The Post About The Rabbit Recommends V. 123

Every so often I post things of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.

Television

I have Netflix. And by that, I mean I have a Netflix password. Thank you Patrick. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a new show from Tina Fey and Robert Carlock of 30 Rock fame. If you loved TGS, then you'll adore UKS. I didn't realize how much I needed joy in between watching Orphan Black and The Americans. Episode #4 will raise you up just like Josh Groban promised.

Music

Spring temps mean music for sitting on the porch, drinking lemonade and thinking about who's going to rake all those leaves.

Emily Hearn is a lighthearted singer/songwriter who's on tour with Tyrone Wells and collaborating with Ben Rector - two more of my favorites. Her new album Hourglass is a delight.

Movies
YOU GUYS. I'm still feeling the effects of Oscar burnout so I've only watched one movie in three weeks: DUFF. It was adorable, but you can wait to watch it on the comfort of your couch. And I give you permission to find the lead actor attractive despite him portraying a high school student. God did not stumble when it came to his face.

Reading

This post-apocalyptic novel has lingered with me in the best way. Like Taco Tuesday. No surprise since it's a finalist for the National Book Award and the PEN/Faulkner Award. It's so beautifully written. Add it to your TBR pile. As of this writing, it's only $5.99 on Kindle.

One Stupid Tweet Blew Up Justine Sacco's Life: Words matter y'all.
Lessons from Curt Schilling's Satisfying Internet Victory: Seriously, the words matter so much.
You Don't Need to Write: My friend Elizabeth confirmed my suspicion that not all storytellers have to write.
Owning Our Gifts: Lindsey encourages us all to bloom where we're planted even if we don't like the patch of dirt.

YouTube


I'm still mourning the loss of The Colbert Report, but Stephen's cameo on The Mindy Project this week was ridiculously funny. This short video of him talking about his faith is great. I feel the exact same way about Peter.


Just in case you didn't know, I co-host a podcast with Knox McCoy called The Popcast (pop culture). A listener and friend, Sarah, let me know I remind her of Nick Kroll's character in his sketch PubLIZity. This was the best compliment I've ever received.


Sometimes you wish you could headbutt someone, but you shouldn't. Or worse, you can't.

What have you watched or read or heard that you're loving right now?

The Post About Which Oscar Nominees to See and Skip

The Oscars are this Sunday. That may not even be on your radar, but I adore films and fancy dresses and awkward small talk on a red carpet so I’m counting down the hours.

Dozens of films have been nominated for writing, acting, directing, hairdos and the stuff like that there. I watched them all for you. And they’re not all worthy of your time.

Here's a list of the films nominated for the major awards. I've listed them in order you should see them and where you can catch them.

Wild. (2 nominations) As good as the book, which was perfection. 
March 17: iTunes, Amazon

Selma. (2 nominations) Wow. Everyone should see it. All of us.
In Theaters

Birdman. (9 nominations) Delightful. Quirky, yet superb acting from a fantastic ensemble.
Google Play, iTunes, Amazon

American Sniper. (6 nominations) Not as good as the book, but still great. Bradley Cooper's accent is distracting at time, but then he's so pretty.
In Theaters

Whiplash. (5 nominations) Really just two actors and some jazz music. But intense and so very good. 
February 24: Amazon, iTunes

The Imitation Game. (8 nominations) Benedict Cumberbatch is beloved for a reason. Thriller and learning history all in one. 
In Theaters

Gone Girl. (1 nomination) The book is magic…dark magic. The movie captures that darkness perfectly. If you don’t like weirdness, it’s not for you.
Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Redbox, Netflix DVD

The Theory of Everything. (5 nominations) It's a beautiful true story of romance and science. If you can pretend they didn't eventually divorce, then it's worth it. 
iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Redbox, Netflix DVD

Still Alice. (1 nomination) It will break your heart in all the ways you think.
In Theaters

