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    Super blahs …

    6 Comments

    Congrats to the Steelers for winning the big game. I feel sorry for the Cards, though. That was a really heartbreaking way to lose. But now, on to the important stuff — the commercials. 😎

    Overall, I thought the commercials were pretty weak this year. I liked the Clydesdale commercials, especially the one with the horse playing fetch. But then again, these are always my favorites. I also enjoyed the Audi commercial with Jason Stratham that was a bit of a spoof of Stratham’s Transporter character. Other than that, though, nothing really blew my socks off.

    The one with Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz started out well, but then, it got a little sappy. And I had no idea what they were advertising. The Olympics? Jewelry? Buying stuff online?

    The beer commercials were lame and not funny at all, along with the car and cell phone commercials. Overall, they were all just … meh. They didn’t even show any cool movie trailers this year. Even G.I. Joe looked cheesy.

    And the commercial for Heroes where they are playing football with all the NFL greats … I hope you got a lot of money for that, John Elway. Because it was lame. :rolleyes:

    I wasn’t that impressed with the halftime show, either. Half the time, I couldn’t even understand what Bruce was saying/singing. And I felt real sorry for the cameraman he slammed his crotch into when he did his run-and-slide move. The NFL should just get Jimmy Buffett to do the halftime show next year. Seriously. Call Buffett now.

    What about you guys? Which commercials did you like? Share in the comments.

  • 925 and counting …

    Finished Runner by Thomas Perry. This is the sixth and most recent book in his Jane Whitefield thriller series about a Native American “guide” who helps people change their identities.

    In this one, Jane has retired from running her own version of the witness protection program. But when Christine, a young pregnant girl, comes to her for help, Jane can’t say no. She manages to hide Christine in Minnesota, far away from her abusive boyfriend, who needs their baby to collect on his inheritance. But when Christine is captured, Jane is determined to save her no matter what …

    If you’ve never read Perry or any books in this series, you should. Perry writes crackerjack thrillers with plenty of action and characters that keep you guessing until the very end. I particularly like Jane’s character and her books.

    Jane is smart, strong, and not afraid to use violence when she needs to. She helps people disappear to give them a second chance at life, not for any personal gain on her own part. In fact, the only person who knows what Jane does is her husband, but she doesn’t whine about the lack of people or close relationships in her life. Jane never whines, never, which is what makes her so kick-ass. 

    That being said, some of this book felt like a retread of the other titles in the series, especially when Jane explains to Christine all the things that she can’t do anymore (like visit her dad in jail or call her friends back home). Anybody who’s ever watched a cop show or movie should know basics like that. But Christine slips up anyway and gets captured.

    But I have to say that the last third of the book when Jane goes to save her is the best part, especially reading about how Jane takes down a group of hired killers. It’s refreshing to read about a heroine who uses simple tools and common sense to solve problems.

    Overall, if you like thrillers, give this book a chance. Thumbs up.

    Up next: Something from the TBR pile.

    Books in my TBR pile: About 20.

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    Is it just me …

    10 Comments

    Or are the large majority of the Oscar-nominated films/actors/etc. this year just depressing?

    You’ve got Milk, where people die. Doubt, which is about a priest who may or may not be abusing young boys. Heath Ledger, who’s dead. The Wrestler, which is about a washed-up wrestler. Rachel Getting Married, about a recovering drug addict who ruins her sister’s wedding. Changeling, about a kidnapped kid …

    It seems to me like the only category that has any uplifting films is the animated category — and even Wall-E has a serious message.

    Geez. Writing this has depressed me. Is it wrong for me to prefer movies that are just fun?

    On the TV front, I’m looking forward to the Super Bowl this weekend (go Cardinals!) and the return of programs like Chuck. I think it’s one of the best shows folks aren’t watching right now. And I’m still loving Gossip Girl, How I Met Your Mother, NCIS, The Closer, and Leverage.

    Heroes comes back on Monday too. Meh. If it’s not any better than last year, I’ll be tuning out. And please, please, please, can someone kill Sylar for good already? His eyebrows are really starting to creep me out.

    What about you guys? Seen any of the Oscar films this year? Looking forward to February TV? Share in the comments.