Here We Are...with Luci

Chick Flick Chat: "New Moon" Rises and Falls

Please CLICK HERE to listen to the latest Chick Flick Chat featuring, New Moon - The Second Movie in the Twilight Series.

"If a rush of danger is what it takes to see him, then that's what I'll find." ~ Bella Swan, played by Kristen Stewart, in "New Moon"

Teenage daughter? Niece? Granddaughter? Forget whether she is on Team Edward or Team Jacob and realize that this movie undermines her self-esteem. This follow-up radio show to Chick Flick Chat, Twilight - The Movie, chomps down harder on the not so buried message that true love hurts. 

Sorry Twi-hards, this uber-popular movie promotes bad choices, dangerous chances, self-destructive behavior, the "Cinderella Syndrome," and a request for death as romantic antics. Love it or hate it, the movie offers plenty to discuss about how these messages are presented to young girls.

Calling for Comments: Have something to say? Want to join in on the discussion? Which is your favorite movie, "Twilight" or "New Moon"? Comment on this article OR offer your thoughts on ANY article that is open to accept comments. The January gift is a new CD Soundtrack from the film, New Moon. While we take issue with the movie's messages, the music stands alone. Remember to subscribe by email to be eligible, thanks!

Chick Flick Chat: "Revolutionary Road"

"No one forgets the truth...they just get better at lying." ~ Kate Winslet's character, April Wheeler in "Revolutionary Road"

Click HERE to listen to Chick Flick Chat featuring the film Revolutionary Road.

Put on your seat belt, this movie takes you on quite a ride! No matter what decade you grew up in, you will recognize issues that are alive and festering today. 

The performances by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are exceptional. Their characters are moving and memorable, supplying us with a lot to chat about. We drive the details of what it all means up one side of the street and back down the other. So buckle up, listen, and share your thoughts.

REMINDER: The "Twilight" Chick Flick Chat secret word contest continues until Dec. 15, 2009. Please listen and email the word for a chance to win a new copy of "Hot Blooded." Click here for all the details...it's easy, fun, and free!

Chick Flick Chat: Twilight - The Movie

Listen for a chance to win a HOT copy of the paranormal anthology "Hot Blooded"

Please CLICK HERE to listen to the latest Chick Flick Chat.

Danger. Love. Attraction. We bit into the messages that are deeper, darker, and beyond the pale in this modern day Romeo and Juliet love story.

In Twilight, forbidden fruit has never been so tempting, or so well disguised. If you are a mother, an aunt, an older sister, or a grandmother of a young girl, this chat dished the less appetizing symbols in this popular film. Join us for this sweet to sticky tasty talk!

The Hot Blooded Giveaway Details:

1. Listen to the show

2. Hear the "secret" word - revealed during the show 

3. Subscribe by entering your email address in the "Free Updates" box in the upper right hand column; then check your inbox for an email from Feedburner, open it and click the link to activate. It is free and we never share your info {if you are already subscribed for updates by email - skip this step}.

4. Email the "secret" word in the subject line [the email link is in the upper left hand corner of every HWA page - see Luci's cartoon face]; you only need to email the secret word once to be entered

5. The contest for the 3 copies of the book will be open until Dec. 15, 2009. 

NOTE: Winners for this giveaway must be in the continental US and 18 years or older please. Read more about our how the HWA Gift Giveaways work.

Chick Flick Chat Reminder: Bite Into The "Twilight" Movie

Fangs Out, Fingers Ready...Dial Up A Tasty Talk & Maybe A Treat About "Twilight - The Movie"

It's almost time for Chick Flick Chat. Join us on Sunday, October 25, 6:30pm EST to dig in about the film, Twilight.

You can call 646-929-2473 to chat, go online to the radio show to listen -- it's free & fun {long distance charges may apply}.

Don't be scared if you didn't read the book, the focus of Chick Flick Chat is always on the featured movie.

Speaking of books, we are giving away new copies of the book, Hot Blooded. This steamy paranormal anthology of "sensual predators who come by night" is sure to wet your appetite. Check out the book link to read the first few pages of this walk on the wild side. Be warned, it is hot, hot, hot!

Is your blood pumping? Want to know how to win a copy? It's as easy as licking your lips:

1. Listen to the show, either live or recorded

2. Hear the "secret" word - revealed during the show 

3. Subscribe by entering your email address in the "Free Updates" box in the upper right hand column; then check your inbox for an email from Feedburner, open it and click the link to activate. It is free and we never share your info {if you are already subscribed for updates by email - skip this step}.

