I've celebrated Orlando's birthday every year since 2002...nearly forgot this time, but it would be a shame to stop now. Images courtesy ka-bloom.org and sxc.hu.

  The Way of Shadows, Brent Weeks
file under: celebration , orlando Posted by Jen at 5:04 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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...to Orlando. Still the prettiest.

file under: celebration , orlando Posted by Jen at 3:17 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Today is a very good day. Pirates 3 comes out on dvd, Jim Butcher's latest Codex Alera book, Captain's Fury, comes out today, AND I had a 40% coupon for a dvd box set, so I am up to Season 5 of Buffy.

Jen is a happy girl. If only work wasn't in the way. I'll still probably finish Captain's Fury before the day is over, regardless.

And maybe Saturday, a Pirates marathon at Mike-of-NaNo's apartment. Whoo!

  Captain's Fury, Jim Butcher
file under: books , celebration , movies , orlando Posted by Jen at 10:06 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Well, I've seen Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, and I've had a few hours to think about it (after a dream involving Orlando, natch), and I've decided I liked it. There were quite a few funny bits, and lots of clever references to previous movies in the series, and romance (and you all know how much I like that), and some jaw-dropping moments when I could not believe what I saw on screen could possibly be how the movie would go. Yet, it all wraps up quite nicely, even though I didn't get to stay to the end (you should...I will for certain when I see it again), if in some slightly creepy ways. I'm not completely satisfied, and there are certainly some clunker storylines in there that could easily be trimmed. But I only checked my watch once. And I can't wait to see it again. Perhaps not at the Moolah, for while they did have drink specials and I was able to have a Will Turner (vodka or rum, blue curacao, and lemonade), they're expensive and I dunno if the couches are worth it.

Read on for spoilery talk...

First off: Oh, Will. Oh my God. Yes, I am a fangirl and I'm not afraid to say it. But damn he's fine in this movie. I really like Orlando as Pirate!Will. That being said, I just keep finding out that Jack is handsome, odd habits and all. He's certainly not my favorite, but I can't help but like him.

There's a whole romantic scene at the end that had me very disbelievingly staring at the screen, wondering if I had perhaps wandered into a non-Disney movie. Yes, I was happy with it. Sue me.

The "Calypso" storyline wasn't so hot. Nice to know backstory for Davy Jones, though. There are things that I wish I could have chatted with folks on the OB boards, but being without a computer I could not. I eventually found the answers today, but man I wish there was some way of being online last night at 1:30 in the morning...

There's quite a body count in this movie, which isn't so strange, considering that it's supposed to be the end (or so they say, it's definitely open for interpretation). But there are some key figures that head into the blue in this one, and I'll miss them.

Several key points didn't get made in the movie itself, but I've learned through various boards and such, and I'm glad for that. It makes things a little clearer. I wish there was a way to go back in and say, "You should tell people what happens when someone stabs the heart..."

It rains a lot on the sea, apparently. Everyone's drenched, all the time. Of course a wet Orlando is not a bad thing...for me, anyway.

Here's a bunch of randomness that doesn't really deserve full sentences: Poor Norry. Daddy Swann! Daddy Turner! Captain Turner! Will's chest! Marriage in the rain! And that kiss...

I'm going to head home and see if I can pack quick enough to see it again tonight. Yes, I obsess much.

  I Don't Think Now Is the Best Time, PotC: AWE soundtrack
  Sabriel, Garth Nix
file under: movies , orlando Posted by Jen at 4:56 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Here there be monsters...

So here you go. After nearly a year, a new layout. Pirates, again. Sorry for the long wait. Things in RL decided to be more important. Besides, I really liked the old layout. This one isn't so fancy, but I had fun with it.

Tonight I get to see PotC 3 with Leah at 9:30. Yay for advance showings! Will let you know all about it tomorrow.

Boo for my poor little iBook which is currently (hoepfully) on its way to the Apple Depot to get a new logic board. Maybe. It has been acting really funny, but of course it acts fine for the people at the Apple Store. I actually stopped in twice, and neither time did the laptop go wonky. I made them take it anyway. It's still under warranty, after all. Here's hoping it doesn't get erased. At least I have my story file.

  "Singapore," from the At World's End soundtrack

file under: celebration , movies , orlando , webetcetera Posted by Jen at 11:15 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Happy birthday to my favorite pirate-knight-elf. Best of luck this year.

  Prelude (Immediate music)

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 12:19 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Some of you out there will say I told you so, but I did end up deciding to see the midnight premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest tonight. I bought a ticket yesterday when I bought milk. Ah, the joys of having a theater right next to the grocery store. There's a possibility that my new roommie will come too, but I don't count on it. She's a little flighty.

