I consider myself something of a movie buff. That's not to say that I think I know everything about movies, only that I've made a point to see a lot of them. That being said I'm a frequent visitor of IMDb, the Internet Movie Database website, which is the best source for film information on the web, at least in my opinion. While visiting the website today, my eyes glanced over to the Top Five Movies this week at the box office. They are as follows:
1. Shrek Forever After
2. Prince of Persia
3. Sex and the City 2
4. Iron Man 2
5. Robin Hood
What's interesting here is that Shrek Forever After, Sex and the City 2, and Iron Man 2 are all sequels to previous films, Robin Hood has been done at least four times before on the big screen and Prince of Persia... well, that's based off a video game. That's not to say that Prince of Persia is automatically a bad film because its based of a game, simply that the concept of it is not original. None of these films are entirely, 100% original. I know that's a problem with movies, particularly today, but its still depressing. I remember a few years ago when some of my friends were dying to see The Women with Meg Ryan and Annette Bening, oblivious to the fact that the film had been done before in 1939 with Norma Sheerer and Joan Crawford. It happens all the time, movies being remade or given sequels, and it comes to a point when you wonder when or if some of these stories will ever end. The majority of the movie industry today seems to be falling under the same scenario that plagues soap operas, recycling old ideas with 'new' characters or maybe adding more sexual connotations or violent situations. People wonder why the Academy Awards doesn't get more viewers, its because they have been leaning more and more toward smaller, independent and original films in these last few years. The exception is this last year, in which the Academy (aiming for more viewers) expanded the Best Picture category to 10 nominees, nevertheless The Hurt Locker, a brilliant war film that scored a mere $40 million at the box office took home the gold statue. Will this continue to be the trend for years to come? Original films being awarded best picture or will Oscar succumb to what the masses seem to want?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
The Trouble With Norton
There's perhaps nothing more important for an aspiring writer then to read, and as much as possible. While my undergraduate career has kept me busy reading novels, essays, chapters in a textbook, etc., it seems more often than not to have been 'busy' work. That's not to say I haven't learned anything, that's far from true, but I do have a particular bone to pick with the English literature courses, and that's the usage of the Norton Anthology. It seems that the approach here has been one of quantity over quality as students in the survey courses (Brit. Lit. I-III and American Lit. I-II) are subject to a wide range of influential authors, but only short or sometimes even incomplete examples of their work. Poets, essays and short stories are exceptions to my frustration whereas novels are not. While I do think that Norton is a good introduction to the most significant literature in our world throughout the ages, I do not think that we should be assigned merely three to four chapters of a book. In American Literature I last fall we read an abridged version of both Uncle Tom's Cabin and The Scarlett Letter , which I think is both unfortunate and depriving. Some would say that Norton highlights the important parts of novels, but this seems to me to be kind of insulting toward the author.
When I was a student at PLU, I took an American Literature class in which we read nine novels over the semester, and I felt as though I was really able to gain an understanding and confident opinion about the author and their work. I don't know if I can say that about the survey courses here at EWU, and that's simply because I think there's too much text trying to be packed into one course. I believe we would benefit more from focusing on half a dozen authors opposed to twenty. I do like the fact that we're being introduced to all these writers, but I simply wish there was enough time to delve deeper upon each of them. I do not feel as though we're giving these works justice, and maybe that's something to do with the quarter system, who knows. I don't mean to bash the system, and I hate to think that's what I'm doing. I just wish there was more time to learn and analyze because I know that's the only way I'm going to be able to really remember and gain something from these works. My advice to anyone taking a survey course is to write down the authors that interest you, however much time you spend on them in class, and go on from there and explore them and their work on your own.
When I was a student at PLU, I took an American Literature class in which we read nine novels over the semester, and I felt as though I was really able to gain an understanding and confident opinion about the author and their work. I don't know if I can say that about the survey courses here at EWU, and that's simply because I think there's too much text trying to be packed into one course. I believe we would benefit more from focusing on half a dozen authors opposed to twenty. I do like the fact that we're being introduced to all these writers, but I simply wish there was enough time to delve deeper upon each of them. I do not feel as though we're giving these works justice, and maybe that's something to do with the quarter system, who knows. I don't mean to bash the system, and I hate to think that's what I'm doing. I just wish there was more time to learn and analyze because I know that's the only way I'm going to be able to really remember and gain something from these works. My advice to anyone taking a survey course is to write down the authors that interest you, however much time you spend on them in class, and go on from there and explore them and their work on your own.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Show Tunes: A Countdown
I'll admit it right now, I'm a Gleek aka a fan of FOX's show Glee. If anyone tuned into last week's episode Broadway stars turned TV mom and daughter Idina Menzel and Lea Michele did a stunning duet of Les Miserables' "I Dreamed a Dream". One of the best things about Glee in my opinion is it brings some deserved attention to Broadway performers and performances. I've seen quite a few musicals growing up, Les Mis being my personal favorite, and it occurred to me why not make a blog post devoted to musicals. Here's a list of songs from musicals with links to youtube performances; I encourage everyone to check them out even if your not a fan of show tunes. Some say Broadway is on its way out, but in my opinion, there's always something more to sing about.
TOP TEN MUSICAL NUMBERS:
10. Superstar - Jesus Christ Superstar
A musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar is about the last days of Jesus' life and is quite an intriguing, modern interpretation of the biblical tale. The clip above is from the 1973 film starring Ted Neeley as Jesus and Carl Anderson as Judas. My parents both saw Neeley and Anderson reprise their roles on stage when the musical toured to Spokane several years ago, and just this last year, my sister up in Anchorage saw Neeley perform the role as well. What I like about Jesus Christ Superstar, and in particular this song, is that its like nothing you've seen before regarding the story of Jesus. If you like JCS, I'd recommend Godspell which has similar music, coming to Broadway only a year later.
9. Tomorrow - Annie
I don't know anyone who doesn't like this song. All right maybe some don't like it, but they at least know of it and get it stuck in their head all the time. I can't quite think of a more endearing song, and I've been listening to it since I was a kid, growing up with the 1982 movie. In this clip the original Annie, and the best in my opinion, Andrea Mcardle sings "Tomorrow". Interestingly enough, Sarah Jessica Parker took on the role of Annie as a kid, which I believe you can find on youtube as well.
8. Jellicle Song For Jellicle Cats - Cats
Do not watch the clip if you are scared of cats or worse humans in cat costumes. The musical Cats based on a book of poems by TS Eliot is an oddball musical that has in its feline frenzy become the second longest running musical on Broadway behind Phantom. What I like about this song is that it makes me want to dance or at least tap my foot. The beat works and the choreography is well done. Cats more than anything is a fun-loving musical, taking a serious turn only with the famous tearjerker "Memory".
7. Music of the Night - Phantom of the Opera
Speaking of Phantom, here's the most heart rendering song from what many consider to be the greatest musical in history. Another work of genius by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this clip portrays originals: Michael Crawford as The Phantom and Sarah Brightman (then married to Webber) as damsel in distress or bewitchment Christine Daae. The melody and lyrics are simply beautiful and are handled perfectly by Crawford's tenor voice. Oddly enough Brightman looks like more of a freak show than the Phantom. Hmm...
