How To Host a Movie Night at Home

Lockdowns around the world have many people stuck at home. It's a time of confusion and boredom for those who are used to being out and about. Thankfully, there are many different activities to keep oneself entertained during quarantine, and a movie night is a fun idea for film lovers. Continue reading to learn how to put together the perfect quarantine movie night.

Projector

An HDMI cord can put your computer screen on a bigger screen, but to fully replicate the theater experience, consider audio visual projectors for your home. The image can be projected on any blank wall or backdrop so viewers can see the picture in its entirety. When not playing movies, a projector is perfect for displaying funky backgrounds anytime you want to have a dance party or create a relaxing ambiance.

Snacks

Have plenty of snacks available for your housemates or family. Popcorn is a universally loved cinema snack that can be dressed in butter, caramel, or any seasonings to enhance the flavor. Candy complements the salty, savory taste of popcorn. Along with traditional snacks, try cooking up some new delicious snacks that will satisfy everyone's cravings.

The Movies

A movie night without movies is like a fashion show without fashion—it just cannot go on. Familiar movies never get old, but a new movie you've never seen before could be your new favorite. If a movie marathon is in the books, select a mix of movies under a certain theme, or no theme at all. Many streaming services offer libraries of films of all genres and can be paired with DVDs, also.

Movies are an everlasting pastime that bring people together, even when the theaters are closed. Have these three main things ready so you and your housemates can have a movie night to remember without leaving the house.

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Why You Should Dine Al Fresco All Summer Long

When is the last time you took the opportunity to eat outside on a balmy summer evening? Dining in the great outdoors, or al fresco, is one of the greatest pleasures of this short-lived season. If you're still eating dinner in front of the TV every night, you're truly missing out. Here are four fun reasons that take-out food should mean from your kitchen to the backyard.

It Makes You Feel Amazing

Nothing feels quite as relaxing as kicking back and eating outside on a beautiful night. When the sun starts to set and you feel that warm, soft breeze, it's the perfect setting for a light meal and cool beverages, especially after a long day. Adding a few candles and some good friends makes it the perfect opportunity to catch up over a leisurely meal. When the crisp temperatures return in the fall, these are the evenings you'll remember.

You Can Use Cool Utensils

Dining outdoors gives you a great excuse to use all those fun and colorful utensils you never get to use inside. Setting your tables with sparking pitchers, drinks in nostalgic canning jars and summer salads served with Custom Tongs By LoTech makes every night seem like a party. Using these attention-grabbing pieces are just right for an evening of entertaining.

Smells Stay Outside

Dining outside usually means grilling, so it's the perfect time to cook all those smelly foods you'd rather avoid in your kitchen. Think grilled salmon, blackened catfish and smoked meats. Even grilling hamburgers outside can save you a ton of greasy clean-up inside your house. When you're whipping up meals outdoors, no food is off limits so cook to your heart's content!

More Space to Entertain

In this time of social distancing, eating outside is the perfect solution to hold a small, safe get-together. There's so much more room outside and lots of fresh air to boot. Dining al fresco on your patio gives you ample space to maneuver around without feeling crammed into a small space. It also provides plenty of room to set up tables of food and beverage without having to rearrange your house.

It Feels Like Vacation

Summer goes by way too fast. The wonderful thing about the season is that you don't have to go any further than your own backyard to feel like you're on vacation. Dining outside this summer will give you a chance to cook up a storm, entertain guests and use your favorite cooking gadgets, so plan on it tonight!

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The Amazing Triple Fret

It was a pleasure to finally meet these three beautiful and talented ladies: Iqui, Marga and Jenny during their church concert at the Römische Katholische Erlöserkirche in Zürich, Switzerland last June. They were on a three-month European tour and I was hoping they would also perform in Germany. Unfortunately, they didn't have anything scheduled for Germany and the closest performance venue was in Zürich, Switzerland. The two and a half hour drive was worth it. 

