Rob Collapses, James Rampages, Steph Goes Home

You know how they always say Survivor is a lot harder than it looks?

This past week - well, it looked hard. Really rough. So rough that I don't think I'd wish that upon anyone.

For one thing, it's been raining a lot, and they're complaining about it. A lot.

Then we had poor Boston Rob, trying so hard to be nice to his tribemates, trying so hard to bite his tongue and not rip their heads off. He's stuck with a bunch of bozos who don't seem to care that they're getting soaked every night, so he's basically been trying to rebuild their shelter, every day, by himself. You could see his morale withering. This is a tough guy who's done this twice before, who knows what struggles, both physical and mental, are involved with Survivor. Never once had we seen Rob crack under the pressure.

Until now. Mumbling something about needing more water, Rob stumbled off into the bushes and collapsed. While the cameraman filmed on, Jerri came across him and tried to revive him. He croaked out feebly, "Get help." Jerri ran to get the medical team while the cameraman filmed on. (Seriously - what would it take for one of them to put down the camera?!)


It was one of the scarier moments I've witnessed on Survivor. Boston Rob's eyes kind of had this glazed look. He struggled to sit up, and was having trouble responding to Probst and the medical staff. They offered him a bottle of water, and he couldn't even get it to his mouth, water spilling everywhere. Probst looked seriously concerned, but the doctors assured him it looked worse than it was; that Rob likely had a flu and just needed rest and water.


In the aftermath, Rob - big, strong, tough Rob - broke down and shed a few tears, commenting on how the game was getting the best of him. But in true Boston Rob fashion, he got to his feet, cracked his famous mischievious grin, and claimed he wasn't quitting.

May I just say...PHEW!!! If he'd been med-evac'd out, this season would have lost one of its biggest characters. I mean, a day after he collapsed, he was leading the Villains to another win over the dysfunctional Heroes, even holding up one of those massive blocks for their puzzle staircase on his back, pretty much all on his own. You might love Rob, you might hate Rob - but in that moment, you had to admire Rob.

So the Villains carry on their victorious ways while the Heroes continue to flounder. It got really bad this week in their camp, as alliance lines were becoming clear and people were scrambling to get the last few stragglers - Cirie and Candice - on their side.

At the challenge - a combined luxury and immunity competition - they agreed to allow JT to lead them and listen to him, as he had competed in this event in his season of Survivor. However, their egos got the best of them, and a few people tried to speak up during the competition. Once again, their big lead in the physical portion dwindled as the mental side of putting the puzzle together got them all bogged down and confused. James began accusing Stephenie of not listening, and several times angrily told her to shut up and listen.


Steph knew this was bad news, as she already had Rupert against her. Following their failure at the challenge, James blew up at camp, ordering them that they had to listen at challenges and forget about talking. "One voice, y'all! One voice!" But his "y'all" was clearly directed at Steph, and she, along with her alliance of Colby and Tom, felt severely threatened.

Tribal council was an all-out brawl, with James and Steph going toe-to-toe, and eventually both Colby and Tom jumped in to defend their alliance member. At the end of the day, though, their efforts to sway Cirie and Candice to their side were fruitless, and Steph was voted out, leaving the two 'good guys' of the tribe in a rather precarious position.

Tensions are high. Attitudes are outta control. Alliance lines have been drawn. And as far as I can tell, war has been declared.

If you'd told me that was what would happen to the Heroes after a week in Samoa, I would've laughed.

Should make for yet another interesting episode this week!

The Blog Hits the Big-Time

Survivor re-cap is coming folks, but in the meantime...check out something pretty cool in my world...

My blog was quoted on Dustin Bentall's website! Wicked awesome! Check it out at www.dustinbentall.com

I still have my Dustin Bentall Outfit CDs in steady rotation in the Rav; in fact, I've listened more to them and Kendel Carson's album than my Blue Rodeo stuff since the concert. What a great night that was...

Special thanks to Meagan and Sarah for giving me the heads-up that my blog had made it to Dustin's webpage. I love it!! :)

The Way-Late Survivor Recap

I had big plans for my Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains Episode 1 recap. I was going to take notes and everything. It was going to be the best blog ever.

But then, I ended up watching it in bed at 10 PM last Thursday night, after the Sens game was over, so I decided to forgo the note-taking and just lock all the details I wanted to talk about in my steel-trap of a mind, then blog about it on Friday.

Friday came and went, and I completely forgot. I remembered on Monday, but by then Blue Rodeo happened, and I've kind of been caught up in them and Dustin Bentall and Kendel Carson ever since.

So Episode 2 goes tonight, and you're just getting my recap today. And it's like swiss cheese - full of holes, 'cause I forget half of what I wanted to talk about!

One thing I do remember clearly: Colby's hotness. The boy's still got it. He's ideal. He's perfect. He's everything I've ever dreamed about it a man. He's amazing.

That being said, in the first luxury challenge, which they sprang on the Heroes and Villains moments after being marooned on the beach by army choppers, Colby was owned. By Coach, no less. It was a tough pill to swallow. The challenge saw two members of each tribe going against each other in one of the most physically demanding games Survivor contestants have ever played. They had to scour a section of sand to find a buried bag, then race back to their mat with it. There were no rules. The other team could do anything to stop you once you had that bag in your possession.

There were some intense battles. Steph dislocated her shoulder and had to have it popped back in by medical staff. Rupert broke his toe. Villain Sandra (who I detest) even un-hooked Sugar's bathing suit top during their melee in an attempt to stop her. She should've known that Sugar wouldn't be stopped by such a petty trick - she grabbed the bag, raced to the mat, everything hanging out, then turned and flipped Sandra the bird - with both hands. I'm not a Sugar fan, but I loved that moment.

But my poor Colby. He managed to get his hands on the bag, but no help from his teammate Tom was available, as Russell had Tom literally turned into a pretzel. That left Colby and Coach to duke it out over the bag. Colby never let it go, but somehow, Coach managed to drag him all the way to his mat. I have to admit, even if Colby won't - it was a little embarassing.

Now, I missed Tyson's season so I was unfamiliar with him going into the game, but after hearing his comments about Colby and Coach's battle, I now know why he's a Villain. And I developed an instant hate for the man. He said he could imagine how Colby felt after Coach rode him to the wrong mat - that he had lost all his masculinity, and that he should just become a woman. God, I hate Tyson. Making his comments even more ridiculous was the fact that the guy strutted around in a skin-tight leopard-print bathing suit. EW. And he's calling Colby a woman???

Overall, I found the entire episode very entertaining. It's such an awesome mixture of past contestants - so many big personalities, so many strategies - and it's only just begun!