In case you're somehow reading this on a feed and don't realize the pretty pictures surrounding the entry, I put up a new layout for Pirates. I enjoy it. It's not quite unkinked yet, unfortunately, but that's partly because I got the thing uploaded during the course of several late-night coding sessions. And as much as I know I'm a night owl, I was not thinking all that clearly...

I had a subject not show up today due to sickness, so I got to work early for no reason. At least the subject didn't get lost like the last one did. And there's a softball game tonight, so we'll see how well I do tomorrow, being horribly sleep deprived. Though that's not unusual for me

It'll be a long day...strange to think that the movie is only twelve hours away, but on the other hand, egad. Twelve hours! I think I will at least wear my hat. Perhaps my renaissance shirt, but then I'd have to wear the bodice...not sure if I could stand waiting in that thing! It's supposed to be relatively cool tonight as well. Go figure.

I'll let you know what I think tomorrow Wish me luck at softball tonight!

file under: movies , orlando Posted by Jen at 12:13 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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The boy turns 29 today. Odd to think I've been wishing him a happy birthday for three years...let's see if I'm as successful as he is when I'm 29...

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

PS: supposedly there WILL be a director's cut of Kingdom of Heaven. Happy Jen.

  Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 1:24 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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In honor of the new movie Elizabethtown coming out today, you have a new layout. Lots of new things tried in this design, and it's not finished yet. I hope you like it...it took me a long time to learn the CSS. Please forgive the odd placement while I try to figure out which stupid DIV tag isn't closed. Everything that you remember should be here, it just might be in an odd place. If you see something that you know absolutely cannot be right, comment, and I'll see if I can fix it. And if you notice it, it's most likely that I noticed it too, since it's still being updated. I hope to have an archive page redesign up soon, but it might be a while. I've got a list that's slowly but surely being checked off. If the colors are screamingly annoying, comment, and tell me what colors would be better. I like having my (ahem) fans' input.

Tonight not only do I get to see a movie with Orli, I get to see it at the Moolah Shrine Theater which has couches in the first five rows. Hopefully we'll snag one of those, but it's first come, first served, so who knows?

And it's official...I've got my tickets to Vegas. Now all I have to do is not spend any money from now until then, and I'll be ok...though I really want an iPod Nano for the trip. Wouldn't that be grand.

file under: movies , orlando , webetcetera Posted by Jen at 12:25 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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The world is wide, and I will not waste my life in friction when it could be turned into momentum. --Frances Willard

Kingdom of Heaven, the Etown score, and Lifefrom Ricky Martin (yes, that Ricky Martin) all come out today. I'm excited. I'll have time tonight to head to the store (there's even rebates at FYE! Score!) after I talk to one of the deans from WU Arts & Sciences about med school. I feel like such a n00b about it. I don't even really know the proper progression of what happens once you're in it. That and I have to write essays. And find science teachers for evaluation purposes. Natch. But anyway, once I've spent they very little money I can this week, I'll be a happy camper since I will have Orlando goodness to watch. Whee! Maybe I can remember to pick up a new notebook at the campus bookstore, as it seems I've lost mine. *tear* all those ideas. Hopefully I'll find it, but it's not looking good.

Happier note, I found out that I did in fact get 100 on my A&P test, which just rocks my socks. I hope that the next one can be so high. I have a lab practical exam this week, which I suppose I should prepare for...I've probably mentioned it before, but usually I do better in labs than I do in the lecture. Here it's the opposite. Oh well. Study harder. Why oh why didn't I do that when I was actually in college? Ah, hindsight.

Still waiting on those MCAT scores. Oh, and the contents pages (linked above) have been migrated to MT. So there's nothing new, just makes it easier on me to put something new there when I finally do get a chance. Best be off to work.

file under: movies , muses , music , orlando Posted by Jen at 12:11 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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And finally, Orgo is over. I know I did ok in my lab class, though I wish I could get my last paper back. I guess I could email the prof about it...it'd be interesting to see if I actually made any coherent thoughts during that crazy writing. I don't know about the grade in the lecture. I know that I was farther down the scale than I thought I was, and while I know I didn't perform spectacularly on the final, there were at least things that I did know...hopefully more than things I didn't. But at least I can breathe again. No more classes at night, no more labs saturday mornings, at least for a little while. I suppose I might take some classes later, but nothing now.

Although now I get to start studying for the MCATs...and find a new job. Luigi's saying that someone else in the department might be interested in me, but that I've got to spend less time on the computer. Makes me sad. Seems to be a trend. Wish I knew how to be better dedicated to things other than those that make me happiest. If you find out, tell me how.

