Rest in Peace - Tony Curtis

When I was little, my mum and I used to go to the Byrd Theatre in Richmond every few days.  They showed old films and we were able to escape in double features starring Dietrich, Power, Grant, Gable, etc.  My favourite was Marilyn Monroe.  The first time I ever saw her (11/12 years old) on screen was in a double feature of The Misfits and Some Like It Hot.  We sat there and I remember looking at my mum and saying, "Why is that guy trying to be Cary Grant?"  Tony Curtis with his awful Cary Grant impression, which I realize now was a homage to Cary, was the first time my mum ever said she was proud of me.  I knew the difference.  That movie was a major bonding moment for my mum and I, and I will never forget him.  Do yourself a favour tonight and rent one of his films.  My favs are Some Like It Hot, Operation Petticoat, The Defiant Ones and the amazingly underrated The Great Race.

Rest in Peace, Tony.

New Harry Potter Banners!!! Thank you to Perez Hilton

And yes, I did put my man first:-)

Christian Reviews of the Day - Iron Man 2 and Babies

I loved these...

Iron Man 2 (2010)
"I would advise against spending your money on the movie, I wish we would have left early and gotten our $$ back. I regret taking my 2 boys to see this movie on opening weekend, I should have waited for the reviews. We had to have a long de-briefing talk over dinner about the lack of CHARACTER in the characters. On a personal note, like I said I am amazed at how many people liked this movie. We are becoming so de-sensitized as a culture—we cheer for the special effects, and yawn through the bad morality.

As parents I believe we need to look deeper, and rate our movies by worldview standards—i.e., “cusswords and cleavage” are not as damaging to our children's tender hearts as the other dastardly messages in this movie (and many of today's American movies): Pride, selfish ambition, drinking to escape your problems, women as objects, greed for power, shady business deals via arms trading with criminals, crooked guards in the US prison system and the US Government!, womanizing, taking true and loyal friends for granted, etc.—to me, these concepts are more offensive than an occasional 4-letter word that they have probably heard before anyway.

I give this movie a thumbs-down for so many reasons. Spiderman is a better superhero. At least in his movies, there is some distinction between the Good Guys and the Bad Guys.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4½"
—Vickie, age 45 (USA)

Babies (2010)
"Negative - I walked out of this film because I saw babies eating garbage, and there were a lot of bare breasts.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 1"
—Evan Land, age 30 (USA)

NEWS!!!

I did not post a film top ten yesterday, because besides the annoying owl movie, there weren't any of note released.  I instead spent my time buying and watching Iron Man 2, which has some great references (THOR!!!).  If you care, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps was number one on a lackluster weekend.

News:
- Star Wars will be released 3D in theaters in 2012 - Worst Previews
- GLAAD Study: True Blood is the Most LGBT-Inclusive Show - Movieline

***Note - This is not a "Pagan" story, but it affects any of us facing a world full of hate and misunderstanding.  Please light a candle for Seth Walsh. - Yet ANOTHER 13 Year Old Dies Because Of "Gay" Bullying In School!!

Rest in Peace Eddie Fisher

Rest In Peace
Eddie Fisher - 1928-2010
He is known most famously for three things:
He was a Hell of a singer and personality!
He gave his heart to Elizabeth Taylor and left Debbie Reynolds only to get left for Richard Burton in the end. (Karma!)
Lastly, he was the father of Carrie Fisher.

The scandal may have overshadowed your career, but we will always be Thinking of You!

The Awesomist Harry Potter Trailer EVER!!! and other boring news...

- NEW HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS TRAILER - Lainey
- All white... But Julia Roberts covers up as Brigitte Nielsen shows her legs at London premiere of Eat, Pray, Love - Daily Mail- Keanu at work on Generation Um - Lainy
- The Irish president decides NOT to attend next year’s NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade because it is not a gay-inclusive event - Towleroad
- Gnomeo & Juliet Trailer - IMDB
- Most Excellent Exclusive: Alex Winter Confirms 'Bill & Ted 3' Is On The Way! - MTV Blog

Pagan, Witches and Druids...oh, my...

NEWS!!!


- MORE HARRY POTTER PICS!!! - Perez Hilton


SLOW NEWS DAY!!!  COULD I BE SCREAMING ANY LOADER - LOL!

Have a great Equinox!

Week Three of the Scavenger Hunt!!!

You guys have done and awesome job! I have gotten over 120 entries so far for the first two weeks!


Week three will be a little harder...


