One More Sleep 'til Christmas

To quote Kermit the Frog from The Muppet Christmas Carol (love that film, mainly because of Rizzo the Rat) only one more sleep ‘til Christmas. The older I get the less magical it seems to be. I have not really even been in the mood to watch my favorite Christmas films this year. What it comes down to you really need to have little ones around all excited about Santa Claus and the season to get you all excited about it as well.

I have decided that next year I really need to do more service to bring the true spirit. One of my favorite Christmas’ was when I was a senior in high school and I was a volunteer Salvation Army Bell Ringer. Every Friday night and Saturday day I rang the bell (actually I sat next to the bucket while a little musical bell played Christmas songs) at the local mall through the Christmas season. It was so fun to see the little kids come up and put pennies in. Ever since I was a little kid I loved doing the same thing and I can not pass a Salvation Army bucket and still not put money in today. Even though my family participated in a Sub for Santa project this year I really need to focus more on the Savior. So if anyone can think of a great service project let me know.

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and to quote Bing Crosby from White Christmas that at this time of year may we “count our blessings instead of sheep.”

Merry Christmas!

White Christmas

No, this post has nothing to do with the weather. Every year as part of our Christmas gift my parents treat my oldest sister and I to a Christmas performance. This year we went and saw White Christmas at the University of Utah’s Pioneer Theater.

The film, White Christmas (1954) starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye is one of my favorite holiday films that I watch every year. So I pretty much know the film by heart and love it. But I still enjoyed the play. The sets were top notch, the choreography fun (I do love tap dancing), and the actors did a descent job (a nod to Tally and Kaitlyn). The script was a little different and so were the characters but I kept an open mind. I’m so glad that they kept the “Sisters” routine that the guys perform it’s one of my favorite scenes.

Just a few observations: John Shuman who played Ezekiel did a great interpretation of Pa Kettle. Mary Driggs who played Martha was more Ethel Merman than Mary Wickes but the character worked. I also thought it was interesting that they threw in “I love the Piano” which is from another Irving Berlin film Easter Parade.

I’m glad we have this new family tradition now that we are older it always helps me get into the Christmas spirit. Plus, we stopped off at Baskin Robbins for a nutty coconut shake afterwards. I do love those shakes.

The Tourist

The film felt like an Alfred Hitchcock film starring Cary Grant with Jean Louis doing costumes. To those who may not understand that compliment, let me explain. A light hearted suspense dealing with a mistaken identity of an average American man, running from the law and the men out to kill him but does it all for the love a well dress woman. So, very much like North by Northwest with a twist.

I never understood why guys find Angelina Jolie attractive but when she is dressed with class and style as in this film, I finally get it. Just a note on her wardrobe, when the film starts out she is wearing white, then slips into grey, ending the film wearing black. (Costume designer Colleen Atwood deserves a nod for that). As for Johnny, I could have done without the goatee. But even though he may not have looked good (sorry the last time I found him attractive was when I was a kid watching 21 Jump Street), he did a good job playing the awkward reserved man in love spurting out the funny lines while in danger.

I enjoyed Paul Bettany’s character and can I just say it’s amazing what a well tailored suit can do for a man. And kudos for casting Timothy Dalton as head of Scotland Yard, he fit the role perfectly. Rufus Sewell role, though minor, was also well done. The film was enjoyable. It was funny, had action, a little romance, beautiful scenery and a great cast. I highly recommend it. Plus they threw in a Muse song in the closing credits for good measure.

Christmas Open House

For the last nineteen years my parents have opened their home the first Monday of December to the neighborhood and ward to come celebrate Christmas with them. I think it is a magical event, even though at times it can seem a little chaotic with over 150 people, majority of them kids, in our downsized home. We may go a little overboard with the decorations but the kids love it and it sets the mood for the evening.

The first stop is the candy shop- the dinning room hutch with several glass jars of candy to fill your treat bag. Then comes the reindeer food (Santa’s reindeer are well feed in our neighborhood). The best moment is when the children come around the corner and they see the toy shop (the kitchen table filled with dollar store toys) and their eyes light up and they literally run to the table. Of course it takes time to pick the perfect toy and you might have to trade once or maybe five times till you get the right one. But after the big decisions are made, you can celebrate the victory with lots and lots of food. The last stop of the evening is you pick up a family Christ center gift that we have put together because that real reason to gather friends together to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

So after weeks of planning, cleaning, and decorating the evening comes to an end. We discussed that maybe next year will be our last open house, but then we realized that we would really miss it and it would not be Christmas without it. So here’s to next year and the years to come.

ABBA

I have decided that everyone is an ABBA fan if they admit it or not. As soon as Dancing Queen, Fernando, or Mamma Mia starts playing there you are singing along without even realizing it and you have a smile on your face. I have memories of Dancing Queen being played at every college dance I went to.

Thursday night AJ and I went to “Original London’s West End” production of ABBA Mania at U of U. First of all I have to state that we were actually part of the younger crowd as to oppose to last week’s Neon Trees concert. There were people my parents’ age dancing their hearts out and I thought is that going to be me thirty years from now at a The Cure tribute concert (as AJ and I discussed).

The performers did a really good job. I had to YouTube ABBA and see if that is really how the group danced since I have only really listened to music, and yep they did a correct tribute to the band. I enjoyed the music, but for once the audience was a distraction.

Neon Trees

So this past year every time Neon Trees has come into town (3xs that I was aware) I have not been able to go see them, until last Tuesday. I have loved them since February and just by chance I saw they were playing at SLCC last week and luckily AJ said yes she would go with me. Neon Trees come to Utah often because they hail from Provo and even though they are growing in popularity they remember where they started off and are proud of it.

First let me just say I am glad I am no longer in high school. So the majority of the people attending were probably college students, but the conversations going on around us while we waited in line to enter just made me think high school. Yes, AJ and I were towards the older end of the scale of people attending but we think we found around five people older than us.

Because it was a small venue we had great seats. In the end the concert was not one of my favorites I have attended this year but still enjoyable and I am really glad I went. What I liked: the lead singer loves the crowd, they have a girl drummer (I wonder if Watts was her inspiration), and of course their music. What I did not like: the stupid SLCC mascot that would not get the hint to get off the stage and the blaring lights that concerts now must have to show that they have succeeded and can afford special effects.

Happy Halloween!

My favorite part of Halloween is passing out the candy and looking at all the costumes. My favorite this year was this little Yoda who was brave enough to come to our door even though there was a bunch of teenagers there at the time. Our family likes to not only give out candy but something else. We have given out play dough, big plastic rings, mazes, etc. This year it was little game cards with Disney characters. We decided to let the kids choose which one and it was so much fun having them tell me why they picked Cinderella over Sleeping Beauty and such. I like it when I am passing out the candy and saying wait a minute I also have a game for you to choose and their faces light up and they say “cool” or “awesome.” I hope they think of our house like I think of the lady who lived behind us when I was a kid and she gave out nickels. I thought that was the best thing ever to get at Halloween.

Halloween also means lots of decorating, just not at our house. For the past couple of years my family has been in charge of decorating the attic at the library for our Halloween program "Scary Stories in the Attic". It is fun and my family really gets into it. It took us three Saturdays to set it up this year but I think it was worth it. This year we had a mad scientist lab to loosely go with our teen book festival yesterday that had a steampunk theme since Scott Westerfeld came along with 19 other teen authors. Yeah, our library rocks! I left my camera in the attic but I will post pictures next weekend of what you missed out on.

James MacArthur

I’m sad to report that James MacArthur has passed away from natural causes at the age of 72. I was really hoping he would have been able to make a cameo appearance on the new Hawaii Five-0 since he is the original Danno. Though out of all his film, stage, and TV performances, I will most fondly remember him as Fritz from Swiss Family Robinson.

Primary Program

Is it just me or is the Primary Program your favorite Sacrament Meeting out of the year as well? Where else can you hear a child sing loud and proud and out of key and think it is so adorable?

Thriller

AJ, AMM, my sister and I went to go see the Odyssey Dance Theatre production of Thriller last night. I have seen the advertisements around for years but when AJ suggested we go this year I thought it was a good idea. Of course I had no clue what the production would be like, but I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it (minus the video clips, I really want my ten minutes back for the shopping car clip. I felt like I was watching a really bad Sundance film). My favorite was Dem Bones that was done with black lights. It really looked like skeletons dancing on the stage. Ray Harryhausen would have been proud. I also enjoyed the River of Blood Dance (river dancers being shot) Frankenstein and Frankenstein number (the Bride of Frankenstein was so flexible). Over all you could tell the dancers were having fun which makes the event fun.

The production was playing at Kingsbury Hall and the U of U football game got out the same time we reached the campus. Roads were blocked off where we knew where to turn, so we took a scenic route around campus and arrived a little late. But of course going to an event is also part of the adventure.

Got Milk?