They just play the classical guitar so beautifully... mesmerizing your very being. They played folk songs like Usahay, Leron, Leron Sinta and Si Filemon, Si Filemon, classical Spanish and contemporary songs like the Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody using various classical guitar techniques during their performance / mini-concert. 

Their playing was harmonious, captivating, emotional and just heavenly. Watching them playing, it seemed as if their classical guitars came to life. And I find myself wishing I could play so beautifully too. But I guess I am better off being at the audience. I would love it though if my man can learn to play "Usahay" similar to the Triple Fret's interpretation. I just love this classic Cebuano song. Jenny, send me a copy please? Then perhaps I could purchase my man in something from www.musiciansfriend.com in return... like maybe another classical guitar? :)

I also got an autographed copy of their first album! It was a great accompaniment on our way home from Zürich to Stuttgart... with a stunning sunset view on the way!

Kudos ladies! And may you continue to move and captivate people with your unique musical style!  And oh, my CONGRATULATIONS for bringing home the Gold in the guitar ensemble category during the Tarrega Malaysia International Guitar Festival 2014 in Klang, Malaysia. I am one proud friend!

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"Klangwunder" in Your Studio

For musicians, the quality of the sound that they are creating is one of the most important things. Have you ever been to music or recording studios? You would be amazed at how wonderfully all these audio recording equipment can help to enhance your music. If you are ever planning on putting up your own studio for your musical hobby, then it is important to get the basics. If you are dealing with electric instruments, you would of course need speakers and amplifiers. Make sure you to get some studio speaker stands so your speakers and amplifiers are standing steadily and not in the way. Sound proof your room to ward off unwanted background noise and to keep your music from reaching your neighbor's ears. Get an airconditioning that is silent as a noisy one will just contribute to the background noise.  These are just simple tips but are sure to give you that "klangwunder" in your studio.

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Grey's Anatomy: Hooked Again

I have always enjoyed watching this drama TV series about medical interns. It was so popular back in the mid 2000's and I was really hooked into it. First came McDreamy and then McDog and then came McSteamy. :D And it is being run here on TNT series and because the husband enjoys watching, I find myself watching it too. There are some scenes that I have already forgotten and it was kind of nice to watch them again. 

Original cast of Grey's Anatomy.
Photo from en.wikipedia.org

I loved how each character developed, how they cope with the very busy world of being interns and how they resolve their personal conflicts. I laughed and cried and have gone through a roller coaster and whilrwind of emotions with Meredith, Issy, George, Alex and Christina. 

I love it most when they don their sky blue scrubs... Everytime they are in their scrubs, they are really serious at giving it their best. And who could ever forget Dr. Burke's personalized scrub hats? I am not a medical person but they really do justice to their roles. And even though the medical cases are almost out of this world, you couldn't help but think of all the what ifs.

Now it is running on its 10th season.. Gosh, I have a lot of catching up to do!

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Three Is Way Better Than One

Last Friday, the Filipino community here in Stuttgart held the annual Summer Fest. It began with the celebration of the holy eucharist. Thankfully, there were three guitarists who played: the hubby, ate Vicky and Jan, the son of one of our friends. Ate Vicky prepared the mass songs to be played and had copies distributed to the community. No, they didn't have any practice playing together but I thought they played very well, one song after another.

Hubby has a classical guitar with him. I think Ate Vicky has an acoustic guitar. Jan brought two guitars with him, one of which was his electric guitar. Now I don't quite know what the difference is between these three but I do know there is a difference. He also had a portable amplifier with him and I think a monster cable that he can connect to his instrument. Unfortunately he wasn't able to use it, since they realized using it might drown the two other guitars, which were not amplified. Monster cable or no, we were all able to hear the music coming from the three guitars playing. It may not be a perfect harmony but it was beautiful music just the same.

Hopefully in the upcoming eucharistic celebrations, there will be more guitar players who will volunteer to play. After all, three guitars playing is way better than one.

