Get outta my way

It seems like forever ago I wrote my last annual review however it does feel like this year has passed by rather quickly. What's most disconcerting is that I can't remember much of it. I had to look most of it up. For instance, I can't remember the last time I read a book.

Another thing was when I took a couple of those news tests where you have to remember certain things that made the news this year. It gave me a 4/20 and a comment of "were you out of the country a lot?". Which I wasn't. I was home all year long, but I must not have paid attention. Then I took the 'celebrity scandals of 2010' test and scored 9/13. If that's a good or bad thing, I'll leave up to you to decide.

The year did just fly by, and we saw Kylie releasing a new album, Robbie rejoined Take That (and practically took over the BBC and ITV it seems) and The Black Eyed Peas went number 1 in the UK with the worst single of the year The Time (Dirty Bit).

There was also some Royal news as the Norwegian king had an affair, Prince William finally proposed to his Kate, Danish Queen Margrethe II turned 70 and Princess Mary of Denmark got pregnant again (baby expected to drop any minute now).

Let's face it, it's not really about *them* though, is it? It's about me. I can do that, this being my blog and all. So, shall we?

Book Challenge

The challenge of the last few years, was for me to read 12 books. One per month. However as I mentioned earlier, I can't remember the last time I picked up a book. So it was rather shocking for me to realise I've read 16 books!

Not all the books were mentioned here on the blog, so I'll list them all for your viewing pleasure.

My Side of the Story by Will Davis

See here

I Lick My Cheese and Other Notes: From the Frontline of Flatsharing by Oonag O'Hagan

See here

The Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina

See here

The Distance Between Us by Bart Yates

See here

The Sims 3: World Adventure Game Guide by Prima Games

It's a game guide, so I can become even more enlightened when it comes to the true glory of The Sims 3

The Englor Affair by JL Langley

See here

The Broken H by JL Langley

See here

Handyman by Claire Thompson

See here

The Assignment by Evangeline Anderson

See here

Lovers Who Stay With You by David MacMillian

Basically an erotic anthology with a vampire theme. Not at all my thing. I read a few of the stories but it left me a bit sick and I had nightmares. Not at all sexy.

Precious by Sapphire

See here

Being Human: The Road by Simon Guerrier

See here

Being Human: Chasers by Mark Michalowski

A sequel to the other Being Human book.

Being Human: Bad Blood by James Goss

A sequel to the other Being Human books.

Pretty in Plaid: a Life, a Witch and a Wardrobe, or the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomanical, Self-Centered, Smart-Ass Phase by Jen Lancaster

See here

Most were enjoyable, but I must admit that I much prefer this one.



With the success of Book Challenge 2010, I think I'll try again next year. I've got a lot of books stashed away under my bed for these cold and snowy/rainy days. In this type of weather, I find that a good movie is there to help me along. Either at the cinema or a DVD.

Movies of 2010

I love movies, and I've got a few DVDs so in order to find out what I've actually watched this year, I've had to look through my bookshelves as well as search my mind to see what I've actually watched this year. I think Hermoine was a little too thorough when she did that Obliviate spell a few weeks ago.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

The first of the last Harry Potter movies. It had a good build-up to the big climax. I still don't fancy Harry as it just seems so wrong. He's 21 but I remember him as that little boy with the round glasses. Ewww. Can't wait to see the final movie though.

Up In The Air starring George Clooney, Vera Famiga, Anna Kendrick and Jason Bateman

This was good. You'd think any movie that's nominated for Oscars would be good. Yet, I made the mistake with Sidewaysbut Up In the Air is good. George Clooney could charm his way through anything I'm sure.

Sex & the City 2 starring 'The Girls' and Liza

Everyone says this is terrible, and was even worse than the first one. I actually prefer this to the first one. Although I must say I don't much care to get Carrie'd away. She's so whiney.

The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and Kathy Bates

I'm not into sports movies and the only reason why I watched this was because I adore Sandra Bullock. She delivers and deserved the Oscar. It's a wonderful movie about so much more than American football.

Post Grad starring Alexis Bledel, Jane Lynch, Carol Burnett and Michael Keaton

Sweet little chick flick starring Rory from Gilmore Girls about the troubles after you finish college.

Vampires Suck

Anything that mocks Twilight is alright in my book. I'm shocked it's not a Zucker Bros. movie.

The A-Team

Action/comedy starring the always hot Bradley Cooper. It's funny and action packed. I'm not sure if it's anything like the original TV show because I haven't watched that but the writing is not exactly Hemmingway or Henry James.

