Holiday Hoopla

Christmas in Florida was great. We had the usual presents Christmas morning, loads of people to visit, dinner at two different locations, stockings on Christmas eve. The usual Jackson family Christmas schedule just in a different state this time. J and I went to see I am Legend, which I though t was not very good. The CGI monsters were down right pitiful. We also watched Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem with my Brother in law and his wife. I liked it okay but it was obvious the directors decided to "make it their own". I will be doing a separate blog about that movie tomorrow. Actually the funniest stories I have to share with you are not truly holdiay related at all. Isn't always like that?

Rory tried to give himself brain damage. He hit the same spot on his forehead over and over. First was the corner of a book shelf that left a nice crease for about an hour. Grandma helped him bonk it on the ceramic tile floor and the bathroom door not once but twice. This was followed by a temper snit of his that ended with him head butting the rim of a very thick glass. He quickly found out that hurt no one else and would be best not to repeat it during the next tantrum. Last (that I can attest to) was when he opened the silverware drawer and well, you know.

I had several blonde moments. My two favorites are when I told my cousin's GF what I got her for Christmas BEFORE she had a chance to open it and when I tried to shut the trunk to the van on my head. Guess we know where Rory gets his affinity for head wounds.

Let's see then there was the cat fiasco parts 1 and 2.

Part 1: Simon escapes
J and I get back from a goodbye breakfast at IHOP with his family to find the front door to my Aunt L's house locked. I can see my mother eating her breakfast at the table and working on a sudoku puzzle. This would normally be the point in the story when the locked out party knocks and is heard. Not in mine. Mom is deaf so no can hear me. J found a window unlocked and we broke in. The smart thing to do would have been to immediately put the screen back on the window. Again not done in this story. The window was in our room so we opened later for some cooler air and Simon leaps for freedom. J and Aunt L go out into the pitch darkness to find him. J has to herd the runaway from several houses down only to be attacked by the frightened feline. Finally they got him corralled and back inside but not without J looking like he was on the losing end of a bar fight. That is what we told him to tell people. No one wants to admit they got whooped by a cat.

Part 2: Squeaky turns blue
Finally on the road home to IL when I hear a hacking gurgle from the backseat. Mom's cat is vomiting cat food on the presents. Pull over, glare at cat, clean up. Drive another 30 miles and more hack/gurgle. Pull over, beat cat, clean up. All the excitement has set poor kitty into one of his asthma attacks. Now we have to find a vet in Andalusia, AL. One hour and $98 later back on the road.

It's good to be home.

Writer's Strike destroyed my TV

I have really tried to stay away from the strike topic. Alas the lure has proved too powerful for me to ignore. I was trying to be understanding but when Heroes ran out of scripts and had to do a quicky ending I was livid. Do not mess with my TV lineup! Are they going to get this handled soon? Once Christmas is over there will be no reason for the inane movies that are currently playing in place of your favorite program. Broadway came to their resolution quickly but damage had already been done. Thousands of people with reservations and tickets in NYC cancelled so they would not loose money. I think it was somewhere in the millions for lost revenue.

In January quite a few new series' are slated to begin and several are going to return from major cliffhangers. Will it actually happen? Who knows. One show I am looking forward to is the Sarah Connor Chronicles. Summer Glau who you may remember from Firefly is going to play a young female terminator. Yay! The whole cast looks great. Once a week I will get my Terminator fix. Life is good. Unless the writers mess with my mechanical pre-apocalyptic TV goodness. In which case I might have to play terminator instead of Ms. Glau.

Desperate for my Housewife status back.

One week and I will be headed back to Florida. Most people would be glad to leave the bitter cold for warmer climates but when have I ever been like most people. I get to see the hubby though so I will brave the cursed sun. He will be coming home about two weeks after we return. I am really tired of playing knocked up single mom. I am so excited to have the man of the house back. There are things that broke while he has been gone. I need them fixed. It is not that I cannot do it myself. I am all about being able to take care of yourself. I just prefer not to have to do it. Besides he feels needed and we both are happy.

J asked me not to long ago if I had any issues with our marriage. That is the equivalent to "Do I look fat in this?" We decided it had been so long since we were able to co habitat that we forgot all those little nit picky problems couples have. I am confident they will resurface though. Little buggers never stay gone forever.

Attack of the sequels

Some movie franchises should never be resurrected. Hollywood seems to be having trouble turning out decent films so from time to time they decide to take a dead franchise and breath zombie life into it. Sometimes this is okay. Take the new Die Hard movie. I liked it. Batman Begins was awesome but only because the director chose to start from scratch. A similar tactic was used for Superman Returns. The Original Superman movie is classic. The sequels that followed, eh. So we just pretend they never happened and all is well.

The Rocky & Rambo series. Hmm, I like Stallone but can't we find him something better to do? There are no good roles out there for him to do? Well maybe he ought to do what Arnold did and bury himself in politics.

If I see another Freddy or Jason movie I am going to scream. Eventually the bad guys either need to die for good or just win already.

