The Entertainer, Installment 4

Title: The Kids Are All Right

Notable Actors: Julianne Moore, Annette Bening, Mark Ruffalo

Why?: Because I like said actors, and had heard good things about the film.

Three Thoughts: The characters were underdeveloped and bordered on stereotypical, and were rather unlikable to boot; however, the plot was interesting even if I thought the ending rather abrupt. Also, apparently if you're a lesbian, or the child of a lesbian, or the sperm donor for two lesbians, you do not have to brush your hair. Overall - good, not great; I'd neither encourage nor discourage viewing.

Title: The Runaways

Notable Actors: Dakota Fanning, Kristen Stewart

Why?: Because I like musical biopics.

Three Thoughts: I can't help but think of all the Twilight fans who will rent this to see Kristen Stewart, and likely be very disturbed. Also, I can't think of a time when Dakota Fanning didn't creep me out a little bit. Despite that, I liked this one very much (perhaps because of my aforementioned love of musical biopics).

Title: The Promotion

Notable Actors: John C. Reilly, Seann William Scott, Jenna Fischer, Jason Bateman for a few minutes

Why?: It was recommended by a coworker who shares my taste in stupid R-rated boy-oriented comedies. Also, see "Notable Actors." Specifically Reilly; my love for that man knows no bounds. And I want to marry Jason Bateman.

Three Thoughts: Good, but not great, especially given the cast. It certainly had its funny moments, though. I would be curious to rewatch it and see if it becomes more quotable.

Title: The Other Guys

Notable Actors: Will Ferrell, Marky Mark (minus the Funky Bunch)

Why?: Because I love Will Ferrell as much as I love John C. Reilly. Actually, I love them best when they're together, but this was close.

Three Thoughts: Pretty darn awesome, although not as good as some of Ferrell's finer work, like Step Brothers or Anchorman. Would've done better to have more vulgarity and insanity and less plot (like Step Brothers), or a funnier plot (like Old School), but definitely nothing I wouldn't rewatch looking for quotable bits. And surprisingly, less filthy than some of his other work.

Title: You Know You Love Me: A Gossip Girl Novel

Author: Cecily von Ziegesar

Why?: Because I read the first one and they're like crack so I can't stop.

Three Thoughts: While not as good as the first, things get a bit more stirred up in this one. Further character and plot development as relationships are shaken and Blair's mother's wedding is planned and takes place. The third and fourth are on their way from Paperback Swap, and better get here before I leave for the beach on Saturday!

The Entertainer, Installment 3

Title: A Short History of Women

Author: Kate Walbert

Why?: It showed up on a bunch of best-of-the-year lists last December, and I thought it looked interesting.

Three Thoughts: It's about the descendents of a British suffragette who starved herself for her cause; a good story, and very interesting, although kind of depressing. I would've appreciated a bit more character development, and a bit more detail to the story, rather than the vignette-esque glimpses into each woman's life. That being said, it was interesting, and a rather quick read; I wouldn't not recommend it, but I'm not raving about it.

Title: All the Real Girls

Notable Actors: Paul Schneider, Zooey Deschanel, Danny McBride

Why?: Because I think Paul Schneider is super hot, and I've never found anything touched by Zooey Deschanel that I didn't like.

Three Thoughts: I feel like with these actors, I wanted to love it, I should've loved it, but I just...didn't. It kept reminding me of Garden State (which is usually a good thing, you know how I love Garden State!), but with less intelligent characters and a much, much less likable plot. Also, I don't like the feeling of wanting to smack either Paul Schneider or Zooey Deschanel, which I greatly wanted to do...maybe rewatching it would help?

Title: Gossip Girl

Author: Cecily von Ziegesar

Why?: Why not? It's summer. It's the season when I watch Real Housewives and Jersey Shore, the season where I change handbags and tote bags every week, and the season when I first discovered my beloved Summer Sisters. It's the season to have fun! That, and the show is slowly making its way to the top of my Netflix queue; I figured I better be prepared.

Three Thoughts: This was like Valley of the Dolls meets NYC Prep - I freaking loved it. I'm not proud, and my brain may rot if I were to read the rest of them all in a row without something more stimulating in between, but I don't care. Quick, simple, and entertaining - perfect beach trash, and I ordered the next few from Paperback Swap so I could actually read said trash on the beach next month.

Title: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Notable Actors: Cedric Diggory. Jennie Garth's husband. Ron Howard's daughter.

Why?: Well...I saw the other two. I read all the books. It would either be enjoyable, worth making fun of, or worth hating (but I'd need to see it to know why it should be hated).