4. Email the "secret" word in the subject line [the email link is in the upper left hand corner of every HWA page - see Luci's cartoon face]; you only need to email the secret word once to be entered

5. The contest for the books will be open until Dec. 15, 2009. 

NOTE: Winners for this giveaway must be in the continental US and 18 years or older please. Read more about our how the HWA Gift Giveaways work.

Join us when the sun goes down this Sunday!

Bionic Beauty Goes Boom!

OUCH! We are sorry to report that this Sunday's Here We Are Radio Show, "Bionic Beauty: Blogging, Beauty, Business and More," is postponed.

Jami, the Bionic Beauty, took an unexpected tumble and landed in the hospital for a temporary stay. While she is home and recovering -- even Bionic Beauties need extra rest to completely heal. We wish her the best and look forward to the show on it's re-scheduled date. In the meantime, you can send her your well wishes and we will let you know the new date when it is confirmed.

Feel better Jami, we are looking forward to recording the show and learning from you! 

REMINDER: We are still on schedule for the Oct. 25, 6:30pm EST, "Twilight" Chick Flick Chat. Tune in for a spooktacular talk about this movie. Don't be scared -- call in at (646)-929-2473 and tell us what you think!

Chick Flick Chat: "Julie & Julia"

"Cooking is not a chore; it's a joy!" ~ Julia Child, 1912-2004, Chef, TV Host, Author -- Mastering The Art of French Cooking

Please CLICK HERE to listen to the latest episode of Chick Flick Chat. We peeled off the layers like an onion with this film!

If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. It is an interesting approach to the life and times of Julia Child, focusing on her long lasting impact on other women, society, and how we look at food. While this sounds very serious, you do leave the theater smiling!

Once you see this film, please leave a comment with your own movie review.

Bon appetit!

An Invitation: Join Us On "Chick Flick Chat"

"JULIE & JULIA"

You are invited to join Chick Flick Chat, the Here We Are Radio Series on Sunday, August 23, at 6:30pm EST, to dish, detail, and discuss this film.

Chat with us live about the recently released film, Julie & Julia, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams.  NOTE: You do not have to "sign in" to Blog Talk Radio to listen - just go to the radio show page and hit the widget's arrow to listen on-line. Not near your computer? Then dial (646)-929-2473 and listen by phone - to chat with us, use the same call-in number and PRESS #1! It's easy!

Chick Flick Chat: "He's Just Not That Into You"

CLICK HERE to Listen

What do Jennifer Anniston, Drew Barrymore, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johannson, and Jennifer Connelly have in common? Terrific and telling performances in the movie, "He's Just Not That Into You." Explore the women's roles in this popular film with Luci and co-host, Susan, in this episode of Here We Are's Chick Flick Chat. Warning: we really picked this one apart! Enjoy!

Did you see this film? What are your thoughts on the performances? Relationships? Emotional twists and turns?

Chick Flick Chat: Postponed Until 7/24

Quick Update:

Tonight's episode of  "Chick Flick Chat"  is rescheduled for next Friday, July 24, at 6:30pm EST. The selected movie for this chat is, "He's Just Not That Into You," starring Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Gennifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson, and Jennifer Connelly. If you haven't seen it, now is the time to view it OnDemand or rent the DVD.

Listen live and call in (646) 929-2473 to share your thoughts on this fascinating look at dating, love, friendship, marriage, and more! NOTE: You don't have to "sign in" to Blog Talk Radio to call in and/or listen live at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Here-We-Are.

Summer Reading: What's In Your Beach Bag?

FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE MONTH: Comment On Here We Are For A Chance To Win A Signed Hardcover Copy of Lisa Scottoline's Latest Best Selling Book, "Look Again"

It is time to pick up that book that has been waiting for you since the cold days of winter. There is no better place than in a beach chair to turn the pages of an intriguing thriller, a victorian romance, or the current chick lit. Whatever your pleasure, indulge yourself!

Tell us what you are reading, going to read, want to read...I just finished my summer catch-up reading of James Patterson's books: Sail, Cross Country, Mary Mary, and Judge & Jury. If you like a thriller then I recommend any and all four. Warning: Each has its own brand of Patterson violence but the suspense is worth the gore.