The Expendables

I'm not a fan of this. Hard hitting action with a touch of comedy. Basically it's an 80s rehash of all the B-movies these has beens have starred in. I do however fancy the pants off Jason Statham

Inception

I like the idea of this movie. The acting was good, and the CGI was not bad. A fan of CGI, I'm not but it worked in this. This wasn't CGI for the sake of CGI or cutting cost or saving a trip to the actual place.

Avatar

I watched this in early 2010 I think. Needless to say I didn't like this. It will be very difficult to find a more overrated and over exposed movie. EVER. I think I'd prefer to watch Twilight see my commentary on this here again. Blue creatures who run around on a planet and speak their own 13 word language for 162 minutes. No thank you. The story could have been, and probably was written on a cocktail napkin. My reason to watch this CGI travesty was the 3D. I had to see what that was like. Meh, I wasn't impressed.

My favorite is this one





I may have watched more movies that came out in 2010 but I honestly can't remember. That Hermoine is a skilled witch. Either that, or my Time Capsule is playing tricks on me.

TV Shows

I've followed 6 new TV Shows (new episodes) and 3 vintage ones. By vintage I mean old, taken off the air shows. They are as follows

Desperate Housewives

I wasn't too keen on Edie being fried and Kathrine being committed, but I still like it.

Being Human

I'm not really a vampire/werewolf kind of person, but I did think the idea of a ghost, werewolf and vampire living together trying to lead ordinary lives. It's good!

Hawaii Five-O 2010

I've never seen the original series, but this is action packed, bright, sunny and beautiful people. How can you not like that?

Bones

I'm not keen on dead people or soggy corpses/remains but I am keen on David Boreanaz and I like the chemistry between the characters.

White Collar

Matthew Boomer. Enough said.

Covert Affair

She fights crime in Christian Louboutins. Oh yes!

Dynasty (vintage)

I've got the first 5 seasons on DVD, and season 6 was just released in Denmark. I love that show. Takes me back. Shoulder pads and BIG hair galore.

The O.C.

I started recording this, and watching it on the weekend. However it never quite caught on. I spent some time mocking it a little on Twitter but it wasn't enough to keep me watching. Perhaps it was Tate Donovan who was just way too awkward and plasticy.

Beverly Hills 90210 (vintage)

I've been recording this on my box, and it's great. We've made it to episode 86 which is around the time the gang made it to college. The Dylan/Kelly romance (he should be with Dylan!) is a little rocky and Brenda had a brief stay in Minnesota.

My favourite



Dynasty



Biggest disappointment is still



From movies and TV we move onto music.

Top 4 albums I bought

I didn't buy a lot of albums this year. To be honest I don't buy a lot of music so it has to really catch my interest.

1. Kylie Minogue - Aprodite

The album contains the 3 singles All The Lovers, Get Outta My Way and the most recent Better Than Today. It's a complete hands up in the air dance pop album. Very positive and upbeat.

2. Scissor Sisters - Night Work

Contains singles Fire With Fire, Any Which Way and Invisible Light Utterly brilliant camptastic pop album. Pure joy with little nuggets of hilarity if you listen to the lyrics.

3. Hurts - Happiness

It's a bit Pet Shop Boys ish album. I like it. There's first single Wonderful Life which is just brilliant along with Better Than Love and Stay. Kylie joins Hurts for a duet on Devotion. Not really my type of album but I like it a lot.

4. Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster

I didn't buy the first version of this album, but I thought it would be fine to get this one. With all the 'old hits'. The only really awful track on it is the Telephone one with Beyonce. I'm not saying this album is amazing but it's a good 'greatest hits' album considering she's only done this one proper album she's done pretty well for herself. She's gone overboard with the styling though. When she put on that meat dress and the telephone hat, she became a caricature of herself. A bit of a joke really.

My singles top 10 of 2010

Kylie Minogue - Better Than Today (Club Junkies Remix)



I didn't quite know if I should pick Get Outta My Way (7th Heaven Remix) or this one, but I opted for this because it's a little bit overlooked brilliant.

2. Example - Kickstart



Love it!

3. Scissor Sisters - Any Which Way



Camptastic, and love the video.

4. Cheryl Cole - Parachute



Her most recent stuff doesn't really tickly my fancy but I like this. The video is gorgeous.

5. Hurts - Wonderful Life



Love it. I'm glad that I'm not one of those Hurts girls though. Not a fan with being too long under water. I prefer it a bit more sunny and lounging by the pool with a colourful umbrella cocktail.

