When plans go wrong, they won't ruin the day...
= First of all, all my thoughts go to anyone and everyone who've been touched by the Tennessee disaster. Last I heard it was 18 fatalities. Heartbreaking.
= Barack won 14 states. Wow. He's got a lot of momentum and plenty of money left to campaign. The delegate breakdown isn't finalized, but he didn't get slaughtered, even though he lost a few big states.
I voted for him. I want him to win. I could break down policies and his stance on every issue and why I support him, because there are plenty of those reasons. Believe it or not, it's not necessarily about not supporting Hillary for me, because if she wins the nomination, of course I'll support her and vote for her. But right now, it's just more about supporting someone that I feel like I can trust to do all the things he says he's going to do, and to finally change things. Will Wheaton posted the following in his blog, and I'm passing it along, because it really does convey my feelings much more eloquently than I ever could hope to.
I don’t loathe Hillary Clinton. I’ll support her against any of the Republican candidates, certainly against John McCain, a man whose basic foreign policy position is War With Everyone, Forever. And I think if she’s the nominee, she can beat McCain. I have a lot of reservations about some of the people she’s liable to bring in her wake, and the thought of a “Clinton Restoration” makes me tired. But the particular variety of frothing hostility she inspires in a lot of people makes me more inclined to support her, rather than less. And if she should become the nominee, two words will constantly remind me why I should get off my ass and vote for her: “Supreme” and “Court.”
But I think Obama can do more than beat McCain. I think he can beat McCain and sweep more Democrats, and more progressive Democrats, into power with him. I think it’s no accident that he’s been endorsed by so many elected Democrats in red states like Kansas, Arizona, and North Dakota. It’s not because he’s secretly a conservative, it’s because they know they’ll do better with him on top of the ticket.
I’m for Obama knowing perfectly well that, as Bill Clinton suggested, it’s a “roll of the dice”. A roll of the dice for Democrats, for progressives, for those of us who’ve fought so hard against the right-wing frames that Obama sometimes (sometimes craftily, sometimes naively) deploys. Because I think a Hillary Clinton candidacy will be another game of inches, yielding-at best-another four or eight years of knifework in the dark. Because I think an Obama candidacy might actually shake up the whole gameboard, energize good people, create room and space for real change.
Because he seems to know something extraordinarily important, something so frequently missing from progressive politics in this country, in this time: how to hearten people. Because when I watch him speak, I see fearful people becoming brave. -Patrick Nielsen Hayden
As I sat, listening to his speech tonight, I told Koko that he actually makes me believe. And that's scary. But it's so exciting, too. And I haven't felt this way since 1992, the first time I ever voted for a President. Sixteen years later, and I have hope again.
= Now, onto far less important things. I've been watching a lot of movies lately. Some new, some not so new. Behind the cut are my little reviews. I try really hard not to spoil much of anything specific, just general thoughts and feelings.
Stardust (2007) - I'd heard very little about this film until I saw it on a handful of Top 10 lists for the year. It sounded interesting, so I gave it a shot. Wow, SO much love for this! Based on the book by Neil Gaiman, it's a fun period piece that romps through adventure and romance and fantasy and comedy as swiftly and as deftly as I've seen in a long time. Hats off to Claire Danes for portraying a fallen star so effortlessly, and to Robert DeNiro for being so bold in his role as Captain Shakespeare. I never EVER would've imagined him doing... what he did. lol (won't spoil you!) Add to that, a priceless cameo by Ricky Gervais, and I found it to be an absolute gem that I plan to purchase and watch many times over.
No Country For Old Men (2007) - Okay, so pretty much every person that's ever lived has this listed as the best movie of 2007. So I had to see it, right? Right! Now, don't get me wrong, this movie is amazing in every way that counts. The acting is superb, the photography is stunning, and the script is economical, yet layered and rich. It's suspenseful and even downright scary in some parts. It's got SO much going for it. But I'm with all those other people, Mr Brolin, I didn't like your ending! Your ending sucked! And that is all.