Foxcatcher. (5 nominations) Steve Carell is worth the hype. It's based on a true story that's fascinating. However, it's weak in several areas which is why it didn't get a nod for Best Picture.
March 3: iTunes, Amazon

Nightcrawler. (1 nomination) It's a ruthless thriller set in the world of LA crime reporting. It's a lot to digest, but good.
iTunes, Amazon

Boyhood. (6 nominations) Hmm...I wanted it to have a plot beyond just normal day-to-day life. It does not.
iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Redbox, Netflix DVD

The Grand Budapest Hotel. (9 nominations) Director and Screenwriter Wes Anderson gathers the same old crew for another weird and whimsical film. Good, but shouldn’t have been lauded this way.
HBO GO, iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Redbox, Netflix DVD

Into The Woods. (3 nominations) You MUST love singing. And not happy endings.
March 24: iTunes, Amazon

The Judge. (1 nomination) I wanted this film to be good, but it really wasn’t. I think Robert Duvall received a nomination simply because he’s over 80. It's the Betty White effect. 
Amazon, iTunes, Google Play

Inherent Vice. (2 nominations) Nope. Even Reese Witherspoon cannot redeem it.
Amazon, iTunes, 

Two Days, One Night. (1 nomination) It's in French. I CAN'T EVEN YOU GUYS. But it's not bad if you can pay attention to read the screen. This is not my strong suit.
In Theaters (but probably not where you live)

Bonus
How To Watch the Oscar-Nominated Animated Shorts Online
Where to Watch the Oscar-Nominated Documentaries

This is just an overview. For a detailed look at all things Oscar, consider buying my first ebook The Popcast’s Guide to the Oscars. 

One review: "Truly brilliant work on the Oscars guide. My friend was reading excerpts out loud yesterday and we were both cracking up."







What were some of the best films you saw in the last year?

The Post About The Oscars Giveaway

Knox McCoy and I have been cohosting a podcast called The Popcast for 77 episodes.

Our mission statement is simple: Educating the world on things that entertain, but do not matter.

For example, this week we tackled these hard hitting subjects:

• Book and movie sequels
• Brian Williams
• The Grammys
• Channing Tatum
• Madonna
• The BAFTAs
• Jennifer Lawrence

It's one of the most fun things I do each week. We don't teach people how to start a business, or write a book, or wax poetically about the Middle East - we just chat about pop culture in the most entertaining way possible.

And believe it or not, people listen. People, other than my mom.

When we launched, we were featured in New & Noteworthy. Last month, we were featured in What's Hot.

Do you know how long I've waited to refer to myself as "what's hot?"

A LONG TIME INTERNET.

To celebrate that milestone, Knox and I wrote our first e-book. The Podcast's Guide to the Oscars. 

Gorgeous cover design by Molly Gentry

Nine chapters to fully prepare you for Hollywood's biggest night. Whether you watch or not.

1. When To Watch, When To Not Watch
2. But What About If I Haven't Seen Some of These Movies?
3. So Who Is Going To Win?
4. But Who Do We Want To Win?
5. The Oscar Cake Pop Eating Game / The Oscar Drinking Game
6. Let's Get Weird
7. Blondtage Bingo
8. Oscar Snubs
9. Who Are We Irrationally Rooting For?

Reader Review: "Truly brilliant work on the Oscars guide. My friend was reading excerpts out loud yesterday and we were both cracking up."

Support us by grabbing your own copy here. 

To celebrate this milestone of celebrating another milestone, I wanted to host a little giveaway.

Two winners will be chosen to select between one dozen Oscar cake pops shipped anywhere in the US ($40 value) or a $25 Amazon gift card.

P.S. I make cake pops.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

The Post About The Popcast and Summer Movies

Previously...
I host a podcast with Knox McCoy called The Popcast. It is the Brad Pitt of podcasts: solid, dependable, hard-working and charmingly humorous. More specifically, The Popcast is a weekly argument / conversation about all things pop culture.

