Transformers 3 Warms My Heart

**Spoiler Alert** I will be talking about the plot and the ending of the movie, for those of you who want to kept in "suspense" as to how this movie ends (as if it's not fairly obvious), don't read on.

When I first saw the teaser trailer for Transformers: Dark of the Moon, I got the same goosebumps that I felt while watching the other two movies. There is something about the voice of Optimus Prime that always gets me. I should preface with the fact that as a child, I was a huge fan of the Transformers series and definitely owned Transformers the Movie on Betamax. I'm sure I also had some of those Autobot toys, but Optimus, of course, was my favorite. I think that is why, in these Transformer films, that hearing the voice of Peter Cullen (who has voiced Optimus then and now) and the same "transforming sound effects" from the series makes me grin like a little girl.

Therefore, I must admit that my enjoyment of these movies is probably (by "probably" I mean definitely) biased from my childhood love of the series.

However, I feel that anyone who sees this movie falls under one of these three categories: 1) They, like me, loved this series from their youth, 2) They somehow were dragged to the first two movies by a dork like me, and now are also hooked, or 3) They have little kids that love these movies and will grow up to be dorks like me.

For anyone out there still debating as to whether or not to see the new Transformers, I will highlight its best attributes. If you've already seen the first two movies and enjoyed those, I will tell you right now, it's in the same style and I'm sure you will love this one too.

This installment of Transformers starts similarly to the first two movies, explaining something important to the Autobots that we've never heard of before, showing were they are now with the gov't, and then flashing to Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBoeuf) and where he is in his life. Basically, Sam is out there trying to get a big boy job in the real world and is depressed that his valiant efforts in saving the world in the past mean nothing because he can't share them. He is joined by his hot new girlfriend, played by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley after Michael Bay fired Megan Fox, and some tiny Autobot pals that live with them in D.C. Long story short, Sam's rejoins the Autobots to save the world once more because the Decipticons are back with a new weapon. Same idea as before, different movie, but the important thing is how they executed it.

Sentinal Prime!

There are some great new actors in this one, Frances McDormand, Patrick Dempsey, John Malkovich, and (my favorite) Leonard Nimoy as the voice of Sentinel Prime! They even show a clip of Spock in Star Trek for those of us dorky enough to notice it. Of course some of the familiar human characters are back as well: the Witwicky parents, John Tuturro as the eccentric Simmons, and the hot military men played by Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson. There are also some new Autobots, which always includes a couple comic relief bots that I think they throw in to make the kids laugh, and of course new Decepticons, battling over the similar concept of Freedom that the Autobots always fight for. This makes for a perfect July 4th movie, and I'm sure the July 1st opening timed it for that reason.

Decepticons attacking Chicago. So much action it pops out of my blog!

There are some great fight scenes throughout the film, with the culmination taking place in Chicago this time. The special effects are spectacular in this movie, and the last battle in Chicago was beautifully executed. Yes, this movie is 2 1/2 hours long, but the action sequences combined with the humor-filled plot and dialogue makes it go by quickly and keeps you entertained. I know a lot had to be explained, but they kept the story from being overwhelmed by keeping those scenes short. In a filled theater during opening weekend, there were quite a few times where the audience broke out into applause, moved in particular with the Autobots and their clear concept of right and wrong. No matter how the humans treat them (it always seems like our government gives them the shaft at some point) they still fight for us, and win.

In the current situations we face as a nation-the wars we are in, struggles with the economy, and huge political turbulence from opposing parties-it is this type of film that we need the most: an action film that suspends reality and keeps you rooting for the Good Guys that defend us. We need to laugh at the silly humor the characters employ, and applaud when the Autobots go on the attack. This movie warms my heart, not just because of my childhood memories, but how it makes those around me feel excited and proud that the Autobots would fight to defend and protect the human race, at all costs.

"You may lose faith in us, but never in yourselves." -Optimus Prime

5 Meals from a Roast Chicken

This is rapidly turning into a food blog, which is not my intention, but it's my favorite thing so I will probably write about it most often. I spend most of my time thinking about what I will be eating for my next meal. So, it comes with great pride that I was able to make multiple different meals from one rotisserie chicken from Publix.

