My friend, K., mentioned a music website called Pandora, and I created an account today. What a cool site! And it's free (at least for now). Check it out, and let me know what you think!
(Thanks, K.!)
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
New year
Now that all of my reality TV shows are over for the season, I'm feeling like I need to turn back to writing more about poetry, books, music...other art forms! TV is so addictive that way...visual crack or somesuch.
Anyway, my family celebrates our holiday early, so I've already gotten my presents, the tree's needles are falling, and I'm reflecting on the past year. 2005 was a good one for me...lots of life lessons learned, some harder than others. I feel blessed in so many ways, but always see room for improvement (the human condition, I suppose). One of my wishes for this next year is to try and take more time to just "be"...a difficult concept for me, at best. I'm a do-er and a move-er and find it difficult to just sit and be. But that will be my project this year...find more ways to "be."
As usual, I have a Christmas Break Movie Orgy planned...there are about 8 movies that are playing right now (or opening soon) that I want to see. I don't think I mentioned that the kids, D., and I saw The Chronicles of Narnia a few weeks back. I thought it was fabulous...the kid actors were all spot on. My kids and I have been reading the books, so it was fun to see the characters come to life on the big screen. The movie got a big thumbs up from all of us.
So, I'll post some movie reviews soon...The Squid and the Whale is the first on my list to see.
What I'm reading right now:
What I'm listening to obsessively these days:
What I'm dancing around the house to these days:
Anyway, my family celebrates our holiday early, so I've already gotten my presents, the tree's needles are falling, and I'm reflecting on the past year. 2005 was a good one for me...lots of life lessons learned, some harder than others. I feel blessed in so many ways, but always see room for improvement (the human condition, I suppose). One of my wishes for this next year is to try and take more time to just "be"...a difficult concept for me, at best. I'm a do-er and a move-er and find it difficult to just sit and be. But that will be my project this year...find more ways to "be."
As usual, I have a Christmas Break Movie Orgy planned...there are about 8 movies that are playing right now (or opening soon) that I want to see. I don't think I mentioned that the kids, D., and I saw The Chronicles of Narnia a few weeks back. I thought it was fabulous...the kid actors were all spot on. My kids and I have been reading the books, so it was fun to see the characters come to life on the big screen. The movie got a big thumbs up from all of us.
So, I'll post some movie reviews soon...The Squid and the Whale is the first on my list to see.
What I'm reading right now:
- Surrealist Love Poems, ed. Mary Ann Caws
- Elegy on Toy Piano, Dean Young
What I'm listening to obsessively these days:
What I'm dancing around the house to these days:
- "Feel Good, Inc.," Gorillaz
- "Beverly Hills," Weezer
Monday, December 12, 2005
Danni, the nice one, is the Sole Survivor!
Nice girls do finish first! At least, sometimes on Survivor. :-)
So, I was wrong about Rafe going first; it was Lydia instead. But, that made sense. Even though I really liked Lydia and really respected her game, she was definitely not a physical player. I couldn't even imagine her lasting for long at all in that final immunity challenge.
I have to say that I was a bit shocked when Danni chose Steph over Rafe in the final 2, but again, it definitely made sense for Danni (she had a much better shot at the $1 million with Steph by her side). Plus it made for a MUCH more interesting final Tribal Council, though I thought Judd would go off even more on her. I did like his "well, you'll be starving for my vote!" comment.
So, another Survivor season is over, sigh. I suppose I'll have to pick up a book and actually READ over the Xmas break now! ;-)
Shoutout to my Survivor phone buddy, JM! You rock! :-)
So, I was wrong about Rafe going first; it was Lydia instead. But, that made sense. Even though I really liked Lydia and really respected her game, she was definitely not a physical player. I couldn't even imagine her lasting for long at all in that final immunity challenge.
I have to say that I was a bit shocked when Danni chose Steph over Rafe in the final 2, but again, it definitely made sense for Danni (she had a much better shot at the $1 million with Steph by her side). Plus it made for a MUCH more interesting final Tribal Council, though I thought Judd would go off even more on her. I did like his "well, you'll be starving for my vote!" comment.
So, another Survivor season is over, sigh. I suppose I'll have to pick up a book and actually READ over the Xmas break now! ;-)
Shoutout to my Survivor phone buddy, JM! You rock! :-)
Friday, December 09, 2005
Automotive Tiki Idol!
So, Cindy thought she could break that car curse. She even turned down giving 4 cars away to her tribemates as a talisman against the car curse. She flagrantly flaunted the car curse at Tribal Council. Didn't you ever watch the Brady Bunch episode in Hawaii, Cindy? Don't you know that you can't tempt the Tiki Gods that way? The tribe has spoken...buh-bye, Cindy.
In ANTM news, the bland midwestern looking girl won. Blah, blah, blah...Kim should've won. When does American Idol start again?
At least we have the Survivor finale to look forward to on Sunday! My sentimental favorite is Danni, just because I like her. I don't think she necessarily "deserves" to win, but she is the finalist who I'd most like to go have a drink with. But, Lydia has been my pick from way back...she's a stealth player who has flown under the radar somehow even with a clear target on her back from week 2. Go, Lydia! She's the real gamer of the bunch. Rafe is like Ian from last season, but with more of a Jesus complex. Steph is just so....Steph. I loved her last season, but she's hard to even like this time around. So, my pick is Lydia (she'll get the "sympathy" vote, much like Sandra from the Pearl Islands season). I think it will be Rafe out first, then Danni, and Steph and Lydia will be in the final 2. But, we'll see what happens, my little chickadees!