This week, for an entry, I want you to send me a picture of your best faire, festival, ceremonial or Halloween outfit that I can post.  It can be anything from corsets to capes to Sally from A Nightmare Before Christmas.  Have fun with it!

For Example - Here are some friends of mine getting ready to go see Scythian...

Reminder - There will be a choice of prizes - 1) A Deluxe Boo Basket from Psycho Soap and Design containing Halloween treats, decor and more with a value of over $50.00 or 2) A 50.00 Gift Card to Amazon.com

Every "object" sent in will be one entry.  You can ultimately be entered 2 more times.  You can either message me through Facebook or email me at http://www.apaganslifeforme.com/ or http://www.flamingaccordions.com/.  There is no purchase necessary.


Good luck!

Pagan Pop Culture Extravaganza

- 40 Baffling Movie Plot Holes - Total Film (W - Great read if you are a film fan)
- Troll Hunter Trailer – Norway Is Where The Wild Things Are! - Film Shaft
- Disney To Make A Marvel Theme Park - Perez Hilton
- Lady Gaga unleashes her inner activist (in some peculiar glasses and a blonde wig) as she takes the stage at political rally - Daily Mail


HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHEN KING!!!

NEW HARRY POTTER PICTURES!!!

Click here for the full gallery - Rotten Tomatoes

Pagan Crap News!!!

Pagan Crap News:
- Keanu Reeves On For Bill & Ted 3? - Empire Online
- Latest Trailer for Tangled - IMDB- Brad Pitt Keeps His Eye on the Ball as Angelina Arrives Home - Popsugar

Box Office Top Ten
1) The Town - $23.8M - Total $23.8M 
2) Easy A - $18.2M - Total $18.2M 
3) Devil - $12.6M - Total $12.6M 
4) Resident Evil: Afterlife - $10.1M - Total $44M 
5) Alpha and Omega - $9.2M - Total $9.2M 
6) Takers - $3M - Total $52.3M 
7) The American - $2.76M - Total $32.9M 
8) Inception - $2.02M - Total $285M 
9) The Other Guys - $2M - Total $115M
10) Eat Pray Love - $1.7M - Total $77.7M
*Pagan titles are highlighted

The Pagan Film Preview - Fall/Winter 2010

Ok, ok, so summer’s movie choices have been a little, um, lame.  For every “must see” (i.e. Scott Pilgrim), there was a “why did I see” (hello, please give me my life back, Expendables).  I promise, the Fall/Winter 2010 season will be a bit better.  Here are some of the Pagan choices coming up…

September

September 24 - Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole - Stars: Jim Sturgess, Hugo Weaving - Director: Zack Snyder
Movie Synopsis: Soren, a young barn owl, is kidnapped by owls of St. Aggie's, ostensibly an orphanage, where owlets are brainwashed into becoming soldiers. He and his new friends escape to the island of Ga'Hoole, to assist its noble, wise owls who fight the army being created by the wicked rulers of St. Aggie's. The film is based on the first three books in the series.

Pros:

– Hugo Weaving!

- Beautiful animation - The animation is gorgeous, but after enduring the 3D lack of wonder in The Last Airbender, I just haven’t been sold on this one.

Cons:

- The AWFUL Trailers - I really am not looking forward to this film.  I saw the trailers and went, “Really?  This is the best you could do with this adaption?”  If you are going for awe inspiring, BE awe inspiring.  This has been done before.  They also used 30 Seconds to Mars music in the trailer.  I HATE THEM - LOL.

October

October 1 - Let Me In - Stars: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloe Moretz, Richard Jenkins - Director: Matt Reeves

Movie Synopsis: Owen (Smit-McPhee) is an alienated and bullied 12-year-old who builds a tentative friendship with his mysterious new neighbor, Abby (Moretz). Only socializing at night and seemingly immune to the winter climate, Abby reveals her true nature to Owen after her father (Jenkins) disappears and a series of murders grips their town.

Pros:

- A Vampire film with some intelligence

- Fantastic Cast including Chloe Moretz from Kick Ass

Cons:

- Sequel of a foreign film

October 1 – Case 39 – Stars: Renee Zellweger, Ian McShane, Bradley Cooper, Adrian Lester - Director: Christian Alvert

Movie Synopsis: A social worker (Zellweger) fights to save a girl from her abusive parents, only to discover that the situation is more dangerous than she ever expected.

Pros:

- Solid cast including the highly under-rated British actor Adrian Lester (Doctor Who, Being Human, Scenes of a Sexual Nature)

-  Child as villain – This is one of my favourite thematic elements in film.  If done correctly (i.e. The Bad Seed or The Ring), the results can be frightening.