6. Roll Deep - Good Times



I've never heard this on Danish radio or on any of our music video channels. I did however watch this on the UK Top 40 and I love it. It's so happy.

7. Robyn - Dancing On My Own



I remember this girl from the days of Do You Really Want Me. She was huge in Denmark back then, and voilà she is again. Love this song. She's quirky and not conventionally pretty. I mean that as a compliment.

8. Take That - The Flood



They were everywhere with this song, which is a shame really. I love it, but there is too much of a good thing (when we aren't talking Kylie). It's mostly just Robbie Williams feat. Take That. That's how I prefer it. The Robbieless Take That were boring.

9. Alexandra Burke - Start Without You



I like this song, but I do have to confess that the video does have something to do with it getting into my top 10.

10. Katy Perry - California Gurls



I hate to admit I like the song, but I thought this was great too.

From the best to the worst songs of 2010.

Top 3 worst songs of 2010

A lot of crap was released this year, but these 3 take the cake.

1. Black Eyed Peas - The Time (Dirty Bit)



Quite frankly the most hideous track of 2010. I mean, if Ann Widdicombe had released a song it would still be better than this pile of shite.

2. Rihanna - What's My Name



Just no. No, no, no, we don't care.

3. Duffy - Well, Well, Well



Well, well, well... What the fuck happened to Duffy. I mean, I've never cared for her music but this is awful.

Before we end this almost epic review, we have one more thing to do..

Top 10 hottest men of 2010

1. Ryan Reynolds



2. David Boreanaz



3. George Clooney



4. Jake Gyllenhall



5. Bradley Cooper



6. Cesc Fabregas



7. Matthew Bomer



8. Chris O'Donnell



9. Zachary Quinto



10. Mark Salling



So, the annual review is over now. Happy New Year everyone (and thanks for all the holiday wishes)

Book Update 4: Ma'am that's the dust cover

So, I'm here playing Carrie Bradshaw on my chaise again. Not as glamorous as one would expect but I've got my glass of water on standby and Austrailas Master Chef on TV. Got to love those accents! Right, so the reason we are here, is that I've finished another 3 books.

The first book is Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire. It's the first Oprah Book Club book I've ever read. Well, I mean I've never read a book (that I'm aware of anyway) that was part of Oprahs Book Club. This one was though.

Initially I had massive aversions towards it for multiple reasons.

1. It is based on a true story - I don't like those
2. Being very interested in movies, I was bombarded with images and information about the movie version
3. It would be depressing
4. The very long title
5. Mariah Carey was in the movie

All those things were holding me from reading it, until someone gave it to me. It had been on sale and bla bla bla you should read it bla bla bla. At least it wouldn't be a ho-mance. I still can't get over the fact that Mariah Carey was in the movie version. She was the reason why Glitter was made gods sake! That should never be forgotten.

That said, if you are into the sort of semi (c)rude graphic language, tragic story and a mix of story and poetry you might like it. For me, it was maybe too 'real' or I'm just not really into reading in graphic detail about how a 12 year old girl was raped by her father and then later gave birth to their retarded child. Or how her mothers nether region smelled. Quite frankly, I can live without that. The grammar and spelling mistakes etc. were genious though, just like in Forest Gump - if you've read that. It works. I didn't really like Forest Gump either, but the way it was written was great.

Again. Glitter! Mariah, I shall never forgive you

The next book is the first book of the Being Human series called The Road by Simon Guerrier. Before I start writing about the book, I have to mention that the cover design is by the graphic design master Glittering Lee. We here at Sayhey ADORE Lee, and quite frankly we'd have his children if it were physically possible or if he asked. Of course Lee is, like most of the good gays, taken.

Well, enough about that. We are here to talk about the book, which is quite entertaining. What do you get if you take a werewolf, vampire and a ghost and put them in a house together? You get a tightly knit group of friends who look out for each other, and whatnot.

Then, what do you get if you add a middle aged black woman ghost who smells something like brimstone. Wearing a purple hat, lacquered hair and a floral dress under a purple coat? Well you should buy the book and find out. It's quite entertaining despite the story unfolding in Bristol of all places. Ch-che-check it out!

Last and certainly not least, I've finished Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomanical, Self-Centered Smart Ass Phase by Jen Lancaster. As my regular readers may have notices, I have a thing for Miss Jen Lancaster. I've read all four of her books - and just when you thought you might be safe, another one is released this May.

