Tuesday, December 25, 2007

A final look at 2007

Ahhh....2007, a year in which Britney Spears could do no right, The Sopranos came to a sudden end, and the writers became mad as hell and wouldn't take it anymore.

Some other happenings in '07...

Nancy Pelosi became the first woman speaker of the house; the war in Iraq began it's fifth year; China experienced massive recalls and has some thinking they are trying to kill us with their tainted products; former astronaut Lisa Nowak is arrested; Tony Blair steps down; shooting at the Trolley Square Mall in Salt Lake City, Utah; Marie Osmond faints on Dancing With The Stars; the Indianapolis Colts win the Super Bowl; the Virginia Tech massacre; Bob Barker finishes The Price Is Right; Drew Peterson; Martin Scoreses FINALLY wins an Oscar; Live Earth; iphone goes on sale; concert to commemorate Princess Diana dying 10 years ago; two television helicopters collide in Phoenix; I-35W Mississippi Bridge collapses; Sydney goes dark for a global climate change; Barry Bonds hits 756; Marion Jones admits to doping; coal mine collapse in Huntington, Utah; Anna Nicole Smith dies; shooting at the Westroads Mall in Omaha, Nebraska; California wildfires; Judge Larry Seidlin; Boston Red Sox win again and Queen Elizabeth II becomes oldest ever monarch and televises her 50th Royal Christmas message.

Yes, 2007 was an interesting year; at times exciting and irritating. As the year comes to a close, I've compiled some of my favs and not-so-favs of the year. Enjoy! I did, at times.

Movies: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and Atonement are not yet playing in Rochester, however, there are some movies I saw this year that were great. Two of those movies are Once and Away From Her.

Once is the story of a busker and an immigrant who meet and fall in love all the while expressing their feelings through song. The movie is touching, engaging and features some of the best movie music of the year. It stars unknowns and is a little-released and seen film, however, it's definitely one to be seen; especially for those that believe in the power of love at first sight. It's now available on DVD.

Away From Her stars the radiant and beautiful Julie Christie. She's back in a big way as a woman suffering from Alzheimer's. When her husband has her institutionalized, Christie reconnects with a man she used to know making her husband jealous and making the viewer wonder just how cognizant Christie is of what she is doing. Christie turns in a tremendously quiet but powerful performance and Gordon Pinsent, as her husband, is sympathetically moving in actress turned director Sarah Polley's nearly flawless film.

Honorable Mentions:

No Country For Old Men, The Lives Of Others, and Dan In Real Life.

Major disappointments/stinkers of the year: Pirates of the Carribean 3: At World's End, Spider-Man 3, Georgia Rule, I'm Not There, The Darjeeling Limited, and Lions For Lambs.

Music:

If you weren't annoyed by Rihanna's "Umbrella" or Timbaland's "The Way I Are" well you should have been because I was. There were some less annoying songs that were catchy and worth listening to over and over again. Below are just a few.

Canadian alt group Arcade Fire was definitely worth listening to with their critically acclaimed album Neon Bible and Paul McCartney was wonderfully winsome with his release Memory Almost Full.

Singles worth listening to:

No One by Alicia Keys
Makes Me Wonder by Maroon 5
Apologize by Timbaland w/One Republic
Shadow Of The Day by Linkin Park


Books:

I really enjoy reading and read a number of fiction and non-fiction books from Barack Obama to Harry Potter. Below my fav fiction and my fav non-fiction.

Non-fiction: The Birthday Party by Stanley N. Alpert. A former US assistant Attorney is abducted at gunpoint on the eve of his 38th birthday. The ensuing story of his imprisonment and the trial is thrilling and vivid.

Fiction: No, not Harry Potter, instead it was A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. A story of two women in Afghanistan whose lives are intertwined and become closer than they ever imagined. An adaptation of Hosseini's first book, The Kite Runner, is currently playing in theaters.

The worst: If I Did It by OJ Simpson; The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold.

TV: Some of the best so far have been Pushing Daisies, Life, Brothers & Sisters and Desperate Housewives, the tornado episode notwithstanding.

The worst includes Heroes, October Road, Prison Break, Big Brother and Samantha Who.

That's it for me in '07. I will definitely write you in '08.

peace,

paul

TALENT x 10

Check out the Men's a capella group from Indiana University. Called Straight No Chaser, in this clip from youtube they sing the 12 Days of Christmas.

