'Blades of Glory' is absurdly funny

By Robert J Hawkins Monday, August 27, 2007, 12:39 AM EDT

'BLADES OF GLORY'

In some weird warp of societal values, the ability to laugh at yourself is considered a mark of distinction among the pop culturatti. Celebrities, movie stars and athletes who are self-effacing are, like, regular people.

That being the case, the figure skating crowd is just a great old down-to-earth bunch.

Saddle Brook Picnic

By Mel Fabrikant Sunday, August 26, 2007, 12:15 PM EDT

Saddle Brook Picnic Taking over the Otto C. Pehle area of the Saddle River Park, Saddle Brook held its annual picnic. The weather was perfect as the vendors and local businesses came in to set up their tables and booths. Early on, many of the DPW and food trucks piled in to the eating pavilion and set up for the traditional hot dogs and hamburgers along with the accoutrements.

Diane Alecci, a top woman financial advisor

By Mel Fabrikant Sunday, August 26, 2007, 10:17 AM EDT

Diane Alecci One would never feel out of place with this congenial woman. Diane M. Alecci, First VP – Investments, wealth management advisor and a member of Merrill Lynch for 31 years knows how to put people at ease. The free and easy flow of intercommunication seemed to make us instant friends.

NJ Knights of Pythias hosts activities

By Mel Fabrikant Saturday, August 25, 2007, 07:14 PM EDT

A Charity Bike-a-thon/Walk-a-thon and a circus are in the near future with the proceeds going to their charity foundation. The Bike/Walk-a-thon will be held on September 9th starting at the Saddle brook Pavilion Bergen County Bike Path, Otto C. Pehle area on Saddle River Road in Saddle Brook. To enter, visit www.NJBikeathon.com to get registration forms and waivers.

Caterer joins Food Network's lineup of flashy female hosts

By Paramus Post Saturday, August 25, 2007, 05:08 AM EDT

DISHING IT OUT

Is it just us, or are they really turning up the heat at the Food Network? Cookery show hosts have come a long way from the buttoned-down, apron-swathed males of 30 years ago - think Jeff Smith and Graham Kerr.

With the ebullient likes of Rachael Ray, Giada De Laurentiis and Nigella Lawson, the Food Network has hit on a red-hot formula for on-air talent.

Ode to Ludwig: Beethoven's greatness plays across time

By Anonymous Saturday, August 25, 2007, 04:49 AM EDT

ODE TO LUDWIG

Back in 1956, Chuck Berry's hit song "Roll Over Beethoven" told the composer to get out of the way. But Beethoven still isn't budging.

Themes from his best-known works are heard everywhere from TV commercials to cell phone ringtones. His life is the subject of books and movies. And live concerts continue to showcase his achievements.

Paramus Residents swim free at the Paramus Pool

By Mel Fabrikant Friday, August 24, 2007, 02:11 PM EDT

Realizing that the summer is drawing to a close, the Paramus Pool Commission is inviting all Paramus Residents to visit the Paramus Pool.

There will be an Open House at the Pool on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th from 12 noon to 5 PM. Enjoy a swim and the last days of summer at the Paramus Pool. Come for a swim and look forward to next summer. Weather permitting.

What's Happening at the Band Shell

By Donna Perkosky Friday, August 24, 2007, 11:36 AM EDT

They are setting up for this evening's performance! New Benefit Theatre and the Paramus Public Library present Music Under the Stars: A Night of Magic. This is an ALL SINGING, ALL DANCING, MUSICAL SPECACULAR featuring the musical numbers and songs from your favorite family films! Enjoy this free, outdoor evening of magical entertainment and songs from Disney High School Musical, the Lion King, Sister Act, Hairspray and so much more!

The Paramus bandshell is located behind the Paramus Public Library, 116 E. Century Road. For directions, please visit www.paramuslibrary.org. Bring your lawn chairs and /or picnic blankets and enjoy the music under the stars.

Found in the attic: a magical, fun living space

By Rose Bennett Gilbert Friday, August 24, 2007, 04:39 AM EDT

ATTIC LIVING

Q: We're hoping to have a foreign exchange student come spend the next school year with us. "Us" means two teenage girls and a 7-year-old. The girls say they are willing to give up their room and move to the attic, which is kind of dismal at the moment. It's also small, two beds will take up all the space. Maybe you have some ideas on how to make it work as a bedroom for two?

