‘Mr. Brooks’ Delivers

I saw ‘Mr. Brooks’ this evening, and was surprised at how sadistic and thrilling it was all at the same time. Since I’m not one for violent films, I had to look away during certain parts, but all in all ‘Mr. Brooks’ takes you on an intense and mysterious ride. Demi Moore plays Tracy Atwood in the film, an FBI agent who is trying to find ‘The Thumb Print Killer.’ Moore proves that she hasn’t had to brush up on her acting chops…she’s still got it! Kevin Costner plays the title role, and shines as well. He plays a successful businessman who ‘gets off’ on killing people as a side project. He attends AA meetings for this ‘addiction,’ which is what he claims it to be. And during certain scenes in the film you can hear him muttering the serenity prayer under his breath. Dane Cook, comedian extraordinaire, is also in the film, and plays an odd character who witnesses a murder and uses photos as a bribe towards Costner’s ’Brooks.’ Veterans Costner and Moore show strength and prominent acting ability, and that their film careers are far from over. ‘Mr. Brooks’ has a lot of bite, and many surprises around every corner. A message this film left with me, is nothing is as it seems. And that wise men cover up their tracks, of course.

They’ve still got it.

*P.S. – This is not a SPOILER review! I gave the best review I could without giving the complete storyline away! Just go see it…*

Maine Diversity

I have visited Maine before and absolutely loved it. It’s one of the most beautiful, and serene states. Maine’s coast is one of the cleanest, and nicest around . And the beaches are breathtaking and definitely suitable for a good swim. The Ogunquit and York areas of coastal Maine are very gay and lesbian friendly. Some restaurants and inns even have rainbow flags hanging outside of their establishments. Walking along the quaint and scenic roadways, gives a sense of belonging, and offers an appreciation for diversity. Other close towns include Moody, Wells, and Kennebunkport. These towns also have beaches and nice shops, as well as whale watches and lobster hunts. My girlfriend and I happen to be going at the end of June, and we’re staying in Wells, which is not far from Ogunquit. We’re staying at The Majestic Regency (www.majesticregency.com), which offers pretty good accomodations at decent prices. We found it hard to plan last minute for the busy 4th of July weekend. So I suggest you plan months in advance if you plan to go away for a holiday, or on a holiday weekend.

 Many different festivals go on around this time of year, and listings can be found on Maine’s official state website: www.visitmaine.com. You can also visit Ogunquit’s official site: www.townofogunquit.org. And for everything gay in Ogunquit: www.gayogunquit.com.

Diversity in Vactionland.

Old Fashioned Eateries

Whatever happend to those delicious and fast burger places that were on the side of the road back in the day? You know, the ones where items on the menu included chili cheese fries, shakes, burgers galore, hotdogs with the works, fish n’ chips, and more. Thinking about those types of eateries brings summer to mind, as it’s fast approaching. Some places like that still exist accross the country. For instance, Overton’s in Norwalk, CT. They have good food, and offer it at good prices. You also can eat on their deck, which overlooks the water. Overton’s makes for a nice afternoon meal, and a great view of the Long Island Sound as you enjoy. Stop by to eat and relax on a warm weekend day. For more info, including menu and pricing, as well as address, visit http://www.culinarymenus.com/restaurants/overtonsseafood.htm.

Food with a view.

Little Richie

Nicole Richie of the Simple Life fame, may be pregnant. No, I’m not kidding. Her and current flame Joel Madden of Good Charlotte may be expecting a little one in a few months. I’m not sure how she’s going to be able to carry a baby, seeing as she’s all of what, 80 something pounds, not even? She has struggled with weight issues for almost three years now, since Simple Life really became popular. Rumor has it that she lost the weight because she felt in competition with BFF Paris Hilton. On the first season of the Simple Life, Richie is much heavier than she is now, and she actually looked GOOD. This whole skeletor thing she’s trying to pull off now is just so unattractive! She has also been involved in drug use and hard partying, which will all have to stop if she is in fact pregnant. I hope she’s not, because she really needs to take care of herself before she can take on such a responsibility. She also needs to be a healthier weight, or she risks not being able to carry the baby for the full term of pregnancy.  What brought this whole thing about in the first place was paparazzi photos were showing her with a ‘bulge’ for a stomach. It could either be malnourishment, or as I’ve mentioned, a baby on the way. And if she is pregnant, it could all be to avoid a jail sentence due to her DUI earlier this year. How derranged!

Clueless.