PS--I just read my older post about my final 4 being Steph, Rafe, Lydia, and Gary. I was 3 for 4...whoo-hoo!
In ANTM news, the bland midwestern looking girl won. Blah, blah, blah...Kim should've won. When does American Idol start again?
At least we have the Survivor finale to look forward to on Sunday! My sentimental favorite is Danni, just because I like her. I don't think she necessarily "deserves" to win, but she is the finalist who I'd most like to go have a drink with. But, Lydia has been my pick from way back...she's a stealth player who has flown under the radar somehow even with a clear target on her back from week 2. Go, Lydia! She's the real gamer of the bunch. Rafe is like Ian from last season, but with more of a Jesus complex. Steph is just so....Steph. I loved her last season, but she's hard to even like this time around. So, my pick is Lydia (she'll get the "sympathy" vote, much like Sandra from the Pearl Islands season). I think it will be Rafe out first, then Danni, and Steph and Lydia will be in the final 2. But, we'll see what happens, my little chickadees!
PS--I just read my older post about my final 4 being Steph, Rafe, Lydia, and Gary. I was 3 for 4...whoo-hoo!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Who's your daddy now, Judd?
Tonight's Survivor episode was the BEST this season! I love it when they blindside people, and it's even better when they blindside someone I DETEST! I had hopes that Judd was going down, but I was worried that they might be teasing us and Lydia would go home instead, but NO! Steph switched sides at the last minute and cast the deciding vote for Judd. Yahoo!
It may have been the biggest betrayal ever since Kelly/Sue from the first season. Should make for an interesting final tribal council if Steph makes it that far (which I think she just might now).
Also, we are saddened in our house by the elimination of Kim and Jayla on ANTM. We're still watching, but we aren't as excited as we were before. We're rooting for Nic now, only because we have to root for SOMEONE. Sheesh.
It may have been the biggest betrayal ever since Kelly/Sue from the first season. Should make for an interesting final tribal council if Steph makes it that far (which I think she just might now).
Also, we are saddened in our house by the elimination of Kim and Jayla on ANTM. We're still watching, but we aren't as excited as we were before. We're rooting for Nic now, only because we have to root for SOMEONE. Sheesh.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Survivor/ANTM Update
And for the reality TV fans, an update:
Ding, dong....Jamie's gone! In a bit of excellent play by the remaining Survivors, they crossed tribal lines to vote Jamie off. I love when this happens! And Bobby Jon's gone, too, so I'm doubly happy. I'm now rooting for Gary (who would've thought he'd end up being the underdog at the beginning? He seemed to have many advantages back then). And I told you that Lydia was a stealth player! Watch out for her....and for Rafe. My final four now is looking to be Lydia, Rafe, Steph, and Gary. That would be awesome! We'll see how it all plays out...
And for ANTM, ding, dong, Lisa's gone! I mean, that bit with the adult diapers? Hello? I did like her spunky attitude, but she quickly went psycho on us. We're rooting for Kim in our house...go, Kim!
Ding, dong....Jamie's gone! In a bit of excellent play by the remaining Survivors, they crossed tribal lines to vote Jamie off. I love when this happens! And Bobby Jon's gone, too, so I'm doubly happy. I'm now rooting for Gary (who would've thought he'd end up being the underdog at the beginning? He seemed to have many advantages back then). And I told you that Lydia was a stealth player! Watch out for her....and for Rafe. My final four now is looking to be Lydia, Rafe, Steph, and Gary. That would be awesome! We'll see how it all plays out...
And for ANTM, ding, dong, Lisa's gone! I mean, that bit with the adult diapers? Hello? I did like her spunky attitude, but she quickly went psycho on us. We're rooting for Kim in our house...go, Kim!
The map of missing things
Saw Laurie Anderson this past week--it was mesmerizing. Got to meet her at a reception the day before her show--she was very personable and interested in everything. I want to be her when I grow up!
Catching up....Chicken Little was enjoyed by all ages. Loved the disco/dance hits (Spice Girls, Gloria Gaynor, etc.). I'm seriously behind on my movie-watching...hope to catch up over the Xmas holidays. Got 3 new CDs in the mail this weekend: a Chet Baker compilation, a jazz chillout compilation (with an awesome cover of the Doors "Light My Fire" by Julie London), and the Erykah Badu Live CD (finally!). Also, got a CD for my daughter for Xmas, but can't tell you what it is yet. Gotta get on top of the Xmas shopping as we are celebrating our holidays early this year.
Off to the land of my birth (MS) this holiday week. Will post any interesting pictures later.
Catching up....Chicken Little was enjoyed by all ages. Loved the disco/dance hits (Spice Girls, Gloria Gaynor, etc.). I'm seriously behind on my movie-watching...hope to catch up over the Xmas holidays. Got 3 new CDs in the mail this weekend: a Chet Baker compilation, a jazz chillout compilation (with an awesome cover of the Doors "Light My Fire" by Julie London), and the Erykah Badu Live CD (finally!). Also, got a CD for my daughter for Xmas, but can't tell you what it is yet. Gotta get on top of the Xmas shopping as we are celebrating our holidays early this year.