And the first showmance brewing? Would you believe - Jerri and Coach? My, how the girl has changed directions from her first season in the Outback, when she hunted Colby, clearly desperate for him. Now, 10 years later, she's got sparks flying with Coach - who, in my opinion, is the complete opposite of Colby, in both looks and attitude. Strangely enough, I think Jerri and Coach might be just perfect for each other. And maybe he'll distract her away from her vendetta against Colby, which apparently she's still got on her mind.

Someone else wanted to get some lovin' in Samoa, and that was Sugar, who set her sights on the ever-goregeous Colbster. Could I blame the girl? Absolutely not. However, after a night of chasing Colby around their shelter, Sugar didn't take the hint. Colby was avoiding her at all costs. She'd snuggle up against him, and he'd move. She'd find him, and cuddle up again. He'd move. Colby eventually ended up leaving the shelter to sit by the fire, and guess who joined him? Seriously, though, no matter how pathetic and desperate it looked, I had to smile - Lord knows if I was out there, I'd be doing the same damn thing. ;)

The Heroes came strong out of the gate and won that first challenge, receiving flint to start a fire. They hit their beach confident and ready to work - they all pitched in, getting their shelter built, a fire started, and they even caught a bunch of chickens. As expected, the Heroes were off to a great start.

But as it turns out, it wasn't so terrible to be a Villain. Sure, they spent more time scheming and plotting instead of working on shelter, but they managed to get fire going thanks to Boston Rob's persistence, and after losing the luxury challenge, they went into the immunity challenge with something to prove.

The Heroes jumped out to a big early lead, paddling their boat together as if they'd been doing it their whole lives. They got out to their flame and brought it back to the beach long before the Villains. However, then they had to complete a puzzle, in which they got completely bogged down. The Villains caught up, and thanks, once again, to Boston Rob's calm under pressure, he and Sandra were able to get the puzzle done and the Villains blew by the Heroes to win immunity.

Are the Villains right? Are there too many big egos on the Heroes' side for them to do any damage as a team? They could be right, but I think there are some pretty big egos on the bad guys' side as well. Boston Rob? Russell? Coach? Sandra? Jerri? Tyson? These people are pure evil and I think it's only a matter of time before they self-destruct.

It will also be intersting to see how much of a role past relationships will play in the game. They're already starting to touch on it a bit - Stephenie and Tom have played together before, Cirie and Amanda have played together before, James and Parvati have played together before, Jerri and Colby have played together before... these past relationships are bound to have an affect on the game.

At the end of the day, it was Sugar who was the first to go. She annoyed Colby, she cried when they lost the challenge, and several members of her tribe felt she wasn't mentally prepared for this go-round, so they said good-bye...and as Colby said, with all the different personalities out there, she won't be missed.

Looking forward to tonight - in previews, they show Boston Rob collapsing and the medical team being brought it. I don't think this has any bearing on Rob staying in the game at this point. I think he'll be fine, and that someone else will be going home tonight. If I had my wish, someone like Tyson would go. Or Russell. Or...oh, hell, there's too many bad guys out there. I want them all to go! Please, let it be a Villain tonight!!

A Magical Canadian Night

I hate Valentine's Day...loathe it, detest it, want to abolish it.

For that reason, I always try to plan something for that day to take my mind off the fact that all the happy couples of the world are all making googly eyes at each other and being all lovey-dovey.

This year, when news broke that Blue Rodeo was playing Scotiabank Place on V-day, I quickly rallied the troops and snapped up floor seats in the pre-sale. I've been a fan of BR for a long time, but had never seen them live, and I thought, what better time to check them out?

Turns out, it was a very, VERY good plan! I didn't even care that the place was filled with hand-holding couples (and many of them middle-aged). I completely blocked them out; totally ignored them.

One of the best parts of the whole night happened before Blue Rodeo even took the stage. Their opening band, The Dustin Bentall Outfit, a folky-rock-country group from Vancouver, were amazing. I was so completely impressed - it is one of my greatest joys to discover new music, and it's even better when it's Canadian. Dustin is the son of legendary Canadian singer/songwriter Barney Bentall (didn't know that til I Googled him this morning!), and as far as I can tell, it won't be long before he's taking the Canadian music scene by storm himself. Their set was such a pleasant surprise, with my personal favourites being "Emmy-Lou" and "Such a Shame". We made sure to stop by Gate 1 to pick up their CDs (Street With No Lights and Six Shooter), as well as the CD of their guest fiddle player and vocalist, Kendle Carson (Alright Dynamite), who's song "Baby Lie Down" was beautiful.

(PS - Yeah. Dustin's hot.)

Already, the night was going well, so there was no way Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor could let me down. Thankfully, I had studied up on their new 2-disc album, All the Things We Left Behind, so I was prepared for the new material, of which much of their set was made up. Highlights for me were "Never Look Back", "One More Night", "One Light Left in Heaven", "All the Things We Left Behind", "Candice", and the hauntingly beautiful "Gossip". Surrounded by people who looked like they were old enough to be our parents, you would expect that it would be a fairly tame, polite crowd - which, for the most part, it was - however, it was after "Gossip" that this tall man with greying hair in the row in front of us shouted, "Play something more lively!" Had he not just heard the beauty of the music; the sad and bittersweet lyrics? I literally wanted to slap him (but I refrained from doing so...)

I heard several people on the way out grumbling that they didn't play enough older songs, but as far as I was concerned, they played almost all of the fan favourites, including "Cynthia", "Heart Like Mine", "Head Over Heels", "Rain On Me", "Rose-Coloured Glasses" and "Trust Yourself". Of course, it wouldn't be a Blue Rodeo show without "5 Days in May", and it was absolutely epic .

It wasn't until they played "Hasn't Hit Me Yet" (right near the end of their set) that the crowd finally came to their feet, singing loudly when Greg Keelor turned the mic out to the fans and let us sing the first verse and chorus entirely on our own. They closed things out with another fan favourite (but certainly not my favourite), "Diamond Mine".

The encore was unbelievable. "Til I'm Myself Again" kicked it off, keeping the crowd on its feet and dancing in our seats. I was positively thrilled when Cuddy swung into "Try" next - the very first BR song I fell in love with, and still my favourite to this day.

And what better way to end the show than with "Lost Together"? BR invited Dustin Bentall and his Outfit back on-stage to join them, and it was amazing. So many voices, so many guitars... Keelor began the song, as usual, but then gave way to Dustin for the second verse, and band member and vocalist Wayne Petti performed the third. It was then that I realized I wished the song could go on forever.

What an awesome live band; what an awesome show. I've always been a Cuddy fan - (that seems to be a game BR fans play - which camp are you in? Cuddy or Keelor?) - but I came away from the show with a deeper appreciation for Greg Keelor as well, especially when the two unique voices harmonize. It's enough to send shivers up and down your spine, it's so perfect.

