Actually, it’s another grey morning here in Lewiston … but if memory serves, the sun will break through! 😉
Yesterday was full of wonderful moments, great and small … and I must say that by @ 8PM I was ready for bed (while the students, embarking on their last night of undergraduate life … were just getting started)! Just got off the phone with JBD who said she could hear the hooting and hollering from the top of Mt. David this morning … the senior class celebrating the new day after their last all-nighter!
Now it’s on to Commencement … and then packing up and embarking on the rest of life. What a time, what a time!
In news of the world … the slice of it that I checked on this morning … I see that I was remiss in not remarking on the demise of The Athletica on the WPS front. Last I had checked, the league was going to step in and keep them going. Now, though, all I can think is … hmmmm … Hope Solo??? Meanwhile, the Breakers and Sky Blue FC played to a 0-0 tie while FC Gold Pride were handed their first loss by the surprising Red Stars!
On the Phillies front, even the guy at the front desk of the motel was congratulating me this morning … Roy Halliday having pitched the 20th perfect game in MLB history! (And I am so glad that he has now superceded the execrable Jim Bunning in Phillies’ lore!!!) It takes a perfect game, unfortunately, to win for the Phillies these days … that’s how quiet their bats have gotten.
The Flyers lost a wild Game 1 to the Blackhawks in Chicago … and, sadly, the Lakers eliminated Steve Nash and the Suns. Guess it’ll fall to the Celtics to send Kobe packing.
How’s that for a book title? Draws you in, doesn’t it?
So here I am on a drizzly-looking Saturday morning. What a contrast to yesterday’s brilliant, clear sun and bright blue skies!
We got the lowdown on the “incident” here … not at all what the press had been reporting. (And it’s not surprising … tho’ certainly disheartening to hear, yet again, about the distortion that occurs as news purveyors attempt to make stories “newsworthy.”)
After hearing an eyewitness point of view, (and a very credible eyewitness, I might add) it sounds like the police response was seriously out of whack with what was occurring. Drunk students are, no doubt, annoying on occasion … but there was no riot or rampage – no huge fight or melee – as the headlines screamed. And apparently there were nightsticks used, and students tackled … quite different from the “official” version being shared.
It’s unfortunate that graduation memories will include this event and its fallout, for this year’s seniors. And I hope that there is no escalation of the the Town Gown tension that some of this seems to have sprung out of. Welcome to the world, seniors! Sorry we haven’t made a better job of it … but hopefully you’ll be able to bring some new ideas and energy into the mix.
In other news I see that the Phillies phinally scored … and won. Hope this gets them going again. The Celtics are in the finals (yawn) … and the Phlyers start their phinals play tonight against the Blackhawks. Everyone is picking Chicago … but not yours truly. Surprised?
Oh, and happy birthday, JFK. Now, onward – heading off to Nezinscot Farm for breakfast!!
We’re off to start the graduation weekend festivities …on what looks to be a beautiful spring weekend.
Bittersweet, making a last drive up the Maine Turnpike … bittersweet and celebratory … and such a marker of the passage of time.
Congratulations, RPE … well done … and we love you!
Here’s a lovely poem by William Stafford that a friend shared with me this week … a pause to appreciate what each moment brings … always! Thanks, Alison!!
You Reading This, Be Ready
Starting here, what do you want to remember?
How sunlight creeps along a shining floor?
What scent of old wood hovers, what softened
sound from outside fills the air?
Will you ever bring a better gift for the world
than the breathing respect that you carry
wherever you go right now? Are you waiting
for time to show you some better thoughts?
When you turn around, starting here, lift this
new glimpse that you found; carry into evening
all that you want from this day. This interval you spent
reading or hearing this, keep it for life –
What can anyone give you greater than now,
starting here, right in this room, when you turn around?
And here’s another from William Stafford … in memory of Judy Popkin … much in our hearts these days, along with others, not here but remembered today … Sheila, Elizabeth, Charles, Sally, Bob, George P, DaddyCornblog, George E, Susie … whom we remember as we mark this major and wonderful transition!
The Way It Is
There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.
