And it's another year already. This one's for
picspammy's 15th challenge, "End of the Year". Still haven't thought of a subject for challenge 14, and theres only two days left.
"A" for Ashley Greene (actress)
in 2009: Resuming the role of Alice Cullen in "Twilight Saga: New Moon"
I still don't think the casting of Twilight makes any sense but Ashley as Alice was the best decision, and now I just can't see anyone else playing this role. Even her voice is a perfect "Alice-voice". Of course, Dakota as Jane was also perfect, but Dakota's so talented she could probably play any damn character, and play it well. Her personal style can be a little wrong sometimes, but she's so gorgeous it more than makes up for it.
"B" for Bones (tv show)
in 2009: starring Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz
They need to get it on already! Booth has finally accepted admitted he's in love with Brennan, Angela got it on with Wendell, and I love Daisy/Sweets. And the Deschanel sisters on together at Christmas, playing relatives no less, was pretty priceless. It's pretty much the only show that has just as much appeal (if not more) in its first and current season. If you're not watching this series, you should be banished to Timbuktu - it's already too late to redeem yourself.
"C" for City of Glass (TMI) by Cassandra Clare (book)
in 2009: the TMI series got a film deal
I have mixed feelings about the sequel. Cassandra pretty much said it was going to be a trilogy. End of. Wanted to read more? Well theres another trilogy coming out. But after the success of the final one, another book is due out. I hate things being written just for the sake of being written. Do I need to go into the disaster that was "Breaking Dawn". The ending seemed to tie up all loose ends - so the only possile continuation is more Jace/Clary or the other characters being developed - but again, if it deviates from Jace/Clary then it wouldn't be much of a sequel. I love that this is a fantasy genre, yes there are vampires, but there are also wolves, angels, witches, and other crazy, weird and wonderful creatures. As for casting suggestions I still don't have anyone in mind, but the nearest would be Alex (duh!) and Rachel Hurd-Wood. Yet, at the same time I hope it's not the two of them. It would destroy the purpose of a dream team. All I hope for is it's someone who can actually act. And the whole thing isn't aimed at nine year olds.
"D" for Dakota Fanning (actress)
in 2009: Roles in "Push" and "Twilight: New Moon"
As I've said before, Dakota as Jane was a given, there's no one else in the world that could play it. In my mind anyway. I loved how they hyped up her role, along with the Volturi, and combined, they probably had a total of 13 mins onscreen. Those 13 mins contained more talent then the rest of the 90 odd mins. Her bigger role this year, was definately in Push. The storyline again, was predictable if anything, but whoelse was shipping Cassie and Nick the whole way through?! This girl is going to having such a bright future ahead of her. Probably even bigger than Emma Watson or Kristen Stewart because she's so versatile and not stereotyped to the one specific breakout role (yet!).
"D" for Dexter (tv show)
in 2009: starring Michael C Hall, Julia Benz
It was so hard to choose pics which don't spoil major parts of the plot. After the Season Four finale, Dexter deserves a whole post for itself and an essay on why it's the best tv show around (yes, even better than Mad Men). Some may say they didn't like the ending - I personally still don't - but it was something unexpected, and made up for the last season which was a slight disappointment. Can't wait to see how things plan out for next year and I'm hoping it's not the last.
"D" for Doutzen Kroes (model)
in 2009: Covers of Harpers Bazaar, Vogue Deutsch, Espana and Mexico, Elle anniversary. Face of Calvin Klien and Victoria's Secret Angel
My ultimate girl!crush, love her so much ♥ She can do high fashion, she can do commercial fashion - she brings some class to Victoria's Secret, she does beauty campaigns and she's just amazing and beautiful. Her accent's cute too. I know there were some other "D's" already - but I love this girl every year and no lists complete without her.
"E" for Ebay & Etsy (sites)
in 2009: My routine
And Twitter added in. My routine on the Internet pretty much starts out with checking out these three sites and my emails. I'm ADDICTED to the thrill of winning on ebay so I've ended up with a whole lot stuff I don't need, some at expensive prices and no space left in my dorm. I collect alot of magazines and catalogs as well as older vinyl records and nowadays shipping prices are sky high - but I love how you can find pretty much anything. Etsy is a place to appriciate unique and alot of time, handmade stuff. As for Twitter, its self explanatory.
"F" for Final Fantasy XIII (and Versus) (game)
in 2009: Came out December 17th
F-I-N-A-L-L-Y. Three years and it's FINALLY out. Can't wait to get my hands on this, Famitsu gave it a 39/40 rating so I'm hoping it's going to great. The graphics should be stand-out. But I'm now anticipating FFXIII Versus. Disappointed that Nobuo Uematsu hasn't worked on the music but can't wait for a comeback next time around.