There was only one thing that could make this magical Canadian night even more wonderful - and that was news out of Vancouver where the 2010 Winter Olympics are currently underway that Canadian Alexandre Bilodeau had won us our first gold medal on home soil in the Men's moguls.

It was a golden night, indeed.

Kick-Off to Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains

I haven't been this excited about Survivor in a really long time.

In fact, I haven't even really watched the show for the past two or three seasons. But tonight, it's the special 20th edition kicking off with past Survivor contestants being split into two camps - the Heroes vs. the Villains.

It's going to be an interesting season, for sure!

But before I go any further, I'd like to give special thanks to Survivor creator Mark Burnett for bringing back my beloved Colby once again. This season will be Colby's third. Imagine, it's been ten years since I first adored the man, when he outwitted, outplayed, and almost outlasted in the second season, Survivor: The Outback. He made what's now known as the classic good-guy move, after winning 5 straight individual immunity challenges, by choosing to take Tina with him to the finals instead of the unpopular Keith. It was a choice that cost Colby the $1 Million prize.

He returned for the All-Stars season, but he was the 5th sent packing, not even making the jury. Colby recently stated that his head wasn't in the game that time; that he was coerced into going by Jeff Probst, and went reluctantly. This time, though, he's there to see if he can still play with the big boys.

And let me tell you, with the familiar faces coming back, he's going to have his hands full.

The Heroes are:

Colby Donaldson

Rupert Boneham

Jessica "Sugar" Kiper

James "JT" Thomas Jr.

Tom Westman

Stephenie LaGrossa

Cirie Fields

Amanda Kimmel

James Clement

Candice Woodcock

The Villains are:

Rob Mariano

Russell Hantz

Courtney Yates

Randy Bailey

Tyson Apostol

Benjamin "Coach" Wade

Sandra Diaz-Twine

Parvati Shallow

Danielle DiLorenzo

Jerri Manthey

So many strong players from past seasons - how would one even approach this game? What strategy is the best to take? There are professed liars, deviants, some of the most cunning players to ever take on Survivor. Four of them are past winners - JT, Sandra, Tom, and Parvati. Many others made it to the finals. Most of them had strategies that took them far in the game - sometimes, more than once, as for a few of them, this is their third kick at the can.

Who am I looking forward to seeing (aside from Colby, of course)?

Boston Rob is a former favourite of mine; he's leaving behind his wife (and former All-Stars winner, who he came runner-up to) Amber and their new baby to take on the game again. Rob keeps saying if their smart, they'll get rid of him quick - rumours on Survivor sites are that they do just that.

James Clement, the big, soft-spoken, sexy gravedigger is also making his third attempt at Survivor. The first time around, he was the man behind one of the biggest gaffes in show history when he was voted out while holding not one, but two unused hidden immunity idols. In the Fans vs. Favourites season, he was forced to leave early due to injury. James is just so hot, he's gotta stick around for awhile...

Rupert Boneham, of course, is a huge favourite for Survivor fans. Everybody loves Rupert. It will be interesting to see how he fares out against some of the heavyweights of the game.

Stephenie LaGrossa is another one back for her third attempt. Steph is heralded as the only Survivor who ever had to live alone. Her pathetic tribe couldn't win a challenge to save their souls, and it was whittled down until it was just her and Bobby Jon left. Meeting face-to-face in a fire-building challenge, Stephenie overcame the odds and beat out Bobby Jon. She spent a whole night alone in Palau before being merged in with the other tribe. She's one of the strongest females to ever play the game, and I'm looking forward to seeing how she does this time around.

And of course, Jerri Manthey...One of the first Survivor Villains to ever emerge. She is Colby's biggest nemesis. Jilted by him in the Outback, she came back in the All-Stars round with revenge on her mind. She was one of the main factors in his early departure. I'm hoping this time she will leave Colby alone - surely the girl must have bigger fish to fry by now? Interstingly enough, Jerri is one that I didn't think would return. She was so hurt by the boos and jeers at the All-Stars Reunion that she stomped off the set in tears. Has she grown thicker skin since then? 'Cause sweetie, you're still no fan favourite!!

Ironically enough, in the pool Stacy set up for a group of us, Jerri was randomly chosen as my player. MINE. How unfair is that?! I've hated Jerri Manthey from Day 1. I prayed that I would get Colby, but I end up with his arch-enemy. Agh!!!

Regardless of the fact that I'm supposed to cheer for Jerri, I know that won't be how it goes. I'll be rooting for Colby, no matter what.

I just can't wait for this thing to get rolling!!!

The Red-Hot Sens Roll On...

Before Saturday night, the Ottawa Senators were on an 11-game winning streak. As the wins accumulated, I debated blogging about them, but I was afraid I would jinx the streak.

Turns out, I didn't need to worry. The only ones capable of jinxing the team-record win streak were their provincial enemies in blue & white.

That 5-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs literally left me feeling ill. How could we have defeated the likes of New Jersey, Pittsburgh, and Vancouver during that formidable run of W's, then go so soft against the basement dwelling Blue team?

In any case - I refuse to dwell on that loss.

Because last night, the Sens shook it off, and got right back to business. They took on the Calgary Flames on home ice, and came from behind twice to eventually win it 3-2. They looked more like the streaking, amazing Sens that held that 11-game winning streak, instead of the floundering, bumbling idiots that failed to even get a goal against the lowly Leafs. It was almost like that sorry excuse for a game never happened.

They restored my faith in them. Under Cory Clouston's guidance, they have come together and returned to the upper ranks of the NHL's standings, after several seasons of failure and terrible luck.

Last night, goals came from Alex Kovalev, Jarkko Ruutu, and Jason Spezza (with the winner), and if Jonathan Cheechoo had scored on any of his 20-odd amazing chances in his 500th career game, the score could have been higher. Also, the Sens received the big stops once again from Brian Elliott, who, despite a blip on Saturday night, has really stepped into the role of #1 netminder in the nation's capital.

If there's one thing I've noticed about this team during this streak (Saturday night's game notwithstanding), is their ability to stay calm when things go wrong, and go right back to work on the next shift. They battle hard, and when they're down a goal or two, it's not the end of the world. With this Senators team, that doesn't mean things are over. (Five was a little much to come back from, but honestly, up until the third period, I wasn't ruling them out...)

Many wonderful little stories have developed since Christmas. Captain Daniel Alfredsson, returning from injury, sparked the team to life and made his presence felt as the streak began. Spezza, also returning from injury, has had eight goals and 2 assists in eight games (the only game he was held pointless since his return was vs. the Leafs). As it turns out, the healthy Ottawa Senators are a force to be reckoned with.

