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Internet Movie Database
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04 Jan

42

Grade: A

42 has all the elements of an amazing movie – it’s a true story, it’s got an underdog who prevails, it has warmth, humor, drama, action and love.  What more could you want?  That’s why I absolutely adore this movie.

42 is the number that Jackie Robinson was issued when he was the first black athlete to join the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team in 1947.  The movie follows the life story of Jackie Robinson and his career in baseball, his family life, and how he impacted millions of Americans by helping to break down racial barriers in sports.

Chadwick Boseman plays Robinson, and Nicole Beharie plays his patient and equally strong wife, Rachel.  Harrison Ford is the biggest movie name – he plays Dodgers executive Branch Rickey – an over-the-top visionary who recruits Jackie for his team.  Ford spends much of the film chewing on a cigar – this is a great character role for him.

Nice performances from TV favorites T.R. Knight, Christopher Meloni and Hamish Linklater.

Jackie Robinson is a true hero, and this movie is a wonderful tribute to him and to his accomplishments.
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04 Jan

27 Dresses

Grade: C+

Sweet, light romantic comedy starring Katherine Heigl as the bridesmaid of all bridesmaids, 27 Dresses has chick-flick written all over it.  But it’s a good date movie, too.  We don’t get enough fun movies these days, there is too much out there about the war and other acts of violence.  This is a welcome break!

The story is this girl has been a bridesmaid 27 times, and she’s secretly in love with her boss, but can’t bring herself to tell him.  Meanwhile, her attractive younger sister comes to town, and the boss falls for her.  While all this is going on, a handsome reporter (James Marsden) assigned to the wedding beat, decides to do a story on this perpetual bridesmaid.  There is instant animosity, followed by the requisite getting stuck together and then a hilarious rendition of “Bennie and the Jets” while intoxicated, and the two are a couple.  For about a minute.  She discovers his story, dumps him, and more complications ensue until we have a happy ending and everyone ends up with who they’re supposed to be with.

Katherine Heigl is charming – so natural and easy – the camera loves her.  She will likely get lots more of these type of roles.  James Marsden has been around for a long time (X-Men, Spiderman, Enchanted) but now he’s coming into his own as leading man material.  They’re great together.
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04 Jan

21

Grade: B+

Kevin Spacey stars and produces 21, a movie both about the game, and coming of age.� A brilliant MIT student looking to pay the tuition for Harvard Med gets caught up in a team of card-counters led by one of their professors.� During the week he’s the nerdy college kid.� On weekends he’s the high roller in Vegas.� Based on a true story.� Kate Bosworth plays the love interest and teammate.� Very well done, compelling story, great characters.� And some life lessons thrown in for good measure.� Some violence, some moral dilemmas – good conversation starters for teens.

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04 Jan

16 Blocks

Grade: B

Way better than I thought it was going to be. Bruce Willis as a burnt out alcoholic cop who gets the chance to redeem himself and steps up to do the right thing. It’s a difficult choice, but a good one. Mos Def is the witness he’s assigned to protect. At one point the movie turns into a buddy film. Some hilarious lines, very entertaining. Another take on the good guys are the bad guys theme. Teens and up because of the violence.
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04 Jan

12 Years a Slave

Grade: B+

12 Years a Slave is nominated for 7 Golden Globe Awards, including a Best Actor nomination for Chiwetel Ejiofor

as Solomon Northrup.  He is absolutely amazing, and will likely get an Oscar nomination as well.

In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.

There are cameos by Paul Giammati, and Brad Pitt (his company Plan B produced).  Michael Fassbender plays one of the slave owners who is particularly cruel.

This movie is based on a true story – and it is heartwrenching.  There’s no let-up to the drama, and it is remarkable that this brave man not only survived this ordeal but was able to help the cause so much after he finally got out of his horrible circumstances.  Inspiring.
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03 Jan

Quick Nut Butter Cookies

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup peanut butter (or almond butter or cashew butter)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
INSTRUCTIONS:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
-Mix all three ingredients together.  Scoop into Tablespoon, then roll the batter into balls with your hands.
-Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
-Bake 10 minutes, until bottoms are golden brown.

For variety, try mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter.  You might also dip the baked cookies in melted chocolate before serving!
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03 Jan

PEANUT CANDY

INGREDIENTS:
PEANUT BUTTER HONEY DRY MON-FAT MILK
INSTRUCTIONS:
PEANUT CANDY Our two sons are in their 30s now. They were raised as vegetarians and one of their favorite dishes when they were in their pre-school days was a mixture of peanut butter, honey and dry milk. It was easy to make, didn�t require any cooking, they liked it because it tasted sweet and we thought it gave them protein, calcium, etc. Combine peanut butter and honey, about equal amounts, till it is semisolid (just experiment till you get it right). Then mix in dry powdered milk to get the right end consistency. Some cheap brands just clump up. The brand we found that worked best was Sanalac. Then knead by hand at the end and form into long cords and cut into appropriate size pieces. Dump in a bowl & serve. You can adjust the consistency by increasing or decreasing the amount of each ingredient.
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03 Jan

Christmas Punch

INGREDIENTS:
50ml brandy
50ml champagne
75ml passion fruit juice
juice of 1 lime
INSTRUCTIONS:
mix it all together
Serve in a long glass

Be careful – it is delicious but carries a “punch”
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03 Jan

Candied Nuts

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups blanched whole nuts
1/2 cup  sugar
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a heavy skillet, mix the nuts, sugar and butter.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 6-8 minutes or until the sugar is melted and the nuts are toasted.  Spread the nuts onto a buttered baking sheet or a piece of aluminum foil.  Separate into bite-sized clusters.  Cool.
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03 Jan

Artichoke Orzo

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup orzo (cooked according to package directions)
1 Tablespoon lemon zest
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 tsp oregano
1 small jar quartered marinated artichoke hearts
1/4 cup chopped black olives
3 green onions, sliced
INSTRUCTIONS:
-Mix all of the ingredients, including the artichoke marinade.
-Refrigerate until ready to serve, or pack in a plastic container for your picnic!
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