"Don't expect me to join your Scooby Gang!"*

Magnet #1275 - Desert

Another of my Staples magnets. I know. I buy 'em where I find 'em, folks! The desert, for Las Vegas and surrounding Nevada desert featured in Fright Night, which I went to see this morning, first showing of the day, 3D and everything.

I was kind of apprehensive about it, only because while the original didn't scare me, folks were saying that this remake was good and proper scary. I mean, the last scary movie I saw in the theatre was The Ring - and that was by accident. (Like I'd really watch a movie with scary gross things coming from unlabeled VCR tapes...which make up half my collection here at home!)

Anyway, so I sucked it up and went - and it wasn't bad. Anton Yelchin was the most adorable of adorable cuteboys, and Colin Farrell, whom I've loved since Tigerland was a little too shifty-eyed and bushy-browed in it. But overall it was an ok movie.

And of course - playing a Criss Angel-like showman Peter Vincent, with some of the best lines*, I finally got to see David Tennant in all his "scrawny British" look and appendectomy scar in 3D glory. What? Per the links on DavidTennantonTwitter, that's what he called his uberskinny look on Chris Evans last week!

I know I just saw the guy last month, but man, seeing him in his little jeans and track jacket, and then hearing his patented David Tennant "Wellllll" made me realize how much I miss seeing him on my little TV screen.

I'll definitely buy the DVD of it - it's what I do. But, my guess is that they won't be doing any sequels to this movie, unless they manage to smash the international BO and kill on DVD.

But, until I get my DVD, and in lieu of being at the movie theatre every weekend til it goes away, I have the below David Tennant intro at Comic-Con to keep me happy.

joy magnetism: Year 3, Roll of the dice

Magnet #1096 - Joy in Las Vegas

Not sure if I picked up this magnet myself, or if someone gave it to me, but I figured it was appropriate for me beating the odds. Did you know that something like 95% of all blogs are abandoned? Or that most blogs are abandoned within months of inception?

On February 22, 2008, I giggled to myself, having figured out a way to avoid creating a superdorky Excel spreadsheet to inventory all the magnets in my ever-growing collection. Instead, I created this superdorky magnetblog called joy magnetism. (A name, which made me giggle even harder, as I said to myself, joy magnetism. Geddit?)

Three years later, here I sit, writing about my 1,096th magnet.

Who woulda bet that I could have stuck this out this long?

Or shoot, have this many magnets to talk about?

Thanks very much, everyone who has ever read, posted, or contributed to the blog and/or the collection!

Too much

Magnet #1008 - ELVIS-a-rama Museum

Black Friday.

I bought way too much. I didn't even need anything really, since about 80% of my Christmas shopping was done, but my cousins and I left at 3 in the morning, and didn't come home til 3 in the afternoon.

We started out with Best Buy, Target, a craft store, a fabric store, and all of Concord Mills ("the number one attraction of North Carolina, my mom always tells me). Whew.

One of the great deals was this Elv1s CD of his #1 hits for only $6.50 at Target. I mean, hello! When was the last time you picked up a CD with 30 tracks for under $10? Yay!

I've mentioned before how much I love Elvis, so of course, I couldn't miss going to the ELVIS-a-rama Museum and Gift Shop, a roadside attraction in Vegas.

I've a confession to make, though. I didn't do the museum part, I just did a quick trip to the gift shop (because I had to also squeeze in the Liberace Museum before my flight).

Although, I'm really glad I dropped by, because the poor museum closed back about four years ago. It's yet another museum that I regret just paying to go through really quick. I was about to say, just like the Pez Museum in PA, and I just found out that it closed down, too!

Sadface.

eta:
Son of a gun! I just looked up the Liberace Museum, and it looks like it just closed, too!! Three weeks ago!

Good grief.

eta2:
I'm starting to wonder if I go to sad little museums who are too obscure to stay alive, or if I'm bad luck!

