COME ON BABY LIGHT MY FIRE

Seven styles of design all with one common thread - fire.

These fireplaces are all chic in their own right, no matter what your design aesthetic. So curl up and enjoy!

Coastal Chic: elements of shells, drift wood and coral in sea-side shades of green, blue, cream and grey.

Contemporary Chic: a mix of colors (either muted or vibrant), textures and time periods, blended together for an up-to-date style.

Sleek Chic: ultra hip, uber modern, super clean lines, natural and man-made elements blended in a no-frills, industrial design.

Rustic Chic: natural texture from stone and wood, warm colors in browns and greens, a sense of being anchored to the earth.

Cottage Chic: a mix of found, antique and weathered pieces, cool colors of crisp white, creamy beiges and muted earth tones.

Whimsical Chic: out-of-the-box design, fearless color, shapes and style, child-like and fun!

Elegant Chic: refined, sophisticated style, classic in styling with a monochromatic color palette.

2009 World Series Champions New York Yankees - The Movie

Monday night Cody Dee and I had the opportunity to attend a red carpet event at the Ziegfeld Theatre honoring the World Champion New York Yankees. You may ask, how in the world did Cody Dee and I score tickets to such a big time event with celebrity folk from Manager Joe Giardi to Timothy "Poindexter" Busfield(from Revenge of the Nerds)? Only a cool thirty five bucks each and lightening quick fingers on the keyboards got us through the doors and into the thousand plus seat house. Once we found our seats and the place started to fill up it felt and sounded like a typical crowd at Yankee Stadium. They were feisty yelling out curses and praises as the ads began to play on the big screen. I also noticed a fairly large section toward the middle of the theatre was empty. Cody Dee assured me that the event was sold out so it occurred to me that the same rich jerks that call themselves Yankee Fans were at least consistent, they couldn't be bothered to show up during the season, so why show up for the celebratory World Series movie?Before they started the movie John Sterling, the voice of the Yankees on radio and Yankeeography, took the podium to get the ball rolling. Sterling seemed a bit punchy as he made some pretty kick to the nuts comments about the Red Sox and the Phillies. I got a little chuckle out of it, the man seemed like he'd been pulling on the jug a bit before coming out. All of a sudden the crowd started to boo loudly as I noticed a woman in red coming to the podium. Sterling welcomed Suzyn Waldman to the podium for a few words. She is the other half of the radio show with Sterling and she apparently is not well liked, at least by this Yankee crowd. I honestly don't know much about her although I have heard her some on the radio and I have to say she is pretty terrible as a commentator. She said a few things and was basically booed away until Michael Kay stepped up to the podium. Michael Kay was welcoming and said a few words about the championship season, he made a little slip when they introduced the Championship trophy though. He said something about the trophy LEAVING New York next season... and of course the place erupted in boos. Of course he meant to say until they win it again next year but, he diffused it and moved on quickly, introducing General Manager Brian Cashman and Manager Joe Giardi. Giardi was gracious and said a few kind words about the enormity of the win and what was in store for next year. I don't care what people say, Joe Giardi is a class guy. He made gutsy calls during the season and the post season and let's not forget his heroics after his big World Series win saving that woman on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester. He crossed over 5 lanes of traffic to stay with her until help arrived, what a guy.The lights dimmed and the show began. I will say up front that if you hate the Yankees then this isn't the movie for you. We saw a recap of the amazing season with the pies and the new faces like CC, AJ, Tex and Nick. They showed a few behind the scenes of the Phillies and the Yanks as they responded to one another as to who will win it all. There are a some amusing parts especially with pitcher Pedro Martinez, that guy is certainly not operating with a full deck. We had to relive the embarrasing first game against Cliff Lee, but we also got to witness on the big screen what AJ Burnett's pitches look like when he is lights out. And let me tell you just seeing that was worth price of admission. It always amazes me how a pitcher does what he does but watching Burnett's pitches dance all over the plate makes it look like magic. What can you say about a ballclub that has won 27 World Series championships? It's just exciting to be a part of it in some way. I think for the older generation, and my Father can attest to this, it was the one thing he had in common with his father. It was the unspoken joy they shared which is Yankee baseball. Now I feel I have much more in common with my Father but this feeling is certainly one of them and it is something I truly hope to pass down to my son and beyond.I fully intend to show this film to Nathan when he's old enough. And thankfully the operators of this wonderful event decided to surprise us with a free DVD of the film as the credits were rolling. It was a really fun night, I enjoyed sharing it with my good friend Cody and I got a great memento to show to future Marvin's about this amazing season of baseball in the greatest city in all the world.
Grade: 5 Buckets (Of Course)

The Twilight Saga - New Moon

Yes, I was one of the many who helped contribute to New Moon's over 140 million dollar opening weekend. I have read all four books in the series and saw the first movie in the theatre opening weekend.