I really want a boyfriend right about now. Someone to hold me and tell me that it will be alright. Sure, either of my parents would do that and they are both wonderful loving people, but...just not the same. I'm just a little lonely, I guess. And worried. Stressed. Unsure. Slightly less so now that orgo is over, but still...damnit here I go quoting John Mayer, again:

I'm so tired of being alone, so hurry up and get here

On a happier note, forgot to mention that I saw Kingdom of Heaven again last night, after the test. Worked out quite well, really, my dad picked up Stroke of Midnight from the library for me yesterday, swung by after the test and got to have pizza and watch the HBO First Look for KOH, then headed over to Ronnie's 20 and the big screen. I would have been on time had I not stopped for popcorn, but I think they jumped the gun and actually started the movie exactly when they said they would, or they started the previews way early, since I was only a few minutes late into the theater, but already a few minutes into the movie. ah well. Not like I hadn't seen it before, and missing two minutes at the beginning doesn't take too much away from it

I'm glad I got to see it again, for a few reasons. You could appreciate the dialogue more, now that you knew what they were saying. Some of the lines that weren't clear the first time became clear. There was time to look at other things (other things than Orlando! Hah!). The screen was bigger, so that was nice, and the sound was good too, though the theater was next to another that was showing something with explosions so that didn't always mesh with what was going on onscreen. Unfortunately there weren't very many people there, but it was a Wednesday night at 10:20, so I guess that's not all that unusual. Stayed through the entire credits...apparently they used music from Blade II and a couple of pieces by Graeme Revell which surprised me. I have no idea where they were used, but perhaps Alex will let me borrow his Blade movies someday and I'll be able to pick it out. Seems odd that they didn't use all original music, but maybe they were in a hurry. Though the music doesn't sound like it.

I want to go back and see it again. I do like it, just not some parts of it, and I guess I'm quite picky with the editing. Here's hoping that the dvd will at least be a director's cut or somesuch, because there is a lot that got left out. But man, it's nice to stare at Orlando's bare stomach on the big screen. I need a guy.

  Stroke of Midnight, Laurell K Hamilton. Finished in less than 24 hours. Entirely too short.
file under: education , orlando Posted by Jen at 3:49 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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There, you are not what you were born, but what you have it in yourself to be...
Godfrey of Ibelin

Sorry about the trite title. The quote above was supposed to make it into the layout, maybe even as the title, but I forgot, amazingly enough. Well, it's immortalized here, now. Beware, spoilers ahead! Quick review: Go see it. Orlando-ness **** movie ***

Alrighty then. Just saw Kingdom of Heaven a little while ago. Unfortunately though the sound was good the theater I went to was pretty small (and had the flimsiest tickets I've ever seen) so I didn't get quite as much Orli as I wanted

I thought it was a good movie overall. Much better as a whole than, say, Troy. I guess I wasn't quite satisfied with the ending, not sure why exactly. I guess I'm not one for surrender, though Balian did the best he could and saved the people by his 'right actions.'

Balian really did look tired at the beginning. You could see the shadows under his eyes, the ache in his heart even when he wasn't saying anything.

Sometimes it was hard to understand the dialogue, esp. with either Baldwin (because of the mask) or the muslims, because of the accent. I'm looking forward to the dvd when I can have captions on. Some of this could have been avoided, but that's a little nitpicky.

Poor Liam Neeson wasn't in it very long, was he? Alas. And David Thewlis...I like him, and the way he went off to fight, knowing it could be his death...

I was pleasantly surprised by Edward Norton's performance. Normally I don't like him, and I was worried after hearing him speak in the trailers that he wouldn't be convincing as a king. But he handled it well. And the image of him revealed...powerful.

I was sad that there wasn't more of a love scene, not so much because I wanted to see more of Orli...don't get me wrong, I *did* want to see more but that it just seemed so abrupt. There wasn't any flow. Also, did I blink-and-miss Sibylla's son? And what about the orchestra-conducting bit Orli did in the 'modern' trailer?

what was *with* Brendan Gleeson's dye job?

I'll agree that the editing at the beginning did seem a little choppy. I guess they figured backstory isn't as interesting as gore and the endgame. Everyone says there will be an extended edition or at least a directors cut so hopefully some of this will be addressed there.

I don't know if it will win any awards. The music is superb, though in some parts overly loud and bombastic. Then again, war is loud and bombastic, so I guess that's ok. *I* think Orli did well with his part, acting with sufficient gravitas to inhabit the role, but there were definitely parts of dialogue to which he didn't do justice, and a few anachronistic replies that really didn't belong. The other actors played their parts with aplomb. Eva Green is sometimes a little too wide-eyed for my taste. But I can see why guys love her.