Off to the land of my birth (MS) this holiday week. Will post any interesting pictures later.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
These are the people in my NotRepublican neighborhood
Okay, big disappointment in our household last night...America's Next Top Model went with one of those "let's recap the season so far because we're too lazy to show a real episode, shall we?" shows. I hope we get a new episode next week. But, we have Survivor to look forward to tonight, my little Tribal Council buddies! And it's merge-time--hurrah! Now, I can finally get all of their names straight. I'm amazed that Steph and Bobby Jon are still in the game. I've done a complete 180 on Steph...she was my favorite player last time, but I'm tired of her whole martyr-schtick. And Bobby Jon...puh-leaze! Why do they always have to find the Southerner with the worst accent ever? Really, we don't all talk like that!
For your liberal viewing pleasure today...a little Sesame Street flashback, starring Rov-er, Big Bird Bush, and the other NotRepublicans. Not for the children! (Source: Poplicks.com)
Movie updates: we're going to see Chicken Little this weekend--my son insists that we see it the day it comes out. I'll post a review later.
For your liberal viewing pleasure today...a little Sesame Street flashback, starring Rov-er, Big Bird Bush, and the other NotRepublicans. Not for the children! (Source: Poplicks.com)
Movie updates: we're going to see Chicken Little this weekend--my son insists that we see it the day it comes out. I'll post a review later.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
More Joyce! And a movie review
Here's more about Joyce, our favorite single-monikered singing sensation (scroll down past all of the hoo-ha about Cameron Crowe to get to the good part). Who knew I was tapping into the Joyce Fever that is sweeping the nation with my last post?
Joyce Update #2: And yet still even more about Joyce (click on her picture to the left under the heading "Nice Ladies," and then on her album cover). You can even listen to a snippet of one of her songs at this website, aptly titled "I Get All Excited" (not to be confused with Rick Springfield's "I Get Excited" or the Pointer Sisters' "I'm So Excited). Help, Joyce is taking over my life!
I went to see Prime this past weekend, but I can only give you half a movie review, since I only saw half the movie! It was the strangest thing ever...halfway through the movie in a crucial exchange between Uma Thurman (love interest girl) and the guy (some TV star guy who I've never seen before), they start talking in digitized robot voices. For a second, I thought, "Now this is an interesting transition/effect!" But after another second, it became clear that it was a movie malfunction. I left the theater, told the management about the problem, got my raincheck for another movie, got my daughter and her friend out of the arcade (they had seen The Fog, surprisingly rated PG-13, which they proclaimed to be scary but not too gross). So, I saw most of the movie for free, and I'll get it on Netflix so that I can see the ending. What I did see was okay...the scenes with Uma Thurman and Meryl Streep (plays her therapist) were the best. I didn't really buy the romance between Uma and the TV guy.
Next movie I can't wait to see: Capote. Love, love, love me some Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
Joyce Update #2: And yet still even more about Joyce (click on her picture to the left under the heading "Nice Ladies," and then on her album cover). You can even listen to a snippet of one of her songs at this website, aptly titled "I Get All Excited" (not to be confused with Rick Springfield's "I Get Excited" or the Pointer Sisters' "I'm So Excited). Help, Joyce is taking over my life!
I went to see Prime this past weekend, but I can only give you half a movie review, since I only saw half the movie! It was the strangest thing ever...halfway through the movie in a crucial exchange between Uma Thurman (love interest girl) and the guy (some TV star guy who I've never seen before), they start talking in digitized robot voices. For a second, I thought, "Now this is an interesting transition/effect!" But after another second, it became clear that it was a movie malfunction. I left the theater, told the management about the problem, got my raincheck for another movie, got my daughter and her friend out of the arcade (they had seen The Fog, surprisingly rated PG-13, which they proclaimed to be scary but not too gross). So, I saw most of the movie for free, and I'll get it on Netflix so that I can see the ending. What I did see was okay...the scenes with Uma Thurman and Meryl Streep (plays her therapist) were the best. I didn't really buy the romance between Uma and the TV guy.
Next movie I can't wait to see: Capote. Love, love, love me some Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Karma's a B****, isn't it Karl?
I'm not the only liberal actually delighting in the travails of Karl, Scooter, Dick and the rest of the Bushie gang, am I? Hah, take that, Rovey! What a difference a year makes...
Update: A friend of mine is having a Karl Rove/Scooter Libby cocktail contest. So, submit your recipes and we'll see how creative you can get!
Update #2: Buh-bye, Scooter. Et tu, Karl?
Update: A friend of mine is having a Karl Rove/Scooter Libby cocktail contest. So, submit your recipes and we'll see how creative you can get!
Update #2: Buh-bye, Scooter. Et tu, Karl?
Bad TV confessions
Some people are addicted to crack, or sex, or shoes, but I am addicted to bad TV (esp. bad reality TV). VH1 is my main supplier (The Surreal Life, Breaking Bonaduce, My Fair Brady, countless Bands Reunited and Behind the Musics). And the cream of the crop is, of course, Survivor. Thursday nights from 7-8pm are holy times in my house.
