Twerd Update: TTS Eclipse Review

Dear Twerds and Tweeks Club,

I know I've been out of commission lately, but have appreciated all the pre-411 mails and blogs on The Twilight Saga (TTS) Eclipse's premiere in the States. Like the last Twi-film, I was on pins and needles for the premiere in Cairo. I saw it last night and let's just say that I am eagerly awaiting the unveiling of TTS Breaking Dawn 1 & 2! I'm so glad Hollywood is going to split the last book into two Twi-films. I'm not ready yet to say good-bye to my favorite saga characters. But I digress... many have written me wondering what my take was on the third Twi-film installment, so here TTCs, I goeth:

I was pleased that the Twi-film pretty much followed the book. It definitely had better action, acting on the other hand - not so much. That being said, however comma, the essence of the characters stayed TRUE. TTS Eclipse may not win an Oscar, but it will win next year's MTV Awards "Best Kiss" and "Best Punch". LOL. I found it amusing how I reacted to the movie like I did with the book. I wanted to shake Bella with her pamby wafflings, but sheesh both Edward and Jacob were SO HAWT and SO EARNEST in their pursuits that she was quickly forgiven. I kept putting myself in Bella's shoes. LOL. My 18 y/o inner Tween was swooning when both were overtly wooing her... sigggggggh. I was NOT a fan of the directorial choices of camera CLOSE UPS throughout the film (except for Taylor Lautner's face because he is SO old school Hollywood-ly beautiful. Me likes!). On the close ups, I kept getting distracted with Bella's, a.k.a. Kristen Stewart's, pores and weird eyebrows. LOL! I thought the tent scene could have played out better by showing more of Edward's inner/outer struggles with the situation, and Jacob's pleasure in Edward's discomfort. This was one of my favorite parts in the book, so I had been looking forward to this scene. It just didn't live up to my expectations. I did like the line when Jacob told Edward that he was hotter than him; obviously an insider's joke for those that read the book. LOL. Bonus surprise: my conversion to Team Jasper! Holy Twi-Hunk, Batman! The Jasper speakeths. I never realized how yummy his Southern drawl was, and I totally loved his backstory on his life pre-Cullens, as I did Rosalie's. The audience definitely got a more historical perspective of how werewolves and vampires evolved. LOVED that! As for the villainous Victoria, I loved Ron Howard's daughter Bryce Howard's big film debut. I thought she did an excellent job playing the arrestingly beautiful, yet wicked Victoria. Kudos on her acting chops! Looking forward to seeing more of Bryce Howard in the film roles to come. Overall, I give TTS Eclipse two thumbs up! It stayed true to the author's depiction of how and why Edward was the better choice for Bella. Pooooor Jaky. It will be VERRRY interesting to see how TTS Breaking Dawn 1 & 2 will be played out with regards to him.... verrrrry interesting indeedy.

Twilight Birthday Cake

So, a friend of mine had this cake made for her 15 y/o daughter's birthday party. Is it possible to be SO jealous of a 15 year old??? LOL.

Official Trailer: The Twilight Saga Eclipse

And the Twi-madnessssss starts YET a-gain... feel the excitement???

The Twilight Saga Eclipse: June 30, 2010

The Twilight Saga: New Moon is HERE!!!

