Beeline2Beauty

Movie Review - Orphan

Orphan is a movie about a couple who lost a baby, and decide to adopt a child, who turns out to be much more than they bargained for.  The movie was everything it promised to be and more.  I started sitting back in my chair, but by the end of the movie, I was almost in the seat in front of me.  Once the "ah ha," moment arrives, and we find out Esther's secret, it gets even more chilling.   Esther takes you on a ride, you will not soon forget.  I won't spoil any of it for you, but if you like horror/suspense movies, go out and see it, or rent it when it comes out on DVD.  Orphan gets an 8 on my scale.  Now, for the bad part.  There is a sex scene which is pretty intense, so careful with the kids.   You may want to enjoy this one with another adult.  Had I known about the scene, I would have opted to leave kids at home, but instead had to cover eyes, ears and just be plain mortified for a couple of minutes.  Oh yes, on this trip, I discovered the kids snack pack, so I enjoyed the movie popcorn with a fraction of the calories.  It even came with a sour candy stick.  If you've seen the movie, let me know what you think.  

Atlanta Housewives Gone Mad

Okay, is it me or is this show getting wayyyy ghetto.  I mean, it's _itch this and _itch that, and we are only two episodes in.  I won't say too much, but I think Ms. Candi's mom laid it on the line about the 3 baby momma's.  This woman is destined for drama if she doesn't listen to mom.  I know that many of those ATL guys are swinging on both sides of the fence, but I think she could do better.  Oh yes, they never said what mister did for a living - hmmmh.  Now on to NeNe.  If NeNe truly wants to be friends with Kim, why can't she let go of the past.   She needs to take a page out of her husband's book and get over it. I think they all did some off kilter stuff in the show, but can't we all just get along.  I think Kim was right when she got up and walked off, because they were about to rip her apart.  Oh yes, and what's up with Sheree going to beat her _ss; run Kim, run.  That's just silly.  This is more like Atlanta Housewives Gone Mad.  The only one that remains consistent is Lisa, and from the previews, even that is about to change.  Could it be that Kim just knows how to take you there, or are these girls just being juvenile.  Oh yes, and now that Sheree has a gun, Mr. Shorter better watch his back.  

Jobs Are Key to Recovery

 

I have been really stumped at why the speculators feel that the economy is recovering.  There can be no recovery until there is serious stabilization in the job market.  The last time I checked, jobs continue to be lost at record rates across the country.  It does not take a rocket scientist to figure this out.    Last month alone, private employers cut 371,000 jobs.  I believe that is slightly less than the 463,000 job loss in June, but that is still a significant number.  371,000 people losing their jobs does not spell recovery.  As jobs continue to disappear, consumers will continue to hold tight to their money because of the uncertainty of job stability.  I don't know anyone who can guarantee their employment, or lifestle in this climate.  When you see job creation and stability, you will see the nearing of one of the worst recessions of our time.  I will file this one under, "I wish I had a crystal ball."

Paula Abdul No More

With only days for American Idol to begin searching for contestants, it appears that Paula Abdul will be MIA.  And yes, it's all about money, or lack of money shall I say.  Although Paula has not stated that money had a place in her decision to leave the show, it is clear that when you give Ryan Seacrest 15million dollars over 3 seasons, and offer Paula Abdul only 10 million, there is a problem with that mathematical equation.  You know, it's sort of funny because the writing was on the wall when they brought in the other female judge, Kara DioGuardi.  My eyebrows were immediately raised and I knew something dirty was going on.  They have wanted Paula gone for some time for various reasons, and this is an excuse to help her out of the proverbial door.  I can't fathom why they would mistreat Ms. Paula, because she was an asset to the show and the viewers loved her.  Not to mention, she was the only one who always said something positive to a performer, no matter how poorly they did.  Why would Ryan make 5 million more than a judge.  I would love to see what the new judge, Kara DioGuardi is making, because now I see a little sexism going on here.  I guess it pays to be nasty, because Simon makes a reported $45 million each season off of idol. What happened to equal pay.  Okay, I know that he is one the creators or something like that, but Randy Jackson's pay isn't far behind.  Paula didn't articulate the reason for her swift departure, but anyone with half a brain knows the reason was M-O-N-E-Y.  I wish her well.   