I was really hoping for some sort of ceremony when Balian gets his Knight of Jerusalem kit (you know, the blue tunic of the King vs the burgundy/gold of Ibelin) before the seige. But it's just one day he's in the Ibelin colors and the next in the blue. Perhaps that will show up in the dvd.

Random thought: he certainly learned to fight like a knight rather quickly, eh? With one lesson he goes from peasant to 'high guard'...

I want to see it again, absorb the things I missed the first time, see it on a bigger screen...maybe that's what I'll do after o rgo is over. Of course by then it will probably fall to a smaller screen anyway, but whatever. Definitely a movie I want to see multiple times on a big screen.

There's probably things I forgot, but it is after 2 am, and I should get to bed so I can get up and study like a madman tomorrow. Er. later today. And Sunday. And monday, tuesday, and wednesday, when I will finally be taking a day off, though it won't be much of one, since I will undoubtedly need to it study. Wish me luck. Just make it to Weds, I think...then I can see KoH again

Saw it with Ross and Tony and Cat, which was nice. Glad to not see a movie by myself for a change. Movies are so much more fun with friends. Cat and Tony and I went to Bread Co before the show, and Ross met us there. The theater was full, not quite sold-out, but close, surprising since we saw a latea one. We saw the 9:45 show, really late for me to wait (man, I was anxious all day) because Tony said he had a doubleheader softball. It turned out that he only had the one, so we could have gotten to an earlier showing, but Ross was out for dinner with some friends so we couldn't. Afterward Ross finally got to see the apartment, and looks quite dashing in a musketeer hat. Maybe we'll get to the StL renfaire before he goes to Alaska (?) for a law internship (?) in a few weeks. He brought it up, honestly! He'll be gone till August. Sigh. Guess there's always the KCrenfest...

It always cracks me up when I recognize KOH as not standing for Kingdom of Heaven but for potassium hydroxide, a very strong base used in organic chemistry reactions. Wish I could tell you some of the various things it does, but alas, my brain is empty of reactions and full of the dirty!man!knight! Balian and how fine he was. I'll admit my fangirlyness and say even if the rest of the movie was bad I'd probably want to see it again for Orli. That is, once my orgo final is over. And when I have a job. And a new bike.

If you're in town and want to see KOH, please let me know I'll go with, gladly.

  Fear, Sarah McLachlan (the Roswell 'connection' song)

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 2:38 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Well, today's the day. Kingdom of Heaven comes out. Due to scheduling conflicts I won't be able to see it until rather late (you know I would be out of here in a flash to see it right now, if I could), but at least I'm seeing it, and seeing it with other people, which is a big bonus. And it's going to be at a cool theater (as long as it's not sold out, which would be my luck) that I've never been to. So, yay.

And, how do you like the new layout? It didn't take me very long, more because of lack of time to do it than it was easy. Luckily I've got most of the kinks out of updating MT so that part goes relatively smoothly. Don't forget to check out the archives, which also has a neat new layout, if I do say so myself.

In case you're curious: reviews of KOH from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Riverfront Times. It got three out of four stars from the PD. Yay! I have a feeling this will either be a movie that critics hate but the general public loves, or everybody hates/loves it. Kind of like National Treasure. Critics thought it was horribly formulaic but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Hopefully this will be the same way. I have high hopes.

[edit: for those of you who came by and saw absolutely nothing aside from pretty pictures on this blog, it was purely an error on my part, but somehow a) two of the same entry were posted and b) there was an incorrect tag in at least one of the entries so it crucked up all the actual blog content. Fixed now. Yay. And at least one person likes the layout...you should have your say too. /edit]

  Kingdom of Heaven Soundtrack

file under: movies , orlando Posted by Jen at 1:12 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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So tomorrow Kingdom of Heaven comes out. Looks like it will be a small group of us, I asked quite a few people but it looks like only boys are all that interested lol. Ross is coming, and Tony said yes. Perhaps he'll bring Cat along and I won't feel quite as silly with the big grin that I have whenever I see Orli. I can't seem to control it. At least I'm not a screaming fangirl.

And hopefully tomorrow (or later tonight, if I can get it uploaded) there will be a new layout in tribute to aforesaid movie. It's all Orli, so I'm sorry to those of you who don't like him. I do, and really, that's all that matters I figure I visit my own website more than any of you do, so it ought to be something I like, eh? And given the response to my laste entry about my late lamented *stolen* bike, which was nearly nil (thanks, adam) obviously there's not going to be too many people to complain. Hope you can appreciate the design that went into it, anyway.

Until tomorrow, then.