I know I do! I was reading an article that says that the average American consumes about 30 gallons of milk a year. That is more than any other country. That started me thinking about how much milk I consume. I can sit down at dinner and have 2-3 glasses. So I calculated that I probably go through 2 ½ gallons of milk a week, averaging 130 gallons of milk a year. That is 4xs the average (I never like being average). It could also be that my favorite snack/meal is cereal so that plays in my milk consumption. But I really do love milk. My favorite? Really cold 2% Cream of Weber. I am a milk snob. I can taste the difference between milk brands. Do not get me started on cloudy water (that is skim milk to the rest of you).

When we lived in PA there was a local convenient store by our house and the employees would joke about how our family would come in at least twice a week and purchase five gallons of milk at a time and commenting on our love of milk. When my sister and I went off to college the store closed. Our family joke is that happened because we were not there to keep them in business with our milk consumption.

Happy 85th Angela Lansbury!

When I was kid I grew up watching Murder, She Wrote. It is a fun show to watch even now just to see who’s who in classic Hollywood guest starring. Though there is one thing to make note: Never, ever invite Jessica Fletcher to your wedding or have her come for a visit because a murder was guaranteed. Anyways, I grew up knowing Angela Lansbury as a kind, gentle woman from her roles like Murder She Wrote, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Blue Hawaii. Then when I was in high school I watched Manchurian Candidate (1962) and that was when I realized that she really is a talented actor. If you get a chance, watch it. It’s one of my favorite psychological thrillers. The pace maybe a bit slow, but the cinematography/set designs in the flashback scenes were quite ingenious. Plus, you will never look at Angela Lansbury the same way again.

Vampire Weekend

The band, not to be confused with anything Edward.

So, AJ and I discovered we liked the band Vampire Weekend pretty much the week after they came to Salt Lake. We were discouraged. But then a few days later AJ comes up to me at work and says that they are playing in Vegas the end of the month and we could do the entire trip under $200. What else could I do but say yes.

So we flew down Wednesday afternoon after work. I love short flights. We checked into our hotel The Imperial Palace (there was a reason our room was only $30). We ate at Serendipity 3 (like the one from the film but in Vegas) since we tried to go there last time we were in town but they were closed. Our waiter literally winked after every sentence. I guess he was really working for his tip, but it was just annoying. We got dessert first, which was wise since it was huge. Then we hoped on the bus to The Palms for the concert.

Vegas really knows how to put on shows. Every seat in the house had an unobstructed view and the seats were leather. Friendly ushers to show you the way and immaculate high end bathrooms. We had two opening acts The Very Best and Beach House. Then it was time for Vampire Weekend. They are great live. Chris Baio is a hoot to watch dancing while playing bass guitar. I love their up beat music and it makes me smile. I bet when they first started out finishing up at Columbia University their parents thought, “That is what you want to do after I spent all that money on your education?” I’m glad they did because it was worth the investment.

The next day we flew home. In fact our shuttle bus driver could not believe we didn’t have any luggage with us other than a backpack size bags. Don’t other people make short trips to Vegas like us? I would go down for a show again.

True Grit?!

Why did they remake John Wayne's Academy Award winning performance True Grit? Did they not learn when they remade his Stagecoach? I do not think that True Grit is Wayne’s finest performance but really, why touch a classic? I’m a little sad that Matt Damon is in it, he should know better. Okay, I’m done ranting. I just had to put my opinion out there.

Stephen J. Cannell

We lost another great today. Stephen J. Cannell producer and writer of such great television series as Rockford Files, A-Team, 21 Jump Street, Greatest American Hero, Hunter and Black Sheep Squadron passed away from complications of Melanoma. I just mentioned a few of his series, but these are the ones I grew up watching and still watch on reruns. What I think is amazing is that he had dyslexia but that did not stop him from being a writer. I will always remember him typing at the typewriter and pulling out the paper to create his logo. He will be missed.

Tony Curtis

Bernard Schwartz aka Tony Curtis (1925–2010)

Today the film icon Tony Curtis passed away from cardiac arrest. It makes me sad that we are quickly losing classic Hollywood. If you have never seen one of his films you should try two of my favorites:

Some Like It Hot (1959)
Starring Tony Curtis and Jack Lemon
When two musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all female band disguised as women, but further complications set in.

Operation Petticoat (1959)
Starring Tony Curtis and Cary Grant
World War II comedy about a submarine commander (Grant) who finds himself stuck with a decrepit sub, a con-man executive officer (Curtis) and a group of army nurses.


In 2002 I had the opportunity to see Tony Curtis perform live in a touring production of Some Like It Hot but this time around he was Osgood Fielding III and not the young romantic lead.

Goodbye Tony Curtis, I will miss your beautiful blue eyes.

Book Him Danno

Looking at the new fall line up I was very excited to see that they were bringing back Hawaii Five-0. Of course I was familiar with the classic that starred Jack Lord and James MacArthur (ah, the oldest son from Swiss Family Robinson the main reason I watched the show) so I didn’t know if I was going to like the remake. My verdict- love it. The chemistry between Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan is perfect. Add Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park and you have a great team. Action and humor, you got me hooked. Kudos for keeping the classic theme song.

Roller Derby

Last night AJ, AMM and I went to our very first roller derby. What I knew about the sport was from the film Whip It and one episode of Psych. Maybe because it was flat track and not a rink, but there was less fighting and no hitting the wall (since there was no wall) and a slower pace around the rink than the film makes you believe. In my mind I was hoping for the excitement of hockey. Plus, Sisters of No Mercy (thanks to Ashes to Ashes) pummeled the opposing team Bomber Babes so there was not that tension who is going to win. The uniforms of hot pants on women who should not be wearing hot pants also not a plus. Go girl power, but it is not my kind of sport, though I keep trying to think of a good name to go by if I did skate.

Face Lift

So I took a chance and updated my blog template, color and arrangement all by myself without asking anyone how to do it, just by playing around with it. Little things like that make me happy. So what if they are baby steps, they are my independent baby steps!

Why did I choose the mountain scene? Because there was no John Wayne. Just kidding, it was for the rain droplets. I love rain. I like nothing more than just sit outside on the porch and watch/listen to a thunder storm. I especially love the wind that comes just before the storm. I miss those here.

Making a List, Checking it Twice

I like making lists- things I need to pack, what I need at the store, and most importantly what I need to accomplish that day. In fact I have a yearly list, a monthly list, a weekly list, and a daily list of things to do. Each Sunday I evaluate my monthly list and write out my weekly list gathering all my loose notes that I have written down to do. Then each night I look at my weekly list and break down to what I have to do the next day. I like to be organized-- says the women who can not find her desk at work or does not believe in making beds (really what is the point when you are going to get back in it in just a few hours, besides I do not like my sheets tucked in).

Anyways, if it does not appear on my lists I forget to do it. That is what happened this week at work. I took on an assignment and I forgot to transfer my sticky note to my list. And guess what happens? I totally forgot. I feel like an idiot. In the back of my mind I felt like I was forgetting something but I kept reviewing my lists so I doubted my uneasiness. Then yesterday at work when I was asked about it, it dawned on me what had been nagging me and now it was too late to do anything about it. I felt like I let the team down, let alone me.

So the list system can fail with human error, but nothing is more rewarding than crossing things off that list. I will admit I will add things to the list at the end of the day I did do just so I can cross it off and feel I accomplished something. It helps me feel better when I am transferring items I keep ignoring from one list to the next.

Regional Conference

I like how Regional Conference has become a mini General Conference. It was great today to hear from Elder Snow, Sister Beck, Elder Holland, and President Packer. I learned a lot and enjoyed their talks. I wish they would publish their talks so I can have copies instead of just my notes.

I remember living back east and driving 2-3 hours to an arena to hear a general authority speak. My mother would pack a huge lunch to feed the family and the three sets of missionaries serving in our ward. Then any missionary she ran into she would make sure they had somewhere to eat and if not they would join our tailgate party. Yeah, that just does not happen here.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Why should you go to the Utah Shakespeare Festival? To see Brian Vaughn and David Ivers. The first time I saw them perform was a few years back when they starred in the two man play Stones in His Pocket with them playing all 15 characters. I thought they did a terrific job. Since then anytime I see that they are going to perform in a play I am attending, I know I am in for a treat and this year was no exception.

The last weekend of August AJ, AMM, JR and I headed to Cedar City to the Shakespeare Festival. Just an FYI there are two Best Westerns in Cedar City (yeah, I went to go check in after waiting in line to find out I was off by a few blocks) and if you miss the overpass to get to the west side of the freeway to go eat at the elusive Café Rio you end up on the freeway heading south to Kanarraville (10 miles south) which is the next time you can turn around to head back in the right direction. So after a rushed dinner at Del Taco (order medium because I can’t even imagination how huge their large portions would be) since I took everyone on an adventure we went to the Friday evening performance of The 39 Steps, a hilarious spoof on Hitchcock films using the plot of 39 steps to deliver it.

Once again it was 4 actors playing about 30 roles it seemed with Brian Vaughn and David Ivers stealing the show once again. The best part was David making Brian forget his line because he was trying so hard not to laugh that he came out and said I forgot my line. The props were part of the spoof – the phone still ringing when it was picked up, the birds falling from the sky, everything was made out of luggage. The train chasing scene with its special effects was amazing. I am so impressed who came up with that. It really looked like Brian was on crawling below the train. I laughed so hard and enjoyed the performance so much, I have to say it ranks as one of my favorites.