In the last 24 hours I've received texts, emails, and phone calls about the midnight showing and/or plans to attend the week-end's premiere of New Moon. I am so bummed that I'm not taking part in any of the NM activities, since it doesn't premiere in Egypt until January! Ugh!!! I heard from many that attended the midnight showing from the U.S. to Australia! I saw uploaded mobile phone pics of peeps battened down in jackets and blankets as they waited in line in the cold with their camp chairs, games, and snacks. LoL. Many came in groups and wanted the surety of getting seats together. It was interesting to hear reviews from the different time zones. It was like getting a New Year's party report on the varying stages of the party: some beginning the festivities, some halfway into it, and others nearly completing it. How fun! The first report came from Australia. My movie goer there gave NM two thumbs up with alot of "eye candy" mentionings tacked with a "few cheesy bits" and a hearty "would definitely see it again!!!" Basically, it was my opinion of the first movie, so I will not be disappointed. Watching the Twi-films is NOT just about the films, but what the films evoke: seeing the Twi-characters in action, which draws them a li'l bit closer to our Twi-fanatically racing hearts. So, bite us if you can't relate, you naysayers out there!!! LoL. Then I heard from friends in Alabama who were doing a "Twi-package deal" last night by going to the 10 PM re-showing of Twilight, followed with the midnight showing of New Moon. How kewl was that??? You gotta understand that Twi-hard fans see NOTHING wrong with being in a theater for 4 hours to see Hollywood's Twi-hunks. Nu-uhhh!!! We are truly "bitten" by the Twilight craze! LoL. Then friends on the East Coast from NY, MD, NC, SC, and FL headed out to the midnight showing. I saw uploaded pics of Twi-shirts, Twi-blings, Twi-buttons, and Twi-jackets worn in support of the NM opening. As soon as they entered the theaters, and the texting died down, then friends on the West Coast started sending me reports from Seattle, all parts of California, and sin city Las Vegas. It was maddening and silly and soo much fun, just living vicariously through everyone. Today, more fam and friends will be heading out. I know many who took a half day from work just so they could beat the crowds, but going from the reports I'm receiving, I suspect it will still be crowded as adults (primarily of the female persuasion in the twilight of their tween years) will be playing hookey from work, and will probably (LOL!) run into their daughters who will probably be playing hookey from school. Yet, on a sweet note I know several friends who will be taking their daughters to see it this week-end for some mother n' daughter bonding time. Glad to hear that the hype of this movie has crossed the generation gap and have univerally brought people together in their quest to see this long awaited movie! There may not have been a full moon last night or this week-end even, but I know for a fact New Moon's appearance was a howling success! Can't wait to see it when I go home for the holidays!!! Aiiiiieeoooooooooo!

Update: Overwhelming reports confirmed that New Moon triumphed Twilight at the box office, and may be setting a new record high for an opening night release. It has also been reported, albeit unofficially, that Team Edward fans are converting over to Team Jacob's camp, and retail stores have noted a rise in red riding hood purchases. That is all.

7 More Days!!!

Loving This Twipumpkin!

Getting to the Root of the Matter

Has anyone checked out Kim Kardashian's new blonde do? I haven't made up my mind yet on whether I like it. I definitely like her better as a brunette. What do you think???

Continuing on this subject, I checked out the annals of the internet in search of more dark-haired celebrities that experimented with the blondilocks-look.

I came across Cher. Tsk-Tsk. I remember an interview awhile back in which she admitted feeling like an outcast in her family. Growing up in a household of blonde females, she always yearned for lighter locks. Too bad she never accepted her dark beauty, because she definitely looks better as a brunette!

Kristen Stewart, on the otherhand, looked great in either coloring. Sigh. Just the fact that Rob Pattinson, a.k.a. Edward Cullen, thinks so too makes me quite envious. LoL.

Kelly Clarkson was another brunette that looked attractive as a blonde. Her body may be air brushed on front covers of national magazines, but her hair never needs to be altered on print. Too bad the media can't accept the way she looks!

Another Kelly who could pull off both colorings was Kelly Osbourne. She totally has the Emo-chic vibe going on. Her uniqueness and panache allow her to get away with anything wild and trendy... Dontcha think she'd make a great vampire on film?

Last but not least is Victoria Beckham - glam soccer mom / former Spice girl / latest American Idol Judge. She always looks pouty and scrumptious in every cut n' color she sports. Some girlz have all the luck! Beautiful, Rich, and a Hunky Hub waiting at home... Posh Spice can bend her locks "like Beckham" any which she chooses.