Blank Check

If you think reading celebrity "news" blogs is for losers than I would like to take this moment to say, "Hello. My name is Bridget and I am a loser." I only ever read Perez Hilton's page. This leads me to my post today. Eva Longoria was spotted in a Texas Target where she reportedly spent $12,000. Someone asked "How do you spend $12,000 in Target."

Pardon me while I chuckle.

Okay I am done now.

How do you spend $12,000 in Target. Why it is really very simple my dear. Take one stay at home mom on a budget and set her free with a blank check. Can you hear that choir made up of heavenly host singing over head. Oh yeah, I do.

acne rant

Being a woman I have to admit to problems with body image. Most of us have at least on area we wish we could change. Maybe it is your hair that won't curl, your nose is the wrong shape, too much/ not enough weight, skin problem, height, teeth, so on and so forth. I am realistic so it is not like I am asking to be snow white and the fairest in the land. That would be a bit more trouble than it is worth if you ask me. Sure I would love to have a dazzling whiter smile, smaller waist, more luxurious hair but acne is my biggest ick. My smile can be bleached by the dentist. After I give birth to my daughter I can worry about diet and exercise. The hair is actually not bad and would be happier if I was nicer to it. All things I can do myself in the name of personal improvement. For me, my biggest issue is acne.

Lets dispel some acne myths before I go on. ( the following section id taken from Proactiv Solution Acne Myths.)

Myth- Acne is caused by dirt.

Acne is caused by a number of factors - but dirt isn't one of them. Blemishes form when dead skin cells mix with your body's natural oil, forming a plug in your pores. This has nothing to do with dirt, so frequent washing of your face or body (more than twice a day) will not make your acne better. Over washing or stripping with alcohol in an effort to "clean" your skin can actually make blemishes worse.

Myth- Certain foods cause acne.

No, those french fries you had yesterday didn't give you new zits today. In fact, scientists have been unable to find ANY substantial connection between diet and acne. So all the foods you've been afraid of - pizza, french fries, chocolate - are fine. So use your common sense, but don't be afraid to indulge every now and then.

Myth- Acne is for teenagers.

Unfortunately, acne can strike at any age. Over 85% of all people 12-24 have acne. Acne can also start as late as ages 20s or 30s...especially in women, whose hormones are constantly fluctuating. It's estimated that one in four adults between the ages of 25 and 44 experiences acne, and nearly half of all adult women experience mild to moderate acne.

Myth- Just leave your acne alone, you'll grow out of it.

Untreated acne can leave permanent physical and emotional scars. No matter how old you are, it's important to start treating breakouts early. And the best way to treat breakouts and blemishes is to prevent them from appearing in the first place.

Myth- Treating pimples individually can clear acne up.

Since blemishes take 2-3 weeks to develop, you're treating an old symptom of the problem rather than the problem itself. The best way to treat acne is to help stop the blemishes from developing in the first place - which means treating the whole face or area every day, even when you aren't breaking out.

Myth- Sun exposure helps acne.

Wrong...the "Bronze Age" is over! While small amounts of sun exposure may initially improve acne, continuous sunbathing often increases plugging of the pores - producing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and small pimples. Ultimately, the risks of sun exposure outweigh its minimal benefits.

Myth- Acne is curable.

Not yet...but don't lose hope. Acne can be prevented and controlled with continued daily use of products, such as Proactiv® Solution, which contain powerful acne-fighting ingredients. And remember this: Even if your blemishes go away, your acne is not cured. It's important to be diligent about your treatment plan, even after your skin is clear.

And my all time favorite...

Myth- Acne is just a cosmetic condition, it is no big deal.

Yes, acne does affect the way people look - it's not a serious threat to a person's physical health. But it can also affect the way you feel about yourself and the world around you, causing low self-esteem and even depression. Don't let anyone discourage you from seeking treatment because your acne is just "a little problem."

It seems that having acne makes the general public feel that they are allowed to give unsolicited advice. Just because they have to look at it they feel they are entitled to an opinion. I know it is probably just me being self conscious but you start to feel like everyone is just staring at you. Then comes the oh so needed "You should try..." speech. Because that is just what a fourteen year old girl needs, to be singled out in the grocery line in front of God and Wal Mart for her unsightly blemish problems. Dig me a hole to die in. My life is now complete.

Snowy goodness.

I finally got my wish for snow. Well sort of. It's more icy pellets blanketing my backyard but I am confidant that this is just a taste of things to come. My only concern is the neighbors tree. Last year a big branch broke about halfway and is leaning over my fence. Might need to go talk about getting that gone so that my fence does not go down on night under the weight of an ice laden tree branch. The dogs are unsure of this new all white backyard. Lily makes it her mission to christen a spot yellow. Then she proceeds to her ice hunting hobby. Really there is nothing better than chewing on large chunks of ice when you are a husky. Linus is a little more picky. He has to mill around for a less white spot to do his business. Then he is off to roll on the deck. By the time I let him back in the house he is sopping wet. He has used my hair dryer more than I do.