ETA: Leo loves me. And she reminded me that I was going to mention Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Have a margarita. I guess I could make one, I think I have some tequila at home...that sounds so odd. Me talking about alcohol. I haven't had a drink in some time. It's about time, then! ¡arriba!

Earth Dragon

Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com

Just thought it was pretty.

  A Game of Thrones, George RR Martin
file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 10:57 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Our task is to make ourselves architects of the future. --Jomo Jenyatta

Last night I got the Kingdom of Heaven soundtrack, and listened to it three times. It's either very popular or didn't ship enough, because the first place I went to didn't have it, so I was forced *hah* to go to Borders, and even they only had one copy. Then of course I was forced to get the only (slightly beat-up) copy of Empire magazine that has OB on the cover, and forced to get the Making Of KOH book that is so pretty. Forced, I tell you. But all day yesterday I was anxious to leave work and get to the store so I could have the soundtrack. For those of you who know me, I love my movie soundtracks, I probably have more of them than regular 'popular' music. This particular score is very good, reminiscent of 'Children of Dune' and, oddly enough, 'Shakespeare in Love.' Both of which are quite stellar, so it's nice to have something going for the movie already. It's almost as good as seeing the movie. Of course, nothing can top seeing OB's face on the movie screen, larger than life. Let's hear it for a 30-second love scene! :lol:

I do hope that this goes well. The soundtrack is great, but of course that means nothing for the movie, really. It's Orli's first starring role and I do hope that he carries it off well. Good luck, my man

Orgo test tonight. Eep. Wish me luck. Then I get to go home and start writing the orgo lab paper. Sigh. Next week, I keep telling myself. Next week, there will be no more orgo lab and there will be Orlando. Yes. Next week.

  Kingdom of Heaven soundtrack

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 10:31 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Orlando Bloom Has Ruined Everything I love Bill Amend. FoxTrot is teh funny. You have to look at the cover.

And in case you thought that Orli looked like Colin Firth like Leo did (incidentally, Orli just beat out Colin in the Hello Magazine Most Attractive Man 2004 contest) you can see a whole bunch of hi-res pictures over at the Ka-Bloom Forum. See, I'm not the only one obsessed.

I started knitting a hat last night. It was rather interesting. I suppose we'll see how it works...I like my circular needles (they're green ), but it's definitely trial and error when it comes to figuring things out. I hope I can manage to make a scarf to match the hat. Perhaps I'll finish the fall-colored hat/scarf before winter is over

Phantom and Elektra this weekend, I hope. Yay! PS. Might be a new Phantom layout coming your way sometime soon...got to get it 'just right.' I'm almost afraid it's going to be too racy to use as my homepage Yes, I'm narcissistic, my website is my homepage. Sue me.

Hi to Leo who's using her time alone to good purpose (perhaps )...stole this from her:

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 1:48 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Since I didn't want to put the same title for this entry as I have for the previous two years (see "On This Day..." somewhat farther along down the page), you get a line from Orli's next movie as the title of his birthday post. Yes indeedy, it is my favorite screen hottie's birthday today, and for your pleasure (or mine, really, since I got to stare at him while making it):

I'm very excited about Kingdom of Heaven. Should be lots of fun.

It snowed today. Amazing! They said it would be light accumulation, but for a while there it was really coming down. Of course, yesterday it was about 60 deg. outside, so most of it will probably go away soon. Unless they really mean it when they say it will be in the 20s for the next few days. Sigh. I just love St. Louis winters.

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 4:12 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Yes, that man of great beauty , the essence of elf, the perfect pirate, the titan of Troy...er. You get the idea. Orlando Bloom is 27 today, which I think is a wonderful number Dave knows why...maybe I'll come back later with a cute fansign, maybe not. Depends on how glucose transport goes. Happy birthday, you hunk!

Edit: Here's a fansign...not my best, but hey, it's Photoshop 5 LE. Best I can do between muscle movings

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 9:32 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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and here I answer some pretty inane ones.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what some website had for the translation

Anyway, here are some answers to your burning questions.

Q: where can i find legolas's bow? A: I've already answered this, several times...take a look at the sidebar under "right now" and you might be able to figure it out. As of right now the bow is not officially available.

Q: buddy icons. A: Also already answered this...you people don't check back often enough. I don't really have time to make a lot of icons, so there aren't a lot on my site. You can find plenty online!

Q: What is this website for? A: This website is my personal journal/portal to all my other sites. A place where I can ramble about my (argueably) unexciting life. Click on the 'what the heck is an etoiline" link on the sidebar. NOT affiliated with Orlando Bloom, Lord of the Rings, or anything in Hollywood. Just a fangirl! Am I gonna have to make a disclaimer?