Freed at Last!

Following a visit to North Korea from former President, Bill Clinton, two American journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, were granted a special pardon and released from their 12 year sentence of hard labor.  The two journalists were arrested on the North Korea-China border in March and accused of illegal entry.   The two journalists were part of U.S. media outlet Current TV, which was co-founded by Al Gore.  Since their arrests, there has been no lack of public outcry for the journalists release, but I guess the dinner with North Korea's leader, Kim Jong il and  the former President of the U.S., Bill Clinton sealed the deal.  They indicate that this is showing their humanitarian and peaceloving nature.  Somehow, I think there is more to it than that.  

Who Gone Check Me, Boo?

If last weeks episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta is any indication of what we can expect for future episodes, hold onto your seats and get ready for a wild ride.  Sheree is back to her usual diva dealings, and she got more than she bargained for when she chose a party planner for her "Independence" party, who was less than client friendly.  Although Sheree and the party planner could have handled things differently, a misunderstanding turned into a screaming match, with one party raising a fist and calling his client a _itch several times.   I have to side with Sheree, because she was the client.  It almost makes you feel as though the whole thing was contrived for the sake of television.  However, because it's Sheree and most of her events have some sort of drama, it's quite believable.   Although, Sheree was verbally, and almost physically assaulted, she will  be fine and the party will go on as planned.  However, Mr. Shorter committed career suicide on national television.  Sheree needs to be reminded of the old adage, "you get what you pay for."  If something is free, don't expect much.  That said, even for free, Mr. Shorter's behavior was off the charts.  Let's file this one under "Never, ever, ever, ever hire Mr. Shorter.

Don't Rush for the Movie Popcorn

Yesterday evening, my sister decided to go to the movie theatre with her son.  My daughter insisted that we tag along to see the new 3D movie, "Gforce".  That in itself is not a big deal.  What is a big deal is that the movie started at 9:30 p.m.  Can you say bedtime.  So, here we are at 9:15, driving towards Blockbuster Video to get candy and soda because it's cheaper.  When we get to the theater, I decide that I wanted some popcorn, so I order a medium.   Since I am taking stock of things I eat - after I eat them, I decided to look up the calorie count of a medium sized popcorn.  Well, hold on to your seats, because a medium bag of popcorn (11 cups) with butter is 910 calories with 41 grams of saturated fat.  That just makes me want to gag, but here's the good part.  According to my daughter there was a bug on the popcorn, so I promptly put it down without eating much at all.  Well, okay, I had some Milk Duds and a soda (spilled half on the floor), which was just plain wrong.   If I were a Catholic, I would surely be in confession.  I am perplexed as to why the popcorn has such a high fat content.  After all these years, why haven't they "trimmed the fat."  Oh yes, a large bucket is a whopping 1600+ calories.  I just don't think it's worth it.   Let's file this one under, "YIKES!"

Omer Bhatti - Could He Be Michael's Son?

Okay, I know that the world has larger things to worry about, but the fascination with Michael Jackson and his secret life seems to keep us occupied and guessing.  Most recently, it was brought to the forefront that Michael purportedly has a 25 year old son named Omer Bhatti. Omer is a native of Norway and he has spent lots of time with Michael, as well as lived at the Neverland Ranch for a period of 8 years.  I was a true skeptic until I saw the video above.  If he's not a Jackson, he could certainly pass.  He is certainly not the typical blond hair, blue eyed Norwegian, but could he be half African American?  Let me preface that by saying I have not seen his parents, but if they are both blond hair and blue eyed - oops!  If you look at the other mixed Jackson children, from Tito's to Jermaine's kids, he fits in like a glove - WOW!  Not to mention that the Jacksons are a pretty tight and exclusive clan.  They would not let just anyone sit in the front row at Michael's memorial. Everyone on that row was a family member, not a friend.  He also went to the family memorial prior to the service.  Yes, the same service that Liz Taylor was not invited to.  If it turns out that he is Michael's son, I wouldn't be surprised because he looks a lot like him.  Omer is also a singer and dancer.  If he's not Michael's, I would say it was quite a coinkydink.  Let's file this one under "still guessing." 