The only team currently better than the Sens? The Washington Capitals, who currently hold a 14-game winning streak. And guess who the Sens face tomorrow night?

It should make for an interesting battle, and it's always fun to watch Alexander Ovechkin. And I have high hopes that the new winning streak will continue, and that the Caps' streak will end.

GO SENS GO!!

Handsome Men; Uncanny Resemblance

OK...we've mentioned the comparison...here it is...

Wade Redden vs. Ryan Reynolds...

I know, it's just that one pic of Reynolds (in the middle), and I swear I've seen pics of Redden that were practically identical, but of course, I could not find any online - so the examples I've found don't do the likeness any justice.

Unfortunately, there aren't nearly as many steamy pics of Wade on the Net as there are of Ryan. Pretty friggin' impossible to find one of him not in a hockey uniform, and when he's not in either Senators' or Rangers' colours, the photos are of his wedding. (The saddest day of my life).

In any case, the resemblance is uncanny. I can't believe I hadn't noticed it before yesterday.

And this Blog provides me with yet another reason to post some more photos of both of their handsome mugs.

Ooooo la la!

Fetish of the Week: Ryan Reynolds

Move over, Jeff Bridges. Your week is over.

The flavour this week is Ryan Reynolds. And might I just say...yummmmm!

What brought on the lust for Mr. Reynolds, you ask? Finally got around to renting The Proposal yesterday, last year's rom-com hit in which he starred opposite Sandra Bullock. Bullock plays the dominating, over-bearing book editor Margaret Tate, and Reynolds is her passive, subservient assistant, Andrew Paxton. Andrew is putting in his time with Margaret, knowing that as long as he's obedient and competent, he will one day get his break to become an editor himself.

However, the tables are turned when Margaret, a transplanted Canadian, finds her Visa is expired, and she's about to be deported back to the Great White North, until she comes up with a plan: by promising Andrew a promotion and publication of his book, she blackmails him into marrying her so that she can stay in the country. Andrew reluctantly agrees, and then promptly whisks her up to Alaska for a weekend visit with his family and to celebrate his grandmother's 90th birthday. (And "Gammy" is played by Betty White - what a hoot - another reason to watch the movie!)

The rest is typical romantic comedy fare - of course Andrew and Margaret fall in love for real, and shmoopy-gloopy sugary-sweetness ensues. Luckily for me, I'm a fan of the shmoopy-gloopy sugary-sweetness.

Better yet, I'm a huge fan of Ryan Reynolds. Forget for one second that the guy is absolutely dreamy (and I've thought so ever since his days on the TV comedy Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place - betcha not many people remember that!) - there are many other reasons to adore him.

For one, he's a Canadian, straight from Vancouver, BC. (He was even engaged to fellow Canadian star, songstress Alanis Morisette, but they parted ways in 2007. He's now married to famous Hollywood starlet Scarlet Johansson). He can even currently be seen, along with other stars such as Michael J. Fox, Sarah McLachlan, Kim Cartrall, Steve Nash, and Eric McCormack promoting tourism in BC, using the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver as the springboard. It's always nice to see Canadian talent make it big.

And making it big is exactly what Ryan Reynolds has been doing for the past decade. He originally began developing notoriety playing the title role in National Lampoon's Van Wilder flicks. For awhile, his claim to fame was his quirky comedic style. Since then, though, he's displayed a more serious side, as well, as he taken on the role of George Lutz in the re-make of The Amityville Horror, and won hearts as the sweet single dad in Definitely, Maybe.

As I mentioend, I've followed Reynolds since his first big break in Two Guys, and it's been great watching his star rise. His sense of humour and comedic tendencies are unique and, even though he's usually cracking jokes, he still oozes charm and charisma.

(Anyone else see the resemblance to Wade Redden in this pic? Holy hell...)

The guy is hot. No doubt about it.

So with this current fetish running through my veins, I've scoured my movie shelves at home, and intend on spending lots of time with Ryan in the next couple of days.

I can already tell it's going to be a good week!

With Age Comes Appreciation...

There's a film that, once upon a time, I watched religiously. At least once or twice a week, for months. Because this film was that hot.

It was White Squall, a 1996 Ridley Scott offering, chronicling the fateful final voyage of an American school sailing ship, The Albatross, in 1960. Based on true events recorded by one of the boys on-board, Chuck Gieg, the movie followed the trials and tribulations of the boys under the guidance of their captain, Christopher "Skipper" Sheldon, and his wife, Dr. Alice Sheldon. Skipper brings the young men together as a crew, teaching them respect and teamwork, and leading them in an adventure of a lifetime, until they run into trouble amidst a storm at sea.

Back in '96, I bought the VHS tape for one reason. No, check that. I bought it for eight reasons. The eight guys from around the USA that boarded the ship for eight months of schooling and life-changing events. Scott Wolf, Ryan Philippe, Jeremy Sisto, Jason Marsden, David Lasher, Eric Michael Cole, Balthazar Getty, and Ethan Embry were the young men who played the roles of Chuck, Gil, Frank, Shay, Robert, Dean, Tod, and Tracy. And they were well worth the price of the movie. An hour and a half of watching them aboard a windchimer, shirtless, working and sweating in the hot sun?

Yum.

I hadn't watched the flick in quite some time, so on Monday, my day off, I decided to revisit White Squall and refresh my memories of those handsome young men who were just starting to set young girls' hearts a-flutter back then, and many of whom have gone on to strong acting careers in Hollywood.

I wasn't disappointed. Apparently, this movie just doesn't get old. They were still as drool-worthy as they were when I first saw it.

However, there was one man in the film that I had overlooked as a teen: The captain of the ship, Skipper, played by Jeff Bridges. It would seem that with age, I've gained appreciation for the older man. Or maybe it's because the flick has frozen the crew in their tender teen years, whereas Skipper seems more rugged and strong and...well...sexy.

Whatever the reason, I developed a very deep appreciation for Jeff Bridges, and couldn't believe that I hadn't seen it sooner. He was simply delicious!

So imagine my shock, when, in the wake of him receiving a Golden Globe for his movie Crazy Heart on Sunday, Ellen DeGeneres had him on her show yesterday, and I realized Mr. Bridges doesn't quite look like he did in White Squall anymore. Not even close. In fact, he looked like he'd just come down from the mountains to be on her show.

He's got a long, greying mane of hair. His face is wrinkly and half-hidden by a grizzly beard. And his body, once hard and muscular, has given way to a soft paunch. Even his voice seemed to have changed into an old man's rasp.

It's been 14 years since White Squall was released, and it's the only movie I can recall seeing Jeff Bridges in. I wasn't prepared to see how those 14 years had changed him. Now 60, the actor looks every bit his age, and he seems quite comfortable and happy with that.