6. Somewhere - West Side Story
The clip features the voices of the original Tony and Maria in the Romeo and Juliet inspired musical West Side Story. I'm not going to spoil the story entirely, but I will say, having grown up with the film version of this musical as well, that it always gets me emotional. Reri Grist nails the part of Maria... so there Natalie Wood.
5. I Still Believe - Miss Saigon
A reworking of the opera Madame Butterfly, Miss Saigon tells the story of a love story between an American soldier and a Vietnamese girl forced to work as a prostitute. "I Still Believe" is my favorite song from the musical, as I think it captures the tense, naively hopeful yet bleak reality of the situation that befalls the lead characters. This clip features the original cast including most notably Lea Salonga in the role of Kim.
4. No Day But Today - RENT
Here's a clip from the film version of RENT, featuring all but two of the original cast members from the 1996 Broadway performance. This song is inspiring for many reasons, if you've seen the musical you know the story, and it becomes very emotional as a result. I actually heard this song at a funeral not too long ago, though it was done as a solo performance and was much slower. Still, the message is clear. CARPE DIEM is the argument being made here.
3. Defying Gravity - Wicked
Some say that the premiere of Wicked in 2003 saved Broadway from looming doom. The musical was an instant hit, and has been running strong for the last seven years. I know this is going to sound weird, but my family has a lake house that used to be something of a resort on Lake Coeur D'Alene and it was Wizard of Oz themed. So if there's anything that comes my way that's Oz related I usually see what I can find out about it. I was skeptical about the Wicked Witch being portrayed as a protagonist until I listened to the song and realized hey, she's just a bit of a rebel. The clip features originals Idina Menzel (the Witch) and Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda) performing at the Tony awards. Gotta love the emerald.
2. Send in the Clowns - A Little Night Music
The clip features the beautiful and multi-talented Glenn Close singing perhaps one of the saddest songs I've heard entitled "Send in the Clowns". The character of Desiree is an old woman reflecting back on her life, particularly recent disappointments that she's faced. Its a song of regret, but also letting go. The soft melody, the way in which its song, or simply voiced is compelling. You feel for this woman who talks as if she should be laughing when there's nothing funny about her situation.
1. One Day More - Les Miserables
There is not one song in this musical that I do not like, but "One Day More" is supreme. I used to listen to the soundtrack before I went to bed in grade school (I was a bit of a drama queen), but this one in particular always got to me. Whether it makes you want to sing or do something, "One Day More" has such a powerful combination of voices and stories from characters who are about to face great change, many for the worst. Its a song about inevitability, about ultimately taking a stand for something whether it be freedom, a cause or a loved one. The clip features many of the original players, particularly Colm Wilkinson as Valjean and Lea Salonga as Eponine. If this doesn't give you goosebumps I'm not sure what will.
Hope you enjoyed this list and more importantly some music! And just a reminder in case you haven't seen the billboards around town; Wicked will be in Spokane next May!
TOP TEN MUSICAL NUMBERS:
10. Superstar - Jesus Christ Superstar
A musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar is about the last days of Jesus' life and is quite an intriguing, modern interpretation of the biblical tale. The clip above is from the 1973 film starring Ted Neeley as Jesus and Carl Anderson as Judas. My parents both saw Neeley and Anderson reprise their roles on stage when the musical toured to Spokane several years ago, and just this last year, my sister up in Anchorage saw Neeley perform the role as well. What I like about Jesus Christ Superstar, and in particular this song, is that its like nothing you've seen before regarding the story of Jesus. If you like JCS, I'd recommend Godspell which has similar music, coming to Broadway only a year later.
9. Tomorrow - Annie
I don't know anyone who doesn't like this song. All right maybe some don't like it, but they at least know of it and get it stuck in their head all the time. I can't quite think of a more endearing song, and I've been listening to it since I was a kid, growing up with the 1982 movie. In this clip the original Annie, and the best in my opinion, Andrea Mcardle sings "Tomorrow". Interestingly enough, Sarah Jessica Parker took on the role of Annie as a kid, which I believe you can find on youtube as well.
8. Jellicle Song For Jellicle Cats - Cats
Do not watch the clip if you are scared of cats or worse humans in cat costumes. The musical Cats based on a book of poems by TS Eliot is an oddball musical that has in its feline frenzy become the second longest running musical on Broadway behind Phantom. What I like about this song is that it makes me want to dance or at least tap my foot. The beat works and the choreography is well done. Cats more than anything is a fun-loving musical, taking a serious turn only with the famous tearjerker "Memory".
7. Music of the Night - Phantom of the Opera
Speaking of Phantom, here's the most heart rendering song from what many consider to be the greatest musical in history. Another work of genius by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this clip portrays originals: Michael Crawford as The Phantom and Sarah Brightman (then married to Webber) as damsel in distress or bewitchment Christine Daae. The melody and lyrics are simply beautiful and are handled perfectly by Crawford's tenor voice. Oddly enough Brightman looks like more of a freak show than the Phantom. Hmm...
6. Somewhere - West Side Story
The clip features the voices of the original Tony and Maria in the Romeo and Juliet inspired musical West Side Story. I'm not going to spoil the story entirely, but I will say, having grown up with the film version of this musical as well, that it always gets me emotional. Reri Grist nails the part of Maria... so there Natalie Wood.
5. I Still Believe - Miss Saigon
A reworking of the opera Madame Butterfly, Miss Saigon tells the story of a love story between an American soldier and a Vietnamese girl forced to work as a prostitute. "I Still Believe" is my favorite song from the musical, as I think it captures the tense, naively hopeful yet bleak reality of the situation that befalls the lead characters. This clip features the original cast including most notably Lea Salonga in the role of Kim.
4. No Day But Today - RENT
Here's a clip from the film version of RENT, featuring all but two of the original cast members from the 1996 Broadway performance. This song is inspiring for many reasons, if you've seen the musical you know the story, and it becomes very emotional as a result. I actually heard this song at a funeral not too long ago, though it was done as a solo performance and was much slower. Still, the message is clear. CARPE DIEM is the argument being made here.
3. Defying Gravity - Wicked
Some say that the premiere of Wicked in 2003 saved Broadway from looming doom. The musical was an instant hit, and has been running strong for the last seven years. I know this is going to sound weird, but my family has a lake house that used to be something of a resort on Lake Coeur D'Alene and it was Wizard of Oz themed. So if there's anything that comes my way that's Oz related I usually see what I can find out about it. I was skeptical about the Wicked Witch being portrayed as a protagonist until I listened to the song and realized hey, she's just a bit of a rebel. The clip features originals Idina Menzel (the Witch) and Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda) performing at the Tony awards. Gotta love the emerald.
2. Send in the Clowns - A Little Night Music
The clip features the beautiful and multi-talented Glenn Close singing perhaps one of the saddest songs I've heard entitled "Send in the Clowns". The character of Desiree is an old woman reflecting back on her life, particularly recent disappointments that she's faced. Its a song of regret, but also letting go. The soft melody, the way in which its song, or simply voiced is compelling. You feel for this woman who talks as if she should be laughing when there's nothing funny about her situation.