Enjoy & Merry Christmas!

paul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

Friday, December 21, 2007

Friday humor

These are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are
things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now
published by court reporters who had the torment of staying calm while
these exchanges were actually taking place.

ATTORNEY: Are you sexually active?
WITNESS: No, I just lie there.
____________________________________________________________________
ATT ORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci Sweats and Reeboks.
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
_____________________________________
ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
____________________________________
ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty-one.
________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Are you shittin' me?
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Uh.... I was gettin' laid!
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS: Are you shittin' me? Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
WITNESS: Now whose death do you suppose terminated it?
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
WITNESS: Guess.
_____________________________________
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people. Would you like to rephrase that?
_____________________________________ ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to? WITNESS: Oral.
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m .
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh....are you qualified to ask that question?
______________________________________
And the best for last:
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing

Heeheehee,

paul

Friday, December 14, 2007

Interesting

Some thought-provoking questions....I've supplied the answers (my answers, anyway).

Can you cry under water?

(If you did, you wouldn't have to dry your eyes.)

How important does a person have to be before they are considered
assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in" but it's only a "penny for your
thoughts"?
Where's that extra penny going to?

(It's going towards the price of gas.)

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried
in for eternity?

(I thought there were no clothes in heaven.)

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

(I wonder who even thought of this question. Someone with way too much time on their hands...wait how can one have time on their hands, unless one is wearing a watch. I just answered my own question.)

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a
good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like
every two hours?

(And why do we say, we slept like a log when logs don't sleep. Logs aren't even real.)

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

(HUH???? Speak up!!!)

Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars
to look at things on the ground?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change?
They're going to see you naked anyway.

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

(This could go for the word pants also, there is only one and yet they are a pair.)

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible
crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

(So that we can sing stupid songs about people we don't care about.)

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?

(And why is it called a 'carpool' lane? It has nothing to do with a pool.)

WHY DO YOU DRIVE ON A PARKWAY AND PARK ON A DRIVEWAY??

(Good question. I think it's so we will be confused.)

If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why
can't he fix a hole in a boat?

(Because then there wouldn't have been a show every single week for 3 years.)

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours?
They're both dogs!

If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he
just buy dinner?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from
vegetables,what is baby oil made from?

(Do we really want to know the answer to this one???)

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call
it a hemorrhoid when it's in your ASS?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you,
but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

peace,

paul

Monday, December 10, 2007

unbelievable!!!!

Check out this 8 year old, Anthony Gargiula, who's never had a singing lesson. He was recently on the Ellen show singing Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." He's also featured on youtube singing the National Anthem (at 7 years old). Check out both and be amazed. A future American Idol winner?

peace,

paul

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2007/12/a_star_was_born_about_8_years.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR2rvxSUr7w

On the radio-December edition

Yes, there are good songs on the radio. Here's three that I am currently enjoying...

Alicia Keys-No One (she's back and hotter than ever with this upbeat hit).

Linkin Park-Shadow Of The Day (the rock-alt group know how to make a ballad; pretty yet not treacly). Bonus points for this group: They recently donated $50,000 to aid families affected by the California fires. Awesome!!!

Miley Cyrus-See You Again. If I didn't already know this was Billy Ray Cyrus's daughter, I'd think there was a new wannabe rocker chick on the scene. Oh, wait, maybe she is. She certainly sounds like it. This song rocks! It's nothing new or innovative but it's fun; pure sugar.

peace,

paul

Sunday, December 02, 2007

weekly post from December 1, 2007

Hello friends & loved ones,

Last week was my first weekly email in a long time. I was reminded that I had not posted
on my blog since October; and even that posting wasn't anything significant. I apologize
to those of you who did not get my email last week, I know I missed several of you.

Today is World AIDS Day and I have never known anyone to die of the disease. I do know
some people who are living with it. That is the key; living! I'm reminded of something
today as I complain about the slow driver in front of me, whine that I don't have enough
money after my bills, fume that I don't know when my favorite shows will have new
episodes again and become petulant when I am too busy to do things that I want to do.
I'm reminded that I am healthy and, even though it's no longer considered a death
sentence, I do not have to live each day remembering to take my meds, worrying that I
might catch, and never recover from, the cold that is going around, or being afraid if
I'm ever going to find someone to love me even though I have an incurable and infectious
disease. I will continue to remind myself of the fact that I am healthy and remember to
pray each day for those who are not. I urge each of you to do the same. And remember to
live, live, live. We never know when we won't have the opportunity to do so.