It was a little unsettling for me, despite the fact that the man is obviously doing very well for himself, collecting nominations and prestitigious awards for his current work on the silver screen, as well as making a name for himself musically. (He strummed a tune on Ellen's show, in fact.) And after a quick browse around his website (http://www.jeffbridges.com/), it would appear he's got an artistic side that runs deep. The man is more than just an actor.

And definitely more than just a pretty face.

So now, 14 years after 'discovering' Bridges, I've developed an appreciation for him - there are many layers to him, and I'm intrigued.

I've even gotten over the fact that he no longer looks like Skipper. I'm fascinated by this artist, this actor, this musician, and I can't wait to learn more.

But it still doesn't hurt to watch that old favourite of mine from time to time and be reminded of what he once was... ;)

Oh, Is It 2010 Already?

Yeah...the Blog's a little late in welcoming the New Year, but hey, here it is: Happy 2010!!

Another wonderful holiday season has come and gone, and I miss it terribly. I always miss Christmas when it's over, but this year, it's even worse. I long for it. The sleeping in, the family fun (including a 4-year-old who was absoultely THRILLED with the whole Santa thing this year), the drinks, the food, the presents, the music... It comes and goes too quickly. And in its wake, I feel just a little depressed, and even worse, a little too fat.

The Resolution? What else could it be. To dump the holiday weight, plus an additional 100 lbs. Same crap every year. Does it ever work? Usually, no.

Ah, but this year, I tell ya...This year!!!!...

There's plenty to accomplish in 2010 - in fact, so much so that it overwhelms me. It's kind of scary to look ahead to the 365 days in the year, holding a list of all that you want to do during those days, and wonder if it's at all possible. Paying off my credit card...buying new furniture...possibly buying a laptop...saving money for a trip...

Will it all get done?? Maybe this will be the year I discover a money tree growing in my back yard??

I'm pretty sure that's not gonna happen. But with or without the money tree, I can guarantee one thing for 2010 - I'm going to continue to have fun.

Because at the end of the day, isn't that all that really matters?

Christmas Wishes from Jill's World!

The Eve of Christmas Eve...The excitement continues to build as the big day approaches!

As I'm sure I've mentioned before, Christmas Eve is, without a doubt, my most favourite day of the year. It beats out my birthday, it beats out any other holiday. It even beats out Christmas Day itself. There's nothing I look forward to more!

Usually Christmas Eve day I make a trip to Shawville to pick up snacks and treats for the holidays, then I watch a Christmas movie (Miracle on 34th Street), and wait for the rest of the family to gather at Mom & Dad's for dinner. After dinner, we go to church for Christmas Eve service, which is also my most favourite church service of the year. There's nothing quite like hearing Rolly play "Silent Night" while everyone holds candles and sings along at the end of the service...absolutely beautiful.

And THEN...the party begins!! We all head over to Patti & Randy's next door, where the drinks will flow, the snacks will be too die for, and the guitars and singing will be in full force. What better way to put in some time while waiting for Santa?! Almost a guarantee that our family anthem, "The Coconut Song", will be played at least ten times. Maybe more.

So while I look forward to the traditions and fun of my favourite day of the year, I hope you all have your own traditions and festivities to anticipate and be excited about. I hope this Christmas finds you happy and healthy and full of joy.

Merry Christmas...and see you in 2010!!!

Mike Fisher & Carrie Underwood: ENGAGED!

It would appear that country superstar Carrie Underwood got a pretty nice early-Christmas present from Ottawa Senators superstar Mike Fisher.

All the buzz on the gossip blogs, Twitter, and sports websites this morning was that Fisher proposed to Underwood yesterday, and she said yes. A family friend of the Underwoods' was the one to break the story wide open by posting a congratulations message on Twitter, and the news spread like wildfire. Fisher confirmed the rumours at the Senators morning skate today.

You could just hear the cries of despair and anguish from the female public in Ottawa!

It does seem as though Mike's got himself a pretty down-to-earth, sweet girl (as down-to-earth & sweet as you can get in a celebrity these days, anyways) - and I'm sure she must share his values and morals, as he is a very religious and spiritual person who has never been shy to talk about his faith. I'm quite happy to see one of Ottawa's most eligible bachelors ready to settle down and get married.

Hell, if I can live through Wade Redden's engagement & marriage (and the beautiful wedding photos that almost made me cry!), then I can be happy for anyone!

Best wishes to the future Mr. & Mrs. Fisher!!

My Poor Wade...

Two hockey Blogs in a row, you lucky dogs!

But this one is in stark contrast to yesterday's uplifting ode to Mike Fisher. Instead, today, I must vent about one of the hockey world's biggest whipping boys - my own, dearly beloved, Wade Redden.

Since Redden left town a year and a half ago to join the New York Rangers, I haven't heard much about him. And unfortunately, when I do hear about him, it's rarely good.

I've come to accept the fact that Wade is a grossly-overpaid veteran defenceman. His $6M/year salary is wayyyyyyy too much for the player he has become, now in the decline of his career. It's taken me a long time to come to terms with this and be able to admit it. But it's true.

That being said, if the price tag around his neck was in the $2-$3 Million range, no one would bat an eyelash.

But unfortunately for him, his salary has not matched his on-ice production, and for that, he's become one of the biggest poster boys in the NHL for crazy, undeserved salaries. One of the biggest mistakes a GM (Glen Sather) ever made.

It was with a heavy heart that I watched a clip on Sportscentre this morning of Redden dealing with a media scrum following the Rangers morning skate yesterday. He had arrived at the rink yesterday to discover his name on the healthy scratch list for last night's game, and then had a heated argument with Rangers coach John Tortorella about his benching. The Rangers went on to win last night without him in the line-up.

I believe this may be the first time Wade Redden has ever been a healthy scratch in his life. A tough pill to swallow, when you're being paid as if you're an elite d-man.

I still maintain that Wade Redden is not nearly as bad a player as the rest of the world has decided to paint him. And it royally sucks that he hasn't been able to rectify his reputation in New York. There was a time when this guy was one of the best on the blueline in the NHL. He was a Canadian Olympian. He was one of the Senators' golden boys.

I still don't know where it all went so wrong...

Who Needs Spezza When Ya Got Fisher?

The Ottawa Senators have been noticeably absent from the Blog thus far in 2009-2010 season.

Fear not - I haven't abandoned ship. In fact, I've been paying much more attention to the Sens this season than I did last year. Several contributing factors, I suppose - last season, I was still hurting and bitter over the departure of my #1, Wade Redden, to the New York Rangers. It didn't feel like my team without him. Also, the Sens were so dismal last year, it was hard to get excited about them, and when they failed to make the playoffs for the first time in eleven years, it was discouraging as a fan.