As for the vampire trilogy that is o' so popular. I am finally giving myself over to it. There is a copy of Twilight at the top of my "to read" stack, along with two more Patterson books, Cross and Double Cross. Okay, this is beginning to sound like an obsession but I just love the Alex Cross story-lines. 

This latest book by Lisa Scottoline looks to be another page turner in her long line of heart pounding plots. Lisa has managed to sell over 25 million copies of her books while raising a daughter as a single Mom! No easy feat, but her readers are glad she discovered her passion for writing. Check out the video trailer or read the first chapter of "Look Again" here.

How to win the July Gift Giveaway of "Look Again" -

1. You must be a Here We Are email subscriber (more info here)
2. Tell us in the comments section what you are reading or recommend a book you've read
3. Comments published on any and all July entries will count - so if you are not currently up on the latest best seller, jump in on another conversation and share your thoughts!

NOTE: Comments are moderated, so you won't see them immediately upon submission. As long as they fall under our policy, they are published ASAP, and I do not reveal email addresses - ever!

Not sure what to comment about? Check out the popular comment thread answering Bionic Beauty's question, "What are you reading?" Jami, the Bionic Beauty, inspired this entry. The girls that commented at Bionic Beauty are responsible for me going over to the dark side...I want in on the vampire action, too!

So here's to your toes in the sand and nose in the book...remember to comment! The next book in your beach bag could be "Look Again."

"Chick" Flick Chat: "Rachel Getting Married"

CLICK here to listen to this episode of the Here We Are Radio show

Like to discuss movies but no time to see the latest theater releases? No worries. Introducing Here We Are's new monthly radio show series that features movies already on DVD and On-Demand. Each month a recently released film will be the subject of the discussion. We will be selecting from a variety of genres, but the discussion is focused on the women's roles and the roles they play in that film.

So whether you like comedy, drama, action, or thriller movies...join Luci and her "Chick" Flick Chat co-host, Susan, a film and pop culture enthusiast, to chat about everything from the acting to relationships, wardrobe, and more. 

Come chat with us...At the beginning of each month, the selected "movie" will be announced in the "Announcements, Updates, & Reminders" entry (first entry of every month) along with the scheduled date of the radio show. You are invited to call in (details to follow) to share your thoughts and impressions. We'd love to hear from you!

Check out the first episode of Here We Are's "Chick" Flick Chat featuring "Rachel Getting Married," starring Anne Hathaway. You can listen to the full episode by clicking the link next to the picture above or visit our Here We Are "station" page at Blog Talk Radio.

NOTE 1: We are working on the opening music, we know a minute is too long.

NOTE 2: Since this was the first show of this series, there are no call-ins on this episode, but we look forward to hearing from you on our July show!

If you've seen this film, share your thoughts in our comments section. Love it, hate it...tell us what you think!

Text Message Abbreviations: Now You Know Your ABCs for TXTs

Part 2: Letters N - Z

Here are the rest of the text message abbreviations. Oops, I mean TXT MSSG ABBRV's. JIC U missed it, this continues from Part 1 of the Here We Are entry, Text Message Abbreviations: Let Your Fingers Do The Talking.

BTW, DIS that the "caps" are for emphasis (HWA is not shouting @ U):

MOS = Mom/Mother over shoulder [I finally found one that starts with "M"]

NIMBY = Not in my backyard

NMU = Not much, you?

NP = No problem

NRN = No response necessary

NS = No sweat

NT = No thanks

ORLY / O RLY = Oh really?

OL = The old lady

OM = The old man

OT = Off topic

OTOH = On the other hand

P911 = Parent alert 

PIR = Parent(s) in the room

peeps / PPL = People 

peep this = Hey, listen to this

PLS / PLZ = Please

PMJI = Pardon me for jumping in

POTS = Plain old telephone service

POS = Parents over shoulder

PRW = Parents are watching

PTB = Please text back

Ringl8 = Running late

RL = Real life (vs. on-line)

RME = Rolling my eyes

ROFL = Rolling on floor laughing

RSN = Real soon now

RU = Are you?

RUOK = Are you okay?

SH = Same here

SO = Significant other

SOS = Same old stuff

SOTA = State of the art

STR8 = Straight (re: sexuality)

SY = Sincerely yours

TAFN = That's all for now

TC = Take care

THX / THNX = Thanks!

TMI / TM411 = Too much information

TNT = Till next time

TRDMF = Tears running down my face

TPS = That's pretty stupid

TTFN = Ta-Ta for now

TTYL = Talk to you later

TY = Thank you

USA = Until sides ache

UV = Unpleasant visual

UW / YW = You're welcome

WB = Welcome back

WEG = Wicked evil grin

WEU = What's eating you?