In this week's episode (#39), we throw a Summer Movie Extravaganza. We discuss the upcoming movies of the season, name the worst blockbusters, talk about actors who do their best work only in the hotter months, and we each pitch our own ideas for the perfect summer film.

Click to listen to Episode #39.

What's your favorite summer movie of all time?

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v. 122

Each week or so I post things of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.

This week's episode of my new pop culture podcast with Knox McCoy tackles life changing topics such as the war on emojis, Lindsay Lohan predictions and Kanye West as artist and j-hole. Knox and I had the biggest fight we've ever had. We may recover.

• Listen or download episode two.
• Subscribe on iTunes.
• Read episode show notes.

 

Plus, we answered these listener questions:

• Will there be a new Friday Night Lights movie?
• What will life be like after Breaking Bad?
• Is Ryan Gosling the Antichrist?

 Learn the answers here:




I've written about being a Mary Poppins fan. A new Disney movie Saving Mr. Banks follows MP author P. L. Travers as she meets with filmmaker Walt Disney during the production of her grand novel. The trailer above has me primed and ready for this Christmas season release.


Georgia Tech sophomore, Nicholas Selby, brought down the house in less than 2 minutes at this freshmen event.

 John Mayer released a new album this week, Paradise Valley, which I like quite a bit. I also want to like John Mayer again. I'm following the 7-Step Plan to Not Hating John Mayer Anymore. It's working.

Jessica from Meet the Buttrams wrote A Letter For My Children. I don't have kids and it wrecked me.

I will always love you thoroughly, even if it is imperfectly. Even when my heart wants to explode just from the sight of you sleeping, I can’t love you the way you were created to be loved.

Favorite Instagram

...via Erin Moon (erinhmoon). This is how a parent should document their child's life.

Favorite Tweets

The only unforgivable sins are murder and spelling it “should of"
— Brian Gaar (@briangaar) August 15, 2013

sometimes you just have to leave the piles of clean clothes on your bed and sleep around them. it's why I have a queen size bed.
— Molly Gentry (@mollsabeth) August 20, 2013

I'm convinced my mom just walks into the cable company each month, says "Fox News and Judge Judy" lays 20 bucks on the counter, and leaves.
— Nick Flora (@NickFlora) August 21, 2013

What have you recently read or seen or listened to that you've loved?

P.S. We have two winners from last week's Popcast Giveaway!

• Amazon Gift Card: Jacey (@thebalancedwife)
• iTunes Gift Card: Charlene Kuser

Email me at jamiesrabbits@gmail.com to collect your swag!

The Post About Xtra Bacon: Holiday Movies

Some of my favorite people on the Internet are those I met on blogging forums and Twitter. You may even be one of them.

Assume it.

This week, I gathered round the laptop and chatted with three such favorites - Knox McCoy, Amanda Bast, and Joseph Craven.  We dissected the upcoming holiday movies.

Here's a sneak peek of our take on the movie Killing Them Softy with Brad Pitt:



You can hear the whole shebang by choosing one of the following:

1. Visit Knox McCoy's blog and simply click play.

2. SUBSCRIBE to the Xtra Bacon Podcast on iTunes 

Which 2012 holiday movie have you already loved or can't wait to love?

I'll go first: Zero Dark Thirty. I read the fantastic No Easy Day by Mark Owen and knew I wanted to see the hunt for Osama Bin Laden on screen.

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.114

Each week or so I post things of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.

I wish more families sent me Christmas cards like this - you know...reality. 

Source: jamiliajean.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Did you wonder who the the 30 most important cats of 2012 were? Yes...there are videos.

I don't understand why this volleyball player didn't spike this ball and then simply pretend to drop the mic.

Type "Festivus" into Google and start your list of grievances.

I can't wait for this year's Golden Globes because of these two.

Entertainment Weekly highlights 25 movies you should see before Oscar night. As of today, I've seen 6. I don't understand why Step Up 4 is not on this list.