1. One Day More - Les Miserables
There is not one song in this musical that I do not like, but "One Day More" is supreme. I used to listen to the soundtrack before I went to bed in grade school (I was a bit of a drama queen), but this one in particular always got to me. Whether it makes you want to sing or do something, "One Day More" has such a powerful combination of voices and stories from characters who are about to face great change, many for the worst. Its a song about inevitability, about ultimately taking a stand for something whether it be freedom, a cause or a loved one. The clip features many of the original players, particularly Colm Wilkinson as Valjean and Lea Salonga as Eponine. If this doesn't give you goosebumps I'm not sure what will.
Hope you enjoyed this list and more importantly some music! And just a reminder in case you haven't seen the billboards around town; Wicked will be in Spokane next May!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Dear Lost, I Will Miss You
This is sort of a continuation from my last post about the series finale of the television show Lost, which aired last night on ABC. After watching the finale, I personally felt that the show delivered an emotionally satisfying ending. In fact, with the abundance of characters, I'm not quite sure what ending could/would have been more appropriate.
The purgatory deal was a bit confusing, but if anyone tuned into Jimmy Kimmel afterward, or has done a little bit of reading from reviews in the LA Times, New York Times, USA TODAY, etc. its all explained.
Essentially, this is how it played out:
The island was the real world. Everything that occurred there was real life. Everyone was alive and they all eventually died (as we all will). Some died after Jack (Hurley, Desmond, Ben etc.); some died before Jack (Shannon, Boone, Sayid etc). I'm inclined to think that since they made it off the island, Sawyer, Kate and Claire lived long lives as well.
The alt timeline (in which the plane never crashed, Jack had a son, etc.) turned out to be a kind purgatory where they waited till they were ready to go on to heaven or what I assume to be some kind of paradise (this was them sitting in the church as the light entered).
As Jack's Dad told him, there was no real "now" in purgatory. Therefore, the fact that some died sooner than others was irrelevant because time after death is not linear. This is perhaps the most confusing part of the purgatory storyline, but the main point is this:
Everything that occurred on the island was reality. Everything we've seen this entire season in the alternate time line is purgatory until the finale, in which the group joins back together, regains their memories and lets go in order to "move on".
Some might call the ending a cop-out, others may say it was cheesy, but frankly I think these characters deserve a happy ending. I didn't need to have everything explained. Similarly to mythology, Lost touches on the unbelievable, events in which we feel we require a fact based step by step understanding, but like mythology many events went unexplained and are meant merely to be accepted. I suppose it requires us as an audience to let go as the group of Losties did, and become somewhat like the character of Jack who initially started out as a man of science before converting into a man of faith. Personally, I don't need all the answers. The acting, direction and overall storyline in last night's episode was fulfilling enough. That being said, goodbye Lost! Or, [insert cheesiness here] as Desmond would say "See you in another life brotha." Oh how I'm going to miss that Scottish accent.
The purgatory deal was a bit confusing, but if anyone tuned into Jimmy Kimmel afterward, or has done a little bit of reading from reviews in the LA Times, New York Times, USA TODAY, etc. its all explained.
Essentially, this is how it played out:
The island was the real world. Everything that occurred there was real life. Everyone was alive and they all eventually died (as we all will). Some died after Jack (Hurley, Desmond, Ben etc.); some died before Jack (Shannon, Boone, Sayid etc). I'm inclined to think that since they made it off the island, Sawyer, Kate and Claire lived long lives as well.
The alt timeline (in which the plane never crashed, Jack had a son, etc.) turned out to be a kind purgatory where they waited till they were ready to go on to heaven or what I assume to be some kind of paradise (this was them sitting in the church as the light entered).
As Jack's Dad told him, there was no real "now" in purgatory. Therefore, the fact that some died sooner than others was irrelevant because time after death is not linear. This is perhaps the most confusing part of the purgatory storyline, but the main point is this:
Everything that occurred on the island was reality. Everything we've seen this entire season in the alternate time line is purgatory until the finale, in which the group joins back together, regains their memories and lets go in order to "move on".
Some might call the ending a cop-out, others may say it was cheesy, but frankly I think these characters deserve a happy ending. I didn't need to have everything explained. Similarly to mythology, Lost touches on the unbelievable, events in which we feel we require a fact based step by step understanding, but like mythology many events went unexplained and are meant merely to be accepted. I suppose it requires us as an audience to let go as the group of Losties did, and become somewhat like the character of Jack who initially started out as a man of science before converting into a man of faith. Personally, I don't need all the answers. The acting, direction and overall storyline in last night's episode was fulfilling enough. That being said, goodbye Lost! Or, [insert cheesiness here] as Desmond would say "See you in another life brotha." Oh how I'm going to miss that Scottish accent.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Proust Questionnaire
Fun and famous too. I encourage everyone to fill out their own answers to this survey invented by French writer Marcel Proust. Its very thorough, and really makes you delve deep into your thoughts and opinions about a variety of subjects.
Your Chief Characteristic:
- Probably humor, but you have to know me pretty well to see this.
The quality that I desire in a man.
- Humility… intellect.
The quality that I desire in a woman.
- Confidence
What I appreciate most about my friends.
- My best friends are very honest, which is a quality that I don’t think can be stressed enough.
My main fault:
- Anxiety.
My favorite occupation:
- Writing. Reading a good book or carrying on a good conversation.
My dream of happiness:
- This is a tough question. I think it would be that whenever all my immediate family is together , everyone has a good time no matter what we’re doing.
What would be my greatest misfortune?:
- I think if some act of cruelty that could have been prevented were to befall a friend or family member. That would be terrible.
What I should be like:
Haha, well… I should be someone who lives with intention and who follows her principles.
The country where I should like to live:
Always wanted to live on a farm in Switzerland. I hear they’re nice. Oh, or a farm in Africa so I can say I have something in common with Karen Blixen and her portrayer Meryl Streep.
My favorite color:
Green
The flower that I like:
My middle name is rose so I have a soft spot for those flowers, but I’d have to say gardenias. I don’t know any other flower that smells so good.
My favorite bird:
… Penguin?
My favorite prose authors:
Oh so many… off the top of my head William Faulkner, Joan Didion, Salinger, Joyce Carol Oates. I just finished Artists in a Time of War by Howard Zinn and thought it was phenomenal.
My favorite poets:
Now I’m just getting giddy. James Wright, W.H. Auden, John Berryman, William Stafford, Sharon Olds, Theodore Roethke. Love them all.
My favorite heroes in fiction:
Oh wow. Atticus Finch comes to mind.
My favorite heroines in fiction:
Scarlett O’Hara. That’s kind of a given, but she’s difficult to surpass in my book. Franny Glass. Hester Prynne.
My favorite composers:
Aaron Copland I like, but now that I think about it - I frequently listen to Thomas Newman (wrote soundtracks for Glory, Shawshank Redemption, American Beauty) when I write.
My favorite painters:
I’m thanking my sister (being that she was a fine arts major) for introducing me to so many wonderful artists over the years. Van Gogh, Henri Matisse and Friedensreich Hundertwasser are really great.
My heroes in real life:
My parents, my teachers - anyone whose influenced me and for the better.
My heroines in history:
What’s interesting is that there was no question about ‘heroes’ in history. I like this. Well, Eleanor Roosevelt and Joan of Arc were amazing women.
My favorite names:
For kids? I like Robby and Daisy.
What I hate most of all:
Arrogance. Anywhere. If I’m acting that way please tell me so.
