The Stand, by Stephen King. Pursuit of Happyness. ACDC to put on my IPod. Some shirts at Target because I had nothing left but baggy clothing from my weight loss.

1.) Just finished reading “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen. It was pretty good.

The others…um…I don’t even know.

1) . . . book you read?

I did not really read this summer – which is so utterly depressing and unless you count Green Eggs and Ham at bedtime, my reading lately has been limited to mags =( so sad… Thanks to the commenters for putting some great books here to kick my butt into reading gear!

2) . . . movie you rented (has to be a DVD, don’t go teasing me with suggestions for first-run flicks unless you’re also going to babysit)?

Pathetic again – I had to look at Netflix to see the last few movies we watched. Of the last few Capote was our favorite.

3) . . . music you purchased?

Johnny Cash

and bonus question,

4) . . . thing you bought yourself?

If you had asked me last week I would have been stupified, BUT you didn’t ask last week so I have an answer. I bought a top to wear to see Wicked this past weekend in Boston.

1) I read like a fiend, but in the past week – 13 Moons, by Charles Frazier (author of Cold Mountain), Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult, Lost and Found by Carolyn Parkhurst and Forget About It by Caprice Crane

2) I don’t watch a lot of DVDs. I think the last was Neverwas, which was different than I expected.

3) Mark Knopfler’s latest – Kill to Get Crimson and Les Paul & “friends” – American Made World Played

4) Bought MYSELF? HAHAHAHAHAHA. A drink, maybe.

1) *nerd checking in* Harry Potter 7 was the last GREAT thing I read.

2) Movie! Ooh, we watched this on SciFi, I think: Primer. About time travel, and pretty “thinky.” http://imdb.com/title/tt0390384/ (also, short, which is always good for pregnant me who falls asleep!)

3) I haven’t bought new music in ages. Sad. Loving the recommendations.

4) I bought some Bath & Body Works gooey stuff. Lotions etc. :) I smell lovely!

I feel like we probably enjoy very different things, so I don’t know how much help my recommendations would be but. . .

1) I loved Bel Canto, though I read it several years ago, it was the first thing that came to mind. I also love most anything by Jennifer Weiner and I send her book, Little Earthquakes, to anyone I know who has had a baby.

2) I recently saw an Irish movie called Millions that was wonderful. Have you guys watched The Princess Bride? That’s my favorite ever.

3) I enjoy singer/songwriter types. My favorite women are Dar Williams, Carrie Newcomer, Christine Kane, and Catie Curtis. Men: Ellis Paul, Peter Mulvey, and Richard Shindell. They should all have many many things on iTunes. They all make great music, although there may not be much good running music there, if that’s what you’re looking for.

4) I recently bought the first For the Kids CD. Which was for my daughter, but mostly for me, as a girl can only take so much Elmo (yes we have an Elmo CD, kill me quickly); I love it!

[1] Well in between studying for school and my Pediatric ICU Nursing competency exams, I’ve been trying to squeeze in some of my favorite author–Jodi Picoult. Currently I’m reading ‘Salem Falls’ which is excellent. I always enjoy her books though.

[2] Sadly, the last movie I saw was “The Nanny Diaries’ sheerly because the male lead in it is DELICIOUS. I couldnt really recommend it for any other reason. I’m also working through Scrubs and Entourage seasons on DVD.

[3] In terms of itunesin, I’ve been digging: [some of these might be a little stale, but oh well] Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, the newest from KT Tunstall and Rascal Flats (a lil country never hurt anyone). Say Anything’s album “…Is A Real Boy” is awesome. I cant say enough good stuff about Say Anything. I’ve been in a “poppy” sorta mood since the middle of summer, and this album is a pop-rock musical of sorts. I found them because I was in LOVE with the song that closed out the Scrubs season finale in May, searched it out on the internet, and then downloaded it. It’s fabulous. I also recommend the Scrubs soundtracks. GREAT compilations. I’m also into some “oldies but goodies” lately. Journey, Bruce Springsteen, REM, Nirvana, Chicago. Sometimes it’s good to rediscover some GREAT music I havent listened to in a while.