Three Thoughts: Chances are, whatever you think you will think will be pretty accurate - you'll either love it because you love Twilight, you'll hate it because you hate Twilight, or you'll find it mediocre. Bella's still a doormat, Edward's still a paternalistic jackhole, and Jacob's still smitten and shirtless. However, this was my favorte of the three movies so far - the plot was handled well, the acting had improved greatly (although no one is winning any Oscars here), and there were even one or two humorous bits.

Title: A Single Man

Notable Actors: Colin Firth. How I love thee. Also Julianne Moore and, for a split second, Ginnifer Goodwin.

Why?: Colin Firth. The 60s. Why on earth wouldn't I see this?

Three Thoughts: Would someone please explain to me why Colin Firth does not have an Oscar for this movie? His performance in this lovely, yet terribly sad, film couldn't have been more perfect if he tried. Also, I would like a time machine so I could live in the 60s and dress like Julianne Moore's character, please and thank you.

He Always Had Some Mighty Fine Wine

After Saturday's trip back in time, Ken and I took to celebrating her birthday on Sunday. This involved a number of very important activities. The first one consisted of me trying to convince McKenna that she would make a good hat:

Sadly, McKenna did not agree, so hatless I went off to church with Ken, where they provided celebratory materials for Ken and the other churchgoer whose birthday was that day. They also all sang Happy Birthday to both of the birthday girls, which was very sweet of them.

After church, we headed out on our merry way to go winery-hopping up the side of Lake Cayuga. The first winery, Americana Vineyards, was a particularly appropriate stop given the holiday.

They also had a cafe, so we were able to get brunch before we started tasting. If you're ever in the area, I would highly recommend the smoked salmon omelette and the pimosa (a mimosa made with pineapple juice instead of orange juice).

Our meal was supervised by Theo, the winery cat. He spent the entire meal underneath the chair next to Ken, and seemed quite perturbed that we were disturbing his nap.

There were also a pair of chocolate labs roaming the grounds, keeping the winery safe from trouble.

The wine itself was very good. Some better than others, but that's standard for most wineries.

All of the bottles had very cute patriotic labels, and would make very good gifts. I would highly recommend the Revolutionary Red.

Next, we traveled a short while to Bellwether Hard Cider, which produces a variety of hard ciders.

This place was awesome. All of their ciders were great, and we left with several bottles. I am waiting for a good reason to open them, particularly the Cherry Street variety. The cidery was also run by two dogs, including the unfortunately-named Sugie, who seemed to be quite put out by all of these people disturbing his naptime.

Soon we left Bellwether and traveled to Lucas Vineyards, the oldest winery on the Cayuga Wine Trail.

This winery was super crowded, but we were still able to get a place at the tasting counter fairly quickly. They featured a number of wines, including quite a few with nautical-themed names. Apparently the founder was a tugboat captain. Despite some pretty good sales, we left this place empty-handed, as we had already bought far too much at the two previous places. On the way out, though, we did stop to visit some baby wine grapes.

The last winery we visited was called Sheldrake Point. This one was the closest to the lake, and boasted the best view.

This one also featured a great variety of wines, most of which we tasted. More importantly, this one had a bistro overlooking the lake, so we decided to take a dessert break. The menu at this cafe was great, and the drink menu was even better. Ken drove, so she had a lavender lemonade, and I had this lovely concotion that was called a Champagne Supernova.

On the way back home, I was able to get some good pictures of the boats on the lake.

After a mini-siesta at home, where we caught the end of 1776 on TCM, we headed back out to dinner at Corks and More. This place? Coolest place ever. They had machines like this throughout the restaurant, where you could purchase either a taste, a half glass, or a full glass of over 40 different wines. Between the two of us, we probably tasted about 3/4 of the wines they had.

Corks and More also had a great menu of appetizer-sized portions of various bits of awesomeness, including about 12 different crostini recipes,

a cheese tray with prosciutto,

and shrimp stuffed with crab and cornbread.

There were also quite a few fashion violations here, including a gentleman wearing jorts, sandals, and pulled up sweatsocks; and a gentleman sitting outside on the patio drinking a Miller Lite. Now, there's nothing wrong with Miller Lite, but good lord, you're at a wine bar. Drink wine! His dining companion was rather like me - she kept taking pictures of everything and everyone, and managed to do so all while holding and not spilling her wine.

After dinner, we went down to a park by the lake to wander around. Ken wanted to take a picture of herself in her super cool new Anthropologie dress, and I just like to take pictures of things. I also like to play fashion model, too, although sitting on that post was not a good choice. This is me almost falling off of said post.

I was able to get some good shots of the lighthouse in the distance, though, which was a lovely way to end the evening.

And then we went home, and decided that since McKenna didn't want to be my hat, she would get a new hat of her own. The contempt in her eyes when this happens never ceases to amuse me.