Cloverfield (2008) - Um. Ouch. Look, I love monster movies as much as the next guy, and I appreciate the fact that the film focused more on the characters and how they got through the city, blah blah, as opposed to focusing on the big monster. I liked that, I did. I also can appreciate bringing the monster movie into the 21st century with the whole 1st person YouTubeyness of it all. All duly noted and applauded. But, to be fair. One. If you're going to focus on the characters, make them people I actually care about and want to see survive. Instead of not giving two shits when/if they get all shishkabobbed or whatever. Two. If you're going to do the whole shaky camera thing, that's fine. But give me more than, like, two scenes where you stop to reflect. Because, while my stomach managed to survive the ride, my head wanted to explode in the way that's just not fun for anyone. Sooo yeah. It was okay. I was hoping for more from Drew Goddard, to be quite honest. He's a phenomenal writer, and this just didn't showcase his talent for squat.
Brick (2005) - Wow, wow, wowee! I'd heard rumblings about how good this was, but I didn't really understand why. Holy updated Film Noir, batman! Looooooved this movie. Phenomenal performance by Mr Third Rock himself, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Gave me a whole new appreciation for his utter hotness (and talent, yeah). Just a very crisp and clean and purposeful movie. It knew exactly what it wanted to do and how to get there and did so beautifully.
Enchanted (2007) - It was pretty much everything I expected it to be. Nothing too serious, nothing too deep, sweet and cute as most Disney films are. I will say that Amy Adams turned in a precious performance and I can kindof see why 3 or 4 critics grumbled when she wasn't nominated for anything. Kindof.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) - I admit, I'm someone who wasn't at all familiar with the musical before seeing this film adaptation. Since watching the movie, I have, however, searched down youtubes of performances just to get a different feel for it. While Depp's singing isn't exactly up to par with the Broadway folk (obviously), I do think his acting was top notch in this role. For whatever that's worth. I actually really liked the ending, there was no other way to really end it that I would've been satisfied with. Well played, Sondheim. Oh, that kid? The kid who played Toby? He was an amazing little singer. I'll be curious to see what he does with his career.
In The Land Of Women (2007) - Oh, Seth. Er.. Adam Brody. I have such a strange crush on you, it's ridiculous. I'll probably end up seeing everything he ever does just because of this hard-to-explain thang I have for him. I'll even sit through movies that just aren't that good. You know, like this one. As I was watching it, I was enjoying The Adam Brody-ness of it all. However, I still, days later, have no idea what the purpose of it actually was. What was I supposed to get from it? To learn to appreciate life for all its quirky and unexpected events? To connect with someone, no matter how inopportune or inappropriate or weird it may be? I have no idea. But Adam? Adorable. Especially in glasses, jammies and a robe. Yeah.
Gone Baby Gone (2007) - Not something I would've normally sought out if not for the glowing reviews that Casey Affleck got. Much like my inexplicable crush on Adam Brody, the torch I carry for Casey Affleck is.. perplexing at best. He has this thing. I just can't explain it. And he's pretty much the best part of this movie, which finds him as a 31-year-old private investigator who gets a job to find a kidnapped little girl. I think what's disappointing to me is what this could've been, which I only saw flashes of toward the end of the flick. So much potential for true moral dilemmas and hard-as-hell decisions that had no truly right or wrong outcome. THAT'S when it started to engage me, you know, when there was about 15 mintues left. I'm thinking that wasn't their intention.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007) - Again with the huge WOWs. I'm so in love with this movie, I can't even explain it. It's one that's still with me, that I still think about, and one that makes me smile and almost cry when I do. Ryan Gosling *did* deserve at least a nomination for his work. It may not be a loud and bombastic role, but it's moving and heartfelt and so f'n earnest. I was trying to think of how to explain this film to someone, how to tell them how beautiful and how simple, yet how powerful and thought-provoking it actually was. When I couldn't find the words, I went to look for some reviews that could. So, from Roger Ebert:
How do you make a film about a life-sized love doll, ordered through the Internet, into a life-affirming statement of hope? In "Lars and the Real Girl," you do it with faith in human nature, and with a performance by Ryan Gosling that says things that cannot be said. And you surround him with actors who express the instinctive kindness we show to those we love.
