Photos of the Week: April 15 - 21

This past week I was in NYC for a conference at Columbia University. I took that as a chance to spend time with my aunt and uncle around the city.

15. On a winning streak!
16. This is Arrested Development
17. Stuck on the Amtrak train
18. House of (business) Cards
19. Next stop: Columbia University
20. Library at Columbia University
21. Times Square

Photos of the Week: April 8 - 14

8. End of March Madness in April
9. Papercutting cupcake decorations
10. Froyo - the gift of the gods
11. Scramble with Friends champion (challenge me if ye dare)
12. Washington Wizards game
13. Jefferson Memorial
14. At the ballpark

Photos of the Week: April 1 - 7

1. Flying squirrel
2. Papercutting I
3. Papercutting II
4. The Bullseye hits the mark
5. Flowers in bloom
6. Ikea: the land of Swedish meatballs
7. More flowers

Making me happy: Pitch Perfect sequel confirmed

What a week for Pitch Perfect! The music video for Anna Kendrick’s performance of Cups (When I’m Gone) debuted. A cd called “More Music from Pitch Perfect”, featuring some of the mash-ups from the film, was released. On Sunday, the Pitch Perfect cast (minus Anna Kendrick) performed at the MTV Movie Awards. I guess it is no surprise that on Tuesday it was announced that Pitch Perfect would have a sequel in 2015. It did decently in the box offices, but on dvd/video is where it really has thrived, raking in $90 million across all media platforms. The announcement doesn't provide much detail about the movie itself besides the fact that Kay Cannon will be also be writing the sequel. No actors have committed to the movie yet.

I love love love Pitch Perfect. I have ever since I saw the trailer for it. Immediately I knew that this was a movie that I had to see because I would love it so much. The perfect formula for me:

Acapella + Songs I know + Actresses I love(Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson) + writer Kay Cannon (from 30 Rock) = Liz's new favorite movie.

Following this formula, Pitch Perfect 2: Electric Bugaloo, as I'm now calling it, has potential to be another favorite of mine.

However, part of me is wary of this news because sequels don't always capture the same magic as the original. Would this pick up where the first movie ended? Would it follow Beca (Anna Kendrick) and Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) and the rest of the misfit gang as they rule Barden University as the ICCA champions? The first movie didn't leave many hints at what a sequel might be. It was meant to be a one-shot movie.

Putting these thoughts aside because it is far too early to worry about a movie coming out in 2 years. So let's just be really happy that I will have more aca-awesome music to add to my collection when the time finally does roll around. 

[ Entertainment Weekly ]

Making Me Happy This Week: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell will be adapted as miniseries

www.portiarosenberg.com

BBC and BBC America are teaming up like the wonder twins they are to adapt "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" into a seven-part miniseries. Not much else is known besides the fact that it would premiere in 2014 and be part of BBC America's "Supernatural Saturday" line-up.

I am excited by this piece of news. Perhaps I willed it into being since I finally finished reading the book a month ago. And I am glad that it is a miniseries and not a movie. I'm curious now how they will divide the 800+ page book into 7 parts. Where will it split? What will inevitably be cut out? Spoiler: probably all the footnotes.

There is already "speculation" about who will be cast as the titular characters. Not serious speculation though. Just name dropping British actors already attached to major projects like Benedict Cumberbatch Matt Smith. Or using it as an opportunity to point out that Dan Stevens is no longer on Downton Abbey. Anyway, I will be watching out for news related to this in the future. Eagerly awaiting how this will turn out.


Don't just take my word for it. Look at these more reputable sources.
[ NY Times ] [ Vulture ]

Lifescouts: Driving Badge

Driving Badge

I have driven plenty of times in the 6+ years of getting behind the wheel of a car. At first, it was terrifying. I remember my first time taking my foot off the brake in the parking lot of Target and just freaking out that the car was moving so fast. It definitely took a while for me to get my license. Still trying to perfect some of my driving skills like parallel parking, merging onto highways, turning left, driving in reverse, driving with other cars on the road, and not panicking in general. But current Liz has come so far from where 16 year old Liz started.

Number of accidents/tickets: ZERO! Remember safe driving saves lives.

Longest road trip in one day: 368 miles

To see more, check out my collection of Lifescout badges here or the 'lifescouts' tag. And see how many you have at www.lifescouts.com.

Photos of the Week: March 25 - 31

25. Unexpected snow
26. Keeping me among the living
27. Connie Britton's hair, still pretty in hospital lighting
28. Odd painting of Silver Spring train station
29. Quick stop at Ikea on a road trip
30. Dyed Easter Eggs
31. Asparagus for Easter dinner.