On a lighter and final note, if you get a chance to rent a movie in the next couple of
weeks then rent the movie Vitus (it's available at Hollywood Video). It's the story of a
child piano prodigy who is pushed by his mother to excel, all the while forcing him to
live a childhood he does not want. It's a really well done film and, yes, it's in German
with English subtitles, however, don't let that deter you. The casting, especially of
the child, is really nicely done and it will make you think.

Until next time, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy. And remember to live your own
life.

love,

paul

Saturday, November 24, 2007

post Thanksgiving prose

Hello all,

I hope you each had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had plenty to eat. I remained thankful throughout the festivities because I don't ever want to take any of my blessings for granted.

We returned earlier today from Massachusetts and have finally gotten settled back in. We had a wonderful time, as we always do, because Jack & Donna and their clan make us feel like family; they accept us just as we are. I felt the most comfortable and at ease; I've never felt so relaxed there. These people are truly amazing and we always have such a great time.

I hope you had as much fun during your turkey day that Jim and I had.

Only thirty more shopping days till Christmas.

peace,

paul

Thursday, November 22, 2007

movie minute

Rushing In: The new music filled movie called August Rush seems more like one of those late summer sleepers that you would actually see in August than one of the movies competing for attention in the crowded movie release weekends of November. That said, please take the time to see this movie.

The film starts out with Lyla Novacek (played by the ever radiant Keri Russell) finishing a concert at a NYC concert hall. She soon meets rocker Irishman Louis Connelly (played by pouty lipped Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Before you know it, they are spending the night on top of a rooftop and waking up the next morning with Lyla needing to run back to her old life. Of course it doesn't help that she has an overbearing and controlling father. I did keep wanting to say, "Grow up, you're an adult and can make your own decisions." But if that had happened, there wouldn't be two hours of drama and excitement.

Soon, Lyla discovers she is pregnant and when she has an accident, she is told her child dies. The scenes of Louis and Lyla are interspersed with those of orphan Evan Taylor (played wonderfully by Freddie Highmore, the talented actor who played Peter in Finding Neverland) who is convinced that if he can keep hearing and playing the music, he will find his parents.

Eventually, eleven years after giving birth, Lyla discovers that her child is still out there. She soon begins the quest to find him. She seeks the help of detective Richard Jeffries (a wasted Terrence Howard).

The film builds to the inevitable conclusion, however, the wonder and exhilaration of this movie is the theme of hearing music in everything. This is the gift of Evan, who with the help of the Wizard (creepily played by Robin Williams), comes up with the name of August Rush. August's gift is he can hear and play music, anywhere. August soon becomes a student of Juilliard and composes his own symphony, and when told that the school wants to have his symphony performed at a concert in Central Park, August is convinced he can reach his parents; we are too.

The movie borders on too cutesy at times and there's never a doubt as to what will happen but the music and the actors take this movie above mediocre. Another issue I had with this movie was Williams. I know he is versatile and can play crazy and quirky with the best of them but I think it's time for him to play "normal" for a change.

This is a feel good movie and Highmore carries the movie well. This young actor was denied an Academy Award nomination three years ago, and while he probably won't be nominated for this role, he proves that he has some real acting chops. He will have a long and rewarding career if he continues picking the right roles.

Between eating turkey sandwiches and shopping for the millionth Christmas gift, see this gem of a movie and leave the theater feeling good and hearing the music in the shuffling of the feet of people walking up the aisles.

Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4

Saturday, October 20, 2007

movie minute

Rousing Rendition: What if someone you loved....just disappeared? That's the tagline for the movie Rendition, director Gavin Hood's (Tsotsi) new political thriller. The film stars Reese Witherspoon as Isabella Fields El-Ibrahimi, a mother who is pregnant with her second child and whose Egyptian born, chemical engineering husband, Anwar (Omar Metwally) is suddenly abducted from an airport on his way back from South Africa to the US. This film gives a startling glimpse into extraordinary rendition, which is the detaining and transferrence of a suspected terrorist to a country in which torture is allowed. This movie should have come out almost two years ago when news of Abu Ghraib was still fresh in the minds of the American people.