...
There are so many ways "Lars and the Real Girl" could have gone wrong that one of the film's fascinations is how adroitly it sidesteps them. Its weapon is absolute sincerity. It is about who Lars is, and how he relates to this substitute for human friendship, and that is all it's about. It has a kind of purity to it.
...
How this all finally works out is deeply satisfying. Only after the movie is over do you realize what a balancing act it was, what risks it took, what rewards it contains.
Amazing Grace (2006) - I saw this trailer on a list for the "Most Tearjerking Trailers Ever" or something like that. It looked interesting - based on the true story of a man who spent the better part of his life trying to abolish slavery in Europe in the late 1700s. I'd never seen Ioan Gruffudd in anything other than the dumb Fantastic Four movies, so color me shocked at how lovely an actor he actually was. This is one of those films that was perfectly enjoyable to watch, hit on all the right notes and all the right times. I assumed there were only a couple of ways it could end, but I never thought it would end as it did. A worthy story to tell, and done so with gentle pushes and firm strokes simultaneously. It hit me at the end just how exhausted this man must've been, to fight for so long, but how satisfied as well, to have a life's purpose that really, actually meant something.
Sydney White (2007) - I admit it! I'm a huuuge sucker for all those horrible teen queen movies. Even if they're teen queens that I don't like or have little respect for. I watch them all. They're brainless and predictable and, damnit, they make life better. Hmph. There, I admitted it. My favorite of the bunch, however, has always been little Miss Amanda Bynes. I think this movie went straight to DVD, and that's totally understandable. It's nothing special, really. It's Amanda being her adorable little self, as always. It ends happily, as expected. It follows the perfect formula that we're used to, that we expect, and that some of us find comfort in. :)
Ratatouille (2007) - I had a big aversion to this film all year since it was released because. Well, frankly, I have a thing about watching RATS make FOOD. It's just.. icky. And sure, it was a cute little movie, but I'm never gonna get that picture out of my head of hundreds of rats covering that car or running toward someone. Animation or not, it's just... AAAGHHHHHHH. Sorry. I can't get past it! lol
Whew! I'm currently in the middle of watching Across The Universe. So far? Very choppy. Not sure if I'll love it.
Also downloaded and still to watch: Atonement, National Treasure 2, License To Wed, A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints, and The Host
= I don't know how we handled late-night TV before the Colbert/O'Brian/Stewart feud began. It's pretty much completely perfect comedy as far as I'm concerned. I'm trying to pull together all the clips for a friend, so she can watch them sequentially. When I do, I'll post them for all to see. You'll be a better person for it.
= This year's Paley Festival is awesome if only for one reason - Buffy Reunion, in the hizzouse!! And yes, SMG(P) just confirmed her attendance. It just wouldn't be right without Buffy. Here's the list:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reunion
March 20 | Thursday | 7:00 pm
In Person:
Amber Benson, "Tara Maclay"
Nicholas Brendon, "Xander Harris"
Emma Caulfield, "Anya"
Eliza Dushku, "Faith"
Sarah Michelle Gellar, "Buffy Summers"
Seth Green, "Oz"
James Marsters, "Spike"
Michelle Trachtenberg, "Dawn Summers"
Joss Whedon, Creator
We really just need Charisma and Alyson and ASH, and we'll be set.. David being there would be nice, too, but I won't ever count on that. lol And even though I'm a member, I had no luck getting tickets last year. So we'll see about this year. I want to go to this more than anything, though. Sigh.
= To kill some time, for you Jim and Pam fans who miss the show as much as I do. Someone posted their personal favorite Top 10 Jam moments.
= New BB9 commercial, highlighting the twist this year
"Soulmates"
Um. Weird. But whatever. lol
= Some of the funniest stuff I've read in a long time. New York Magazine swapped TV Show writers! My favorites are FNL and the 13 Other Shows.