That being said, I'm no "fair-weather" supporter - I never stopped marching in the Sens Army. I was always interested in the outcome of games, made sure to attend several matches as usual, and when they quietly faded to black in early April while the top teams in the league battled on for Lord Stanley's Cup, I still called myself a Sens fan, and vowed we'd be back next year.

About 1/3 of the way through the '09-'10 campaign, it's quite clear they are a much-improved team. Stanley Cup worthy? Probably not. But they have been winning, playing more like a team, and it seems that head coach Cory Clouston has them on the right track.

Ah, but what would a Senators season be without at least a little adversity?

This past Monday night, Ottawa lost to the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time this season. As if that wasn't bad enough, they also lost star Jason Spezza to a torn MCL for up to two months - he likely won't be back until after the Olympic break in February.

Added to the fact that they are already without #1 goalie Pascal Leclaire, and forwards Chris Neil, Shean Donovan, and Nick Foligno, the Sens were scrambling to put together four solid lines for last night's game against the Buffalo Sabres, who came into Scotiabank Place riding a 4-game winning streak. Things were looking bleak.

But this year's version of the Ottawa Senators seem to be able to rise to the occasion, and that's exactly what they did last night. Nearing the end of the first period, d-man Alexandre Picard beat Sabres goalie Ryan Miller with a shot from the point, as Jonathan Cheechoo set up the perfect screen in front of the net. Then the Senators' biggest "pleasant surprise" so far this year, the studly Mike Fisher, added a late goal to seal the shut-out victory for Sens back-up 'tender Brian Elliott.

Where would the Sens be without Mike Fisher? For years, he's been a beloved fan favourite, despite the fact that his production never quite equalled the hype. Nobody ever liked to say anything bad about Fish. He's been so great in the community, involved with Roger's House and visiting sick kids in the area on a regular basis. And even though the devout Christian broke hearts with last year's announcement that he was dating country sweetheard Carrie Underwood, his new relationship endeared him even more to the hockey fans in Ottawa.

On the ice, he worked harder than anyone. He played his heart out every night, even though it wasn't always reflected on the scoreboard, and his grit, effort and determination were unmatched.

Still, it was always on the tips of everyone's tongues - that Fisher was not the player he was being paid big bucks to be. Nice guy, for sure, but not the flashy forward the Sens had hoped he'd develop into.

It's still too early in the season to proclaim that Mike Fisher has "arrived"; that he has finally broken out and become the elite player he was touted to be in his early years as a Sen. However, a very telling sign that Fisher is blossoming is the fact that, on the same night Jason Spezza was shelved with his knee injury, Mike Fisher scored his 14th of the season.

That was ten more goals than supposed "#1 centre" Spezza had at that time.

Even better? With his tally last night, Fisher now has two more goals than he did all of last season!

Suddenly, Fisher's being considered the team's top centre, not Spezza. And it's Fisher's name being mentioned as a possibility on Canada's Men's Olympic Team, not Spezza. And with Spezz now out for an extended period of time, the fans aren't panicking nearly as much as one would expect.

Why?

Because we've got Fisher. And so far this season, he's given us reason to believe in him.

More Success for the Pigott Brothers!

There's nothing I enjoy more than bragging about the Pigott Brothers' successes on the Blog.

I know I wasn't the only Canadian to "discover" them in the summer of 2008 on Canadian Idol, but I feel like I've been there from the beginning, so to speak, and it's awesome to see Oliver and Sebastian Pigott reaping the rewards of their hard work now, a year and a half later.


Sebastian has just finished his stint as Kai Booker on the popular CBC show Being Erica. Throughout the second season of the show, we learned that Kai was in the same time-travelling therapy that Erica was in, except that he was a "refugee from the future". He had been sent back to learn from a past regret (in his case, not finishing one of his songs, which led to a tumultuous life as a rock star and guilt over the suicide death of his best friend and bandmate, Travis). However, Kai had decided to stay there in his past, choosing to ignore his therapist and remaining a 22-year-old barrista at a coffee shop rather than going back to being a 32-year-old troubled rock sensation.

In the finale episode last Tuesday, in a pivotal and moving moment, Sebastian performed the single he and Oliver wrote, "Alien Like You" - known as Kai's unfinished song on the show. It was a beautifully bittersweet moment, as it became sort of was his farewell to Erica, and also his acceptance that he had to return to his real life, ten years into the future. Not only was it an emotionally-charged scene, we also were treated to a Kai montage, a series of clips of him & Erica from scenes throughout the season. So cool!

Following the Season 2 finale, the Pigott Brothers released their version of "Alien Like You" on-line for download. After a full week, it is currently the top download at http://www.cdbaby.com/, and Kai's version is also available on iTunes (search for "Sebastian Pigott").

There are currently no plans for Sebastian's character to return to Being Erica next season, but one can only hope that they'll find a way to work him back into the show. It was such a great feeling to turn on my TV every Tuesday night for the past few months and see him on Erica, a gig that allowed him to showcase both his acting, and his & Oliver's musical talents.

Even if Sebastian is not back, though, it appears that the Pigott Brothers are finally getting the recognition and fame they deserve. With the success of their single "Alien Like You", and an upcoming video release of the song "Rich Man" from their Pigottry album, the brothers continue to roll along, gaining momentum and fans as they go.

I'm so happy to be along for the ride!

Ten More Days...

December 15th. Already. I...can't...believe...it!! :) The Christmas countdown is officially on...Only 10 more days!! YAY!!

There's still so much left to do. I still have two parcels yet to arrive via mail, and until they do, I will continually fret that they've somehow been lost in transit. (It's happened already once this year, and with an order that I placed from the same website, http://www.shop.nhl.com/ - one parcel was somehow accidentally shipped to Taylor, Michigan. Great.)

Of course, I have nothing wrapped yet. For some reason, I don't like to wrap my Christmas presents until I have them all in my possession. It's like I'm afraid that once they're wrapped, I'll forget what they are or something. So I wait until I have all the gifts, then I have one big marathon wrapping session, and then it's all done. Wrapping is also one of my most favourite holiday tasks, so that could be why I hold off on doing it until the last minute - I want to savour every second of it!

And I still have some more baking to do, as the first go is already pretty much gone. That being said, my "baking" consists of melting chocolate in the mircowave, then refrigerating it into cookie bark or fudge. Simple and delicious...and not very time consuming! Perfect!

The one nice part about the Christmas season so far this year? A nice little blanket of the white stuff on the ground. Hopefully it sticks around. Christmas just isn't Christmas without some snow!