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Home Renovations in Just 8 Days!

If there is one thing that I love about German television, it would definitely have to be the show "Zu Hause Im Glück" - which somehow translates to "happiness at home". Every week, the team would help a family who is in grave need of a house renovation because the family is held back from doing so due to a loss of a family, a serious sickness befalling a family member, and or financial dilemma. You could really tell that the house is in badly need of a renovation and you would really be amazed at the transformation.

I learn a lot from this show... it gives a lot of DIY ideas so that you can also do it on your own if you are really up to it. I also learn / get an idea as to how different tools such as laser guides, nailguns, and control levers are used, to how to install floor laminates and floor heating yourself! I get a lot of ideas on how to decorate the interiors of a room according to an individual's preferences and personality.

And you would really be amazed at the transformation of the house into a HOME... and all that in just EIGHT (8) days! And it is a really kind of dramatic ending... sometimes you see the entire family are teary-eyed. And what is really heartwarming: the look of delight in the eyes of the children whose dream of finally getting their own room designed according to their taste.

It is indeed an entertaining show and here's hoping that they may continue to be a blessing to others!

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Piano Dealers in Stuttgart

I don't know how to play the piano but I do appreciate the beautiful music that it brings each time. Because we don't know how to play the piano, we obviously do not own one. Perhaps that will change now that our little girl is growing and she is interested most of all in music and dance, particularly ballet. I just know that one day, one would need to learn how to play the piano and play a few pieces that the little girl can dance to or for her to learn a few pieces herself. But where to buy good quality pianos?

I know there are a number of trusted and good piano dealers here in our area. I think I saw one near the Feuersee station and they offer among others, the finest Steinway pianos. I haven't got a chance to come into the shop yet but I know that I would learn a lot about pianos from this piano dealer, as expected for most piano expert consultants. 

I think a good Piano Dealer should offer free consulting service prior to sales so that the customer is guided in making a decision. They should also offer the option to rent a piano unit if the customer only wishes to use it for a specified period of time. It would also be great if they offer piano instructions or can refer customers to reputable piano teachers or music schools offering piano lessons.

I have a piano app on my phone which is designed for children. It is not much as it only has the basic 8 notes but my little girl has learned how to play Happy Birthday and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star with it. With a real piano, the possibilities are endless. It would indeed be a wonderful past time for my little girl. Who knows?

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Doc McStuffins

My daughter just loves watching Doc Mcstuffins, Disney Junior's latest animated series, which started airing on the paid channel Disney Junior last 17th of September. She is always thrilled and excited each time she watches this series that I had to record every episode so that she can watch it anytime she wants. She loves the characters so much especially Doc that I would find her roleplaying with her toys and pretending to be Doc or one of the patients OR I find myself playing the role of Doc and she being the little sister instead of the little brother because according to her: "Ich bin ein Mädchen und nicht ein Junge.. Darum bin ich die kleine Schwester" ("I am a girl and not a boy... that's why I am the little sister")... Oo nga naman! :)

Doc Mcstuffins is about a six-year old girl Dottie Mcstuffins who wants to become a doctor like her Mom when she grows up. Therefore as a six-year old, she already takes care of needy patients. Lovingly she takes care of exhausted racing cars and torn stuffed toys, so that her toy friends call her Doc. Every time she puts on her stethoscope, the toys magically awake  and come to life, allowing her to speak to them and find out how they can be cured again. Always on her side are Stuffy the proud stuffed dragon, the cuddly sheep Lambie, the careful hippopotamus Hallie and the hypochondriac snowma Chilly. Together with her friends Doc always finds the correct treatment for the toys. From the stories, children learn how they themselves stay healthy and why they must have no fear of the doctor's visit.

I also love the original new songs that go with the series, which is unfortunately in German but very interesting nonetheless. I love the upbeat theme song and the

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Grey's Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy. I first learned about this medical drama series from my sister last 2007 when she came to Japan to visit us. I guess it was aired late in my home country too because the first season came out in 2005. I guess I am not that updated anymore when it comes to western shows since there aren't many English channels that the cable company is offering.

