Movies I Watch Every Year

In the heat and mugginess of the summer, I like to stay inside and watch a good movie.  (I also get a lot of good knit time in while watching these movies).  These are movies that I try to watch sometime each year.  Why?  Because I think they are just that good!  (Included are a few made for tv movies, but I count those as movies).

The list of yearly watch movies (in no particular order):

• The Lord of the Rings (I personally prefer the extended editions)
• North by Northwest
• Anne of Green Gables (all three parts)
• Murder, She Said
• Arsenic and Old Lace
• Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
• The Thin Man
• Wall-E
• The First Wives Club
• Meet Me in St. Louis
• Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Miss Potter
• Clue
• The Muppet Movie
• My Fair Lady
• NetForce
• Dial M for Murder
• The Princess Diaries
• My Big Fat Greek Wedding
• Star Wars (Episodes I-VI)
• The Muppet Christmas Carol
• Bringing Up Baby
• The Mirror Has Two Faces
• The Da Vinci Code

And this little blog went to FL...

"What Dad means by "see" of course, is "drive past at 67 miles per hour." Dad feels it is a foolish waste of valuable vacation time to get out of the car and actually go look at an attraction." - Dave Berry (Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need)

A couple of weeks ago I went on vacation to Key Biscayne, FL. (Key Biscayne is very close to Miami/Fort Lauderdale). The beach was wonderful. Unfortunately, it did rain quiet a bit while we were there - but I actually don't think that really took away from the experience. It rained every afternoon - which made it a perfect time to go shopping or eat lunch.

Arrived in the early afternoon - the perfect time for a late lunch. I would highly recommend the Sawgrass Mills Shopping/Outlet Mall in Sunrise. FL. For lunch I recommend the always amusing Rainforest Cafe (I just love when the restaurant has the "storm" part). Rainforest Cafe has a very yummy veggie burger. I always enjoy looking at the outlet stores.

I would also like to mention (not that any of you care - but I am going to anyway) that we had a spiffy Escape Hybrid as a rental car which I absolutely loved. The ride was smooth and the car was really quiet. I also like the size of the Escape - you get the nice space in the trunk for everything but the car isn't "big" (easy to park, etc). Drove fabulous in the rain too.

Other shopping that I recommend: Dadeland Mall and Village of Merrick Park. Dadeland Mall is extremely large! Every store you can think of is located in Dadeland Mall! (There was a very large Apple Store - and yes I did go look in it...just because...it was there...).

The Village of Merrick Park is an absolutely beautiful outdoor shopping area (since it really isn't a "mall" exactly). I purchased a book at the Border Store there that I been thinking about buying: China Bayles' Book of Days. Excellent book all about herbs and a wonderful companion to the mystery series. (This could have something to do with all the herbs I planted...)

During the trip we also eat at the Hard Rock Cafe in Miami. It is located on the bay - very pretty surroundings. (There is also a mall there too). I do believe that the Hard Rock Cafes have the absolutely best veggie burger anywhere! (There are some fabulous desserts too...but I really do go for the veggie burgers!)

The rest of the vacation was spent sitting on the beach, relaxing, and reading. In the late evenings I watched movies: Quantum of Solace and The Man Who Knew Too Much (1957). As I mentioned in my tweets, I enjoyed both movies. (So I will not bore you with the details yet again!)

Books I recommend from my vacation/beach reads:

• The Lara McClintoch Archaeological Mystery Series by Lyn Hamilton
• The Victorian/Edwardian Mysteries by Robin Paige
• The Sir John Fielding Mysteries by Bruce Alexander

Summary: Had great time on vacation! Highly recommend the area for anyone looking to go on vacation. Well thanks for reading!

Warm Weather, Movies, Chuck, and other Random Musings

"I'm looking for a submarine. It's big and black, and the driver is a very good friend of mine." - Zukovsky (The World Is Not Enough)

If you hadn't noticed, I have started twittering. Yep, figured everyone else was and it is easier than updating the blog. However, still planning to keep the blog around - because there are times were one wants to write more than 140 characters. (I will have to admit it is kind of fun to try to write a message for twitter that is exactly 140 characters...).  So you can now follow me on twitter or read my twitters on my blog.  Moving on...

Michigan has had some (surprising) warm weather recently (in the low 80s).  I am a huge fan of sandals and had great fun in getting them out of my closet.  Unfortunately, the warm weather did not last and it is back in the upper 50s.  It looks like the weather will get a little warmer as the week goes on - we might get into the low 60s.  Don't worry, Michigan has been getting lots of nice rain - regardless of temperature.  On Sunday we got quiet a downpour in the late afternoon.  Otherwise, it was been on/off drizzle.  That way we know spring is here!  :-)

Enjoyed watching the season finale of Chuck last night. Very interesting episode! I so hope it gets renewed! (If you haven't been watching the show, then I highly recommend it).