Apple released the Best Apps of 2012. I downloaded The Room (iPad game of the year) and was simultaneously in love and freaked out. {creepy sound effects}

I'm giving away a $40 Amazon gift card here on the blog and $50 Outlets of Grand River on the Jamie's Rabbits Facebook page.

On a scale from 'one' to 'homeschooled,' how excited are you about The Hobbit opening this week?
— HipsterPastor (@HipsterPastor) December 8, 2012

@jwkinnaird Millions of things you can’t possibly bake, make, sew, wear, craft or draft, all photographed impossibly well. In mason jars.
— Katherine H  (@grass_stains) December 13, 2012

World War II would have ended much more quickly if the generals could have read all these leadership quotes on Twitter.
— Church Curmudgeon (@ChrchCurmudgeon) December 8, 2012

Reading some of these comments for the last 24 hrs, I'd be in favor of legislation that made it a lot tougher to open a twitter account.
— bob clendenin (@bobclendenin) December 16, 2012

Finally, a few serious recommendations regarding the serious tragedy in Newtown, CT.

Jared Hollier writes about how overwhelming moments of grief today often lead us to remember that there is a tomorrow. “It’s not supposed to be like this. But it is. For now."

Nicholas Kristof asks the crucial question "Do We Have The Courage To Stop This?" in his Sunday column of the New York Times. He doesn't support a ban on guns, but rather treat it as the public health crisis that it is. "And don’t say that it won’t make a difference because crazies will always be able to get a gun. We’re not going to eliminate gun deaths, any more than we have eliminated auto accidents. But if we could reduce gun deaths by one-third, that would be 10,000 lives saved annually." 

Rachel Held Evans asks those on social media such as Twitter and Facebook to consider withholding judgment on those who grieve differently than we might prefer. "So let’s grieve together. And let’s give one another the space to be shocked, to be pissed, to appeal to God, to be angry with God, to find peace in God, to question God, to want to take action, to want to wait, to blame, to pray, to be afraid, to be speechless, to vent, to lament, to speak up, to be silent, to pull our families close to us, to need some time alone." 

Last night's cold open for Saturday Night Live:


What you do you recommend from the web this week?

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.111

Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here. 

Mother's Day Edition: I asked my Mom to share her favorites today. Please note: The views expressed herein are hers and do not necessarily represent the views of me.

Read
When I asked my Mom about her favorite book, she answered "The Bible." So yes, she played the Jesus card. But truth be told, it really is the book she reads the most. And not in a mean I-know-more-than-you way but in a I-need-God-because-this-place-is-crazy way. 

Watch

My mom adores feel-good movies. Her favorite is Dragonfly starring Kevin Costner and Kathy Bates (trailer above). It's about a grieving doctor who is being contacted by his late wife through his patients' near-death experience. I think the "Kevin Costner" part is the clincher. She also recommends the following:

• Sports: Remember the Titans. Denzel Washington.
• Time Travel: Frequency. James Caviezel AND Dennis Quaid.
• PG-Oh My: The Thorn Birds. Richard Chamberlain.
• Cartoon: The Little Mermaid. Obviously we part ways on this one.

Listen

Have you ever seen those black and white clips of girls screaming when they saw Elvis? Then you've seen my Mom.  We actually both love this particular song the best - Bossa Nova Baby from the album Viva Elvis. 

What might you recommend to me and my mom this week? 

Don't forget: I'm giving away a $25 Amazon gift card for sharing your favorite fictional Mom.

The Post About Which Disney Prince Is The Best

Rabbit Sidebar: This post is not about Disney princesses. However, I like to take any opportunity to acknowledge my distaste for Ariel. Yes, I drew that. No copyright infringement intended.

I recently got into a debate with another blogger and then twitter followers and then friends at real-life meals over which Disney Prince is the best. Here's 8 of the most well-known princes and my take on each. I included some opinions from Rabbit Chasers who shared their thoughts on Facebook and Twitter.