The Office - By Daniel Chun, Carolyn Omine, Matt Selman, and Matt Warburton, writers from The Simpsons
Gossip Girl - By Veronica Becker and Sarah Kuscerka, writers from Ugly Betty
Friday Night Lights - By Mindy Kaling and Ryan Koh, writers from The Office
Grey's Anatomy - By Lauren Gussis, writer from Dexter
13 Other Shows - By J. R. Havlan, Steve Bodow, Rob Kutner, Tim Carvell, Jason Ross, Kevin Bleyer, Rachel Axler, Sam Means, Scott Jacobson, and Rich Blomquist, writers from The Daily Show
= A couple weeks back I got selected to serve on a jury, a criminal case. Fun times. No, really. I enjoy that stuff! The defendant settled after 2 days and we were excused. So, technically, I got paid for 2 whole days. Here, we only get $15 per day, and I had to take 3 days of “sick time” from work. But it’s not too bad. I do enjoy the process, it’s very interesting to me, and we had an awesome judge. Plus, you find yourself bonding very closely with your fellow jurors, people you never would’ve met otherwise. I always think… this is how my parents met… and it gets me all tingly. But yes, it’s all done and I’m free for at least 12 months. This was the second jury I’ve been on, and I’d gladly do it again. As the judge told us, the jury system is the cornerstone of democracy. No matter how f’d up Bush is, no matter how many things are wrong with this country, I’m reminded that this is still the best country in the world, and I’m proud and lucky to do my small part. Corny, yes, but it’s true.
= I just realized I hadn't really posted since Heath Ledger passed. So I’ll weigh in with my shocked and saddened thoughts on the matter. I would never have called myself a huge fan, but like many, his turn as Ennis in Brokeback Mountain absolutely gutted me, in the most satisfying way. It’s one of those performances I will never forget. His talent will be missed, of course. But more importantly, I wish nothing but peace for his daughter, for Michelle, and for his family in these trying times.
= Good news from the work front.. Not only do I get a raise beginning with my next paycheck, but I also have a new computer. Granted, it’s still a hand-me-down from the other office, but it’s SO much faster than my old one that it might as well be brand new. Color me thrilled. Well, except for the part that I've been without Internet on there for the last 2 weeks. Not fun.
= TV thoughts, no matter how late… thrillllled about how TAR ended. I only had a few favorites this year, but TK and Rachel were my choice to win from about mid-way through the show. Although, it was nice to have a final three where I didn’t hate one team with the fire of a thousand suns. That almost never happens. And this was only the 3rd time that my favorite team actually won (Chip/Reichen, BJ/Tyler).
The new Survivor starts soon (Favorites vs Fans) and ugh. Not really happy with their picks for favorites. Because a few of them I don’t even remember, and the others? Notttt my favorites. With the exception of Ozzy and maybe James, I just don’t care. So maybe I’ll end up pulling for a “fan” this time.
= I don't know if it's weird for anyone else, but it was sortof weird to go through two sparkly birthdays and not even post about them. It's just tough. Their birthdays sandwich the anniversary of my mom's death, so my mind is usually elsewhere around that time. This was the 6th year since. It not only feels like it just happened yesterday, but it also feels like it happened a whole lifetime ago. Hard to explain, and harder to feel. It's hard because no matter how much time has gone by, no matter how much less frequently I cry about it, no matter how many hours in a day I can go without thinking of her or being reminded of her in some way, it's still the deepest pain in my life.
I miss her every day. I still need her. I wish she was here to argue with me over the Presidential election. I wish a lot of things. And this time of year, I wish a little harder than usual. Just after Christmas and my birthday, just after my brother's birthday and right around January 30th like clockwork, I feel it all much more heavily than the rest of the months. But the pain, it will cease, just a little, through the year, until a moment comes and it will pierce me sharply. And I'll think of her. And I'll cry, and then I'll smile. It's a neverending cycle, some kind of horribly mean roller coaster. It has the invigorating rise, the stomach-dropping fall, the dizzying loops, and when I'm luckiest, it has small bits of calm, straight track for me to catch my breath on. Such is life... and death.
= Sorry to end it that way, but I need to run to bed. It's late, and I have a full day tomorrow. Hopefully capped off by a Duke win over UNC. Ta!