[4] The last good thing I bought for myself were four french porcelain ramekins from Williams-Sonoma (here) in which to make my current favorite meal, as seen here. Although not a recent purchase, I adore my subscription to ‘Women’s Health’ magazine. It has short quick articles to read and it’s chock full of useful, healthy tips. So, those two things and also some long-sleeved coolmax tshirts and a hoodie from lululemon.

Oops forgot to add the Bourne movies — we’ve loved those. The third is still in theaters, but the first two are on DVD.

1) “Reading Lolita in Tehran”- OMFG, and I complain because the cable goes out?? These women risked life and limb just. to. read! Spoiled brat, thy name is Ali

2)DVD rented was Season 2 of “Weeds” from Showtime. High-larious!

3)An old James Brown CD–I’ve got a thing for it, what can I say?

4)A fabulous bottle of red from Frias that ate into my rent budget, but was so deliciously worth it.

ooh and an addendum:

i JUST downloaded Iron and Wine’s new album “The Shepherd’s Dog.” although i havent listened to more than just snippets of it yet, I’m pretty sure it will be awesome as his older album “our endless numbered days” is quite possibly one of my favorite albums EVER.

1. “Same Kind of Different as Me” – very inspirational
2. “Fracture” – Ryan Gosling = yummy
3. “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank” by Modest Mouse – best track – “Missed the Boat”
4. “Russian Navy” nail polish – OPI – supposedly this season’s “it” color (like last season’s “Lincoln Park After Dark”), plus, I love to freak out my mother with “goth” colors

Currently reading David & Leigh Eddings “Belgariad” and “Mallorean” series. I’m on the last book and forgot how great these books are. Nothing too high brow intellectual, just a good read.

Last movie I watched: “Hot Fuzz” from the “Shaun of the Dead” guys. The spouse and kid loved it. I didn’t finish it. Not because it sucked, I was busy cleaning house.

Haven’t bought any music in a while.

Hmm. Number 110. Should I even bother? Why not.

Books: “What’s So Funny” Donald Westlake (best. comic. writer. ever.), “On Agate Hill” Lee Smith, “She Got Off The Couch” Haven Kimmel.

Movie: I (Heart) Huckabees

Music: Lily Allen “Alright Then”

Thing I bought: I so rarely buy things for myself anymore. I bought a lot of flowers and plants last weekend.

I wonder if you’ll get bored and stop reading before you reach my 112th comment…

1. A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel. Funniest. Book. Ever. To me, anyway. And I see Claudia, #110, also enjoys Haven Kimmel.

2. A Song for the Raggy Boys. It’s an Irish film about a 1920’s Catholic boys reform school. Not an easy watch. Bring tissues. And something to punch.

3. Haven’t bought music in a long time, so I’ll skip this one.

4. I haven’t bought it yet, but we’re researching where to buy my second child, I mean my new camera. I’m going with the Nikon D80, and I’m so excited I might just throw up.

I’m about to begin A Wrinkle in Time for book group.

Movie: If I can’t illegally download it (yay internet!) or catch it on cable, I don’t watch ’em…I’m pants about returning videos on time. Second the Weeds, Rome and Nip/Tuck recs, tho.

Music: Just hunted down the Wicked Game remake that’s used for the Nip/Tuck S4 ads…it’s so good! I love me some soulful Chris Isaak, but this girl just rips into it–the band Giant Drag, on iTunes. I don’t know about the entire album, I just like this song.

Just bought: other than sushi? Soap & Glory Righteous Butter body butter, courtesy of Target. Yum.

1. Book: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I love it. Actually, what I love the most is that I can read whatever I want since I handed in my Big Fat Thesis yesterday. Boo-Ya!

Yes, I just said Boo-Ya.

2. I’ve been Netflixing all manner of old TV shows that involve aliens/psychics/monsters. (X-Files, Medium, etc.)

3. The Pines’ new album.

4. A massage. And a kick-ass pair of black boots. Boot season is arriving.

oooh!! i love when you do these! i get so many good recommendations!