At any rate, when Isabella discovers her husband has not arrived on the expected flight, she decides to figure out what happened. This leads her to an old friend and lover, Alan Smith (played by Peter Sarsgaard), an aide to a US senator. Once he discovers the scope of what's going on, he advises Isabella to consult a lawyer.

Rounding out the lead cast is CIA operative, Douglas Freeman (Jake Gyllenhaal) who sits in on the interrogation of Anwar. The film is told in episodic vignettes as we continue to glimpse each character and their story and how they are connected to the big picture. We are even treated to a bit of narrative trickery which does work but you must be paying attention.

Most of the cast is ho-hum; Witherspoon does her best but she's miscast. Gyllenhaal does most of his acting with his eyes and really shows his limited range. Alan Arkin, who plays a senator is fine and Sarsgaard is okay but they aren't the ones that stand out. There are two in this film; Abasi Fawal (played by Middle Eastern actor Yigal Naor), who leads the interrogation of Anwar and whose daughter may or may not be involved in one of the plots to assassinate him and the other is that perennial fav Meryl Streep who plays an anti-terrorism chief. Streep is cold and calculating and even though hers is a supporting role she sets each scene she's in on fire. I just wish her one scene with Witherspoon had been juicier; that would have been a bonus.

This film is horrifyingly realistic and, sadly, a bit too late for people to really care too much. See it because it matters but expect to be disappointed.

Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 2.75

movie minute

Universal Music: In director Julie Taymor's (Titus, Frida, Broadway's The Lion King) new film Across The Universe, we are offered a story of politics, war, and love all set to the music of the Beatles. Universe is not the story of the Beatles but their music compels the storyline along in a brisk, rollicking, and touching film.

Set in the 1960's leading up to and continuing through to the Vitenam War, Universe stars Jude (Jim Sturgess) and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), the star and continent crossed lovers who must endure the turmoil of the 60's in order to reach the peace of those strawberry fields.

The film starts out with the death of Lucy's paramour and Jude's arrival to America from England. When Jude befriends Max (Joe Anderson), Lucy's brother, Jude and Lucy meet and from there the rest is history set to music. Featuring 16 of the Beatles' classics, including, Strawberry Fields Forever, I Want To Hold Your Hand, and Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, the songs tell the inner feelings and conflicts of the characters; they work and are perfectly in tune (pun intended) with what's going on around them and inside of them.

Taymor has captured the essence and funkiness of the 60's and the protests and the unrest of the country and the world and paints a colorful story and backdrop that is mesmerizing and compelling. This is by far the most ambitious movie of the year and even if you aren't a fan of the Beatles be prepared to be moved and tap your feet.

The film features mostly unknowns; the most famous of the starring cast is Wood who appeared in Thirteen, Running With Scissors and tv's Once And Again. Wood, in fact, is a standout and continues her rise to stardom. It's rumored she'll portray Anne Bronte in an upcoming film about the Bronte sisters and Alice in a movie about Lewis Carroll. Another thing that makes the film all the more wonderful is the cast does their own singing; this is more and more true these days with each musical film that is released. The days of dubbing appear to be over; thank goodness because the actual actor singing the actual song is so refreshing especially since a lot of real singers seem content to lip-synch.

This film wasn't one that I had planned on seeing but now I can't imagine not having seen it. Relive the days of the mushroom and bring your flower and enjoy a merry, musical movie.

Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.5

paul

Friday, October 12, 2007

on the radio-Oct. edition

There are two songs I think are really hot and just in time too as the weather is getting chillier.

Bubbly by Colbie Caillat and one by Timbaland. Normally I would say I'm sick of Timbaland because he is everywhere and has that annoyingly catchy song "The Way I Are." However, his song Apologize with Colorado pop band One Republic is catchy and, thankfully, not annoying.

paul

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Hump Day Humor


Sometimes when you are angry with someone, it helps to sit down and think about the problem.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

dvd pick of the week

On the street where they live: There's a documentary that was released this week that asks the question "How well do you know your parents?" It also goes on to ask "How well would you like to know them?" These two questions are explored in the documentary 51 Birch Street which mostly takes place in the titular Long Island home.

