Photo Friday ~ Boo!

To wrap up this year's haunted season,

here is another look at Angela's vampyre wallpaper:

What are your plans for Halloween?

Do you enjoy watching scary movies?

What was your favorite costume as a child?

My mom used to make all of our costumes out of whatever she could throw together

and they were always awesome!  My favorite was "Glinda the good witch" from The Wizard of Oz.

My boys (ages 5 and 2 1/2) are both obsessed with trains and requested to go as conductors this year.

They look SO cute in their little overalls, hats, and bandannas while blowing their whistles.

(I hope they get a lot of chocolate for my traditional "tax payment.")

One thing I definitely won't be doing this weekend is watching any horror movies! 
(Even if  Richard appeared in one, I don't think I could bring myself to watch it. I'm such a chicken!) 
I'm still traumatized from sneaking out of bed, tip-toeing down the hall and peeking at the scary movies my
parents watched on Halloween night. (I prefer the fun, non-scary Halloween-type flicks like Hocus Pocus,
Edward Scissorhands, Casper, etc.)   *Remember the Edward Scissorhands-Gizzy comparison HERE?*

  

Have a "thrilling" weekend! :)

PJ knows his stuff.

I'm not talking about this PJ...

but about Peter Jackson~
recently knighted, Oscar-winning director:

I wanted to highlight a few excerpts from THIS Entertainment Weekly

article entitled "Hobbit director Peter Jackson talks about casting a heartthrob dwarf."

Hmm... I wonder which actor they're referring to as being a heartthrob?

Surely not this guy, because he's definitely not the type, right?

EW journalist, Josh Rottenberg, wondered:

"What was Jackson doing hiring a hunky actor to play a character most often depicted

in illustrations — and in the 1977 animated Hobbit movie — as a squat, crabby,

Wilford Brimley-ish old dwarf with a long white beard?  Jackson tells EW the choice is

actually right in line with the casting of Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn and

Orlando Bloom as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings trilogy."

Jackson's answer:

“Thorin Oakenshield is a tough, heroic character, and he certainly should give Leggie and

Aragorn a run for their money in the heartthrob stakes — despite being four feet tall.”

After reading this article, I've come to this conclusion:

Peter Jackson must not only be a genius when it comes to movie-making, but

in the ways women think as well!  He supplies the great action scenes male viewers

will enjoy, PLUS throws in the eye candy we ladies love while he's at it.

I shall now provide you with examples of said eye candy
(for those of you not familiar with "The Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy)

to fill you in on the hunkiness that it holds as proof of my conclusion above:

I can't decide whether I enjoy watching Aragorn or Legolas more.
I also have a crush on Boromir (Sean Bean) and Eomer (Karl Urban):

My husband can never see this post, or he'll know the REAL reason

why I love watching "The Lord of the Rings" with him so much.  Haha!

 I'm sure Richard, along with these men, would rather be remembered for their fine

acting skills than squee-factor... but they should also accept the fact that we
can't help but notice their hotness displayed while defeating evil. :)

Peter Jackson understands our needs.  Thank you, Mr. J. 

We look forward to seeing our "heartthrob dwarf" in action.

 

 

Witches & jack-o-lanterns.

In honor of Halloween coming this weekend~

Richard reads a story about a witch named Winnie and her black cat Wilber

who do not like winter.  (So cute!  My favorite part is when Richard waves his wand.)

*Be sure to pause the spooky background music (bottom of screen) before viewing.*

Okay, so the story doesn't really have anything to do with Halloween...
but it does feature a witch.  Plus RA is adorable.

Have you ever seen those celebrity jack-o-lanterns?
Out of curiosity, I tried searching online for an RA jack-o-lantern design,
but no luck.  If there's one for each of the Harry Potter cast,

surely there should be a jack-o-lantern depicting Gisborne or Thornton, right?
Too bad I only carve the kind with triangle eyes and square-teeth smiles. :)

Spooks 9.5

Spoiler Warning:

This post: minor spoilers in the form of screencaps.

