My 101 Thing in 1001 Days

Hi internet friends!

 

It has been a while since I last posted and a lot has changed. With a new month here I wanted to kick off with a little something different.  I recently stumbled upon the Day Zero Project  and with many things changing in my personal life I wanted to make my own 101 list to complete in 1001 days (roughly 2.75 yrs).  I will keep this post updated as challenges are in progress and completed, as well as post pictures about some of the challenges.  If you feel inspired to start your own Day Zero Project good luck and keep me posted on your progress :)

Start Date: September 3, 2013

End Date: May 31, 2016

Personal Development

1.     Clean basement/bedroom at parents place and donate items no longer need

2.     Encourage someone to create their own 101 in 1001

3.     Reorganize 101 List to Complete in 1001 Days

4.     Complete “Maximize Brand You” course at work (start date: Sept 19, 2013)

5.     Read unread books on bookshelf

6.     Complete 7 goals in a week (0/7)

7.     Grow something from a seed

8.     Perform 5 random acts of kindness (0/5)

9.     Take an archery class

10.   Start writing for blog again

11.   Have a penguin encounter

Healthy Living

12.   Stop biting my fingernails

13.   Go for a bike ride at least once a month

14.   Go to dermatologist

15.   Find out blood type

16. Complete C25K
17. Complete a 'Walk To Mordor' challenge
18. Complete a 200 Sit-ups Challenge
19. lose weight – personal goal 15-20 lbs
20. Complete a 100 Pushups Challenge
21.  Eat three (3) things I’ve never tried before (0/3)
22. Get a pedicure 
23. Get a massage 
24. Cook at home every night for one month (0/31)
25. Don't eat fast food for a month (including Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts) (0/31)

26. Don't eat out for a month (0/31)
27. Don't eat sweets for a month (0/31)

Family, Friends and Love

28. Adopt a rescue pet
29. Volunteer at an animal shelter &/or zoo
30. Research my family tree
31. Help a friend move 
32. Have a romantic weekend away 
33. Take a romantic walk on the beach

34. Enjoy a romantic dinner
35. Call (5) friends I haven’t talked to in a while (0/5)

Being Creative

36.   When possible, blog & photograph the tasks I complete  (started Sept 3, 2013)

37.   Blog daily for 30 consecutive days (0/30)

38.   Leave an inspirational note inside a book for someone to find

39.   Perform a Chinese fire drill

40.   Participate in BookCrossing

41.   Make a list of the 100 best experiences of my life

42.   Write a 101 list of things I have already completed

43. Make a list of the books I have read (start date Sept 10, 2013)
44. Make a list of 50 places I would like to visit in my lifetime (start date Sept 10, 2013)
45. Make a list of my 50 favorite movies  (start date Sept 10, 2013)
46. Make a list of 100 songs that I love
47. Finish novel and submit it for publication
48. Take a photo a day for one year (0/365)
49. Take a photo of the same place very month for one year, then turn it into a calendar for the next year (1/12: start date Sept 1, 2013)
50. Create a photo album from Cross Country Road Trip
51. Create a family photo album 
52. Organize photo collection

53. Create/Organize cookbook of family recipies

Experiences and Travel

54. Visit a Disney theme park during a holiday season
55. Ride in a horse drawn carriage
56. Visit Museum of Moving Pictures
57. Visit Titanic Museum
58. Travel across the Brooklyn Bridge
59. Visit Atlantic City Boardwalk
60. Go pumpkin and apple picking in the fall
61. Go on vacation with a group of friends
62. Take a vacation to a tropical destination
63. Make (realistic) plan for trip to a foreign country
64. Go backpacking
65. Practice derby w/ (5) teams from different states (0/5)
66. Go to a music festival
67. Go kayaking or white water rafting 
68. Watch the sunset on a beach 
69. Visit Gettysburg National Military Park 
70. Witness an electrical storm in tornado alley

71. Visit New Orleans
72. Visit Las Vegas
73. Attend 10 different ethnic festivals (0/10)
74. Attend The Big E
75. Attend King Richard's Faire