Historical figures that I despise the most:
Hitler, Stalin come to mind, but I don’t feel like I know enough history to begin with.
The military event that I admire most:
I’m not sure what this question implies, but if it’s a reference to war I’m opposed to it so I’m not sure what answer to provide.
The reform which I admire most:
Equality.
The gift of nature that I would like to have:
Gift of nature? Hmm… like a talent that comes naturally to me? Oh, it’d have something to do with mathematic equations.
How I want to die:
In my asleep, and having done something productive.
My present state of mind:
Contemplative.
Faults for which I have the most indulgence:
Addiction to chocolate.
Your favorite motto:
It’s a classic, Carpe Diem.
Your Chief Characteristic:
- Probably humor, but you have to know me pretty well to see this.
The quality that I desire in a man.
- Humility… intellect.
The quality that I desire in a woman.
- Confidence
What I appreciate most about my friends.
- My best friends are very honest, which is a quality that I don’t think can be stressed enough.
My main fault:
- Anxiety.
My favorite occupation:
- Writing. Reading a good book or carrying on a good conversation.
My dream of happiness:
- This is a tough question. I think it would be that whenever all my immediate family is together , everyone has a good time no matter what we’re doing.
What would be my greatest misfortune?:
- I think if some act of cruelty that could have been prevented were to befall a friend or family member. That would be terrible.
What I should be like:
Haha, well… I should be someone who lives with intention and who follows her principles.
The country where I should like to live:
Always wanted to live on a farm in Switzerland. I hear they’re nice. Oh, or a farm in Africa so I can say I have something in common with Karen Blixen and her portrayer Meryl Streep.
My favorite color:
Green
The flower that I like:
My middle name is rose so I have a soft spot for those flowers, but I’d have to say gardenias. I don’t know any other flower that smells so good.
My favorite bird:
… Penguin?
My favorite prose authors:
Oh so many… off the top of my head William Faulkner, Joan Didion, Salinger, Joyce Carol Oates. I just finished Artists in a Time of War by Howard Zinn and thought it was phenomenal.
My favorite poets:
Now I’m just getting giddy. James Wright, W.H. Auden, John Berryman, William Stafford, Sharon Olds, Theodore Roethke. Love them all.
My favorite heroes in fiction:
Oh wow. Atticus Finch comes to mind.
My favorite heroines in fiction:
Scarlett O’Hara. That’s kind of a given, but she’s difficult to surpass in my book. Franny Glass. Hester Prynne.
My favorite composers:
Aaron Copland I like, but now that I think about it - I frequently listen to Thomas Newman (wrote soundtracks for Glory, Shawshank Redemption, American Beauty) when I write.
My favorite painters:
I’m thanking my sister (being that she was a fine arts major) for introducing me to so many wonderful artists over the years. Van Gogh, Henri Matisse and Friedensreich Hundertwasser are really great.
My heroes in real life:
My parents, my teachers - anyone whose influenced me and for the better.
My heroines in history:
What’s interesting is that there was no question about ‘heroes’ in history. I like this. Well, Eleanor Roosevelt and Joan of Arc were amazing women.
My favorite names:
For kids? I like Robby and Daisy.
What I hate most of all:
Arrogance. Anywhere. If I’m acting that way please tell me so.
Historical figures that I despise the most:
Hitler, Stalin come to mind, but I don’t feel like I know enough history to begin with.
The military event that I admire most:
I’m not sure what this question implies, but if it’s a reference to war I’m opposed to it so I’m not sure what answer to provide.
The reform which I admire most:
Equality.
The gift of nature that I would like to have:
Gift of nature? Hmm… like a talent that comes naturally to me? Oh, it’d have something to do with mathematic equations.
How I want to die:
In my asleep, and having done something productive.
My present state of mind:
Contemplative.
Faults for which I have the most indulgence:
Addiction to chocolate.
Your favorite motto:
It’s a classic, Carpe Diem.
Symposium Follow-Up
Its a fact that public speaking is one of the most common fears for people, and that's certainly the case for me, especially when it comes to reading my own work. Initially, I had a lot of anxiety regarding the presentation; I wasn't sure what I was going to choose to read and ultimately decided on three poems. I wrote "Firelight Shadows" two years ago, and think its probably one of the best pieces I've done so I immediately knew that I wanted to submit it for the symposium. The two other poems "She Has Cancer" and "Listen to the Creek" were not in existence when I submitted them in the abstract. I knew that I wanted to write a piece relating to someone's struggle with cancer as I've known many people who have/are battling the disease. As you all know from my first post, my Mom battled breast cancer three years ago, and many of the details in "She Has Cancer" (the scalp, the saltines) ... came from personal recollections. The same can be said for "Listen to the Creek". I love going camping, and on one particular trip last summer to a campsite in the Olympic Peninsula there was a small creek located just beyond are campsite. I remember lying awake at night listening to the water, and when I was constructing the poem I took down several notes about what I could recall.
I remember Jo March in Little Women insisting *initially* that you shouldn't write what you know, but I think nothing could be further from the truth. When I write I always go back to the five senses, the concept of showing and not telling. Ask yourself what did this person, place or thing look like, smell like, sound like, feel like, taste like... and its impossible not to derive a starting point for a piece. The important thing to remember is that we're all different. No two people are going to have the exact same perceptions and for this reason writing continues to evolve. That's why I think the symposium is necessary. We gain so much from exposing our work to each other. I thought that everyone did a really wonderful job reading their work from the short stories to the poems, to the essays... sitting amongst a group of writers was very rewarding. The only thing I wish had been different was the room temperature, which I estimate to have been about 90 degrees. Though I admit the heat kept me from fixating over my presentation, so in that respect I guess I'm sort of grateful.
I remember Jo March in Little Women insisting *initially* that you shouldn't write what you know, but I think nothing could be further from the truth. When I write I always go back to the five senses, the concept of showing and not telling. Ask yourself what did this person, place or thing look like, smell like, sound like, feel like, taste like... and its impossible not to derive a starting point for a piece. The important thing to remember is that we're all different. No two people are going to have the exact same perceptions and for this reason writing continues to evolve. That's why I think the symposium is necessary. We gain so much from exposing our work to each other. I thought that everyone did a really wonderful job reading their work from the short stories to the poems, to the essays... sitting amongst a group of writers was very rewarding. The only thing I wish had been different was the room temperature, which I estimate to have been about 90 degrees. Though I admit the heat kept me from fixating over my presentation, so in that respect I guess I'm sort of grateful.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
New Poem
Just finished this, but there's a lot of things I don't like about it. Once again watch out for horrible punctuation. I think that the end needs a lot of work, but I like the concept of giving book life-like characteristics. I hope to do more editing with this one in the days ahead.
"in the life of a book"
your a pair of lips
keeping secrets from us
closed in
rough etches of pink.
binding grows chapped,
sheds away into old age
and your the sum
of those that have known
you, thrown you down
and cradled you. in
a spin of understanding
that you kiss with words,
softly gripping hearts
when you go wide open.
your petals fused in prose
bloom like a child
on this sun setting of sorts,
that you light us with
laughter, and water our
eyes with tears that do
wilting no good, as shadows
fall on the closing
of a life well lived
in print.