Since I really don't have much to talk about I will tell you about movies I am currently enjoying.  My life has been wrapped up in my research and teaching recently.  So actually having a "real life" hasn't been happening much :-)  Work-life balance is not something that really exists in graduate school.

Movies I have been watching for the past few months:

• James Bond (OK, not a specific one...more like slowly trying to watch all of them).
• Caprice: Doris Day has an interest role in this film.  It does have a bit of 60's spy movie spoof.  A one point Doris Day has on this wonderful fuzzy pink hat while running through an apartment complex with Richard Harris's character.  Wonderful little comedy.
• Agatha Christie's The Mirror Crack'd: Wonderful little film with Angela Lansbury as Miss Marple.  I did figure out the mystery before it was announced in the film - but only really close to the end of the film.  Some of the dialog is extremely amusing.
• The Thomas Crown Affair (1999 version): The film is excellent, music is excellent, the whole thing was excellent.  It is a must see if you haven't.  (I won't even admit how many times I have seen this film so far...)
• Married Life: This film reminds me of several Hitchcock films.  I thought it was an interesting and amusing film.  (The music was also excellent!)
• The In-Laws (2003 version):  Watched this movie again after not seeing it for a while.  This movie is an excellent comedy!  So many funny parts, excellent dialog, and plot.

Well, thanks for reading.  Hopefully, since things have slightly calmed down (i.e., spring semester is officially over) I will have more time for blogs.  Or at least tweets on Twitter :-)

One Big Sigh of Relief

The semester is finally starting to wrap-up! I got tons of stuff to work on over the summer for my research, but the spring term is pretty much finished. I just have to finish grading and post grades.

My immediate plans for the summer include shopping, watching movies, and catching up on my reading. I just finished Carol Higgins Clark's new book Zapped. Absolutely loved it. I also recently finished Julie Andrews's new book Home. Wonderful book about the her early career.

I recently purchased the The Thin Man DVD set. The movies are from the late 30s and early 40s. The stories and mysteries are pretty good. I love the clothes! The movies have some very funny moments as well - so it is nicely rounded out. I highly recommend it.

Thanks for stopping by and reading. I am hopefully going to update more often (I can't really update any less)!

Many Laughs

"I'm not repeating myself. I'm not repeating myself. Oh, God, I'm repeating myself." - Howard (What's Up, Doc?)

I am currently on a funny movie kick. So I decided (lacking any other topic to talk about) to write a blog about some favorites of mine that I watched recently.

What's Up, Doc? (staring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal): This 1972 comedy keeps you laughing the entire time. The dialog is fast and witty. And the way Madeline Kahn says "Howard!" is just priceless.  There is a line at the end making fun of the movie Love Story which Ryan O'Neal was in.

Bringing Up Baby (staring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn): This 1938 comedy involves a leopard, a dinosaur bone, a dog, stealing a car, golf, and ripping clothes.  No I am not making that list up - all of those elements are part of the movie.  I am guessing that explains why it is so funny!

How to Steal a Million (staring Peter O'Toole and Audrey Hepburn):  This 1966 comedy revolves around stealing something that already belongs to you.  My favorite part is towards the end when they discuss the theft - there is a great line said by Peter O'Toole.

Other comedies that I recommend: Clue, Funny Girl, Funny Lady, Hello Dolly, Galexy Quest, The Pink Panther, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Wererabbit, and Chicken Run.

Can you think of any I forgotten or should watch?

New's of Random Topics

"I tell you what I envy about people in love - I'd love it if someone knew me, I mean really knew me. What I like, what I'm afraid of, what kind of toothpaste I use." - Rose Morgan (The Mirron Has Two Faces)

I realized that I hadn't done a blog with a bunch of links to interesting news articles in a while. Therefore, I thought I would fix that situation (OK, so it didn't need fixing exactly, but it sounded good didn't it?)

The question I know we have all asked at some point, but you didn't think would get answered (least of all with a study): "Why Does Popcorn Cost So Much at the Movies?"

How much push can an atom take if an atom could be pushed? "Scientists Measure What It Takes to Push a Single Atom"

Firefox celebrates a milestone: "500 million Firefox downloads: complete; 500 million grains: in progress"

Luckily thieves are usually not very smart: "Police bust chop shop — for snowmobiles"

Thanks for stopping by and reading! Hope your weekend weather was a lovely as it was here (there was actually some sunshine)!

