I'm Backkkk--for a Movie Review: Les Miserables!

Well first off I want to say how great it is to be back from over a 2-year hiatus! I knew it was going to take a topic I was passionate about for me to return to writing on this blog. And after seeing the highly-anticipated movie of my favorite broadway show, Les Miserables, I thought it only made sense for me to use this platform to share my thoughts! (and writing it on a train just like old times!) 

 So let's discuss the movie (and play the trailer while you read this for added dramatic effect!). For those of you Les Miz fans like myself, you could probably sit in the theater seats with your eyes closed listening to one classic song after another and be completely happy. Unless it's sung by Russell Crowe, that is. His weak vocals were extremely distracting and makes me wonder: has Hollywood learned nothing from Gerard Butler in the film version of The Phantom of the Opera? If it's a singing role, cast people who can actually sing! The no-names casted in this film did just as good a job as any big-name ticket would have in their place. 

But one actress who we've learned through the years can actually hold a tune is that of Anne Hathaway (and who knew Amanda Seyfried could hit those high notes!). Hathaway, who plays Fantine, is being considered a shoe-in by some to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (and hey, if I was forced to chop my hair off--right before my wedding no less--I'd want a trophy for it too). Her emotional rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream," rivals Jennifer Hudson's "And I'm Telling You" from Dreamgirls for their ability to completely captivate a movie audience on their own. One known for their singing. One know for their acting. Both dominated both in the end. 

There have been so many Broadway shows hitting the big screen in recent years that have been duds, but its hard to argue Les Miserables is one of them. Sure its a tad long, but so is any epic story. And with the music as strong as it is, you should at least be able to enjoy that aspect of the film, even if you're hearing these tunes for the first time. (really though? how have you not heard these songs before!). One can't miss moment in the film is the transition from the revolutionaries singing "Drink with Me" as they await their imminent death to Valjean's "Bring Him Home". Not gonna lie, I choked up! 

So for the musical lovers and those who are afraid to admit they are (I'm talking to you straight guys) this is a film that should leave you with chills and, if you have a soul at all, teary-eyed til the credits role.

But hey, 'Who Am I?' to judge. I'm just a fan 'On My Own' who 'Dreamed a Dream' this movie would be spectacular. And it was.  

Top 3 of the Week: Why I Hate Losing Things

1) The Thought Process
Ok, let's retrace our steps. Where were you when you last had it? Who were you with? What were you wearing? What time of day was it? It is mentally draining to even think about trying to find something you lost, that its sometimes not even worth it. Ok, fine, looking for your passport, wallet or keys might be worth the effort. But it can be exhausting to strategically plan the search. And when the search is complete, its often in the middle of the night, or perhaps a conversation that we scream out "I KNOW WHERE IT IS" that we might in fact know where we lost it!


2) The Mess You Create
Ok, now that we might have an idea of where it is that we left the item we lost, the hunt begins. I know when I'm searching for something, its like a SWAT team attacked my room. Dumping bags out onto my bed, ripping apart my closets are all small prices to pay for trying to find what I lost. And I'm bound to lose something else in the mess I created!

3) Feeling Like an Idiot After
Yes, we've all had that moment. Where is my watch! I can't find my watch! Did I leave it in my bag? On the counter at home? At the store or my cousin's house? Where could it be? Oh wait--it's been on our wrist the entire time. DUH! Even if other people don't know our foolish move, we still feel stupid for getting crazed when our lost item was right in front of our face! But in the end, as long as we find what we're looking for, the whole process is worth it!

Food for Thought: Cereal

To this day, I have no idea how I grew up eating cereal without milk. As soon as I tried it, the combination of the crunchy cereal and the cold milk created a meal I could now eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.

As a kid, we ate the sugary favorites like Cocoa Puffs, Fruity Pebbles, Lucky Charms and if you were really lucky, Cookie Crisps (my mother felt there was only so much sugar acceptable for breakfast, and a bowl of cookies was pushing it). Nowadays, it's all about eating healthy with fiber and antioxidants. So some might thing the fun of cereal is over. After all, half the fun was taking out all the marshmellows in the Lucky Charms. But there are 2 "adult" cereals I can't live without.

My recommendation? Smart Start and Special K Strawberry. And I don't just eat it, I devour it, averaging a box in less than a week, cleaing off the shelves at CVS and Walgreens like I'm on Supermarket Sweep.

I love this cereal so much, I could eat it any time of the day. But some people confuse my choice of cereal for dinner as laziness. If I had to milk a cow and bake the cereal myself, I'd still eat it. (Um, ok maybe not, as the thought of milking a cow makes me lose my appitite). But can't it be that I just love cereal? So kill me if I enjoy cereal all the time. No, don't. Then you'd be a cereal killer! Zing!