"in the life of a book"
your a pair of lips
keeping secrets from us
closed in
rough etches of pink.
binding grows chapped,
sheds away into old age
and your the sum
of those that have known
you, thrown you down
and cradled you. in
a spin of understanding
that you kiss with words,
softly gripping hearts
when you go wide open.
your petals fused in prose
bloom like a child
on this sun setting of sorts,
that you light us with
laughter, and water our
eyes with tears that do
wilting no good, as shadows
fall on the closing
of a life well lived
in print.
Monday, May 10, 2010
I'm Lost *Possible Spoilers Included*
For anyone who did not see the last episode of the television show Lost, it was perhaps the most intense of the season, if not the series. If you haven't seen it yet and want to I'm about to talk about what happened in the episode so I warn you. First off it is the final season of the show, and with only three episodes left I knew there was bound to be some carnage; I didn't however, think that we'd lose three original cast members within 10 minutes of each other! Sayid blew up, Sun and Jin drowned and even poor Frank got smacked down by the submarine door after the bomb went off. My jaw was literally on the floor by the end of the hour and not once did I lose interest and flip the channel to Glee, which is a rarity! What a literally explosive hour of television. I can safely say that from here on out nobody is safe, especially with the Smoke Monster / Locke impersonator still on the loose. I do have a few predictions that I've been thinking over, just for fun, and I thought why not post them up on the blog and who knows maybe I'll get some right.
1.) While I do think Jack is the most plausible replacement for Jacob, I don't really see anyone (good or bad) making it out alive on the island. My thoughts are that it will come down to Jack vs. Smokey and they'll take each other out and the island will go down into the ocean.
2.) While the island reality won't end happily ever after, I think the alternate universe that was established after the hydrogen bomb went off last season will see a positive ending for most of the protagonists.
3.) Kate and Jack will end up together somehow, or should because as a junior in high school that angle is what got me interested in the show to begin with.
There's my predictions. I thought there would be more; maybe I'm forgetting some and I can add them in later. Hopefully I didn't steal anything the creators are planning.
1.) While I do think Jack is the most plausible replacement for Jacob, I don't really see anyone (good or bad) making it out alive on the island. My thoughts are that it will come down to Jack vs. Smokey and they'll take each other out and the island will go down into the ocean.
2.) While the island reality won't end happily ever after, I think the alternate universe that was established after the hydrogen bomb went off last season will see a positive ending for most of the protagonists.
3.) Kate and Jack will end up together somehow, or should because as a junior in high school that angle is what got me interested in the show to begin with.
There's my predictions. I thought there would be more; maybe I'm forgetting some and I can add them in later. Hopefully I didn't steal anything the creators are planning.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Bloomsday: The T-Shirts
Is it depressing that I have lived in Spokane practically my entire life and I've only done Bloomsday once? Maybe not so much depressing as it is disappointing. Its not that I don't think its a good tradition, but there's several reasons why I don't participate. First of all I'm not the biggest fan of crowds, especially ones that consist of individuals who are perspiring a great deal. Second, the event takes place in the morning. I've never been much of a morning person, especially when exercise is involved. I'd like to say that I can get up and go for a walk or a run first thing, and maybe this will happen if I gain the motivation, but in my life right now I'm far too lazy. Third, it costs money. I know it benefits the city, which is important and that you're guarantee a nice shirt at the end, but that seems foolish to me. Granted, I think that Ironman costs about $500 so I'm not quite sure why I'm complaining. I don't know. I just feel that if you partake in an event that you literally put your blood, sweat and yes, sometimes tears into that you deserve a free t-shirt. Enough of the rant. The main focus of this post was going to be a discussion of the Bloomsday T-Shirts.
At this link Bloomsday T-Shirt History you can view all the past Bloomsday T-Shirts from 1977 to 2009. Its interesting to go back in time, to the 80s in particular and see how the styles have developed and changed over the years. 2007 is probably my favorite shirt, but the only one I own in the 1996 Ken Spiering one which features all the used cups on the ground. I'm not sure who put it out, but a couple of years ago they did do a vote for what T-shirt people thought was the best, and 1996 turned out to be the winner. So I guess I picked the right year to enter the competition. Still, its funny looking at some of the others and recognizing them; it stirs up a lot of memories. My sister wore the 92 shirt for years as a pajama top, and I remember how many kids had the 98 shirt in grade school. That's one of the things about the day after Bloomsday... seeing what the T-shirts look like. It'll be interesting to see what the next decade brings. This is a bit of a side note, but it just occurred to me that advertising what the shirt is going to look like weeks before Bloomsday might give incentive for more people to enter. By that same token, it may prevent people as well.
At this link Bloomsday T-Shirt History you can view all the past Bloomsday T-Shirts from 1977 to 2009. Its interesting to go back in time, to the 80s in particular and see how the styles have developed and changed over the years. 2007 is probably my favorite shirt, but the only one I own in the 1996 Ken Spiering one which features all the used cups on the ground. I'm not sure who put it out, but a couple of years ago they did do a vote for what T-shirt people thought was the best, and 1996 turned out to be the winner. So I guess I picked the right year to enter the competition. Still, its funny looking at some of the others and recognizing them; it stirs up a lot of memories. My sister wore the 92 shirt for years as a pajama top, and I remember how many kids had the 98 shirt in grade school. That's one of the things about the day after Bloomsday... seeing what the T-shirts look like. It'll be interesting to see what the next decade brings. This is a bit of a side note, but it just occurred to me that advertising what the shirt is going to look like weeks before Bloomsday might give incentive for more people to enter. By that same token, it may prevent people as well.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Critiquing
I don't have any objection to critiquing our blogs. I think that it is important to recognize that whatever we choose to write should have certain standards because it is going out to the public. For my own critiques I'm not so much concerned with the content as I am the technical aspects of a particular post. Spelling as well as punctuation are important, as well as clarity. If a blog post does not appear to have any organization or clear message its trying to evoke for the reader then I'll probably take issue with it. There has to be some effort behind the post. The most important thing I'm looking for is to be informed about something... if the post is merely someone's diary entry then I probably won't be invested, I'll be left asking myself why should I care? Actually I probably wouldn't ask myself that because I don't usually mind reading that sort of prose, but it does have to have a level of clarity for me to be able to access it.
My blog is no doubt random. I go from Meryl Streep to gelato, to the anti-Nazi resistance movement. Nevertheless, I hope that someone who goes into my blog and reads the posts individually will get something from them one way or another. They are each self-contained, but if they can provide some new insight to a topic or person then that's the best I can hope for. My fear with focusing on one topic in particular was that the posts would become too repetitive, and also that if a reader did not take interest in the topic of my choosing they would not pursue my blog as a whole. That being said there is a method behind my 'random' madness... well, hopefully you will think so too. *Crosses fingers*
My blog is no doubt random. I go from Meryl Streep to gelato, to the anti-Nazi resistance movement. Nevertheless, I hope that someone who goes into my blog and reads the posts individually will get something from them one way or another. They are each self-contained, but if they can provide some new insight to a topic or person then that's the best I can hope for. My fear with focusing on one topic in particular was that the posts would become too repetitive, and also that if a reader did not take interest in the topic of my choosing they would not pursue my blog as a whole. That being said there is a method behind my 'random' madness... well, hopefully you will think so too. *Crosses fingers*
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Going Unnoticed
Its the strangest thing how I'll be surfing for one thing on the internet and come upon some new discovery. Despite its many flaws, I think that's the best thing I can say for the world wide web, and particularly sites like wikipedia. While the website should not be relied on for 100% factual evidence, it does brush over thousands of topics from people to places. In this particular case I was reading about Anne Boleyn after watching the dreadful Other Boleyn Girl with Natalie Portman in the title role. I don't mind Portman, but can she never attempt a British accent ever again? Please? Anyway, so I was reading on about Anne Boleyn on wikipedia and at the bottom of her page there was a link to a list of those who'd been decapitated. Now I know what your thinking; she's morbid and that's gross, but hey it caught my attention. That actually brings to mind a quote from Oscar Wilde, something about war being wicked and therefore people will always have a fascination with it. Not that I'm fascinated with decapitation... okay I'm just going to move on.