But, there is a new kid on the block, one that I am almost ashamed to admit that I love...America's Next Top Model. There I've said it. But, who wouldn't love Tyra Banks' over-the-top elimination voice? ("8 beautiful girls stand before me....but only 7...can go on...to compete....for the title...of...America's...Next....Top...Model!") And the clothes! And the cat fights! And the fabulously retouched photos! I am ashamed to say that even my 7 year old son is addicted to it. I am saving for his future therapy as we speak.
But, there is a new kid on the block, one that I am almost ashamed to admit that I love...America's Next Top Model. There I've said it. But, who wouldn't love Tyra Banks' over-the-top elimination voice? ("8 beautiful girls stand before me....but only 7...can go on...to compete....for the title...of...America's...Next....Top...Model!") And the clothes! And the cat fights! And the fabulously retouched photos! I am ashamed to say that even my 7 year old son is addicted to it. I am saving for his future therapy as we speak.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Top 30
So, my friend William (who likes to catalogue things) has been asking a group of his friends to name their top 20 all-time pop songs. Of course, I couldn't just pick 20, so here's my list of Top 30. I interpreted his instructions to mean "popular songs"--no album cuts, only songs that made a 'chart' of some sort, and songs that are important to me (not picking based on cultural importance or anything like that). It's my personal list (in no particular order) submitted for your perusal:
1. Let’s Get it On—Marvin Gaye
2. Stayin’ Alive—Bee Gees
3. Hello, It’s Me—Todd Rundgren
4. Happy Together—The Turtles
5. Hey, Jude--Beatles
6. Suspicious Minds—Elvis Presley
7. Bohemian Rhapsody--Queen
8. Little Red Corvette or Purple Rain--Prince
9. Express Yourself--Madonna
10. Dancing Queen--ABBA
11. Every Little Thing She Does is Magic—The Police
12. Tempted--Squeeze
13. Rock With You—Michael Jackson
14. Superstition—Stevie Wonder
15. Brick House--Commodores
16. That’s the Way of the World—Earth, Wind, and Fire
17. God Only Knows—Beach Boys
18. You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman—Aretha Franklin
19. Peg—Steely Dan
20. Let’s Dance—David Bowie
21. Alison—Elvis Costello
22. Blue Monday—New Order
23. Hot Fun in the Summertime—Sly and the Family Stone
24. Sara Smile—Hall and Oates
25. The Boys are Back in Town—Thin Lizzy
26. Photograph—Def Leppard
27. This Charming Man—The Smiths
28. Talk of the Town—The Pretenders
29. Fly Like an Eagle—Steve Miller Band
30. Avalon—Roxy Music
For those who want to play along, check out Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Songs and submit your own list!
Thursday, October 13, 2005
And a movie that everyone should see
The 40-Year Old Virgin. I'm not joking. I was heaving with laughter after the first 20 seconds of the movie. Seriously, this movie is now the standard by which all comedies will henceforth be judged by me. You will thank me later.
Hurricane Katrina blew my state away
...and southern Mississippi will never be the same again. There's so much to say about this, yet no words can do the hard work that needs to be done. I'm in awe of Mother Nature--we are literally at her mercy. I plan to visit southern MS next month and will post pictures then.
And I promise to blog more often...don't I always say that? :-)
And I promise to blog more often...don't I always say that? :-)
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Words and Wind
The poetry reading last night at The Frothy Monkey went well. It was so much fun reading with Nancy Roche (my poetry partner in crime)...we did a "dueling poems" kind of reading that made it so much more interesting (and less nerve-wracking!), I think. I read some poems that I haven't read in public in a while, and a few new ones. All in all, a satisfying experience...
Now, we are concerned about all of our friends and relatives in the path of Hurricane Katrina. This is the one that New Orleans has been worried about for years. I hope that it doesn't turn out to be as bad as it is predicted, but I fear for the worst. Everyone is in my thoughts and prayers tonight as they are on the road or riding out the storm at home...please stay safe.
Now, we are concerned about all of our friends and relatives in the path of Hurricane Katrina. This is the one that New Orleans has been worried about for years. I hope that it doesn't turn out to be as bad as it is predicted, but I fear for the worst. Everyone is in my thoughts and prayers tonight as they are on the road or riding out the storm at home...please stay safe.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Flowers in Bloom
Saw Broken Flowers this weekend...it was great. Surprisingly funny, and no neat Hollywood ending. Go see it if you like character-driven movies...I especially loved Sharon Stone in this one (I always like it when an actor I previously didn't like much makes me like them in a movie...Stone's performance did this for me). D. and I disagreed on the success of the ending at first, but he eventually came around. It's one of those movies that you have to let percolate for a while.
We also saw a trailer for Thumbsucker, which looks great (sort of like Igby Goes Down, perhaps?)...I'll definitely go see that when it comes out. You gotta love a movie that has Tilda Swinton and Keanu Reeves and Vince Vaughn in it!
I got a whiff of fall this morning...just faint behind the ears. My favorite season!
We also saw a trailer for Thumbsucker, which looks great (sort of like Igby Goes Down, perhaps?)...I'll definitely go see that when it comes out. You gotta love a movie that has Tilda Swinton and Keanu Reeves and Vince Vaughn in it!
I got a whiff of fall this morning...just faint behind the ears. My favorite season!
Thursday, August 18, 2005
What I did on my birthday weekend this summer...