Home

76. Organize home office
77. Decorate home for each holiday

Financial

78. Save 1 months’ salary
79. Save 3 months’ salary (0/3)
80. Save 6 months’ salary (0/6)
81. Go 1 week without buying anything (0/7)
82. Go 1 month without buying coffee and instead put money into a trip fund when tempted to buy a cup. (0/31)
83. Create monthly budget 
84. Save $5 for every item completed to spend at the end of the 1001 days 
85. Save my change during the duration of this challenge and cash in my change jar to use for an overseas trip

86.  Get a new Mac
87. Start an emergency fund
88. Save $500 in an emergency fund

Food and Entertainment

89. Read comic collection
90. Complete 5 unfinished video games currently in my gaming library  (0/5) 

91. Take a formal cooking class
92. Cook an Indian meal from scratch
93. Learn to make Steak Diane without setting anything on fire
94. Go to the Ben & Jerry's factor
95. Drink only water for 1 week (0/7)
96. Watch all of IMDB'S Top 250 Movies (0/250)
97. Watch a movie at a drive-in
98. Go see a musical 
99. Go on a zipline
100.  Make bubble tea
101.  Go out to a fancy restaurant for dinner 

In Progress

Completed

Prometheus -- REVIEW

There has been a lot of debate as to whether or not Prometheus is a prequel to the Aliens trilogy (I personally do not consider the 4th film as part of the series).  The film was not advertised as a prequel but from the first glimpse of the giant alien in the chair which is an iconic image from the 1979 film there was no question in my mind.  Prometheus was going to be a story from a time predating Ripley and hopefully one that would give us some back story as to where the aliens came from.

For anyone that still has not seen the film I do not want to spoil too much, but I will say that I was barely satisfied with the amount of information given during the 2 hr film.  The opening sequence alone left more open to debate than it answered, and I'm still unsure the point was for the mysterious man on the edge of a waterfall.  There was no indication as to what year we were being told about or where it was taking place, and then it cut to 2089 where the story of Prometheus truly begins.  I mean it was a true ‘WTF’ moment.

From beginning to end the film tries to push you along and give you some answers but there are themes and elements within the film that might leave an odd taste in your mouth as you walk out of the theater.  I personally was excited that the evolution of the alien was finally explained, however there was almost no explanation as to where any of the other characters came from and the almost desperate push for answers by Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace – Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) left me unimpressed.  In the end I found that the acting of almost unrecognizable actors in Prometheus far surpassed all other aspects of the film.  The cast was strong and carried the weight of the film far better than the story, and my favorite was the android David portrayed by Michael Fassbender (Inglorious Basterds and A Dangerous Method) whose acting skills appeared to surpass those of Charlize Theron (Snow White & the Huntsman and Monster)who was just there.  The special effects were of course impressive even if they left you scratching your hear as to what you just saw, but ultimately the “big reveal” was not as big as I would have liked.  I would have preferred to have gotten a few more answers out of the film rather than a new list of questions that were left unanswered.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that you shouldn't see Prometheus, I'm just advising that one should lower their expectations as the film may not quite satisfy your needs.  But don't worry, there is talk that this is not a stand-alone prequel, but in fact part of a trilogy of its own that would eventually give us the answers we are hoping for.

Over all I give Prometheus a 3 out of 5.  

**Review written for PacMan & the Hot One -- http://pacmanandthehotone.blogspot.com/2012/06/prometheus-2012-film-review.html.  Check out the link to read other reviews.**

Dark Knight Rises - New Trailer

When it comes to summer block busters there's always one film that stands out.  Dark Knight Rises is that film for me.  Granted I have some personal attachment to the project as I was lucky enough to get to be an extra in a scene, so my excitement to see the final product is heightened even more.

I remember driving out to Pittsburg last August for a full day on the set of DKR.  It was hot and humid with scattered rain in the early morning that broke up rehearsals, but watching the men and women working on set with all of the excitement of the unknown that we would be witnessing was beyond belief.  And now that the release of the film is approaching I'm desperately trying not to ready spoilers or watch clips that could potentially give away any hints to the plot, but this particular trailer leaves me feeling like a kid in a candy shop with the anticipation I'm feeling for the release of Dark Knight.  So enjoy watching the below clip.