Prince Adam (Beauty & The Beast)

 No discussion. He is the best. He is an abused kid who struggles with demons. Redemption on the way. He imprisons Belle but lets her go when he learns her Dad is sick. Family man.

For the record, I may actually have a real crush on the post-Beast cartoon.  

John Smith (Pocahontas)

I am strangely drawn to a guy who ends up falling for his stalker. However, John leaves her behind over a pesky little detail like needing medical attention. NOT COOL.

Flynn Ryder (Tangled)

He's the classic bad boy who gives up his wild ways for love. Plus, SHE actually saves him.

Yes, please, and thank you.

Jamie must fancy a little co-dependence.

Aladdin (Aladdin)

I know. I should love him. He's an orphan who's also a thief (bad boy.) But no.

However, you seem to be a fan.

Prince Phillip (Sleeping Beauty)

Two words: Good. Kisser.

Prince Naveen (Princess & The Frog)

He is a train wreck. And I'm guessing the real reason he doesn't haven't any funds is because of all the baby mamas he has to support. No.

Prince Charming (Cinderella)

For better or worse, Cinderella had my heart from day one. The movie Ever After only cemented my adoration for this tale. He's the original...a keeper.

Prince Eric (The Little Whatever)

Many of you would rank him #1.

PEOPLE.

I cannot abide by a guy who falls in love for me for a singing voice. I mean, I sing in my living room as though I'm an understudy for Adele or Beyonce. The reality is my impressive skill is being able to grab one serving of exactly 27 Cheez-its from the box every time.

Finally, let's let Sam flesh it out for us.

So how about you? Which Disney Prince is the best? The worst?

The Post About a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Giveaway

I asked for a show of support for Mary Poppins in the March Movie Madness film heroes competition at Educlaytion and you showed up in a HUGE way.

Sweet Sixteen!

I promised an overflow of affection if she made it this far, so how about a giveaway?

I'm giving away $20 in Redbox loot AND a 2-month subscription to Netflix (instant) to 1 winner each. The lucky rabbit readers will be able to watch their own favorites movie heroes on repeat. You have a truckload of entry options in the box below. You have until Wednesday to enter to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Update:  Unfortunately, Mary was defeated by Captain Jack Sparrow. Her makeup simply couldn't stand up to his.

Who's your favorite movie hero?

{image: Jamie}

The Post About Mary Poppins Trumping Wikus van de Merwe

March Madness is my favorite. I've won my basketball bracket two years running based on the complex system of coolness of mascot and hotness of coach.

Fool-proof.

However, this year is extra special since I'm personally making an appearance in the 2nd Annual March Movie Madness hosted by Clay Morgan.

This bracket pits the best film protagonists against one another and I'm hoping for a Cinderella sweep!

In this performance, the role of Cinderella will be played by Mary Poppins.

Mary's first matchup is with Wikus van de Merwe. Umm...no.

Rabbit readers...help a nanny out by voting for her in Round 1 - Matchup 8.

If Ms. Poppins makes it to the Sweet Sixteen then I'll throw in an extra rabbit giveaway for March. Winning for all.

PLUS, you can complete your own bracket to win your own snazzy Hello Somebody watch. And the pride of knowing its official - you're awesome at sports.

Might I also suggest a vote for Harry Potter and Lando Calrissian in Round 1 as well? Both good folks.

Who would you want representing you as the best movie hero?

{image: Jamie}

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.108: Oscar Edition

Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here. 

Watch

 {illustrations by Derek Eads}

The Oscars begin in just a few hours and I'm giddy as get-out. I've always fancied red carpets and couture gowns and celebrities who lose in public.

Tonight, I'm particularly excited because an Alabama native, Octavia Spencer, will hopefully win a Best Supporting Actress trophy for her role as Minnie in The Help. This Montgomery native and Auburn alum deserves it. I promise to tweet "War Eagle" if she wins.