I enjoyed watching how the lives of medical interns and residents unravel with each medical emergency and procedure. You can almost say that I have a penchant for medical professionals because I had a two-month long experience with them when I had an accident as a kid. I also find the profession very noble in that they help sick people get better. They would do as much as they can to save a life.

The part I love best in the series is when they need to do surgical procedures. Although only fictional, it felt like you were also in the same operating room with them. And when they don on their blue scrubs, which is almost always, I just can't help but wish I were a doctor or a nurse too. Maybe I should look for cheap nursing scrubs so that I can also look like a medical professional. I can even play doctor - patient with my little girl, who is also fond of playing pretend and who is the best doctor there is whenever I am feeling down.

Anyway, I heard that there this drama series is already on it's 9th season, with the 9th season to be aired this 27th of September. I think I was only able to watch until season 4 so that would mean that I have been missing a lot. Will I ever be able to catch up? Only heaven knows....

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George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire"

I know many of you are familiar with the TV series from HBO entitled "Game of Thrones". It was shown here last year via TNT Serie and well, me and my husband just got hooked. I didn't get the chance to watch the 2nd season yet since it wasn't aired here yet. My husband managed to watch it on streaming sites online. Then I learned that it was based on a series of books written by George R.R. Martin called "A Song of Ice and Fire".

A friend told me to read the books first before watching the TV series so before I start watching Season 2, I might as well follow his advice. It was also high time that I get us something to read for those SLOW, LAZY DAYS, which by the way come very rarely of late. So I got my husband a late birthday gift: a box set of the series. It came quite late... about one and a half month since I ordered it online but I guess it was worth the wait.

The box set consists of 7 books and a map of Westeros. I know that the series "A Song of Ice and Fire" consists of seven books, with five books published so far. "How come I have seven?" you might ask. This is because I got the UK edition.. In the UK edition, the parts 1 and 2 of books three and five were separated in different books. I think the US edition did not separate these parts.

Here are the titles in the five books published so far:

Book 1: A Game of Thrones

Book 2: A Clash of Kings

Book 3: A Storm of Swords, Part 1: Steel and Snow

Book 3: A Storm of Swords, Part 2: Blood and Gold

Book 4: A Feast for Crows

Book 5: A Dance with Dragons, Part 1: Dreams and Dust

Book 5: A Dance with Dragons, Part 2: Afther the Feast

I have yet to make a review of these books if time permits... but I am not sure if I can do a good book review. I am after all, just good at reading books. :-)

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The Hunt Continues...

I am no fanatic but I do like to watch Nicolas Cage films... I especially like the action-adventure mystery series: National Treasure, which is about uncovering hidden troves and secrets from America's past. In the movie, I remember masonry appearing very prominently, with one of the Masons wearing a ring, to prove he is one. I wonder if it was one of those tungsten masonic rings he was wearing...

I like the film for its mystery and like most mystery movies, the National Treasure is more of a fantasy movie than something based on facts. The direction by Jerry Bruckheimer was superd and I enjoyed the acting of Nicolas Cage as he played the role of Benjamin Franklin Gates. It was a success because it is one of those family adventure films that the entire family can appreciate although there are still some PG scenes.

Watch out for the National Treasure 3, which is reported by IMdB to be released in 2013. Hmmm... another movie to watch coming our way soon.....

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Who Is Maleficent?

We all love fairy tales but we do not really care so much about the antagonists... Being as they are, fairy tales are well, fairy tales. We don't really know much about the Big Bad Wolf or the Bad Witch or the cruel Stepmother but that they are BAD.

Now there is one film that tells the story of the antagonists. If you know the classic story of Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, you will know Maleficent, the wicked witch who placees the princess under an enchantment as her gift: the princess will prick her hand on a spindle and die.

