About ten years ago I felt bad that the March of Dimes organization kept mailing me a dime (10 cents) along with a slew of personalized mailing labels so I sent them $10 and asked them to please stop wasting their money on me. My pledge was simple-- I'd send them money if they stopped spending it on me. Made sense to me. Apparently it didn't make sense to the March of Dimes because I now have a jar full of dimes and about 10,000 mailing labels. I'm sure this method of fund raising must work for them because it's their age old tradition for the cause but it's one giant guilt trip for me.
#####
Wouldn't be be nice if Word Verification was more meaningful-- like a word of the day with definitions or a person's name from history with a brief bio, or even winning lottery numbers-- anything but the hard to read gibberish they have now.
#####
I'm trying to watch Orange is the New Black on NetFlix, based on a true story about a woman in prison. Let me tell you, it's a lot of work with plenty of cringing. Not sure I'm going to make it past episode 4. Do you NetFlix?
And how about those Emmy Nominations? I'm guessing the big TV network guys have a lot of explaining to do. No Best Drama shows from the "big four" which appear to be shrinking by the minute!
But, I'm so glad Downton Abbey was recognized and I loved House of Cards with Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright.
#####
And speaking of celebrities, I had three "star sightings" this past week.
First was the lavender-haired Kelly Osbourne (E! News and Fashion Police) at the local Thai restaurant Husband and I frequent. I have to say, the lavender hair is really lovely in person-- way better than it looks on television.
And, I sat in on a fascinating Q&A following the movie Still Mine starring James Cromwell and Genevieve Bujold, both Oscar nominees. It's a love story about a couple married for 60 years. He wants to build a house on his land-- smaller and more manageable for the couple, but runs into problems with both the building department and health issues. It's heart-felt and funny and sad and uplifting. I enjoyed it very much.
As for the two stars-- absolutely delightful. James Cromwell is well over 6' 6" tall and still has a school boy twinkle in his eye. He's much younger than many of the rolls he plays and, honestly, he's kinda sexy. Ms Bujold is a tiny little thing and stunning with a dry sense of humor and a love for her art. I highly recommend Still Mine... if you can find it in a theater near you. It's in limited release.
Thanks to everyone who entered. And don't forget Larry Crowne, starring Tom Hanks and my BFF Julia Roberts, is in theaters everywhere July 1st-- That's THIS WEEKEND!
Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins
Did I ever tell you about the time I met Julia Roberts? Not to brag-- but she and I go way back-- Ever since she got her first real big screen break in the fab film Mystic Pizza in 1988.
I was in Milan, Italy, which is not where we met, but is where I first screened that film which helped launch her Hollywood A-List career. I was jet-lagged out of my mind at a film festival business thing and desperately in need of a nap. So I did what any respectable, hardworking advertising execs would do during a conference and slipped into a movie screening to catch a few Zzzzs in the dark.
Wowza! It was a fantastic little film with an unknown actress you couldn't take your eyes off. I didn't get that nap but I knew Julia and I would have a long relationship together-- Not in a stalking kind of way, but I knew I'd be seeing her way more on the big screen.
Turns out, I dated someone involved with Mystic Pizza so I got to do a "meet and greet" with Julia at a press conference for the film and well... "meet" is a loose term, but I'm pretty sure we made eye contact for like 3 seconds at the catering table and our friendship was launched.
Since 1988, Julia and I have crossed paths so many times we're on a first name basis, *ahem*at*least*I*am*cough* and have so much in common. She starred in Steel Magnolia-- I worked on the advertising campaign. Same goes for her smash hit Pretty Woman-- I did an ounce of work on that campaign too and although we didn't run into each other during the marketing process, I did give her a big wave and thumbs up at the Oscars that year. She was about 85 rows in front of me but I'm certain we connected across the auditorium like two long lost friends.
As her career skyrocketed, I kept an eye on Julia and, like any well-meaning friend, would definitely have advised her to wear a wig and not cut or dye her hair blond for Hook but who am I to butt in.
That was the same year she wore a long black gown with a pesky long train to the Oscars. We sat much closer together this time and I gave her a shout out to be careful cuzKeifer Sutherland was about to step on the dress and that would have spelled disaster. That's what friends are for, right? She appreciated it immensely and gave me a shy smile of thanks.
We hung out again, her photos and movie likenesses that is, on My Best Friend's Wedding and of course, Erin Brockovich-- Wow, she rocked that role and I cheered loudly when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Yes, we've been friends for more than 20 years. Gosh time flies.