Decapitation, as are all methods of execution in my opinion, both horrible and unfounded. I think the guillotine in particular is a barbaric instrument, and when I read that six University of Munich students had been executed in such a manner for distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets in 1943, I was shocked. I'd never heard of The White Rose, a non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. Its principle members: Hans Scholl (24), his sister Sophie (21), Christoph Probst (23), Willi Graf (25), Alexander Schmorell (26), and philosophy professor Kurt Huber (49) were found guilty and executed. The six pamphlets they wrote, the link to which I'll provide here: White Rose Leaflets have an intellectual grounding in their call against Hitler's regime, and the hope for a new Germany where freedom of expression and thought may exist once again.
Hans and Sophie Scholl were caught distributing pamphlets at the University, and Christoph Probst was arrested shortly after. In a matter of four short days (consisting of interrogation and trial) all three were dead. 21 year-old Sophie was the first taken to the guillotine, her last recorded words were "The sun's still shining."
What's puzzling to me is that I'd never before heard of The White Rose. I asked both of my Parents, both of which are pretty spot on with history, but neither of them had heard of the group either. And I know there's dozens of cases like this out there that I still have yet to learn about, but it never ceases to amaze me how something as profound and ultimately tragic as this has gone unnoticed by so many. I know that's often the case with history, and that's why we've gone and repeated some of the worst bits of it. Its easy to watch a movie about The White Rose, in particular the 2006 Foreign Film Oscar contender: Sophie Scholl – The Final Days and feel bad about what happened to these young people, but the more important aspect I think is to consider: what would I do in that situation? Sophie and Hans took entire responsibility for the pamphlets when they were arrested - refusing to name other members of the resistance. Would I have that kind of strength? I don't know if I would, but I do know that others have and that gives me some conviction. Sophie Scholl once said:
"The real damage is done by those millions who want to 'survive.' The honest men who just want to be left in peace. Those who don’t want their little lives disturbed by anything bigger than themselves. Those with no sides and no causes. Those who won’t take measure of their own strength, for fear of antagonizing their own weakness. Those who don’t like to make waves—or enemies. Those for whom freedom, honour, truth, and principles are only literature. Those who live small, mate small, die small. It’s the reductionist approach to life: if you keep it small, you’ll keep it under control. If you don’t make any noise, the bogeyman won’t find you. But it’s all an illusion, because they die too, those people who roll up their spirits into tiny little balls so as to be safe. Safe?! From what? Life is always on the edge of death; narrow streets lead to the same place as wide avenues, and a little candle burns itself out just like a flaming torch does. I choose my own way to burn."
— Sophie Scholl
We may think that the threat will never be this significant again. As Americans citizens we can go day in, day out despite the fact that our country is at war overseas. Is it the same? No, there will never be anything absolutely identical to Nazi Germany, but there are strong similarities, the same kinds of injustices everywhere in the world. I could go on and on about this, but I won't. Only consider and try to understand. What can we do? Well, we can write. And that's something.
(From Left to Right: Hans Scholl, Sophie Scholl and Christoph Probst)
Decapitation, as are all methods of execution in my opinion, both horrible and unfounded. I think the guillotine in particular is a barbaric instrument, and when I read that six University of Munich students had been executed in such a manner for distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets in 1943, I was shocked. I'd never heard of The White Rose, a non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. Its principle members: Hans Scholl (24), his sister Sophie (21), Christoph Probst (23), Willi Graf (25), Alexander Schmorell (26), and philosophy professor Kurt Huber (49) were found guilty and executed. The six pamphlets they wrote, the link to which I'll provide here: White Rose Leaflets have an intellectual grounding in their call against Hitler's regime, and the hope for a new Germany where freedom of expression and thought may exist once again.
Hans and Sophie Scholl were caught distributing pamphlets at the University, and Christoph Probst was arrested shortly after. In a matter of four short days (consisting of interrogation and trial) all three were dead. 21 year-old Sophie was the first taken to the guillotine, her last recorded words were "The sun's still shining."
What's puzzling to me is that I'd never before heard of The White Rose. I asked both of my Parents, both of which are pretty spot on with history, but neither of them had heard of the group either. And I know there's dozens of cases like this out there that I still have yet to learn about, but it never ceases to amaze me how something as profound and ultimately tragic as this has gone unnoticed by so many. I know that's often the case with history, and that's why we've gone and repeated some of the worst bits of it. Its easy to watch a movie about The White Rose, in particular the 2006 Foreign Film Oscar contender: Sophie Scholl – The Final Days and feel bad about what happened to these young people, but the more important aspect I think is to consider: what would I do in that situation? Sophie and Hans took entire responsibility for the pamphlets when they were arrested - refusing to name other members of the resistance. Would I have that kind of strength? I don't know if I would, but I do know that others have and that gives me some conviction. Sophie Scholl once said:
"The real damage is done by those millions who want to 'survive.' The honest men who just want to be left in peace. Those who don’t want their little lives disturbed by anything bigger than themselves. Those with no sides and no causes. Those who won’t take measure of their own strength, for fear of antagonizing their own weakness. Those who don’t like to make waves—or enemies. Those for whom freedom, honour, truth, and principles are only literature. Those who live small, mate small, die small. It’s the reductionist approach to life: if you keep it small, you’ll keep it under control. If you don’t make any noise, the bogeyman won’t find you. But it’s all an illusion, because they die too, those people who roll up their spirits into tiny little balls so as to be safe. Safe?! From what? Life is always on the edge of death; narrow streets lead to the same place as wide avenues, and a little candle burns itself out just like a flaming torch does. I choose my own way to burn."
— Sophie Scholl
We may think that the threat will never be this significant again. As Americans citizens we can go day in, day out despite the fact that our country is at war overseas. Is it the same? No, there will never be anything absolutely identical to Nazi Germany, but there are strong similarities, the same kinds of injustices everywhere in the world. I could go on and on about this, but I won't. Only consider and try to understand. What can we do? Well, we can write. And that's something.
(From Left to Right: Hans Scholl, Sophie Scholl and Christoph Probst)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Gelato: The Better Choice
Last night I was treated to some mocha gelato at this small Italian restaurant on the South Hill called Ferrante's (fantastic food btw) and not only was it delicious, but it got me thinking how superior the Italian dessert is to conventional ice cream. I don't mean to offend the ice cream fanatics out there, only provide a few insights on why gelato is oh so scrumptious.