I Have a Dream...That One Day...I'll Know What the Hell My Dreams Mean

As Martin Luther King said, "I have a dream..that one day...this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed..."

I don't know about you but my dreams normally include riding unicorns into Brad Pitt's home on a rainbow cloud with a leprechaun leading the way.

With the movie Inception taking over the box office, it got me thinking. If I had one dream, it would be to figure out my dreams. But let's really analyze this.


We all have plenty of dreams. Some that may foreshadow an event or perhaps some that include running from aliens in our backyard. Some that feature us as the main star or others where were an innocent observer. But the real question is, what do they mean?

I know the dreams that end right before my alarm clock means I'm a well-timed thinker. I know the dreams that get cut off by alarm clock piss me off, especially when I can't remember what my dream was about minutes after waking up. I know the dreams that scare the crap out of me in the middle of the night makes me want to believe it's still ok to jump in my mom's bed. And I know the dreams that continue in my head when I know I'm fully controlling the outcome are friggin awesome but totally don't count.

But I don't study dreams enough to know what they really mean. All I know is that it's freakishly cool to be asleep and have our minds be wide awake!

Top 3 of the Week: Things I'll Have to Get Used to Living on My Own

1) Wait that cost WHAT NOW?!
Ok, fine. We're all spoiled when we live at home and don't have to pay for rent or food. And living in a city like New York where it cost $12 for a sandwich definitely makes me think peanut butter and jelly is a great alternative and home cooked meals will be missed. No but in all seriousness, we make money to spend it right? And so what if my rent is double that of most places in America and half the size, it's still worth it. Even if it comes at the expense of my expenses!


2) No One to Answer to But Me!
Yes, it's finally time to say I am Ms. Independent. Going out whenever I want? I can do that! Creating my own schedule? I can do that! Not answering to anyone? I can do that too!--although my 3 other roomies might beg to differ. But an apartment of my own definitely provides a refreshing feeling knowing that it's time to grab life by the horns and do whatever the hell I want with it!

Sometimes I felt like this is the lengths it took to get to work everyday...

3) Having so Much Time on my Hands
OK, so commuting to work was a 2-hour door-to-door triathlon every day. Driving in my car, riding the train, walking to work. Now, a mere 20-minute walk to work and I'm left with so much time I don't know what the do with it. The odd part? I am struggling to find time to write this blog since I used to take care of this task on the train!

So be prepared for some less frequent posts. After all, I'm living in the city now, so I got to live it up! And for all you naysayers who said, "how do you have time to blog," I'll now admit-- it ain't one of my top priorities! Sorry fans! I got a life to live!

***BREAKING NEWS******

The Brooke Schneider Show blog is taking a brief hiatus. I'm moving into the city!!!! And certainly can't justify blogging about dreams, cereal, or any of the other topics I want to discuss when I've got massive packing to do! So I'll report back when my life gets back in order!!!

Top 3 of the Week: Why Apartment Hunting is the Worst Experience Ever

1) Dealing with Brokers
Fee or no fee, dealing with brokers will make you go out of your mind. For starters, they all operate the same-- beautiful luxury building! Aka, it's a dump. Great view! Aka, it's on the 1st floor. What bothers me most though is that they get annoyed when you see apartments from other brokers. Sorry that I'm looking out for my best interest and what's available. And what IS available is all the same crap that you're all overlapping and showing me anyway.

2) The Signing Process
AHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
I believe that says it all. When do you take it? When do you keep looking? When do you give up and get frustrated you just take anything? I'm indecisive as is, and living with 3 other girls is a challenge for sure. (Try finding a 4-bedroom apartment. It ain't easy.) But it's inevitable that your going to have to sacrifice something, and probably wind up paying more than you want. But at what point do you give in?


3) Actually Finding What You're Looking For
Ok. Fine. I want to live in the Taj Mahal for a dollar. Ya got me. But trying to find an apartment on a tight budget, especially in New York City, ensures that I'm going to live in a shithole. But is it so hard to ask for a couple of amenities? It is, apparently. Unless I find that genuine broker who finds me that can't miss deal that has everything I want...but that sounds as realistic as a post like this!

Fist-pump! The Jersey Shore Returns!

I'm sorry. When I think of the MTV cash cow, The Jersey Shore, I can't help but laugh. For a multitude of reasons, this surprising hit has been the talk of the town ever since we were first introduced to the poof and The Situation.

I laugh because I truly wonder if this cast of oven roasted Italians actually thinks that viewers are laughing with them, not at them. They are infamous. Snooki will define this generation of reality TV the same way that Darva Conger did in the late 90s. I can see her picture now on a TV timeline for the late 2000s.