"G" for Glee (tv show)
in 2009: starring Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith
Who doesn't love Glee? It's the best newest show out there right now. I was a little sceptical when I heard about the musical/high school theme but after some peer pressure I gave in and watched the pilot and just loved it from then on. The best thing though: you can ship anyone and everyone on this show.
"H" for Hana Soukupova (model)
in 2009: Making a comeback
Hana has always been one of my favourite models and was estatic when she made the "future supermodels" Vogue cover back in 2004. If you look back, alot of those faces have made big names for themselves like Gemma, Daria, Gisele and Karolina. Hana instead, started to scale back on her work and after getting married she took some time off and quieted down. Maybe it was too much for her take at a young age. This year she walked a few shows, made a few covers and featured in a list of eds. Hope to see more impact next year.
"I" for Ian Somerhalder (actor)
in 2009: Role of Damon Salvatore in CW's "The Vampire Diaries"
I don't like how this came out so fast after the Twilight craze because not everyone knows that LJ Smith actually came up with the vampire in a high school book first. Ten years ago. And I felt the need to explain EVERY DAMN time someone made the stupid comment that Smith copied S Meyer. Smith is the (obvious) better writer. Just don't read her latest one. And Damon is a slightly more realistic vampire. I've always shipped Damon/Elena - Stefan is just a little too much of the brooding hero for me. So when Ian was cast as Damon I literally started jumping down. Perfect.
"J" for January Jones (actress)
in 2009: Resuming the role of Betty Draper in "Mad Men"
At times I don't know who I love more; January Jones or Betty Draper. Which is also why January needs more projects outside of Mad Men - but shes fucking amazing anyway. It was a great year for her as she got covers and edits for Interview, Harper's Bazaar, Elle and Vogue. Yes, its been said many times but she has that Grace Kelly presence, elegence and beauty - so why is it she got two GQ covers this year? Sometimes her posing looks a little uncomfortable but then she can have this one amazing shot.
"K" for Katie Cassidy (actress)
in 2009: Roles in "Harper's Island" and as Ella Sims in "Melrose Place 2.0"
Love this girl, can't believe they switched her in Supernatural. She worked quite hard to get the SPN fans to like Ruby (everyone doubted a female cast regular) and I think it would have been easier/better to kill her off than bring in a substitute who you slowly started to hate. I have nothing against Genevieve but taking on what Katie started just didn't work. But yes, lets continue on, she stared in Harper's Island which I didn't watch after hearing it was an American-ish remake of Battle Royale but she did look great as a brunette too. Melrose Place has to probably be her biggest hit yet coz she steals the show - as well as Ella being the best written character so far.
"K" for Kimi Räikkönen (driver)
in 2009: 5th in 2009 driver standings, 4th win in 5 years at Spa circuit
Kimi started out Formula 1 at the beginning of the decade in 2001 and started gaining attention for being super fast after his 6th place in only his 24th car race. And he ends his Formula 1 career in 2009 (I highly doubt he's coming back last year). I guess Kimi's mainly going to be remembered for a few things; being fast, being quiet, being the successor of Schumi and lacking in commitment after his World Championship. Certainly someone who's unique among drivers nowadays and he'll be missed. The best way to end his Ferrari career win their only win this season.
"L" for Leighton Meester (actress)
in 2009: Resuming the role of Blair Waldorf in "Gossip Girls"
The divorce papers have come through, me and Gossip Girl are over. I gave up a few episodes back, and the only reason I even bothered past the Season Three opener was Leighton Meester as Blair. And the writers fucked that up too. She can do bitchy, cute, sexy and when she smiles she lights up the room. I know she's going a slightly different direction than Blake Lively - Blake's doing more acting, Leighton's doing music - but I wish Leighton would gain more public recognition for her role.
"M" for Michael Phelps vs. Milorad Cavić (swimming event)
in 2009: FINA Aquatics Swimming World Championships 2009
There were loads of things I wanted to put down for M - the first two that came to mind were "Mad Men" and "Merlin", then girlcrushes like Marion Cotillard and Mélanie Laurent, but decided they're still going to be back next year. So unique to 2009 was the Phelps vs Cavic in the DIFFERENT suits. Next major international meet they're going to be at it again but everyone will be wearing the same textiles suit so any advantage is leveled out. Phelps' comeback after 75m was pretty amazing - it may be debatable if he's the best Olympian, but he's definitely the best swimmer of this era.