The film will be called MALEFICENT and tells the unknown story of the wicked witch. Angelina Jolie plays Maleficent, along with other distinguished cast. The film is set to be officially released in March 14, 2014, and will be distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. Filming began last week and is reportedly taking place in the Buckinghamshire countryside.

Now there's another movie to watch out for!

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Movies Your Kids Will Love This Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner. In one week, we will all be celebrating the birth of Jesus, our Lord and savior. If you do not want to spend your Christmas break stuck at home, why not go to the movies? Here are some films that your kids, and even the entire family will love!


Arthur Christmas

Year: 2011
Country: Großbritannien / USA
Director: Barry Cook, Sarah Smith
Actor: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Ashley Jensen
Length: ca. 99 min
Age release: FSK 0

Story: The 3D, CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas, an Aardman production for Sony Pictures Animation, at last reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child's question: 'So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?' The answer: Santa's exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the heart of the film is a story with the ingredients of a Christmas classic - a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.

Happy Feet 2

Year: 2011
Country: Australia
Director: George Miller
Actor: (Voices) Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, Hank Azaria, Matt Damon, Alecia Moore (Pink)
Length: ca. 100 min
Age release: FSK 0

Story: The sequel to “Happy Feet,” the Academy Award®-winning animated smash hit, “Happy Feet Two” returns audiences to the magnificent landscape of Antarctica in superb 3D. Mumble, The Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven—a penguin who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces. Erik learns of his father’s “guts and grit” as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures—from tiny Krill to giant Elephant Seals—to put things right.

Puss In Boots in 3D

Year: 2011
Country: USA
Director: Chris Miller
Actor: (Voices) Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton, Amy Sedaris
Length: ca. 90 min
Age release: FSK 0

Story: Long before he even met Shrek, the notorious fighter, lover and outlaw Puss in Boots becomes a hero when he sets off on an adventure with the tough and street smart Kitty Softpaws and the mastermind Humpty Dumpty to save his town. This is the true story of The Cat, The Myth, The Legend... The Boots.

And last but not least:

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

Year: 2011
Country: USA
Director: Mike Mitchell
Actor: Jason Lee, Jenny Slate, David Cross, Alyssa Milano, Andy Buckley, Luisa D'Oliveira, Tucker Albrizzi, Lauren Gottlie, Jeremy Palko
Length: ca. 87 min
Age release: FSK 0

Story: The vacationing Chipmunks and Chipettes are turning a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground, until they become 'chipwrecked' on a remote island. As the 'Munks and Chipettes try various schemes to find their way home, they accidentally discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems.

Have fun with the family at the movies!

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TCP#105: Save The Last Dance

It's a miracle that TCP is up today! Lol! I know I have been remiss in posting the last few weeks. I was thinking of "killing" TCP altogether but I guess I just cannot drag myself away from blogging just like that. And so I want to start where I left off with the theme "Groovy Kind of Movie". Who doesn't love a movie that has good music and will want you to shake your booty?

My pick for this week's theme is Save The Last Dance, a 2001 romantic drama dance film featuring Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas. It was interesting to see classical ballet mixed with hip hop moves at the end of the film when Sara had to perform in front of the Juilliard screening committee for her audition. It's an inspiring movie that shows us that our dreams can come true if we work hard for them. With discipline, diligence, good influence from friends and creativity, it is not that hard to achieve our dreams.

And indeed, "The Only Person You Need To Be Is Yourself."

What's your Groovy Kind of Movie? Come and share it with us here on Tuesday Couch Potatoes and enter your TCP link URL in the linky below:



Thank you all for joining Tuesday Couch Potatoes. Next week's theme: Romantic Movies from the 90's. Till next time! Happy TCP everyone!

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TCP#100: Finding Neverland

Hello Couchers! Finally, we are on the 100th edition of Tuesday Couch Potatoes! I hope that it was fun for you all as it was fun for me. Since we are on the 100th post, our theme for this week will be: Famous! If you know of a good film about a famous person, then come share it with us this Tuesday.