Yup, the Phlyers are in the Stanley Cup Phinal … and Philly has Phlyers Phever … as does JordanCornblog! I know that some readers of this blog find the sports stuff (and particularly the baseball/football … and now hockey info) slightly annoying. I apologize … but if you’d grown up in Philadelphia, you might understand. When a Philly team is doing well … well … it’s special in the extreme! 😉
But on to soccer news … where I see that the Red Stars have fired Emma Hayes. Given the poor showing last year and the poor start this year … for a team that (especially last year) looked like it should have done better … I guess this isn’t surprising. I wonder if it makes Tony nervous here in Boston!? It has certainly crossed my mind that, particularly offensively, the Breakers aren’t performing as you’d expect … and haven’t.
In contrast (to Tony) there’s Pia! Here’s a nice tactical analysis of the USWNT match vs. Germany on Saturday.
The United States also excelled in getting everyone involved with short, quick passes. This is obviously a mark of Coach Pia Sundhage’s game and it’s interesting to see how enthusiastically the players buy it. They didn’t try to rush play through the midfield and boot a hopeful pass out to Wambach like the Germans. Rather, they took their time, spread the ball around, waited for the right players to make the right runs and then finished.
And from Nourishing Words, a post I especially liked about things you can eat in your yard! Dandelions and Violets – who knew! Below is some info from the post … and I’ll only add that our Westie Ruby has some additional thoughts on edible items in the yard … most of which I found to be singularly disgusting!
Violet leaves are a tonic for the body’s lymph system and are rich in vitamin C. They are a powerful blood purifier. They taste very green, not surprisingly, given their dark, dark green color. Both the leaf and flower are antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflamatory. Violet leaves have been used to treat asthma, bronchitis, headaches—the list is very long. They are chewy, but not stringy, and are somewhat nutty and spicy in flavor, a nice addition to a mixed green salad.
Dandelion leaves, especially from a young plant, remove toxins from the body. According to a report from the USDA in 1984, dandelion greens ranked among the top most nutritious vegetables. (Why do we never hear more about this?) In addition to purifying the blood, dandelion leaves are good for digestion, promote weight loss, lower serum cholesterol, prevent/lower high blood pressure and more. For a comprehensive summary of the dandelion’s health benefits as well as the related chemical compounds, check out this informative article. Dandelion leaves are bitter in taste (a taste that results from some of its healthful compounds), so it works great in a mixed salad balanced by sweeter greens.
And with that, it’s onward and into the day … have a great one!
Found this letter while attempting to digest far too much mexican cuisine from lunch…
———————————————————————————————————————-
Dr. Laura Schlessinger – a radio personality, said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura. It’s funny, as well as informative:
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord – Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness – Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination – Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? – Lev.24:10-16. Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.
The Phillies lost 2 to the Sox … including yesterday’s game in which Doc Halliday got chased out in the 6th. Hope they’re geting something out of their systems! On a positive note, the Red Sox seem to have rediscovered their bats … to go along with some nifty pitching. Gotta wonder, though … is it mere happenstance that the Sox’ two wins coincided with the return of Ellsbury to their line-up … and the loss (after only a day back) of Rollins to the Phils? Hard to know.
The Flyers face off against the Habs in Game 5 of their series tonight – possibly the clincher. As an aside, I searched a bit and found the answer to the meaning of “The Habs” – a puzzlement to me ever since this round of the play-off’s got underway. According to Wiki Answers, here’s the deal:
Habs is an abbreviation of “les habitants,” the informal name given to the original settlers of New France, dating back to the 17th Century. So it’s a natural fit for the The Montreal Canadiens, established in 1909 and marketed as a French-Canadian hockey team.
Having said that, the nickname might have been the result of an error. According to NHL.com, the first man to refer to the team as “the Habs” was Tex Rickard, owner of Madison Square Garden, in 1924. Rickard apparently told a reporter that the “H” on the Canadiens’ sweaters was for “Habitants.” Not true. The distinctive C-wrapped-around-H logo stands for “Club de Hockey Canadien.”
From The Writers Almanac this morning comes a poem by Howard Nelson … loved it! Small moments of regret that linger … poignantly … for a lifetime. Reminders of our tender and flawed humanness.
So anyway … Go Flyers … DaddyCornblog is rooting for you, I am quite sure … from a chaise lounge on some celestial patio (somewhere near suburban Philadelphia)!
Happy Sunday morning! The dogs got me up, very gently-but-insistently, shaking their collars and staring at me while I pretended to be asleep. A new day is always so exciting for them .. and I take a lesson (when I remember)!