My BFF Julia has a new film coming out, Larry Crowne, with Tom Hanks. I haven't seen it yet, but the trailers made me laugh and it's PG-13 with no bombs exploding and zero body count-- That's a plus in my movie-going book these days.
I'm out of the ad biz now but Hollywood is a small town so you never know, our paths might cross again and another meaningful connection is always possible. After all, we started out in the biz at the same time and have so much in common. *wink*wink*
I literally see more than a hundred movies a year-- not counting the ones I sleep through. I'm going to see Larry Crowne and support my old friend. It's in theaters July 1st. You can see it too-- for free!
$25 FANDANGO GIFTCARD GIVEAWAY!
Just leave a comment below telling me your favorite Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks or NiaVardalosmovie to win a $25 Fandango Gift Card!
By the way, I've had a few Tom Hanks sightings over the years too (Gosh he's a nice guy.) and I really have metNiaVardalos who co-wrote this movie. She's the writer and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but that's a whole other story.
So come on-- Enter to Win $25 towards movie tickets of your choice. Two gift cards are up for grabs along with Larry Crowne tee shirts and notepads. (One for each winner.)
EXTRA Entries:
1) Leave TWO MORE COMMENTS if you're a Follower.
2) Blog about this giveaway and link to this post. Then COME BACK and LEAVE THREE MORE COMMENTS with your giveaway link for your extra entries to be counted. Feel free to grab any of the creative here in this post for your post.
Giveaway ends June 27, 2011 at midnight PT. Sorry US and Canada only. Gift cards will be mailed directly to you by Universal Picture's peeps. Be sure to include your email so winners can be contacted. You must have a blog to enter. Random drawing, results are final.
What's your favorite Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks or Nia Vardalos movie?
Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins
Note: I was not compensated for this post. The giveaway was offered and accepted as an opportunity for my readers.
The very first movie I ever saw was the original animated feature, Jungle Book in 1967. I was about 8 years old. I loved it, and I loved that my dad took Mom and us kids to all see it together-- And, we got popcorn.
The very last movie I saw was The Tourist starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. I hated it. The movie was the biggest waste of a Saturday night (and $24) that I can remember in a very long time. It was a dog and I'm pretty sure the rest of the audience in the theater agreed with me. What a disappointment.
So imagine my surprise when I was up early this morning watching the Golden Globe Award nomination announcements on television. When The Tourist was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress and Best Actor, I nearly fell over the tv stand.
But it got me thinking-- I've seen A LOT of really bad movies over the years but I've also seen some really great ones too. With the exception of E. T.; The Extra-Terrestrial, my all-time faves tend to lean towards small independent films like The Madness of King George with Helen Mirren and Nigel Hawthorne, Eat, Drink, Man, Woman directed by Ang Lee, Big Night which is when I started crushing on Stanley Tucci, and Life Is Beautiful starring Italian darling Roberto Benigni.
Movies currently playing in theaters have been a bit lackluster for me, but I'm hoping-- always hoping-- for a really good one just around the corner. This coming weekend, Black Swan is on my "must see" list. And, if I can get some extra time, I'll actually go see the not so great Burlesque so I can check out Mr. Tucci's performance.
*******
GIVEAWAY!
Are you one of those Day-After-Christmas-Shoppers? If you are, here's your chance to win an $80 CSNStores.com Gift Certificate to shop (online) til you drop starting December 26th. I'm having a giveaway and the winner will be announced December 25th! Just leave a comment below to enter.
Usual CSNStores.com Giveaway rules apply: US and Canada only (sorry). YOU pay the shipping. One time use only. No exchanges or returns. I draw winner randomly. Entries close Midnight, December 24, 2010 Pacific Time.
What are your all-time favorite movies?
Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm supposed to be on vacation, but the movie Mao's Last Dancer is about to hit theaters and I forgot to tell you before I left.
Did you know I wanted to be a ballet dancer until I was about 17 years old? Seriously I did, and I studied really, really hard... right up until I discovered boys and burgers. The two don't mix well with ballet rehearsals and skinny leotards, so that dream was dashed. But this movie makes me wish I'd tried a little harder. The performances are stunning.
Mao's Last Dancer is based on a true story about a young Chinese peasant boy who was plucked out of his village and "chosen" by government officials to study ballet. What unfolds is the story of his growth, determination, commitment to family and how he became a brilliant dancer. Fast forward and he's selected for an unprecedented American dance exchange program... then decides to defect to the US... and you have to see it to know the rest of the story.