"N" for Natalie Portman (actress)
in 2009: Roles in "New York, I Love You" and "Brothers"
Natalie always gets a place on my best lists. The woman can't take a bad picture. It was a little quiet for her this year, but she's back next year with at least four films.
"O" for (the) Oscars (event)
in 2009: Kate Winslet winning Best Actress
Kate's the only reason this is on the list. And I couldn't think of anything else for "O". And a Kate/Leo reunion after more than ten years - they are still my ultimate OTP. Rachel Evan Wood and Natalie Portman looked amazing as usual.
"P" for Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL team)
in 2009: Winning the Stanley Cup 2008-09
Doesn't everyone love a sport with a little violence? And it looks even better in HDTV. I've actually only been to three or four games live (as where I live is the land of rain not snow), once in Switerland and the others in Canada, but since my first game when I was 15 I've been following. Why the Penguins, you ask? Apart from the fact penguins are my favourite animal, its because they won the Stanley Cup 2009 with a rather bad start, coach change and the youngest captain ever. But I'm most glad that Malkin got the Art Ross and MVP trophies - we all know the Crossby/Malkin/Stall trio but Malkin is a little overshadowed by the captain sometimes. Its a shame that the Red Wings couldn't defend the title coz I really thought they would be the first this decade.
"R" for Rachel McAdams (actress)
in 2009: Roles in "The Time Traveler's Wife", "Sherlock Holmes"
Who doesn't love this girl? So underated, but she's got a little more recognition this year with the blockbuster Sherlock Holmes and other films like State of Play with Rusell Crowe and The Time Travelers Wife which is based on a bestseller. A little disappointed with the overall result of Time Travelers Wife, but the casting of Rachel as Clare was perfect.
"S" for Sigrid Agren (model)
in 2009: Covers of i-D & Vogue China, Face of Karl Lagerfld, Armani Jeans, Calvin Klein
Theres been a number of new faces this year, most print going to Toni Garrn and runway to Constance Jablonski, but Sigrid has become my favourite. Apart from the face of a beauty, she has the verstitility to stay longer, shes been booked, opened/closed a number of shows and is starting to pick up a number of bigger campaigns. She kinda disappeared for the second half of the year and didn't walk any SS 2010 shows because she wanted to focus on her studies (although loads of other stuff is rumoured). I respect that choice and think its a good one because it also shows confidence in herself to make a comeback. Can't wait for January for some new work.
"S" for Star Trek (film)
in 2009: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto
Best film of the year (Watchmen was good too). I was worried at first but theres loads of things that make this a great film. First there was Kirk and Spock. Then there was Chris Pine - I'll admit I have no clue who he was before this - and Zachary - who's role as Sylar was getting boring - who actually played the roles. And there was JJ. Abrams and Zoe Saldaña. And who was a little surprised by Spock/Uhura ♥.Can't wait for the sequel.
"V" for Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (brand)
in 2009: Back in New York City
So Doutzen has been my favourite Angel since she arrived, before that it was Adriana, but I'm super glad that Ale finally got to open the show (she's my second fav). So what if she was overshadowed by BEP, everyone knows her walk is a little weak compared to the others, but no one can say she's not pretty. My most memorable opening is probably 2006 with Gisele and JT followed by Ale. But the box one in 2005 was good too. Not all that into the new Angels, though Rosie and Candice have the look. And there's a Victoria's Secret opening next year on Regents Street, London.
"W" for Wimbledon (event)
in 2009: Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick
It was heartbreaking to see Roddick's face when he lost but Federer makes more history - the scene was quite a different one to the beginning of the year when he lost against Nadal (who I hope to see back on top next year.)
"Z" for Zooey Deschanel (actress/musician)
in 2009: Roles in "(500) Days in Summer"
I watched "Yes Man" at the very beginning of the year, and realised that even though I'm a fan of her music I've only seen one other film she's in, "The Assassination of Jesse James". So from the then I went on a Zooey movie marathon until "(500) Days of Summer" came out, her and Joseph Gordon-Levitt = OTP of 2009!
And A Mention...
Michael Jackson, Brittany Murphy, Daul Kim, Patrick Swayze
If images aren't showing up the first time, try refreshing the page. And yes, I know, I didn't use all the letters of the alphabet, but I made up for the missing ones with doubles! image sources/credit (apart from Google):
01,
02,
03,
04,
05,
06, kara-lija @ DA (TMI fanart) and screencaps by me.