In my perusal of the usual news venues … and Twitterland … I am coming upon a plethora (yes, a plethora, I did say that) of excellent one-liners about a certain individual whom I have sworn off of (or off of whom I have sworn). So I’ll settle for this helpful twist on the Birther Movement from Bill Maher, who proposes the following:
New Rule: The Republican leadership in America must produce their birth certificates! Not because I doubt they’re Americans, I just want to make sure they’re not eight-years-old.
Okay, and I can’t resist this …
I haven’t seen the match yet, but the USWNT defeated Germany 4-0 yesterday evening in Cleveland … in what sounded like an excellent match. Well done, Lil!
This just annoys the hell out of me … in a world where so many are living on the edge … the whole Frank and Jamie McCourt divorce flap.
How obscene is this tanned and self-absorbed couple? And just how much money does one require to live? Seriously.
In my fantasy world, Jamie asks for a million in spousal support, Jamie offers half, and the judge orders them both to put all of their combined assets toward the clean-up of the Gulf. It’s sobering to read how close they came to being Red Sox owners … yikes!
” … the Dodgers have paid the couple’s two adult sons a total of $600,000 a year for services “that could not be described” by either parent and have paid nearly $4 million in “consulting services” to an entity “that has done virtually nothing for the club, even as the team has made a concerted effort to raise ticket prices, trim payroll and acquire players on the cheap.”
Meanwhile, Elin Nordgren is upping the ante with Tiger … but somehow, I don’t mind that as much. Let her get her pound (or two) of flesh.
And in response to Alice’s request, I am looking for more HollyCornblog castle pictures.
Here’s the castle at the lake again …
… and below is a close-up showing the embedded bottles, a window, etc.
I believe those are Rolling Rock bottles, if I’m not mistaken … those refreshing-looking green ones!
Cloudy here, as Sunday morning moves ahead.
What are you doing today?
I know I’ll be watching/listening to the Phillies/Red Sox game at some point … hoping Roy Halliday can hold the Sox … and the Phillies’ bats come back to life after last night’s near-no-hitter!
Too much coffee this morning, as I’m the only coffee drinker here and thus there’s no natural limit on my consumption. Watch out world … I am WIDE awake and ready zip off my shopping list and hit Hannaford’s momentarily.
But first, a few thoughts and tidbits as the hazy Saturday sky lightens here and I let the caffeine settle. I got caught up (as I do occasionally these days) reading about the new HTC Droid Incredible … and find myself curious – as much about my avid interest as I am about the Droid itself. It’s not like I am a big phone user (except for work-related stuff). It’s the gadgetry that draws me – and most especially the web interface.
But is it something I will really use? Have time to use? (Have time to LEARN how to use?) These are questions I “should” ponder. But will I? (Not if I put “should” into the mix, that’s for sure!) June 7th, I believe, is the day I can upgrade … we’ll call it D-Day for short. Stay tuned, and I’ll let you know what happens.
It’s a song that I was absolutely enthralled with as a kid. Listened to it over and over – and have always wondered if I’d ever see/hear it again. Enter You Tube. It’s so amazing to see the exact record that I recall … the turntable even looks familiar!
I was fascinated to read that others were apparently as obsessed as I was with the record. That’s a relief … I’m within a norm of some sort, at least in this regard!
Don’t forget the USWNT at 6PM ET tonight on ESPN2 … running all over Germany. In seriousness, it’ll be interesting to see how they do … as some folks (Carli Lloyd, Tobin Heath and Lauren Cheney among them) will be missing from the roster.
Meanwhile, on the WPS front the bye week brings news about financial troubles for the Athletica. Drat! The thread on BigSoccer has some good links and discussion.
The Flyers look to bounce back today at 3PM (Et) against the Habs (what DOES that mean, anyway???) while the Phillies take on the Red Sox again at 7:10 PM.
HollyCornblog and CharlieHopbrew are meeting with the “Tree Guy” up at the Lake … sounds like there are 3 trees that need to come down. One, in particular, is leaning in a manner that’s just a bit too friendly … toward the house.
Sounds like it’ll be a tad warmer up there today than it was last Saturday. Hope it’s not too buggy!
Finally, here’s another HollyCornblog Castle – this one in the woods up at the Lake. (No trees threatening it, thankfully!)
Have a great Saturday …
… and I’m off, …
… leaving the virtual world and heading to town to harrass my compatriots in the real world for a bit!
Well, JBD is off to Deer Island, NB … leaving her animals and plants to the tender mercies of those of us remaining at the house. (Could be a sketchy few days for the critters!)
Congratulations to RPE … you know what I’m talking about!