Comments section: major spoilers due to open discussion.

 Another week, another episode.

I enjoyed this one better that the previous two.

I'm not sure why, exactly... maybe because it left "the double life"

storyline on the back burner and focused on more of the good ol' MI-5 action.

Random thoughts.

Thornton flashback with that stance and stare:

Gizzy flashback with those black, buckled boots:

Lucas's concern for Beth was sweet.

If I can't have a Lucas-Beth fling,

maybe I'd settle for a Dimitri-Beth romance.

(I'm glad Dimitri had some of the spotlight in this episode.)

In this moment, I thought of Ros.

(Probably because she was the tough nut and usually

first to confront the baddies face-to-face.)

THE TWIST!!!

Others have said they suspected such a twist.

I had no clue and was all a-gasp at the end, wishing I could immediately watch the next episode.

(Which airs tonight, thank goodness... I can't handle the suspense!)

Feel free to share your thoughts on Spooks 9 episodes 1-5 only.

Please no spoilers for future episodes.  Thanks!

Screencaps courtesy of
Richard Armitage Central Gallery, Richard Armitage Net Gallery

and Simply Sophia Myles Gallery.

The Fame Game

About this time a year ago, I held a poll asking blog

readers to vote whether or not they'd like Richard to "go Hollywood,"

or in other words, appear in blockbuster movies and become better known.

You can see the original results post HERE, but to sum it up, these were the results:

Mixed Feelings: 44%

Yes- I want to see RA on the big screen: 30%

No- I'd prefer BBC/low-key roles: 25%

I wonder if the results would change if I asked the same poll question now

that RA is bound to become more popular with the news of his casting in "The Hobbit."

Last Friday, those of us who opened Yahoo's homepage had this image

plastered on our screens with a link to THIS page.

Welcome to Hollywood publicity, Richard.

Several RA buddies of mine have expressed concern or at least mixed feelings

about Richard's biggest break.  (Suddenly he may not be such a novelty outside of Britain

and therefore, not feel like he's "our" secret to share with others.  Will popularity taint him?  Etc.) 

If you feel like this, I can see your point of view.  However, I am thrilled by this great opportunity

Richard has been given (partially because I've been excited to see this movie before knowing of RA's

involvement) and to possibly ease your mind, here are a few of my thoughts on the subject: 

First of all, one thing we all love about RA is that he seems to have

his head on his shoulders.  He's not some naive, 19 year-old spring chicken making his

first film.  I doubt we'll see his face appear on tabloids due to his buck-wild antics

caused by fame-induced craziness.  (I may be wrong since I don't know the guy personally, but

he just doesn't seem like the type.)  Secondly, Thorin the dwarf isn't some teen crush heartthrob.

(Although maybe some of you will suddenly think dwarfs are hot.)  This is a character role,

where Richard will be covered in a big costume and beard, causing him to use some of his best assets

(his voice and eyes) to express emotion.  He may even wear tons of makeup to help him look older,

so I wonder if non-Tolkien movie buffs will even recognize him off screen?

My hope is that Richard gains enough limelight and credit for this upcoming role

to be able to pursue any other role he'll want in the future.  I'd love it if he specialized in character roles,

keeping him busy and a familiar face in the public eye... yet not overly exposed.  Kind of like Paul Bettany- 

I think he's a wonderful actor, handsome, and have seen him in tons of movies (all sorts of genres and

characters) yet he's not really a household name and I've never seen him on a tabloid.

Anyhoo, those are just my 2 cents.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

Richard scores a role in "The Hobbit."

I just checked my email to find many excited messages from fellow
RA admirers informing me of the great news:

Richard Armitage is set to portray the dwarf,

Thorin Oakenshield, in the upcoming film "The Hobbit."