"Our time has come. Our time has come. Our movement is real, and change is coming to America."
-Barack Obama, 2/5/08
= Barack won 14 states. Wow. He's got a lot of momentum and plenty of money left to campaign. The delegate breakdown isn't finalized, but he didn't get slaughtered, even though he lost a few big states.
I voted for him. I want him to win. I could break down policies and his stance on every issue and why I support him, because there are plenty of those reasons. Believe it or not, it's not necessarily about not supporting Hillary for me, because if she wins the nomination, of course I'll support her and vote for her. But right now, it's just more about supporting someone that I feel like I can trust to do all the things he says he's going to do, and to finally change things. Will Wheaton posted the following in his blog, and I'm passing it along, because it really does convey my feelings much more eloquently than I ever could hope to.
I don’t loathe Hillary Clinton. I’ll support her against any of the Republican candidates, certainly against John McCain, a man whose basic foreign policy position is War With Everyone, Forever. And I think if she’s the nominee, she can beat McCain. I have a lot of reservations about some of the people she’s liable to bring in her wake, and the thought of a “Clinton Restoration” makes me tired. But the particular variety of frothing hostility she inspires in a lot of people makes me more inclined to support her, rather than less. And if she should become the nominee, two words will constantly remind me why I should get off my ass and vote for her: “Supreme” and “Court.”
But I think Obama can do more than beat McCain. I think he can beat McCain and sweep more Democrats, and more progressive Democrats, into power with him. I think it’s no accident that he’s been endorsed by so many elected Democrats in red states like Kansas, Arizona, and North Dakota. It’s not because he’s secretly a conservative, it’s because they know they’ll do better with him on top of the ticket.
I’m for Obama knowing perfectly well that, as Bill Clinton suggested, it’s a “roll of the dice”. A roll of the dice for Democrats, for progressives, for those of us who’ve fought so hard against the right-wing frames that Obama sometimes (sometimes craftily, sometimes naively) deploys. Because I think a Hillary Clinton candidacy will be another game of inches, yielding-at best-another four or eight years of knifework in the dark. Because I think an Obama candidacy might actually shake up the whole gameboard, energize good people, create room and space for real change.
Because he seems to know something extraordinarily important, something so frequently missing from progressive politics in this country, in this time: how to hearten people. Because when I watch him speak, I see fearful people becoming brave. -Patrick Nielsen Hayden
As I sat, listening to his speech tonight, I told Koko that he actually makes me believe. And that's scary. But it's so exciting, too. And I haven't felt this way since 1992, the first time I ever voted for a President. Sixteen years later, and I have hope again.
= Now, onto far less important things. I've been watching a lot of movies lately. Some new, some not so new. Behind the cut are my little reviews. I try really hard not to spoil much of anything specific, just general thoughts and feelings.
Stardust (2007) - I'd heard very little about this film until I saw it on a handful of Top 10 lists for the year. It sounded interesting, so I gave it a shot. Wow, SO much love for this! Based on the book by Neil Gaiman, it's a fun period piece that romps through adventure and romance and fantasy and comedy as swiftly and as deftly as I've seen in a long time. Hats off to Claire Danes for portraying a fallen star so effortlessly, and to Robert DeNiro for being so bold in his role as Captain Shakespeare. I never EVER would've imagined him doing... what he did. lol (won't spoil you!) Add to that, a priceless cameo by Ricky Gervais, and I found it to be an absolute gem that I plan to purchase and watch many times over.
No Country For Old Men (2007) - Okay, so pretty much every person that's ever lived has this listed as the best movie of 2007. So I had to see it, right? Right! Now, don't get me wrong, this movie is amazing in every way that counts. The acting is superb, the photography is stunning, and the script is economical, yet layered and rich. It's suspenseful and even downright scary in some parts. It's got SO much going for it. But I'm with all those other people, Mr Brolin, I didn't like your ending! Your ending sucked! And that is all.