1) . . . book you read?
it’s been a loooooong time since i’ve read a really great book. i am trying to get into something i picked up on the borders “3 for 2” table – ‘the deception of the emerald ring.’ so far it’s okaaaaaay, but not riveting. i REALLY enjoyed ‘bright lights, big ass’ by jen lancaster (jennsylvania) – i was DYING of laughter the entire way through and was sad when i finished. also – “geek love” if you’ve never read it it’s fascinating and a total page-turner.

2) . . . movie you rented (has to be a DVD, don’t go teasing me with suggestions for first-run flicks unless you’re also going to babysit)?
we PPV’d “breach” recently and that was good. also – ‘hills have eyes 2’ because i love terrible horror movies. but cannibalistic mutants! yay!

3) . . . music you purchased?
al green’s “love and happiness” – i’m putting together a fun ipod mix for my wedding day prep (24 days to go – eep!)

and bonus question,

4) . . . thing you bought yourself?
i bought a six piece philosophy ‘amazing grace’ fragrance set on QVC because I AM AN OLD WOMAN WHO LIKES THREE EASY PAYMENTS AND SHOPPING AT HOME.

1) I recently read Stardust. It is a fairytale for grownups. I couldn’t put it down. The author’s way with words is delicious. I am currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. It’s pretty long, but good.

2) Hot Fuzz. It’s from the makers of Shaun of the Dead. The movie is hilarious.

3) Ivy- Long Distance & Eisley- Combinations (The song “Invasion” is awesome!)

4) Mini glass pumpkins and leaf-shaped candle holders.

– “Keeping Faith”, by Jodi Picoult is a wonderful book. Just finished it this morning!!! If you read it you’ll have to discuss the ending with us me.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060878061/002-1701386-8170462 Also,
-“Best Friends”, by Martha Moody A very good read! I found it particularly personal because of my long distance best friendship. http://www.amazon.com/Best-Friends-Martha-Moody/dp/1573229350/ref=sr_1_16/002-1701386-8170462?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190818838&sr=1-16

I can’t be helpful for anything else. I never get to watch any grownup movies. Nor do I buy things soley for myself anymore. I’m so sad.

1) “On Agate Hill” by Lee Smith was pretty great. A little different than her normal thing, but very readable. I’m currently reading “The Other Boleyn Girl” by Philippa Gregory which is a little trashy but a GREAT read.

2) if you haven’t seen “Starter for 10” I’d recommend it. It’s funny and has a great Cure-laden soundtrack.

3) The Fratellis “Costello Music” is freaking awesome and perfect for car listening. I like loud British boys.

and bonus question:

4) I recently bought these shoes:

http://www2.shopsmartbargains.com/images/product/131143/1311438869_LG.jpg

because who doesn’t need a pair of really trashy pumps?

1) I was reading 2 books in tandem: “Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain & “Cesar’s Way” by Cesar Millan in a vain attempt to calm my excitable, rather goofy lab.

2) It’s not really a movie, but Season 2 of “The Avatar”. Yes, it’s a cartoon & yes, I’m a geek. The last actual movie I saw was “The Bourne Ultimatum”. The book’s better, though.

3) The last cd I bought was “Wicked” – excellent show!

4) A great pair of petite classic black pants from Ann Taylor.

I can’t recommend Mates of State enough. All of their CDs are good. Start off with the first 3 songs on Team Boo to get a feel for it.

1) “Possible Side Effects” by Augusten Burroughs.

2) “Me, You and Everyone We Know” – awesome indie flick.

3) anything by the Dave Matthews Band.

4) Nikon D80

1. eat pray love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I literally kissed the cover of the book when I finished it. For reals. Alternately, anything by Jodi Picoult.

2. The Devil and Daniel Johnston. It’s a documentary about a musical genius in the theros of bipolar/schizophrenia.

3. Teagan and Sara’s new album is great. Also, I just discovered a new band from San Fran called “Blame Sally” and am enamoured.