After the play we headed to our hotel and slept to the noise of everyone’s toilets flushing. The plumbing was so loud you heard water continually running from all the surrounding rooms. Next morning after breakfast we explored Cedar City. We went to a furniture/jewelry/bookstore. Then we took JR to a Cedar City classic the store that has everything it is a drugstore/sporting goods/computer/jewelry/home décor/kitchenware/nick knack collectible store. JR loved it and said it was worth the trip just to go through four different stores without ever walking outside. Then we headed to a clothing store to shop the high fashions but it really lacked. Then we ate at the Pastry Pub. The food is average but the reason you is to eat the Chocolate Tiger Cake. I do not know what they put in it but it really is heaven on earth. I crave it year long.

Then we saw Much Ado About Nothing which is the second time this summer to see this production (Whole Lotta Fussin’ Over Nothin’ being the other). David once again made the performance for me. I wonder if he is just as funny in real life as he is on stage. Then we hung out around campus in a wind storm and finally gave up and decide to go eat dinner and came back for our final evening performance of Pride and Prejudice.

I could write a blog post just on the book Pride and Prejudice and one day I will but let me just get back to the play. I loved Brian’s performance as Mr. Collins. Ellen Crawford did excellent job as Mrs. Bennett as well. I thought it was funny how Mr. Darcy’s character kept ending up in the time out corner it seemed. After the performance we would have headed to the Pastry Pub for dessert but no, they were closed so no chocolate tiger cake for me.

We drove home and right when I pulled into my driveway at 2:45 am I noticed my car was smoking (really steaming) and I was leaking radiator fluid. Luckily I made it home and we were not stranded in the middle of nowhere on our journey. Until next summer, I will dream about that chocolate tiger cake since there is not a fall performance we are going down to see this year.

Demolition Derby

Last night I went to my very first Demolition Derby at the Juab County Fair. Plus it was only my second time to attend a fair. I know when I was really young I went to one and won a stuffed snake. But I was from a big city so country life was not something I really experienced growing up.

AJ, AMM, and I went meeting up with AE and her husband. The adventure started off with AJ accidentally locking her car keys in the trunk. It was early yet and the Juab County Police Department was controlling the parking. She asked one of the officers and he said yes he could help us out (love small town politeness). So he came over and helped us but the car was not cooperating and soon another police officer stops by and than another. Soon we had five hanging around the car helping (yes, the how many joke was mentioned). In the end they rescued the day. During the derby they were giving all the credit to the Fire Department last night for public safety, but it was the Police we would like to thank.

After the key incident we went and look at two of the exhibits- Arts/Food and small farm animals I guess you would call it (chickens, rabbits, etc). When the exhibits closed we listened to the Juab County American Idol show and then the action started.

I have to say I was really surprised how much I enjoyed the derby. It really is not my thing but I enjoyed it enough I will probably make it an annual event. Though most of the cars I picked never made it to the next round it was a good race. I enjoyed the Powder Puff, Grunge, and the Championship rounds the best. Unfortunately (which sounds bad to say) no cars caught on fire. I just heard that they do occasionally at derbies that I wanted to see it. I guess I have become a true Utahan to enjoy an event like demolition derby.

Temper Trap

Wednesday night AJ and I went to The Depot to hear Temper Trap perform. I have never gone to the venue before. It’s a club for 21 years old and older that pretty much has a great view of the stage from wherever you sit/stand because they also have screens everywhere. We got there early thinking there might be a line, but we were wrong so we walked around The Gateway Shopping Center for awhile than headed back. Going early does have it advantaged such as getting a really good seat so you don’t have to stand the entire time. I thought it would be more the scene back east at bar clubs but pretty much everyone had dates so it was nice not have to worry about the pickups while you are trying to enjoy the show, though there were a few girls trying to work it.

The opening act was Butterfly Bone. The lead singer’s appearance was a cross between Weird Al and Napoleon Dynamite. I could not watch him with his spaghetti strap tank top, too distracting and not in a good way. The “keyboardist” (if you can call him that when really he is just playing the miniature keyboard that controls the computer for different sounds) really loves his job so it was awkward to watch him as well. So I just stared above them and enjoyed their music. Definitely not a band to watch live but listen to.

Temper Trap sound just as good live as on their CD. You all probably know them for “Sweet Disposition” and apparently most of the crowd came for just that one song as well but overall they have a good album. They were very appreciative to the crowd and their finale was excellent, left you wanting more which is always a good way to end. Two things we noticed about the band: 1. Even though they are from Australia they really do not have accents when they talk (pity) 2. Each band member had a different fashion style that seemed they from different bands from grudge to punk and joined to make a really good alternative rock group.

Even though our tickets only cost $5 (which we could not believe) I would have paid more I enjoyed them that much.

Salt

Espionage thriller, of course I would want to go see it. Then cast Liev Schreiber and that makes it a guarantee. Angelina didn’t even bother me like she does sometimes. The plot went a different direction than I thought it would but that made it a nice twist. Not quite in the league of the Bourne films, but still a good espionage thriller.

Just a side note, the Russian President played dead badly. Look at his eyes when they declare he has no pulse and he is dead. Though his eyes are closed you can see his eyes moving.

Sorcerer's Apprentice

For fun my father, sister and I went and saw the Sorcerer’s Apprentice yesterday. It is really geared towards kids with a few jokes thrown in for us adults like references to Star Wars and Indiana Jones (the theater audience was not getting it like we were). I have decided that my local theater is not as fun as the one I go to most often with my friends where the audience is more responsive which is one of the reasons you go. I enjoyed Nicholas Cage and Jay Baruchel’s performance. I could tell Toby Kebbell had fun with his over the top Drake Stone character which made it fun to watch. If my nephews were around I would take them to see it because they would have thought the magical special effects were cool.

Fun fact: the director of this film also directed While You Were Sleeping.

Inception

I love psychological thrillers. With today’s film technology Inception could be made and be believed. The special effects were amazing but it was the emotion of the film that makes you stick around for the ride and see will that top stop spinning? Good ending by the way. I’m glad that Joseph Gordon-Levitt has had a career reboot because he did a great job in the action scenes and doing it in a dapper suit as well. I’m telling you guys need to wear suits more often. And it was nice to see Cillian Murphy not play the bad guy for once because really those blue eyes deserve better. Everyone in the cast did a good job. Tom Hardy with his lovely British accent, Michael Cain as always, and even Tom Berenger surprised me with a good performance. Ellen Page seemed a tad bit young for the role, but it did bring that bit of innocence and purity to a group of men who are a bit shady. Wow, I used the word bit three times in that sentence I need to use a thesaurus. And for Leonardo’s performance, he knows how to play the tortured soul so well.

Though you can figure some things out early in the film, I still enjoyed it for the effects and think the director Christopher Nolan did a wonderful job creating a dream world.

A Whole Lotta Fussin' Over Nothin'

AJ, AMM, and I went up to Logan to see the Wild West Shakespeare Co. put on A Whole Lotta Fussin’ Over Nothin’ a remake of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. It’s part of our adventures to go and explore Utah festivals and community events.

We arrived early in Logan to drive around and explore the area since I have never been there and grab lunch at the Beehive Grill (good root beer) before the play. We thought the play started at 5 pm but we were wrong, it started at 7 pm so we went back into town and explored both Logan Libraries (were librarians remember) and then went to Utah State University to grab ice cream and AJ gave us a short tour of the campus since she graduated from there.

When we arrived to the American West Heritage Center, they let us go on a short train ride around a pond, which actually was a bit fun and made me feel like a kid again. The play was held at an outdoor Pavilion setting the mood for the West. At first I was not too sure how the play was going to be but as the night moved along it really was Teresa Jones who played Jenny that made the show for me. Her portrayal of Jenny stole the show. It was community theater, but you could tell the cast was having fun and so it made it fun to watch.

Modest Mouse

Last night AJ, DF, and I went to Pioneer Park and joined 40,000 other fans to see Modest Mouse free as part of the Salt Lake City’s Twilight Concert Series. They are most known for their song “Float On” that came out about five years ago. When we first arrived and waiting for entrance we felt old as we were surrounded by teenagers but as the evening progressed the ages varied. We sat and played Phase 10 while we waited the two hours for the concert to start. The opening band Avi Buffalo was not that great but I really do not like female lead singers so I am a little biased.

The venue was fine, but I really wished there was a way to enforce the no smoking (let alone the marijuana) and people getting drunk. Though it says no outside liquor there were many flasks and bottles of Jack Daniel going around. We ended up moving from our spot since the group in front of us was getting wasted/toasted and the concert hadn’t even begun.

I’m fine with crowds as long as I have my space but last night I got up close and personal with way too many people. Luckily I ended up finding the boarder gate and hung out there. By the end of the night I smelled of sweat (and not just mine), beer and cigarettes (again not mine).