Cons:

-  Ian McShane – I loved you in Lovejoy, but you really have become a film whore.

- The Title – From the information I have seen, the title is either lame or gives to whole plot away.  Read the Comic Con reviews on IMDB for a good idea of what I mean.

October 8 – My Soul To Take - Stars: Max Thieriot, Emily Meade, John Magaro - Director: Wes Craven

Movie Synopsis: A serial killer returns to his hometown to stalk seven children who share the same birthday as the date he was allegedly put to rest.

Pros:

- Unknown Cast

- The return of Wes Craven

Cons:

- Unknown Cast

- Please stop it with the 3D for everything movies.  Resident Evil: Afterlife is one thing, but come on.  Every horror movie (Saw I’m looking at you) does NOT have to be 3D now.

October 22 - Hereafter - Stars: Matt Damon, Cécile De France, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jay Mohr - Director: Clint Eastwood

Movie Synopsis: A drama centered on three people who are haunted by mortality in different ways. George (Damon) is a blue-collar American who has a special connection to the afterlife. On the other side of the world, Marie (de France), a French journalist, has a near-death experience that shakes her reality. And when Marcus (Frankie/George McLaren), a London schoolboy, loses the person closest to him, he desperately needs answers. Each on a path in search of the truth, their lives will intersect, forever changed by what they believe might-or must-exist in the hereafter.

Pros:

- Directed by Clint Eastwood, who has never created a bad film.

Cons:

- Bryce Dallas Howard – Besides the ginger hair, she really has no personality.

October 22 – Paranormal Activity 2 – Stars: Katie Featherston (Paranormal Activity) - Director: Tod Williams

Movie Synopsis: Plot unknown, however, on the official site for the film, after the trailer finishes playing, an image of the nursery room appears, and in the mirror, letters written in what seems to blood spell a message. After flipping the picture horizontally, the message says, "What is happening to Hunter?"

Pros:

- AMAZING trailer with a great hook.  Make sure you follow the above instructions.  It’s very cool!

Cons:

                                                                                        - Could easily fall in to the Blair Witch 2 trap <shutter>.

November

November 19 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I - Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint - Director: David Yates

Movie Synopsis: Voldemort's power is growing stronger. He now has control over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, and Hermione decide to finish Dumbledore's work and find the rest of the Horcruxes to defeat the Dark Lord. But little hope remains for them, so everything they do must go as planned.

Pros: 

-  It’s Harry Potter!!!

Cons:

- We have to wait to get part two in 2011.

November 24 - Tangled - Stars: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi - Director: Nathan Greno Byron Howard

Movie Synopsis: The long-haired Princess Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but when she falls in love with a bandit who was passing by she must venture into the outside world for the first time to find him.

Pros:

- The Disney computer animated kingdom is thriving after the success of Pixar’s Toy Story 3.

Cons:

- Not a bad point about the movie, but about the state of animation in general.  Why do the Japanese embrace different forms of animation, but Americans can only appreciate computer animated films?  They did not support the endearing The Princess and the Frog, but this one, with all of its probable stereotypes, will top it.  Sad…

December

December 10 - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - Stars: Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley - Director: Michael Apted

Movie Synopsis: Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world.

Pros:

- Beautifully filmed and executed.

- Simon Pegg as the voice of Reepicheep

Cons:

- Heavy-handed religious allegory that is getting so long in the tooth that Disney stopped making it.

Feel free to post reviews or comments even though I will probably tell you that you are wrong!  Have a great holiday season and happy viewing!

Zealots

Zealot, in Hebrew kanai (קנאי, frequently used in plural form, קנאים (kana'im)), means one who is zealous on behalf of God. The term derives from Greek ζηλωτής (zelotes), "emulator, zealous admirer or follower".

I am a firm believer that three topics should never be discussed in a work place: religion, politics and sports.

I lived in Washington D.C. for 13 years and these are the topics that get you in the most trouble.  Have you ever been in DC after a Redskins loss?  I know every city can say that but in DC, I swear, laws were passed based on the Redskins doing well, or in most cases, badly.