Beastly -- REVIEW

There is something fun about film adaptations to pieces of literature.  Granted there are some books that should NEVER be messed with, but there are others that have potential of being something... well... interesting. Beastly is a fun book for what it is, and I feel that Young Adult lit is kind of one of those "touchy" areas because kids and teens read at different levels and have such a wide variety of interests that it quickly becomes one of those "agree to disagree" zones.  Alex Flinn's YA novel is an interesting modern twist to the classic 'Beauty and the Beast' tale.  The concept is fun and I like that it's trying to get new generations into the "classic fairy tales", however being a slightly older YA reader I did hope the film adaptation would help mature the story just enough that slightly older audiences would be able to enjoy the story as well.  The film, however, was a monster all of its own.

Beastly ultimately feels like it is a film meant for audiences 12 and under.  Although I loved that the art director decided to take the beast in a different direction than the traditional furry animal, I found that the tattoos and scars were a fun concept.  Granted I could not take my eyes off the words that were tattooed on Alex Pettyfer's in place of his eyebrows (Embrace Suck) and found it extremely distracting.  Aside from the unusual take on what makes a beast I found little else to be enjoyable about the film.  I'm not saying that I don't enjoy watching "pretty people" in movies, however my sympathy for the main character was not developed well enough for me to really care what happened to him over the course of the film.  I also think that transition from page to screen is difficult when you have "older" actors playing younger characters and it is made even worse when the film character is older than the novel character and yet the behaviors are exactly the same.  I almost wish they would have just told the story of a 16 year old boy suffering rather than a kid who shouldn't even be in high school because the believability of the actions just falls apart.  It is a problem I also found with Alex Pettyfer's role as John in I Am Number Four.

The best part of Beastly is watching Neil Patrick Harris play a blind guy.  Granted the role does not give him a whole lot to work with, but he definitely helps push the story alone.  The other character I wish they had used more was Mary-Kate Olsen's Kendra.  Although she has been changed slightly from the book, I found her to be the most believable of all the characters.  I wanted her to be a larger influence into the change that Kyle experiences and was saddened that that element of the book was lost.  I also wish the "magic mirror" was included and possibly could have changed the whole feel to the story.  I know that is getting back to the Disney tale and making it too "kiddie", but sometimes I just hope... hope that the things that work in books and have been laid out so well that they just translate over.  I know it is not likely to happen but I can keep dreaming.  I mean it is all fantasy after all.

Over all I give Beastly a 1 out of 5 and the one piece of advice I'd like to throw out into the cyber world...(hoping to be heard - but knowing I wont ) Alex Pettyfer BEWARE of the YA curse.  If you get type casted to only play roles based on childrens lit your reputation as an actor might become limited. 

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles -- Broadway Review

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles is an amazing show with great music that is fun for kids of all ages. This is not your traditional Broadway show, but it is definitely something worth taking note of. The four musicians who play the band and exceptionally talented and do an amazing job of keeping the audience entertained for a two hour show. Although there is not "real story", the show follows the Beatles and their music from their invasion of the US thru to the 70s. If you are a fan of the Beatles, or have children who have never heard the Beatles this is a great introduction to the band. Rain is an "interactive" concert like show where you are encouraged to sing along with the songs, and the band even gets the audience up on their feet several times throughout the show. It is one of those shows where no matter where you're from or how old/young you are you will definitely enjoy the experience. If you are in NY or in one of the cities where the tour is going I would recommend checking out the show. It s a different way of spending a night out on the town, but every bit just as fun.

Favorite Forgotten Films by Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson is a unique filmmaker who is primarily known for his later films, but it is his earlier films that I find to be some of his better flicks.

#3: 1992 brought about the release of Dead Alive, a campie horror comedy film that I have always considered one of my favorite films.