As for the Best Picture nominees, I'm a tad disappointed because only about half of the 9 flew up my skirt and I outright disliked a couple.

Here's my grade and brief take on each film for future DVD rental purposes:

1. The Help: A- I thought it was well-acted and moved at a good pace. The quiet moments were rich and the plot drew you in. However, as a reader of the book, it fell a little short of the glory found in the pages.

2. Moneyball: A I don't even like baseball and I adored this film. I'm a sucker for an "inspired-by-true-events" and Brad Pitt was at his best. And I'm not just saying that because he's pretty.

3. The Descendants: A- I'd like to post a disclaimer. I watched this after just having returned from Hawaii, the setting of this film. George Clooney is the most beautiful person on the planet and I like every single job he's had - including his stint on Roseanne. That being said, this movie was touching, witty, and smart. A combo that's a rare gem.

4. Tree of Life: C- Visually? Stunning. Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain? Moving. Plot? I'm not sure I even know what happened.

5. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close: B I adored this novel as well by Jonathan Safran Foer and wanted to love this film. I mean, it's Tom Hanks. But as imagined, he's not in it very long and the weight of the movie rests on the shoulders of Thomas Horn. He seems like a great kid, but his acting is what affected the grade. He just didn't communicate the grief so crucial to the plot. 

6. The Artist: B- Beautiful cinematography and so gracefully nuanced that I was paying close attention. I was genuinely attached to George and Peppy throughout the film. But I learned this about myself: Jamie likes sound.

7. War Horse: A  It was so good, I cried. Twice. For someone who doesn't think animals go to heaven, that should be reason enough to add it to your queue.

8. Midnight in Paris D I know some of you rabbit readers have already mentioned how much you loved this film. I wanted to love it. I watched it once on a plane and then gave it another shot on DVD thinking my dislike was fueled by altitude. However, even at sea level, it was not enjoyable.

9. Hugo A- An orphan working on a robot in France in the 1930's? It was fabulous. Another tear-jerker. Minus points because it was in 3-D. Those glasses are ridiculous.

Note: If I was a member of the Academy, I would have voted for Moneyball.

Disagree with my assessments? Did you see any of the nominees? What film should have been nominated?

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.106 GIVEAWAY

Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here. 

Watch

Dave Ramsey, Suze Orman and the Holy Spirit combined their efforts to convince me to spend less money. On anything.

I evaluated my monthly expenses by carefully reviewing the Chick-Fil-A and Starbucks and Arby's receipts populating my handbag. The budget item of excess was clear. 

Entertainment.

I asked mah internets how to make the cable bill bend to my will and the answer was "Roku." 

Roku is a streaming player that connects to your TV and Wi-Fi network. Then, you can access existing subscriptions like Netflix, Amazon On Demand, HuluPlus, and more sassy channels.

I compared this device to Apple TV, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and other devices and the internet kept chanting "Roku."

 

So I canceled my cable and this lil' gadget moved in. I'm hooked.

CNET recently named Roku as one of the best gifts for under $50. Here's a 3-minute recap of highlights. 

I love Roku and I want you to love it too, so I'm giving away a Roku LT ($49.99) to one lucky Rabbit reader. 

How To Enter:
Leave a comment answering the following: 

Name a must-see TV show.

**2 Extra Credit Entries**
Each of the following will give you 1 extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for each, whether you're doing it for the first time or you've already been there, done that.

1. "Like" Jamie's Rabbits on Facebook.
2. Follow Jamie's Rabbits on Twitter. 

Important Details: Open to anyone 18 or older in the US or Canada. Must enter before 11:59pm CST on Monday, January 30 to qualify. Winner will be chosen randomly using Research Randomizer and announced next week.

Note: Although Roku and I are in a committed relationship, the makers of this wonder don't know the first thing about this blog or this giveaway. Sponsored by yours truly.

{image: Jamie}

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.103

Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. 

Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here. 

Read

I have 13 books on my Kindle waiting to be clicked. Let me get back to you.