I recently moved deeper into the buckle of the Bible belt.  I won’t say exactly where, but I can easily get to Lynchburg and Liberty University from here.  Hello, buckle…

I had a co-worker show me a picture of a bumper sticker showing a plane flying into the World Trade Center.  It said, “A Learned All I Need To Know About Islam From 9/11.”  I was speechless.  I had to read it twice to absorb it.  I looked at him and didn’t know what to say.  Then he added, “Isn’t it true.  I fought in Iraq and I know.  I’m getting one for my truck.”  I looked at him and told him my 9/11 story.  Not only did I loose a friend in one tower, I almost lost two family members.  Also, my daughter’s best friend’s mother, who was wearing her head scarf, was almost sexually assaulting in our parking lot.  They saw her taking out the trash and attacked her while yelling, “Towel headed bitch.”  I stated to him that there are just as many religious zealots on both sides - Christian zealots and Muslim zealots.  I also told him that I do not like to discuss religion at work, because as a religious outsider, I find opinions disrespectful.  Another co-worker, whose head popped up, asked me to repeat myself.  I repeated what I had said about zealots, both Christian and Muslim.  That is the only explanation for Rev. Phelps and 9/11.  I then repeated that I didn’t like to discuss religion at work.  Opinions do not need to be shared about something so personal in the work place.

She only listened to the Christian zealot comment, tuned out EVERYTHING else and is now giving me the cold shoulder.  They are now praying for me.  I even got an invite to one of their churches, which I said yes too.  She then retracted it.  Gotta love hypocrisy!  Ugh.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson (59)

Crafts - Give the Gift of Nothing

This is one of my favourite things to make and give for Samhain and Solstice.  It is wonderful for a family project and it is easy for kids to do.

ENJOY!!!

A Jar of Nothing

Materials:
- Empty jar
- Sticky label paper or Paper and Clear Glue
- 30 Minutes of time

For this project all you need is an empty jar.
You can print this saying out onto some adhesive label paper suitable for your printer or print it onto normal plain paper. Use some clear craft glue to adhere it to the jar.
If you want to go all out you can add some ribbon to the jar and even box it up for a great gag gift.

--The Saying---
Did you say nothing?
When you were asked what you wanted for Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation or Solstice, don't you remember saying NOTHING?  Well, this time someone heard you, searched high and low and found this perfect gift for you.
Note: These are great for fund raising stalls.

*Found on Craftbits.com

Pagan Crap News - Johnny and Angie, oh my!

People Reveals their Best Dressed List - Canoe

- Johnny Depp Plays Tourist With Angelina, Hits London With Keith Richards - Pop Sugar
- First look at 'The Tourist': Johnny Depp falls under Angelina's spell - Hello Magazine - (Ed. Sure there was no pun intenteded.  LOL!)

Scavenger Hunt - Week 2

Thank you to all who messaged me their favourite movie!

I have always been a firm believer that you can always judge a person by their favourite film. Great way to tell depth and intelligence, even though I will not judge the person who sent me "Mannequin"...you know who you are! LOL!

Here we are already to week 2. Time passes so fast when free things are involved. Remember there will be a choice of prizes - 1) A Deluxe Boo Basket from Psycho Soap and Design containing Halloween treats, decor and more with a value of over $50.00 or 2) A 50.00 Gift Card to Amazon.com

Every "object" sent in will be one entry. You can ultimately be entered 3 more times. You can either message me through Facebook, my new daily blog at http://apaganslifeforme.blogspot.com/ or email me at http://www.apaganslifeforme.com/. There is no purchase necessary.

Good Luck!!!

Object Two - In my new daily blog, I have posted a survey. What is the title?

Wendy, the NOT so Good Witchhttp://apaganslifeforme.blogspot.com/
http://www.apaganslifeforme.com/

Christian Review of the Day!

One of my favourite sites on the interweb is "Christian Answers."  They have everything from guidence, advice and FILM REVIEWS!!!  I will post you some highlights from time to time...ENJOY!!!

The Twilight Saga: Elipse
"Negative - I agree 100% with Michelle! I, too, was mesmerized by not only the movie, but the books, as well. There is definitely a spirit (not of God) that draws you in and makes it hard for you to focus or think about anything else. I, too, had to ask the Lord for deliverance, and He has graciously delivered me! We need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus! (Hebrews 12:1-2) STAY AWAY from this garbage. It will only become an idol which is difficult to get free of because of the very strong pull. It became a wall between me and the Lord because I was always choosing “all things Twilight” over Him. It's very easy to do. If you truly want a relationship with the Lord, above all else, you will put all of this away from you. I do not speak in judgment but love, knowing what I went through. I don't want to see anyone struggling with this as I did.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 2½"
—Marnie, age 39 (USA)

Pagan Crap News!!!