Now, having said all of that, I must admit I am a fairly easy going critic to this series. The movies are cheesy and I have gone in expecting that for both films. The dialogue is bad and the acting is painful at points, but I generally enjoy the spectacle of it all.



The newest Twilight saga again follows Bella, Kristin Stewart, in all of her awkward glory. This film sees very little of the Cullen family, but instead explores the friendship of Bella and Jacob (Taylor Lautner). The movie ends up being only 30% vampire and 70% werewolf.

New Moon feels like a formula movie. Basically girl is sad over a breakup. Girl deals with sadness by focusing on anything else and finds help from this by friend who has romantic feelings for her. Girl ends up saving the boy who broke up with her and ditching the friend. It's a classic story - only with vampires and werewolves.

I thought Lautner faired best acting-wise. He certainly beefed up for this movie and his reactions are the most realistic. Stewart tones down the sputtering but at points is all over the place. Pattinson is hardly in the film but in his few scenes he continues his brooding act.



I said it last movie and I will say it again, Billy Burke is the best thing about these movies. Playing the father of Bella, he delivers an understated performance that no one seems to recognize. I think I enjoy his facial reactions the best.

The biggest difference from Twilight to New Moon is that there are few awkward scenes. There were a couple of times last movie I wasn't sure what the director was trying to pull off. Thankfully the structure in this film is easier to follow. Unfortunately the spinning field shot makes a reappearance, but it didn't take up nearly the amount of time the first did.



Watching this film in theatres over opening weekend is an experience. The high pitch screaming that occurred the moment Summit's logo entered the scene was frightening. At one point after the movie started a shouting match erupted in my auditorium between two groups. One shouted "Team Edward" and the other retorted "Team Jacob". It was reminiscent of being at a Backstreet Boys or NSYNC concert back in the day, I honestly have never been to a movie and had the same experience.



I'm not quite sure what this franchise brings that others do not. Is it the "dreaminess" of it's male stars? Is it the nature of the books? The religious undertone of the story? I don't know but this fan base grew over the course of the last year. I'm curious to see how this franchise develops.

2 Buckets

NINE TIMES THE GLITZ

On December 25, 2009 musical great Rob Marshall, who brought us Chicago in 2002, is back with his latest project Nine. With an Oscar-winning ensemble cast, this 1960s-based Italian musical is sure to be a hit!

"Nine tells the story of Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis), a world famous film director as he confronts an epic mid-life crisis with both creative and personal problems. He must balance the many women of his life, including his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his film star muse (Nicole Kidman), his confidant and costume designer (Judi Dench), an American fashion journalist (Kate Hudson), the whore from his youth (Fergie) and his mother (Sophia Loren)." -IMDb.com

Hudson's performance is said to be a showstopper. Her costume and swinging dance number (as seen in the film's new trailer, below) seem to channel her mother Goldie Hawn in her 60s, go-go dancing hay day.

Just like Marshall's Chicago, Nine began as a Broadway baby. In 1982 Nine took home the Tony for Best Musical.

The silver screen version of Chicago translated exceptionally well to film, and nabbed 6 Oscars in 2003 including a Best Picture win and a Best Director nomination for Marshall. Oscar buzz surrounding Nine has already begun. Check out the new trailer and tell me you aren't excited to see this!

The women of Nine grace the cover of November's Vogue Magazine.

Watch the Trailer on Yahoo! Movies

Less than THREE

This picture was featured in the November Issue of Nylon and it was love a first sight.

I WANT MY HAIR TO LOOK EXACTLY LIKE THIS!

It is like the beautiful flowing mains of the plastic "My Pretty Ponies" we all used to play with, the pastel pink and blue look slamin' with the ice blonde locks.

TIGHT END

Those Gossip Gals sure know how to work a trend! Textured tights are hot for fall/winter, and everyone's favorite ladies of the Upper East Side are workin' it with "look at me" limbs! Blair, Serena and even Jenny sport this fun look with super short skirts or classic pea coats. Love it!
(Click on images for larger view)

Inspired? Then shop for your own pair! These fun textures are perfect with a LBD (little black dress) for the holidays, paired with jeweled flats, patent leather pumps or suede booties! But remember to keep the outfit simple if the tights are textured, otherwise you'll wind up looking more freak than chic!

Spanx Tights in Black Chain Stripe $42

HUE Tights in Geo Argyle $20

Betsey Johnson Lace Net Tights $20

Urban Outfitters Tuscan Floral Tights $14

Other great sites for tights:

Topshop

Nordstrom

Forever 21

Express

BareNecessities.com