My pick for this week: Finding Neverland. It is an interesting film as it is about how James Barrie came to create Peter Pan and Neverland, inspired by his neighbors, the Davies brothers, who lost their father. Set in pre-WWII London in the year 1940, it showed the struggles of James Barrie to bring Peter Pan to the stage for the very first time. The musical turned out to be a success in the end. In the film, James Barrie also found himself becoming a surrogate father to the orphaned Davies brothers.

With a star-studded cast composed of Johnny Depp as James Barrie, Kate Winslet as the boys mother Sylvia Davies, Radha Mitchell as Barrie's wife Mary Ansell Barrie, Dustin Hoffman as producer Charles Frohman, and Julie Christie as the boys' grandmother Emma du Maurier. This movie is magical and suitable for the entire family. Just goes to show that in every one of us is a child.

What's your Famous! movie? Do tell and share it with us here on Tuesday Couch Potatoes. Don't forget to enter your TCP link URL in the linky below:



Wow! 100 posts for Tuesday Couch Potatoes already! Please check back again next week for another TCP edition with the theme "Set in New York City". I will also be announcing the winners of my giveaway so please watch out for it!

Thank you all for joining TCP today. My apologies for the late entry. My internet connection is going crazy since yesterday. Of all days! Anyway, have a nice day everyone!

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TCP#99: The Blair Witch Project

It's Tuesday once again and it's time for another edition of Tuesday Couch Potatoes, a movie meme where we blog about our favorite movies each week. We are now on our 99th edition and the countdown continues as we look forward to our 100th post and of course, to our winners for the Own It On Blu-Ray and DVD Giveaway. Have you joined yet? If not, there is still a chance as you still have until August 8 to join.

Image from Wikipedia

Now on to our theme for this week: Witchcraft. Don't we all love the mystery and the magic that surrounds it? My pick for this week will of course be "Blair Witch Project". Here's a brief summary from The Internet Movie Database: Heather Donahue, Michael Williams and Joshua Leonard, student filmmakers, set out to shoot a documentary about a local legend, the Blair Witch. In the forests near Burkittsville, Maryland, many children have vanished in the 1940s and people still avoid going too deep into the woods. So, the party sets out to look for facts that prove the legend, equipped only with two cameras and a little hiking gear. First, they find little piles of stone that must have been arranged artificially, later, they have to admit to be lost in the woods. Eerie sounds at night and more piles of stones in places where they have not been before cause the already desperate group to panic. And one night, days after they should have been back home, Josh disappears completely. Only what has been recorded and filmed with the cameras is found a year later and shows what happened in the woods. Written by Julian Reischl (julianreischl@mac.com)

This movie really got into me... It kept me up all night as I couldn't shake the imagery off my mind. And I was really fooled because it was not a real documentary. We were made to think that it was but it isn't. I gues this is one of those movies who really made it big and when I say big, I mean really huge profits. The film's budget was slotted to be between $500,000 and $750,000 and it grossed $248,639,099 worldwide. Well you can say that the movie was a success. And if you are not faint-hearted, I would recommend this one.

What's your Witchcraft movie? Come and share it with us by entering your TCP link URL in the linky below:



Next week is our 100th post and our theme will be Famous! Next Thursday, we will feature movies that are based on famous people. Thank you all for joining us for this week's edition of Tuesday Couch Potatoes. Hope you all have a beautiful week. Take care everyone and Happy TCP!

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TCP#98: Girl Interrupted

Oopps! I did it again! I am late again for my entry... Apologies my dears! I honestly could not blog because I had to work with my team in our Design for a Wastewater Treatment Plant task. Perhaps soon, I will be designing a WWTP for the municipal wastewater in the Philippines one of these days! Haha! How I wish!