Hope you’re enjoying each day … and getting used to your new phone. (And JordanCornblog is slowly accepting/getting over the fact that it is not a Droid of any sort.)
The USWNT is gearing up to play Germany tomorrow in Cleveland. It’s at 6PM (ET) on ESPN 2 … and here’s the roster. Check out the WNT Blog for the latest tidbits in the run up to the match.
Kristine Lilly is being honored June 14 as a Boston Sports Legend at The Tradition 2010 – the first women’s soccer player to be so honored.
Kristine Lilly will be honored during a gala at TD Garden on Monday, June 14, 2010 along with Bobby Orr and the 1970 Stanley Cup winning Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox legend Dwight Evans, New England Patriots great Steve Nelson, beloved Red Sox analyst and former player Jerry Remy and Boston Celtics great Jo-Jo White.
Congrats, Lil! She’s the only honoree who’s still actively playing, too!
Oh yeah, the Senate passed something or other yesterday … ought to send stocks tumbling today out of sheer pissiness, don’t you expect? Maybe I’ll buy something. Hmmmm.
Aside from the fact that the Phillies and the Red Sox start some inter-league play tonight, I’m pretty much done for the morning.
As the dust settles this morning, it looks to me like the electorate on the righthand side of the road, as well as the lefthand side, made itself heard. Blanche Lincoln is tangled in a run-off with Bill Halter now … and maybe Wal-mart won’t be able to buy off the voters this time. Joe Sestak beat 80-year-old Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania. While I celebrate Specter’s moderation and courage in many/most ways (his performance at the Anita Hill hearings being the one major blemish on his record in my mind), I wish that he had found a more graceful way to leave the stage.
Meanwhile, on the righthand side of things, Rand Paul handed Mitch McConnell’s pick a Tea Party fueled shellacking in Kentucky. The result is less disturbing to me when I remind myself that this is the contest for Jim Bunning’s seat … that nasty, rabid right-wing, right-handed pitching dude who is one of the few Phillies I’d like to disown! For Rand Paul and the Tea Baggers to do well in Jim’s country isn’t entirely surprising.
In the only election that involved the GOP and the Dems going at it, Democrat Mark Critz won the day and will finish out the late John Murtha’s term for Pennsylvania.
I am thoroughly enjoying the Mark Souder debacle … not because I particularly relish his suffering … but because the spectacle of hypocrisy and self-righteousness being unmasked is something I never, ever get tired of. Here’s the abstinence video that he made with his paramoor … thought it had been taken down from You Tube, but apparently not!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj0i17nCTFo
And Tracy Jackson? Apparently she’s also married .. and hooked up with Souder at the Christian radio station where she interviewed him about his work in DC. These Christians … they are busy, busy people!
In the saner world of sports … the Red Sox took it to the Yankees while the Phillies (and Roy Halliday) lost a close one to the Pirates. The Flyers are up on Montreal 2-0 in their series … on the strength of two shut-outs. The Celtics won another … and the Breakers are continuing to struggle.
And in the blogosphere …
Check out Just Keep Swimming for a new look (at least to me … it’d been awhile) and lots of interesting/informative social media insights.
For those of you who have an in with Rachel Maddow … put in a plug for an interview with Boltgirl about her research next week. I, for one, have had enough dung! Empire Points … now there’s something the American public is well nigh ready for! Rachel, Rachel … Empire Points NOT dung, okay?
Licorice Pizza: I'm starting anew here and have now been, twice, to Vax and Snax at Red River. These are Thursday night movies for vaccinated and masked folks, and you can get POPCORN! But I digress...Licorice Pizza was a sweet, coming-of-age in The Valley in the Seventies sort of movie that managed to include waterbeds and Jon Peters and two new stars -- Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman (son of Philip Seymour Hoffman).
If Beale Street Could Talk: Quiet, beautiful, heartfelt, devastating. America wears many masks. This movie strips a few of them away. It shines a light on quite a lot of ugliness. As well, it illuminates dignity and resilience in the face of a system built on the abuse of privilege and power. A perfect movie to see on the eve of what is hopefully Donald Trump's last SOTU.
Shoplifters: A beautifully honest, quiet movie that is at once uplifting and devastating. Universal questions are raised and left open for pondering. What is a family? How do people survive in our world today? And how do we judge their choices?