I saw the title of her first book Bitter is the New Black over on Dinahs blog, and just *had* to read it. From there it just escalated and I'm still quite smitten with Jen Lancasters style of writing. It's fun, honest and I imagine my life story being written like that when I retire to my chaise, a glass of Champagne in hand, and live of Godiva chocolates and Beluga caviar. It's not Jen Lancasters fault that she lives in Chicago of all places. That said, Jen loves Chicago apparently, and I suppose my few days in her fair city wasn't enough to hook me. Truth be told, I was tired, cold, starving and ended up walking past the Crocs Beach Volley tournament by Lake Michigan. No, honey. No.

Pretty in Plaid, is like her autobiography in which she writes about some of the turning points in her life. Some fun, and some a little less fun but always with a cheerful twist. Like the title suggests she uses outfits to recall the events in her life. From the seventies and up. Like she remembers wearing a too-tight pink parka from Lands' End that couldn't zip over her green wool crewneck sweater the day she learned that the Challenger exploded, a scratchy purple V-neck when Reagan was shot and a a red Ralph Lauren turtleneck, loose sand-coloured 501s and a red and blue grosgrain band around her watch when she first kissed her husband Fletch.

For someone like me, who loves clothes, witty comments and someone who can laugh at themselves this is a must read. Big, nay huge both thumbs up!

Book Update 3: I don't wanna be alone

When my girlfriends get a little lonely, they cuddle up alone in bed with a cup of tea and a Barbara Cartland/Danielle Steele or other book and once they've finished it, they are all better. No more lonely, they get back on track and all is well. Maybe they put something funny in their tea, because no matter what I'm still feeling alone.

Reading 4 erotic (alright, slightly if not fairly pornographic) books, didn't work on me. At least not in the way it should be. Still, I was entertained by lovely stories, fair writing and I quote

Hot sweaty manlove of the interplanetary kind

Oh yes, oh yes. It does say that. Ain't life grand?

Let's start with that one.


The Englor Affair by JL Langley

It's actually the sequel to My Fair Captain which I wrote about here

I couldn't remember much of it to be honest, so I might have to read the first book again, and then read The Englor Affair again afterwards. Some of the same characters and the same universe is used, and for an erotic book (I sound like such an afficionado don't I, for someone who's read 6 in all his life) that's a little unusual.

I'll spare you all the graphic details but just say that the book is set in another universe on the Planet Englor (and a little on the planet Regelence which was featured in My Fair Captain) where things are a mix of the old days of aristocracy and hi-tech stuff in the far, far future. There are kings, princes, lords and dames. It's actually quite entertaining - but you will be confronted with

Hot sweaty manlove of the interplanetary kind

and you'll love it!

It comes with a warning though, one of the guys is a ginger.

I can't wait to read book three as I'm fairly sure there will be a third because like in My Fair Captain, not everything was solved in this one either.

After having read three books by JL Langley (I had also previously read a book called The Tin Star with hot all male cowboy lovin - read about it here) that were pretty good, I thought I'd make it an even four.

The Broken H by JL Langley

This book was about hot cowboy lovin, and it actually mixed in with the storyline of The Tin Star

The book was good. I liked the story and the lovin but I wasn't so keen on one of the dudes having long hair, and the editing was fairly bad. Imagine the nonsense and mistakes I make and multiply it by 10. Still, the book had me.. let's just say it had me going through most of the colours of the rainbow. I even cried. That in itself isn't a big thing because I could cry watching a commercial afterall.

Handyman by Claire Thompson

I suspect doing the handyman is every girl and gays fantasy. At least if he's hot. Perseonally I haven't met one of those yet, but in this book a yuppy guy moves to the suburbs and hires a handyman to do his kitchen. Let's just say, he ends up doing more than his kitchen. Much happens, some things fairly funny, and others a little more serious. A lot of self doubt and such and of course lots of handyman lovin.

This book was pretty good, and refeshing from reading all those JL Langley books.

The Assignment by Evangeline Anderson

The Assignment was about two police officers who had to go undercover at a gay sex retreat in San Francisco and pretend to be gay in order to bust some druglord who distributed bad coke.

Needless to say there were lots of sexual frustrations, erotica and down and dirty sex involved. The story was far from weak considering the nature of the book (you can't expect to pick up something of the same level as Puskin, Hemingway or Tolstoy) and the writing fairly good.

Next time I'll order books, I think they'll have to be books on knitting and sewing.

Book Update 2: Straight I think not

I've finished four books now. In under one month. So excited I am. It'll end up being fairly expensive though, as I've almost run out of books to read and will have to call upon Amazon UK to deliver a new pile of quality entertainment. With further ado, I give you the two most recent books I've read.

The Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina

I was browsing through my Amazon UK recommendations and there it was. I'd previously bought a Kylie calendar and other Kylie stuff from them so they thought this little item would be right up my alley. The cover was quite easy on the eyes, and the blurb made it sound like an easy breezy fluffy story. Naturally I was all for it.

The books is divided into chapters by the names of selected Kylie tracks that fit with the overall theme of the chapter. This is quite fun actually. I was a little disappointed that one of the main character, Jonathan Parish's, favorite tracks



wasn't featured as a chapter.

Anyway. You've probably guessed it, Jonathan is an American teenager and an out and proud gay. He's obsessed with Kylie and one day he gets an offer he can't refuse. Being flown to London to see Kylies Showgirl Tour in exchange for going back into the closet to play the straight boyfriend of a girlfriend of his. The rest, you can read about yourself. It's quite the delightful and easy read.

The Distance Between Us by Bart Yates

You may, or may not remember that I've also read his other books Leave Myself Behind and Brothers Bishop. I enjoyed Brothers Bishop immensely, but as far as I recall I wasn't that into Leave Myself Behind. So, it was interesting to see how I felt about The Distance Between Us, the third book by Bart Yates.

It's about a 71 year old ex concert pianist named Hester Parker. My first thought was, oh this is going to be a very long book. Then a young man is introduced. Pale, skinny and unruly ginger hair. Oh crap, could it get any worse? It was all uphill from there, and to be honest it went up and up and up and up.

Turns out that Hester Parker and I have a lot in common. We are both slightly bitter and sarcastic, and in all honesty a bit vindictive. You see, Hester Parker has been alienated from her family and her husband of many, many years who has had an affair with the same woman for 15 years, has left her. He wants the house in the divorce, and the woman he has been cheating on Hester with, was a woman she actually liked.

The book has so much humour. Hilarious at times, and is also sad. I like sad books. You don't want to miss this one out.

Book update 1: LIC GAS

I can't believe I've already finished two books. That's just crazy. Still, I had to up my game after last years failed attempt. This year must be better, and now I only have 10 books to go. Piece of cake. So here goes.

My Side of the Story by Will Davis

Like most of the books I read, this too is gay themed. The narrator is like totally this 17 year old guy who like has this best friend named Al. They totally like hang out all the time and then Al is like all political and Jaz (the narrator) is like totally like LIC GAS. Or Like I Could Give A Shit.

Actually it's a lot better than what I wrote, because the writing really suits the book as the narrator is this 17 year old guy who is just tries to live his life. Obviously he thinks he and his best mate Alice (Al) are the shit and everyones pretty much lame. Which is kool.

I liked it, it was very engaging and I never did tire of the many totallys, likes and such because the commentary by Jaz was spot on. I totally narrated my life like that when I was 17. Hell I'm still like totally doing it now.

I Lick My Cheese and Other Notes From the Frontline of Flat-sharing by Oonagh O'Hagan

Apparently there are a lot of these kinds of books with samples of sticky notes, post-its and notes written on more disturbing samples of paper, plastic, walls etc. I picked this up at the sales bin at HMV in London last year. It was cheap, and the title was excellent.

I, however, had no idea JUST how disturbed people are though. When I was staying at a folk high school here in Denmark, sharing a bathroom with two other guys (one Dutch and one Bulgarian) and the common kitchen with about 25 people of all nations (and hygiene levels), I thought I'd seen it all. Heating milk in the electric kettle without cleaning it, not doing dishes for a week. Not removing hair from the plughole in the shower. That sort of thing. We left notes, had "hall meetings" and all that. Still, the amount of disturbing and downright terrifying notes in this book left me both in stitches and also almost sleepless at night.

Thankfully I didn't encounter (or had to write) notes like these gems

"This phone has been up my arse"

"Why is my bed damp?"

"I think I should point out to whoever has been eating the stuff in the fridge with the foil over it, it's actually raw sausage meat that I was going to use as stuffing. It hasn't been cooked yet so will probably make you very ill. Guess you have learned your lesson by eating other peoples stuff!"

"Whoever eats my cheese... I licke it. Ha ha ha" noted underneath "So do I"

"Whoever has left their crusty black nickers (with silver streaks) on the bathroom floor - kindly remove them"

People are sick.

Step back in time

Wow, is it really 2010? It doesn't feel space agey yet though. No flying cars outside my windows there doesn't seem to be any of those dreadful video intercom systems in my flat yet. Just me, slightly hung over, mascara running down my cheeks and the blue nail varnish is flakey. Wait, heavy eye makeup and blue nail varnish? That's a bit spacey isn't it. Anyway, we are about to jump into the time capsule and go back to a much more familiar, and pretty damn fabulous time for me. 2009 here we come!