- Lady Gaga Will Make Your Yoga Studio Famous - www.yogadork.com
- Bill Maher believes the Emmys will never honor an atheist - http://www.digitalspy.com/
- True Blood's Kevin Alejandro (Jesus, the Witch) on the cover of Bello Magazine -  http://www.ohlalamag.com/

Rest In Peace
- Harold Gould - Star of "Maude" and "Mary Tyler Moore"

Box Office - 10/12 September
The Pagan titles are highlighted...
1) Resident Evil: Afterlife - $26,650,264 - Total $26,650,264
2) Takers - $5,675,611 - Total $47,680,783
3) The American - $5,674,240 - Total $28,111,358
4) Machete - $4,294,120 - Total $20,916,709
5) Going the Distance - $3,788,222 - Total $13,952,322
6) The Other Guys - $3,347,995 - Total $112,442,408
7) The Last Exorcism - $3,322,853 - Total $38,062,322
8) The Expendables - $3,223,651 - Total $98,466,264
9) Eat Pray Love - $2,928,256 - Total $74,660,964 - Why? Hinduism, Palm Reader, Meditation
10) Inception - $2,802,390 - Total $282,211,978 - Why? Dream Walking, Talismen

True Blood Season Finale

I will have a review tomorrow, but right now I'm just going to say, "WHAT THE HELL!!!"

NEW Contest!!!

Hi everybody!!!

This one is going to be a bit different...

This contest is going to be a four part scavenger hunt.  I will announce each part on Wednesday and you have to be done by Tuesday before the next part is announced.

There will be a choice of prizes - 1) A Deluxe Boo Basket from Psycho Soap and Design containing Halloween treats, decor and more with a value of over $50.00 or 2) A 50.00 Gift Card to Amazon.com

Every "object" sent in will be one entry.  You can ultimately be entered 4 times.  You can either message me through Facebook or email me at http://www.apaganslifeforme.com/.  There is no purchase necessary.

Good Luck!!!

Object One - Send me an emailed photo or link to a picture of you favourite film.  It can be any film and does not have to be a Pagan title.

Here is the poster for mine:

See you next week!

And the Winner is....

Maeghan Kimball!  Of the 128 people that messaged me, THANK YOU, she was drawn by my cat who pulled her name.  LOL.  Should have seen her playing with the balled up piece of paper.  Almost had to fight her for it.  You will be getting your prize shipped to you today.

The new contest will be announced this evening.  It will be a bigger prize and a bit more of a challenge...

It's going to be a Scavenger Hunt.  Since we all live in different cities, it will be online and it will last until 7 October, 2010.

Kitchen Witch Recipe - The Perky Goth (Cocktail)

Who wants to cook or brew without a cocktail first?

This is one of my favourites and it is super easy to make.  I even saw a coupon in the Sunday paper (NOT making it up) for alcohol.  I love me a coupon - LOL!

Ingredients

2 oz. London Dry Gin - (more London Dry Gin drinks)
1 dash(es) Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Aromatic Bitters - (more Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Aromatic Bitters drinks)
1/2 oz. Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur - (more Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur drinks)
1/4 tsp. Absinthe - (more Absinthe drinks)
1/4 oz. Torani Blood Orange Syrup - (more Torani Blood Orange Syrup drinks)

Instructions
Combine everything in a shaker and add ice. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

I got this recipe off of the Dr. Bamboo blog found here on Blogger.  Check him out.

New "Let Me In" Clip

From Empire Magazine Online -

     Commenters, hold your horses. Let The Right One In fans, cool your jets. Before you scream bloody murder about how Let Me In is a remake that just didn't need to be made, check out this brand new clip the guys over at Hammer have released - because it really is a belter.

     There's no Chloe involved, sure, but it's an exciting little snippet that should make haters think twice about dismissing the upcoming Vampire horror.

     And if this gets you excited about the whole project, why not check out the new poster, some stills from the movie, and the trailer - if you haven't already, that is.




     So what do you reckon? Any minds changed here, or is it still never going to compare to the Swedish original? Let us know, why doncha.


     And while you're still here - we have a couple of brand new stills from the movie to peruse.

Let Me In is out October 29.

Alastair Plumb
Empire Magazine Online

New Items on Yardsellr...

Here's my link:-)

http://yardsellr.com/yardsale/Wendy-Chiles-25419

New and improved or just one more useless thing in the universe?

Should I officialize the blog?  Should I just post and post and hope that someone reads?  Should I advertise that I really cannot spell?

These and other questions will be answered in "A Pagan's Life (For Me)!!!