4. The last thing I bought myself was a plane ticket back to Denver for a long weekend in November. I know that’s not quite the category you were wondering about, but there ya have it.

1. “The Dark Elf Trilogy” by R. A. Salvadore. Which I got from the SciFi Book Club (though they are available elsewhere, the point I’m making is DOOOOOORK!!)

2. The last movie I saw was “The Bourne Supremacy” last night. Yeah, my boyfriend and I are a few years behind.

3. Can’t remember the last time I bought a CD, but I think the last thing I downloaded was Cake (the album with “Frank Sinatra”) and that “Zombie” song, by, I think the Cranberries? Or the Cardigans? Great, now it’s stuck in my head.

4. The last thing I bought myself was an R4 for my new DS, which I think I might marry I love it so much. I also got a 2 gig microSD (for the R4) and a slot cover thingie, also for the DS. I am super dorkin’ lately. But for what it’s worth, I have recently ordered from VS and Frederick’s. So I am still a girl (and maybe a bit of a sexy underwear ho).

1. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. It’s about the apocalypse. And it’s hilarious.
2. Fracture. I really, really liked it. It kept me guessing, it made me laugh, and I didn’t feel stupider having watched it. Highly recommended.
3. Lately I haven’t been able to get enough of Regina Spektor.
4. Hiking boots. Really good ones that saved my toes from agony when I climbed a mountain.

Hi Linda –

1) Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris – it is absolutely hysterical

2) The 300 – very awesome cinematography/animation? And the rock hard abs – goodness!

3) Amy Winehouse

4) Mums from Lowe’s – doesn’t feel like fall yet, but now with mums the front porch at least looks like fall…

I am going to put my RAH-RAHs in for the above mentioned books because they were truly divine…

“A Girl Named Zippy”
“Bel Canto”
“Not the End of the World” (great short stories that begin to overlap further in the book…very clever)
“Shadow of the Wind”

and I just finished “Digging to America”
I assume that amazon will point you in the right direction concerning authors
I am at work and this is all I can get away with right now :-)

Linda, I hope you’ll follow up and tell us what you picked! :)

1) Book – Eat Pray Love (I KNOW I KNOW but it really is awesome. I felt like she was writing just for me.) and anything by Terry Pratchett – my fave is Feet of Clay

2) DVD – The History Boys – kind of like philosophy meets Stand by Me – poignant and real and funny and not like anything else I’ve ever seen

3) Music – Lots of Joni Mitchell – Blue, Ladies of the Canyon, Turbulent Indigo, Hissing of Summer Lawns and this Japanese ambient/trip-hop guy Saru (Downtempo Dojo – it’s good) and this guy Nujabes (same idea just different execution)

4) Last thing I bought myself – Voss water. Which isn’t anywhere near as spectacular now that it comes in plastic. Sigh.

1) . . . book you read? Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind. it was GREAT

2) . . . movie you rented? Flags of our Fathers – only i didn’t rent it, i watched in ondemand.

3) . . . music you purchased? if by purchase you mean download…then it was Gruff Rhys. (from the super furry animals)

and bonus question,

4) . . . thing you bought yourself? a really awesome shirt made by these people: http://shop.tokidoki.it/ it’s got milk all over it…and guys with guns. it’s AWESOME.

#3
James Hunter- “People Gonna Talk” Great new R&B/Soul

I tried to find Uakti after reading your recommendation, and I found this album, which I’m listening to non-stop now. I need to get back at you!
The last good thing I got were these shoes. My feet are happy. And then I went out and bought some delicious-smelling exfoliating soap. So there.

BOOK: Devil in the White City, by Erik Larson.

DVD: I am Netflix-ing, and of course not *ahem* copying, the sci-fi series Farscape. I just bought a BBC mini-series, North and South (not the one with Patrick Swayze), based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell.

MUSIC: A bunch of classical to listen to at work, including the Brandenburg Concertos and Mendelsohn’s Symphony No. 3. Representing the land of the living, I downloaded Rufus Wainwright’s newest album, Release the Stars.