Our Christmas tree is up and some outdoor lights as well. Rory loves the lights. We go driving around the neighborhood and he goes nuts pointing and chattering. He has got the right spirit!

It's a Girl!

No Passport

**Disclaimer** The following post does not contain information that should be used when making personal travel decisions. They are solely the twisted opinion of the paranoid blogger that runs this site. Please refrain from killing her in the event that you are offended.

Why I will never travel to Australia/Africa

I watch a lot of discovery channel programs. The scenery and landscapes they depict are truly breathtaking. However the flora and fauna is scary. Take Australia for instance. Not the biggest of places and yet it has the highest concentration on things that can kill you naturally. For crying out loud they have a poisonous sea snail! Forget the great white sharks, poisonous snakes, and funnel web spiders, they have snails that want to kill you.

If you ask me why I will not go to Africa I will just have to smack you. Do you ever watch national geographic? Those are not nice kitty cats playing tag with that gazelle. I remember in kindergarten we went to the zoo and saw the hippos. They looked so nice. Nay, nay not so my friend. Hippo has serious 'tude. Don't even get me started on the crocs and snakes. Pass. What

Yes I know that there are plenty of natural dangers in America. That is not the point of this post. This post is to explain why I do not travel abroad. all me a fuddy duddy if you want. I prefer to think of it as being over protective of my own well being.

Soon...

The picture makes me laugh. It is not quite fitting for this post other than the word "soon" but I don't care.

Friday I will know is S.A.M. is a boy or a girl.

FRIDAY!!!!

Argh! I waited for 20 weeks to get here and now seven measly days are going to kill me.

P.S. Don't you feel sorry for that chihuahua? Whatever that cat is plotting is going to sting.

Quick thoughts from CNN

Cult leader seeks to free children, official says

I am a christian. Of course I believe that I have the right religion or I would not practice it. Of course I think it is the right religion for others but that is not my decision. Seeing as how there is a such thing as free will everyone makes their own decisions. If you decide to barricade yourself in a cave with your buddies, go for it. If you promise to blow yourselves up if I get near said cave, fine I will stay away. But when you have your kids tucked away in this cave I have a small problem.

Holidays are here

Tis the season to go nutty. Christmas is probably my favorite time of year. I love to give gifts but hate shopping for them. I always aim to be done shopping by thanksgiving at the latest. On a good year I am done before Halloween. My Christmas cards are always done and ready to send on black Friday. If you are unfamiliar with black Friday you are obviously not a woman with a long list of relatives to shop for. Sure there are lots of great sales the day after thanksgiving but is it really worth loosing an eye? I say nay nay. The only time I go out on black Friday is to drop the cards in the mailbox. J always braves the madness for that "great buy" but he is over six foot tall and tends to look p.o.'ed a lot. Who is gonna mess with that? Short little me with my dopey grins to complete strangers however is prime cut for holiday scavengers.

This year Mom and I are going half each on a large professional rolling toolbox for J. Mom got me some bath & body works products and a huge gift certificate to Borders Books. (yes we pick out our own gifts in this family.) Mom is getting a family tree necklace with the birthstones of her mother, herself, J, Me, Rory, Baby (who will be in April). Rory is gonna make out like a king. His list is too long to go through and it keeps getting bigger! Oh well, Christmas morning is for the little ones in my opinion. They wait all year for birthdays and Christmas. Two days a year that should be as magical as possible.

Speaking of magic, anyone have possessed toys? Rory got this fisher price ride sometime in the last year that like to play music when all alone. It creeps me out.

I am the boring one.

I know that a lot of bloggers out there take themselves very seriously. I am not one of them. It is too hard to try and think of something really profound to write about. I like to settle for mildly entertaining. When I start getting serious about a topic I end up trying to make the all important "point" and that can get ugly fast. Besides as I have said many times before I am lazy. I have a type B personality that just would rather drift smoothly down stream than fight the current to hard. Not saying I am a conformist. My friends tell me I am one of the oddest people they have ever met. It makes me blush. I enjoy laughter and try to turn any situation into a humorous one. This is not always for the best but hey we all have to have a hobby. Yes I have a talent for witty repartee. Most of the time I am the butt of my own jokes. If you cannot laugh at you, well then you are going to feel really dumb when you realize you are the only one who is not.

My laid back, no nonsense attitude is a source of contention between me and my conspiracy theorist hubby. I still remember when we first discussed the whole "big Brother" privacy issue. First of all I agree with him that there is always more going on that we know about. I agree that we probably have less privacy than we think due to govt monitoring. Does this bother me? Not really. Why?

A- I cannot do anything about it. Besides I feel a little safer knowing that they have their ears to the ground.

B- I am very boring and not worth monitoring. Seriously, who would watch a reality TV show about me? Heck, I wouldn't.