Vega$

Magnet #996 - Las Vegas

Remember when I was cheating on George Clooney with Josh Duhamel? Yeah, still doing it. Thanks to TNT's drama blocks in the morning, there's two hours of Charmed, two hours of Supernatural and then two hours of Las Vegas.

I know when Sam and Dean are on, I've overslept, but when you don't really have anywhere to go, it's ok. Of course, it's gonna be hell, the first week at a new job, getting back into a new sleep routine.

I can't remember if I bought this magnet, or if someone gave it to me knowing I love my name on magnets. This one looks like it dropped out of the 70s or 80s, and who knows what's going on with the calligraphy font. Just silly creative decision there.

For some reason, though, the magnet reminds me of that old tv series Vega$ with Robert Urich. Clearly, I'm showing my age, because the show aired from 1978-1981, and that still puts me in single-digits, with a slight tv crush on Robert Urich. I remember thinking how handsome he was, running around solving cases in Las Vegas in his really cool big red Thunderbird.

I was definitely way too young to be watching the show, though, because I distinctly remember one case, where they were going after a stalker, and I think it was Dan Tana who got into the shower, had his eyes closed as he turned on the water, and as he faced up into the falling water, it turned deep red, like blood. And then he opened his eyes to realize that he was covered in red goo.

That scene seriously scared the bejeezus out of me. Like, to this day, the thought of it freaks me out.

Looks like the show's on DVD, though, so maybe I can go back and watch it...and scrub the scary memory from my mind.

"You see, today I am *living.*"

Magnet #792 - Caesars

I have a couple of magnets from Caesars - one from Vegas and one from Atlantic City. I'll use the other one to rave about how much the Vegas Caesars freaks me out so much with their animatronics and scary thunderstorms. But this one, I have to use today for a couple of reasons.

When I woke up this morning, I was planning on finishing up a book (yes, I know, I was reading), then running out to get a camera to finally replace the crappy and crapped out Nikon Coolpix (a brand which I will never, ever buy again, based on most of the almost 800 magnet pictures you see here on joy magnetism), getting passport pictures done (because I can't believe I let my passport run out last month and what if my Italian prince finds me and I don't have my passport ready?), and then coming home in time to watch the UK episode of Doctor Who (which was the best yet, with Amy Pond, who is poised to become my favorite companion).

Alas, there were already a dozen work emails in my inbox this morning by the time I woke up, which of course, knocked the day and this night (still, because I seriously just emailed it out not ten minutes ago, and it's already 12:44am Sunday) for a loop (hence the crappy picture resolution above).

I had to use this magnet to tell ya'll about one of the best books that I've read in a while. I mean, a friend of mine read it ages ago in manuscript form and really raved about it, and I was completely like, really? Cuz it sounds like all the heroine did was a bucket list.

I generally admit when I'm wrong. And I'm admitting it here. I was wrong. She was right.

And now you must all run out and buy Sarah MacLean's Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake. While it has the longest title ever, and one that I can't believe she convinced her editor and the cover art director to keep, it's also the one book that has managed to capture my rapt attention all the way through to the final page. And believe me when I say there are at least a dozen books (of all genres) sitting on these bookcase shelves with bookmarks in the middle of them.

It's the charming, engaging, and downright funny story of Lady Calpurnia Hartwell, who has been stuck overlong in Spinster Seating, and the hot Marquess she's been dreaming of for nearly a decade - ever since their first meeting in a darkened maze, when he recognized her namesake as Caesar's Empress (hence the magnet). In an attempt to live, Callie's written a to-do list to help push her clearly off the shelf. And that's all I'm going to say, because every one of her adventures is just that. One adventure after another. Fantastic.

I kinda just realized right now as I'm typing that I won't be able to write a review about this book, because it'll just turn into some combo of edit letter/cover letter, listing all the things that I loved about it, and all my minor edits, and all the things to look out for on the next book. But, that's not my job anymore.