Q: How many times has Orlando Bloom factured his skull? A: I'm not quite as obsessed as some, so I can't tell you for certain. I believe just once. Though he has broken his ribs three times. and Q: how much money did Orlando Bloom make? A: As I'm not his agent nor his accountant I am not privy to any of his financial information...honestly, people. I must not sound like a girl! and Comment: I'm a big fan of you OB and I was wondering how could a guy so hott{sic} like you not be married but then again maybe you could stay single for 11 years{laugh}? Where on this site does it say I am Orlando? Can someone tell me why this looks like anything other than a fansite? There's nothing official about it. Go bug full bloom.

Q: will i marry legolas? A: Gosh I sure hope not because that would mean you are delusional. Not quite so obsessed with the lovely elf prince that I don't realize he's fictional.

Q: Age? A: Come now. You obviously didn't look at the site very long, did you?

Q: what does the back of arwen's crown look like? A: Wait, let me ask her to turn around for you. I wish I knew, but I'm not a metalsmith so I couldn't even begin to guess. Do I look like a jeweler?

Egad. I had more of these than I realized. Maltese falcon screencaps indeed. I've never even seen the movie. And I don't think Billy Boyd or Orlando will marry anyone who visits this site...and I certainly can't tell you what they're thinking! And yes it's true, the cast are all friends still. Read any interview and you can see that is true. I have only sketched Orlando in his Legolas and Will Turner guises, and just pure sexiness as himself. Maybe more later.

Just heard Melissa Etheridge's new song, Breathe, as originally sung and produced by the St. Charles (near my hometown) band Greenwheel. They're both on the same label, and she picked it up. I recommend the Greenwheel version.

file under: lordoftherings , miscellany , orlando Posted by Jen at 1:05 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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TheOneRing.net Fan Reviews

Here's my review that I submitted to TORn. You can read it here and see how I rated things, or just read the text below...

!!!SPOILERS!!!

The word that describes my viewing of the midnight premiere is 'breathtaking.' Even though I've read the books several times before and knew what was going to happen, I still felt myself carried along with the story and waiting (or dreading, depending on the mood) to know what was going to occur next. The way the story is told is original...using the book as a guide, but done in its own way.

First off, a few gripes...I realize that with a story with so many different characters and arcs that there's going to be a little discontinuity, but some of the jump cuts were disconcerting. This bothered me in the Two Towers as well, but it's something I can live with. Sometimes Howard Shore's beautiful score was drowned out by the action onscreen, but that's not a terrible thing either. I miss the Faramir/Eowyn relationship and the Houses of Healing. I want to see Aragorn work the magic of the King. But at least they'll be on the dvd.

It was interesting to finally see the promo stills and trailer clips in their proper context, strange to see how they had changed since we first saw them.

Now the highlights: I'll admit my fangirl status by saying Go Legolas! His taking down the Mumakil singly got the loudest cheers during the whole movie. And a funny part to boot. Thank you PJ for listening to the fans. And he's knowledgeable about the Paths of the Dead, eh? lol. And finally making note that he's a prince of the Woodland Realm...good stuff.

Aragorn. Wow. Viggo, my hat's off to you. Aragorn seems so real, so human, I believe I would follow you too. Gandalf: nice to see you for most of the movie. I'm glad you got to kick butt with your staff and stave off a couple of Nazgul. Pippin! I love the accent, and the lighting of the signal fires was a wonderful cinematic moment. The soaring music and sweeping vistas...one of these days I'll go to New Zealand and see it for myself.

Eowyn/Merry vs. the Witchking! Yay! Women/Hobbit power! Don't those bad guys ever learn that just because 'men' can't kill them they can still be killed? The battle scenes! Huges shots of the armies coming together, when you know that it's hopeless...they're willing to make the ultimate sacrifices just for the chance one small hobbit will make it to the Cracks of Doom. And the final fight between Frodo and Gollum. That part stayed with me from the book, and I will always remember it from the movie as well.

I'd heard this one could be a tearjerker, and there were some times that I almost cried. This is pretty impressive, because I never cry at movies. But everything just feels so realistic, so immersive, that you can't help but emphasize with the characters.

I was worried at the beginning with the slowness of the movie, but I got into it quickly. I never looked at my watch the entire 3 hours and 20 minutes. I do remember thinking just about the time when Frodo and Sam were at the foot of Mt. Doom that there was still a lot to go...but I'm glad they wrapped it up. I'm glad the Hobbits got new suits.

I was sad to see it end (for real, after the several fade-to-black frames), and a little numb. What an amazing experience. I'll need to see it at least two more times to get the full impact. Thank you PJ, cast and crew for making such a wonderful, touching, moving, action-filled, workout-for-your-subwoofer film. Hannon le.