Whooooooosh! (yes, it's still not space agey so I have to do my own sound effects)

Let's start with the failed book challenge.

I had challenged myself to read 12 books in 2009 and to be honest I thought it would have been a disaster because frankly I don't think I've read that many books. In the end I was 3 books short of meeting the challenge which is amazing all things considered. These were the books I read this year.

Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea

I bought this book in Chicago at Borders, a bookshop near this very famous department store that Oprah always mentions on her show. I could get lost in a phone booth so I wouldn't know where exactly it was. There was another Borders bookshop on Michigan Ave. I went there too, but didn't buy anything for myself in there.

To be honest I bought the book because of the title. How could you not? Also it was on the bestseller rack and I'd heard the name Chelsea Handler on TV a couple of times. Still, I had no expectations at all going into this. I read it in one sitting and had fabulous roomservice delivered in order to finish it in time to go shopping again the next day. It was, in my opinion, funny and maybe slightly over the top but it also had heart. Even if some of the stories did portray her family and ex boyfriends as a fairly unpleasant crowd. Still, anyone who went to jail because of their own sister and lived to tell about it in a funny way is kool in my book.

Brothers, Life Death Truth by Ted Van Lieshout

Read about it here

My Fair Captain by J.L. Langley

Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett

Read about them here

The Tin Star by J.L. Langley


Changing Tides by Michael Thomas Ford

Read about them here

Mysterious Skin by Scott Heim

A story that was fairly brutal but also a little out there, with UFOs and sticking hands inside dead cows. However it was a good book, a little exhausting to get through because it was a bit heart wrenching.

Such a Pretty Fat: One narcissist's Quest to Discover if Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big or Why Pie is Not the Answer

by Jen Lancaster

I've read all her other books, and that was because Dinah mentioned one or two of her books in one of her 50+ book updates. The titles were just too clever to pass up, I suppose. This was her third book and it's still entertaining to read about her, now, fairly disheveled life with her dogs, cats and once upon a time (at least in my mind) hot boyfriend (now husband). The everyday struggles of someone who thinks she's somebody kool and happening but really is neither kool nor happening. She is fabulous though. Tongue like a viper and well, a determination one can only admire. Train Jen just keeps on going.

On a side note, I bought this book in the city where she lives, Chicago. Which, to me, is a fun fact. Love Borders!

The Sims 3 Prima Official Game Guide by Cathrine Browne

There is not much to add to the title. It's a game guide for Sims 3, which I'm fairly addicted to. I love playing with other peoples lives and this is the healthiest outlet. The guide is pretty good and there are delightful brownie (teee-hee geddit? Cathrine Browne - brownie. hah!) bites.

What's my favorite book of 2009? It's between Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea, Such a Pretty Fat and The Tin Star (the gay erotica book, niiiiice!)

The winner is

Such a Pretty Fat: One narcissist's Quest to Discover if Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big or Why Pie is Not the Answer

by Jen Lancaster

Yay for Jen Lancaster (who has a new book out now)!

So I didn't make the 12 books in my challenge, but I tell you, in space age 2010 I will read 12 books. And I may start today, that is, if I will ever finish this review thing.

Pheeeeew, can we go on? We must, right. We must, since we did all that whoooshing earlier.

Now on to the movies

I can't remember which movies I watched in 2009. I found a few old movie stubs but in order to find out what movies that came out in 2009, that I watched I had to go through my book cases. I found 9 DVDs that were released in 2009. Here they are

17 Again

Starring Zac Efron, Matthew Perry and Michelle Trachtenberg.

I must bow my head in shame and admit I liked it enough to buy it. I bought it in Chicago. Maybe it was because I was on holiday or it could be because I kept missing the beginning on the plane to Las Vegas. It could also be because I adore Matthew Perry and hoped he'd join in on a song and dance number with Zac Efron. Alas, it didn't happen. Still a fairly alright teenage comedy. PS I don't like Michelle Trachtenberg.

2012

Starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt, Woody Harrelson, Danny Glover, Zlatko Buric and Johann Urb to name a few.

Disaster movie. Read my review here.

He's Just Not That Into You

Starring Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper (HOT!), Justin Long, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly and Drew Barrymore

Total chick flick and not a good one. So disappointing. Too many big names, fabulous title and a dull story.