Peter Jackson was quoted saying this about our favorite actor:

"Richard is one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today and we know he is

going to make an amazing Thorin Oakenshield. We cannot wait to start this adventure with him and

feel very lucky that one of the most beloved characters in Middle Earth is in such good hands."

(The amazing Peter Jackson said that, people!)

Before I go any further, I must take a moment to get this off my chest:  YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Ohmygoodness... if I weren't gigantically pregnant right now, I'd be doing cartwheels around my house.

My excitement is the same feeling currently being expressed all over the RA blog world and forums. :)

Although I haven't read Tolkien's books (shame on me!) I LOVE "The Lord of the Rings" movie trilogies.

(In fact I just had a LOTR marathon a few weeks ago. Good times.)  I've been anxiously awaiting

"The Hobbit" to be made and wondering who would be cast.  The news that Richard will

be a part of this production makes it 10 times more exciting! 

After taking a moment to clap my hands and let out a shriek of glee at such great news...

my first thought was, "A dwarf!?"  (Have they not seen RA in all of his tall glory?)

But hey, I'm not picky when it comes to Richard getting a role in this movie.

He can pull of anything.  Plus, I like Gimli and his dwarf buddies.


For those of you who haven't yet read "The Hobbit,"

here is some information about Richard's character according to wikipedia:
Thorin Oakenshield is a major character in The Hobbit and is mentioned

in passing in The Lord of the Rings. He was the leader of the Company of Dwarves

who aimed to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from Smaug the dragon, and was the son of Thráin II

and the grandson of King Thrór.   Thorin is described as being very haughty, stern, and officious.

He has a talent for singing and playing the harp, wears a gold chain, and has a very long beard.

He refers to his homes in the Blue Mountains as "poor lodgings in exile." He is a capable

and a cunning warrior, if not a particularly inspiring or clever leader.


Here are a list of links confirming Richard's upcoming role:
*Thanks to those of you who filled me in on the info & links!*

Deadline.com~
"Peter Jackson Sets First Names for The Hobbit"

New Zealand Herald~
"Hobbit Cast Confirmed"

Stuff.co.nz~
"Martin Freeman set to play Bilbo"

TVNZ.co.nz~
"The Hobbit Cast announced amid squabbling"

By the way... my husband is a huge fan of Tolkien's books and has read them all.

I can't wait to see the look on his face when I tell him "that one actor I like too much"

will be playing a major character in the movie he has been looking so forward to seeing. :)

Mwaaa-haaaa-haaaa!!! *evil laugh*

Here, there or underwear.

According to THIS article,

Lucas is the character Richard has enjoyed playing the most so far.

I was surprised by that answer.  I don't know why, but I thought it would be Gisborne.

(Although, wearing layers of black leather in the summer was probably not fun.)

Now, about that Australian fan who sent Richard some underpants...

as I already mentioned HERE, I have a confession:

It was I!!! Using my Lucas-inspired super-sneaky agent skills,

I am the one who sent Richard the underpants, pretending to be an Australian.

(I even signed it "Love, Mulubinba" and provided a link to the RA Viewers Perspective blog.)

I'm a little insulted to know dearest Richie hasn't even taken those

Fruit of the Looms out of their package.  I  went to the trouble of tracking down

some limited edition adult-sized superhero briefs just for him! 

Apparently the fashion sense he says he lacks

applies to underwear too if he doesn't think they're awesome.

I'm going to have to rethink my level of admiration for the guy now.

Edit: In case you didn't know, Nat is full of it most of the time.

The only thing she has ever sent RA was that one fan letter.

Halloween Video Remake

Attention, German RA fans!
If you've felt deprived because you couldn't see the latest Festive Cheestastic

video on YouTube, then fret no more!  (Darn that Sony and it's limit to certain countries.)

On behalf of your fellow countrywoman Teena (aka: tygermag),

and you (if there's more of you out there), I modified the vid a tad so you'd be able to watch it.

The "Ghostbusters" theme has been switched out with "The Munsters" and "Corpse Bride" music.