Final analysis: I loved it, can't wait to see it again, so-THAT'S-what the silver frock is supposed to look like, yay Lego in a crown, Aragorn: the fans have found their captain, Arwen: ok, she's very pretty and not as silly in this movie as TTT, read the last two pages of RotK, and walk out smiling. I'll be listening to the soundtrack all day, and coming back with more thoughts as they come to me...now to work, now for wrath, now for ruin and the world's ending! er. Still excited.

file under: lordoftherings , movies , orlando Posted by Jen at 9:43 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Pirates of the Caribbean comes out on dvd today, and as soon as I get people voted for I'm heading out to get it! Whee! I know what I'm doing tonight

Now for some pirates nostalgia:
Here they come:

The publicity shot that makes women drool

of course, the kiss:

and who can forget the shirtless pirate!

whee...gotta vote so I'm outta here!

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 6:31 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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aka seeing Matrix Revolutions last night to the trailer of Troy that came before it...which of course takes place centuries before the Matrix The Troy trailer looked pretty cool (watch it here), and of course I was absurdly pleased to see Orlando on the big screen again. I think it will be a pretty exciting movie, and I'll try to read the Iliad (or at least part of it, anyway) before then, cause you know me, I love to read the book first. We'll see if I can make it through classical literature, what with it taking me an absurdly long time to read Quicksilver. Ah for the days when I could read 50 or 100 pages an hour, depending on the book and various other factors. Don't get me wrong, I can read very fast when I want to, and believe me, I want to. It's just that this book actually makes you think. Go fig.

And have you heard about the new Peter Pan movie? Could be cool too. Also one of the classics that I've never read and I really should. Thank goodness for the internet where you can read just about any classic piece of literature online...but you can also watch neat little trailers like this.

And I guess you were thinking I might delve into the mystery that is the Matrix? Well, I can definitely say one thing. That movie exhausted me. I guess I'm really susceptible to musical cues, but there was a good twenty minutes in the middle of the movie where I was seriously having to remind myself to breathe. It just keeps going. I guess I have to say that the ending wasn't quite what I expected...it didn't seem to summarize very well. Keanu still looks pretty cool in black, some things happened which I had deduced from the trailer, some really gross moments, some pretty heartfelt moments (some of which were too corny for words; action movies should stick to action and not emotion). I'm very glad I watched the previous movies right before I saw this one...I pity the person who has not seen the second movie or you'd miss a lot of things. Some of the imagery was great. I suppose the special effets were pretty good and the fight scenes were pretty extrordinary...I did keep thinking this is definitely not as good as RotK is going to be...

Oh, and apparently Orlando is set to star in another movie which is, once again, like nothing he's ever done. Whoo, I think...and check out this interesting picture from the upcoming King Arthur movie with Kiera Knightley...bit of a switch from her previous engagement, eh?

A bit odd when I'm more excited about the trailers before the feature presentation. Ah well. You should always have something to look forward to.

file under: movies , orlando Posted by Jen at 5:49 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Click here to see samples of Orlando Bloom's prowess with a camera phone Too bad I don't have a good camera or a camera phone...course, the camera phone necessitates a phone in the first place, which I still don't have. One of these days, after a new computer and several road trips maybe I will get one.

btw, Billy Boyd also participated in this fundraiser. Check his out too. I'm rather suprised at the artisticness of some of the photos, given the slightly skeevy method of point-and-click phone-cam shooting.

I wonder if my Orlando obsession will last as long as my Ricky Martin obsession. It can't be longer simply because I am still slightly enamoured of the latin heartthrob singer, but my Orlando love is quite a bit stronger at the moment. And besides, Orli is making really cool looking movies right now. :wpog:

file under: art , lordoftherings , orlando Posted by Jen at 2:31 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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But this allows me to find hilarious things like this story on FanFiction.Net...you must read it, but here's an excerpt from the Will Turner: Owner's Guide and Maintenance Manual...

Q: I recently lent my WILL to a friend in Cambridge, England. When she eventually gave him back, he was wearing blue contact lenses, a long blond wig and prosthetic ears. He walked in, laid one hand upon his heart, bowed slightly and said, �Elen s�la l�menn�omentielvo!� What on earth can I do?

A: Well, for a start you can stop lending him out to other people, you fool! The programming of your WILL has been seriously damaged by your so-called "friend's" treatment of him. The "Hero" section of his functionality will still be intact (or even enhanced) but when faced with enemies, he will no longer trip them up with a piece of rope in an engagingly amusing fashion, but will instead seize a couple of bread knives, scream Elbereth!and perform a murderous dance of deadly grace, severing limbs and trepanning skulls until he is bloody to the elbows. If you wish to prevent such occurrences, carefully remove the contact lenses, throw away the wig and ears, wash off any pale make-up, put a large, plumed hat on his head and read him a few chapters of Treasure Island. It will not be long before your WILL is once more shouting "Avast!" and clambering around your rigging.

