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I love storytelling and always want my readers to have options. You can find my blogs on my YouTube channel and listen to them on the go.

Entertainment Charlene Eckstein Entertainment Charlene Eckstein

10 Classic Movies Worth Watching Again And Again

I love watching old movies. No particular genre, but I am a Hitchcock fan, and think there is just something about watching movies in black and white. Every time I watch an old, classic movie I am fascinated.

I am fascinated by the fact that while technology, and fashion, and the way we live have all changed to a large degree, but human nature has stayed the same.

If you look at the list of movies below, you will find the subjects to still be quite relevant. People are still plotting to kill for money, still cheating, still lusting, still jealous of others, and still psycho. Let us briefly discuss each movie below. If you have not seen them, I highly recommend each one.

My Favorite Classic Movies

Psycho - This movie is just a great thriller and brings to question nature versus nurture. Poor Norman Bates and his victims.

Rear Window - This movie is the classic nosy neighbor. People-watching can be fun, and if you watch long enough, you are bound to see something you were not meant to.

An Imitation of Life - I cry every time I watch this movie. It's a story of mothers and daughters. Also a story of a mulatto girl who could pass as white and wouldn't accept that she was black.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane - Such a crazy, juicy movie. Bette Davis and Joan Crawford bring it. Apparently, jealousy and envy can drive you insane.

The Sound of Music - I love that spunky Maria finds herself and gets her man. Based on a true story, it's very romantic and sweet, and I love to sing along. Unfortunately, the damn Nazis were growing in power at the same time.

Double Indemnity - Ah for the love of money and a good insurance policy. A scheming woman and dumb man.

East of Eden - James Dean has a lot of family problems in this classic and falls in love with a girl he should not.

A Place in the Sun - Beautiful Montgomery Clift has a case of bad timing and bad judgement. How does one untangle themselves from one relationship to be with the girl of their dreams?

Dial M for Murder - Affairs, blackmail, a murder plot, and a large inheritance. What can go wrong? Everything...

The Wizard of Oz - I think most people have seen Dorothy's trip to Oz. It's always fun to watch and hard to believe it premiered in 1939.

These are some of my favorite movies. They are good movies, but also timeless. We, as humans are always changing, and evolving, but somehow we are the same as we were 1000 years ago. Still plotting, and coveting, and falling in and out of love and lust.

What are your favorite classic movies? Do any of these make your list? Please share your favorites!

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Entertainment, Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein Entertainment, Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein

Need A Laugh? Here Are Some Really Silly Jokes To Lighten Your Spirits

My heart is very heavy today. Today was a dark day and I know I need to add some light. Sometimes if you don't laugh, you cry. I decided to comb the Internet for silly, and dumb in some cases, jokes. I hope you find your heart lighter after reading the silliness below.

Why can't you trust an atom? Because they literally make up everything

Why don't teddy bears ever order dessert? Because they're always stuffed

Why does Humpty Dumpty love autumn? Because he had a great fall

What do computers snack on? Microchips

Two men broke broke into a drug store and stole Viagra. The police were on the lookout for two hardened criminals

Did you hear about the two antennas that got married? The ceremony was nice...but the reception was amazing

Why couldn't Dracula's wife get to sleep? Because of his coffin

What kind of guns do bees use? BeeBee guns

What kind of music do mummies listen to? Wrap music

What do you call a nosey pepper? Jalapeno business

Why did the rapper carry an umbrella? Fo' drizzle

What did the worker at the rubber band factory say when he lost his job? Oh snap

Who does a pharaoh talk to when he's sad? His mummy

Why shouldn't you write with a broken pencil? Because there's no point

What do you call a guy who never farts in public? A private tutor

How did Darth Vader know what Luke got him for Christmas? He felt his presents

What kind of horses go out after dark? Nightmares

What did the ghost say to the bee? Boo-Bee

Why did the cookie go to the hospital? Because he felt crummy

Have you heard the one about the Corduroy pillow? It's making headlines

So there you have it. My best shot at making you smile today. I hope your heart feels a little lighter. It will get better.

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Entertainment Charlene Eckstein Entertainment Charlene Eckstein

What's On Your Movie Replay List? Here Are My Top 10 Movies To Watch Over and Over

I am going to be honest, most of the movies on my list would not be deemed "Oscar" worthy. I like them because they are fun, funny, or evoke some emotion that takes me back to a special time, or place in my life.

Try not to be too judgey in your assessment of my list. Unless of course you are wiling to share your list as well and be judged.

Love Actually

I am a romantic at heart. As unrealistic as most of the storylines are, they are still sweet. And of course it's a great Christmas movie.