WTG = Way to go

WFM = Works for me

WWJD = What would Jesus do?

YAA = Yet another acronym

YBS = You'll be sorry

YT = You there?

So there U have it...the HWA list of text message abbreviations. Peeps, IDK any that start with X or Z, JW if U do? PLS tell us, TY! GTR, HAGD!!!

Like the information you are reading on Here We Are? Be sure to subscribe -- it's free, we never share your info, and you might even receive one of our monthly gifts!

Text Message Abbreviations: Let Your Fingers Do The Talking

Part I: Letters A - M

It seems no matter where you go these days, someone is typing an email message, a Tweet on Twitter, or texting. The new rules of communication dictate that brevity rules and swiftness is key. Whether your conduit of choice is a cell phone, a Blackberry, a laptop, or a desktop keyboard, the message is loud and clear...There is no need to speak when you can be heard via silent acronyms. Here We Are is here to help your fingers do the talking!

Here R the ABC's 4 U ("Caps" in this list are for an easier read -- not shouting @ U -- HF!):

AAK = Alive and kicking

ADN = Any day now

AEAP = As early as possible

AFAIK = As far as I know

AFK = Away from keyboard

AFN = All for now

ASL = Age Sex Location

AYT = Are you there?

B4 = Before

B4N = Bye for now

BBL = Be back later

BCNU = Be seeing you

BF = Boyfriend

BRB = Be right back

BTW = By the way

CU = See you

CYRMA = Call your mother

DEGT = Don't even go there

DIKU = Do I know you?

DIS = Did I say

DK = Don't know

EG = Evil grin

EM = E-mail  //  EM? = Excuse Me?

EOD = End of discussion

F2F = Face to face

FOCL = Falling off chair laughing

FUBAR = F'd up beyond all recognition

FYEO = For your eyes only

GAL = Get a life

GBH = Great big hug

GF = Girlfriend

GGOH = Gotta get outta here

GJ = Good job

GL = Good luck

GMTA = Great minds think alike

GR&D = Grinning Running & Ducking

GTR = Got to run

HAGD = Have a good day

HAGO = Have a good one

HB = Hurry back

HF = Have fun

H&K = Hugs & kisses

HTH = Hope that helps

IB = I'm back

IC = I see

IDK = I don't know

IDTS = I don't think so

ILU = I love you

IMO = In my opinion // IMHO = In my humble opinion

IRL = In real life

IYKWIM = If you know what I mean

JAS = Just a second

JIC = Just in case

JK = Just kidding

JW = Just wondering

KIT = Keep in touch

KPC = Keeping parents clueless

LMAO = Laughing my ass off // LOL = Laughing out loud

LTNS = Long time no see

LY = Love ya

B sure 2 subscribe 2 HWAwL so U won't miss Pt. 2 of our "Text Message Abbreviations" list!!

Do U have any txt abbr. 2 add? Plz let us know in the comments area below! THX

If You Are In Need of a Mini-Escape, May I Suggest a Date with the “Beverly Hills Chihuahua”

With the stock market crashing (again), people losing their life savings and a contentious, never-ending Presidential campaign, this movie won’t solve your problems but it will make you smile.  It is a nice escape offering up all of the good old fashioned, live action elements we expect from a Disney movie.  The main storyline includes a canine heroine, a hero, an underdog (no pun intended), a villain, a troublemaker, and various “helpers” to move the story along.  The subplot focuses on the same characters only played by actors in human form. It is hard to act with kids and animals, but
Piper Perabo turns in a very likable performance. 

Now I may be partial because I liked the “talking” animal vehicle, and many of the kids in the theater seemed to as well. In this movie, the big dog, oops…I mean the little Chihuahua, Chloe, ends up caught in a classic fish out of water scenario.  Instead of a continuing her life as a pampered Beverly Hills pooch, she ends up in Mexico on an adventure that changes her and everyone she encounters for the better. 

No doubt it is far-fetched, a bit corny, and some might say slightly stereotypical, but overall, it is a clean, wholesome fun time.  It could have been a few minutes shorter to avoid some restlessness of the smaller kids, but as I walked out of the theater all of the adults were smiling.  So, if you are in need of a few happy, peppy moments with or without the kids this weekend…check your local listings and say adiós a sus preocupaciones por un 85 minutos.