Who knew that rock stars had excellent taste in reading material? Well, at least one does (actually, two, if you count Stephen Christian from Anberlin). Singer-songwriter, Jon McLaughlin recommended “The Time Traveler’s Wife” to me a couple of years ago. He had just finished it and told me that it was one of the best books he had ever read. Of course, I went straight to Powell’s that day and bought it. I read it in one weekend and it is one of those books that stays with you long after you have devoured the final page.

If you, like me, loved “The Time Traveler’s Wife”, then you’ll probably be happy to know that the author, Audrey Niffenegger, is coming to Portland(Beaverton, actually) on Monday, Jan. 25. She released a new book last October, called “Her Fearful Symmetry”. It’s a ghost story and a love story. It’s about obsession and relationships. It’s darkly funny in places and is full of delicious little gothic details about the most famous cemetary in London (in which, Audrey has led tours). Audrey told me she didn’t plan on making it into a movie, like “The Time Traveler’s Wife”, but you will see a movie in your head while reading it. Audrey will discuss and read from “Her Fearful Symmetry” Monday night (Jan. 25) at 7pm at Powell’s at Cedar Hills Crossing.

I talked to Audrey Niffenegger about “Her Fearful Symmetry” last October. Click below to listen.

audrey niffenegger edit

PIX PATISSERIE’S FREE CHOCOLATE BUFFET

C’mon….you know tomorrow, you’re going to break out those workout dvds you got for Christmas and start working on your New Year’s resolution to get fit. I know. I’ve been there and will be working out right there with ya! So, why not enjoy one…or two…or many tastes of something you may not taste again until….well, Valentine’s Day. Haha! Seriously, Pix has some truly mind blowingly good desserts and FREE is a really good price. You have to buy a glass of something bubbly (and yes, soft drinks count) at PIX tonight to qualify for one of the free Chocolate Buffet tickets. They will start handing those out at 11pm. Click the link and scroll down for more details!

COMEDY SPORTZ IMPROV

I had these guys on my show, back when I was doing Celebrity Playlist daily. It was one of my favorite interviews because they were so fun…we were laughing the whole time! I tried to “stump” them by throwing really random suggestions at them and they turned everything I threw at them into something funny. In the show, improv teams compete against each other for points. You get to be a part of the show by shouting out suggestions for the scenes they act out. It’s family friendly, tickets are pretty affordable, and they are doing several shows tonight at 7pm, 9pm, and 11pm. BTW….if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to be funnier in 2010, then you should check out their improv classes, by clicking this link.

RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

Yes, they were a bit before my time (and probably yours, too), but who doesn’t love a Beatles song or two….or many? When you see this show, you are reminded of just how many Beatles songs you love. I saw this on opening night (the same night the snow created the commute from hell) and I was admittedly in a bad mood when I sat down in my seat at the Keller Auditorium, but the vibe changed as soon as they started playing these classic songs. It was fun watching all of the people my parents age dancing and having a good time, but there were a lot of people my age & my daughter’s age twisting and shouting right a long with them. Everyone left with big smiles and I decided there is no better cure for a bad day (or bad commute) than a large dose of loud Beatles music. Seriously. This show is all ages fun……and a MUST if 2009 left you with a need for some cheering up. Tonight’s show is at 7:30. Click here for details.

SEE A MOVIE!

Ok….this is highly unscientific, but according to my facebook friends’ status updates, “Avatar” in 3D is a must see. I’ve been surprised at how many very different types of people are raving about this, too. I’m planning on checking it out myself this weekend. I’ve been seeing a lot of positive comments about “Precious” as well, though you are pretty much guaranteed a good cry. I can recommend “The Blindside” as a football movie that’s really about relationships, so there’s something in it for everyone. I want to see “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, as I love Wes Anderson movies, Roald Dahl stories, and George Clooney. It’s playing at the Fox Tower and getting some great reviews. Check out the trailer below.