December 15th is a very special day for another reason now...Not only is it 10 days until one of my most favourite days of the year, it is also my niece Danica's birthday - and today, she turns 1! We celebrated her first birthday on Sunday with family gathering at Kara & Chris'. We quickly discovered Danica wasn't nearly as good at opening gifts as her brother was on his first birthday - she didn't even seem all that amused by the tissue paper!

She also didn't get to spend much time in her new pink car, as her brother and cousin pretty much took it over, taking turns going for rides in it.

But the one thing she did handle better than Caden did on his 1st birthday? The cake. She didn't cry when we sang happy birthday, and she stuck her fingers in the icing a few times before we finally cut the cake, claiming one corner of it for herself.

As Caden would say, "Happy Birthday little girl!!" xoxo

That Dane Cook...What a Silly Bitch!

December 11th was a date I had circled on my calendar for quite some time. No, not because it was Captain Alfie's birthday - (although that would be good enough reason to have the date circled - PRAISE ALFIE!!).

No. It was circled for another reason.

Dane Cook. In Ottawa, at Scotiabank Place.

Finally!!!


OK. So I haven't been waiting quite as long as some people. It took me a little longer to join the Dane Cook fan club than most. I love my comedy, but I usually only watch once in a while, when I happen to stumble upon Just For Laughs on TV. I was never really into devoting time to following one particular comedian, and aside from the few times they brought Yuk Yuk's to Quyon a few years back, I had never even seen a live show.

Then, about two year ago, I discovered Mitch Hedberg. To prove how late I was arriving on the comedian scene: Hedberg had already died of a drug overdose in 2005 before I "found" him. However, I enjoyed his act so much that I bought a couple of his albums. I let my brother borrow them, and in return, he gave me some of his Dane Cook CDs to check out.

Now, I wasn't living under a rock by any means - I knew who Dane Cook was; I had even seen a couple of movies he was in. But I certainly hadn't seen or heard his comedy routine for an extended period like that before. And while I got a kick out of Hedberg, I was literally laughing out loud until I had tears in my eyes listening to Dane.

And that's where my adoration for Dane Cook began.

I don't get the critics - so many who claim he's unfunny, so many of his own peers who don't understand why he's so phenomenally successful - and I don't profess to be all-knowing in what's funny and what's not - but Dane Cook makes me laugh. And when I say 'laugh', I mean laughhhhhhhhh.

The dude is hilarious.

(And the fact that he's got the tall-dark-n-handsome thing going for him doesn't hurt either...)

I read in the Ottawa Citizen prior to Cook's performance in Ottawa that the reason he may stand apart from other comedians is that often, a comic is someone who is in a minority, or who was picked on or bullied, and has made a career out of using humour to deflect and make others laugh at their own misfortunes in life. Dane Cook, on the other hand, is a pretty average, nice-looking, white male, who instead of using negativity and anger and frustration to base his comedy on, he uses his cheerful on-stage manner and just flat-out makes people laugh, whether discussing his own sexual adventures, whimsical ideas, and amusing situations he finds himself in.

The critics can say what they want. Dane Cook is a silly bitch.

When he hit the stage Friday night for his Global Thermo tour, the follow-up to his Isolated Incident album, it was like a rock star had entered the building. With G'n'R's "Welcome to the Jungle" blaring and fans screaming wildly, an army of security guards lined the path through the crowd that he eventually came running down and up onto the stage at centre-ice.

For the next hour and a half? Pretty much solid laughter. Like, pee your pants laughter. I had already heard most of his act since Luke had bought the Isolated Incident CD and we had listened to it several times, but Luke's right when he says it's even more hilarious to see him do his routine live. His physical act really adds to the humour.

Did I mention he's not bad to look at? Yeah. I kinda fell in love.

(And I also love this pic because of his shirt...)

With this new album and tour, Cook gets a little more personal - even a little more sentimental, if you will - as he touches on the death of both of his parents, nine months apart. In one bit, he discusses the difficulty of deleting his mom from his cell phone contacts two years after her passing, during which he almost has the audience softly going "Awwwwww". The funny part, of course, comes about when he thinks about trying to call her one last time before deleting her and wondering what might happen if she actually answered. ("Honey, I PUNK'D you! That's what you guys call it, right? Punk'd?")

And of course, there's the joke he used as his encore, about receiving an email from anonymous@yahoo.com ("Right away, I think, 'Great f*cking name!' This guy got the original 'Anonymous'- not 'anonymous_69_kitty_kitty_lick_lick'!") He goes on to explain that the bitter emailer wrote to tell him that both of his parents got sick and died to get away from him and his crappy comedy. He claims the email haunted him for almost two years, caused him deep depression and sadness, but that two years later, once again, another email came from the same address ("...and once again, I think, 'Great f*cking name!'") The repentful emailer apologizes for his horrific email from two years before, explains that he was drinking and jobless at the time, and that he is now dealing with the death of his own father from a brain tumor.

Of course, Dane says..."I had to reply ... 'Dear Anonymous, Your father got a brain tumour and died to get away from his alcholic, unemployed, spineless son.'" Then he drops to the stage amidst the uproarious laughter crying, "I win! I WIN!"

But possibly the biggest laugh of the night? That came during his joke about getting hit in the head with a bowling ball while hiding in the closet. But I really can't repeat the rest of that one on the Blog! ;)

At the end of the night? Dane got a big SUperFInger (or SU-FI) salute from the fans in Ottawa. What an awesome evening of fun and laughs.



Can't wait til he comes back!!

The Death of Mr. Deer

I love snow. Abso-lute-ly LOVE IT!!

So I've anxiously anticipated this snowstorm we're in the midst of ever since they started warning us about it a few days ago. A possible 20 centimetres of whirling, swirling white stuff. Perfect! And boy, is it ever coming down.

Unfortunately, the blowing snow has not been kind to the already-beleaguered deer decoration on our front lawn.

You see, I became the proud owner of little Mr. Deer a few weeks ago when Lindsay was clearing out her garage and giving away all of the odds and ends Bill & Sue didn't want to take to their new house and that she herself had no use for. I immediately snagged the deer. Last year, having just moved in shortly before the holiday season, we had no time to get up Christmas lights. This year, we discovered there is no way of putting any up on the house, so Mom, Luke & I put some lights on a few of the trees in the yard. I was still disappointed that we didn't have enough.

That's why I snagged the deer. I thought he would make a lovely, twinkly addition to our outdoor decorating.

Upon taking him out of his box and plugging him in, we discovered that his front legs didn't light up, nor did his neck, but the rest of him was fine. He even had a head that swiveled slowly back and forth. I thought he was pretty cool!

So this past Saturday, I pegged him down into the frozen ground - so sure he wouldn't budge - and for a night or two, he was happily lit up and guarding our front door.

