Tuesday, June 2

Curtain Call

So this week at the café we’re blogging about movies, books, TV, & music—and the truth is, I haven’t indulged in many of these lately—I’m a little behind.

As for books, well, despite TBR piles that seem to be multiplying while I’m not looking, the only one’s I’ve read recently are my own (revisions!) and the ones I use for research (pyschics, mediums, ghosts--oh my!). Though I did take part in a book signing last Sunday with a lot of really cool book writers, at one of my absolute favorite bookstores—so hopefully that counts for something?

(From L to R: Mary Pearson, Marlene Perez, Debborah Lytton, Kathryn Fitzmaurice, Alyson Noel, Debby Garfinkle)

And Movies? Well as much as I love a good matinee and big a tub of popcorn, the last movie I saw in the theatre was “Slumdog Millionaire,” the last one I saw on the airplane was “Doubt,” the last one I saw on Netflix was “An American Werewolf in London”—so clearly I have some major catching up to do where movies are concerned!

And I’m afraid it doesn’t fair much better for TV. Even though it seems like I should be far more proficient here since TV watching is pretty much what I do once I’m done writing for the day, one look at my DVR list (98% full anyone?), and you’ll know I’ve got a lot of catching up to do here as well. Though I did just work out while watching an old episode of “Deadliest Catch,” which brought me down to 96% full. Progress, right?

But music? I’m there!  I’m constantly downloading from iTunes, (except for a brief period this morning when I was in iPod Hell), and my list is crazy eclectic. Lately I’ve been going through a vintage Aerosmith faze- downloading the live version of “Train Kept a Rollin’”, “Crazy,” and “Cryin’,” –those last two are also great videos by the way!  But just a week before I was downloading Jefferson Airplane, Crosby Still & Nash, and the new Green Day—though by next week, I'm sure I'll be downloading the soundtrack to "Hair" since I'm going to see it in NYC!

So how about you?  Seen or read or listened to anything good lately? Your suggestions are needed!

 

16 comments:

Wendy Toliver said...

Now that American Idol is over, I like to watch So You Think You Can Dance. But I have to admit I like it best once they've finished with the prelim "You're Going to Vegas" episodes.

I'm glad you had such a fun book signing event!

Unknown said...

Taken is great movie if you like Action. He's Just Not That Into You came out on DVD today and its really cute!

ABC family is making a "10 Things I hate About You" Series starting in July! And ABC's new summer series called "Merlin"

If you ever have time to get around to reading Sarah Dessen has a new book coming out.

My current favorite song I downloaded off iTunes its Glee's version of "Don't Stop Believin'" (You can also download the 1st Episode free to watch :-) )

*Astrid A.* said...

Lately, I sit down in the chair, I watch the same things in the TV... Dr. 90210, same episode... same everything, actually...

In music, I have more lucky... I brought "Absolution" and "Black Holes and Revelations" from Muse... I love "Starlight" and "Hysteria"... playing that songs all the day! Cause are an amazing songs!! =)

Reading? Well, I'm reading "All Together Dead", from Charlaine Harris... I like that book!! (you know "True Blood", right? Well, this is the TV series from that book!)...

Bye!
*Astrid A.*

Gerb said...

I love the authors in cool shades picture, Alyson! : )

I'm way behind in movies, too. I finally just saw John Tucker Must Die. Ha! (And I only saw that because my daughter and I were both home sick so I picked up a bunch of DVDs.)

The most recent book I read was Aprilynne Pike's WINGS. I'll be signing with her (and Wendy! And Sydney Salter) later this month. Great debut and a completely original take on faeries.

TV is not happening right now. Too much going on. But I am thrilled that Castle was renewed! Yay! Not so thrilled that Samantha Who was canceled. Boo!

CJ Omololu said...

I'm hanging my head, but I'm totally watching Jon and Kate Plus 8. It's a train wreck, but I can't look away.

