Dreamgirls Will Never Leave You

Thanks to DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures, another stage musical has made it to the big screen in dramatic fashion. Dreamgirls opened on Christmas day to critical acclaim & has been collecting a slew of nominations & awards ever since.

This evening, Dreamgirls won 3 Golden Globes - Jennifer Hudson for Best Supporting Actress, Eddie Murphy for Best Supporting Actor and Best Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy.

Although, in my mind, Dreamgirls still does not hold a candle to another recent stage-to-film transfer, Chicago, it does make a solid showing that warrents it's nominations. After Chicago, it's successors in the movie musical genre have been less than stellar...The Phantom of the Opera, Rent, The Producers. Filmmakers were not successful in capturing some fantastic stage magic into the cinema. But finally, another movie musical got it right! Watching Dreamgirls was a refreshing reminder of how a good stage production can become a great motion picture.

Congrats, Dreamgirls team...let's hope you're showered with some Oscar nominations as well!

101 in 1001

A couple days ago, I ran across one of my sorority sister's list of goals. It was called 101 in 1001. The premise behind it is to create 101 measurable goals to complete in 1001 days.

Instead of creating a handful of new year's resolutions that I will probably break within a month or two, I thought this was the better way to go. According to one website, 1001 days is a more realistic time period to finish all these goals "because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks". Works for me!

So...I did some calculating. I will need to come up with my list of 101 things by the end of February. Day 1 will be March 1, 2007 and day 1001 will be the day before Thanksgiving - November 25, 2009. If all goes well, I'll have a lot to be thankful for on that turkey day.

To start it off, here's a list of 5 things...some of which I have blogged about in the past...

1. Visit all 50 of the United States
2. Complete a novel for NaNoWriMo
3. Be a spectator at the 2008 Olympics
4. Go to a USC away game each football season
5. Read through the entire Bible

This should be interesting... Anyone care to join me and create a list of their own?

So Far, So Good

Well...yesterday went quite beautifully! My friend, Shannon, is striving to becoming a tailgating queen. I guess it was worth it to get up before dawn to enjoy some amaretto french toast, bacon...and later hamburgers and bacon-wrapped hot dogs. Mmmm... She promises to add a generator and flat screen TV come Fall.
The Rose Bowl was even better. By the end of four quarters, we had blocked, passed and sacked our way to our 4th BCS win in 5 years. Our quarterback's throws were sure and steady and our receivers made some phenomenal catches. When it was all said and done...I wondered...why couldn't we be that consistent all year long? But, it did make me quite hopeful for next football season.

Only 242 days until our next game. Can't wait...

Fight On Trojans! Beat The Vandals!

2007!

Before I stumble off to bed for the first time in 2007, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope Thanksgiving stuffed you with turkey, Christmas was spent with those you love, and that you rang in the new year with fun, food and friends.

May God bless you and your household this next year. I hope that more resolutions are kept and that you start everything off on the right foot.

As for me, I'm headed out to the Rose Bowl in the morning. So...let's hope the Trojans start off on the right foot as well. Fight On! Let's look forward to the new year!