Spoiler: Mindy Kaling's new book is one of them and I'm fairly certain it will make a future Rabbit Recs appearance.

Watch

My 30's brought with it a love for documentaries. I assume I'll only be watching Frontline and John Wayne films before the end of the year.

Man on Wire absolutely wrecked me because it was THAT good (rent it pronto.) So when I learned the same team behind that film had produced another... I was in. Project Nim is the funny and heartbreaking story of a chimp in a 1970s science experiment who was raised as part of a human family. And there's no way around. It's a learning experience. You re-learn that humans and animals are comical, poignant and disturbing. A lesson worth revisiting.

Listen

I fell for Gavin Degraw after hearing "We Belong Together" from the movie Tristan & Isolde. That was the same moment I fell for Mr. James Franco. Since his platinum debut release, Chariot, was such delightful ear candy - I immediately picked up Degraw's next two albums. But I was disappointed. So when his newest album, Sweeter, released this September, I would only listen via Spotify. No financial commitment. Once I realized I was leaving it on repeat every single day, I decided the buyer's risk was minimal. Must-download singles: Not Over You, Soldier, and Stealing.

Recommending Disclaimer: I don't suggest anything because I get it free or because I have some sort of illicit relationship with an old man who likes documentaries. I save all of those questionable dealings for those who comment on blog posts.

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.101

Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. 

Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.

All Hallow's Eve Eve Edition. In honor of Halloween tomorrow, this week's list includes things that freak me out. In a good way. The list of things that freak me out in a bad way is long and starts with ladybugs and lizards. Therefore my posing skills were lacking in the above group picture in Hawaii. Lizard.

Read

The Turn of The Screw by Henry James. For many of us, this was required high school reading. Especially if you had a slightly grumpy AP English teacher who was so close to retirement, yet so far away. It's a thriller/horror tale of a governess and the children she supervises. The kids are either manipulative or demon-possessed. I find these are often your only options for non-fiction kids as well. Free on Kindle.

Watch

Stephen King's Pet Sematary. I know there are probably scarier flicks on IMDB, but for me, this is it. I was creeped out until... Yep, still creeped out.

Listen

Is there such a thing as scary music? I'm sure there are haunting tunes, but I'm highlighting 3 albums that freak me out in the sense I adore them. And I don't think I should.

1. Unbroken by Demi Lovato
2. When The Sun Goes Down by Selena Gomez & the Scene
3. My World 2.0 by Justin Bieber

Judge as you will. 

Which books or movies always raise the hair on your arms? Or however fear presents itself for competitive swimmers?

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.100

Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. 

Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.

As you might have noticed, it's #100. Unbelievable. Not because I've made that many suggestions. I'm a superfan and not afraid to share. It's startling because ADD survivors such as myself rarely commit with such consistency.

The first thing I've done to celebrate this centennial is gathering all the previous favorites in easy-to-browse lists on Amazon. Note: These aren't affiliate links. This means I don't earn any Kindle moolah by you clicking on any item. I did this because I want the creator(s) of the things I love to get their full due.

Especially considering I may not have paid for it in the first place.

Ahh...Napster. It was the best of times, it was the most illegal of times.

Rabbit Recommends - Reading 

Rabbit Recommends - Watching

Rabbit Recommends - Listening

Have I highlighted anything you think is especially delightful? Do you have a recommendation for me? I'm sure I can keep the thermostat on chilly so I'll have more cash for downloading your suggestions.

The second thing I've done to woohoo this milestone is giving away my newest favorite gadget. That post is here.

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.99

Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate.

Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.

Labor Day Edition: Wikipedia tells us Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrating the economic and social contributions of workers. Although, most of those who work retail, food service, transit or at hospitals will have to celebrate at work. I'll sleep an extra hour (on top of the 9) in your honor. The following are recommendations for those who work hard for the money.

