Don't rent this movie:

The Lake House.

The only good things about it were Sandra Bullock's haircut and how good Keanue Reeves looked in a turtleneck sweater. That's about it. The storyline: He lives in 2004. She lives in 2006. They write letters to each other and fall in love but can't meet. Confused? I saw it and I still don't get it.

But maybe I'm even more confused by the fact that it got "two thumbs up."

What happened to winter?

It's January 20 and I have yet to see any snow. Okay, it was sleeting for about 5 seconds on Thursday as I drove home from work, but that's about it. I know Maryland is not New England, but they get their fair share of flakes down here (or so I've been told).

I know this abnormal winter weather is happening elsewhere but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. I like the seasons. Granted, if and when the first flakes comes, Maryland will go into a frenzy because a) it's the first snow and b) they always do. They cancel school for several inches (mostly because they're on a county-wide busing system).

This no snow thing is weird, especially since I've spent the last four years in New Hampshire. I saw some guy in shorts the other day (although I knew people in NH who would wear shorts and sandals this time of year, no problem. I guess some things don't change).

I guess I should be careful what I wish for. We'll probably get a freak blizzard in April or something.

NFL Playoffs: I love this time of year

Ah, the playoffs. Nothing says a good weekend of football like a game without touchdowns and the league MVP ending his season on a sour note, right?

Since I am living in Maryland, I got a taste of what playoff fever does to this place. These people love their Ravens and have a severe hatred for the Indianapolis Colts. Well, if my beloved team suddenly skipped out of town in the middle of the night, I'd be ticked, too. But these people were out of their minds (I say that cautiously, but with mutal respect for their dedication. Don't hurt me). T-shirts, bumper stickers, flags, posters, purple lights: you name, they made it (and bought it). Of course, I'm saying this as a Patriots fan in Ravens territory.

One cool thing about the playoffs and my job: Several weeks ago, I covered a sports radio segment at a local pub featuring Ravens head coach Brian Billick. I know what you're thinking: diehard fans and alcohol. Sounds like a couple of assaults waiting to happen, right? Thankfully, everyone behaved (some guy even offered to buy me a drink). Everyone I interviewed (including a 12-year-old boy) oozed confidence about a Baltimore victory. They were, as the media has put it, marching to Miami. I like writing these kinds of stories because sports fans love to talk. Fans think they know the game better than the coaches. And who better to listen to them than me? It was only during my last interview that I told some guy I was a Pats fan. Honestly, I was scared some drunk would blurt it out and the torch-wielding Ravens fans would turn on me. I didn't feel like making headline news that night.

Needless to say, I was shocked (along with every other Ravens fan and probably the team themselves) that Baltimore choked so badly. Okay, you had the top-rated defense and yes, you stopped Peyton Manning, but a little offense wouldn't have hurt anyone. Did Steve McNair show up to the game? I forget. The city is still in a period of mourning but don't feel badly, Baltimore. Indy played awful, too. They just played a little less than you.

And then there are the Patriots. I think I endured every possible human emotion during those exhausting 60 minutes. I have to be honest: I didn't think they would win. I know I should have faith, but I'm also realistic. They have a good team this year but they looked shaky. Cheers to a couple of key turnovers and place-kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Jeers to fourth-quarter and post-game drama. Yes, the Patriots were disrespectful in their celebratory dance moves. Memo to LaDainian Tomlinson: get over it. Bad-mouthing other teams is not a classy way to end an MVP season.

There is one good thing about Baltimore losing: now they are rooting for New England. They hate the Colts that much. Now it's Brady vs. Manning and who could ask for a better matchup? I'll be watching and who knows - maybe this game, like last weekend's, will have me yelling profanities and shielding my eyes with a pillow.

A potential bumper sticker?

The other day I went to the hospital - not for myself, but for a story I was writing about a program that offers a variety of unusual treatments for patients and their families (think Patch Adams). Long story short, I met a clown named Licorice who had a shaded blue beard and wore "prescription" glasses (frames with empty prescription bottles attached to the sides). Although his friendly personality was enough to make me smile, he made my rainy Monday morning complete by wearing a button that said "Start a movement. Eat a prune."

C'mon, it's funny.

Movie reviews

I have actually seen two movies in the theater in less than two weeks. Maybe this is a sign I have some sort of social life.

Movie: A Night at the Museum
The Deliberation:It was not my first choice to see this one (The Good Shepherd was sold out), but I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Robin Williams was classic and though it was not Ben Stiller's funniest performance, it was solid.
The Verdict: I wish my U.S. History classes had been as entertaining.

Movie: The Holiday
The Deliberation: It was cute and semi-predictable (basically, the foundation of any decent romantic comedy) and although the ending wasn't as clear as it could have been, I enjoyed Kate Winslet and Jack Black. Okay, and Jude Law wasn't bad to look at, either.
The Verdict: Makes me want to take a vacation.