Me in front of the Clinton Library
Replica of the Clinton Oval Office
Gotta love the Clinton swag store!
'Nuff said
Back in Black
It's been over 2 months since I blogged here...what has happened to me? I took one of my two remaining PhD classes at MTSU this summer--only one more left to go now! And then comps and dissertation and one more language (Italian). So close and yet so far away. Gotta finish by 2008, you know.
So, I was busy reading 18th century literature, missing my kids (who spent the summer with their dad), listening to the silence, visiting the Clinton Presidential Library for my birthday (see pictures above), attending my 20th HS reunion (now you know how old I am), and thinking of reasons not to write or blog. I need to write now because I have a poetry reading coming up on August 27 at The Frothy Monkey here in Nashville. Kids are back in school, fall has to be right around the corner (please!), and the new season of Survivor should start soon (they are replaying old Survivor seasons on the Outdoor Living Network--Channel 72 in Nashville--and are on Season 2: Australian Outback right now).
I am thankful for many things in my life right now--good friends, being finished with this summer class, my kids being back, living in a city I love. Sometimes I'm scared that I will touch the bubble and it will burst, but then I go read Ashley's blog and laugh or read K's blog and find a nugget of truth. It's all good, people, it's really all good. And that's because we're all here.
So, I was busy reading 18th century literature, missing my kids (who spent the summer with their dad), listening to the silence, visiting the Clinton Presidential Library for my birthday (see pictures above), attending my 20th HS reunion (now you know how old I am), and thinking of reasons not to write or blog. I need to write now because I have a poetry reading coming up on August 27 at The Frothy Monkey here in Nashville. Kids are back in school, fall has to be right around the corner (please!), and the new season of Survivor should start soon (they are replaying old Survivor seasons on the Outdoor Living Network--Channel 72 in Nashville--and are on Season 2: Australian Outback right now).
I am thankful for many things in my life right now--good friends, being finished with this summer class, my kids being back, living in a city I love. Sometimes I'm scared that I will touch the bubble and it will burst, but then I go read Ashley's blog and laugh or read K's blog and find a nugget of truth. It's all good, people, it's really all good. And that's because we're all here.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
10 Things I Learned on my trip to Washington, DC (with apologies to Ashley!)
(I stole this idea from Ashley's blog...but I maintain that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!)
10. Driving 667 miles in one day with two children in the car looks like a fine idea on paper. The execution of this idea is another matter entirely.
9. The beltway is 50 miles in circumference--total. Don't miss your exit or you'll find this out like I did.
8. More than all of the cool museums, monuments, and other exciting events he attended, my 7 year old son loved the Metro the most (especially the very long escalator rides down to the platforms!)
7. My favorite athletic team is now the Washington Nationals (Go, Nats!).
6. Sticking your head out of your brother's car's sunroof trying to take a picture of the Capitol at night (see below) will get you some strange looks.
5. It's all about where you park.
4. My daughter is the best peacemaker our family has ever produced...I wouldn't be surprised if she grew up to work for the UN.
3. I know where every bathroom is in the National Air and Space Museum.
2. My brother and sister-in-law win the award for People Who Don't Have Children Yet Are Kid-Friendly
1. There's no place like home!
10. Driving 667 miles in one day with two children in the car looks like a fine idea on paper. The execution of this idea is another matter entirely.
9. The beltway is 50 miles in circumference--total. Don't miss your exit or you'll find this out like I did.
8. More than all of the cool museums, monuments, and other exciting events he attended, my 7 year old son loved the Metro the most (especially the very long escalator rides down to the platforms!)
7. My favorite athletic team is now the Washington Nationals (Go, Nats!).
6. Sticking your head out of your brother's car's sunroof trying to take a picture of the Capitol at night (see below) will get you some strange looks.
5. It's all about where you park.
4. My daughter is the best peacemaker our family has ever produced...I wouldn't be surprised if she grew up to work for the UN.
3. I know where every bathroom is in the National Air and Space Museum.
2. My brother and sister-in-law win the award for People Who Don't Have Children Yet Are Kid-Friendly
1. There's no place like home!
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Hot Fun in the Summertime
Kids and I are going to DC tomorrow...my son wants to see "rocket ships" (Air and Space Museum), and my daughter wants to see the Natural History Museum and the Lincoln Memorial. I've often wondered why Lincoln is depicted sitting down in his memorial...he seems so grandfatherly that way, I suppose.
Anyway, for my birthday this year, I decided that I wanted to make a pilgrimage to the Clinton Library in Little Rock...hence, Bill-grimage 2005! I am so excited to spend my birthday with Bill (metaphorically speaking). You know I will be posting pictures...
Politics: Let's all hope that the curtain has been pulled back, and Bill Frist has been exposed for the complete opportunist that he is. Long live the Moderates!
Music: Why do I love Erykah Badu so much? And why hasn't she put out a new CD recently?
Movies: I've got to see the last Star Wars movie...for closure. Also, just read that there will be a movie of one my favorite books, Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, coming out sometime soon. The only glitch could be that Gwyneth Paltrow is in it. Her blandness can be astounding at times, though. I think Melanie Griffith should play Augusten's mom; she might bring just the right amount of camp with her slightly butchered, plastic surgeried face and wild tatoos. Bring it on!