But the band sounded great and it was free- thank you Salt Lake City. We still have another concert there to go to this summer. I am just going to find a better spot to stand.

A-Team

Being a child of the 80’s I grew up watching great television like MacGyver, Airwolf and of course The A-Team. So I was a bit hesitant to see the film The A-Team. Look what they did to Dukes of Hazzard. I mean growing up I had a crush on Face played by Dirk Benedict (also of Battlestar Galactic) so not just anybody could play him. The movie trailers seemed true to the TV characters and knowing that Stephen J. Cannell was one of the producers gave me the courage to go see it and I am glad that I did.

My Thoughts:

Bradley Cooper makes a great “Face.”

Actually all the actors did a good job with their roles. Only flaw was that Liam Neeson didn’t wear black gloves all the time.

The action never stops and they spent more money on the special effects than I thought they would have so it was pretty good quality.

There are some really funny lines, mostly said by “Mad Murdock” but everyone has a fair share.

The film is in the running with the longest opening credits along with Once Upon a Time in the West.


Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together? Well, 20th Century Fox plans came together beautifully with this film. I would recommend it for summer fun.

Eclipse

A group of friends and I went and saw Eclipse last night and let me just say, it actually felt like a real film and not homemade. The lighting, camera, special effects, etc. felt professional. It was the best of the three thus far, but then again it really only could get better.

My Thoughts:

Along with Twilight and New Moon, Eclipse has an excellent soundtrack, one I know I will be listening to over and over.

Robert Pattinson really looks good in blue (see mountain scene in snow).

If Bella was freezing to death at night so much so that she had to snuggle with Jacob, how was it she was able to walk around the next day in the snow with only a shirt and no coat?

There were some really funny lines in the film, such as Edward talking to Bella about Jacob- “Doesn’t he own a shirt?”

I’m glad that Taylor Lautner is now 18 years old. I feel better about appreciating his six pack now that he is legal.

I want to know how Jasper’s hair could grow out when he is a vampire and he is dead? Along with that, I still feel awkward watching him be so intense but he is getting better.

I want to note that one my friends said, "Didn’t Edward look like Elvis in the tent scene?" I told her yes and that is how I thought Robert looked like in the film Remember Me (as I mention in my review).

I really want to own the Cullen’s home, even though I know it is owned by some Nike executive in Washington and I would never be able to afford it. It is very opened with lots of windows but surrounded by trees for privacy.

Can't wait to see how they are going to split up Breaking Dawn. I always thought the saga should have been a trilogy so adding more just doesn't seem possible.

Knight and Day

I will be the first person to admit that I have not been a Tom Cruise fan since my early teens, but I kept seeing advertisements for his new film Knight and Day with Cameron Diaz and I realized I really wanted to see it, action with humor- my kind of film. So Friday night I dragged AJ and AMM to go with me.

My thoughts:

I give it my approval for a good summer action-comedy flick.

There are some lines that are just priceless, such as “Man die already” that really make the film. It was interesting that the film was pretty clean for its subject matter but then they threw in some random strong language that seemed to be out of place and took away from the flow of the dialogue.

Over the years as Diaz's role choices have gotten better I have grown to like her and she found the perfect balance of acting for her character in the film. Peter Saarsgard, Paul Dano and Viola Davis were all great in the supporting cast roles.

Maybe seeing Tom Cruise crazy in real life has helped me accept his quirky role as a spy who may or may not be all there more believable.

There are great action scenes throughout the film, but the plane scene ranks up there for me. Overall, I enjoyed the film and would see it again.

Wimbledon

I love watching Wimbledon and today’s match of John Isner (USA) vs. Nicolas Mahut (FRA) is just a great example of why I do. It took three days to decide who won this qualifying round, just take a look at these statics:

Vital statistics:
Match duration: 11 hours, five minutes
Fifth set duration: Eight hours, 11 minutes
Total number of games: 183
Fifth set number of games: 138
Total number of points: 980
Isner aces: 112
Mahut aces: 103
Combined aces: 215
Isner winners: 246
Mahut winners: 244

I’m sorry Andy Roddick, you are no longer the only guy I am going to cheer for this year (besides the Bryan brothers for doubles) John just won my heart. Being 6’9 is not the only reason; he was humble at his victory. There is just more great things to come at this year at Wimbledon I can just feel it!

I Ran a 5K!

I ran a 5K (that is 3.1 miles). You read that correctly. Yes, the same person who doesn’t believe in running unless there is a basketball hoop at the other end has actually entered a race. Yesterday I ran in the Nestle Art City Days Family Fun Race with 2,000 other people including my friend AJ who has been training with me since January. She stuck by me even though she could have had a much lower time than my just shy of 40 minutes (personal best). All I can say is that I am very pleased with myself. Okay, actually I am very proud of myself. I woke up at 5:30 am to run a race. Putting two things I hate the most together- early morning and exercising. But now I can cross it off my list of things I want to accomplish in my life and I love crossing things off a to do list!

Capitol Reef

For my annual Memorial Day hike with my friends we went to Capitol Reef National Park. This year JR joined AJ, AMM, and I and that made it fun. Tom Tom kept trying to tell us to go the back roads, so we had a very scenic view of southern Utah on the way down.

In Capitol Reef we visited the Pioneer School House, Historic Gifford Farmhouse, the Fremont Petroglyphs, and the Pioneer Register. We tried looking for the Cassidy Arch, but we had no luck. Went on two short hikes and then headed home. Pretty country down there, but I am very thankful that I was not one of the seven families that settled the area.

For dinner we stopped in Torrey and ate at the Chuck Wagon General Store where we ate Mexican, go figure. It makes me wonder how it would be to live in a tourist town. Fun times!

Happy Birthday John Wayne!

I just could not let this day go past without sending out a birthday wish to the Duke! In honor of his 103rd birthday I would like to share one of my favorite film quotes of his from the film Chisum.

He just tracked down the thief that stole his horses:

Thief: So if you want these horses, I sell them to you. Did you bring some gold with you?
Chisum: No.
Thief: Silver?
Chisum: Just lead! (and of course Wayne shoots him and takes back his horses)

They will never learn, that you just do not mess with the Duke.

Snow

When I woke up this morning I was planning on a little rain, which is fine because I love rain. So I was a little surprised walking past my window, so much so that I did a double take, that it was white outside. I thought I must not be seeing things clearly since I hadn’t put in my contacts. But no, there was snow on the ground and huge flakes falling from the sky. Would someone please tell the weather man that it is almost Memorial Day and we are done with snow!

Robin Hood

Maybe it is because I go to films with low expectations that I leave the theater really enjoying them. The critics didn’t love the film, but I have to say it was one of the better Robin Hoods. As with all films lately it goes back to the beginning of the legend. There are so many interpretations of Robin Hood and I am aware of a few of them so I was willing to follow the story as the writers envisioned the tale and enjoy it. The action scenes were quite impressive and the soundtrack very moving. There are even some funny lines sprinkled through out the film that are priceless.

I also enjoyed the closing credits. I am one of those rare people who like to stay and read all the credits if I am able to. You learn so many interesting facts. Anyways, the illustrated graphics that went with the closing credits continued the feel of medieval storytelling as if someone just read to you a great adventure.

I am not a Russell Crowe fan, but I think he did an excellent job. Cate Blanchett played a strong Marion who took responsibility for her people and didn’t need a man to fight for her. Which is refreshing from other the Robin Hood films. I was surprised to see William Hurt in the film and he too did very well. Matthew Macfadyen played the Sheriff, though it was very minor, which in the end was good because he will forever be Mr. Darcy in my mind.

I want to give a nod to Max von Sydow, who played Sir Walter Loxely and Eileen Atkins, who played Eleanor of Aquitaine. I’m glad that Hollywood is going back to how it was in the 30s and 40s that some very strong characters were played by a mature actor. The film would not have had the same feeling without Max von Sydow.

When it comes down to all the Robin Hood films I have seen (Disney's Robin Hood, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, etc) I enjoyed this one the most.

Happy Birthday James Stewart

Today James Stewart, affectionately known as Jimmy, would have been 102. If all you know of him is “It’s a Wonderful Life” let me suggest two films of his that I really enjoy and might make you want to stop and watch another film of his when you see it while flipping through the channels.

Rear Window (1954)
Professional photographer Jeff confined to his New York apartment with a broken leg spends his time looking out of the window observing the neighbors. He begins to suspect that a man across the courtyard may have murdered his wife.

My Thoughts: One of my favorite Alfred Hitchcock films, that has a great cast- Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter (who I think is a wonderful character actor), and even Raymond Burr (that is Perry Mason to you).

Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)
Mr. Hobbs longs for a vacation alone with his wife away from his long commute into work and his dysfunctional family. His wife longs for a family get-together. Of course the wife wins and off to the beach with the family they go.

My Thoughts: Laugh out loud funny. I particularly love the dance scene with Jimmy drumming up dance partners for his daughter.