As Seen On TV

So, Edward has finally gotten over what's-her-face, and has professed his undying (literally) love for ME!!! Catch us on our new HBO reality hit tv series "Bite Me".... as we undergo the glaring lights of fame seen under the microscope of reality television.

**********************************************************

Wanna create your own tv blogging project? Follow these steps:

1. Click here. Select a "FaceinHole" celebrity option & upload your pic.
2. Save pic on desktop.
3. Click here. Select the "PhotoFunia" tv effect option.
4. Upload saved pic from your desktop.
5. Copy html onto your blog & have fun!

Kenya Safari CheckList

I finished packing for my safari trip today. Per trip guidelines, I packed light and kept to a soft duffel bag or back pack, since there's not much room in the puddle jumper that'll be landing on the small airstrip near the big game reserve in Masai Mara. Here's what I threw together (hopefully, I have everything!) :

GINA'S KENYA SAFARI CHECKLIST:

• worn but sturdy large backpack Check.

• tourist passport Check.


• plane tickets Check.


• anti-malaria pills Check.


• camera Check.


• sunglasses Check.


• international cell phone Check.


• travel cell phone charger Check.


• LED miniature lantern Check.


• LED pocket sized flashlight Check.


• sports watch with alarm clock Check.


• book light for night time tent reading Check.


• new Twilight Director's Notebook Check.


• iTouch iPod for tunes and movies Check.


• vanity mirror Check.


• insect repellent Check.


• whistle (to alert for help) Check.

binoculars Check.

good hiking / traction shoes Check.

wide brim hat Check.

proof of yellow fever vaccination Check.

chewing gum Check.

soap, shampoo, and conditioner Check.

toothbrush, holder, toothpaste, and floss Check.

contacts, case, and cleaning solution Check.

pocket size first aid kit Check.

rain poncho Check.

bottled water clip fastener Check.

emergency plastic heat blanket Check.

Last things to pack will be my clothes, which I'll stuff on top: cargo pants, long sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirt, and reversible lightweight fleece / rain jacket, etc. It's supposed to be the dry season, but one never knows. It's winter in southern Africa now. Temperatures are in the 70s F by day, and 50s F at night; the PERFECT safari weather in my opinion. Last minute things to get - $50.00 USD for my tourist visa that I'll have to get when I fly into Nairobi, as well as some Kenya Shillings (KES) for tips and incidentals. I think I'm pretty much set! Just 5 more days to go!

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON - 5 Mos & 19 Days!

Like, the Twilight Saga: New Moon MTV awards clip was like, sooooo YouTube-ular.... like ferr sherrr....

Alright, I'll stop my bad impression of 80's Valley Girl talk. LoL. If anyone missed last night's MTV Movie Award's New Moon preview, here it is for your viewing pleasure. I've not been this EXCITED about a movie countdown release since Sex And the City The Movie debut. Come November 20th, I'm prepared to wrestle a gaggle of pimply Tweens and their Twoms to get a coveted seat at the New Moon premiere! You-better-you-better-you bet!

I Twuly, Twuly am a Twerd.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON - 6 Mos & 2 Days!

Here's a FANtastic FAN-made trailer of Twilight's movie sequel, Twilight Saga: New Moon, that will debut on November 20, 2009! You better FANdango your tickets closer to the date, or else you may find yourself standing in line just for popcorn. Egads. Edward Cullen makes me giddy!

Update: Be sure to set your Tivo to the MTV channel on May 31st at 9 pm EST. Clips from Twilight Saga: New Moon will air on the MTV Movie Awards. I'm howling for joy! A-iooowwoooooo!

I'm such a Twerd.

The Button Says It All

NOTE: I SHAMELESSLY STOLE THIS FROM MY SISTER'S BLOG. DEAL WITH IT. I HEART EDWARD!

I Heart Edward Cullen

Dedicated to all the kindred-obsessed Twilight fans out there. LoL. Knew you would appreciate this. Think about this Valentine's Day card when you're out shopping for your man.

