NOTE: I know this category is normally called Music Monday and there is lots of Dave Matthews Band posts that could be written…BUT…I saw Toy Story 3 over the weekend and I just had to write about it. So, here it goes:

The first Toy Story movie came out for Thanksgiving weekend, 1995.  I remember feeling a little silly wanting to see it, being a senior in high school and all, but I saw it anyway and watched it many times after that.   Toy Story 2 came out only 4 years and later and Pixar, once again, outdid themselves.  There aren’t many movies whose sequel was just as good, if not better than the original.  When I heard that they were making a 3rd movie in 3D, I took Emily to see the Toy Story double feature last year in preparation for the big event, and when I was at Disneyland in January, I went on the Toy Story ride (and beat my Mom’s score!).

So, you could say I had some pretty high expectations of Pixar when I walked into that movie theater yesterday.  To say they delivered would be an understatement.  I laughed. And I cried.  I got emotional at the end, as most of the audience did. I heard the guy in front of me crying.  And the woman to the left of me. At least I wasn’t alone.

Some of my favorite highlights of Toy Story 3:

Spanish Buzz Lightyear – Buzz is set to Spanish Mode and becomes a smooth Latin ladies man.  Hysterical.

Ken and Barbie -  When Barbie first met Ken and told him, “I like your ascot,” I laughed out loud and Emily nudged me because she didn’t get it.  Michael Keaton, who voiced Ken, was hysterical.  Loved the closet scene.

Mr. Potato Tortilla Cucumber Head - I never really thought about it, but there are so many other options besides potatoes!

Although I suppose they left it open for a 4th movie (Toy Story 4: Bonnie?), I would be perfectly fine with the way they ended the trilogy.  Props to Disney and Pixar.  Well done.

I just got home from Larger Than Life in 3D featuring Dave Matthews Band.  Since it was announced, I have been anxiously awaiting the opening of the movie, which will only be out until December 17th.  It is playing in 500 theaters across the country, so I thought for sure it would be crowded.  Since it was opening night, I purchased my ticket in advance and met some friends at the theater.  I cracked up when I walked in, 5 minutes before the movie started and there were about 10 people in a HUGE theater.

Gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello performed first at All Points West Music & Arts Festival in New Jersey.  I had never heard of them, but they were quite entertaining.  Next up were Ben Harper and Relentless7 with a performance at the Mile High Music Festival in Denver.   I was a huge Ben Harper fan when Welcome to the Cruel World first came out.  I haven’t listened to the new band’s music, and hoped to hear “Burn One Down” or “Forever”, but what they played was still great.

Dave Matthews Band, filmed at the 2009 Austin City Limits Music Festival in Texas were next.  I was a little disappointed in that there was no backstage footage as there was with Ben Harper.  Granted, it was only 30 seconds, but I would have enjoyed watching Dave put headphones in his ears more than Ben.  DMB played the following setlist:

You Might Die Trying
Funny The Way It Is
Seven
So Damn Lucky
Shake Me Like a Monkey
Why I Am
Burning Down the House
So Much To Say
Ants Marching

While the movie was great, I wish the people in the theater were a little more into it.   I think part of the fun at a DMB show is the energy of the crowd, and the audience at the AMC Stony Brook theater was lacking enthusiasm.  That didn’t stop my friends and I from clapping and singing along with every song. Nothing will ever beat seeing DMB live, but if you are a die-hard Dave Matthews fan, like myself,  it is a must-see.  And don’t forget…you only have till next Thursday to see it.  According to InConcert3D, it will never be released on DVD or on TV.

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When I was first asked to review the Panasonic 360° Quick Steam/Dry Iron, I hesitated.  Although I do own an iron and ironing board, I have not actually used them in at least 2 years. Conveniently, the weather just got chilly and I started using my duvet again.  After 4 months in the closet after being washed, the duvet cover was pretty wrinkled.  So, I waited for my iron to arrive.  And alas, a few days later, there it was.  My landlord (knowing I don’t iron) gave me a funny look when she handed me the package.

As soon as I saw the box, I was intrigued.  It said it irons 25% faster.  This was one of my gripes about ironing, so perhaps I would like this. This morning, I took out the board and the duvet and opened the box.  This was unlike any iron I had ever seen.  Normally, irons are triangular. This kind of looked like a football, with a much larger surface area.   I figured it would take me at least a half hour to iron a Queen size duvet cover.  It only took 10 minutes.  I can’t imagine how quick shirts will be.  Since I was short on time, all I ironed was the duvet cover today, but I will certainly be using this iron more often than my last one. *Side note: I did burn my thumb when I first started ironing, but I do not blame the iron for this, it was more user error due to my lack of ironing experience.

From the Panasonic website, this iron sells for $49.99. Here are some other features on the iron:

• The Panasonic 360° Quick enables up to 25% faster ironing.
• The edge of the oversized soleplate can always be seen from above, making it easier to iron collars, cuffs, and around buttons.
• Unlike conventional irons, the 360° Quick has steam holes around the entire soleplate, allowing more steam over a wider area, to get out wrinkles faster. Use the jet of steam button for extra power when ironing, or use it vertically as a steamer.
• Precise temperature control for all fabrics
• Anti-drip to protect delicate fabrics
• Anti-calcium to prevent buildup that can clog steam holes
• Three-way auto-shutoff for safety (Panasonic invented this feature and now it is standard) if no motion is detected for one minute if iron is on its side or on the hot soleplate and for ten minutes if on its legs.

I actually look forward to my next ironing adventure! Highly recommended.

I’ve seen the new Cirque du Soleil Banana Shpeel show advertised around the web and must admit, I am intrigued. Just the name made me laugh.  Although I’ve never seen a Cirque du Soleil show live, I have seen them on television.  Even on TV they are absolutely amazing, so I can only imagine what it would be like to see it in person.  According to the website, this show is unlike anything you’ve ever seen:

“Banana Shpeel is a roller-coaster mix of styles that blends comedy with tap, hip hop, eccentric dance and slapstick, all linked by a hilarious narrative that ignites a succession of wacky adventures. This is not circus, or a musical or a variety show, or even vaudeville. It is Banana Shpeel!

Propelled by crazy humor and intense choreography, Banana Shpeel plunges us into the world of Shmelky, a cruel and irritable producer who dangles fame and fortune in front of Emmett, an innocent and romantic actor who has come to audition for him. Emmett soon finds himself trapped in a flamboyant, anarchic world where Shmelky sows terror and reigns supreme. Emmett falls in love with the beautiful Katie and meets a bunch of absurd characters, including the strange Banana Man. But who is this mysterious Banana Man and how can Emmett escape the clutches of Shmelky and his henchmen?”

With a name like Shmelky, that character MUST be interesting! And I wonder what’s up with Banana Man? No matter what happens, I bet it will be quite entertaining.  Even the video below about the making of the show’s poster is exhilariating!

Banana Shpeel is opening in Chicago on November 19,2009 (in time for a great Holiday gift for those in Chicago) and in New York February 4, 2010.  It’s not often that I see a “show” (other than a DMB concert), but this is one I would love to see (hint hint to whoever wants to take me!)  Make sure to visit Banana Shpeel to learn more about the Cirque du Soleil Banana Shpeel show!