The Best Man

Umm Morris Chestnut, no other explanation needed.

It's Complicated

I am Meryl Streep fan, but in this particular movies she is almost living my dream life. She lives in a beautiful home in Santa Barbara, with an ocean view and a gorgeous garden. Plus she runs an awesome bakery/cafe. She has a great group of girlfriends, but the only thing missing is a mate. I would want to share that wonder life with someone.

Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion

So dumb it's hilarious. It always makes me think about my high school days. I think many people can relate to this movie in some way. Plus it has great 80's music.

So I Married An Axe Murderer

I start laughing just thinking about this movie. It's hilarious. Just give it a chance.

Lord of the Rings

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I don't know what it is about these movies, but if I am puttering around the house on the weekend, one of the LOTR movies is likely to be on in the background in one of the rooms. I mean they are always on TNT or TBS, and they last for hours. 

Harry Potter

HP movies are fun, entertaining, and family friendly. The girls and I can just cuddle up on the sectional, and watch any of the movies on a lazy day.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Who doesn't love Indiana Jones? Well ok Crystal Skull was a bust, but who doesn't love that theme music, and the sound of a whip cracking.

Grease

I know every song to Grease. I think every sleep over I ever went to we sang all of the songs. It's two hours of being silly and singing, maybe even dancing if you know the hand jive.

Inception

I find the concept brilliant, and I love the sound track. Hans Zimmer is amazing. 

So there you have it. The top ten movies I watch the most, in no particular order, mainly because they relax me, or make me laugh. Think about the movies you watch the most. What keeps bringing you back to them?

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Lifestyle, Entertainment Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle, Entertainment Charlene Eckstein

What's Your Sign? I'm An Aries...

So I have never been one for astrology but one of my girlfriends' constant reference has peaked my interest. I have always known I was an Aries, which is a fire sign but that is about it. I figured I would do a little research on Aries and see how much seems to be in line with the person I really am.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. Aries are leaders of the pack and first in line to get things done. Aries have excellent organizational skills and like to finish more things at once.

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The negative is Aries are impatient, aggressive, and vent anger on others. Hmm so far this is eerily close to my personality traits.

The Aries women are fearless and natural leaders. Aries women are energetic, charismatic, dynamic, and love challenges and adventures. They are also extremely passionate and sexual, which makes her irresistible to the opposite sex. I think that last one is up for debate.

Since Aries is a fire sign, my greatest overall compatibility is with the Leo and Sagittarius, which are both fire signs as well. The best sign for marriage with an Aries is a Libra.

My hubby is a Gemini, which is listed as another compatible sign to consider for Aries. Tip for attracting an Aries woman. She craves love but wants to be in a position of control at all times.

Lastly, the strengths and weaknesses of the Aries. Aries are courageous, determined, confident, enthusiastic, optimistic, honest, passionate. Unfortunately the Aries is also impatient, moody, short-tempered, impulsive, and aggressive.

Well I think I am a believer and a poster child for Aries. What are your thoughts on zodiacs signs and their accuracy? Are you a believer? Please share your thoughts!

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Entertainment Charlene Eckstein Entertainment Charlene Eckstein

The Movie Theatre Experience...Do You Still Enjoy Going?

Times have changed when it comes to the big screen experience. Prices have gone up like crazy for the tickets and do not even get me started on the concession stand prices. I mean $12 for a bucket of popcorn, seriously.  

And despite all of the lecturing promos about talking excessively and cellphones use during the movie people still do what they want without any consideration to you.

Why bother going? Why not invest in a nice size television, a surround system, and a comfy recliner. It would probably save you lots of money in the long run. You can buy the DVD, rent from Red Box, or subscribe to Amazon Instant Video, which I love.

You can eat what you want and the bathrooms are always to your liking. Plus movies go from the theatre to DVD in a matter of months now.

Having said all of that I still love going to the movies. Some movies are a must see at the theatre. Nothing really beats to movie going experience but it is pricey, particularly for a family of 4. I have some recommendation for saving you some money.

First I always go the AMC theatre at the mall near my house, so I purchased the AMC Stubs card. The card is $12 a year and pays for itself during the summer block bluster months. You earn money/points on the card when you purchase tickets or buy at the concession. Not only do I earn $10 every couple of visits, I can upgrade my drinks and popcorn for free. Pay for a small and get a medium. Another recommendation is preparation.

I head to Target before a movie trip. Target carries movie theatre size candies for about $1, which will save you about $3 per candy item. Lastly, I always bring a bottle of water in my purse. I refuse to pay $4 for something that is practically free. 

Share your tips for saving at the movies.

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