I laugh because these characters that claim to be real can't be serious, right? Gym, tan and laundry. Laundry?! Really?! I just wrote a damn post about how annoying it is and yet The Situation feels it justifies a top 3 activity? Again, you must be kidding, right?

Baby I Like..this song, not the Jersey Shore cast profiting off of it...

I laugh at it all, while shaking my head simultaneously. What bothers me most is that these girls and guys are now making millions over being their stupid, obnoxious selves. Why didn't I invent the damn poof! I could be on my way to millions and have me my juicy men and juicy pickles just like Snooki. Shoulda woulda coulda.



But the truth is, as much as I knock this show, I can't wait to watch the trash that represents my neighboring state. And as much as I know these reality stars live in a warped tan bubble that deserves no praise or attention, I can't help but watch every minute, and laugh at it all.

Top 3 of the Week: Favorite Bar Food

1) Nachos
There is no better bar food that provides the maximum amount of bites great for sharing and a variety of toppings than my guilty pleasure, nachos! I know if I go out for a happy hour with friends, that's all great and fun. But deciding to order nachos is the real excitement of the night--especially when it comes with my favorite, guacamole.


2) Boneless Buffalo Wings
I think I should move to Buffalo. Because every time I see Buffalo on a menu, my eyes and stomach gravitate towards it. With the amount of hot sauce and breading, I may feel like I might go into cardiac arrest. But I love love loveeee spicy food and as sick as I may feel after eating this crap, it tastes so damn good it's worth the pain and extra pounds. But it's definitely not worth eating the actual skin of the wings, which to this day, I can't understand. Hence, I stick with the boneless baby!


3) Sweet Potato Fries
One of the greatest news I heard was that sweet potato is actually healthier than regular potato. JACKPOT. Because this is yet another menu item I can't turn down. Why this isn't offered everywhere regular French fries are sold, I don't know. But I can eat these like they're candy. In fact, if they made a sweet potato candy, I might have to eat it. In fact, if they're going to make anything, it better be Sweet Buffalo Nachos!

Dear Brookie!

Dear Brookie,

Ugh, I am having so many roommate issues I don't even know where to begin. I found her on Craig's List and it's been a nightmare. She leaves her dirty dishes in the sink, definitely eats some of my food without telling, and her guests and her hang out late at night and are so loud. I've tried to get through to her but she still does this. I don't want to break my lease but I'm seriously considering it. What do I do?

The Sarcastic Answer:
Dont break the lease. Break her dishes. That way she can't leave them dirty in the sink. And as far as your food, you should really learn to eat out more and stop stocking your fridge. When her guests come over, just start hanging out with them and act purely insane. They'll quickly find another place to hang out. She wants to play dirty with those dishes, you play dirty back, sista.

The Real Answer:
Oh Craigs List..the hits and misses are endless from that site and you clearly have a miss. It's definitely not easy living with a person like that, and often times, these people are the way they are. But you can get through to them if you go about it the right way. I've heard it all: emails, post-it notes, writing on the fog in the mirror, any way you can get their attention while also avoiding confrontation. But there's no better way to get through to your roommate than to sit her down and tell her your thoughts in the most honest way.

Try to instill some ideas for a compromise and remind her that you live in the apartment too and common areas affect both of you. By taking a more sincere approach, you might be able to get through to her. If not, then your living situation and sanity deserve better. Try finding a sublet and get out of that dirty situation!

Want to Ask Brookie a question? Email her at brookehschneider@gmail.com!

Who Doesn't LOVE DOING LAUNDRY!!!

I love doing laundry!!!

I know your first reaction to that statement.

WTF?! Is she serious?

Absolutely not.

Have you ever heard anyone utter that phrase?

I sure haven't. And I sure wouldn't.

I bet you even those laundremat owners are second-guessing their career choices. Because let's be real. What is laundry if not a burden, hassle and complete and utter annoyance.

The true annoyance is when you don't own a washer or dryer, or have it in your building. If you ever played Truth or Dare, schlepping your dirty underwear outside definitely seems more like a dare and than a truth.

But however we do it, we always have a routine. Whether it's throwing everything from the wash directly to the dryer, keeping our whites, towels and linens separate, or just having our moms do it, there is one thing that's consistent: it's a damn burden.



Can''t we just pay someone to do the whole thing for us? Oh wait, a lot of people do. Why? Because being able to turn a dirty bag of clothes into a clean folded stack is worth any cost!

Top 3 of the Week: Male Stars Who Aren't As Hot As People Believe

1) Justin Timberlake
Taking nothing away from how ridiculously talented he is, if I saw a guy who looked like Justin Timberlake on the street, I probably wouldn't feel compelled to turn my head. I was more of a JC fan during my N'SYNC- loving days, and have the poster, key chain and refrigerator magnet to prove it. I even remember arguing with a friend that just based on looks, Rickey Martin at the time was way more cuter than JT. Clearly, I still don't think JT brought sexy back, and clearly I'm attracted to gay men...