And, for once, I'm glad. I loved reading this book, for the sake of reading romance. For the sake of reading.

I'll just say that clearly, I really enjoyed it, as I've totally been SimulTweeting my reading of it over the past 24 hours, I'm sure, bugging the bejeepers out of my Facebook friends.

I don't care. Go. Buy the book. You'll love it.

eta:
Dudes. See? Backordered. That's because it's so good. That's why I said Run. Out. And. Get. It.

Be our guest, be our guest

Magnet #701 - Fiamma Osteria

And now I'll have that song in my head for the rest of the day, complete with the ahhhhh, chorus in the background.

One of the best things about my job, and working in client service, is that it allows me to visit some of the best restaurants in town. Love that.

Ok, really, I just love trying the desserts at them. One of my habits is making sure to request the dessert menu along with the regular menu, so that I can figure out what meal I should get in prep for dessert. That's vital info, or else how can you know what to order for the meal?

Obvi, if you're in a restaurant where there's a dedicated pastry chef listed on the menu, you can't go wrong. Unless you don't see anything chocolate on that dessert menu. And that's a sad little restaurant, indeed.

Anyway, ya'll, I haven't a clue where this magnet came from. I've never been to Fiamma Osteria, and it's not even open anymore down on Spring Street, though they still have a location at the MGM in Vegas.

It's a BR Guest Restaurant though, which means that it was pretty nice, with great food, I'm sure. But, that's kind of the guarantee you get with BR Guest places, methinks.

If you haven't visited any of their restaurants, get thee there soon.

Will the real Wladziu Valentino Liberace please stand up? Please stand up.

Magnet #222 - Liberace Museum

Awww, yeah. The heights of cheesiness, baby!

Actually, I know Liberace was this bigger than life guy, and toward the end he was more of a caricature of himself. But this funkily-designed museum off the beaten path in Vegas gave me a different perspective on the real Liberace.

Behind the candelabra, funny outfits and razzledazzle jewelry was a musical genius. No, I swear!

He came from a musical family (heh, band geeks would get this, but his dad played with Sousa. Sousa!), and started playing at four years old. I dimly recall there being a giant ring at the museum - there was some story about how he deliberately practiced with big, fat heavy rings, in order to strengthen his fingers. I mean the guy played to capacity crowds the world over, television shows and accolades left and right. Dudes, he even has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (ok, ok, that's twice the maintenance his estate has to do)

Anyway, as a child growing up in the 80s, I just remember the exaggerated version of Liberace. Apparently, that whole ring thing worked out for him, since everyone between the Hiltons and the Queen Mum contributed to his collection of big-ass rings. The guy wore outfits with monkey fur, for goodness sake.

But, like I said, he started out and was a serious musician...and a serious superstar. No. Really, just ask any of the many little old ladies who visit this museum - every day. They don't play, man, they luuuuurve that guy.

Cheating on George Clooney...with Josh Duhamel

Magnet #148 - Las Vegas

Every once in a while, I cheat on George Clooney. My flings never really last long, because I always go back to George. And, really, he doesn't mind - we have sort of an understanding. An open relationship. (Except that chick, Sarah Larson - I dunno what the hell that was about.)

Anyway, my current fling is David Tennant from Doctor Who. But, not so very long ago, it was Josh Duhamel from Las Vegas.

I never really watched Josh during his All My Children years, but the second he hit prime time and Win a Date with Tad Hamilton, I was won.

I loved Las Vegas - yes, yes, I know it was a total, gratuitous T&A show. Really more girl (and sometimes, on-girl) action for the boys, but as long as they gave me equal time of my boys - Josh, James Caan and James Lesure - I was pretty happy with it.

It was a silly show, and to be honest, I dunno how it managed five seasons all told. I was a big Danny/Mary fan, right down to the Duran Duran-centric episode, where they talked about going to the DD concert back in the day. And, I loved Vanessa Marcil - she totally rocked the girl-power as Sam "Hummingbird" Marquez.