Poor J. Little does he know that he is pretty boring too. I grew up with the knowledge that somehow I always got caught when I was bad. It is sort of an odd family legacy passed down to each generation. I would never excel in a life of crime. In the movie of life I am just the comic relief.

Back in action

Okay so I have technically been back since Tuesday. I needed a break. Two trips both 13 hours in length in the company of a pushy cat and toddler is cause for a siesta. Not to mention that my allergies flared up major bad in Florida turning me into the sneezing snot monster. You can find this elusive creature in dark bedroom surrounded by crumpled Kleenex's. It has a unique call that sounds like a cross between a wheeze and a hacking cough.
Since I am preggers and it is quote "Just your allergies" I am not being given anything other than clariten and a dose of benadryl before bedtime. The Doctor also warned me that this always last longer in us knocked up folks so I should expect to get comfortable with mucus.

The time we spent in Florida was great. I had a blast with my Aunt and cousins. Of course having my husband handy after an 8 week absence made me so deliriously blissful there was not much bringing me down. Both of my cousins have new love interests so I met them. I approve heartily. That is of course what Jim and Alicia have been waiting for, the approval of a younger cousin. Rory was enamored of Jim's girlfriend Liz. Soon as she hit the door he was on her. Alicia's Fiancee Crew was Rory's giant teddy bear friend.

Took Rory trick or treating for the first time. He did not really understand the logic behind it but the kid was crazy about strangers with candy. (Maybe not the best message?) We went with my cousin Jim, Liz, and their two rug rats. Rory was dressed as a pumpkin but as the night went on he ended up in just his onesie. It was quite hot and that pumpkin get up was making him sweat. Derrick and Isaac (7 & 5) were both ninjas. Derrick lost most of his ninja tools over the course of the night. Isaac was less than ninja like with his frequent tumbles across the lawn.

The next day was Rory's 2ND birthday. We had a transformers cake with chocolate ice cream. Presents included a little people's farmhouse, talking light up police car, john Deere tractor with animals, and a race car that counts in seven languages. The police car was hi favorite. I actually just bought him the matching fire truck for Christmas.

We spent some time with John's side of the family also. His Papa Jorge and Grandma Joann took us out to eat twice. We ate once with Aunt Jan and Uncle Bill. They took us to a seafood restaurant on the boardwalk. It was very cool. Finally got to meet Adam (Jan's son) who John has told countless childhood tales about. Very nice guy. The day before we left was our fifth wedding anniversary. Woo hoo! That makes nine years that we have been a couple. Here's to nine more.

Aliens

No. 1 Aliens

Plot: The planet from Alien (1979) has been colonized, but contact is lost. This time, the rescue team has impressive firepower, enough?

Tag line: This time there's more

Trivia: The Alien nest set was kept intact after filming. It was later used as the Axis Chemicals set for Batman (1989). When the crew of Batman (1989) first entered the set, they found most of the Alien nest still intact.

To bring the alien queen to life would take anything between 14 and 16 operators.

Except for a very small reference in Alien (1979), the special edition of this film is the first to reveal the name of "The Company": Weyland Yutani. The name is clearly written on several pieces of equipment and walls in the colony during the pre-alien portions of the special edition.

Quotes: Newt: We'd better get back, 'cause it'll be dark soon, and they mostly come at night... mostly.

[after making a plan to weld the doors shut and put the sentry units] Hicks: Outstanding. Now all we need is a deck of cards.

Ripley: These people are here to protect you. They're soldiers. Newt: It won't make any difference.

Outta here!

Going on vacation tomorrow so I will post the top scary movie on my list and wish you all a Happy Halloween!

Arachnophobia

No 2. Arachnophobia

Plot: South American killer spider hitches a lift to the US in a coffin and starts to breed and kill.

Tag Line: Eight legs, two fangs and an attitude.

Trivia: Mustard packs were used for effects for all the squashing of spiders underfoot.

The small spiders used in the film were Avondale spiders (Delena Cancerides), a harmless species from New Zealand that were provided by Landcare Research in Auckland. Despite their fierce appearance, this spider is docile member of the crab-spider family and are, in fact, harmless to humans. They were not allowed back in New Zealand for quarantine reasons. The giant "spider" used in the film was a species of a bird-eating tarantula, which attains an 8" legspan or more. Those types of tarantula are not easy to handle and can give a nasty bite. The spiders in the film were managed and handled by famed entomologist Steven R. Kutcher.

Quotes: Delbert McClintock: Would anyone object if I tore this floor out? Molly Jennings: I would. Delbert McClintock: False alarm then. Lead on.

Sheriff Lloyd Parsons: [introducing Delbert to Doctor Atherton] Excuse me. Professor? This is our town exterminator. Delbert McClintock: Delbert McClintock, infestation management. Always nice to meet a collegue. Sheriff Lloyd Parsons: Now, he believes he came across one of the offending spiders a couple of hours ago. Doctor James Atherton: Might you have brought it with you? Delbert McClintock: Actually, he's probably still at the bottom of my shoe. You really can't tell what it is anymore.

