The Last Song

Love, friendship, family, angry, betrayal, loss and forgiveness!

Grab a tissue, cause you will need one at the end.

It’s been a while since I’ve last read Nicolas Sparks’ novel. It’s not bad, but not as good as “A Walk To Remember”. Like Danielle Steel, You pretty much know the outcome of the story. Nicholas Sparks is getting to many books in his writings that are based on sorrow, Loss and death. He can truly write some very heart-warming love stories but I feel like he needs a little change of his routine rut for a change. As I realized my assumption was right, it didn't prepare me for the emotions I felt as I continued to read. “The Last Song “isn't only about love. It's about learning how to forgive yourself for your past mistakes so you can move forward. The last few chapters got me a bit teary!! All of this being said; I did find the ending very touching and bittersweet. Ok, I'm going to get a copy too.

Ps. Interesting??? The librarian told me the screenplay was written before the book, so I’m assuming the movie will be even better than the book. Nope! The movie was not even close to the book. Manny Moore was great as Jamie in “A Walk To Remember”. Miley as Ronnie- not so great!

*** FILM *** Michael Moore's "Capitalism: A Love Story"

I haven't watched all of his film. I watched "Sicko", which was fairly good.
I'm currently watching Michael Moore's "Capitalism: A Love Story". Very disappointed!
Sorry, but I prefer Capitalism (Free Market) over Socialism any day.

What is your take on Michael Moore? I agree, all his films pisses me off about Corporate America, lobbyist and especially Bush! We lived in such a beautiful country, yet the rich get richer and the poor ... well... we are screwed! I just felt Moore only puts clips together that support what he believes. A documentary is supposed to be based on facts. Both side of the story right? Michael Moore didn't really cover all the facts. With "Sicko"- I agree we have TERRIBLE health-care coverage in America. However he has forgotten to mention the long wait for medical care in Canada and how they come to us for more urgent care. Personally, I don't trust the government enough to run our health care system anymore than I trust Corporate America. The Government can screw us just like a corporation can. (Look at Social Security.)

With “Capitalism: A Love Story”, I agree that there are greedy people in Corporate America. Yet, we as Americans should also take responsibility for our own action. (Please don’t be mad @ me for saying this.) Majority of us tend to live beyond our means, we buy things we can’t afford and then we refinance to get ourselves into deeper debt. or file bankruptcy. People shouldn’t have purchase bigger house, when they can’t afford it. I also blame the bank/ for lending money to people who can’t afford it nor understand how different loan works. People need to do research when they are purchasing a big ticket item. They do research on a car before they purchase it, why not a house (loans). People need to learn to make sensible financial decisions.

Isn’t it hypocritical of him to make a movie about “Capitalism”, yet he’s capitalizing on it? “Credit Card Companies: The Corporate Loan Sharks ”- will be his next documentary.. haha

On a lighter note, I’M SO HUNGRY! I can’t eat for 14 hours, because I have to do some blood test tomorrow.

Have a nice weekend all.

*** FILM *** The Kite Runner

Finally another great film! Yes, it’s foreign but very touching and heart-warming. Afghanistan, a country that we have come to know is quite violent (even though this is pre 9/11). However I must respect such beautiful country and culture, despite its violent. Although it’s a culture most of us are not familiar with. However what we see is that we are all more alike than we think. This film teaches us about friendship and how that lived on through all the tragedies that we as North Americans can only imagine. I have to admit, there are parts I can’t bear to watch. However the kite scene was amazing!

Book Reviews-- “Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy” - Martin Lindstrom

So! We are all consumers eh. It’s really interesting to see why we buy or what influences us to buy? From MRI scans, cigarette warnings to how branding & religion are related/linked and why we often choose short-term gratification vs. delay rewards? (Ex. Majority of us will often choose to receive a $15 gift certificate NOW; rather than wait 2 weeks for a $20 certificate.) Product placements in movies and TV shows were pretty cool to read about. Ray Ban gains its popularity when Tom Cruise wore it in the movies "Risky Business" and "Top Gun". Have you ever noticed all the Coke products on American Idol or noticed the stores at the mall uses different fragrances that will makes us buy? =) So next time when you’re at the mall, see if you notices anything different?

