top sport star

I wanted to tell everyone how much this book rocked. This is so revealing about what Michael Jordon thought, did, and wished he could of done, over the 2 seasons that he came back into the NBA. This is a quick read, and it tells an amazing story. This is a 100x what you get from any other sports book, and especially from anything you could ever see on NBC. Michael Leahy is an amazing writer who has a nack for getting the stuff that people really want to read. You want to know the real Michael Jordon? Then read "When Nothing Else Matters", by the acclaimed Wasington Post writer, Michael Leahy.

I am hoping to see "Gypsy" in June while vacationing in New York, so no, I have not seen it yet. It's killing me, but I'll try to survive until then.

I had to pick up this soundtrack tonight. It's absoulutely amazing. I've loved the movie "Gypsy" (both versions with Natalie Wood, then Bette Midler) since I was a kid. My mom raised me on all the classic musicals.. and they were always the movie versions since we lived no where near New York, London, LA, Toronto, or wherever (and still don't. Pffft.)

Anyway, I grew up with "Gypsy" and thought about seeing the revival show. But as soon as I learned Bernadette Peters, my absolute FAVORITE performer, was leading, that pushed me over the edge. She's not one you'd expect to play Rose, but listening to this recording, it somehow fits. Why doubt her, I don't know. I believe she can do anything. Anything. And I can't wait to see her light up the stage in June. What an experience.

Shockingly, all my favorite tracks are Rose's songs. "Rose's Turn" is breathtaking. You can feel the intensity and emotion Bernadette pours into this role. I almost can't even recognize her voice. Fun numbers "Together, Wherever We Go" and "You Gotta Get A Gimmick", etc.. are charming. The pieces of dialog I am very thankful for. Anything to tide me over till June...

Don't miss this one.

Everything you've heard is true. Peters absolutely blows the dust off of Mama Rose, and recreates a fresh, new take on the role, which had, up until now, become as predictable as a Mack Truck on auto pilot--until the final crash, of course. Peters brings a sweetness and desperation to the role, which is emphasized by her brilliant readings of the dialogue that is thankfully included. There are moments here of epiphany. At points during "You'll Never Get Away From Me," "Small World," and its reprise, and "Together, Wherever We Go," Bernadette quite simply makes the role her own. Quite a feat, considering who's played the Gypsy Mama in the last 50-something years. Peters' Rose turns out sexy and endearing, fragile and comic, but heart wrenching and desperate. Mama Rose has never been so tragically lovable. Merman set the standard; Lansbury was shrill and conniving; Daly was a testosterone force of nature; Midler was effective, but brought nothing new to the role. Peters takes a whole different angle. Her climactic "Rose's Turn" is absolutely stunning. Does the CD have flaws? Yes, but they're few. Baby June is expectedly shrill. The strippers in "Gimmick" are a bit too controlled. And Louise is a bit forced in her final Strip number, which is otherwise handled extremely well. However, Tulsa's "All I Need Is The Girl" is a standout. Finally, we have a Tulsa who comes across as a young kid just discovering his talent, explaining his backstage moves to the enthralled Louise with a sense of insecure wonderment. He's a joy. And thankfully, the dialogue leading up to "Everything's Coming Up Roses" is included, for the first time, revealing not just Rose's "monster side," but Peters' frightened desperation, which is precisely where this song eminates from. Oh, yes, and that Overture. The best overture ever written. Thank you, Jule Styne. And thank you, Bernadette, for finally bringing us a Rose who is not only understandable and endearing, but realistic and, above all, human.

This is my very first Broadway album that I ever bought and I have to say I was not disappointed. Bernadette is not playing a part, she convinces you that she IS Rose (especially in the numbers "Everything's Comin' Up Roses" and "Rose's Turn"). Instead of making the part campy (like Bette Midler) or yelling the songs (like Ethel Merman) or imitating another person (like the miscast Rosalind Russell copying her Auntie Mame role), she adds a sense of vulnerability and humanity to the role. I would have to say that Bernadette Peters and Angela Lansbury are the two best "Roses" and are the two cast albums to have.

I recently saw "The Notebook" and am so glad I did. This is my new favorite movie. I've never seen another like it. It's a wonderful adaptation of the book by Nicholas Sparks. It's cinematography is beautiful as well as the script and the acting is unforgettable. Ryan Gossling and Rachel McAddams are wonderful in this and give tour de force performances as the young lovers. They have a great chemistry together that electrifies the screen. Let us not forget James Garner and Gena Rowlands they are wonderfully cast as the older lovers. Sam Sherpard and Joan Allen also turn in wonderful performances in their roles. I cannot recommend this movie enough. It is moving and poignant, there wasn't a dry eye in the theatre when the movie ended. I think it is rare to see a movie that can be that affecting. GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!! You will not regret it in fact you'll probably want to see it again.

The Notebook is a gorgeous movie, beautifully shot by Robert Fraisse and wonderfully directed by Nick Cassavetes. The film sports a terrific cast, including the likes of Ryan Gosling (superbly underrated), Rachel McAdams (on her way to becoming a star) and the brilliance of James Garner, Gena Rowlands (Nick's mother!!!), Joan Allen, and Sam Shepard. These actors are blessed with a director who knows how to work with them, bringing out fantastic performances from each and every performer, secondary and otherwise.

It's a classic story of a love lost and later found, done to death in other films, but here, it works better than most. Based on Nicholas Sparks' 1996 best-seller, The Notebook revolves around the tale an elderly man (James Garner) who reads aloud to a confused woman (Gena Rowlands) who's confined to a nursing home. Though she's removed from reality by her fleeting, faded memory, she's obviously intrigued by the romance he relates. That romance begins in 1940, as 17 year-old Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams), a wealthy girl from Charleston, meets 19 year-old Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling), a local boy, at a Carnival. Impetuously, he implores her to go out with him and pesters her until she agrees. Sparks ignite the intense, overwhelming passion of their idyllic relationship. Horrified that her debutante daughter will wind up with a lumber mill worker, Allie's mother (Joan Allen) whisks her away to college. Allie's and Noah's lives take different directions during World War II., but memories linger and, seven years later, their paths cross again.

The film does have its share of problems and can be overly sentimental at times, but they are minor quibbles that can be easily overlooked. Overall, it is a breathtaking film, emotional and powerful from the first frame to the last. The scenery is breathtaking, the costumes are perfection, and the actors become their roles, adding to the realism and emotion. It is one of the best romantic dramas to come out in years. But be warned: for those who have a heart, be ready to WEEP!

The Notebook was the best movie of 2004. It was very romantic and cute too! The message of the movie is exceptional. I recommend this movie to anyone. Watch it with your man (or woman). It's definitely a tear-jerker, though. After the Notebook, my friends and I are always talking and laughing about finding our Noah! :) I think he's every woman's dream!