FOR ME?!: A large, dark brown Coach satchel. It has pretty silver buckles and holds lots of stuff, including, but not limited to: two cooking magazines, a tub of light whipped butter, a regency novel, a package of english muffins, three wallets, eight different types of lip stuff, all of my household bills that keep traveling between work and home, and a glasses case (glasses are on my head). I love it, and it is fabulous. I would like it in every color.

1. A memoir called Three Dog Life written by a woman whose husband suffered permanent brain damage after being hit by a car.

2. Mr. Show DVD – all the old episodes. I feel like I have unearthed a gold mine, although of course a lot of people remember the show from when it played on HBO.

3. I’m dying to hear the whole Amy Winehouse CD, but of course you’ve already done that

4. Trips to the nutritionist, which resulted in my losing 4.7 pounds of FAT in the last 2 weeks (after working the program hard with no results for months because of my crappy metabolism). My fitness kick, by the way, was inspired by your awesome entry a few months ago, and was kick-started by TurboJam. I was told, however, that unless I want to continue having TurboThighs, I should cut it out with the lunges. I really almost cried, because I loved Punch, Kick and Jam.

1. The Road by Cormac McCarthy. This is possibly the most depressing book you will ever read, but it’s fantastic all the same.

2. Hot Fuzz. My husband had to hit pause at least four or five times just so he could finish up his laughing jag.

3. Sarah Barilles “Little Voice”. I read a review that called her Sarah McLachlan meets Fiona Apple, and that’s turned out to be pretty accurate, though she’s a little more upbeat than that description would lead you to believe. It’s been on rotation in my car for a month.

4. Uh, I bought a new car last weekend, but I don’t think that’s what you were asking. :)

1. Well I’ve already outed myself as a sci fi/fantasy geek here so to get right back to that I’ve been reading a series of I “young adult” books that starts with Gregor the Overlander. I know you had issues with the Harry Potter series, but I found this to be much more engaging. Also let me second the recommendation for Into the Wild – or really any of Krakour’s books – Into Thin Air, Under the Banner of Heaven – all really good non-fiction reads. Finally, am also reading The World Without Us – interesting sciency (?) take on what would happen if people disappeared.

2. I haven’t seen a movie in ages, but must second the recommendation of the HBO series Rome – for JB there is fighting and gore, for you there are incredibly hot men debauching around ancient Rome style. Also second the rec for Harold and Kumar go to White Castle – its older, but if you haven’t seen it, HILARIOUS.

3. I haven’t found or downloaded anything even remotely new or interesting music wise.

4. Bought myself some new fall work clothes at Ann Taylor because it’s been awhile since I refreshed the wardrobe and they were having a sale.

1) Frankland by James Whorton Jr.

2) the Planet Earth series (we got it from Netflix)

3) Punk Goes Acoustic 2 and New Found Glory’s “From the Screen to Your Stereo II”

4) Hanes new underwear with the smooth cotton tagless waistband. I recommend the Hipster style.

(Oh wow, I typed that #4 before I even read your own meme list. Weird.)

Book: Prep by Curtis Sittenfield. There’s nothing exceptional about this book, but I found it to be an entertaining coming-of-age story that portrays the awkwardness of the teenage years with honesty. All in all, it’s an easy, quick read and has some funny and touching moments.

DVD: Disturbia with Shia LaBouf was decent.

Music: Meiko, Guster, Stars, the bird and the bee, Rachael Yamagata.

Purchases: Yesterday was a shopping excursion, so lots of new stuff! My favorite was the uber-flattering and affordable “Grecian” dress from Francesca’s Collections. It was so perfect that I bought it in brown, navy and black. Also, two pair of earrings from the same store. And, of course, I had to make a stop at Old Navy for some cheap stuff. I ended up buying a winter sweater, plus some cheap tees and sweats. After I returned home, I ordered a new pair of running shoes. My friend is an avid runner and former college track star and recommended the Asics Gel-Nimbus 9 running shoes. But the thing I’m most excited about it is, oddly enough, a couple of Enell sports bras that I ordered online. Apparently, these sports bras have a great rep among the larger-chested ladies. Oprah recommended them too, so I’ve got high hopes for my girls.