Funny Times

"So, what, nobody argues with the landlord?" - Fanny Brice (Funny Girl)

As I stated before I am going through this weird "older movie" phase. Plus, TCM has been running 31 days of the Oscar. Anyway, I was surfing channels and caught the end of Funny Girl. So recently I have watched Funny Lady and Hello Dolly. Yep, all Barbra Streisand films. I love the music and outfits from all of the films.

If you haven't seen any of these films you really should. Although Funny Girl was considered better than Funny Lady - Funny Lady is quiet good. The part with the disaster show is my favorite part. I have numerous favorite scenes from Funny Girl - including the wedding dress scene from the Ziegfield show and the funny comments made during the song "You Are Woman, I Am Man" by the Fanny character. Hello Dolly is funny all the way through. The iconic scene where Dolly goes to the resturant is one of the best. Especially, the rapid conversation that occurs in the scene following it.

Wow, will you look at that? I wrote a whole blog that had nothing to do with the weather! Hehe. ;-) Thanks for stopping by and reading. I better get back to my reading.

More Snow?!?

"Good God, Holmes, she was ripped apart by crocodiles!" - Dr. John Watson (Sherlock Holmes: Incident at Victoria Falls)

It is snowing and icy out on the far side of Michigan today. There are wind gusts blowing the snow all over everywhere. The worst is the -15 wind chills. Last night there were several inches of snow. The weather service keeps extending the winter weather advisory. First it was until 4 PM and then moved to 10 PM. The last update was until 1 AM. Hopefully, the winds will die down a little bit. Roads are not very good. If you don't have 4-wheel drive, then the roads are almost impossible. Trust me, I was out in it. All I have to say is ugh!

Recently, I have been watching a 1990's movie Sherlock Holmes: Incident at Victoria Falls. This movie stars Christopher Lee as a retired Sherlock Holmes and Patrick Macnee (yep, John Steed from the Avengers tv show) as Dr. Watson. The movie is very funny overall. It is a typical "who-done-it" with all the characters having secrets and mysterious actions. Although this is not based on original Sherlock Holmes stories, it is a fairly good movie overall. Christopher Lee makes a very good Sherlock Holmes. (Side trivia note: Christoper Lee was in another older Sherlock Holmes movie, but didn't play Sherlock Holmes).

Well, I better get back to work! Lots to do on my research. Well, I have lots of thinking to do anyway ;-) Try to keep warm and un-snowy!

Old Movies, Snow, ect

"How about making me vice president in charge of cheering you up?" - Peter Joshua(Charade)

It has snowed even more here in Michigan. Around 3 inches! Many schools are closed today state wide. I don't actually have any classes today (so of course today is cancelled). We are scheduled to possibly have more snow! Then on Monday we are suppose to warm back up - briefly.

I am on another "old movie kick". Recently, I have watched Charade and Everybody Sing. Charade stars Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. Funny movie and Audrey Hepburn wears some of the most interesting outfits. The surprising twist at the end was quiet good. Also the scene where Cary Grant takes a shower in his suit is really worth seeing. Everybody Sing stars Judy Garland and Fanny Brice. The singing is marvy. OK, so it is your typical "B" movie of the time. But worth a watch anyway.

Tonight another new episode of Stargate Atlantis is on! Ducky. Replicator come to earth is the short version of the basic concept of tonights episode. I am looking forward to see it. A new episode of Psych is also on tonight. I am so glad that each show is run twice in the evening.

Of course, there is some irony that of the few tv shows I do watch they tend to be on the same evening (although this is a first for being on at the same time). I only watch four shows right now (Stargate Atlantis, Psych, Bones, and Boston Legal). And the first two are the only ones running new episodes right now. I will get to add another show to the list next year - since the Sci-Fi Channel has picked up Sanctuary! Very interesting and very different show.

Well, I better get back to work. Lots to do before Monday. Thanks for stopping by and reading.

Again, Not Important...

"I'm looking for corny in my life." - Iris (The Holiday)

Early this morning I noticed the Google logo change to a cool Lego version. I had no idea that Lego's were 50 years old. Wow! I felt that I just had to toss up a blog with that because I was just so surprised. Well, moving on...since I have nothing else to say about that...

The weather has recently become quiet warm (in the 40's) to my surprise. The snow is melting pretty fast (we had like 5+ inches last week). It is also raining on and off. So now it is sloggily. Yes, sloggily.