Cloverfield (2008) - Um. Ouch. Look, I love monster movies as much as the next guy, and I appreciate the fact that the film focused more on the characters and how they got through the city, blah blah, as opposed to focusing on the big monster. I liked that, I did. I also can appreciate bringing the monster movie into the 21st century with the whole 1st person YouTubeyness of it all. All duly noted and applauded. But, to be fair. One. If you're going to focus on the characters, make them people I actually care about and want to see survive. Instead of not giving two shits when/if they get all shishkabobbed or whatever. Two. If you're going to do the whole shaky camera thing, that's fine. But give me more than, like, two scenes where you stop to reflect. Because, while my stomach managed to survive the ride, my head wanted to explode in the way that's just not fun for anyone. Sooo yeah. It was okay. I was hoping for more from Drew Goddard, to be quite honest. He's a phenomenal writer, and this just didn't showcase his talent for squat.
Brick (2005) - Wow, wow, wowee! I'd heard rumblings about how good this was, but I didn't really understand why. Holy updated Film Noir, batman! Looooooved this movie. Phenomenal performance by Mr Third Rock himself, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Gave me a whole new appreciation for his utter hotness (and talent, yeah). Just a very crisp and clean and purposeful movie. It knew exactly what it wanted to do and how to get there and did so beautifully.
Enchanted (2007) - It was pretty much everything I expected it to be. Nothing too serious, nothing too deep, sweet and cute as most Disney films are. I will say that Amy Adams turned in a precious performance and I can kindof see why 3 or 4 critics grumbled when she wasn't nominated for anything. Kindof.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) - I admit, I'm someone who wasn't at all familiar with the musical before seeing this film adaptation. Since watching the movie, I have, however, searched down youtubes of performances just to get a different feel for it. While Depp's singing isn't exactly up to par with the Broadway folk (obviously), I do think his acting was top notch in this role. For whatever that's worth. I actually really liked the ending, there was no other way to really end it that I would've been satisfied with. Well played, Sondheim. Oh, that kid? The kid who played Toby? He was an amazing little singer. I'll be curious to see what he does with his career.
In The Land Of Women (2007) - Oh, Seth. Er.. Adam Brody. I have such a strange crush on you, it's ridiculous. I'll probably end up seeing everything he ever does just because of this hard-to-explain thang I have for him. I'll even sit through movies that just aren't that good. You know, like this one. As I was watching it, I was enjoying The Adam Brody-ness of it all. However, I still, days later, have no idea what the purpose of it actually was. What was I supposed to get from it? To learn to appreciate life for all its quirky and unexpected events? To connect with someone, no matter how inopportune or inappropriate or weird it may be? I have no idea. But Adam? Adorable. Especially in glasses, jammies and a robe. Yeah.
Gone Baby Gone (2007) - Not something I would've normally sought out if not for the glowing reviews that Casey Affleck got. Much like my inexplicable crush on Adam Brody, the torch I carry for Casey Affleck is.. perplexing at best. He has this thing. I just can't explain it. And he's pretty much the best part of this movie, which finds him as a 31-year-old private investigator who gets a job to find a kidnapped little girl. I think what's disappointing to me is what this could've been, which I only saw flashes of toward the end of the flick. So much potential for true moral dilemmas and hard-as-hell decisions that had no truly right or wrong outcome. THAT'S when it started to engage me, you know, when there was about 15 mintues left. I'm thinking that wasn't their intention.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007) - Again with the huge WOWs. I'm so in love with this movie, I can't even explain it. It's one that's still with me, that I still think about, and one that makes me smile and almost cry when I do. Ryan Gosling *did* deserve at least a nomination for his work. It may not be a loud and bombastic role, but it's moving and heartfelt and so f'n earnest. I was trying to think of how to explain this film to someone, how to tell them how beautiful and how simple, yet how powerful and thought-provoking it actually was. When I couldn't find the words, I went to look for some reviews that could. So, from Roger Ebert:
How do you make a film about a life-sized love doll, ordered through the Internet, into a life-affirming statement of hope? In "Lars and the Real Girl," you do it with faith in human nature, and with a performance by Ryan Gosling that says things that cannot be said. And you surround him with actors who express the instinctive kindness we show to those we love.
...