2) Johnny Depp
There definitely has to be a mystique or aura about Depp that I'm completely oblivious to, because I don't see how this guy gets the attention from girls as much as he does. I mean he's a great actor be it in his Pirates of the Caribbean role or any of the cooky characters he plays. But with a personality that's a little offbeat and that hair and goatee that make him kind of look like a hobo, he just isn't my type. Sorry, ladies.

3) Derek Jeter
Now this one's painful to admit after all those years of being an avid Jeter fan. But I realized what I loved about him was the intangibles he brings, his personality and what he's meant to the Yankees all these years. Not really his looks--although he does have a great smile and out of all the 3 on the list, he's definitely the best looking. But if you ask me who's better looking: A-Rod or Jeter, I have to say the pretty-green-eyed-pink-lipped Rodriguez. Which tells me that my love for Jeter has dissipated and further proves my point that I need to stop being attracted to douchbags.

Rant of the Week: Of Course This Kind of Food Tastes Good..

Get PUMPED! The Rant of the Week is back and more rusty than ever!! But I'm giving what the people want! This week's topic? You'll have to watch it to find out..

Dear Brookie!

Dear Brooke,

Lately I've been going out a lot with my coworkers for drinks and one particular coworker and I flirt every time we go out. We have gotten closer in the process but no one at work knows. But I've gotten to the point where I really like him and actually want him to ask me out. What should I do?

The Sarcastic Answer:
You should quit. That way you eliminate any potential office romance that's often frowned upon. And it sounds like he could be "the one." So what's more important? Your career or being with the love of your life. I think you should propose to him. If he says no, then it wasn't meant to be.

The Real Answer:
So you like this boy, huh? There's no harm in liking a coworker, so long as you're aware of the risks. Ok. Fine. There is harm. Besides the fear of rejection if you do act on your feelings, there's also that minor problem of seeing him EVERY day after and the office gossip that might ensue.
But if you got more than a playful flirting vibe, you might be on to something.



Do you have a close mutual friend at work? You can use them to help gauge his interest. Or you can take it upon yourself. Any current movie you both might be interested in seeing? Any common food you like? See how he may interact in a non-work related setting and test his interest that way.

Sounds like your not going to be so forward about your feelings towards him. After all, if you were so sure about what to do you wouldn't have asked me! So see how he reacts to these options and if he doesn't give off any signs more than just the flirting you saw when you were out with him (remember the effects of alcohol and the setting you're in) THEN I can tell you maybe it wasn't meant to be.

-Brooke

Want to ask Brookie a question on life, love and the pursuit of happiness? Just email her at brookehschneider@gmail.com!

Top 3 of the Week: Why LeBron Choosing the Heat Was the Wrong Choice

Notice how Wade is in the middle...NOT LeBron...

1) He Just Wants to Win
Those were the words from LeBron James, who claimed he changed his mind (from what team, we don't know) to become the 3-headed monster (2 and a half if you count how tiny Bosh's head is) in Miami. But you see the problem is that when and if he does win with the Heat, it won't be the way Jordan or Kobe won their ring. LeBron took the easy way out to join Wade. He gave up on being the main man, the superstar, the go-to player to sell himself short. And there's no doubt in anyones mind that LeBron better get a championship in Miami otherwise his choice to become a piece of the puzzle and not the centerpiece will forever be questioned.


2) His Brand Took a Hit
Let's look at this conceptually. Already labeled The Three Kings of Bosh, Wade & LeBron and already having superstar Wade as the face of the franchise, where does that leave LeBron in the marketing plans? A-Rod is one of the biggest names on the game but the Yankees aren't his team, it's Jeter's, the captain. Every billboard, ad and promo will undoubtedly include LeBron and Wade and Bosh. So the guy who claims he can't do it alone on the court joins the 1 team in the mix who's got too many big names to promote the team off the court.

3) His Image Took a Hit
It's bad enough this whole LeBron chase, concluded by the unprecented hour-long tv special that had the country screaming "Enough about LeBron already!" And with his controversial choice after this whole 'Courting the King' process, there's a good chance he might be booed just about everywhere except Miami (and with the burning of his Cavs jersey in Cleveland, we can only imagine the reception.) I'd have more respect for him if he chose to remain in Cleveland and add some pieces to a team that was one of the best in the league. Or even join my poor Knicks, who could give him the biggest stage in the world and potential future teammate Carmelo Anthony. But joining Wade's team as Wade's piece to a championship just doesn't make sense.