Green Book: Very enjoyable movie and yet deeply flawed. The white guy comes across as the hero in ways that are typical for the American movie industry, and comfortably misleading in terms of the realities of our culture. Especially in the current socio/political atmosphere, can't we do better than this?
On the Basis of Sex: We applauded, we cried, we felt so glad that RBG was as prescient as she was. And I felt personally glad that her love of opera clearly predates her connection with Scalia. What an inspiring woman -- and a good movie about her early years as a student, professor, and attorney.
The Favourite: Did I say that being a queen was no fun? This definitely seems to have carried forward to Queen Anne's reign. Strong performances again, and more belly laughs than you'd think. And right along with it, grief, emptiness, ambition, and gouty excess.
Mary Queen of Scots: Being a queen was no fun in the 16th century. Excellent, complex performances in this one. I found Elizabeth especially compelling. Very unclear who actually wins out in this one.
Another Year: Loved this one! It's about a couple, and their friends, and their lives – painful in spots, and wonderfully everyday and enriching, to my mind. Great performances – and who knew there was so much wine being drunk in England!?
Tiny Furniture: A young woman (aka Lena Dunham) comes home after graduating from college and tries to find herself – or not. A character study that I found humorous and touching – and sometimes a little disturbing and/or self-indulgent. It's definitely a privilege to have the leisure to "find oneself." After this..."Girls."
Rabbit Hole: Painful/powerful movie about loss and grieving. Hard to watch but well worth the effort, with a strong cast and an especially on the mark performance by Nicole Kidman. I continue to be glad to see that she is clearly outstripping Tom Cruise as an artist. You go girl!
The Kids Are Alright: Very enjoyable movie with great performances and an excellent cast. Two kids whose moms are lesbians decide they want to find out something about their "father" – and everything moves on from that point.
The King's Speech: Warm, funny, inspiring – and apparently a bit of a rewrite of history, to boot! Colin Firth puts out an amazing performance – and was well rewarded for it. Everyone else is great too, and if you're one of the few people left who hasn't seen it, it's definitely worth a look!
Black Swan: This is a disturbing movie that I really loved – and in case you haven't noticed, I do have a tendency to like disturbing movies. What's real and what isn't? You be the judge. Also, be on the lookout for Winona Ryder – you'll never recognize her!
Blue Valentine: A couple in trouble – how they started and how they got to where they are. A good movie with excellent performances that left me wondering, especially in Michelle Williams' case, whether she was thinking about what's his name (her partner who died suddenly – the guy who starred in Broke Back Mountain – for some reason I can't remember his name – oh yeah, Heath Ledger).
Shutter Island: A dark period piece that has the creepy feel of the 1950s (creepy to me at any rate) and has stayed with me more than I would've thought. A movie with surprises – definitely worth a look.
Cyrus: I don't remember this one so well, but have a vague recollection of walking out of the theater feeling not so enthralled. I believe it's supposed to be funny – but as you can tell it didn't really make an impression.
I Am Love: Really beautiful, sumptuous movie that made me hungry, just watching it. A keeper!
The Girl Who Played with Fire: The second in the three part series involving the girl with the dragon tattoo, this movie was much harder to watch than the first, as Salander's triumph isn't quite so clear at the end. Painful, painful, painful.
Scott Pilgrim Versus the World: I loved this comic book take on young love. Went to the movie on a whim and came away very happy to have seen it! Quite a few laugh out loud moments – and touching, as well.
Going the Distance: A very lightweight romcom that kinda left me feeling like I had just spent an hour and a half reading People magazine. In other words, pretty much a waste of time.
Never Let Me Go: Wow! This was an amazing, stark, and moving movie about kids who are basically raised to become organ donors. Very much worth seeing.
The Town: Ben Affleck's movie about bank robbers. It's okay. Not great, but okay. It does make me curious about Charlestown – will have to go there one day.
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger: A Woody Allen movie that I honestly don't remember very well. It's pretty much about adults behaving badly – something that Woody knows a little something about.
The Social Network: The movie about Facebook. I found it very interesting and well done, and was especially fascinated/disturbed by the window on the incredible privilege and elitism still thriving at undergrad Harvard.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest: Number three in the Dragon trilogy. I found this, in many ways, the weakest of the three movies – although that's not to say that it was weak. Perhaps my enjoyment was affected by the fact that I hadn't read the book. Anyway, it's a great trilogy and I was sorry to see it come to an end.