Letters to Juliet

Summary: Story of a girl who helps someone find their long lost love and finds her own along the way. Not an original storyline and you know how it is going to end with a balcony scene included but you enjoy the journey anyways.

Critique: The dialogue was pretty clever in the banter. The scenery was gorgeous. The acting wasn’t horrible, except for the finance but then again maybe he was playing his role well to cause that reaction. And who can resist the fact that Vanessa Redgrave’s long lost love is played by real life husband Franco Nero. Amore! Add the Monkees song “I’m a Believer” sung in Italian and you have an enjoyable Romantic Comedy.

Side note: I can’t believe that it took six months of advertising to launch this film. When I first saw the trailer in November I thought it was coming out in February. That is a much as plug as a blockbuster film. But than again it worked because I went and saw it on opening weekend.

Real Salt Lake

Tonight I went to my first professional soccer game to see the Real Salt Lake. It was fun and I really enjoyed it. I didn’t get all the rules, especially the fouls or yellow cards as they say but it was fast moving and kept my attention. I went with AMM, AJ and AJ’s brother (who was kind enough to explain some of the rules when I was confused). We won 3 to 1 against Houston. One thing that was interesting was that the time on the clock adds and is not a countdown. My favorite player, sorry do not remember name or number, was the one wearing the pink shoes. It says a lot about his soccer ability that he is man enough to wear pink. The only complaint I had was that the drums played the entire game with the same beat and I actually missed the corny music that bands play during college football games. All in all, I can’t wait to go to another game!

Strawberry Jam

I love homemade strawberry freezer jam. This past weekend my mom and I made three batches worth and after all the hours you stare at the end product and think, boy, I am going to have to ration that out to last until next spring when I can make more. In reality you can’t just have a freezer full of jam, pity. The reward after all the hard work is to spread the fresh warm jam over homemade scones. It is like heaven. Then again after seeing how much sugar it takes to make it, I can see why.

The New Doctor Who

This week I caught up on the three new episodes of Dr Who with the new Doctor played by Matt Smith. I love that over in Britain they air the new season or special episodes on big holidays like Christmas or Easter as this time being the case. In America we just have reruns because they don’t think we are going to sit down and watch TV on holidays. But if you are like me that is really the only time you can sit down and watch TV because you do not have to go to work. Sorry, I digress.

Now for my thoughts on the season opener:

I quite liked it. Surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did (though I really do miss David Tennant, sob).

What I really liked was the establishment of the Amelia Pond character (played by Karen Gillan) with the Doctor. That she knew him since a child. Brilliant! I also like that she is a strong female character. I never really liked Billie Piper. There I said it. I know; how can I like Tennant but not the love of his life? I keep digressing sorry.

The Tartis (that’s his time traveling space ship for those who have never seen the show) is pretty cool this time around. It’s still a police call box on the outside (let’s hope they never change that) but the inside they updated it to the new character. I liked how they antiqued it for the stuffy professor look the Doctor is now going for. I think it is cool how there are now passage ways in the ship so maybe we will see other rooms. Also I like their new Doctor Who logo. I would post a picture but that would require some thinking and I am not in the mind set for that right now.

The season trailer looks so intriguing and I am way excited that the “Weeping Angels” are coming back (see my last Dr Who post about the “Blink” episode being my favorite).

The only problem I am having is that I didn’t quite enjoy last night’s episode (#3). It didn’t hold me. It could be that I was distracted by the Doctors too short pants and cheesy bowtie but I think it comes down to that he doesn’t have a presence that says “Trust me I’m The Doctor.” His madness seems juvenile not funny like Tennant. But maybe I just need time to adjust. The theme it looks like for this season is “the crack” if you watch closely it is everywhere. So we will see as the season plays along how the new Doctor fits. Here’s hoping!

Clash of the Titans

I actually went and saw a remake. I believe stick with the classic and leave it at that. I will have to a write post just on remakes because I could go on and on that subject alone. But my father, sister and I decided to give it a try.

I love the classic Clash of the Titans (1981) starring Harry Hamlin. My favorite character is the tin owl (kudos to the new film for giving him a cameo appearance). Ray Harryhausen’s stop action special effects were amazing (sad that was his last film). That Medusa scared me as child. The Kraken is also way better than the new one as well. I liked how the old screenplay brought in the image of the Gods using humans has pieces on a game board. It looked like the new one was going to go that way but it was just in the background and not really used.

What I liked about the new film:

Sam Worthington. Though handsome, not pretty boy image. He made a perfect every man’s hero.

I really liked Liam Cunningham’s (I think that is his name) character and the humor he brought to the film. I’m a big believer in throwing in humor in action films.

The women in the film were strong and not “look at me and how pretty I am, so save me.”

My thoughts on the film:

The two animal hunters that joined the soldiers reminded me of “The Brownies” in Willow.

Fiennes and Neeson look like they really could be brothers with their facial features. At first I thought Neeson was playing both parts.

Who knew Fiennes could look ugly?

I was surprised to see Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy) all grown up and being a solider, who would have ever thought?

Why did they put the Gods in shiny armor? It looked ridiculous. They would have looked more threatening in togas.

Stop action is cooler than computer images.

What was with the Djini? They were creepy and seemed no way related to mythology or at least to my knowledge of it.


Though the film is based on the old film, as noted in the credits, the story line is different. What really remains the same is that Perseus has to get Medusa’s head to save the princess from the Kraken. Everything else in between is different. So you can still enjoy this film for entertainment value without guilt.

(Just a side note I watched the old classic this past summer on cable and there is nudity which I never saw growing up watching it on TV so be forewarn even though it says PG.)

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Wednesday night JR and I went to the Hale Center Theater in Orem to see the production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. I read so many good things about it so I was looking forward to the production. I didn’t realize it was going to be a musical and I was a bit concerned how they were going to make it work but it did. I laughed so hard at one point my eyes were watering. The cast did an awesome job. My favorite actor was Natalie Wheeler. Her dead pan humor was perfect. Dave Tinney reminded me of a classic 40s film star and Brett Merritt’s energy had me rolling in my seat. All the supporting cast, production crew, etc. made it a wonderful evening out. If you get a chance catch it before it closes next week.

The only problem I had was that the guy seating next to me practically sat in my lap. Why do guys not understand you stay in the arm rest area? That includes your legs as well. Why would you want to be that close to a stranger anyways?

Happy Birthday James Garner

Happy 82nd Birthday to James Garner!

To celebrate his birthday let me recommend three must see films of his or least my three favorite films of his:

The Great Escape (1963)
Allied POWs plan for several hundred of their number to escape from a German camp during World War II.

My thoughts: This is one of my favorite war films and Garner’s character “The Scrounger” is brilliantly played.

Support Your Local Sheriff (1969)
McCullough is "passing through on my way to Australia" when he takes a job in a gold rush town. After a startling display of marksmanship he immediately arrests the youngest son of the evil landowner. A battle of hired guns begins as McCullough continues to tame the town and defeat the gunslingers with a combination of skill and wit.

My thoughts: Laugh out loud funny with so many memorable moments.

Murphy’s Romance (1985)
Emma is a divorced woman with a teen aged boy who moves into a small town and tries to make a go of a horse ranch. Murphey is the town druggist who steers business her way. Things are going along predictably until her ex husband shows up.

My thoughts: A different kind of romantic comedy that shows that love has no age.

Duke

You might well think that I would be talking about Mr. John Wayne himself being me, but I’m talking about the great men’s basketball team the Blue Devils out of North Carolina from Duke University. I have been a fan of Duke and have cheered for them each season during March Madness since Christian Laettner played for them. Remember him? He was the only college player in the 1992 Dream Team for the Olympics. Now that was a team and I could go on and on about the Dream Team but that is for another day. I am still a true BYU fan, but I have faced the facts that BYU will probably never make it to the final four (but then again look at Butler) and I have to cheer for someone. So last night I was very happy that Duke won over West Virginia. I think it was partially due to the sacrifice of my friend AJ that was willing to watch the game with me even though sports are not her thing (now that is a meaning of a true friend, to do things just because they know it will make you happy).

Tomorrow night I am sad that I have to work and miss the big game though in my heart I will be happy no matter who wins, because I am all about the Cinderella story especially since it is Butler.

Robert Culp

Yesterday the actor Robert Culp passed away and it made me think of my childhood and how I loved watching The Greatest American Hero. You remember the series of the man who is given the red suit that gives him superhuman powers by aliens but he lost the instruction manual so he is really bad at flying? Culp played the FBI agent Bill Maxwell who helps Ralph Hinckley (played by William Katt) with his magic red suit fight the bad guys. Culp also starred in the original I Spy series with Bill Cosby and made numerous of television appearances on shows like Columbo. He was a true television icon and will be missed.