Economic Fix

President Obama ran on a platform that focused on fixing our economy.  It is almost six months in office, and we see no real key factors to indicate that the economy is doing anything but getting worse.  While the President makes speeches on our children and education, the states budgets are collapsing and some universities cannot even accept students for the upcoming semester/quarter.  The idea that we defer education for a later time is preposterous and unacceptable.  It appears that the stimulus money is merely closing some of the gaps within the states budget.  Instead of laying off teachers, it has allowed many to retain their jobs for another year.  This is good, but it doesn't help those children who need to go to college and it doesn't build the so-called state of the art schools that we heard about during the election.  It doesn't enhance math and science education, and it certainly does not hire new teachers.  I have said on many occasions that his plan with regard to the mortgage crisis and the bank bailouts was flawed at the onset.  The government sent a luxury ship to save the banks, yet the average person has received little to no help in recovering from what is sure to go down in history as one of the worst economic crisis.  His plan to give billions of dollars to the banks and then allow them to voluntarily help homeowers has been a farce.  Although some have benefitted from the program, it is far reaching and has produced the desired effect.  Many banks have taken the money and put up the middle finger, while they post better than expected profits from hording money and being greedy.  Another problem is the current home valuation.   Home values have dropped considerably, while foreclosures are still on the rise.  Do I blame all of this on the President - No.  I think he dropped into a mess that was far more than he thought it was.  That said, I also believe that his stimulus package should have been directed at truly fixing the mortgage crisis by dropping the principle on homes to fair market rate+ 10% (the average home value has dropped 30-50%), which still leaves the banks with a gain.  I also believe he should have reduced the interest rates to 4% across the board.  Whoever could not maintain would go into foreclosure.  This would free up some consumer cash and automatically boost consumer confidence and start up a spending and buying trend.  Okay, enough bashing.  His ratings are still very high, but slipping.  Yes, former President, Bush has left us with a mess that is no easy fix.  Let's file this one under "wait and see."

Jon Gosselin is a Jerk

Oh, it pains me to write this, but I can hold my peace no more.  In the past, I have been pretty harsh on Kate Gosselin from the television reality show "Jon and Kate, plus 8."  Well with the recent split and new events that have taken place, perhaps I was not so accurate in my portrayal of "poor Jon Gosselin."  Since splitting from Kate, he seems to have forgotten that he is the father of 8 children.  He has taken up with a wild, younger girlfriend (Hailey Glassman), and is partying like a wild child.  He has also opted for a 2 bedroom bachelor pad, instead of a home that would accommodate his eight kids.  Not to mention, that he is shameless of his behavior.  The ink is not dry and he is not yet divorced. In the final interview of the show, Jon said that he would be there for his children, but how so, when they can't even be comfortable in his home.  Not to mention that Jon has a new BFF/bromance with the French Designer, Christian Audigier - WTfreak.   Since leaving the family, Jon has gone wild. What happened to family first?  Jon is only 30 something, but seems to be having a severe mid-life crisis.  He seems to need a lashing from Dr. Laura, and perhaps a visit to Dr. Phil for a serious intervention.  While Jon is out making a complete a.. out of himself, Kate is being the good mom.  Okay, yes, she emasculated Jon on television, but he mentioned once on the show that he enjoys it sometimes.  He knew who she was when they married, so it never really was "poor Jon."  Now, he seems to have such disdain for Kate, when he is the one embarrassing himself and sacrificing his children for.....  I think they should squash the show because it can do nothing but damage the children at this point.  Yes, this is their bread and butter, but when dumbo (Jon) left the show, that was a deal breaker - show cancelled).  I really feel for the children.  They are the reason that Jon and Kate has been so successful, but at what price.  At the end of the day when the cameras are off, and no one is watching, they are the heart broken children whose dad sacrificed them to gain......  I'd love to hear what you think if you watch the show.