I hate spiders. I try not to use the word hate often but spiders are an object of intense loathing. You can imagine a movie about giant killer spiders would be on my list of things that make Bridget scream. The only thing in this movie that makes me smile is Julian Sands. He is a hottie.

Silent Hill

No 3 Silent Hill

Plot: A woman goes in search for her daughter, within the confines of a strange, desolate town called Silent Hill. Based on the video game.

Tag Line: Enjoy your stay.

Trivia: Around 100 different copies of Rose's outfit were made. It started out with soft summery colors and as the movie progressed it became grayer and eventually blood red. The change in the outfits were so subtle that it was barely noticeable.

Radha Mitchell (Rose) got punched in the face by one of the "Dark Nurses" during filming the scene in the basement of the hospital.

In the witch burning picture in the church crew members for the movie were painted as spectators watching the burning.

When Dahlia asks why Alessa didn't take her along with the others Rose says "Because you're her mother, Mother is God in the eyes of a child" at the end of the movie. There is a similar line spoken in the movie The Crow (1994) where Eric Draven says "Mother is the name for God on the hearts and lips of children".

Quotes: Cybil Bennet: They used to say this place was haunted.
Rose: I think they were right.

Dark Alessa: Now is the end of day- and I am the Reaper!

Fans of the game will not be disappointed by this movie adaptation.

The Exorcist

No. 4 The Exorcist

Plot: Landmark of horror films, based on an enormously popular novel: A troubled cleric sees a means of redemption in helping a psychologically damaged teen.

Tag Line: Something beyond comprehension is happening to a little girl on this street, in this house. A man has been called for as a last resort to try and save her. That man is The Exorcist.

Trivia: Mercedes McCambridge had to sue Warner Brothers for credit as the voice of the demon.

The bedroom set had to be refrigerated to capture the authentic icy breath of the actors in the exorcizing scenes. Linda Blair, who was only in a flimsy nightgown, says to this day she cannot stand being cold.

Christian evangelist Billy Graham claimed an actual demon was living in the celluloid reels of this movie.

On the first day of filming the exorcism sequence, Linda Blair's delivery of her foul-mouthed dialogue so disturbed the gentlemanly Max von Sydow he actually forgot his lines.

Quotes:
Pazuzu: I'm not Regan.

Father Damien Karras: Well, then let's introduce ourselves. I'm Damien Karras.

Pazuzu: And I'm the Devil. Now kindly undo these straps.

Father Damien Karras: If you're the Devil, why not make the straps disappear?

Pazuzu: That's much too vulgar a display of power, Karras.

I had to leave out quite a few quotes as they are not safe for the faint of heart. This movie is disturbing no matter who you are. The idea of denomic possession is frightening and that a child would be the target makes it worse.

The House on South Trinity

In honor of the ghoulish season I thought I would share my haunted legacy that started with my Grandparents. In the summer of 1968 Burnice Ashbrook, his wife Claudie and their four daughters moved into a white two story house not far from the town square of Gilmer, TX. The house had been built in the 1800's and was eventually left to the builder's daughter upon his death. The daughter never married but did have a female roommate. Both women lived out their lives in the house.

Claudie Ashbrook has told of one occasion when she was doing laundry and heard a car door shut outside followed by feet ascending the stairs. She says the front door opened and the footsteps continued to come closer until they were behind her. She turned expecting to greet her husband and found no one was there. On a separate occasion she claims to have been visited in her bedroom while she rested one afternoon. The person told her to move her bedroom or she would die. Before Burnice got home that evening all the bedroom furniture had been switched with the far living room.

The Ashbrook daughters reported hearing sounds in the attic that were attributed to rats. They observed no other activity. One daughter even made the attic her room and never had any experiences.

Burnice was a man that loved to tinker with everything. He made several changes to the house while he lived there. Creating walls where there were none, boarding up doors. His departure from the house came in the early 1990's when he and his second wife moved to Arkansas. Burnice was convinced that staying in the house would ensure his death. Ironically the house is situated next door to a very prosperous funeral home.

The house stayed in the family with various relatives living in it at different times. There was very little activity other than just giving people the creeps in general until the summer of 1996. During her divorce Beverly Conroy, formerly Ashbr, moved into the house with her daughter. (who is me by the way) I experienced several disturbing events, some of which were witnessed by others.

First there were the music boxes. My mother collected carousel horses and several that played songs. These musical figures were lined up along furniture around the room. Being a teenager I spent a great deal of time on the phone with my friends. The only place to make a private call was in Mom's room. The music boxes had a bad habit of playing by themselves when i was alone with them. It was never one but more like five that would begin to play one at a time. They never interrupted each other. This became a common occurrence.

Another incident involved the remote control. I was sitting in the living room watching TV when the remote shot off the couch onto the floor where it continued to glide across to the front of the entertainment center. I left it there and fled to my room.