Remember Me

Ok, I will admit that I actually wanted to go see the film Remember Me to see Robert Pattinson without his pasty white make up and brooding vampire behavior. Plus Pierce Bronsan is always a plus. I just didn’t realize the film was going to be so depressing. It really is about a messed up family overcoming a terrible tragedy that ends in another terrible tragedy. It had a Sundance film feel to me, a bit rough on the edges. Better editing and cleaning up the language a bit would have made it more enjoyable especially Tate Ellington character who I would have loved more if they had. I decided to liken Pattinson’s character and look to Elvis Presley in Jailhouse Rock. Don’t laugh. They share the same hair, attitude and temperament. I did like that they casted Martha Plimpton (Goonies fame) as Ally’s mother. I don’t know if in the end it was worth missing out on the BYU men’s basketball game but I will tell you what I did learn from the film:

1. Eat dessert first.
2. Be grateful for my family.
3. “Gandhi said that whatever you do in life will be insignificant. But it's very important that you do it. I tend to agree with the first part.”

In conjunction with the quote mentioned above, the film did make me ponder if I have done anything significant in my life to be remembered by.

Beginning of March Madness

What a perfect day of not having to go into work today. BYU men’s basketball won over the Gators in second overtime no less! Can I just say I love the way Jimmer plays basketball? Lloyd was on fire today as well. In fact the team as a whole has done an awesome job this entire season and today proved it. They can go deep on the bench and still play strong. Go cougars and good luck!

Now Playing

Lately I have been in the mood of the louder the better. That is probably why for the past few months Airborn Toxic Event’s self titled CD has become my favorite and most listened to. Now if they will only come to Utah and perform I would be very happy. Below are some songs that I keep playing over and over. Usually I just check out whatever group I am interested in listening to out of the library and after three weeks I get the songs out of my system, but these have hung on. After checking out Airbron Toxic Event for the third time, I decided that I just needed to go buy it.

Airborn Toxic Event- Sometime Around Midnight (or practically any song on their album)

Snow Patrol- Just Say Yes (Up to Now album has all my favorites) *

MGMT- Time to Pretend

Neon Trees- Animal (my new favorite song)

The Killers- Human (I love their Day and Age album) *

Sea Wolf- The Violet Hour

Coldplay- Viva La Vida *

Keane- Everybody’s Changing and Somewhere Only We Know *

Muse- Uprising and Resistance

Pink- Please Don’t Leave Me (she surprised me, usually I do not like women singers, but her album Funhouse has about four songs I like)

Lily Allen- The Fear

Letters to Cleo- I Want You to Want Me

The Cure- In Between Days, Cut Here, Close to Me (and many more)*

Postal Service- Such Great Heights

Modest Mouse- Float On

Franz Ferdinand- Take Me Out

For my nostalgic moments I listen to Dino: the Essential Dean Martin album and Frank Sinatra’s Nothing but the Best. I can be listening to one Muse song and switch to Sinatra for the next. My brain just works that way. Funny I know.

*-indicates that I have seen them perform in concert

The Italian Girl in Algiers

At least once a year I try to go see an opera since the tickets only cost $15. I do not like the long dramas of the person laminting that they have lost their love. I enjoy the romantic comedies where I am guaranteed to laugh (though my favorite opera song is “Nessun Dorma” from Turnadot sung by Pavarotti which would not fall into that catergory, but then again I have never seen the opera).

Last night I went and saw The Italian Girl in Algiers. This is the write up from Utah Opera:

If you enjoyed Utah Opera’s recent productions of The Barber of Seville and Cinderella, Gioacchino Rossini’s hilarious opera, The Italian Girl in Algiers, will delight you with a comic stumble of a shipwreck, missing lovers, jealous wives, and meddling servants. Rossini's energetic melodies and hilarious characters will have you laughing from curtain up to curtain down.

I did laugh, I did enjoy the production and I think way worth the ticket price. Impress someone and invite them to the opera it will be something they will always remember.

Primary

So for twelve weeks I have been asked to substitute in Primary during opening exercise while the teachers of the four year old class go to Teacher Development. One week down and I do not know how I am going to make it for the next eleven. Don’t get me wrong. I love kids, especially my nephews; it’s just that I have not been in Primary since I was in Primary. I may have substituted three times over the years but all my callings have been with teenagers (which I feel the most comfortable working with) and adults.

The four year olds have so much energy. I have six boys and sitting in the middle does not help the ones on the end behave. Luckily my arms do reach to tap their shoulders to have them sit back down in their seats to their dismay. I also feel like I am on display. I can see their mothers in the Primary Presidency looking at me and thinking, why did we ask her? Actually the Bishopric suggested my name to them since I do not have “other responsibilities” (I already have two callings, that is their way of saying, she is not married have her do it). It would be better to substitute during the class period time when I can feel more relaxed because being quiet is not really emphasized, then have their behavior on display for all to see during opening exercise.

Richard Peck

Tuesday night I had an opportunity to hear the Newberry Award winner author Richard Peck speak at my library. He has written over 30 books, so hopefully you have taken the opportunity to pick one up in your life time. I would recommend A Long Way from Chicago, probably my favorite book of his. Mainly because it made me laugh with his over the top characters yet still deal with everyday problems.

Mr. Peck was so funny in person, not just in his writing. He is to date my favorite author I have heard speak and being a librarian I have had many opportunities to hear quite a few. He hit home some very true points and I wish I had taken notes to share because he did inspire me to be I don’t know, be a better person, more like be the best you. So if you ever have a chance, hear him speak.

The Lightning Thief

Saturday, my father, sister and I went to go see the film Lightning Thief. I wanted to go see it because I enjoyed reading the series over the years (way before there was even a mention of a film). I do not think I have ever read a book before I saw it made into a film.* Nor have I watched a film then read the book (minus the ones I watched as a child and then read as an adult- Time Machine, Swiss Family Robinson, etc). If a film was made from a book I pretty much watched the film and never went back to read the book because I already know the plot so why take the time. You have to understand this background of why this makes a difference in my film watching experience.

I really like the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. I have read them all and was a bit sad when the last book came out last year. It has what I like in book- mystery, action and humor. So I thought I would take a stab and watch the film.

I think I would have enjoyed the film more if I had not read the book, maybe because I already knew how it would all work out. The water special effects were impressive. I liked that they picked some big names as the adult leads- Pierce Bronson, Uma Thurman, Sean Bean (though I had to hide a laugh that Bond and a Bond villain being in a movie together again). Grover character brought in humor but somehow it was lost to the audience. But then again I was going to a Saturday matinee where kids were kicking the back my seat, throwing popcorn, and kept asking their parents what was going on.

The film did have two story point problems: First, they combined two of the female characters into one which is fine and dandy unless they are planning on making the rest of the books into films and then they are going to run into problem. Second, they forgot another essential element in the film, which I can not mention otherwise it would spoil it for those who have not read the books, once again is fine unless they are going to make more films from the books.

My sister and father said they enjoyed it minus their concerns for the story elements mentioned above and since they do read books before they are made into films and vice versa I would say, give the film a try. But please, read the books, at least the first one.

*I remembered after I posted this that I did read Twilight years before the film, but I didn't expect much from the film.

Straight Out of a Romance Novel

So last night MBC, one of my past coworkers got married. Why, you ask is it like a romance novel? Here's why. She quite her job at the library last summer to tour Europe for four months and along the way found a man in Scotland (technically he is a Canadian living in Scotland).

It is all those teen girl books (that I really hate) of the girl who goes on vacation with her family and meets her summer romance. Also think of any 80’s sitcom and their family trip to Hawaii. Seriously, I think everyone went there for a special two part episode- Growing Pains, Full House, you name it.

It is also those romance films of the single woman leaving America to find romance- Rome Adventure, Three Coins in the Fountain, Only You, (funny those all happen in Italy not Scotland)- of course never come true in real life until last night. To top things off, MBC will be living in Scotland. That lucky lass!

Valentine's Day

This year for Valentine's Day I decided to create a list of films that are perfect for this romantic holiday that you may never have heard of:

Random Harvest (1942)
Starring Greer Garson and Ronald Colman
An amnesiac World War I vet falls in love with a music hall star, only to suffer an accident which restores his original memories but erases his post-War life.

My thoughts: Flat out my favorite romantic film of all time. Probably considered a tear jerker (but I would not know). It lucky came back into print a few years back so the world could be reintroduced to it. Greer Garson, one of my favorite actors, truly shines in this film. As for Ronald Colman, I could listen to him read a phone book, his voice is so distinctive and calming. FYI- it was nominated for 7 Oscars it is that good.

The Enchanted Cottage (1945)
Starring Dorothy McGuire and Robert Young
A homely maid and a scarred ex-GI meet at the cottage where she works and where he was to spend his honeymoon prior to his accident. The two develop a bond and agree to marry, more out of loneliness than love.

My thoughts: Unfortunately out of print. This film also has a great supporting cast with Mildred Natwick and Herman Marshall. The film score will stick with you and completes the film (it was also nominated for an Oscar). Discusses the true meaning of love that I do not think any other film has accomplished with such an impact as this film has.

The Major and the Minor (1945)
Starring Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland
A woman disguises herself as a child to save on a train fare and is taken in charge by an army man who doesn't notice the truth.