As you can tell from the quote I am going through a romanic comedy movie theme at the moment. Movies I have been watching recently: The Holiday, Roman Holiday, Little Women, Bridget Jones, etc. Of course, I have seen all of these movies many times and for some weird reason I am in the mood for the that kind of movie recently. Most likely because they all have funny parts. I think I am seeking the comedy portion.

Well, I better get back to the presentations. Unfortunately, they are so not going to write themselves on their own. What I really need is a bunch of monkeys with typewriters....

TV, Book, Etc

"Kudos on the childrearing. Let me know how the therapy goes." - Shawn (Psych)

This week is the final episode of Stargate SG-1 - <>. Such a good show. I look forward to the DVD movie in the fall. Anyway, I will so be watching Stargate SG-1 on Friday. Actually, they are running Stargate SG-1 episodes all this week if you are looking for good tv.

Which reminds me that the next Sanctuary episode is available. You can see it for free at Sanctuary Fans. Graphics are wonderful - even in low res. If you are looking for the lastest news on the show check out the blog written by Damian Kindler. You should so check out the promo for episode 4 - isn't that player super cool?

I recently finished Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes. The plot has an excellent twisted in the middle. It took a few chapters to figure out what was going on. Excellent read with plenty of funny parts.

Doesn't the new Disney/Pixar movie Ratatouille look really funny? Not to mention how great the computer graphics look? If you are an iTunes user you can see some interesting stuff about the movie via the podcast. Plus, there is an excellent 9 minute sneak peek. Anyway, the Ratatouille website has a lot of great stuff to look at and explore. There is even a pinball game.

Well, I better get back to work. The class I am taking is starting to finish up. There is only this week and next week left. I am looking forward to my vacation :) Not that I am going anyway, I am just not taking classes.

Thanks for stopping by and reading!

Music, Quantum Computers, etc

"Just a little bit louder, because this song is intended for humans, okay? Way Back Into Love, take two." - Alex Fletcher (Music and Lyrics)

Current Music Obsession: Soundtrack for Music and Lyrics

I recently watched Music and Lyrics on DVD. Excellent funny movie. If you haven't seen it, rush out and get it. Seriously. I don't see you rushing ;-) Just kidding. It is quiet funny. If you are into romantic comedies, this is one of the best. Plus, you get to see Hugh Grant sing and dance 80s style and if that doesn't make you laugh you are seriously not trying.

I then rushed out to purchase the soundtrack. A couple of really catchy songs. My favorites are: "Don't Write Me Off" and "Way Back Into Love". Both songs are quiet important to the plot of the movie.

Complete side note: Interesting article: "Scientists demonstrate quantum state exchange between light and matter"

My class is going well. Summer classes are so weird. You do in for the day which is really like a week in the normal term. Since I am only taking the one class it is kind of fun to just be focusing on it. Of course, I am suppose to also be narrowing down what I want to do research-wise. Unfortunately, that is on the back burner. Why? Because I like too many areas! I simply can't make up mind. (Yes, I am completely aware of my insanity. Moving on...) By the way this comic and this comic perfectly explain thesis.

Spring has arrived in Michigan. It is sunny and warm today. As normal we have had a bit of rain, but the temperatures are finally starting to pick up. Normally we are in the 70s at least and on often in the 80s. I can finally get out my short sleeve shirts and summer clothes.

I have been enjoying wearing sandals. I have my eye on a couple of interesting pairs at the store - but I have yet to buy any...yet. Of course, any of you who know me well know that it won't be long before I am buying new sandals. I did buy some clearance shoes the other day. Not sandels, but I need something to wear the other days of the year. (Yes, that is my story and I am sticking to it). I got this really cute pair of flats to wear with these pants that I recently got on clearance...

Enough about my shopping "issues" ;-) I better get back to my school work. I have a bunch of exciting reading about histogram algorithms (and other fun pattern recognition topics.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Until next time I remember to update my blog...

Interesting Trailer

"I suppose I'm a lemon!" - Hannah Brown (Easter Parade)

I saw an interesting trailer recently for a movie entitled Martian Child. You can see the trailer (QuickTime) here. The song at the end of the trailer sounds a lot like "Ordinary Day" by Vanessa Carlton. But it doesn't quiet sound the same. What do you think? (Here is a link to a music video of "Ordinary Day").

I know this sounds crazy, but it is really bugging me. The first time I watched the trailer I just knew that I had to figure out the name of the song. (Yes, I know I am crazy). If you are familiar with the lyrics, then the song seems to fit the movie. Hence, I concluded that it might be the song. Anyone else what to wager an opinion?

Not much else exciting to report. It is warm (n the 70s) today. Tomorrow is forcast for the 40s. There is even talk of snow showers later this week. Spring was here and it has left the building ;-) Well, I better get back to work. Lots and lots to do.