But, my biggest reason, besides Josh, for watching this show, was James Caan. He was just fabulous to watch. I freakin' love James Caan. Sorry, Magnum, but Las Vegas jumped the shark the second they let Jimmy go.

Anyway, the show's done, but I heard rumors somewhere they may try for a special to tie up loose ends, or the producers may figure out a way to get a cameo Danny/Delinda (cuz of that stupid spawn of theirs about to be born in the series ender) scene on to one of the other shows.

Well, I guess I shouldn't complain. I'm all for seeing Josh Duhamel in anything. I mean, really, did anyone need to watch Turistas past the shirtless Josh on the beach scene?

Peep show at Bellagio

Magnet #114 - Bellagio, Las Vegas

Yep. I've done a Bellagio magnet before, and I've mentioned it on joy magnetism quite a few times. What can I say, it might be my most favorite hotel in the world.

And, one can't say enough about the fabulous water fountains out front. Well, I guess you can if you've seen them do Hey, Big Spender! Which is a touch scarring. Plus, who can forget the Claire de Lune scene at the end of Ocean's 11, with my boy Clooney and the rest of the O11 gang.

But, the real reason I'm using it for today's magnet, is because one of my fellow bloggers and poster to this site, goldengait, has shared the funniest damn story about the Bellagio water fountains that I've ever heard.

Hope my sister's fiance reads this and takes note. Heh.

And, by the way, if you're hanging around GG's blog, take note of the fun show recaps she does - they're fun, concise, and has a way of making you think Hey! Me, too!

Viva Las Vegas - GAR Day #11

Magnet #94 - Bellagio, Las Vegas

As our second day in Vegas, today was supposed to be a full day of Las Vegas hi jinx. The oddest thing about Las Vegas is the fact that once you get inside one of their monolithic hotels, you can't tell if it's day or night. It's insane. And the exits/entrances are like miles away from wherever you are, so leaving the grounds just seems harder than just plopping down in front of the nearest slot machine.

We were booked for a few nights at the Wynn hotel for the GAR, probably the only hotel that could beat out the Bellagio. Because the Bellagio? Heaven. No, seriously. This hotel is just. heaven. From the Chihuly glass entryway to the rooms, to the buffet, to the art gallery, to the conservatory gardens. Loved. This. Hotel. It just makes you feel wealthy, and transported off the strip. The dancing waters in front of the hotel are just as Clair-de-lune-y as Ocean's 11 makes it out to be.

Last time around, after checking out of our beloved Bellagio, roadtripped out to Utah, and on our way back to fly out of McCarran, baby sister forgot that she'd left her stuffed moose Napi back in the Bellagio. After much, much upset and pouting, she called the Bellagio, so that we could pick it up our way out.

Dudes, it was just a stuffed moose, not the Hope Diamond...but when she got to the front desk, she was told to wait - as the front desk attendant went to go retrieve the stuffed moose. From an undisclosed location. Freaky.

GAR Track of the Day: Viva Las Vegas

Luck be a joy tonight - GAR Day #10

Magnet #93 - Sinatra in Vegas

So, today was Grand Canyon day on the GAR, and then driving into Vegas tonight.

We did the Grand Canyon when I was 12, and it was absolutely gorgeous. Well, to some. My grandmother nearly drove my mom crazy when she told mom that it was just a big hole in the ground. Whoops. Mind you, this was after we'd crossed the desert in a 4-door sedan with three young kids, a grandma...and yes, that priest.

Anyway, I'm using Sinatra in Vegas today, in honor of my dad. The fam dropped by for the weekend to do some sightseeing. But, instead of seeing the city today, my dad, a big Sinatra fan, literally spent about 6 hours reading the Easy Listening Music Choice channel.

What? He likes the artist trivia. So, MusicChoice channel programmer - if you're reading, take heart - someone actually reads that stuff to float across the screen!

