Friday, August 15, 2014

The Essential Robin Williams

This past week the world lost one of the greatest actors and comedians of all time. Robin Williams passed away on Monday at the age of 63. As I sat at my computer screen stunned and saddened about his passing, I started to think about what would make up my Robin Williams Essential Movie Collection. His body of work is huge and varying from comedic genius to dark and thrilling. Picking a favorite ten movies from his body of work is near impossible. I also know that it is highly subjective and would be different for every fan. But I wanted to share what works touched me most during his amazing career. Instead of a musical Top 10 this month, I decided in honor of Robin Williams to do a Top 10 Robin Williams Films.

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10. Flubber
This may be because I attended a pre-screen of this movie as a kid, but Flubber stands out to me as a remake that was better than the original and genuinely goofy and lighthearted. This Disney remake was everything you loved about Robin Williams. He was endearing as the professor and just scatterbrained enough to make you giggle while not losing respect for him.

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9. One Hour Photo
Honestly, this movie felt like a major departure for Williams from his other work. I always loved him in both his dramatic and comedic roles, but this role was something different. It was haunting and a little scary and yet he was perfect in it. Way outside his repertoire, Williams played the creep to perfection and I think is one of the movies that has to be on my list for the range of his talents that it shows.

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8. Patch Adams
This is the movie that tears at your heart and makes you laugh simultaneously. As the doctor with a heart of gold and goofy, lighthearted side, you find yourself laughing through tears. Robin Williams would be the doctor I would want for any sick child. He would make you forget you were even sick.

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7. Aladdin
The Genie. Enough said. No one's voice is more linked to a character than Robin Williams and the Genie. Aladdin was one of my favorite movies growing up and so much of that had to do with Robin's portrayal of the Genie. I also love that he remained on to voice sequels, TV spinoffs and video games. It always felt like there was only one Genie, Robin Williams.

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6. Dead Poets Society
One of his first dramatic roles, Williams showcased his range with Dead Poets Society. He also headlined a dramatic film, which was a break from his other dramatic roles, where he was part of an ensemble cast. This is a movie I keep coming back to over the years.

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5. Hook
Who else could possibly play an Adult Peter Pan. It goes without saying. Hook is absolutely a cult favorite of my childhood and one that I find myself hooked to anytime I see it on TV.

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4. Good Morning Vietnam
Another dramatic role for Williams, Good Morning Vietnam was also a great showcase for his comedic nature as he hosted a morning radio program for GIs overseas. It solidified the power of his voice alone. I can still hear him shout "Good Morning Vietnam" in my head when I think of him.

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3. Mrs. Doubtfire
Another cult classic for my generation, Mrs. Doubtfire had Williams in drag and making us laugh. While tackling the challenging topic of divorce and the pain it brings to families, Williams danced delicately between humor and seriousness throughout the movie. He let you feel his pain as a divorced father and his joy at being in his children's lives.

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2. The Birdcage
Does it get better than Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as owners of a nightclub in South Beach and partners in life. The script is witty and quick paced, the cast is full of excellent cameos (hello Hank Azaria as the pool boy/butler) and costumes and sets are visually perfect.

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1. Good Will Hunting
The role he finally won his Oscar for was so well deserved. While we all remember his comedic genius, I can't help but put this dramatic performance as my favorite of all time. Good Will Hunting was my first rated R movie in the theatres (my mom took me) and it remains one of my favorite movies of all time. Williams's performance is fragile, poignant and inspiring.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

#Eurotrip - Scotland Tips & Tricks

Overlooking Old Town from New Town Edinburgh.
Since a few days ago I wrapped up the grand tour of Scotland, I wanted to share some of my favorite tips and tricks for the vacation.

1. Get a car. 
It's really the only way to see some of the most beautiful parts of the country, but avoid having it in Edinburgh. It's not a driving city. We rented a diesel automatic and I could not have been happier. We got great gas mileage and were able to cover almost the entire country.
The view from the cannons at Edinburgh Castle.
2. Get an automatic.
Even the most seasoned of drivers who drive standard back home, may be thrown by operating a vehicle on the opposite side of the road. If you have never driven stick on the left side of the road, take my advice and go with an automatic. One major change to driving style is jarring enough.
Our view of Edinburgh Castle from our hostel
3. Pack at least two pairs of comfy shoes. 
I love Nike Frees for travel because they are super light weight and add almost no weight to your carry on. We did a lot of walking and for those who really want a hiking challenge, you may want your second pair to be sturdy walking boots. 
Dan hiking on the Orkney Islands
4. Pack for active days. 
You want comfortable stuff as much of your day is spent walking, hiking and climbing. Be ready to get dirty and sweaty.
Me at the top of Arthur's Seat.
5. Pack layers. 
Weather changes rapidly even in the summer. I always pack my North Face rain jacket since it doubles as a windbreaker and takes almost zero space up. 
I always made sure I had a scarf for quick weather changes.
Persifor dress, Sperry Top Siders, Gap Scarf, Kate Spade Crossbody
6. Order a chip credit card from your credit card company.
Everything in Scotland uses chip technology.
Sightseeing at the Isle of Skye
7. Carry cash.
For the more rural areas of Scotland, cash is still often king. Especially if you don't have a chip credit card, then your best bet is cash. Often the swipe doesn't read for American cards. Also a lot of B&Bs and hotels will give you discounts if you pay in cash.
Crest from the Order of the Thistle Chapel in Edinburgh
8. Drink your fill. Every pub and restaurant seemed to have a new brew on tap that we didn't see in other areas. I am a big cider drinker and I was able to taste multiple different local ciders throughout the trip. Bottoms up!
Get your drink on.
9. Bring a GPS. 
If you are traveling by car, it is worth it to bring your own GPS or rent one. We brought one along with us and it made a huge difference. For most of us, we are already figuring out driving on the other side of the road, don't complicate it with tricky navigation as well.
The wall where French Taunting was filmed for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
10. Try the Haggis. 
I really enjoyed the haggis. I know it throws a lot of people off as it is intestine, but its ground up and seasoned very well. In fact it is probably the most seasoned item I had on my whole trip. Also if you find a place with fried haggis balls go for it. They are deep fried nuggets of goodness.
Sheep roaming on the Isle of Skye.
11. Embrace your inner dork.
Whether it is your love of Monty Python, roaming sheep, Viking history, or monster hunting, embrace it. Scotland lets you be your nerd, and embraces it as well. Case in point, Lochness. Totally nerdy and at the same time awesome. Check it out.
A Shrubbery! At Castle Doune, embracing my inner Monty Python geekiness.
12. Eat early!
Scotland, with the exception of Edinburgh, closes realtively early. Even if the pub is still open, its likely not serving food anytime after 8:30pm. Unlike the rest of Europe, the Scots eat their meals early and on time. Make sure you stop at appropriate times for lunch and dinner! Or pack snacks!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Wednesday Wishes: Jewelry

Wednesday Wishes



Wednesday Wishes this week is all about jewelry pieces I have my eye on and may be asking for come Christmas. The ones I plan to have on my Christmas list are these Loren Hope earrings at number 1, this infinity ring from Tiffany and this state outline necklace of NY from Baublebar. I love a good statement earring for anytime. I wear my hair up a lot and they always stand out that way.
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