I can only give you a book recommendation. IF you are at all a fan of the filmmaker Kevin Smith. Check out his book. My Boring Ass Life. It just came out yesterday. He also has another book entitled Silent Bob Speaks The Collective Writings of Kevin Smith.

Zodiac freaked me out for days. I couldn’t sleep without picturing the serial killer stabbing that woman by the lake. Great movie, though!

As far as music, my husband and I recently picked up the new White Stripes CD. Not their best, but still pretty good.

Book(s): The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyers. I agree with the other comments….vampires, werewolves and romantic love!!!

DVD: Anything with Blue’s Clues (sigh…I have young kids) We did watch “Stanger than Fiction” this summer. Good and makes you think

Music: cardio mix for my ipod

For me…??? New shoes !!

I hope these haven’t already been suggested, but:

1. Best Book: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. Even my mother, who reads only books grounded in reality (The Sparrow is kind of science fiction, a little fantasy) has gotten hooked on it.

2. Best Movie: The Lives of Others, that German film that won Best Foreign Language Film last year. Started a little slow, but got really good.

3. Music — well, at the beginning of the summer I must admit to the embarrassing purchase (why do I feel a nagging shame at liking an American Idol winner, even though I watch the show religiously?) of Kelly Clarkson’s album My December. I’m still listening to it all the time.

1) RANT by Cuck P, A Year in Provence, Deep fathom, Excavation and I am starting on The World Is Flat.

2) Battlestar Gallactica, Season 1

3) I almost never purchase music, but it was probably a DMB CD.

4) I really don’t remember. I must rectify that.

1. Best book: Fun Home, by Alison Bechdel. (Graphic novel.) Or Lamb by Christopher Moore.

2. Best movie: We’ve been keen on TV series from Netflix. We’re enjoying Hikaru No Go (we like it in Japanese with English subtitles better than with dubbing), Avatar the Last Airbender, and Angel (about a vampire, not about angels). The movie I liked most recently was Nanny McPhee. I was not expecting to like it, but it was kind of magic. Maybe because I wasn’t expecting to like it.

4. Best thing I bought myself: Pretty, sparkly earrings at Target.

book – Ken Follett Eye of the Needle – oldie but a goodie. (I recently discovered the library) WW2 german spy in england. easy reading, plot, loosely historical, fun!

movie – The Oh in Ohio – Parker Possey, Danny DeVito.

music – fiddty. don’t let him retire

me – tangerine salt scrub

i wonder why my comment was moderated? weird

Book: The Taking by Dean Koontz – read it in one night!
DVD: None to speak of, sadly enough – but I SOOO want to watch Dexter, I’ve heard it’s oh so good!
Music: “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s and 1, 2, 3, 4 – Feist
For Myself: A pair of shoes at American Eagle – they are a canvas flat – with a hint of tennis shoe, hard to describe, but oh so cute!

Music: Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, Glassjaw Boxer – AWESOME…favorite song is 4th of July.

Books: Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern – LOVED IT.

Netflix: Rome, The Office

Stuff: Tons of stuff for my boys – coats, pants, nothing fun though…bummer.

Books: I just finished the first two books in the Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay (“Dearly Devoted Dexter” and “Darkly Dreaming Dexter”) and am eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on the third one (“Dexter in the Dark”). The Showtime series Dexter is based on the first book. The books are seriously awesome, considering they are weird murder mysteries written from the first person perspective of a psychopath (but he’s a very sympathetic character for a psychopath).

Movies: Nothing we’ve rented from Netflix recently has really left me going ‘wow’, but if you’re looking for some offbeat little TV shows to get on DVD, I’d recommend “Wonderfalls” (only one season) and “Dead Like Me” (only two seasons) if you haven’t already seen those. And we’re currently working our way through the first season of Dexter on DVD, which is so far just about as awesome as the books.