastic and thrilled for its new toys. He has always been very attached to his doll Woody, but even Andy needs a change once in a while. Buzz is that change. But he found a place in his heart for both Woody and Buzz.
Sid
Voiced by: Erik von Detten
Sid is the kid that lives next door to Andy and his family. He is the complete opposite, because he doesn't really take good care of his toys. He blows them up, disfigures them and reattaches other parts to different toys.
Bo Peep
Voiced by: Annie Potts
She herds sheep and is really sweet and pretty. Woody secretly likes her and blushes everytime he sees her. She's calm and loving but can also be daring and seductive.
Aliëns
Voiced by: Jeff Pidgeon
The cute three-eyed aliëns live in a claw game. Buzz hides in it when he thinks it's a spaceship and after he meets hundreds of them, the aliëns see him as their leader. They are very obedient.
Favorite Character: Rex
Woody
Voiced by: Tom Hanks
Woody is Andy's favorite toy. He loves Andy with all his heart and he is devastaded when he finds out about his newest toy. Woody is a very jealous cowboy when he finds out that Andy is paying more attention to Buzz and he tries to do anything in his power to become Andy's number one again. Woody is a leader and someone others trust.
Buzz Lightyear
Voiced by: Tim Allen
Buzz is Andy's new favorite toy and he's loving it. He's a bit unwordly, he can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality. Buzz is a very confused astronaut after entering the world of Andy and his toys. But he means well. He just wants to fit in with the rest of the toys.
Rex
Voiced by: Wallace Shawn
Rex is an excitable, large, plastic Tyrannosaurus Rex. He's very curious, suffers from anxiety and is constantly concerned that he isn't scary enough. Rex is a loveable dinosaur, not very smart but big hearted and a true friend.
Hamm
Voiced by: John Ratzenberger
Hamm is a wise-cracking piggy bank and a realist. Out of all the toys he seems to have the most knowledge about the outside world.
Slinky Dog Voiced by: Jim Varney
Slinky is a dachshund with a metal slinky for a body and he's like every other dog: faithful to its owner. He's Woody's go-to-guy when he needs advice or an opinion.
Mr. Potato Head
Voiced by: Don Rickles
Mr. Potato Head is very moody and always sarcastic. With his many faces, he has a great sense of humour and only one wish: a Mrs. Potato Head for Andy's birthday.
Andy
Voiced by: John Morris
Andy is a kid like any other kid. Enthusiastic and thrilled for its new toys. He has always been very attached to his doll Woody, but even Andy needs a change once in a while. Buzz is that change. But he found a place in his heart for both Woody and Buzz.
Sid
Voiced by: Erik von Detten
Sid is the kid that lives next door to Andy and his family. He is the complete opposite, because he doesn't really take good care of his toys. He blows them up, disfigures them and reattaches other parts to different toys.
Bo Peep
Voiced by: Annie Potts
She herds sheep and is really sweet and pretty. Woody secretly likes her and blushes everytime he sees her. She's calm and loving but can also be daring and seductive.
Aliëns
Voiced by: Jeff Pidgeon
The cute three-eyed aliëns live in a claw game. Buzz hides in it when he thinks it's a spaceship and after he meets hundreds of them, the aliëns see him as their leader. They are very obedient.
Favorite Character: Rex
Cast Your Life
I got this idea from several blogs I've read. 'Cast Your Life' is a fantasy casting, where you cast actors to play the people in your life. I thought it sounded like a lot of fun, so I decided to give it a try.
The Main Character/ Me played by Rachel McAdams: Not that we look that much a like, but I just adore this actrice. She is very natural and that's what I prefer in actresses. I like everything she does and Naomi Watts is just a bit too old to play me.
The Mistake played by Ian Somerhalder: Such a handsome man, easy to fall for. Ian would be perfect for playing the 'bad boyfriend' everyone warnes you about, but you just go for it anyway.
The Crush played by Robert Downey Jr.: I have a secret crush on the man, so he's the perfect man for the job. Robert Downey Jr. is so irresistable, but you'd most likely never end up with him.
The True Love played by James Franco: The perfect man of the moment and the first guy I thought of while making this list and casting this role.
True Love's Best Friend played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt: He was also considered for the role James ended up getting, but this role wil suit him just fine. His could play a very loyal and fun friend.
The Best Friend # 1 played by Natalie Portman: My friend remimnds me of her a bit. not because of her looks, but because of her intelligence and her kindness.