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 7:29 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I've seen the teaser trailer for RotK that's been nosed about...I've got it, let me know if you want it, but I'm taking the link down for now.

and eeg! Pirates screencaps!

Did I mention how when he said "The tang is almost the full width of the blade," I just died? Isn't that silly? But it means he knows his trade. And then the sword flip and his little bow, and that look on his face when Governor Swann told him to pass his thanks on to his master...ahhh. I would see that movie again in a heartbeat.

file under: movies , orlando Posted by Jen at 3:43 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Whee! Pirates today! Only 6 hours and a bit...

Come on. the hat is cool. Egad I want his outfit...yeah, reawakening those urges to go out on Halloween as a Pirate...at this rate I'll be making costumes for the next few decades...

ssshhh...don't tell anyone, but I painted the bracers for my costume today at work. I'm so bad. But it's not my fault that DSL didn't get back to me about the ELISAs...

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 12:16 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Did I mention how I love hats in this style? When the Three Musketeers came out I wanted to be a musketeer just so I could get the hat. That and the pretty sword. lol. I'm definitely like Keira when she says she wants a sword

Think he got tired of wearing tights all the time?

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 1:09 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Pirates comes out tomorrow! Unfortunately the preview screening that I found is only for those with invitations, which is pretty mean, as it doesn't say that anywhere on the site...so I'll have to wait till tomorrow like the rest of the fanatics out there. Ah well. Makes me peevish cause some people won't be able to go cause of previous engagements. Foo.

Since you all want to know more about Orlando...sheesh. Can this man get any better?

I tried to fletch some arrows last night. Rather interesting if I do say so myself...good God please let me finish on time.

Don't forget to vote, please the links are right below this line!

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 12:24 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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5 days, 5 days! Eeek! I'm so excited it's silly, I know, but damn it looks exciting. I really have that feeling where I absolutely cannot wait for the 9th. I might not have to, the theater by my house is supposedly having a showing on the 8th at 7:30. we'll see. It's like waiting for TTT...and you all know how crazy I was about that. This isn't quite the same, I don't think, after all I didn't do a layout just for Pirates but I am going on a picture posting spree. Feel free to drop what you're doing and stare

I can't wait to see some swashes buckled This is definitely an over-use of smileys post...

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 1:00 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Ninety days until we can see the whole caboodle of Pirates of the Caribbean. Look below and I'll bet you can guess why I want to see this movie:

Thank you Orlandomultimedia.net. Kudos for the cool countdown buttons as well

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 1:43 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I'm hosting my first site! Whoohoo! Go check out Orlicandie and let Nessa know what you think!

Saw Shanghai Knights with Alex last night. Very good, very funny, and some nice cinematographic moments. And Randy Edelman did the music, which is a good thing. I think it might have been funnier than the first one. Lots of niiiice martial arts. A good villain. Swordplay. A girl who could kick ass. Rock on.

So I was silly and got the 2-disc set of Moulin Rouge. Very cool. There's this interactive version that shows behind the scenes stuff, but only got to see some of the extras on the second disc cause (get this) I'm supposed to search for these old-version shoes my mom wants and antique glass eyes for this miniature ox statue we've got. Something from a chinese legend. I have a feeling I'm not going to find either. Ah well.

Had a longish chat with Jem about Moonstone words last night. Er, this morning. I just get lost in talking about stuff I've made up. Isn't that silly? But it's so fun. cer'athe elthione i'c� laeva, tuo cire. Arro ish bian quor, min Chief cist� mo. and cedde tuon bianne e bie! and Pad na corure? ish tu'toranar. None of which are in use yet, but will be shortly I know what they all mean and I made up present tense conjugation. lol. my made up language has some grammar! hopefully I can get many chapters written this year. lol. And I haven't forgotten about Decadence, it's just tough to get in the mood with that one. Someday, grasshopper. If you have anything to say about either of these, please, please leave a comment or something. I love feedback.

file under: orlando , writings Posted by Jen at 5:28 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Our very own Orlando Bloom is 26 today. Doesn't it seem weird to celebrate a celebrity's birthday? Ah well. I even went so far as to create something for the Orlando Bloom Birthday Project:
Happy Birthday!
(ed. note: not the original. Don't have the original on this comp so it's the slightly blurry version from the mockup.)

This year is gonna be pretty good for him, don't you think?

file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 12:47 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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file under: orlando Posted by Jen at 3:52 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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