Anyway, welcome to the 98th edition of Tuesday Couch Potatoes. Before I proceed to my pick for the theme Insanity & Delution, just a question: Have you joined my giveaway yet? If not, then please do so for a chance to win a Blu-Ray or DVD movie of your choice. To join, click HERE.

And now for my pick: Girl Interrupted, a movie that stars two of my favorite actresses: Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie. It is about Susanna, an Englishwoman who stayed for 18 months at a mental institution. There, she met Lisa, a sociopath. Who would't lose their mind in the company of Lisa? This movie is a great one I would like to watch it again!

Joining us this week? Don't forget to add your link URL in the linky below:



Thank you for joining us this week here on TCP! Hope you can all join us again next week for the theme: Witchraft. With the last installation of Harry Potter now out in cinemas, I am sure you have more others in mind that revolves around the theme. Whether it is white or black magic, witchcraft will always be an interesting theme for a Hollywood movie.

Happy TCP everyone!

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Hollywood and the Bipolar Disorder

I have heard some few months ago about Catherine Zeta-Jones breaking her silence and announcing to the media that she is checking into a mental facility for the treatment of Bi-Polar II disorder. And she is not alone who has been reported to have this mental illness. Joining the ranks are some of the big names in Hollywood including Mel Gibson, Carrie Fisher, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Linda Hamilton, Burgess Meredith, Ben Stiller, and film directors Tim Burton and Joshua Logan to name a few.

Whether it is bipolar, depression, anxiety or panic, it is important to get treatment to protect yourself and others. I bet these Hollywood stars have been on a dual diagnosis treatment so that they are still doing what they are doing these days: keeping us entertained by producing and making good films.

But what is bipolar disorder? This manic-depressive disorder that includes severe depressive episodes and periods of grandiose behaviors in the bipolar spectrum is seen in people every day throughout normal life. Almost everyone has heard of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most famous artists of all time. It is believed that he had bipolar disorder, which allowed him to create magnificent artwork and pieces of history.

But why is it so popular among talented people? Because in one way or another, artists, writers, and musicians will all show signs of some sort of depression or bipolar in polarity. And it is not only applicable to famous people. Anyone of us could have it too as we are also subject to stress triggers and depression at some points in our lives. So be careful.

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TCP#96: Kung Fu Panda

Hello Couchers! Welcome to the 96th edition of Tuesday Couch Potatoes where we blog about a movie each week. This Tuesday's theme: Action Comedy Movies. Oh yes, it is time we share some movies that make us laugh out loud while we sit on the edge of our seats. There's a wealth of action comedy movies out there so I hope you will share them with me so that I too will have a good laugh. My exams are in two months and this type of movie will just be the perfect stress-reliever.

Guess what my pick for this week is? Yes, it's a children's movie entitled Kung Fu Panda. I know most of you have already seen the first movie which came out in 2008. But have you seen Kung Fu Panda II yet? It was shown here last 16th of June and it is still showing at Corso Kino, a cinema that airs Hollywood films in original english version. I wish I get to see it on big screen as it will be in cinemas until the weekend. I was able to watch it though but it's a cam version, thanks to a Pinoy website that my husband found. And it was so hilarious, I kept laughing and laughing. And with all the kung fu moves, you surely get more than enough action. It's got a good moral to teach too.

So what's the part 2 about? Here's the story: "Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five – Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey. But Po’s new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. It is up to Po and The Furious Five to journey across China to face this threat and vanquish it. But how can Po stop a weapon that can stop kung fu? He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will he be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed."

What's your Action Comedy Movie? Come share it with us here on TCP by entering your link in the linky below:





Thank you Couchers for all your support for TCP. Next week's theme: It's All About The Game, movies that revolve around a certain sport. And since we are almost on our 100th edition, I will be holding a small giveaway to celebrate. I will be giving away 1 DVD and 1 Blu-Ray movie of your choice. I will post the mechanics within the week so please watch out for it!

Have a good week everyone and a Happy TCP! Cheers!

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