Meet Me in D.C.

I left for Cairo early Monday morning and headed to Reagan (Dulles) International in D.C. where I was to have a 6 hour layover. To my surprise, my BFF Gina who lives in MD, met me there and we spent some valuable time together before I flew out of the country. I was delighted and touched that she did that (and thank you, Steve, for watching the kiddies, so she could)!

Here's my KrAzEe friend hamming it up for the camera x 2.

We went to "Angeethi" for yummy Indian Cuisine. Our friendship goes back 13 years to our Rota, Spain days. Gina is my Rock of Gibraltar, which ironically was an island we explored together.

The food was great and conversation uproariously funny. We had not seen each other since summer, when I explored historic downtown Philly with her and her beautiful family.

Cheers to my BFF Gina whose Birthday & Wedding Anniversary fell on January 7th! CONGRATULATIONS to 14 Years of Wedded Bliss & Turning 21 Again!!! LoL.

After scanning the neighborhood for worthy thrift store explorations (as is our modus operandi), we settled for Starbucks where we continued to catch up, laugh, and drink Caramel Frappuccino Ventis. Ever the blogging addict, I finished my "Bon Voyage to Egypt" entry, while Gina read "Breaking Dawn" - the last book of the Twilight series. Gina (and her sister Renea) got hooked on the fabulous Tween series after my persistent not so subtle urgings. LoL. Altogether our 6 hours flew by quickly, and then it was time to take me back to the airport.

As we tearfully parted and I headed to my boarding gate, I thought about my family and friends and how God has truly blessed me with the love and bounty of both. I just wish I could fit all of them in my suitcase, so I could take them with me to Egypt!

Crazed by "Twilight"

Something phenomenal has swept popculture America recently with the new release of "Twilight", a movie based on the first book of a 4-book series written by Stephenie Meyer. The movie has inadvertently catapulted the book saga to best-selling phenomena, thereby finding it compared lately to the Harry Potter craze. Both book series had the successful ability to transcend the age barriers and find its burgeoning mass appeal amongst adult readers. In the last year, I remember BFFs from various parts of the States hooked on these books - and their ardent attempts to sell me on them. I heard buzz words like "vampires", "werewolves", "love story", "teenagers".... {SCREEEEECH!}.... and like that I was no longer interested. C'mon! A teenage love story involving vampires and werewolves? How lame is that??? This series did NOT have me at "hello".... AND to top it off, this series would be found under the "Teen Literature" section of the book store. I mean, sheesh. Just the fact that "Twilight" would be found in the same section as the "High School Musical" novels made me cringe. Pull-eeese!!! And then {SNAP!}.... the strangest thing happened. The debut of the "Twilight" movie right before Thanksgiving smashed all Box-Office expectations.... and the hype was heard around the world. Enough so, that it pulled THIS reluctant bookworm to try it. So, last night with "Twilight" in hand, I started reading at 7:30 and by midnight I had read 310 pages ---with another 188 to go!!! I was so mad that I had to go to sleep because of work! The book is FANTASTIC!!! It draws you in like a spider weaving a web for unsuspecting victims.... and I was the victim! Tonight I rushed home after work and read like a crazed lunatic from 6-9 pm AND FINISHED IT. The only thing was that it made me hungry for more. I called furtively around until I was able to find friends who would loan me the remaining sequels: "New Moon", "Eclipse", and "Breaking Dawn". Fueled by the high of the first read, I spearheaded a team of "Twilight" moviegoers to go watch it with me tomorrow; a movie that I was initially going to wait for its release on video. Now, not so much. Siggghh. (I hate it when my OCD traits kick-in. LoL.) My plan of action is to have the ENTIRE series read within the week, albeit a busy schedule... and seeing that I am a speed reader only when captivated, the fruition of this goal will be distinctly - and assuredly - met. So, if you haven't started reading them yet, jump on the "Twilight" magic carpet ride and get those books a crackin'!