The Hangover

Starring Bradley Cooper (HOT!), Heather Graham, Mike Tyson and Bryan Callen

Hilarious movie about a bachelor party gone completely haywire in Las Vegas. I can't say it's an intelligent movie, but it sure was entertaining. Of course it added to it, that I've been there and (if not experienced all the stuff, then at least some of it).

Over Gaden, Under Vandet - Over the Street, Under Water (it's a street name in Copenhagen)

Starring a lot of Danish actors who are quite the A-listers in Denmark.

It's about a lot of different people who live not very far from each other, and their lives entertwine and good and bad stuff happens. It's very realistic, a bit crude in places. Social realism if you like. A real commentary on the way we live our lives these days. I don't really like Danish movies, but it wasn't a bad movie. Just not really to my taste.

Angels & Demons

Starring Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor (Nice!), Stellan Skarsgård, Nikolaj Lie Kaas (Danish, Thure Lindhardt (Danish, and gay I believe)

Such an average, overrated movie. Based on a book by Dan Brown (I didn't like the book), so the movie alright. Still, any movie that showcases Tom Hanks in nothing but a blue speedo in the first part of the movie gets my thumbs down. I don't like Tom Hanks in general, so this may be unfair judgement.

Australia

Starring Hugh Jackman (HOT!), Nicole Kidman, Ben Mendelsohn (starred in Sample People alongside Kylie Minogue)

A gorgeous, well I would call it an epic, movie about a shameful part of the history of Australia. The story was great, the acting fabulous and I LOVED it. I cried, I smiled and well...


It was not just that one time. The camera did that twice.

Bride Wars

Starring Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway (we ADORE her), Bryan Greenberg, Steve Howey and Miss Candice Bergen

Another very disappointing chick flick. I adore Anne Hathaway and Miss Candice Bergen, so I just knew it was going to be a good movie. It was however, a real stinker. Mostly because they just never took that whole bridezilla thing to heart. They didn't really bring it. It was dainty and nice. AND BRIDES ARE N*E*V*E*R NICE! Weak. Really weak.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

We know who's in it, after watching the previous 5 movies. We love it, we can't wait for the next one. Still, you also get this "is it over soon" feeling. There's just a limit to how much more we can take. Then again, I'll never get enough of Dame Maggie Smith and Julie Walters. Emma Watson is becoming too Hollywood pretty to be Hermoine.

The Proposal

Starring Sandra Bullock (LOVE her!), Ryan Reynolds (HOT!), Mary Steenburgen (FAB!), Craig T. Nelson, Miss Betty White (ADORE her!)

This is a beautifully made comedy, that references the physical comedy and has the heart of the Doris Day comedies. With the contemporary touch. Fantastic cast, and the comedic timing and foul mouth of Miss Betty White is spectacular. It may have been over exposed but it deserved every bit of attention it got. Love it.

Check these two specials from the movie




Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock naked in The Proposal

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Starring Isla Fisher, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lynn Redgrave and Julie Hagerty

Light fluffy chick flick. Mildly amusing movie about a girl who shops too much and gets a job at a financial magazine. A paradox as she is heaviely in debt. I liked it because I love fashion and can identify with the lust for designer stuff.

Star Trek

Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Winona Ryder

I would say anything that gives Winona Ryder yet another chance to prove herself is good in my book, or anything with a Chris Pine in his underoos. Still, the movie really IS good. Even for a guy such as myself who wasn't really a Trekkie. I mean, I used to watch TNG every week but I had never watched a Star Trek movie before. So for a first, this is damn spectacular. I liked it. A lot.

Sunshine Cleaning

Starring Amy Adams (LOVE her!), Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin, Steve Zahn

Now what a delightful movie this was. A movie about biohazard removal/crime scene clean-up. Never thought I'd actually watch a movie about that, even though the TV series are packed with it these days. This has heart though, and a wonderful story. Amy Adams is always a star, and she is fantastic in this, as is Emily Blunt (who was also brilliant in The Devil Wears Prada). There is comedy, tragedy, real life and love (as far as I remember). Who knew, Steve Zahn would fit into a movie like this. Strange.

Transformers 2

Starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel (HOT!), Tyrese Gibson (HOT!), John Turturro, Kevin Dunn

This was unintentionally funny. I watched it with friends and we were laughing through most of it. Most of the time we had no clue what was going on, and there seemed to not be a script this time 'round. I liked it as an action movie where you didn't have to think about what was going on, and just watch and relax your brain after a tough day at work. Which is why I bought it. That and Josh Duhamel.

OK, so maybe Josh Duhamel didn't get his kit off in the movie, but he did do this pictorial before he got famous.