Fair Game: The movie about the Valerie Plame affair. One of the things that I found most interesting was how it uncovered my own biases, as she was clearly a very serious and talented agent, but because of her blonde haired beauty, I pretty much assumed that she was a lightweight in real life. I appreciated, also, the depiction of her husband as a bit of a media hound, which was how he seemed to me at the time. And of course, there are the despicable characters of the Bush administration. Glad they were on display in all their glory!
City Island: This was a fine, if predictable, movie about a family in which everyone has a secret and is telling lies. I mostly loved it because it gave me a glimpse of where my friend CB lives!
Winter's Bone: Wow! Unrelenting, stark, and ultimately uplifting – at least to my mind. This is a painful movie about life when you're the daughter of someone who runs a meth lab. Winter's Bone is a perfect title. J-Law is amazing!
Please Give: Quirky, sweet, slice-of-life movie. I loved the low-key character development and good humor of it all. Enjoyable, with a great cast and few false notes.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo: Tho' parts of the book were missing, this was an excellent rendition of an excellent book. Not for the faint of heart, tho'! Lisbeth Salander is an Emma Peel for the 21st Century (watch for more from Noomi Rapace - I will be)!
Me and Orson Welles: Or was it Orson Welles and me? (If Orson had anything to do with the title, I'm guessing the latter.) I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, even as it reminded me of why the world of the theatre holds absolutely no appeal for yours truly! Nice to see Claire Danes back ... still have to finish watching Temple Grandin, too!
Crazy Heart: I left this movie thinking ... "Eh?" but it has stayed with me. Jeff Bridges does give a wonderful performance. The amount of smoking and drinking was nauseating - as I guess it was supposed to be - all in an understated, Jeff Bridges sort of a way.
A Single Man: One of the best movies of the year in my book. Haunting, beautifully acted and filmed ... marred only by an unnecessarily heavy-handed ending, IMHO. That was the only flaw in an otherwise brilliant bit of artistry. Colin Firth was perfect, and this was an amazing writing/directing debut for Tom Ford! See it!!!
Young Victoria: I am eternally grateful to have not been born the heir to a throne. Life was confusing enough! This was an enjoyable, tear-jerker of a movie that left me wanting to know more about the details. Perhaps a bio for Bookeaters?
Precious: Wow, wow, wow. Two weeks in a row - another amazing movie at Red River. This is a challenging and important movie ... about life in America ... every single day ... everywhere.
The Messenger: Wow, wow, wow. This is one of the best movies I have seen in quite some time. Its focus is on two men who notifiy NOK (next of kin) when a soldier dies. It is a raw, wrenching, unflinching and uplifting journey - not to be missed. Seriously
Damned United: This was a study in soccer, ambition, and friendship. For soccer buffs who actually know the players (I'm a late-comer to the game) the movie would be that much better. I loved it, though - and recommend it highly.
A Serious Man: The Book of Job envisioned by the Coen brothers evoked the early sixties and suburbia with humor, pathos ... and a slightly nauseating quality that tells me they pretty much hit the nail on the head. As one of the goyim, I am sure there were hundreds of nuances that were lost on me ... but I loved it (nausea aside) nonetheless!
Cold Souls: The premise of this movie is deeply strange, yet it is presented in an entirely believable way. It's by turns very moving and then hilarious (in ways that, in retrospect, are hard to capture/explain). The ending leaves a puzzled feeling - but that's not really bothersome. In many ways, puzzled is the appropriate way to walk out of the theater after "Cold Souls." Check it out!
Adam: Nicely done! Not a movie that will stay with you for a long time, but I liked it. The father (Peter Gallagher) seemed a tad overdone -and unnecessarily so. Unmemorable soundtrack - but since I mention it, does that make it memorable? Now I'm starting to feel like Steven Wright - not necessarily a bad thing!
Taking Woodstock: Even going in with low expectations, this offering from Ang Lee just wasn't good. Vilma was a high point in an otherwise shoddy effort. Harsh, eh? And watch out, world - it's only 6:30 AM!
Julie and Julia: I was not as bothered by Julie as some reviewers were - maybe because I liked seeing a blogger hit the big time. Meryl Streep was amazing as Julia .. and this is definitely not a movie to see on an empty stomach! Never have I enjoyed watching people eat as much as I did watching this flick!
500 Days of Summer: I think I wasn't supposed to, but I loved it. Engaging characters and script, great soundtrack. Not as quirky and lovable as "Away We Go" - but not far behind, either.