‘Break’down

What’s wrong with Kelly Clarkson? Friends of hers have attributed the cold star has given up on love, and has become somewhat depressed over the past few months. She has been struggling with weight loss and gain since her stay on American Idol. When her weight was down, she was basically starving herself. Now that the weight is back on, she feels inadequite and as if no one finds her attractive. She just wants someone to be able to love her for who she is. Well, if she continues to follow in the footsteps of the ‘diva legacy,’ she’ll never get anywhere. After shunning Clive Davis and his creative ideas regarding the upcoming album, critics smell a ‘disaster.’ She also recently fired her longtime manager! Major sources are expecting Clarkson’s third, and highly anticipated album, to tank. I’ve heard some tracks from the album, and it really isn’t all that impressive. Sounds like the every day mundane sleeper tracks we’re hearing on the radio now. Except for the angst-ridden first single off the album, ‘Never Again.’ Almost seems derived from Alanis Morissette’s scorned ex anthem ’You Oughta Know.’ We need something more edgy, something more daring. Something more like her songwriting on ‘Breakaway.’ Whatever she needs to figure out, she better do it, and quick. Her album ‘My December’ is scheduled to hit store shelves on June 26th.

Backed against the wall.

Blonde ambition.

Lindsay Lohan, The Lesbian?

Hardcore party girl Lindsay Lohan, now in rehab for alcohol and cocaine abuse, is rumored to have had lesbian flings here and there. And with the new photos surfacing of her and wannabe celeb Vanessa Minnillo in the midst of knife play, it’s a clear indication that she has lesbian tendencies. The night she was seen innebreated after visiting one of L.A.’s hotspots, she was with ‘friend,’ and rumored lover, DJ Samantha Ronson (and daughter of famous guitarist Mark Ronson). Passed out and unresponsive in the passenger seat of her Range Rover SUV, Ronson was trying to shield her hopeless ‘friend’ from paparazzi snapshots. These two have been rumored to be dating, and the night Lohan crashed her Mercedes, she was heard screaming at Ronson, ‘you f*cking lesbian b*tch!’ Hmmm, what a way to speak to your ‘friend.’ It appears that Miss. Lohan was acting on some kind of resentment there. A lover’s spat? Perhaps. A night gone bad? Oh, absolutely!

Love at first fight.

Under the knife. Literally.

Motorola Q. Just Call It QWERTY.

I want this phone. I just do. If you were to see, or even hold this phone, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s a compact powerhouse, full of options and extras. This (QWERTY) is a far cry from others that are available on the market. Sprint and Verizon are two of the networks that offer this phone. It is possible to obtain this wonderful gadget for an average retail value of $199 USD. Some of the features of the Q include its ultra sleek design, look and feel. Features include: Blue Tooth capability, internet access, dual stereo quality speakers, large high resolution display (320 x 240 pixels, 65K TFT), 1.3 mega pixel camera with photo lighting, advanced speech recognition and speakerphone, Multi-Media Messaging (MMS), and much more!!! So go to your local retailer and check this bad boy out. You won’t want to leave the store without one. For more information, visit www.motorola.com/q.
 

Motorola…That’s what I’m talking about.

 

Don’t hate me because I’m thin AND good looking.

Bronx Bombers Streak Into Subway Series

Holy smokes! The Yankees are making a comeback. And the hero of the day seems to be…none other than…A-Rod! Yes, that’s right. Alex Rodriguez has been on fire lately. The Yankess have just won nine games in a row after winning 7-1 against the Diamondbacks yesterday. They go into the Subway Series against the Mets tonight. The Mets are now on a five game losing streak, and hope to bounce back during this three game series. The Mets just can’t seem to find any answers lately, and it’s not that their pitching staff isn’t any good. I mean, come on now. They’ve got Glavine, Maine, Sosa, Perez, and Martinez. And their heavy hitters, Beltran, Wright, Reyes have all stepped up this season. They just need to get back on track. While the Mets star pitcher (Martinez) has been getting physical therapy for his injury down in Florida, he’s been watching his Mets slip away. Martinez has been out on the disabled list for awhile now, but he’s due back in August. He’s more than likely the answer the Mets are looking for.  I hope this series doesn’t leave me, and other Mets fans screaming ‘PEDRO, PEDRO, PEDRO!’

 

My bat is on fire, so am I.                                                                            

   

He cleans up nicely, indeed. Although he should be suiting up in a Mets jersey.

June Is National Pet Adoption Month

For all those animal lovers out there, June is national adopt a pet month.  So get out there and show your love and support for these animals. Whether it’s volunteering at your local shelter, or adopting a pet of your own. These animals all deserve loving homes. Many of these animals have been malnourished, abused and mistreated, or abandoned. So visit your local shelter or humane society today. By helping these animals, you’ll be benefitting as well by receiving their love and devotion.