Then, the other evening, I noticed his head had gone out. No more lights from the neck up. I tried to fix him, but my attempts were in vain. I couldn't get the lights back on. I disregarded our neighbour Shannon's text ordering me to "Go outside and fix your damn deer, he's freaking me out". I didn't think he looked that bad. Then, yesterday morning, her status on Facebook read that she was travelling to work and laughing about my headless deer.

Then a couple of people "liked" her status. Ok, I thought, so maybe my deer needs some help.

I tried tweaking the bulbs and twisting the wires again last night, but I couldn't get the bugger to light up if I paid him.

Then, this morning, it was a complete horror show. During the night, the twirling, swirling blowing snow had knocked my half-lit deer down. When I went outside, he was face-planted into a little drift, and his swiveling head literally made him look like he was having a seizure. Right there, on our snowy front lawn. Not only that, his belly cage protecting all of his wires was open and filled with snow.

I'm sure Shannon was cracking up over it.

Our poor deer.

What Ever Happened to Macaulay Culkin?

Sunday evening, Luke and I watched one of the greatest holiday classics of our generation: Home Alone.

I remember the first time I saw the movie. I was probably in Grade 2 or 3. And I don't think I had ever laughed so hard throughout a film before it.

Now, as an adult, it still holds it's charm and humour. Maybe I don't split a gut laughing over it, but I still chuckle at Kevin's plight of being left behind while his family all jets off to Paris, France for Christmas. And even almost twenty years later - (can you believe it? The movie was released in 1990!) - the jokes, the storyline, and the elaborate booby-traps Kevin sets up to wreak havoc on the wannabe burglars, aren't that dated and still make for a great holiday on-screen romp.

But after watching it on Sunday, I got to thinking about the boy that made the movie such a huge success way back when: Macaulay Culkin. Quite possibly one of the greatest child actors of our time, and yet...where is he now?

Culkin rocketed to stardom after starring as Kevin McAllister in both Home Alone, and it's sequel two years later, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Around the same time, he also starred in the popular film, My Girl. Everyone was wowed and amazed by the blonde-haired, blue-eyed, pint-sized comedic genius.

However, Culkin's box office appearances after that were only mildly-successful, and before long, he had grown out of his cute phase - as an adolescent, his image was not nearly as appealing.

Then came the turmoil - that which seems to catch up to and haunt almost any star who peaks as a child.

Macaulay Culkin was a very close friend to Michael Jackson, and is even rumoured to be the godfather of Jackson's three children, Paris, Prince Michael, and Prince Michael II. As a young boy, he spent time with Jackson at his Neverland Ranch, and of course, allegations arose that he was sexually abused by the King of Pop. (Culkin denied that Jackson was ever inappropriate with him, and claims that they were just friends).

Then, Culkin shocked the public by marrying actress Rachel Miner in 1998, when he was only 18 years old. They divorced 2 years later. He was also arrested in 2004 and spent time in jail in Oklahoma for possession of drugs. Add to all this, the rumours that he had a strained relationship with his father, Kit Culkin, and it would appear that he had spiralled downward, as so many child stars before him, into a chaotic miserable existence filled with substance abuse and severe relationship problems.

That's sort of where I lost track of the boy who had once had the entire world wrapped around his little finger.

As it turns out? Macaulay's not really doing that bad these days. I Wikipedia'd him this morning, only to discover he's been dabbling in acting again in recent years, and while his roles and performances have not even come close to garnering the same attention that he did as Kevin McAllister in the Home Alone movies, he has actually earned critical praise for them.

And another shock to me? He's been dating Mila Kunis of That 70's Show and Family Guy fame since 2002.

So almost twenty years later, the boy who was considered the second greatest child star ever (after only Shirley Temple)...well, he's doing alright. And if you need to be reminded of his adorable sharp wit and how hilarious he could be, there's no better time to indulge yourselves.

Home Alone is still a great way to spend an evening in December!

Do I Have to Pick a Team?

I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen a movie more than once in theatres.

40 Days and 40 Nights, during my massive obsession on Josh Hartnett. American Pie 2, because during my high school/college years, there was nothing cooler or more funny than the first few American Pie flicks. And PS, I Love You, because seriously, who wouldn't want to go see Gerard Butler AND Jeffrey Dean Morgan - in the same movie - more than once on the big-screen?!

I think that's it. Until this week. Wednesday night, I went to see New Moon for the second time in two weeks. Allow me to indulge the 14-year-old girl inside of me with yet another Twilight blog, folks. 'Cause as silly as it is, this latest installment in the film version of Stephenie Meyer's vampire love story has thrust me into one hell of a dilemma.

Am I Team Edward or Team Jacob?

After reading the books, I was 100% Team Edward. In fact, I found Jacob annoying, always hanging around, always trying to lure her away from the cold, dead, sparkly sexiness. Sure, Jake was sweet and protective - but he was just a kid (or a puppy, if you will...) Edward was perfection.

Then came the first film, in which Jacob actually only had a very small role. Of course, he was cute & charming, but the long black hair? Ick. No attraction whatsoever. I still was a full-fledged, card-carrying member of Team Edward.

Next came my first viewing of New Moon. All of a sudden, Jake was lookin' all grown up (despite the fact that his character is still only 16 years old), with short hair, and as I drooled about in my "20 Things to Love about New Moon" Blog, the boy got buff. And I mean buff. And he hardly wore a shirt. Like, ever.

I came away from the movie still very much an Edward fan, but starting to see why Jacob had so many giddy girls lusting after him.

And then came Round 2. I went with Lindsay, who had already pretty much declared herself Team Jacob. I went into the theatre pretty determined to stick up for my Edward, even already knowing how I would be left a little breathless the first time Jacob peeled off his shirt. And every time he appeared shirtless thereafter.

But it's just so hard to stick by Edward when, throughout most of the movie, it's all about Jacob. He's the one who's there for Bella when Edward abandons her. He's the one who protects her from evil vampires Laurent and Victoria. He's the one who runs around in the rain wearing only cut-off jeans.

Edward might be cold and sparkly and beautiful, but Jacob is the one who is warm and ruggedly-handsome.

And all of this babbling about the werewolf boy is so so soooo wrong because the kid is only 17. I'm old enough to have been his baby-sitter. Eeeeek.

I feel rather unfaithful to Edward, but I'm starting to think I can't pick a team. Edward vs. Jacob - why do I have to choose? This isn't a Sens vs. Leafs thing, is it? Just because I adore one doesn't mean I can't adore the other...

I can't make up my mind.

So for now, I've decided to set up camp in Switzerland. It's lovely here.

Here, it's okay to love them both. ;)