Reading Sarah Dessen because she's signing here in a few weeks. Also Savvy by Ingrid Law because the writing was so great. Just watched Spinal Tap with my kids-talk about one of those life moments...

twittbooklover said...

Wipeout is funny! If you ever need a good laugh you should watch that.

I'm a huge movie fanatic so I have a ton of favorites. My recent favorite is Seven Pounds. I'd also recommend Twilight because that one's a personal favorite :)

New music I've downloaded from iTunes would be Whiter/Straighter by Adaline, Fire by Kasabian and Use Somebody by Kings of Leon.

Recent books I've read are A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare which is AWESOME!! Oh, and the Twilight Series!!

I'm glad the books signing went well! :D

Amanda Ashby said...

Alyson, I love the photo!!!

I've really hit a great run on books lately but I'm going to save them and blog about them later this week. Ditto on movies. Hahaha - who says that I'm not fun to have around!

Keri Mikulski said...

Great pic! :)

My hubby and I are attempting a at home date/movie night every Friday after we put Kaci to bed. The last one we saw was THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON - pretty good.

Since I'm working on a tween book, I'm downloading a ton of songs from the eighties and I don't know why. :)

nisha said...

I love 'So you think you can dance' too! I think the post-prelims are the best as well.

I've been reading all the June YA releases that have just erupted. '20 boy summer', 'waiting for you', 'map of the known world', 'goddess boot camp'. I got some copies prior to the release date at BEA so I'm working my way through them. I'm loving EVERYTHING so far! :-)

P.s. you guys are one chillin' group of writers! Love the pic.

<3Nisha
http://www.nisha-sharma.com/blog

GreenBeanTeenQueen said...

Well, I just finished Blue Moon, so that suggestion is not going to help you at all!:)

As for TV, my husband and I are finally catching up on Psych. I also loved the premire of Glee, which is so funny, but sadly won't be back until the Fall, which means you have summer to watch the first episode! You can also use that as your music suggestion, since I'm sure you'll want to download their version of Don't Stop Believin on iTunes-we did!!

Alyson Noel said...

Love these suggestions--you guys are the best!!

That's too suggestions for "Don't stop believing" so I'm heading to iTunes next!

And Astrid- I love, love, love TRUE BLOOD and I'm dying to read those books . . . when I have time!

Cynjay- You get to meet Sarah Dessen? Lucky!

Sarah Greenbean-I'm kinda jealous you guys get to watch some Psych episodes for the first time--I LOVE that show!! Major crush on Shawn Spencer here!

Thanks everyone!!

Sara Hantz said...

I was able to watch Britains Got Talent while I was in the UK.... awesome! I had to watch the final on You Tube here in NZ.

Now AI is over, all I'm left with is NZ Next Top Model!

Melissa Walker said...

I'm obsessed with the band that Anne wrote about in today's I Heart Daily... Those Dancing Days. SO MUCH FUN!

http://www.iheartdaily.com/2009/06/heart-it-those-dancing-days.html

Alyson Noel said...

Sara- I'm so jealous of your trip to the UK!!!

Melissa- I heart "I heart daily!"

Jeanette Marie said...

Here's another vote for "Don't Stop Believin'" from the cast of "Glee." The show's lead is an alum of the school I do PR for...he's a really nice guy and SUPER talented. If you feel like taking a writing break and want to watch a fun little news clip about him / the school, check this out:

http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/OC_Alumni_Stars_in_FOX_Comedy_Glee_20090519

As for me...I'm currently reading Rosemary Clement-Moore's "Prom Dates from Hell" (really fun book!) and several books on writing technique.

In the TV world, I was bummed to learn that my favorite new show "Privileged" has been canceled, but excited that there will be a new season of Friday Night Lights...not until summer 2010 though! I'm also eagerly awaiting the final season of LOST.

Angelo said...

would it be okay to email some info on a book called Fade to Blue by Sean Beaudoin? let me know! thx...