You can find your local pet shelter by looking for one in your area on an internet search engine, or by looking one up in a phone book. In  Connecticut, the Westport Humane Society always has plenty of animals who need homes. Contact them for more information, or simply go to www.cthumane.org for more on other shelters throughout the area.

I’m cute AND lovable. Adopt me!

Vitamin Water, Making 50 Cent ‘Rich’er

I happen to love this stuff. It’s called Vitamin Water, and it’s Fitty Cent’s favorite drink. Paritally, because he’s part owner of Glaceau, and just sold the company to Coke for some rediculous amount of money. Now he’s $100 million dollars richer! My favorite is the kiwi strawberry Focus. Which happens to be Kelly Clarkson’s favorite, and even has her name mentioned on the bottle. I also like  XXX, Essential and Revive. What’s your favorite Vitamin Water?

Can you see the resemblance? What a partnership.

 Chug-a-lug! Kelly’s staying Focus’d.

Now THAT’S Hot

Paris Hilton still remains a poor little celebrity behind bars. I for one, don’t really give a damn, because if she did the crime she needs to do the time anyway. No one else would be exempt from the rulings of the United States judicial system. Paris does happen to be humble in certain aspects. She has released a statement saying that she will serve out her remaining sentence, and hopefully will become an example for our American people as in how NOT to act and behave. Bravo Paris!

 

Like, I’m famous for nothing. Wow, that’s hot!

What’s Your Take On Fast Food?

Almost everyone I know has divulged into the world of fast food at one point or another. Hell, Martin Spurlock even had a hit film based on the subject. There have even been lawsuits against some of the companies, claiming that no one was aware that the food was causing obesity in children. Give me a break! You’re downing a Whopper or Big Mac that contains 800 calories a pop, and you think if you eat those in excess you won’t gain a pound? Please! I, for one, happen to eat at these ‘joints’ every once in awhile. Although I try to avoid them at all costs. For example, if I’m running late for work, and haven’t had a chance to make anything, or grab something on the way out, I head to a fast food restaurant. Why, do you ask? Well, because one, it’s fast. Two, it tastes good (usually). And three, it’s cheap. Enough said…

 If I had a choice of the top fast food restaurants to frequent, these would be the ones. In order.

 Burger King. Gotta love their signature Whopper. And who can forget those delicious crispy fries?

 Wendy’s. Fries are sometimes soggy, but their chili sure makes up for it.

 Hardee’s. My third pick, and the one farthest from the area. These restaurants are only offered down south. Can’t resist the Thickburger, char broiled. Mmmmm.

  Taco Bell. Yes, before McDonald’s. Why? Because I love their nachos. Also, because I said so.

 McDonald’s. Can’t go wrong with the Quarter Pounder with cheese. Their chicken strips aren’t bad either.

 KFC. Yeah, they sure do chicken right. With all the rumors surrounding this chain, it’s surprising people still visit this restaurant. Aside from the cruelty placed upon the chickens they supposedly torture, they do offer some good combination meals. I go for the Twister combo wrap, or the crispy chicken meal with mashed potatoes, maccaroni and cheese, and wedges.

Dogster

My friend Jos informed me about this cute site for dog lovers. It’s like a MySpace community, or a Friendster for dogs! What a great concept. You can upload photos, fill in traits that your canine companion possess, and invite family members to join as well. You can also receive health and food information from the site. This is the start of something big.

Here: Visit Rory’s site, and become her friend today!

South Of Nowhere

This is a show I came to know about from browsing random videos the other night on YouTube. It has a very cute and sweet storyline, which finds two young women, Ashley and Spencer, forming a friendship that has them unknowingly falling in love. This do or die, young romance reminds me of a modern Romeo and Juliet, only it’s Juliet and Juliet. I think this show has a nice concept, and gives young teens, and young adults out there a show they can relate to and turn to when they have no other resources. This show lets them know that questioning your sexuality, or even being gay or lesbian, is ACTUALLY OK. These young adults are not alone, and this show serves as a comfort. I only wish they had shows around like this when I was growing up. Being gay and lesbian has now become more accepted. Lets just hope the LGBT community keeps transcending, and moving forward. South Of Nowhere is featured on The N network. For station and show time information, check out www.the-n.com.

Hello world!

There is much to say about the life of a ‘butifuldsastr.’ I find the name to be appropriate for myself, due to the inner turmoil I sometimes face in my life. Like the rest of the human population, I have fears, anxieties, faults, and doubts. I sometimes feel trapped in my own skin. But the bottom line is, we each in our own right possess a beauty that is all our own. Embrace it.