1) Gelato contains less butter fat than ice cream and while that doesn't elevate to the status of a health food, it does mean that the tasty treat won't do as much damage to your waistline. The calorie count is usually lower as well.
2) Gelato typically contains fresh fruit (all sorts) and nuts. The rich flavors come in a wide, wide variety and vary place to place. Some are as simple as strawberry whereas others are a bit wild for the adventurous tasters.
3) Gelato is usually made by hand and daily so its more fresh. Not to mention the fact that it is churned at a slower rate than ice cream. This increases the density of the frozen dessert and makes for a thick, creamy composition.
4) The treat is served at a cooler temperature than ice cream so the chances of running into those chunky freezer burned mouthfuls is very unlikely. Gelato maintains its smooth texture whereas ice cream can become chalky and flavorless because its stored at arctic temperatures.
5) Remember, its Italian and I'm pretty much sure they're incapable of making bad food :)
1) Gelato contains less butter fat than ice cream and while that doesn't elevate to the status of a health food, it does mean that the tasty treat won't do as much damage to your waistline. The calorie count is usually lower as well.
2) Gelato typically contains fresh fruit (all sorts) and nuts. The rich flavors come in a wide, wide variety and vary place to place. Some are as simple as strawberry whereas others are a bit wild for the adventurous tasters.
3) Gelato is usually made by hand and daily so its more fresh. Not to mention the fact that it is churned at a slower rate than ice cream. This increases the density of the frozen dessert and makes for a thick, creamy composition.
4) The treat is served at a cooler temperature than ice cream so the chances of running into those chunky freezer burned mouthfuls is very unlikely. Gelato maintains its smooth texture whereas ice cream can become chalky and flavorless because its stored at arctic temperatures.
5) Remember, its Italian and I'm pretty much sure they're incapable of making bad food :)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Blast From the Past
My sister made quite the purchase a month ago when she bought a television series we used to watch as kids on DVD. I'm not sure if any of my fellow capstone classmates have heard of Faerie Tale Theatre, but the series was pretty cool. I believe it was the late 80s when actress Shelley Duvall aka Olive Oil and Jack Nicholson's very unfortunate wife in The Shining put together a group of actors and actresses to star in one hour productions of both well known and obscure fairy tales. Robin Williams, Susan Sarandon, Mick Jagger, Jeff Bridges, Vincent Price, and Matthew Broderick are just some of the stars who play characters from the Frog Prince to the Mirror Mirror on the Wall. Apparently Francis Ford Coppola even directed an episode, which (and this shouldn't come as a surprise) featured his daughter Sophia... whose better suited working behind the camera (those of you who've seen Godfather III would agree).
What I found interesting watching some of the episodes on DVD now is that I'm not too sure these were appropriate for kids. Granted, being the youngest of four it was the norm for me to be exposed to shows with older content. Then again, fairy tales in general can be pretty disturbing on paper much less on film. One of the episodes that always stuck with me was Rapunzel, in which Gena Rowlands (that nice old lady from The Notebook) plays the evil witch who steals baby Rapunzel away from her parents. I guess you'd have to see the episode to believe me, but Gena Rowlands is terrifying and I think even though I didn't know it was the same actress when I first saw The Notebook, it was probably a subconscious reason I didn't shed a tear at the end of that film.
(Gena Rowlands above... not just the sweet old lady from The Notebook)
Faerie Tale Theatre is both a fascinating and oddball collection. Some of the stories are better done than the others (Cinderella, Dancing Princesses, and Little Red Riding Hood in particular), but there isn't one production that's completely without anything worthwhile. Granted, I haven't dared Pinnochio for fear of Pee-Wee Herman so I can't brag about that one. The point is if you happen to see this when your browsing for entrainment I highly recommend the purchase. Adults and kids will likely enjoy the series, but for different reasons. I can only imagine what the show would be like had it been done today... and that's just about as nightmarish a thought as any I've had in recent weeks.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Spring, Glorious Spring!
Its absolutely gorgeous outside today. Thanks to the power of Zyrtec I'm able to enjoy spending time outside this weekend. I met up with a few friends and we played some soccer and frisbee down at Hart field. There were two kite-fliers down there and it reminded me of a time when I was about six or seven when my Dad had put together one of those styrofoam / cheap wooden (the kind they make tongue depressors out of) model airplanes. My sisters and I had been so eager to walk down to the field to test the aircraft out, despite the fact that it was particularly breezy that day. There's no doubt that my Dad knew we probably should have held off for a day with a milder wind, but seeing how we were so excited he took us down anyway. We got one fair run with the airplane before it nose-dived into the ground. As I recall a rainstorm shortly followed. Looking back I can't remember if I was disappointed or satisfied with the test run, but what I can appreciate now is the fact that my Dad is always up for letting us try whatever foolish idea we had and continue to have to this day. My Mom is way more practical. I guess I'm pretty lucky in that respect, Mom and Dad provide me with a lot of room for deciding what's right for me because they approach life with different perspectives. Anyway, look at the tangents I've gone off on in this post. Whatever. Being organized when it comes to writing is overrated... kind of. As we learned in class this week that's the case with poetry at least. According to Rachel, its poetry so we can do whatever we want. Maybe that's part of the reason I can't do without it. Now enough with this computer, I need another dose of vitamin D.
Monday, April 12, 2010
While I do want to give more direction to this blog, there is a reason I decided on Greenlight as a title. I had a hard time deciding on what I should choose, and I was attempting to think of things that spark my interest or make me want to write. Greenlight is a very basic title for a blog, but it certainly does convey the idea that once a certain notion (however random) enters my brain I'm apt to go gunning for it.
Today a friend was asking me about my favorite actresses and I listed off a few before remembering someone who is always, in my opinion, brilliant and that's Meryl Streep. Another random post for my blog right? People will either agree wholeheartedly or roll their eyes at my suggestion that Streep is the best actress ever, but honestly... I've seen several films by the woman and she's always delivered a top notch performance even when the script hasn't given her much to work with. After much consideration I came up with what I believe to be Meryl's top five performances on film (from what I've seen). Here's some clips from each though I warn you they do contain *SPOILERS* for the films. So if you haven't seen them I'm warning you now.
1. Sophie's Choice - as Sophie Zawistowski
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYQjsbn4KCM
2. Silkwood - as Karen Silkwood
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbFdYep6Pcg
3. Angels in America - as The Rabbi, Hannah Pitt and Ethel Rosenberg
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDWWrxLLcOo
4. A Cry in the Dark - as Lindy Chamberlain "The Dingo Ate My Baby"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LG3_1AlLWg
5. Ironweed - as Helen Archer
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cGAcqBb_tA
Today a friend was asking me about my favorite actresses and I listed off a few before remembering someone who is always, in my opinion, brilliant and that's Meryl Streep. Another random post for my blog right? People will either agree wholeheartedly or roll their eyes at my suggestion that Streep is the best actress ever, but honestly... I've seen several films by the woman and she's always delivered a top notch performance even when the script hasn't given her much to work with. After much consideration I came up with what I believe to be Meryl's top five performances on film (from what I've seen). Here's some clips from each though I warn you they do contain *SPOILERS* for the films. So if you haven't seen them I'm warning you now.