I enjoyed this entertaining movie not only for the incredible ballet scenes, but also because it told a story, a real story-- minus explosions, special effects, body counts, T&A or an abundance of dumbed-down dialogue.
In other words, Mao's Last Dancer is a movie for grown-ups-- You know, people old enough to remember Mao Zedong and the Reagan years, who are interested in a unique, tug-at-your-heart story with rich characters that leave you feeling empowered-- all be it with a tear in your eye.
It opens in theaters August 20th. Let me know if you see it.
Now, I'm off for vacation.
xo Joanna
PS I was not compensated in any way for this post.
It was a busy week filled with uneventful-- or at least uninteresting things that kept me on the run. Honestly, I can't think of one thing I actually accomplished but I know I'm exhausted from all the usual chores of a "domestic goddess", I mean average housewife.
But, I didn't want to miss a Sundays In My City gathering, and since I laughed out loud when I drove up the street and saw this sign, I thought I'd share it with you....
It's the main entrance to 20th Century Fox movie and tv studio in Los Angeles. We locals simply call it Fox Studios.
This hideously large billboard-- literally the size of a two story, two car garage that hangs on a frame in front of a sound stage-- changes on a regular basis promoting their latest movie release or tv extravaganza.
When I turned on to the road facing the sign, it was a spec in the distance about a half mile away. As I got closer I realized the blue Avatar DVD sign was now gone and something big and brown was being promoted. When I got close enough to see it, I cracked up because that is one seriously big dog staring directly at on-coming traffic.
Not sure if this movie will be on my "must see" list but it looks like fun.
How's your Sunday?
Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins
Spring is in full bloom and summer is just around the corner. Finally!
But, it seems like every Labor Day weekend I'm asking myself where the summer went. It happens without fail! Before I realize it, Memorial Day, July 4th, the glorious weather, and all things summer have flown by without a moment to enjoy any of it. But this year I'm planing ahead and that's going to change, baby!
This year, I'm making my list of Summer Resolutions and I'm sticking to it-- I'm making plans, organizing my calendar, spending quality time with family and friends, slathering on the sunscreen and ceasing the opportunity to ENJOY the best months of the year!
My Summer Resolutions are simple--
1) Potluck dinners will be on the calendar faster than you can say "pass the potato salad" to connect with friends I don't see nearly as often as I'd like.
2) Plant tomatoes-- My BFF has seedlings for me in her greenhouse and this summer I'm going to nurse those gems into beautiful, ripe fruit that makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
3) Godson and I will fly to Ohio to meet the newest addition to our family-- My sweet niece's baby is due June 19th and I can't wait to get my hands on her.
4) Beloved Husband and I will sneak off for at least two extra long weekends together-- Hopefully one will be in NYC and the other with a spa massage for me and tennis for him.
5) I will find my treadmill again. I know it's here somewhere, under piles of junk, but I WILL find it and use it five days a week like I used to-- Because I want a lot of.....
6) Pool parties! (And this year I'd like to actually swim-- translation: wear a bathing suit.) After the massive repair job we're undertaking on our sinking pool and deck (The construction is moving along swimmingly, by the way.), we will definitely be splish-splashing this summer.
7) Yoga. I'm going to figure it out and find a class or two per week that Beloved and I can take together. Yes, zen is definitely in our future this summer.
8) War and Peace. I've never read but this summer--Coverto cover by Labor Day.
9) I will remember to cut fresh flowers from the garden and bring them in the house to enjoy. We have huge rose bushes loaded with blooms that will brighten my days.
10) And I will partake in mindless entertainment, like this....
Cuz a girl needs a little fluff in the summer, especially after War and Peace.
What are YOUR Summer Resolutions?
Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins
Click Image to see ALL of the "A Crazy Little Thing Called Blog" posts.
Copyright & Comments
Copyright 2014 The Fifty Factor. These are my stories. Some are fact, some fiction, some a little of both. Names have been changed to protect the innocent. Please don't steal my stuff. No part of this site may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without express written permission of the copyright holder.
Comments Policy: Let's play nice, type nice and keep it PG-13. If you feel you simply must hate, slam, shame, drop the F-word or show pics of private body parts-- step away from your computer. Tirades will be deleted. Posting comments to this blog means you are giving them to me forever-- So think carefully before you click "Publish". And last, I reserve the right to edit or remove any posts for any reasons.
Posts