My room was on the side of the house the porch wraps around. It was a nice night so I had my windows opened. On the porch was an old rocking chair that had been a permanent fixture for as long as I could remember. I heard the creaking of the rocker first and then the humming began. Terrified I sat on my bed nest to that opened window and silently cried hugging my pillow. My mother came bursting in my room wanting to know why I had the radio up so loud. First of all my mother is considered deaf. She has a significant hearing loss in one ear and profound hearing loss in the other ear. Her TV was always turned up very loud and still she heard this music coming from my room. Now what I was hearing was very soft and feminine. Three times Mom went outside to investigate and all three times found nothing.

The last incident I had was scratching on the walls on the bathroom. I began to cry, again and pleaded for whatever it was to please go away. It did. We moved out less than four months later.

Believe me of don't but that is my story.

Jaws

No. 5 Jaws

Plot: When a gigantic great white begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and grizzled fisherman set out to stop it.

Tag Line: Don't go in the water

Trivia: In addition to the well-known nickname of "Bruce", Steven Spielberg also called the shark "the great white turd" when he really got frustrated with the troublesome animatronic fish.

Author Peter Benchley was thrown off the set after objecting to the climax.

When Roy Scheider was trapped in the sinking Orca, it took 75 takes to get the shot right. Scheider did not trust the special effects team to rescue him in case of an emergency so he hid axes and hatchets around the cabin just in case.

Robert Shaw could not stand Richard Dreyfuss and they argued all the time, which resulted in some good tension between Hooper and Quint.

Quotes: Quint: Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him.

Hooper: Boys, oh boys... I think he's come back for his noon feeding.

Did you know that I have an intense fear of sharks and open water? Yep. This is the movie that made sure I would spend no time in lakes, rivers, oceans...

The Ring

No. 6 The Ring

Plot: A young journalist must investigate a mysterious videotape which seems to cause the death of anyone in a week of viewing it.

Tag Line: Before you die, you see the ring

Trivia: The tree with the fiery red leaves featured in the movie is a Japanese maple. The fruit of this tree is known as a "samara".

When Noah and Rachel return to the inn, at the end of the movie, there's a sign that reads "Closed until further notice", under the "Shelter Mountain Inn" sign. In an earlier cut of the film, the cabin manager dies from watching the tape (see "Alternate Versions"). Probably that's the reason for the inn being closed.

Quotes: Noah: I can't imagine being stuck down a well all alone like that. How long could you survive? Rachel Keller: Seven days.



Yikes. This movie was one of the very few that rattled me as an adult. Anymore it does not bother me but for a while there I was not sure I would ever stop dreaming about it.

Poltergeist

No. 7 Poltergeist

Plot: A family's home is haunted by a host of ghosts.

Tag Line: They're Here.

Trivia: Mrs. Freeling's line "Mmmm... smell that mimosa." is taken directly from The Uninvited (1944).

Heather O'Rourke, who played the little girl Carol-Anne, and Dominique Dunne, who played the teenage daughter, are buried in the same cemetery: Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles. Dunne was strangled into brain-death by her boyfriend in 1982, the year of the film's release. Six years later, O'Rourke died of intestinal stenosis.

JoBeth Williams was hesitant about shooting the swimming pool scene because of the large amount of electrical equipment positioned over and around the pool. In order to comfort her, Steven Spielberg crawled in the pool with her to shoot the screen. Spielberg told her, "Now if a light falls in, we will both fry." The strategy worked and Williams got in the pool.

Quotes: Tangina: Y'all mind hanging back? You're jamming my frequency.

Tangina: It lies to her. It tells her things only a child can understand. It's been using her to restrain the others. To her, it simply is another child. To us, it is The Beast.

Tangina: This house is clean.

I remember when I first saw this movie. I had nightmares for months. I do not think I was afraid of a closet monster until then. The little girl was frightening to me too. Who can forget the name Carol Anne? If I ever met someone with that name I think I would run away screaming.

Resident Evil

No. 8 Resident Evil

Plot: A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident.

Tag Line: Everyone died. The trouble is they didn't stay dead

Trivia: Like in the games, after something is switched on/off, something else happens elsewhere. When the Red Queen is deactivated for the first time, all doors elsewhere are opened.

Connections to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: - Main character's name is Alice. - Computer is named 'Red Queen'. - 'The Red Queen' needs to kill someone who is infected, so she tries to get someone else to chop off their head. (Off with her head!) - Alice in Wonderland paperweight. - A white rabbit was use to test the T-virus. - To enter the hive they go through a mirrored door (through the looking glass). - The Red Queen also succeeds in cutting off "her" head - the medic in the laser hallway. - Kaplan worries about time, as the White Rabbit does. (Mentioned in commentary) - Matt is sitting on the ledge when Rain and JD hear the first zombie. This is mentioned in the commentary as a reference to the Caterpillar.

Quotes: Red Queen: You're all going to die down here.

Rain: All the people that were working here are dead. Spence: Well, that isn't stopping them from walking around.

Not too many video game to movies work out. This one is the exception. A great Zombie action movie that has enough of the game to keep with tradition but still does its own thing. Highly recommended.