Whatever Works: People either like or hate this latest offering from Woody Allen. I must admit that it's a little weird to see this May-December relationship on-screen, feeling so creeped out by Woody's real-life choices. But I'd say he pulls it off. There are some really great lines throughout the movie, and while not entirely believable, I didn't mind being along for the ride. A pleasant diversion for sure.
Goodbye, Solo: Interesting movie that basically contrasts life energy and death energy, IMHO. Solo is the epitome of resilience - love him! Meanwhile William seems bent on being miserable, for reasons that the movie leaves mysterious. I didn't find him very a likable or compelling character - but Solo makes up for it.
Moon: I hesitate to write this one up, as I was tired when I saw it - and missed portions. But form my bleary vantage point, this seemed an intriguing movie set on the moon and exploring themes of identity, isolation, etc. It was not my usual fare - and I wasn't up to snuff - but at least had the wherewithall to be able tell that it was quality work!
Cheri: I liked this a lot better than Easy Virtue - maybe because I went into it having already seen EV and had my expectations lowered. Michelle Pfeiffer and Kathy Bates are fun to watch as always - and I liked Rupert Friend in the title role. It all got a little too serious at the end - a tone-shift that didn't quite fit with the bulk of the movie. Still - a pleasant diversion on a rainy July evening!
Away We Go: This was an excellent movie in every regard. Great dialogue and plot line, endearing cast/characters, heartwarming/funny story that avoids tipping over into overly-sweet territory ... and great soundtrack, to boot! See it, if you haven't already.
Easy Virtue: Not my cup of tea - but I suspect it would have helped, going in, to know that this was a movie based on a Noel Coward play. The characters felt stilted and unbelievable to me, as it was - and I couldn't muster much concern for what became of them. All things considered, I'd rather have been in Philadelphia!
Sugar: Sugar is a baseball flick that is sweetly and realistically done - and definitely like no Hollywood film on the subject. The characters are real and the life is hard - and the film depicts it all in a matter-of-fact way that brings the realities home more surely than something more "dramatic" ever could. Two thumbs up on this one!
Sunshine Cleaning: Director Christine Jeffs has a winner in this tale about the hard times and resiliency of the Lorkowski family. Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin shine in this movie about a bio-hazard clean-up company. Yes, that's correct. And the movie had the potential to cross the line into sappiness several times but demurred. For that I am eternally thankful. (Okay, eternally may be a little over the top.) Darn good flick, though - check it out.
Milk: Sean Penn deserves an Oscar for his amazing portrayal of Harvey Milk. It actually didn't even feel like a portrayal - more a channeling. Such a loss - that yet another creative and energetic and good leader, was senselessly murdered all those years ago. Fear, hatred and guns - why don't we remove at least the last ingredient in the tragic mix?
Doubt: Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman are amazing, and Viola Davis is a heartbreaking revelation in this battle royale. I was left with less doubt at the end than some of my compatriots ... but that took nothing away from the experience. Meryl Streep deserves an Oscar, IMHO ... and I definitely want her on my side, always!
Slumdog Millionaire: Just a great movie, start to finish. Magical,epic, and a nail-biter (even though you know what's going to happen ... pretty much. The dancing at the end did my heart good - and having M.I.A. in the soundtrack didn't hurt, either!
The Secret Life of Bees: Or was it The Secret Lives of Bees? Anyway, whatever - I want Queen Latifah to be my mother!!! (What was Bill Clinton thinking, throwing her under the bus all those years ago?) The movie was entertaining but not a home run by any means. Too predictable ... but Alicia Keys was wonderfully cranky-verging-on-scary and the Queen was queenly and the honey looked delicious and it was nice hearing India Arie in the soundtrack!
Happy Go Lucky: I think I was supposed to like this more than I did. Perhaps it suffered by being seen pretty much on the heels of Rachel. I found Poppy to be a sometimes intriguing and sometimes annoying character. The relentless joking and "upbeatness" felt distancing and unnecessary. I didn't hate this movie by any means - but something was missing for me.
Rachel Getting Married: Jonathan Demme and an amazing script and cast just blew me away with this effort. The characters are fascinating and complicated and most every interaction in the film left me engaged and wanting to know more! Debra Winger was stupendous - although it's been so long since I've seen her that I kept trying to find the bull-riding Urban Cowboy persona within the steely, distant mother of this wedding movie. (She's not there.) Margot at the Wedding was very good - but Rachel puts her in her place. I highly recommend this to everyone!