I work in the evenings, often late, and I find it hard to cook most of the time. Therefore, I make quick lunches or easy late night dinners. I have also been seeking ways to increase the vegetables and lean protein in my diet, so when I went to Publix last week (see previous post), I finally decided to try one of their Mojo Whole Rotisserie Chickens.

This is not my chicken, just a reenactment found on this website.

Meal #1: The Roast Chicken
I got back from Publix about 10pm that night and still hadn't eaten dinner. The chicken that caught my attention was still warm and fresh so I ate the drumsticks and a wing with a salad and some pita chips. A filling meal, and since the chicken was already done, I only had to throw together the salad which only took me a few minutes. Simple, easy and delicious. But, what to do with the rest of my chicken?

Meal #2: Salad with Chicken Breast
The next day, I had to make a quick lunch before work, so I sliced off one of the chicken breasts-skin removed-and tore it into tiny pieces on top of organic spring greans. That, with a bit of shredded cheddar, Publix fresh croutons, and Annie's creamy Cowgirl Ranch Dressing (a favorite natural dressing of mine), was a delightful lunch. The protein from the chicken breast and cheese filled me up for the day, and the ranch dressing was creamy and really added flavor to the meal.

Meal #3: Chicken and Swiss Panini
This was my first venture into the world of the home-made panini style sandwich. I had some time on my hands and really craved a restaurant style sandwich. I will admit, I have become quite a sandwich junkie for lunch, and I've collected numerous toppings, breads, and cheeses to really make it interesting. I decided to use the other chicken breast and sliced it down the middle so that it would be thinner. Fresh-baked Publix 5 Grain Italian bread was my base, on top I spread honey dijon mustard, then placed swiss cheese on each slice (to really make it melty and delicious). Finally, a couple sliced dill pickels and the skinless chicken breast and I was good to go!

I got the pan ready and lightly buttered the both sides of the outer bread on the sandwich in order to make it crispy. I threw it in the pan and all seemed good. Once one side got crispy, I flipped it, but then I noticed something: the sandwich was still thick and awkward, not the awesome, flattened versions that I usually see with cheese melted all over the place. I was lacking one of those sandwich squishing machines, so I went for my homemade option of a plate. I placed a plate over the top of the sandwich then squished it down by placing weight over it and voila, a flat panini sandwich was all mine!

Not the best picture, but you get the idea.

This was a huge success! Definitely not a totally "healthy" option with all the cheese and the butter, but not at all bad. A rich hot sandwich that makes lunch at home just a little more interesting.

Meal #4: Chicken Salad Sandwich
I didn't have all the ingredients for an elaborate chicken salad (grapes, celery etc) and I had limited amounts of time, but I wanted to try to use the rest of the meat the chicken could give me. I shredded the last bits of the chicken meat, and yes I had to get pretty familiar with my chickeny friend in order to do so, but the results were enough for a full sandwich.

As I said my other ingredients were few, so I basically used Mayo and a little White Wine Dijon Mustard as my base with some salt, pepper and garlic. Next is my flavor enhancing secret: Penzeys Garden Salad Seasoning!

Penzeys is a spice shop that I found in Winter Park, a fabulous old town near downtown Orlando that has tons of shops and restaurants with a strong resemblance to Santa Cruz, but more on that later. This store had wall-to wall spices, but the seasoning mixes are my favorites because they add flavor to everything. This one primarily consists of dried Romano cheese, poppy seeds, sesame, onion and chives. It gave my quick chicken salad sandwich just the kick it needed!

After a few minutes to chill everything together in the refrigerator -I feel it helps the chicken absorb the mayo a bit but I am probably full of shit- I placed it on my favorite multi-grain bread, topped it with some lettuce, and had a nice, light-tasting sandwich for lunch. Very refreshing.

Meal #5: TBD
I saved what was left of my ever-giving chicken in a plastic bag in the freezer. I can use it for a soup base or stew to really add richness and flavor to whatever I decide to create.

So, as you can see, I really got more than my money's worth. One $6 made 4 filling meals, and someday will be the base of one more. This is great for affordable meals with many options that require little time to prepare. Hope this inspired you to pick up one of your own and give it a try!