Although I find the author a bit cocky and arrogant; I think "Buyology" would make a cool documental for anyone who shops. =) Probably 99.9% females. (Ps. I don’t know the author nor affiliated to him in anyways.) "Buy-ology" gives us a better understanding why we are trick into buying such ridiculous things. It makes me think TWICE before I pull out my credit cards. Do I really need it or do I want it? Of course, I don’t really need it but it makes me question myself if I’m buying for its familiar "comfort" logos. The higher the prices we paid for an item- will make us enjoy it more because we paid more for it. Isn’t that so stupid? Yet I’m guilty of it. "Buyology" allow us to be better consumers by teaching us to be a bit mindful and conscious of what and why we are buying? Think twice before you shop! I know I will. =)

*** FILM *** Bella..

*_~ I think, it's very interesting to find out what ring tone people have.. Couldn't help smiling, when an old grandma's had "Baby Got Back" as her ringtone.. go figure! So what ringtone do you have?

Hmmm.. I was wondering when was the last time you wrote in cursive? (Beside your signature.) Aside from my signature, I just realize last night, I can't do cursive without thinking how to write and connect it. SoOo.. I was wondering if they still teach this in Elementary School, since kids are using pc all the time..

Just finish watching "Bella" last night- such a beautiful and heartwarming movie w/ great acting! It makes you happy and sad.. Life happens when you least expected. =) Definitely check this movie out on a raining day!

=) Have a great weekend all !
Now, back to my BBQ.. Anyone wants some ribs??

Julie and Julia - byJulie Powell

ok, I watched the movie and though the movie was a bit better. The book, however, was so different-- F this and that, but then again it was pretty interesting to read. I don't know if I will ever commit to cooking a book in a year, that's just CRAZY! No wondering she's cussing! Then again, I guess it's worth it. She got a book deal and movie out of it and wasn't expecting it. For now, I think I will stick to my cooking one recipes per week for this year. However I did learn that if you wanna accomplished anything in life, no matter how f**ing hard it is, you just got to do it.

The Time Traveler's Wife

*_~ Finally, I waited for this movie to come out on DVD for almost 3 months now! Surprisingly the movie is better than the book !! I was prepared to be sad.. However they edited out 70% of the book-- all the extra characters,details and negative stuff out from the book. Unlike the book, Claire go crazy waiting for him until she's old to get a glimpse of Henry. Let's put it this way, the movie is basically the fairytale version of the book. =( Don't read the book if you wanna know the true story.. Sometimes less is more! =)

Matters of the Heart

Ok, I realize I have somewhat became a Danielle Steel's fan. Especially when I have nothing to read. What can I say, I'm just comfortable reading her books.

"Matters of the Heart" -You start out liking Hope, the smart and beautiful famous photographer. Although she seem to be a strong women after her divorce to Paul. She then falls in love w/ a sociopathic actor named Finn, who is also bi-polar and a liar going after her money. At the end, Hope seem to be pretty weak and useless. It makes me wonder why do women stays w/ their abuser or allow someone to treat them that way? (Please don't say Love. )

Rouge

I know I shouldn't like this book, but I do. The beginning was a bit slow, but it gets better toward the end. Blake needs to grow and he did at the end.

Best Friends Forever: A Novel

=( My first Jennifer Wiener's book, so I really wanted to like this book. Mainly b/c I liked the movie, "In Her Shoes", but I was quite disappointed w/ this book. Is Addie and Valerie really best friend? Come on now... Jordan's police chase over a crush on Addie? Valerie's still the superficial person she was in high school. I do feel sorry for Addie, yet she's just so pathetic! Taking Valerie back and seeing an old man/doctor..