GO TO HAWAII

Of course, if you want traditional NYE fun, like dancing and toasts of bubbly, then there are lots of parties all over town. Check out Willamette Week for a pretty full listing. My personal fave is the WXYZ bar at Aloft Hotel Cascade Station. They are right on the Max line, so you can party hop, then hop on the Max to ride out to Aloft, party some more, then take advantage of their AWESOME NYE package. 99 bucks for one of their very hip, very cozy rooms, plus champagne….PLUS, the chance to WIN A TRIP TO HAWAII! I’ve been to many events at Aloft and it is always good times with fun people. P.s If you want to stay an extra night and watch the Rose Bowl game on their big screens (or from the comfort of your room), they will give you a GREAT deal on the second night stay…59 bucks! Here’s the link for more info! When you call the hotel, ask for their NYE Party package.

p.s. Yosemite National Park is also highly recommended….next time, I am camping there!

p.p.s. There are more pics on my Facebook page….if we aren’t already friends, friend me!

El Capitan

Meadow in Yosemite Valley

One of a family of deer that we saw on the way out of the park

Bridalveil Falls

Yes, I sat on the ledge of that rock wall to get the shot….and NO, I did not look down!

Okay really?! If the following video is any indication…YES! 13th Door in Beaverton is too scary for kids (and Stacey)

Jantzen Beach Classic

Live in Salem?  Try the Nightmare Factory:

And for a bunch more:

The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island
Fir Point Farms in Aurora
Lee’s Farms in Tualatin
Plumper Pumpkins in Portland
Rasmussen Farms in Hood River
Baggenstos Farms in Sherwood

As always…please leave any family favorites of yours in our comment section below.

I have to say it….I love Sela Ward! I think she is an amazingly beautiful, classy, intelligent woman. I also remember being puzzled when she, at age 35, lost a role in a James Bond movie because she was “too old”. I mean, this woman looks better in her 50’s than many women decades younger. It didn’t seem fair or right to me. When I had a chance to talk to Sela this week, we talked about the shelf life of a beautiful woman in Hollywood and a documentary that Sela did that exposes the lengths women go to to try to fit in with our youth-obsessed culture.

We also talked about her new movie, “The Stepfather”, which opens today. Yes, it’s a scary movie….but there’s lessons in there for a smart, beautiful woman (such as yourself!)

Check it out and let me know what you think!

sela ward

If you know me at all, you know that when I get one of those rare “I have the house & tv all to myself” days, one of the first things I do is watch a Tyler Perry movie. Yes, I know I am probably not his target audience, but I love the family & friend drama that this man puts on the screen. His movies always make me cry….and then feel good at the end. I can’t explain it, but it’s great stress relief for me.

Sooo….when I got the opportunity to talk to Tyler Perry this morning, you’d better believe I got my butt out of bed at 5:30 to take his call. His new movie, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” opens today, so we talked about that, of course. He also talked about….what performing in drag as Madea taught him about how tough it is to be a woman….what it was like to be working with Janet Jackson on the day she learned her brother died…..and why he gave 65 preschool kids from Philly an all expenses paid trip to Disneyworld.

Enjoy!

tyler-perry

I’m surprised they had time to call me, since they’ve been all over tv (Today Show….E!…..Chelsea Lately) this week. Of course I had to ask about Kourtney’s big news (baby coming near Christmas!)….and a few other things I’ve been wondering about while watching them on tv (cheesiest pickup lines guys have used on them….why America is so interested in what their family does)

I liked them! I especially liked their stories of the freak shows they encountered while living in Miami….and how they turned the tables on creepy guys….Enjoy!

P.s. Their new show “Kourtney & Khloe take Miami” premieres on E! at 10pm this Sunday!

kardashians

#1 Shawn Dudley, beat boxer – $500 winner
#2 BB Dolls & Rasha Spindel, singers – $300 winner
#3 Christine Gertler, singer – $200 winner
#4 Madison Parmeter, tap dancer – $100 winner
#5 Eddie Davis – Roller skating – $100 winner

Aaron Enyeart, a contestant, accurately predicted the future.  These two predictions were written Wednesday, 8/5/09, and sealed in a box until the talent show, Saturday, 8/8/09.

All prizes provided by Rivermark Community Credit Union.

Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) called in to chat about the new Harry Potter flick. We also talked about Rob Pattinson, Tom’s music, and if he “borrows” the Draco Malfoy costume for halloween!

Listen to Tom Felton talk about Harry Potter below!
tom-felton