Religulous: Bill Maher skewers the rampant "illogic" of religion in this free-wheeling film. His wit is right on target and as barbed as you'd expect. I found myself squirming every once in awhile. I don't mind you picking on the Pope, Bill ... but same as with Michael Moore ... sometimes when you set up "common folks" to look like fools, I cringe. Still, Religulous is worth a look for sure. The best point Bill makes? That conservatives of a religulous bent are about finding answers - while liberals are about asking questions. I can go with that!
Roman de gare: This was an intriguing, surprising, suspenseful, funny, quirky movie that I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters and plot lines are deftly developed. You should definitely check it out if you get the chance!
Young at Heart: YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS MOVIE! It's a documentary about a choral group of octogenarians in Northampton, MA. Very inspiring ... definitely something to check out!
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day: Enjoyable, light fare with a stellar performance by my favorite police chief, Frances McDormand!
The Visitor: Now this was an excellent movie ... from start to finish. It was similar to Smart People in that it had an academic as the main character. However, all similarities ended pretty much right there. In this warm, funny, and wrenching movie, the characters are well and subtly developed, the plot is (unfortunately) believable ... and there are no false notes. I would urge you to see it - you won't be sorry!
Smart People: Looks like we're getting back on track with our Tuesday night movie schedule ... for the time being. Smart People was enjoyable but left me unenthralled. (It probably didn't help that we ran into a totally enthralled movie-goer on the way in who was seeing it for the second time. High expectations may have killed this one for me.) Overall, I found the characters exaggerated and mildly unlikeable ... the dialogue stilted and self-conscious, perhaps just the way smart people talk. But then the lessons about loosening up and being less self-absorbed weren't exactly ground-breaking. Overall, it wasn't a wasted evening ... but not a movie I'll be putting at the top of my list, either.
4 luni, 3 saptamani si 2 zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days): Winner of the Palm D'Or at Cannes, this film by Romania's Cristian Mungiu certainly deserves the accolades it receives. It's a realistic and emotionally unflinching story of a woman who helps her friend obtain an illegal abortion in 1987 Romania. The story is harrowing, the acting wonderful, and the cinematography amazing. This film makes Juno look like Disney pablum!
Taxi to the Dark Side: This was a harrowing and eye-opening look at what our country has become under the leadership of Bush/Cheney after 9/11. The "road taken" has definitely been a trip to the dark side. Disgusting and important to see ... as we make our way back toward the light!
Michael Clayton: What an excellent movie! Engaging, engrossing, well-acted. Tilda Swinton certainly deserved an award for her protrayal of what I have to think must be the secret, inner life of Condi Rice.
Persepolis: This animated memoir is an engaging, heartbreaking, uplifting, realistic look at life in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Go see it! It humanizes what our current regime so consistently tries to dehumanize. An important movie, Persepolis is based on the book by Marjane Satrapi.
Margot at the Wedding: Dark, funny, tough to watch and very well acted.
I'm Not There: Bob Dylan's not my favorite, but this was a fascinating movie to watch (albeit long) and since he wasn't there, I couldn't very well feel annoyed by him. Cate Blanchette was just amazing - and I loved the surreal, Fellini-esque feel of the Richard Gere parts.
Atonement: Lush, compelling, painful - I especially loved Vanessa Redgrave's starkly powerful 5 minutes - and the Fellini-esque (can you tell I love Fellini?) flavor of the scenes of the evacuating troops on the beach - complete with ferris wheels - somehow depicting the disorienting horror of war in ways that blood and gore never could. Great movie!
Juno: Well, I went to see it. I totally agree with my friends who found the clinic scene extremely misleading, off-base, and gratuitously negative in its depiction of the women's health movement and its workers. In an otherwise nice movie, this was a thoughtless lapse ... and I was sad to see so many women in Juno's age group in the theater (one of them actually pregnant) ... who'll be coming away with a false impression that could so seriously affect their lives!
The Savages: Wow, what a good movie! Philip Seymour Hoffman has had an amazing run this year between this, "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead," and that other movie with Tom Hanks ... the name of which is escaping me at the moment ... Charlie Somebody's War. Anyway - he and Laura Linney are just wonderful as siblings dealing with their aging/ailing father. Painful and real ... and set in gritty, wintry Buffalo ... in perfect contrast to Sun City. (The latter looks like a setting that would do David Lynch proud.) Check it out if you haven't seen it!
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