Unconcealed Exposure

I have never been much a fan of shopping for clothes. I put zero effort into my fashion style, and my manly credibility suffers as a result. It's not a priority of mine to schedule expeditions for classy garments. Last night, as in many Friday evenings, my only focus was on eating a tasty meal and seeing a movie. That film, ironically, is called "Confessions of a Shopaholic."

Things did not go as planned yesterday. My California Pizza Kitchen dinner was wonderful. Everything blissfully bewildered me afterward. My date and I left C.P.K. to quickly purchase some new recreational shoes for me before hitting the movie theater. In the end, I purchased more than one pair of shoes at DSW. With my female assistant as a guide, my feet fell in love with both a retro pair of New Balance sneakers and also some super cool Converse. I could not deny it. I was hooked and couldn't have cared less about watching a movie. I wanted more, more, more. Next, we rushed to Ross and grabbed me two types of sexy jeans and a third pair of shoes. It's too bad we wasted so much time trying things on. Time had run out and stores were in the process of closing for the night. No matter though. It's a new day now, and I'm on my way out the door to go purchase six crew neck t-shirts from Foreign Exchange...

My name is Bryan Barbour. I am a shopaholic. This has been my confession. -BTB

Oh Happy Day

It's another one of those special Friday's. People go to work. Children head to school. Babies are born. In the midst of all this, some very lucky people will head to see the new Nicolas Cage movie. I cannot review it because I have yet to see it but for me, it's already entertaining. I always cherish the thought of seeing a new film starring the reliably good Nic Cage. "Bangkok Dangerous was supposedly terrible," you say. I was first in line to see it and actually liked it, I respond. No matter where you are. No matter what you do. You cannot avoid the work of the finest actor around, Nicolas Cage.

Knowing is now playing at a theater near you.

------------SMG---------------

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Super Awesome Lazer Team

May I request all readers of this blog to please immediately support my cousin, Mr. Cory Gilbride. He and his friends strive to land on television with their futuristic tale following a group of renegrade camp counselors. Sadly, Valentine's Day has been banned by the Evil Emperor Cowboy. The Super Awesome Lazer Team daringly strives to restore the love...

Spread the word about the power of this entertaining romp everywere you go. Cory and company need our help. They are seeking over 1,000,000 views to help them land a television deal. The Princes of the Universe are in full support of helping this group reach their artistic goals. Simply click on the title above (Super Awesome Lazer Team) and let's all help my cousin out. - BTB

America The Great

Tonight I felt very American. After coming home from work I walked over to Mcdonald's around 8:40pm where I purchased combo #3 with extra pickles and extra onions. Then I quickly walked back to my house and turned on the tv just in time for the newest episode of "24." As I opened my bag of fast food I was not only pleased with the fact that I had stimulated the economy, but the food also tasted wonderful.

And Jack Bauer as a side dish aint too shabby either. Nothing says America like a bit of torture and nobody threatens torture better than Jack Bauer. It's good to have you back Jack and this season is finally shaping up to be fantastic. The episode winded down, my food digested and I sipped on a frosty coca cola until a smile appeared on my face. I've done my job America and you are welcome.

---SMG

Radio Heart

I spend much of my work day inside of my car. Years ago, I accidentally stumbled upon 97.1 FM TALK. My life was never again the same. I remained absolutely glued to every word that was transmitted from this beautiful little station. In particular, it was the wonderful hours filled with "Frosty, Heidi, and Frank" & "The Tom Leykis Show" that especially charmed me. All sorts of life stories and advice came out of these four irreplaceable talents. CBS Radio unfortunately made the financial decision to change broadcasting formats. Now, 97.1 FM is basically like every other Top 40 station out there. Not that anything is wrong with that. Plenty of great tunes are featured here. But then again, these pop hits are all over the place. 97.1 FM TALK, you are missed. I cherish the years I shared with you.

Everything changes, whether we all like it or not. Rush Limbaugh and Dr. Laura Schlessinger now accompany throughout my work week. Indeed, my radio dial now often lands on 640 AM. While this change in my radio station of choice was cruelly forced on me, I will not deny the value of Rush and Dr. Laura. My brain has been quite busy...