#2: In 1989 a very disturbing film was released call Meet the Feebles.  This flick was the second feature length film Jackson directed.  Although it is not a widely known film it is one that you will never forget once you see it.

#1: The Frighteners hit theaters in 1996 and terrified me.  15 years later and I can still remember the movie poster of the of the monster pushing its way through a white canvas.  It was not just the poster that scared me as a 10 yr old horror fan, but the idea that when it was our time to die that we might have a number etched into our forehead.  Personally I find this to be the best picture he made.

I feel that these early films are far too often forgotten and they shouldn't be.  If you haven't seen these films I recommend checking them out. 

Thor -- REVIEW

Most people would recognize Kenneth Branagh as one of top Shakespearean actors or more recently for his role as Professor Lockhart.  His is a brilliant actor in just about everything he does (even though sometimes over acted), and although this is not his first stab at directing it is his first take at a film of such "epic" proportions. I will however be completely honest with you, if you attempt to watch see Thor in 3D you are wasting your time.  There is NOTHING 3D about this film.  It was NOT shot in 3D -- in fact it was shot in 2D and then converted.  Although the "3D" does not appear as painful as that of Clash of the Titans (only meaning I didn't have a splitting headache by the end of the film) I was thoroughly irritated that I wasted my money when there was no 3D involved.

Aside from that massive fail, Thor was entertaining.  Just like all of Branagh's Shakes films, Thor is very pretty to look at.  The CGI is well done and Asgard is very much a world fit for the comics.  It almost felt like Lord of the Rings had stepped into the world of Heros and traveled back in time only to travel back to present day etc, while also bringing along a few of the monsters from the Buffy/Angel series.  (Sadly I feel like I'm now waiting for the punch line of a "walks into the bar" joke)  There is however one slight downside to this film...

If you have seen any of the Shakes films Branagh directed/acted in, I'm sure that you will start to notice little things about Thor... Say that is sort of feels like Branagh wanted to relive his "glory days" and take the Henry V play and throw it into the comic universe via Thor.  Well there you have it, Thor (who sounds sort of english) goes off to war and just in the midst of a "bloody battle" (fight with Destroyer) the king (Thor) makes a LONG speech to his men (Sif and the Warriors Three) and only to go back into battle to victory. There was even a moment during the film where I half expected Branagh to make a cameo appearance.  There was, of course, the Stan Lee appearance which was hilarious and even the Jeremy Renner appearance (although brief) brought out a few chuckles.  It was almost like Branagh was so caught up in the Hamlet/Henry V aspects of the story that everything else was just glossed over.

Don't get me wrong.  I did not hate Thor.  I found it passable.  It kept me entertained for the full 130 minutes, even though it was a bit of a stretch at times.  I thought Chris Hemsworth was as good a Thor as was needed and his chemistry with Natalie Portman was believable, even though she came across like a bit of a giggly-girl meeting her very first crush.  I found that Kat Dennings as Darcy to actually be the best character, even though she was really only there as the comic relief (which wasn't really needed since Portman was doing well enough with that on her own).  Even Stellan Skarsgard was a fine addition to the cast as Erik Selvig.  I will say that I sort of had a hard time with Tom Hiddleston as Loki though.  He was the only character I felt wasn't really all there and I kept picturing Joseph Gordon-Levitt in his place since it was just as bad a role as Cobra Commander.  They also kinda look alike.   And unfortunately I keep almost forgetting that Anthony Hopkins is even in the film.  I love the man to pieces but Odin is the second least memorable character and his role in the film is so small that I find it hard to believe that Hopkins even accepted the role.  I guess he just wanted to play a few more gods and monsters before retiring.

Over all I give Thor a 2 out of 5.  It's not a film that will blow your mind, but it is at the very least entertaining.  I'm sure that it will do fine in theaters, maybe even well enough for Marvel Studios to attempt a round 2 with the franchise (however I wouldn't hold your breathe since it can't touch the Iron Man franchise with a ten foot pole).  It will be interesting to see what happens to Thor in the Avengers which is due out next week.