UPDATE: See more about Running with Scissors, the movie here and here. Annette Bening will play the mom (great choice!), Gwyn will play Hope, and Joseph Fiennes will play creepy Neil Bookman. Should be excellent!
Anyway, for my birthday this year, I decided that I wanted to make a pilgrimage to the Clinton Library in Little Rock...hence, Bill-grimage 2005! I am so excited to spend my birthday with Bill (metaphorically speaking). You know I will be posting pictures...
Politics: Let's all hope that the curtain has been pulled back, and Bill Frist has been exposed for the complete opportunist that he is. Long live the Moderates!
Music: Why do I love Erykah Badu so much? And why hasn't she put out a new CD recently?
Movies: I've got to see the last Star Wars movie...for closure. Also, just read that there will be a movie of one my favorite books, Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, coming out sometime soon. The only glitch could be that Gwyneth Paltrow is in it. Her blandness can be astounding at times, though. I think Melanie Griffith should play Augusten's mom; she might bring just the right amount of camp with her slightly butchered, plastic surgeried face and wild tatoos. Bring it on!
UPDATE: See more about Running with Scissors, the movie here and here. Annette Bening will play the mom (great choice!), Gwyn will play Hope, and Joseph Fiennes will play creepy Neil Bookman. Should be excellent!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Able to leap tall metaphors...
Reading this week's Chronicle of Higher Ed, I was pleased to see that Poetry (with a capital P) made the front page...someone cares enough about the nepotistic state of poetry contests and book publishing to start a website devoted to ferretting out these connections! He's our Poetry Hero with too much free time, that's for sure. And, his name is Foetry.
I'm simply pleased that someone cares...read his discussion boards and you'll see that a lot of someones' care. And I'm glad that someone finally had the courage to say that Jorie Graham is full of herself and sighs too much during her readings. Amen, brother.
I'm simply pleased that someone cares...read his discussion boards and you'll see that a lot of someones' care. And I'm glad that someone finally had the courage to say that Jorie Graham is full of herself and sighs too much during her readings. Amen, brother.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Sleepover
So, I'm blogging from my daughter's sleepover...7 pre-adolescent girls...give me a medal! Yikes!
Summer weather is finally here, and I'm enjoying it. The Glenn Tilbrook show was awesome...shout out to H., P., and J. for going with me. Loved the cover of "These Boots Were Made for Walking" and especially the last song in the encore--a spirited (and spot-on) rendition of "Funkytown!" Alright!
And there's a rumor afoot that Duran Duran is coming to Nashville on July 15...I am so there! All you former Durannies better contact me now so that we can start practicing our best rendition of "Save A Prayer"--break out the dayglo and O-ring bracelets!
Summer weather is finally here, and I'm enjoying it. The Glenn Tilbrook show was awesome...shout out to H., P., and J. for going with me. Loved the cover of "These Boots Were Made for Walking" and especially the last song in the encore--a spirited (and spot-on) rendition of "Funkytown!" Alright!
And there's a rumor afoot that Duran Duran is coming to Nashville on July 15...I am so there! All you former Durannies better contact me now so that we can start practicing our best rendition of "Save A Prayer"--break out the dayglo and O-ring bracelets!
Friday, May 06, 2005
Marathon Girl
So, one day I really want to be a marathon girl! But, for now, even the thought of running 5 miles continuously sounds hard. I've been back running about 6-9 miles per week (2.5-3 miles each run) for about 2 mos. now, and it's not easy. I suppose that's the way it goes...I'll keep running, though, until my knees give out or my half-borrowed, half-stolen iPod refuses to hold a charge.
Music update: I'm completely excited to be going to see Glenn Tilbrook next week (see earlier post)...this will be the 3rd time I've seen him, and he never disappoints. My new favorite song on constant play at my house is: "Que Sera Sera" by Sly & the family Stone.
Music update: I'm completely excited to be going to see Glenn Tilbrook next week (see earlier post)...this will be the 3rd time I've seen him, and he never disappoints. My new favorite song on constant play at my house is: "Que Sera Sera" by Sly & the family Stone.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Redemption
So, I redeemed myself with my friend Ashley by actually meeting her for lunch today, so all is well in the world. Now, I just have to plow through this mountain of work at work, and perhaps by the weekend, I'll be done.
Today is Wednesday, which means tomorrow is Thursday--SURVIVOR night! Why am I so obsessed with this show? I really don't watch that much TV (well, not as much as some people, but more than others who don't have a TV). I think I like the random humanity of it...plus the faux-caveman (cavewoman?) aspect...look, we're all hunter/gatherers again! With TV cameras in our faces and product placement! Hurrah!
My friend William and I were talking about his 4 Point Scale of Happiness recently...he is a computer science Ph.D., so everything in life can be reduced to a theorem or matrix or some such for him. Here's the formula:
Use the 0-4 point scale (0=awful, 1=not great, 2=okay, 3=good, 4=wonderful!) in these categories (a word about the categories: I had to change one of them, because for me as a single mom, "family" and "relationships" come under two different categories. You can separate out the categories as you like):
Work/Finances
Relationship/Family
Friends/Social Life
Health
His theory is that if you have 3's and 4's across the board, you're doing about as well as can be expected. If you have two categories that are below 2, then that's pretty rough. It's helpful to take stock every once in a while...sometimes things aren't as bad as you think.