There are so many ways "Lars and the Real Girl" could have gone wrong that one of the film's fascinations is how adroitly it sidesteps them. Its weapon is absolute sincerity. It is about who Lars is, and how he relates to this substitute for human friendship, and that is all it's about. It has a kind of purity to it.
...
How this all finally works out is deeply satisfying. Only after the movie is over do you realize what a balancing act it was, what risks it took, what rewards it contains.
Amazing Grace (2006) - I saw this trailer on a list for the "Most Tearjerking Trailers Ever" or something like that. It looked interesting - based on the true story of a man who spent the better part of his life trying to abolish slavery in Europe in the late 1700s. I'd never seen Ioan Gruffudd in anything other than the dumb Fantastic Four movies, so color me shocked at how lovely an actor he actually was. This is one of those films that was perfectly enjoyable to watch, hit on all the right notes and all the right times. I assumed there were only a couple of ways it could end, but I never thought it would end as it did. A worthy story to tell, and done so with gentle pushes and firm strokes simultaneously. It hit me at the end just how exhausted this man must've been, to fight for so long, but how satisfied as well, to have a life's purpose that really, actually meant something.
Sydney White (2007) - I admit it! I'm a huuuge sucker for all those horrible teen queen movies. Even if they're teen queens that I don't like or have little respect for. I watch them all. They're brainless and predictable and, damnit, they make life better. Hmph. There, I admitted it. My favorite of the bunch, however, has always been little Miss Amanda Bynes. I think this movie went straight to DVD, and that's totally understandable. It's nothing special, really. It's Amanda being her adorable little self, as always. It ends happily, as expected. It follows the perfect formula that we're used to, that we expect, and that some of us find comfort in. :)
Ratatouille (2007) - I had a big aversion to this film all year since it was released because. Well, frankly, I have a thing about watching RATS make FOOD. It's just.. icky. And sure, it was a cute little movie, but I'm never gonna get that picture out of my head of hundreds of rats covering that car or running toward someone. Animation or not, it's just... AAAGHHHHHHH. Sorry. I can't get past it! lol
Whew! I'm currently in the middle of watching Across The Universe. So far? Very choppy. Not sure if I'll love it.
Also downloaded and still to watch: Atonement, National Treasure 2, License To Wed, A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints, and The Host
= I don't know how we handled late-night TV before the Colbert/O'Brian/Stewart feud began. It's pretty much completely perfect comedy as far as I'm concerned. I'm trying to pull together all the clips for a friend, so she can watch them sequentially. When I do, I'll post them for all to see. You'll be a better person for it.
= This year's Paley Festival is awesome if only for one reason - Buffy Reunion, in the hizzouse!! And yes, SMG(P) just confirmed her attendance. It just wouldn't be right without Buffy. Here's the list:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reunion
March 20 | Thursday | 7:00 pm
In Person:
Amber Benson, "Tara Maclay"
Nicholas Brendon, "Xander Harris"
Emma Caulfield, "Anya"
Eliza Dushku, "Faith"
Sarah Michelle Gellar, "Buffy Summers"
Seth Green, "Oz"
James Marsters, "Spike"
Michelle Trachtenberg, "Dawn Summers"
Joss Whedon, Creator
We really just need Charisma and Alyson and ASH, and we'll be set.. David being there would be nice, too, but I won't ever count on that. lol And even though I'm a member, I had no luck getting tickets last year. So we'll see about this year. I want to go to this more than anything, though. Sigh.
= To kill some time, for you Jim and Pam fans who miss the show as much as I do. Someone posted their personal favorite Top 10 Jam moments.
= New BB9 commercial, highlighting the twist this year
"Soulmates"
Click to viewUm. Weird. But whatever. lol
= Some of the funniest stuff I've read in a long time. New York Magazine swapped TV Show writers! My favorites are FNL and the 13 Other Shows.