'The Invasion'

By Nina Garin Friday, August 24, 2007, 04:34 AM EDT

'THE INVASION'

As if by evolving, cultural necessity, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" keeps returning. Its potent new morph is "The Invasion," from a director whose previous film horror was Adolf Hitler ("Downfall").

Nicole Kidman portrays a psychiatrist who is also a desperately protective mother in "The Invasion," which co-stars Daniel Craig.

'Rocket Science'

By Nina Garin Friday, August 24, 2007, 01:23 AM EDT

'ROCKET SCIENCE'

"Rocket Science" is about a New Jersey teen named Hal (not Hugh) Hefner who considers clear speech "not like rocket science" - if only he could get the phrase out of his mouth fluently.

Hal is more like Halt. His stuttering speech lurches and jolts from one verbal pothole to the next.

Rodney Lacey named Commissioner for Women's Pro Football League

By Mel Fabrikant Thursday, August 23, 2007, 03:48 PM EDT

The National Women's Football Association has announced the appointment of Rodney Lacy as the new NWFA Commissioner. Lacy who is originally from Downers Grove, IL attended North Park University where he played linebacker receiving male athlete of the year twice and was named all conference linebacker his junior year. After college, he moved on to coach high school football throughout the Chicago and St. Louis areas.

NAI James E. Hanson arranges retail lease in Teaneck

By Mel Fabrikant Thursday, August 23, 2007, 10:21 AM EDT

NAI James E. Hanson has negotiated a 3,591-square-foot lease of retail space located at 465 & 467 Cedar Lane in Teaneck, NJ. NAI Hanson’s Vice President Joan L. Cenicola is handling the assignment, on behalf of the tenant, Wachovia Bank, N.A. Cedar Lane Realty I, LLC is the Landlord.

Fans adore the 'Supernanny'

By Anonymous Thursday, August 23, 2007, 02:16 AM EDT

SUPER NANNY

Jo Frost comes across as one tough cookie when she's laying down the law for children - and their parents - on ABC's hit series "Supernanny." Off camera, she literally lets her hair down from that British bun.

That's what she's doing right now, strolling barefoot in the sand of a Southern California beach with her hair let down.

Cultural Council rain delay

By Mel Fabrikant Wednesday, August 22, 2007, 09:56 AM EDT

UPDATE Stay home tonight and visit the Night at the Museum next Tuesday evening at 7:30. Weather permitting, it will be held at the Westfield Garden State Plaza Bandshell behind the Library.

The movie presentation Night at the Museum scheduled for tonight has been postponed until tomorrow evening, Wednesday , August 22. If perchance it should rain Wednesday, then the movie will be postponed until the following Tuesday, August 28.

Chairman of the Board visits Bright Side Manor

By Mel Fabrikant Wednesday, August 22, 2007, 07:41 AM EDT

No, not Frank Sinatra but Freeholder Chairman Tomas J. Padilla. Tom Padilla was good enough to take time out from his busy schedule to visit Bright Side Manor in Teaneck, meet Executive Director Elizabeth Davis and, more importantly to me, meet resident Hazel Snell and listen to her play the piano.

Harry Potter's wizardry comes magically to life

By Anonymous Wednesday, August 22, 2007, 04:25 AM EDT

Video Game Reviews Game: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"

Publisher: EA

System: Nintendo Wii

Cost: $50

ESRB rating: T

Review rating: 3 stars

Honda captures chopper vibe in smooth-riding Spirit

By Joe Taylor Wednesday, August 22, 2007, 01:05 AM EDT

HONDA SHADOW

With its low-slung saddle, forward foot controls and street-rod-style handlebars, the 2008 Honda Shadow Spirit C2 gives motorcycling newcomers a chopper feel without the chopper price. Or the chopper discomforts.

The wide, gunfighter-style seat is positioned deep in the frame and 25.7 inches off the deck, so even the shortest rider can feel tall in the saddle. It's soft as well.

Suzuki's Boulevard M109R is a beast on the road

By Anonymous Wednesday, August 22, 2007, 12:54 AM EDT

SUZUKI M109R

The high-performance, big-twin cruiser is a child of the 21st century. Before 2001, when the Honda VTX 1800 came out, it really didn't exist. Now, however, it is a fully realized segment all its own.

The VTX 1800 was Honda's first big V-twin cruiser, and quite a sensation for its size at the time.

Nat'l Women's Football Association gets two new members

By Mel Fabrikant Tuesday, August 21, 2007, 04:20 PM EDT

Nashville, TN - The National Women's Football Association has announced that new teams for the 2008 season will be starting up in Memphis, Tennessee and Omaha, Nebraska.