Movie Update: I finally finished I Heart Huckabees...it was interesting and I gave it 3 stars on Netflix. If you are interested at all in existential philosophy, you would probably enjoy it. Also, saw Gia night before last (Angelina Jolie's breakout film). She plays crazy women well. Liked the stylized realism of this movie. And saw In America the night before that...a great film. The little girls steal the show in this one. Kids and I watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory last night...I hope the new one that comes out this summer w/Johnny Depp can match the wonderful bizarreness of the original (it needs to be appropriately quirky without going over the top...we'll see if they can pull it off).
Today is Wednesday, which means tomorrow is Thursday--SURVIVOR night! Why am I so obsessed with this show? I really don't watch that much TV (well, not as much as some people, but more than others who don't have a TV). I think I like the random humanity of it...plus the faux-caveman (cavewoman?) aspect...look, we're all hunter/gatherers again! With TV cameras in our faces and product placement! Hurrah!
My friend William and I were talking about his 4 Point Scale of Happiness recently...he is a computer science Ph.D., so everything in life can be reduced to a theorem or matrix or some such for him. Here's the formula:
Use the 0-4 point scale (0=awful, 1=not great, 2=okay, 3=good, 4=wonderful!) in these categories (a word about the categories: I had to change one of them, because for me as a single mom, "family" and "relationships" come under two different categories. You can separate out the categories as you like):
Work/Finances
Relationship/Family
Friends/Social Life
Health
His theory is that if you have 3's and 4's across the board, you're doing about as well as can be expected. If you have two categories that are below 2, then that's pretty rough. It's helpful to take stock every once in a while...sometimes things aren't as bad as you think.
Movie Update: I finally finished I Heart Huckabees...it was interesting and I gave it 3 stars on Netflix. If you are interested at all in existential philosophy, you would probably enjoy it. Also, saw Gia night before last (Angelina Jolie's breakout film). She plays crazy women well. Liked the stylized realism of this movie. And saw In America the night before that...a great film. The little girls steal the show in this one. Kids and I watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory last night...I hope the new one that comes out this summer w/Johnny Depp can match the wonderful bizarreness of the original (it needs to be appropriately quirky without going over the top...we'll see if they can pull it off).
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Muddled head
It's just one of those days (weeks?) today...I completely zoned out on a lunch date with a friend today (sorry, Ashley!), I'm swamped at work (end of the semester), both my kids have birthdays this month....it's crazy, I tell you.
I'm listening to Steely Dan just to try and feel right again, you know? Music usually has that effect on me, but perhaps it's time for a Level 2 intervention...a Snickers candybar!
Wish I had more insight today, but I don't. The Muddled Head prevails.
I'm listening to Steely Dan just to try and feel right again, you know? Music usually has that effect on me, but perhaps it's time for a Level 2 intervention...a Snickers candybar!
Wish I had more insight today, but I don't. The Muddled Head prevails.
Friday, April 29, 2005
I'm just no good at blogging...
I mean, I have a life, people! I have bad TV to watch (they kicked Steph , my favorite castaway, off Survivor, but I'm still gonna watch it), the NY Times online to read (okay, so I'm really reading other insane blogs like my new favorite I'm Stuck in Rehab with Pat O'Brien), and children to raise!
I can't tell you how painful it was to watch the Shrub (i.e. Dubya) try to speak English on TV last night, especially since he was pre-empting SURVIVOR in order to sell his phony "save Social Security before it's too late!" plan. No one under 40 thinks there'll be anything left for us anyway. At least I didn't hear any "culture of life" BS last night (and that from the killing-est cowboy governor Texas has ever seen, in terms of death penalty cases). What a load of crap. And my own senator, Dr. Billy Frist, is right in there with the ridiculousness. I hope the Republicans do run him as their presidential nominee in 2008...I can't wait to see Hillary debating him!
Concert update: I'm going to see Glenn Tilbrook (former frontman of Squeeze) on May 11 at the Exit/In! I've seen him twice before, and he's one of my very favorites. Can't wait!
Movie update: Finally saw Sideways, and, of course, the hype sorta spoiled it for me. Thought it was good, but not great. New movies out that I want to see: The Upside of Anger (I hate Kevin Costner, but love Joan Allen), Millions, Kung Fu Hustle, and The Interpreter. I hear Sin City is good, but I think I'll wait for the DVD. I've been trying to finish watching I Heart Huckabees at home now for 3 days...it's interesting, but I fell asleep halfway through watching it 3 days ago, and have not found time to finish it. See, I really am busy!
I can't tell you how painful it was to watch the Shrub (i.e. Dubya) try to speak English on TV last night, especially since he was pre-empting SURVIVOR in order to sell his phony "save Social Security before it's too late!" plan. No one under 40 thinks there'll be anything left for us anyway. At least I didn't hear any "culture of life" BS last night (and that from the killing-est cowboy governor Texas has ever seen, in terms of death penalty cases). What a load of crap. And my own senator, Dr. Billy Frist, is right in there with the ridiculousness. I hope the Republicans do run him as their presidential nominee in 2008...I can't wait to see Hillary debating him!
Concert update: I'm going to see Glenn Tilbrook (former frontman of Squeeze) on May 11 at the Exit/In! I've seen him twice before, and he's one of my very favorites. Can't wait!