Read

Do you know where I excel in the hierarchy of an organization? The middle. At the front line, I'm grumpy about having no input on my desk chair. At the top, I crumble under the pressure of having to supervise...anyone. A qualified therapist would tell me my inability to be a boss stems from being a latchkey key who only had to make an after school snack for herself. Enter one of my favorite leadership books: The 360º Leader by John Maxwell. I have a John Maxwell crush which is similar to my Michael Hyatt crush which is not similar to my Matt Damon crush. This great read first addresses 7 myths we often believe about leadership such as "I can't lead if I'm not at the top." Maxwell then outlines 23 principles on leading up, across and down. Hence, the circle of life.

Watch
There are outstanding workplace movies: Office Space, Devil Wears Prada, Clerks, Working Girl, Anchorman.

There are outstanding workplace TV shows: Mad Men, West Wing, 30 Rock, Sports Night and of course, The Office.

Although I'm as much a fan of the original UK version AND I feel the current version has lost a bit of its way, I'll never adore a clip as much as this one.

What are your favorite fictional workplaces?

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.96

Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate.

Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.

Read & Watch

Have I mentioned my love for all things Jane Austen? Well, the Brontë sisters are not far behind in my affection. One of my favorite novels and literary heroines is Jane Eyre. Set in early nineteenth-century England, it tracks the journey of an orphaned young woman who becomes the governess at Thornfield Hall, an estate owned by the mysterious Mr. Rochester. I think it sets itself apart by featuring a female protagonist who is thoughtful and articulate and sees herself as more than a societal pawn. Jane balances a deep trust in God with a remarkable self-reliance. Best part? She's not waiting to be rescued. Bestest part? Since it's a "classic," it's free on all major e-readers. 

There have been 12 English film and TV adaptations of Jane Eyre since 1934. Having seen 8 of them, I think the one released this year is by far the best. Visually stunning direction by Cary Fukunaga and the perfect casting of Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender. FASSBENDERFANFOREVER. I'm not the only who fancied it - the Rotten Tomatoes rating is 83%. DVD releases August 16. You can also rent it online at Amazon and iTunes.

Listen

I've been a Mat Kearney fan since I discovered singer/songwriters in vee tees and skinny jeans. His new album, Young Love, is a snapshot of his 1st year of marriage. Rabbit Sidebar: Matt met his wife at Anthropologie. Where should I be shopping? His first single, Hey Mama, was one of my summer anthems. Now I also adore the tracks She Got The Honey, Rochester, and Sooner or Later (featured above.)

$40 Amazon Giveaway Winner

 

It pays to have fans who will show the love! Winner Kristieckm wrote "I am all for my friend Katie Green www.katieagreen.blogspot.com" 

Congrats Katie! Email me at jamiesrabbits@gmail.com to collect your prize!

The Post About The Rabbit Recommends v.92

Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate.

Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.

Watch

Sometimes I take Red Box risks and they don't pay off - i.e. Hereafter - I still love you Mr. Matt. However, choosing Rabbit Hole was a winner. Nicole Kidman stretches her acting frown lines, freed by a Botox break, and really nails it. And then there's me wanting to camp out in Aaron Eckhart's chin dimple. Try to avoid learning too much about the movie, because I think it unfolds exquisitely if your plot know-how is limited. Of course, if your summer preference is robots, then this might disappoint.

Listen

I'm late to the Satellite party. I was introduced after signing up for free music at the Catalyst Atlanta website. Sidebar: Do that. Most compilations have 2 phenomenal tracks and then 17 others from cousins of the webmaster. But holy moly - the music Catalyst gifts is really incredible. 

Back to Satellite - great band similar to The Daylights or Trent Dabbs or other boys with good hair who can sing. You can snag the song "Say The Words" free on the Satellite website, but don't hesitate to pick up their entire EP Ring the Bells.

Recommending Disclaimer: I don't suggest anything because I get it free or because I have some sort of illicit relationship with Keith Urban or boys with good hair who sing. I save all of those questionable dealings for those who comment on blog posts.