My thoughts: Came back into print last year to my delight. It is just a light romantic comedy. There is a scene that Milland is talking to Rogers about dating using an analogy with light bulbs that is priceless.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison
In 1900, a young widow finds her seaside cottage is haunted...and forms a unique relationship with the ghost.

My thoughts: It’s a film that you probably could see once and be satisfied, but yet I am drawn to it.

Come Live with Me (1941)
Starring Hedy Lamarr and James Stewart
Illegal immigrant Johnny Jones is due to be deported from the USA, her only hope is to get married. She meets down-on-his-luck author, Bill Smith, and proposes a marriage of convenience in order to remain in the country, but Bill has more ambitious ideas.

My thoughts: Another great film out of print. Jimmy Stewart is just his charming self as the awkard man in love. Love the scene Jimmy discusses fireflies to Hedy.

Two Weeks with Love (1950)
Starring Jane Powell and Ricardo Montalban
The Robinson family is spending two weeks of summer vacation at a resort in the Catskills. Older daughter Patti vies with her friend, Valeria, for the affections of Demi Armendez but Patti is at a disadvantage because her father thinks she is too young for boys.

My thoughts: I just realized that this is the first colorized film on this list. Great supporting cast with a very young Debbie Reynolds. It is a musical, so brace yourself for some songs, but also get ready to laugh. It reminds me a lot of "Cheaper by the Dozen" (1950) about a girl trying to grow up while her parents think she is too young but without the sad ending.

Viva Las Vegas

This past weekend (February 5-7) AJ, AMM, DAP, and I went down to Vegas for a relaxing weekend. It all started off that I wanted to see Bette Midler perform (she is suppose to be one of the best live performances ever) and so we decided we would go down. Then come to find out that she ended her engagement the weekend before. But we decided that we needed a relaxing vacation one that was not packed with million things to do like our other vacations. We even had a suite with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full on kitchen, and living room.

Friday night we walked the strip, went up the Eifel Tower to get a view of the city, watched the fountain at the Bellagio (very entertaining, could have watched it for hours, better than fireworks) and explored the different themed hotels. Just an FYI you can miss “The Fall of Atlantis” at Creasers Palace, it was just too cheesy. We even had a buffet dinner since that is what you are suppose to do in Vegas.

Saturday we spent all day shopping at the outlets. Yes, you may laugh picturing me shopping, let alone for hours! I just never got the whole thing about girls and their love of shopping. At night we went to the Wynn hotel for the performance of “The Leve” (The Dream in French). Our hotel concierge recommended it and it was pretty amazing. Think Esther Williams MGM musical on steroids. Since that probably means nothing to anyone I will explain. It was choreographed by the person who does the Circ del Soleill programs but with water. You have high flying acrobats, divers, synchronized swimming, etc. Worth the money.

Sunday slept in and then went to church. Afterwards we headed down to tour the Hoover Dam. I really enjoyed it. I was very impressed. I recommend the next time you drive down that way, stop and take the hour tour. I kept thinking of Superman (1978) while walking along the Dam. Honestly, my mind always wonders to films. Then we drove home.

Though I enjoyed seeing the hotels from the Rat Pack days, though they have changed so much (watch the original Ocean’s Eleven and you will know what I mean); I can cross Vegas off my list of things to do and be content to never go again.

Happy Groundhog Day!

To honor this special day I have enclosed some of my favorite quotes from the film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. I love that film and this holiday.


Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster?
Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.


Phil: Hey commander, what's going on?
State Trooper: There's nothing going on. We're closing the road. Big blizzard moving in.
Phil: What blizzard? It's a couple of flakes.
State Trooper: Don't you listen to the weather? We got a major storm here.
Phil: I make the weather! All of this moisture coming up out of the Gulf is gonna push off to the east and hit Altoona.
State Trooper: Pal, you got that moisture on your head. Now you can go back to Punxsutawney, or you can go ahead and freeze to death. It's your choice. So what's it gonna be?
Phil: [pauses] I'm thinking...


Phil: Come on, *all* the long distance lines are down? What about the satellite? Is it snowing in space? Don't you have some kind of a line that you keep open for emergencies or for celebrities? I'm both. I'm a celebrity in an emergency.


Phil: This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather.


Phil: [Holding Phil the Groundhog behind the wheel] Don't drive angry. Don't drive angry!


[Phil Connors is stopped by the police after some crazy driving]
Phil: Yeah, three cheeseburgers, two large fries, two chocolate shakes and one large coke.
Ralph: [to Phil] And some flapjacks.
Phil: [to Cop] Too early for flapjacks?

When in Rome

It may seem that all I go see are chick flicks but it is just chick flick season gearing up for Valentines Day. In reality I am an action/suspense film goer. I mean one of my favorite films last year was Taken. How many girls can say that?

When in Rome. It was what I expected and little bit more-- all the funny parts in the film were not in the trailer (surprise). I would class it more as a comedy in the romantic comedy genre because you really were not focused on the love story as much as getting laughs. Needed polishing but worth the watch when your library purchases the DVD and you can see it for free (maybe even Redbox worthy).

Sundance Film Festival

Last night AJ, AMM and I went to the Sundance Film Festival up in Park City. This has been my fourth year attending the event. This year my ticket purchase time was not the best so we ended up getting our 8th choice. First you have to be selective of what you really can watch at Sundance since the films tend to be edgier (to put it mildly) and there is no rating on them so you have to go by clues in the synopsis if it will be “clean enough”. Then it is battle over finding a time that fits everyone’s schedule. In the end I was not disappointed in film of our choice “Kick in Iran.” This is the synopsis from Sundance Film Guide:

“Sarah Khoshjamal, a 20-year-old Taekwondo superstar, is the first female professional athlete from Iran to qualify for the Olympics. This skillful vérité portrait follows the unassuming Khoshjamal in the nine months leading up to the 2008 Beijing games. Living in an Islamic country, she is required to wear a hijab at all times and, unlike her fellow competitors around the world, cannot train with men; however, the power in her fighting resoundingly breaks down stereotypical barriers.”

A very interesting documentary that made for a good Q and A afterwards with the director and film staff (the perk of going to Sundance is to hear from the film makers). I just wish it had tighter editing, less random shots and not letting the camera linger too long after the person is finished talking.

Kudos to the Park City Sundance Shuttle system this year. They have worked out a lot their kinks and it ran smoothly with lots of volunteers helping to direct which bus to go on. Did you know they now charge $20 to park your car up there? Luckily in the outskirts they had a designated shuttle stop at an LDS church parking lot that was free. I wonder where we parked.

The only complaint I had was that it was snowing up in the canyons so I was driving probably too slow for everyone. I blame it on my growing up that when it snows you have snow days and you don’t drive in it. Plus Provo canyon can be pretty dangerous in the winter, I have seen the newspapers.

No celebrity sighting to report this year.

Fireflies

This morning my alarm went off to Fireflies by Owl City. Don’t get me wrong, I use to enjoy the song, mainly because it reminds me of the group Postal Service who I love (you know them you just didn’t realize that was there name). I just think it is on the radio a little too much. I know I am probably one of the few people who still actually listens to the radio but literally that song either wakes me up in the morning, or is playing during my commute to and from work. That is overkill.

Boston Trip

Boston January 13-18, 2010

Every year two of my coworker friends (AJ and AMM) and I take a small trip in Jan/Feb since that is when we can get off work since summer is a busy time at the library. This year we went to Boston. I have always wanted to go even though I lived so close for 6 ½ years when I lived in Pennsylvania and Maryland but never got around to it. Luckily the weather behaved for us and it was enjoyable.

Some background info you will need to know is that this year American Library Association Midwinter meeting was in Boston. That is when librarians throughout the United States come for training and getting a sneak peek of upcoming title and product releases. We hadn’t realized we would be there the same time when we first scheduled but it ended up being a plus.

And now for my adventure:

Day 1

We start the day off early, my favorite time of the day (yeah right). At the airport we run into our Library Director who is also on our flight because he is attending ALA since he is on the Caldecott committee (those who pick the best picture book for the year). We have a direct flight into Boston Logan Airport and we carried on our luggage since we refuse to pay for luggage. I have to admit I was proud that I could fit my winter clothes in a carry on.

The Boston Logan Airport is literally on the water, which makes sense since where is there room to place it anywhere else. After we arrive we hang around the airport because we have to purchase our Sundance Film Festival tickets (you enter a lottery for a time when you can purchase tickets and my time was ½ hr after we landed). So we got our tickets (8th film choice, but hey we have tickets!) and our adventure begins.

We purchased a subway pass for the week and that is how we moved about the city. If it were not for AJ I would probably still be at the airport. She is amazing navigating the cities and organizing our trips. Our hotel was literally right next to the Celtics Garden. If only Larry Bird was still playing I would have dragged my friends to attend a game.

After we checked in we found dinner (rule of the trip no restaurants that we can eat back in UT) and headed to the Chicago Museum of Art where they had a discount night and we walked around for about 2 hours. Saw an exhibit from Egypt’s Tomb 10A which was cool.