The Best Friend # 2 played by Ellen Page: She was also in the race for my role, but she fitted my friend better. Not a girlie-girl, sometimes one-of-the-guys. A friend you can always rely on and have a lot of laughs with.
The Big Brother played by Matt Damon: My brother and I have an age difference of six years, so I picked a slightly 'older' actor for the role of my brother. Matt Damon is a very serious man, as an actor. My brother is very serious about his job too. But when you start talking to him, he losens up a bit and that's what Matt Damon has while watching him do interviews. He would portray my brother perfectly.
The Father played by Tom Hanks: My favorite actor and he's about my dad's age. Tom's a bit funnier then my father, but if I could choose any actor to play my dad it would be him. Besides, my dad likes him too so I think I made the right choice.
The Mother played by Michelle Pfeiffer: This one was tough. I was thinking of Meryl Streep. But I went with Michelle Pfeiffer. She's both serious and humorous and I love her as an actress more then Streep.
The Rival played by Dianna Agron: Don't get me wrong, I love Dianna Agron, but she has proven that she is very good a competing with other girls. I think she fits perfectly in this cast.
This was so much fun! I liked pretending to be a casting director. Maybe I will do this more often. And I think I picked a great cast. I always wanted to see Rachel McAdams together with James Franco, especially as each others love interests. And Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Hanks in the same film... a dream come true.
The Main Character/ Me played by Rachel McAdams: Not that we look that much a like, but I just adore this actrice. She is very natural and that's what I prefer in actresses. I like everything she does and Naomi Watts is just a bit too old to play me.
The Mistake played by Ian Somerhalder: Such a handsome man, easy to fall for. Ian would be perfect for playing the 'bad boyfriend' everyone warnes you about, but you just go for it anyway.
The Crush played by Robert Downey Jr.: I have a secret crush on the man, so he's the perfect man for the job. Robert Downey Jr. is so irresistable, but you'd most likely never end up with him.
The True Love played by James Franco: The perfect man of the moment and the first guy I thought of while making this list and casting this role.
True Love's Best Friend played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt: He was also considered for the role James ended up getting, but this role wil suit him just fine. His could play a very loyal and fun friend.
The Best Friend # 1 played by Natalie Portman: My friend remimnds me of her a bit. not because of her looks, but because of her intelligence and her kindness.
The Best Friend # 2 played by Ellen Page: She was also in the race for my role, but she fitted my friend better. Not a girlie-girl, sometimes one-of-the-guys. A friend you can always rely on and have a lot of laughs with.
The Big Brother played by Matt Damon: My brother and I have an age difference of six years, so I picked a slightly 'older' actor for the role of my brother. Matt Damon is a very serious man, as an actor. My brother is very serious about his job too. But when you start talking to him, he losens up a bit and that's what Matt Damon has while watching him do interviews. He would portray my brother perfectly.
The Father played by Tom Hanks: My favorite actor and he's about my dad's age. Tom's a bit funnier then my father, but if I could choose any actor to play my dad it would be him. Besides, my dad likes him too so I think I made the right choice.
The Mother played by Michelle Pfeiffer: This one was tough. I was thinking of Meryl Streep. But I went with Michelle Pfeiffer. She's both serious and humorous and I love her as an actress more then Streep.
The Rival played by Dianna Agron: Don't get me wrong, I love Dianna Agron, but she has proven that she is very good a competing with other girls. I think she fits perfectly in this cast.
This was so much fun! I liked pretending to be a casting director. Maybe I will do this more often. And I think I picked a great cast. I always wanted to see Rachel McAdams together with James Franco, especially as each others love interests. And Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Hanks in the same film... a dream come true.
vrijdag 1 juli 2011
50 Books Challenge 2011 Update - June
What a busy month! Work was very hectic, the last couple of weeks of school. I had parent meetings and the kids got their rapportcards. I didn't have a lot of time to sit down and read and sometimes I was just to tired to. But I did read a few books. Here's the list of these months books.
# 31. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
# 32. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
# 33. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
# 34. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
# 35. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Favorite of the month: "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
I haven't finished the last one yet, but I will very soon. I only have to work for another week and then I have six weeks off!! I can do a lot of reading in those six weeks. I'll keep you updated.
# 31. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
# 32. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
# 33. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
# 34. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
# 35. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Favorite of the month: "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
I haven't finished the last one yet, but I will very soon. I only have to work for another week and then I have six weeks off!! I can do a lot of reading in those six weeks. I'll keep you updated.
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