Se7en (1995)

No. 9 Se7en

Plot: Police drama about two cops, one new and one about to retire, after a serial killer using the seven deadly sins as his MO.

Tag Line: Long is the way, and hard, that out of hell leads up to light.

Trivia: The victim tied to the bed for a year was not an animatronic model, but a very skinny actor made up to look even more corpse-like. Rob Bottin used a set of exaggerated teeth to make the head look smaller and more shrunken from malnutrition.

While filming the scene where Mills chases John Doe in the rain, Brad Pitt fell and his arm went through a car windscreen, requiring surgery. This accident was worked into the script of the film.

Quotes:David Mills: Yeah, a landlord's dream: a paralyzed tenant with no tongue. William Somerset: Who pays the rent on time.

William Somerset: This isn't going to have a happy ending.

[William Somerset looks at an object in the road] David Mills: What do you got? William Somerset: Dead dog. John Doe: I didn't do that.

Seven paved the way for such movies as Saw and Hostel. The savagery and intensity that John Doe employed to commit his crimes were worse than any movie goers had ever seen in American film.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

No. 10 The Sixth Sense

Plot: A boy who communicates with spirits that don't know they're dead seeks the help of a disheartened child psychologist.

Tag Line: Not every gift is a blessing.

Trivia: Is one of only four horror films to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

When Cole and his mother are sitting in the kitchen, there is a glass on the table that you can only get in Philadelphia. It originally comes filled with Penn Maid sour cream which is not readily available anywhere else.

According to M. Night Shyamalan, Donnie Wahlberg lost 43 pounds for the role.

Quotes: Vincent Gray: Do you know why you're afraid when you're alone? I do. I do.

Cole Sear: You ever feel the prickly things on the back of your neck? \Malcolm Crowe: Yes. Cole Sear: And the tiny hairs on your arm, you know when they stand up? That's them. When they get mad... it gets cold.

This was M. Night Shyamalan's break out film. Everyone talked about it and was impressed. I will be surprised if any of you have not seen it.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

No. 11 Dawn of the Dead

Plot outline: A nurse, a policeman, a street gang member, his wife, a salesman, and other survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing aggressive, flesh-eating zombies, take refuge in a mega Midwestern shopping mall.

Tagline: When the undead rise, civilizationwill fall.

Trivia: According to director Zack Snyder, Starbucks Coffee refused to be featured in the film.

For the scene where Ana stitches Kenneth's wounds, the director hired a real nurse for the close-ups. She misunderstood the director's directions to go deeper and inadvertently punctured Ving Rhames' skin and stitched the prosthesis to his arm. He didn't say anything until after the scene was done filming and the director thought the blood was merely "a really good effect".

Quotes: Michael: Look, there's no point in arguing about this, all right? We need a solution. We need... we need to get some food over there. Steve: Yeah, OK, I have an idea. We draw straws and the loser runs across the lot with a ham sandwich.

I am not a huge fan of the zombie genre but this one always makes me feel nervous when I watch it. The thought of being out numbered and stranded with thousands of people waiting to eat me is just not pleasant.

Stir of Echoes (1999)

No.12 Stir of Echoes

Plot Outline: After being hypnotized by his sister in law, a man begins seeing haunting visions of a girl's ghost and a mystery begins to unfold around her.

Tag Line: In every mind there is a door that has never been opened.

Trivia: The hypnosis sequence in which Tom (Kevin Bacon) is hypnotized for the first time follows actual hypnosis techniques used by professional hypnotists. In order to ensure that the audience hasn't been put to sleep (and some susceptible people have been), there's a musical accent at the close of the sequence to wake everyone up.

During the hypnosis session, Kevin Bacon is told to imagine a movie theatre where everything is painted black (walls, chairs, everything but the screen). Later, during the rape scene, a stereo plays "Paint it black" by The Rolling Stones.

quotes: Lisa: It doesn't surprise me that there's another woman. Of course, the fact that she's dead gives one pause.

Jake Witzky: Don't be afraid of it, Daddy.

Kevin Bacon does a great job as the freaked out non spiritual believer haunted by the ghost of a dead girl. The ghost coaxes our hero none too gently to solve her murder and bring the killers to justice.

Sleppy Hollow (1999)

No. 13 Sleepy Hollow

Plot Outline: Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate the decapitations of 3 people with the culprit being the legendary apparition, the Headless Horseman.

Tag Line: Watch your head!

Trivia: Christopher Walken's character has no speaking lines, aside from a couple of "HAA"s to his horse and "shhhh."

The dress worn by Katrina Anne Van Tassel (Christina Ricci) in the last shot of the movie has the same pattern as Michael Keaton's outfit in the climactic scene of Beetle Juice (1988) also directed by Tim Burton.

Star Johnny Depp adopted Goldeneye, the horse that played Gunpowder, Ichabod Crane's horse in the film, when he heard it was going to be put down.

Ichabod Crane faints six times in the movie.