Day 2

Awoke early and headed to the Museum of Science and Technology where they had a special Harry Potter Exhibit. I’m not a fan of the books or films (I have only read the 1st book and seen 2 of the films because of nephews) but it was pretty cool because it was film props and such and I like anything that deals with film. My nephews would have loved it. We then played around with other science exhibits in the museum.

Then we headed to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. I really loved it because the building it as an enclosed garden courtyard that sets the mood. Plus the eccentric founder lady left the museum in her will as long as they never changed how she arranged the pictures and furniture nor add new. It’s funny because a few paintings were stolen a few years back but they have to keep the empty frames up because of the will.

After that we headed back to the Boston Museum of Art to finish up the rest museum. I accidentally broke one of the handles off one of the inner glass doors. Very embrassing and very loud. The security guard came running but said not to worry. Then we toured the Old Trinity Church and then to the Boston Public Library (we're librarians remember). The Boston Public Library is amazing. It has painted murals on the walls and ceilings, statues and marble throughout.

Day 3

We walked the Freedom Trail. Though it is 2.5 miles we started off at 9 in the morning and concluded around 4 pm. We were on our feet the entire time. We toured Massachusetts State capital. They have a wooden fish hanging in the House of Reps chamber called the “Sacred Cod” to help remind them of the fishing industry and they have another fish in the Senate chambers “Holy Mackerel” for the same reason. It was just so silly I had to mention it. Funnier still that in the 50s a few Harvard students stole it as a prank for a week and no bills were passed during that time because they were superstitious.

We walked through the Boston Common, cemeteries of famous people, toured Paul Revere’s home, Old North Church (where Paul Revere’s lanterns hung), and many more interesting stops along the way ending at the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides). We caught the ferry and headed back into the city.

We then headed to ALA exhibit hall. We were able to get some free passes for the exhibit from one of main book vendors for the library (thank you Baker and Taylor) and there we had at it and gathered loads of free ARC (advance reading copies) books that have not been published nor finished being proofed. I must say I am looking forward to reading some of them. So we got all loaded up I alone had four bags of books and we head to the post office section of the exhibit and they are not open. So we had to haul our load back on the subway. It was an adventure. We were sore the next day.

Day 4

Today was AMM birthday and we celebrated by going to Salem.

But first we had to mail all the books we got since there was no way we could take them back on the plane. So we carried them to the post office. Boxing them was an adventure in itself because one box was too heavy and we had reboxed everything. But in the end it was done and I know the post office worker was glad to see us go.

I really wanted to go to Salem so we took the train out there. First went to the Peabody Art Museum. Then we headed to the Salem Witch Museum and got the background to the Salem Witch Trials. Afterwards we ate a local diner and took in the true small town culture (reminded me of PA). Then we toured The House of Seven Gables (the house that inspired the book with the same name by Nathaniel Hawthorne). I loved the house especially because there was a secret passage and they let us go up it to the attic. You know how many tours I have been on and they say cool things like secret passages but don’t let you see and finally I was able to experience it first hand. We ended Salem early so we went back to Boston to go up the Prudential Skywalk were you get a panoramic view of the city. Pretty impressive. Then we headed back to the ALA convention to a Recorded Books event (they produce books on CD) and they brought in one of my favorite narrators Barbara Rosenblatt to speak so that was fun. Then dinner at a restaurant called Firefly. They had really good sweet potato French fries. Oh, on the bus we saw Nancy Pearl (famed librarian that writes books and even has an action figure, I have one if you ever want to see it).

Day 5

Sunday so we headed to the Episcopal Divinity School just outside of Harvard where we attended LDS services. Yes, you heard me correctly. The LDS church burned down a while back and they are still working on it so we had Sacrament meeting in a chapel with a huge cross and stained glass widows. It reminded me when I lived in MD and we attended the Harford Jewish Center for our church services while they remodeled our building.

Afterwards we changed clothes and toured Harvard campus. Quite impressive. They have this archway in one of the building that you can whisper into the wall on one side and the person on the other side can hear you and it sounds like it is coming out of the wall. Way cool.

We then headed to the Institute of Contemporary Art and wandered about. Headed back to the ALA exhibit for more free books and then called it an early day getting back around 7:30 pm tired.

Day 6

Last day. We had a true Boston winter day. It was snowing and cold. Went back to ALA to pick up more free books and mail off our second batch of books.

Then we went to the JFK Library and Museum. I am not a fan of the man nor his family but the museum was still very interesting. We broke the no chain restaurant rule for lunch because we didn’t want to trudge through the snow and went back to our hotel for our luggage and headed off to the airport early. We didn’t want last year’s incident of us running through the airport barely catching our plane.

We ended up hanging out at the airport longer because of delays and then had to wait an hour on the plane before take off for a minor repair. Then we landed in SLC and I had my own big bed to sleep in that night!

So that was my Boston trip. No funny adventures like last years Chicago, but I still had a wonderful time and glad I went. And for next year’s trip----we still have a few places to narrow it down to.

Just Another Day At Work

In my profession I have been asked many interesting questions. Today was one of those over the tops. I helped a patron propose to his girlfriend. Yep. You never know what you are going to be asked. Her favorite place is the library and her grandfather use to work here way back when so that is why he picked this place. So he gave us flowers to put out and a note and then when she finished reading it I had to approach her that we had something on hold for at the information desk (I felt like a stalker peeking through bookshelves to see when it was my cue). I then brought her to my desk and there we had her dream wedding dress waiting for her. Yeah, it was a bit embarrassing sharing in the private moment (as private as it can be in a public place). She was crying, he got down on one knee and gave her the ring. She said yes by the way.

Leap Year

Leap Year- the film, not the day. A few friends of mine and I went and saw it last night. It had what every romantic comedy should have: a handsome leading man- Matthew Goode (who lives up to his last name), a beautiful setting (Ireland. It made me home sick for it not that I am from there, but I went there 2 years ago and it was amazing), and a leading lady you wish you could be mainly because you want the leading man. It's not Oscar worthy and that is not why you go see the film. It is escapism. Did I mention that Matthew Goode was in the film? Tall, dark hair, gorgeous eyes, (yep, my favorites in a man). So his Irish accent was not authentic, and I really wanted give him a shave, but still, a very enjoyable film with a good foot tapping soundtrack.

Elvis

Today, Elvis Presley would have turned 75. He has been dead for 32 years yet everyone knows who he is. Now that is a music legend. You may be asking yourself, why would I be posting about Elvis? Well, before there was John Wayne in my life, there was Elvis. It started when I was in 3rd grade (7 years old) and lasted through 6th grade. I still love his music and enjoy his films I just don’t have a picture of him hanging on my wall. At times I really think I was born in the wrong era, but lucky for me I was not because wearing a dress everyday would have killed me. I only like Elvis when he was young and handsome, before the years of drugs and fame dragged him down. Every year in honor of him I watch one of his films for his birthday- mainly Blue Hawaii my personal favorite. Yes, it is fluffy but seeing Angela Lansbury (Murder She Wrote) play his mom is worth it even if you don’t like him. Plus the film has a great soundtrack that even you would recognize. G.I. Blues is a pretty good film as well—young Elvis in a uniform, need I say more?

Happy 75th Elvis!

Dr Who

Yes, I am a nerd. I love watching Dr. Who (and living in a basement has nothing to do with it either). I should say I love watching David Tennant play Dr. Who. When I was a child and my father would watch the old Dr. Who episodes and I saw a man with crazy hair fighting aliens that look like they were created out of materials from the janitors closet, I thought I would never sit down to an episode. Then one day my sister was watching the episode “The Girl in the Fireplace” and I saw this quirky man in a sharp stripped suit and converse sneakers and my entire opinion of the show changed. I started watching Dr. Who every Saturday night on PBS.

The show still has the British feel like you are on set and I still laugh at some of the aliens but there are some great episodes. My favorite is “Blink.” Watch it late at night and you will never look at a statue a same way again. Another good one is “The Shakespeare Code” when the Dr travels back in time and meets Shakespeare. The show was perfect for Tennant since he was in the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Then this past Saturday night, David Tennant said farewell to his role of Dr. Who. The episode was touching. It brought tears to eyes (and if you know me that is a feat.) His final words of “I don’t want to go” says it all. But as you know the Dr. can regenerate and so we have a new guy to follow in the adventures, but I thought the way they wrote the script as if the Dr. was dying since he was leaving one life behind made it seem more real and acceptable and not just having a new face.

I won’t say anymore because I don’t want to share spoilers. But I have to put in a bit for Timothy Dalton who did a perfect job as the ruler of the Time Lords. And I loved the Star Wars feel in two scenes and when you see it, you will know what I mean you can not miss them.

Good luck to Tennant on his new adventures.

Welcome to My Blog

Yes, it is amazing that I would have a blog and this is why. I have a friend that I always email my thoughts on film and life with, and when John Hughes passed away in August and I emailed her my tribute of him to her she said that I have to really get a blog and so I created one. I just never posted to it until now. I just want to remind you that I am not eloquent in my writing style. Even though English is my 1st (and only) language, I can assure you that I will make many grammar mistakes. As I probably already have.