I think it makes it a bit less cheesy, but will hopefully give you a laugh nonetheless.

*Be sure to pause the blog's background music (bottom of screen) before viewing.*



Those of you who are able to view both versions

of this Halloween video, which one is your favorite?

The Lighter Side of JT

When you think of John Thornton,

a happy-go-lucky chap probably doesn't come to mind.



No... you probably think of a handsome,

brooding, hard working, deep thinking soul with a piercing stare

that can melt even the strongest feminine heart.
Brooding is good.

Oh, you're so suave, Mr. Thornton.

However, if you remember, there ARE a few times

in "North & South" when JT lets down his guard a bit...

just long enough for a pleasant expression to flicker across his face.

Sure, Johnny doesn't unleash a big toothy grin...

or a gut-busting laugh...

but he DOES make US smile.

This always brings a big grin to my face!

*happy sigh*

North & South screencaps courtesy of

the Russian Richard Armitage site.

Remember to vote on the John Thornton poll

currently featured on the side bar.

Spooks 9.4 ~ *updated*

In case you're wondering why I always post my review of the last Spooks episode
a week after it has aired... there's no real reason other than I usually don't watch it until the
middle of the week when it pops up on one of my super-secret (not really) Spooks-viewing sites.

Plus, I like to review it Monday just before the next one airs because it's a good refresher
and gets me excited and ready to see the next one.

Spoiler Warning:

This post: mild spoilers in the form of screencaps.

Comments section: major spoilers due to open discussion.

Episode 4 was rather "meh" to me.
(In other words: didn't hate it, but didn't love it.)

I think Ruth rocked this episode.

Instead of being cooped up at the grid, spouting off info and statistics,

she was out and about being sneaky and spy-ish.  I don't think

I could even pretend to speak Mandarin.

I noticed that every time Lucas and Maya kiss, she grabs a hold of his face. 

It's as if she's making sure he stays put, right where she wants him. 

Or maybe she likes his stubble.

One of my favorite moments

was when that one guy had his gun aimed at that one lady

(can't remember names and don't want to spoil too much for others)

and Beth screams something like, "You bloody well look her in the eye!"

Dang right, Beth.

Dimitri finally had some more screen time.

He's cute... I wonder if he will replace Lucas as the grid

heartthrob if Lucas is wiped out in the future?  *Perish the thought.*

(Or if Dimitri is just meant to stay more of a side character like Ben?)

Lucas was naughty... not in a good way.
That Steven guy did not look like he was 22.  More like early-mid thirties.
So maybe Lucas was doing MI-5 a favor getting rid of that big phony.  (Rationalizing, here.)


Lucas channeling his inner Gisborne:

Does that make Harry the sheriff?

Latest foes: the Chinese government.  Dun dun dunnnnn! 
I think they're creepier than the Russians.  (Don't worry Chinese or Russian fans...
the Spooks writers aren't too fond of the American government either.)
Watch out for the Chinese, Lucas...

...especially if they've been spying while you look hot, talking on your cell phone!

*Update:  An anonymous commenter asked why I think the Chinese are creepier

than the Russians. First of all, no offense to Russians or Chinese citizens!  I don't think you're intimidating.

I'm referring to a fictional plot here, and as far as Spooks goes-  the Chinese spies seem more mysterious...

and therefore more of a threat, which is creepy, don't you think?  (Okay, any spies from any government

make me nervous, but we're rooting for MI-5 here because they're written as the "good guys.")

Lucas can fake being Russian, but can he fake being Chinese?  Nope.  It seems like MI-5

would have to have a REALLY convincing and native-born undercover agent to

pull off a sleeper agent amongst them!

Feel free to add your thoughts on Spooks episodes 1-4 only.
Please don't discuss future episodes in the comments
section to avoid spoiling it for others.  Thanks!

Screencaps courtesy of:

Richard Armitage Net gallery and Simply Sophia Myles photo gallery.