The Office - By Daniel Chun, Carolyn Omine, Matt Selman, and Matt Warburton, writers from The Simpsons
Gossip Girl - By Veronica Becker and Sarah Kuscerka, writers from Ugly Betty
Friday Night Lights - By Mindy Kaling and Ryan Koh, writers from The Office
Grey's Anatomy - By Lauren Gussis, writer from Dexter
13 Other Shows - By J. R. Havlan, Steve Bodow, Rob Kutner, Tim Carvell, Jason Ross, Kevin Bleyer, Rachel Axler, Sam Means, Scott Jacobson, and Rich Blomquist, writers from The Daily Show
= A couple weeks back I got selected to serve on a jury, a criminal case. Fun times. No, really. I enjoy that stuff! The defendant settled after 2 days and we were excused. So, technically, I got paid for 2 whole days. Here, we only get $15 per day, and I had to take 3 days of “sick time” from work. But it’s not too bad. I do enjoy the process, it’s very interesting to me, and we had an awesome judge. Plus, you find yourself bonding very closely with your fellow jurors, people you never would’ve met otherwise. I always think… this is how my parents met… and it gets me all tingly. But yes, it’s all done and I’m free for at least 12 months. This was the second jury I’ve been on, and I’d gladly do it again. As the judge told us, the jury system is the cornerstone of democracy. No matter how f’d up Bush is, no matter how many things are wrong with this country, I’m reminded that this is still the best country in the world, and I’m proud and lucky to do my small part. Corny, yes, but it’s true.
= I just realized I hadn't really posted since Heath Ledger passed. So I’ll weigh in with my shocked and saddened thoughts on the matter. I would never have called myself a huge fan, but like many, his turn as Ennis in Brokeback Mountain absolutely gutted me, in the most satisfying way. It’s one of those performances I will never forget. His talent will be missed, of course. But more importantly, I wish nothing but peace for his daughter, for Michelle, and for his family in these trying times.
= Good news from the work front.. Not only do I get a raise beginning with my next paycheck, but I also have a new computer. Granted, it’s still a hand-me-down from the other office, but it’s SO much faster than my old one that it might as well be brand new. Color me thrilled. Well, except for the part that I've been without Internet on there for the last 2 weeks. Not fun.
= TV thoughts, no matter how late… thrillllled about how TAR ended. I only had a few favorites this year, but TK and Rachel were my choice to win from about mid-way through the show. Although, it was nice to have a final three where I didn’t hate one team with the fire of a thousand suns. That almost never happens. And this was only the 3rd time that my favorite team actually won (Chip/Reichen, BJ/Tyler).
The new Survivor starts soon (Favorites vs Fans) and ugh. Not really happy with their picks for favorites. Because a few of them I don’t even remember, and the others? Notttt my favorites. With the exception of Ozzy and maybe James, I just don’t care. So maybe I’ll end up pulling for a “fan” this time.
= I don't know if it's weird for anyone else, but it was sortof weird to go through two sparkly birthdays and not even post about them. It's just tough. Their birthdays sandwich the anniversary of my mom's death, so my mind is usually elsewhere around that time. This was the 6th year since. It not only feels like it just happened yesterday, but it also feels like it happened a whole lifetime ago. Hard to explain, and harder to feel. It's hard because no matter how much time has gone by, no matter how much less frequently I cry about it, no matter how many hours in a day I can go without thinking of her or being reminded of her in some way, it's still the deepest pain in my life.
I miss her every day. I still need her. I wish she was here to argue with me over the Presidential election. I wish a lot of things. And this time of year, I wish a little harder than usual. Just after Christmas and my birthday, just after my brother's birthday and right around January 30th like clockwork, I feel it all much more heavily than the rest of the months. But the pain, it will cease, just a little, through the year, until a moment comes and it will pierce me sharply. And I'll think of her. And I'll cry, and then I'll smile. It's a neverending cycle, some kind of horribly mean roller coaster. It has the invigorating rise, the stomach-dropping fall, the dizzying loops, and when I'm luckiest, it has small bits of calm, straight track for me to catch my breath on. Such is life... and death.
= Sorry to end it that way, but I need to run to bed. It's late, and I have a full day tomorrow. Hopefully capped off by a Duke win over UNC. Ta!
"Our time has come. Our time has come. Our movement is real, and change is coming to America."
-Barack Obama, 2/5/08