Finally, let me shout it out loud - WELCOME BACK U2! For when I'm not listening to talk radio, I am in absolute ecstasy these days repeatedly listening to "No Line On The Horizon," U2s 15th studio album. I merely listened to this musical collection twice and I was hooked. Quite simply, it is no wonder why U2 is the biggest band in the world. -BTB

A Super Bowl

In the morning I enjoy eating cereal. It's something I have almost always started my weekday mornings with over the course of my life. My mom would agree that I have probably eaten enough cereal to last a small family for many years in a post-apocalyptic world. For me, I will need two bowls of cereal or, and my personal preference, one super bowl of cereal. I can dig in with sheer pleasure, until, like this morning, the landscapers begin using all of their extremely loud equipment outside the apartment. Hmmm...do those guys ever take a day off? -SMG

Welcome Back Jason

The thirteenth day of Februay this year had the misfortune of falling on a Friday. Rather than sheltering myself all day long, I behaved like a goat and joyfully sprinted over to the nearest movie theater last weekend. The latest addition to the "Friday the 13th" cinematic series had arrived.

With the powerful name of producer Michael Bay stamped all over it, the newest installment of this neverending horror collection is actually a remake/update of the orginal 1980 horror staple. Honestly, I've never been a dedicated fan of the slasher film genre. The films are all the same. Most of them are pretty lame. Still, for some reason, I always foolishly hope for the best.

Proudly, I am here to announce that the 2009 version of "Friday the 13th" is better than the original. It is a welcome reminder of the goofy joy an audience can share while witnessing pure trash. The movie is excitingly loud, deliciously violent, and remarkably enjoyable. At least for the first half or so. "Friday the 13th" overstays its welcome. Oh well though... I guess that is only nautral. I am thankful the hockey mask at least made an effort. -BTB

The Generic Brand

I used to peruse the cereal isle at the grocery store like a hawk scanning the desert for the plumpest meal. Once I found that perfect choice, I steadied my hand and reached out for the closest thing to cereal heaven available. I'd purchase it for some ridiculous price and take it home to enjoy it for a short four maybe five days.

Recently though everything I once knew has been blown out of the water. For the first time that I can ever remember I purchased a large quantity bag of generic cereal. Times are tough and I do my best to save money and pinch my wallet whenever possible. It's no time to be proud. As I carried the cereal through my door back home I wondered what had I done? What was I getting myself into? Little did I know the sheer pleasure that waited for me.

I tore open that bag of Magic Stars (aka Lucky Charms), poured it into a bowl with milk and cautiously took my first bite. To my amazement it was wonderful. At first I didn't know if it was just the fact that it was cheap that I liked it or that it was legitimately good. After I finished the first bowl I went back for seconds and it was clear, this was as good as if not better than the real thing. So next time you head to the store and contemplate getting the generic brand, go ahead, give it a chance.

-SMG

C.Y.B.O.R.G.

The weather of 2009 has been absolutely crazy. I like things to be unpredictable, but this is getting a little ridiculous. One day, it'll be as hot as sizzling steaks cooking on a grill. Then, a day later, I'll feel like ice-cream chilling away inside of a freezer. I am sitting inside my bedroom right now literally shivering. I actually had to scrape off some ice from my windshield yesterday morning. I didn't think I'd ever be doing this chore in Orange County, California. Fond memories of growing up in Colorado brought a smile to my face. I was a little boy back then.

1987s "Robocop" is a wonderful movie. I remember catching this ultra-violent thrill ride with my father year or so after its theatrical release at my old Coloarado home. Actually, I watched "Robocop" again and again and again back then (thanks to the magic of VHS). Has anyone realized how many actors from "Robocop" have appeared in the brilliant television series, "24?" Think about the seasons from the past and you'll see what I mean. Coincidentally, what is with the initials "J.B.?" Jack Bauer, Jason Bourne, James Bond... - BTB