Movie update: Finally saw Sideways, and, of course, the hype sorta spoiled it for me. Thought it was good, but not great. New movies out that I want to see: The Upside of Anger (I hate Kevin Costner, but love Joan Allen), Millions, Kung Fu Hustle, and The Interpreter. I hear Sin City is good, but I think I'll wait for the DVD. I've been trying to finish watching I Heart Huckabees at home now for 3 days...it's interesting, but I fell asleep halfway through watching it 3 days ago, and have not found time to finish it. See, I really am busy!
Friday, February 11, 2005
An ironic girl is like a melody....
What I'm listening to these days....
Garden State soundtrack--my favorite CD right now. I love Colin Hay's (ex-Men at Work) song "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You," Nick Drake's "One of These Things First," and Zero 7's "In the Waiting Line." Made me go get Zero 7's CD Simple Things (another one I've been listening to over and over again). Props to my brother for turning me on to this CD (great movie, too).
Ultra Chilled '01--I know, I'm late to get on the chilled-out bandwagon. But, I love this stuff. It feels so...fresh and sexy and old and dreamy...all at the same time.
The Best of Chet Baker Sings: Let's Get Lost--love, love, love me some Chet Baker.
And, always, my Steely Dan (current fave song: "Any Major Dude"--have you heard Wilco's cover?). Throw in some vintage Queen, and we've got ourselves a party!
Garden State soundtrack--my favorite CD right now. I love Colin Hay's (ex-Men at Work) song "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You," Nick Drake's "One of These Things First," and Zero 7's "In the Waiting Line." Made me go get Zero 7's CD Simple Things (another one I've been listening to over and over again). Props to my brother for turning me on to this CD (great movie, too).
Ultra Chilled '01--I know, I'm late to get on the chilled-out bandwagon. But, I love this stuff. It feels so...fresh and sexy and old and dreamy...all at the same time.
The Best of Chet Baker Sings: Let's Get Lost--love, love, love me some Chet Baker.
And, always, my Steely Dan (current fave song: "Any Major Dude"--have you heard Wilco's cover?). Throw in some vintage Queen, and we've got ourselves a party!
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Crushing influence of geography
Hey, go check out this review of my friend Jim Whorton's new book, Frankland. It rocks! I've known Jim since 8th grade...we were in English class together at Thames Junior High School in Hattiesburg, MS. He's still just as funny as he was then (and perhaps a bit taller, but not by much).
Quick like a fox
Recent pet peeves:
People who use the quasi-verbs "emote" or "incent"
Slow, slow, slow drivers
Hair (why does it have to keep growing? why can't I cut it once and be done with it?)
These are the things that keep me awake at night (not really...I'm a very sound sleeper).
People who use the quasi-verbs "emote" or "incent"
Slow, slow, slow drivers
Hair (why does it have to keep growing? why can't I cut it once and be done with it?)
These are the things that keep me awake at night (not really...I'm a very sound sleeper).
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Holiday Flicks
I spent the holidays watching movies...Here's my rundown:
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou--a must-see. Bill Murray in a speedo, Owen Wilson with a Kentucky accent, David Bowie in Portuguese...what more do you want? I saw it twice.
Bottle Rocket--the Belcourt was having a Wes Anderson retrospective. This movie rocks...seeing it on the big screen made me buy it on DVD. Favorite line: "They can't catch me because I'm f***ing innocent!"
Closer-- A beautifully disturbing movie. Don't go see it with a date!
Ocean's Twelve--Fun, fun, fun. I'm still a bigger fan of Ocean's 11, but this one has its moments.
Kinsey--Laura Linney is brilliant, as usual. Also, check out Peter Sarsgaard (from Garden State). But, overall, I wasn't as impressed as I wanted to be.
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events--An odd little movie. Interesting special effects and gorgeous closing credits. But, it was really so sad (not funny sad, but really sad). Not for kids at all.
I think that's it. Didn't get to see Sideways, so that's still on my list.
PS--I still have the Bill Clinton message on my answering machine. Does anyone know how I can save it for posterity?
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou--a must-see. Bill Murray in a speedo, Owen Wilson with a Kentucky accent, David Bowie in Portuguese...what more do you want? I saw it twice.
Bottle Rocket--the Belcourt was having a Wes Anderson retrospective. This movie rocks...seeing it on the big screen made me buy it on DVD. Favorite line: "They can't catch me because I'm f***ing innocent!"
Closer-- A beautifully disturbing movie. Don't go see it with a date!
Ocean's Twelve--Fun, fun, fun. I'm still a bigger fan of Ocean's 11, but this one has its moments.
Kinsey--Laura Linney is brilliant, as usual. Also, check out Peter Sarsgaard (from Garden State). But, overall, I wasn't as impressed as I wanted to be.
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events--An odd little movie. Interesting special effects and gorgeous closing credits. But, it was really so sad (not funny sad, but really sad). Not for kids at all.
I think that's it. Didn't get to see Sideways, so that's still on my list.
PS--I still have the Bill Clinton message on my answering machine. Does anyone know how I can save it for posterity?
Long, long time, no blog
Land of my birth
The holidays have come and gone, and we're into the gray months now. Will try to post here more often.
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