Ichabod Crane and Katrina Van Tassel were, reportedly, real people

Quotes: Ichabod Crane: We have murders in New York without benefit of ghouls and goblins. Baltus Van Tassel: You are a long way from New York, constable.

Young Masbath: Is he dead?

Ichabod Crane: That's the problem. He was dead to begin with.

Ichabod Crane: It was a headless horseman.

Baltus Van Tassel: You must not excite yourself.

Ichabod Crane: But it was a headless horseman.

Baltus Van Tassel: Of course it was. That's why you're here.

Ichabod Crane: No, you must believe me. It was a horseman, a dead one. Headless.

Baltus Van Tassel: I know, I know.

Ichabod Crane: You don't know because you were not there. It's all true.

Baltus Van Tassel: Of course it is. I told you. Everyone told you.

Ichabod Crane: I... saw him. [faints]

Tim Burton's vision is flawless. There really is not a lot more to say other than watch it, love it.

The Messengers (2007)

No. 14 The Messengers

Plot Outline: An ominous darkness invades a seemingly serene sunflower farm in North Dakota, and the Solomon family is torn apart by suspicion, mayhem and murder.

Tag Line: There is evidence to suggest that children are highly susceptible to paranormal phenomena. They see what adults cannot. They believe what adults deny. And they are trying to warn us.

Trivia: None worth repeating.

Quotes: Jess: [to her brother] You see them too... don't you?

The thing I liked best about this movie was that it had thrills and scares in all the right places but in the end you felt resolution without comprising the story. The whole who really is the bad guy element to the plot was brilliant.

Ginger Snaps Back

No. 15 Ginger Snaps Back

Plot Outline: Set in 19th Century Canada, Brigette and her sister Ginger take refuge in a Traders' Fort which later becomes under siege by some savage werewolves.

Tag Line: The Beginning

Trivia: Shot back-to-back with second movie in trilogy Ginger Snaps: Unleashed (2004).

Quotes: Ginger: You are all I have, I will not kill you.

Ginger: I've come for my sister.

James: I'm sorry to tell you, but the Reverend has taken a real fancy to saving her from Hellfire. So I guess that leaves me and you, more or less, to ourselves.

[he smacks her in the face]

Ginger: [wipes the blood off her mouth] Right then.

Third in the Ginger Snaps franchise and my personal favorite. It does not have as much humor and hipness that made the original so great. This one is more true to the horror genre. A great story of the bonds of sisterhood and family above all others. IF you decide to watch the Ginger Snaps movies please for your sake skip the middle movie Ginger Snaps: Unleashed. It really was trash.

Species (1995)

No. 16 Species

Plot Outline: A message from outer space contains instructions on how to modify human DNA.

Tag Line: For three million years, the human race has been at the top of the evolutionary ladder. Nothing lasts forever

Trivia: During the production, MGM opted not to shoot the "nightmare train" sequence to keep costs down. H.R. Giger was not willing to accept that, however, so he spent $100,000 of his own money to finance the sequence.

An early draft of the script had the young Sil calmly killing a friendly cab driver. In an effort to keep the audiences sympathy for her character (and to make the murder of the porter more shocking) the scene was changed to Sil killing a tramp in self defense after he attempts to attack her.

Quotes: Xavier Fitch: I'm sorry. Young Sil: [mouthing] I'm sorry.

Xavier Fitch: We decided to make it female so it would be more docile and controllable. Preston Lennox: More docile and controllable, eh? You guys don't get out much.

A bunch of scientists receive genetic blueprints from space telling them how to combine human and alien DNA together to create a hybrid. Maybe this is not a good idea but hey why not go for it right? So the experiment named Sil works a bit too well and now we want to destroy "her". She of course has that pesky survival instinct and does not want to die, fancy that. She escapes and creates havoc across L.A. in her attempts to silence that biological clock that is ticking. Special team follows and a show down between man and alienish creature ensues.

Thirteen Ghosts ( 2001)

No. 17 Thir13en Ghosts Plot Outline: A very rich collector of unique things dies, he leaves it all to his nephew and his family. All including his house, his fortune, and his malicious collection of ghosts!

Tag Line: There are ghosts around us all the time. Most of them don't want to hurt us. But, there are exceptions...

Trivia: The special effects and sound mixing were so elaborate in this film, that many people claimed that the movie was physically painful to sit through

Of all the creature makeup created for the film, "The Angry Princess" required the longest time to apply at five hours.

Quotes: Maggie: Can I rely on you not to get me killed?

Dennis Rafkin: I guarantee nothing.

Rafkin: There are ghosts in the basement!

Maggie: This basement?

Dennis Rafkin: Of course this basement! What is it with you people? If it was the basement next door I wouldn't give a s**t, would I?

Wow this movie was painful for me. I think I might have shredded the arm of the couch the first time I watched it. Instead of having one or two bad things that want to hurt you there are 13 + a few extra surprises. Dark Castle had a real winner with this remade classic.