On that note, we have to find a winner for best movie of 2009. It's between Sunshine Cleaning, Australia and The Proposal. Tough choice.

The winner is..

Australia

With honourable mention to the other nominated movies, because it was a very difficult choice. Love them all dearly.

Are we done yet? I think not. We still need a few more categories. Best hunk, best TV series and biggest disappointment.

Let's start with the TV Series I've followed this year

NCIS Los Angeles

Starring Ll Cool J, Chris O'Donnell and Miss Linda Hunt

I like Ll Cool J, Miss Linda Hunt and Chris O'Donnell has grown into a total hottie. That combined with an action series placed in a fabulous city with gorgeous sun and sand, what's not to like? Well, it just doesn't work. I don't know why. I really, really want to love it. I do. I've given it every opportunity, but it's just not catching on. Why, oh why. I want it to, I really do. The teaser is fantastic and the show just isn't.

Heroes Season 3

Starring Milo Venticafalatte (HOT!), Jack Coleman, Hayden Panettiere, Adrian Pasdar, Zachary Quinto, Cristine Rose (LOVE her)

I sort of lost interest after an abysmal season 2, but I thought season 3 really shaped up to be pretty good. Granted, I can't remember much of it, and I haven't bothered getting the DVD yet. I hope they won't fuck it up, because season 1 was AWESOME and season 3 was pretty good.

Gossip Girl Season 2

Starring

I'm so behind on Gossip Girl. I love it though. It's the kind of show that will eventually die out like the original Beverly Hills 90210 did when the kids (I use the term loosely) went to college. The story is good, and at times a bit saucy. I like that. Daring to push the boundaries of mainstream TV. It doesn't all have to be so prim and proper.

Desperate Housewives Season 5

Starring Teri Hatcher (HATE her), Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross (LOVE her!), Eva Longoria Parker (FAB!), James Denton (HOT!), Doug Savant (cute - he buffed up this season), Nicollette Sheridan, Dana Delany and Kathryn Joosten (comedic genius)

This was the season where Edie died. I was shocked, and I did have to take a moment before I could go on because that was huge. It was a great season though with many entanglements and it's still a bang up show. The gals are still game, and you can all look forward to season 6 if you haven't started that yet.

Chuck

Starring Zachary Levi, Adam Baldwin (wow two Baldwin brothers on TV at the same time), Sarah Lancaster, Yvonne Strahovski, Ryan McPartlin (HOT!)

I must admit I didn't watch a lot of this show. Only a few full episodes but it seems great, and I have high hopes for it and plan to watch it a lot in 2010.

Las Vegas Season 5 - Final Season

Starring Tom Sellec, Josh Duhamel (HOT!), Molly Sims (the guys seem to love her), Vanessa Marcil, James Lesure, Mitch Longley

Season 4 of this show was terrible, at that point I just wanted it to end. Then as season 5 picked up again it was axed. It was a shame because I really liked it. The show was amusing, sexy and action'ish and the stories (personal and otherwise) happened in a casino in Las Vegas (love that) so it was astonishing it kept going for 5 seasons. I had given it 2 seasons, but it came back and season 5 was worth watching. Tom Selleck took over after James Caan and he did a good job, you just had to get used to his style though.

Dante's Cove

Starring Tracy Scoggins, William Gregory Lee, Gregory Michael, Charlie David and Thea Gill (Queer As Folk - US edition)

Any show that gives Tracy Scoggins (Dynasty and The Colbys) another chance, eh? It doesn't actually have any business of being in this, because the latest season is from 2007. I discovered it earlier this year. The fact that it's a supernatural show with witchcraft and half naked men and women, does cement the fact that the acting on a TV show doesn't have to be brilliant. As long as they have cute butts. And they do. I quite like it, and although it's not eligible for winning, it's still worth mentioning.

This was easy. Hands down, the winner is...

Desperate Housewives Season 5

Now onto best hunk..

Milo Venticafalatta

Hugh Jackman

Bradley Cooper

Robbie Williams

Josh Duhamel

George Clooney

Chris Pine

Brad Pitt

Ryan Reynolds

So which one is your favorite? I say put them all together.

Biggest disappointment? Hmmmm.. Well it's not that difficult really. I can only be

NCIS Los Angeles

So that's about it! Let's slip back into 2010 again.

Whooooooooooosh!

Let's hope there'll be more wonderful entertainment this year. I sure will keep better track of what movies I watch.

And honourable mention to Kylie Minogue who toured selected cities in the US in 2009 (and released a live album available on iTunes).