1. Sophie's Choice - as Sophie Zawistowski
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYQjsbn4KCM
2. Silkwood - as Karen Silkwood
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbFdYep6Pcg
3. Angels in America - as The Rabbi, Hannah Pitt and Ethel Rosenberg
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDWWrxLLcOo
4. A Cry in the Dark - as Lindy Chamberlain "The Dingo Ate My Baby"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LG3_1AlLWg
5. Ironweed - as Helen Archer
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cGAcqBb_tA
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Poem
I'm not quite satisfied with this, but thought I'd post it anyway. On a day like today its nice to think that summer isn't too far off.
Waves collide with the shoreline
And it's you and me and this place
A cabin on a grassy hillside
Remain traces to summers past
There were buttercups, forts and coolers
Swimming yes and sailboats too
All these things and to do's
But only with family here
Did this place become a part of me
Now alone with the pebbles under my feet
On a beach that misses its children
With intertubes, squeeze-its and laughter
Fading like the paint on the dock marker
No.
More like the rocks I choose to skip
Eager for one more swim
Waves collide with the shoreline
And it's you and me and this place
A cabin on a grassy hillside
Remain traces to summers past
There were buttercups, forts and coolers
Swimming yes and sailboats too
All these things and to do's
But only with family here
Did this place become a part of me
Now alone with the pebbles under my feet
On a beach that misses its children
With intertubes, squeeze-its and laughter
Fading like the paint on the dock marker
No.
More like the rocks I choose to skip
Eager for one more swim
Saturday, April 3, 2010
25 Random Things...
Whoever said these things aren't awesome lied. Also, I'm waiting for game night to start so I'm bored.
So here's the thing, you write down 25 random things about yourself. They can be facts, habits, opinions, etc. and um, well that's about it.
1. I'm German, French and Irish, but Irish is pretty much the only one I'm proud of. Not that its uncool to be French or German, its just not as fun.
2. I can make both my wrists crack on cue. Nice and brittle.
3. I think chocolate covered pretzels are the best combination of sweet and salty... making them quite possibly the perfect snack.
4. I always lose a chapstick before I finish it.
5. I don't invest much in astrology, but enneagram seems to be pretty legit.
6. Sunday is the worst day of the week.
7. I'm a fan of foreign films, particularly Chinese and French.
8. I always buy extra large sweats for lounging around so I can relax.
9. I'm Catholic, but I don't necessarily agree with everything that entails. I'm really more of a believer that religion is so personal... its different for every single person so its not quite fair to put people in one category or another.
10. I used to smoke clove cigarettes.
11. Nothing's better than a spontaneous road trip.
12. When I write I overuse commas and ellipses... definitely.
13. From what I can remember, I've only cried at about half a dozen movies: Dead Man Walking, Little Women, The Deer Hunter, The Mission and Cinema Paradiso are some.
14. I don't necessarily dislike all Miley Cyrus' songs... um yeah.
15. My biggest pet peeve is people who are very competitive.
16. I used to have this fascination with the King Arthur legend. I think it espoused from watching "A Kid in King Arthur's Court" when I was little. How foolish is that?
17. I have been mistaken for being part Asian and part Cambodian before. I just... honestly Cambodian? I'm practically translucent.
18. Sometimes I think I should have majored or even minored (I guess its not too late) in chemistry.
19. Bill Moyers show on PBS... one of the best on TV.
20. I've never broken any bone in my body.
21. I occasionally say "frak" instead of the alternative when I get upset.
22. I'm lactose intolerant :(
23. Favorite fruit has to be pears.
24. Let it Be is my favorite Beatles song.
25. I neglect sleep far too often.
So here's the thing, you write down 25 random things about yourself. They can be facts, habits, opinions, etc. and um, well that's about it.
1. I'm German, French and Irish, but Irish is pretty much the only one I'm proud of. Not that its uncool to be French or German, its just not as fun.
2. I can make both my wrists crack on cue. Nice and brittle.
3. I think chocolate covered pretzels are the best combination of sweet and salty... making them quite possibly the perfect snack.
4. I always lose a chapstick before I finish it.
5. I don't invest much in astrology, but enneagram seems to be pretty legit.
6. Sunday is the worst day of the week.
7. I'm a fan of foreign films, particularly Chinese and French.
8. I always buy extra large sweats for lounging around so I can relax.
9. I'm Catholic, but I don't necessarily agree with everything that entails. I'm really more of a believer that religion is so personal... its different for every single person so its not quite fair to put people in one category or another.
10. I used to smoke clove cigarettes.
11. Nothing's better than a spontaneous road trip.
12. When I write I overuse commas and ellipses... definitely.
13. From what I can remember, I've only cried at about half a dozen movies: Dead Man Walking, Little Women, The Deer Hunter, The Mission and Cinema Paradiso are some.
14. I don't necessarily dislike all Miley Cyrus' songs... um yeah.
15. My biggest pet peeve is people who are very competitive.
16. I used to have this fascination with the King Arthur legend. I think it espoused from watching "A Kid in King Arthur's Court" when I was little. How foolish is that?
17. I have been mistaken for being part Asian and part Cambodian before. I just... honestly Cambodian? I'm practically translucent.
18. Sometimes I think I should have majored or even minored (I guess its not too late) in chemistry.
19. Bill Moyers show on PBS... one of the best on TV.
20. I've never broken any bone in my body.
21. I occasionally say "frak" instead of the alternative when I get upset.
22. I'm lactose intolerant :(
23. Favorite fruit has to be pears.
24. Let it Be is my favorite Beatles song.
25. I neglect sleep far too often.
numero uno
I've never had a blog before and I'm just getting a handle on things here, but its going good thus far. Its a nice break from reading Beowulf for Brit Lit. I. Well um, hmm... I'm not even quite sure what to write about. I just got finished reading a childhood friend's book entitled Love or at Least Lust and Friendship. I've known Tom (that's the author) for years; our parents met through Jesuit Volunteer Corps when they were in their 20s and for my entire life we've lived three blocks away from their house. So in a way we grew up together, but definitely drifted apart as we got older; that is, us Charles girls (the four of us) and the Feulner kids (particularly Tom and his brother Tim). Before I picked up the book I knew how the story would end because I knew the basics, but not the details. I had the facts. Tom had a relationship with a girl named Amy who had cancer, and ultimately died when it resurfaced, but that was all. When I read this story, I was transported into Tom's mind, as the book is told from his perspective, and I really felt like I connected with him on many levels. The treatments Amy goes through in her battle with cancer reminded me of my Mom when she was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. So many people are affected in one way or another by this horrific disease, and each experience of course isn't the same. My Mom beat her cancer, Amy did not. And it makes me wonder and worry if my Mom's will resurface in the same way hers did. And what can you do? What good does worrying do? I never met Amy, but I know the possibility that her cancer would return must have crossed her mind every day. Still, she didn't retreat from life and it seems to me, from what I know after reading Tom's book, is that despite the fact that she passed away much too young, she made the most of her time here. In a way, cancer broke her body, but it couldn't break her spirit. I know that probably sounds corny, but that's what the book showed me, and I'm thankful I had the opportunity to read it. If anyone's interested, I encourage them to take a look at Tom's website here: http://www.tomfeulner.com/index.html to read a bit more about the book as well as some of his other work.
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