Movie of the Day: Bridget Jones's Diary

"We have blue soup to start, orange pudding to end, and, well, for a main course you have, uh, congealed green gunge." - Mark Darcy (Bridget Jones's Diary)

I actually saw the second movie first. So I decided to watch the first one when it was run on Bravo. As minor characters there is the person from the Harry Potter movie and the guy from the new version of Battlestar. Anyway, the whole thing is just funny. It is also nifty to see the everyday girl get the guy.

Link Worthy:

"Tree Rings Offer Insights to Hurricanes"

"Report finds gender bias in university R&D"

"Universities see sharp drop in computer science majors"

Well, I better get back to working on homework. I got water in my ear over the weekend. Therefore, I have partial hear in my left ear. Which makes it quiet interesting. When I talk there is a slight echo. Anyway, I found that putting light pressure and having my head sideways appears to help and clear up my hearing. Therefore, I have been doing everything sideways :-)

News 'N Laughs

"Not that anyone cares what I think, but the restaurant is at the *other* end of the Universe." - Marvin (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)

Hello! Sorry I haven't been updating for a couple of days. I really don't have an excuse, except that it is the last week of class for the first summer term. I have bene quiet busy helping students complete their assignments (and debugging odd errors in their program).

I have been watching The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on one of my movie channels. It is a good movie. The first time I watched it I was kind of confused. However, when I watched it the second (and third time) I found it to be very entertaining and funny. It is truly a movie you have to watch twice. Marvin and the ship with a happy personality were my favorite parts.

On the quantum front: "Measuring single qubits"

Orchid lovers check this out: "Scientists Find Self-Fertilizing Orchid"

"What can a magnet tell you about rain patterns?"

Microsoft goes boldly into new frontiers: "Microsoft sees future in robots"

Good news for all you pandas who read my blog: "Panda poo raises conservationists' hopes for its population"

First iPods and now search engines: "Most Microsoft Workers Search With Google"

What is the world coming to? "Parents pinch pennies from piggy banks"

Thanks for stopping by! Well, I better get to my afternoon office hours. Until next time...

It's Wednesday...

"Winds in the east, mist coming in, Like somethin' is brewin' and bout to begin. Can't put me finger on what lies in store, But I fear what's to happen all happened before." - Bert (Mary Poppins)*

I honestly don't have anything to tell. I have been working on research and teaching. The students are working on classes and overloading operators. Fun stuff todo, not so fun on the teaching aspect. You feel like you have gone over the same couple topics so many times...with so many students...it gets to be interesting. Of course, I know have my little "speal" memorized. Would you like to hear it? No, I wouldn't either if I were you. It's not that good - honest.

Otherwise, I have spending a bit of time reading all about The Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy system. I am trying to write this program see - for research see - and well at least I sort have a little bit of understanding regarding fuzzy stuff. I know a lot more the fuzzy terms now which helps a lot when I am reading some of the papers. Still have a long way to go.

Links to articles I thought you might find interesting:
"Scientists develop algorithm for ultra-secret security technique"

"Researchers uncover earliest dental work in this hemisphere"

"Microsoft Adds Webcams To Hardware Line"

"Two Butterfly Species Evolved Into Third, Study Finds"

*I absolutely love the Mary Poppins movie. I have read the books that the movie was based. Of course, the movie makes Mary Poppins a much more lovable character then the books. Anyway, the point is, yes I like the movie and there is no point in smirking at me regarding it. You know who you are. For everyone else, please continue having a bright and shiney day! Thanks for stopping by :-D

Sticky Water?

"Masquerade...paper faces on parade. Masquerade...hide your face so the world will never find you..." - The Phantom (The Phantom of the Opera)

"Scientists discover water is sticky on a small scale"

Other news 'n stuff:
"Taking Computers to the Quantum Level"

"Microsoft introduces public beta of Windows Live Messenger" (See I point out nice stuff about Microsoft...every once in a while...)

"Dolphins Name Themselves With Whistles, Study Says"

Not much of interest to report. I have had a little bit of time on my hands - which is often common during the first week of classes. So, I have had time to watch a few of movies (because I get a bunch of those movie channels with my cable). Anyway, I am watching The Phantom of the Opera. I hadn't seen the movie version before now which I have to say is an excellent movie.

However, I think I enjoyed going and seeing the musical in person. I will never forget seeing it in Toronto when I was in middle school. The soundtrack is so wonderful - absolutely wonderful. To read more about The Phantom of the Opera musical I suggest this link.