GAR Track of the Day: Luck Be a Lady Tonight

Joy and sisterhood in Las Vegas

Magnet #75 - Las Vegas
Pictured left to right: baby sister, me, middle sister

So, a few years ago, for my baby sister's 21st birthday, middle sister and I decided to take her to Vegas. She was finally of legal age to drink and debauch!

It wasn't til we got there that we found out that she doesn't like to really do either.

So what do three of-age girls do in Vegas?

Gamble. That's when we realized we weren't so much table gamblers. Still aren't. But we do like to play the slots. And, man, did we play them. At almost every casino along the strip. Middle sister has a history of winning a couple hundred...so any kitty we managed to accumulate went to the next thing on this list:

Eat. Buffets. At Excalibur. At the Bellagio. I'm sure I'm forgetting somewhere else. Plus, we also used our casino winnings to eat at the nicer restaurants...nothing more decadent than blowing money you didn't earn on a 5-star meal.

Pamper ourselves. Yeah. No spas here. But, we did opt to stay in the Bellagio for two nights. And, there's nothing like being on the casino floor, needing to use the restroom, going to one and seeing the line...and then saying to yourself - Wait a minute!!! I'm a guest! - and running upstairs with your keycard. Awesome. Plus, props to the Bellagio for making us feel like we were superduperwealthy...even though we totally aren't.

Sightsee. I know, feels like all there is to do in Vegas is get drunk and gamble. But, honestly? We managed to do quite a bit of sightseeing. In town, we went to most of the major casino shows (the freakish animatronics at Caesar's, the weird pirate show at Treasure Island, the tigers exhibit at MGM?), and we of course did M&M World, and that weird gaming complex (baby sister climbed the rock wall like a little spider monkey). We even had time for a little art - there was a Fabergé Egg exhibit at the Bellagio art gallery. I know! It's like Julia's art gallery in Ocean's 11!

Roadtrip. We went to Hoover Dam and did the tour. We went to Lake Mead (pictured here), and just roamed around. Then, we also did a side trip out to Utah, to assuage the outdoorsiness of baby sister. Bryce Canyon and Zion, and a couple of state parks...lots of early mornings and late nights.

Ride horses. Well, ok, technically, that was in Utah, at Bryce Canyon National Park. And even more technically, only two of the three of us actually liked it. Baby sister loved it, I liked it (even though I've never been in so much pain in my life), and middle sister nearly passed out. (Yep, there's a magnet for that story later on.)

There are definitely more silly stories...but there's more silly magnets. Wait til you hear about Napi the moose.

I plead the Fifth

Magnet #59 - Luxor Hotel, Vegas

They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

So stay in Vegas it shall.

Suffice to say, an account exec or two, a client, around the world vodka shots, and $100 chip. Oh, and some lessons learned.

So you think you're a fan

Magnet #11 - Star Trek Experience, Hilton Las Vegas

I always think I'm like the biggest fan ever of, well, everything. Romance novels, soap operas, Garth Brooks, chocolate, Buffy, you name it.

And then every so often, I learn that I'm totally unworthy of calling myself a true fan. That's when I find myself surrounded by truer fans. That's:

• avid romance readers at the Romance Writers of America annual literacy booksigning.
• soap fans at Super Soap Weekend in Orlando.
• country music fans at Garth Brooks' Central Park show.
• chocoholics at the NY Chocolate Show every year.
• Buffy fans at a NYC singalong screening of "Once More, with Feeling."

And for some reason, I'm always surprised. Always.

So, really, when I showed up at the superawesome and fun Star Trek Experience at the Hilton, Las Vegas, I shouldn't have been so surprised. I'm a fan, don't get me wrong - I can tell the difference between all the Enterprises, the shows, and the captains. Sometimes, I can even remember episode titles. And I've seen all of TNG, multiple times. C'mon, that has to earn me some points.

Yeah, I know.

That's why I kept my novice mouth shut during the entire time I was there.