Filmed, directed and narrated by only son Doug Block, the film starts out with Mina Block, the matriarch of the family and it starts out as a documentary about Doug's father, Mike. Soon, however, a family tragedy and the remarriage of Mike becomes the impetus for the film to focus mainly on Mina and the life that Doug and her two sisters knew nothing about.

Featuring candid and personal interviews with the family, including uncle Josh who offers up a music video of his song I Flunk Adultery, the film follows the 54 year marriage of Mike and Mina and reveals things that were well hidden from the Block children. The secrets are revealed in diaries that Mina kept for a number of years. It's really a poignant, revealing and thought provoking documentary that deserves to be watched.

As Doug works to come to terms with the new view of his mother, father and of his own life and marriage, he narrates one of the most profound statements in the film, "Is there just one person that's perfect for you?" He answers no. He goes on to comment, "It's not a matter of finding a perfect companion. I think it's a matter of making accommodations so that it works out for both of you." That's the crux of any relationship; both parties finding accommodations so that it survives.

The film has touched people literally all over the world and don't miss the extras on the dvd which include the I Flunk Adultery music video and also how the Block family react to the film and it's premiere.

Vomit scene: No

peace,

paul

Saturday, September 15, 2007

movie minute

One Tough Chick: What happens when the place you call home becomes a place of fear; paralyzing you in your tracks and questioning who you are and what you've become? That's the question that Jodie Foster sets out to answer in the new tough-chick thriller The Brave One (R). Directed by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Breakfast On Pluto) the film brings to light the vigilante that each of us has inside of us. If you've seen the trailer for the film you know just about everything that happens but what you don't know is how Foster pulls the film up from just a big screen made-for-tv-type movie. A woman suffers a brutal attack that kills her fiancee and makes her a stranger to herself. It lacks oomph in a number of places but Foster makes up for that with her ever changing expressions that paint a picture of precision of what she's feeling and thinking. She could go the entire movie with no dialogue and we'd still be able to follow her on her journey from city walker/radio personality Erica Bain to a gun-toting crime stopping renegade.

As the "victims" build up in the city that never sleeps, detective Mercer (Terrence Howard) begins to suspect Erica and begins investigating her. Mercer himself is haunted by the criminals that he can't put away and reveals himself as conflicted and vulnerable during an interview. Foster and Howard have terrific chemistry; not to take anything away from Howard but it's mostly Foster. She should give a master class on infusing a role, any role, with all she's got.

As the film follows Erica to the inevitable conclusion and as she sets out to get her dog back, the film debates the morality of Erica's actions and offers no real easy answers. As Erica becomes tortured more and more with each killing; each one a hole inside of her, we too become conflicted too. I've no doubt that there will be cheering as the film nears its journey and that is probably the scariest part of the whole film.

The Brave One might not get any award nominations; I'm not even sure if Foster will garner one, however, the film will make one think about right and wrong; good and evil; white and black and just how thin the lines between those things are.

Vomit scene: Yes. Visible: No. Scene occurs after the subway shooting when Foster's character enters the bathroom of the club.

Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4

paul

Thursday, September 13, 2007

DVD of the week

Let them eat cold cake: If you're interested in seeing a quiet and well-acted drama and you really enjoyed the Julie Christie heartbreak film Away From Her (also out on DVD this week) then you'll think Snow Cake is good too. Not as good or well acted as Away but moving and impressive nonetheless. After a tragic accident occurs, taciturn and no-nonsense Alex Hughes (Alan Rickman) decides to meet the mother of the girl who died while riding in his car. It brings him face to face with an autistic woman who besides not wanting anyone in her kitchen does not do social. The woman, Linda Freeman, is played by Sigourney Weaver. Weaver and Rickman have got to be two of the most underrated actors in their 50's. It's also not the first time they've acted in a movie together; they were also in 1999's Galaxy Quest. If you like these two actors then you're in for a treat. It's refreshing to see Weaver as someone besides the "bitch" or Alex Ripley and to see Rickman as someone besides Professor Snape. Although having said that both had wildly diverse careers before their respective famous characters took off.

As Alex lingers in Linda's world to help with the funeral and, most importantly, the garbage, the two form a bond. The two open each other up little by little; Linda teaches Alex not to be so sad and Alex teaches Linda to share her kitchen and her home.

Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity from the Matrix movies) plays a woman with whom Alex enters into an intimate relationship with. The real star, however, is only on screen for about 12 minutes; Canadian actress Emily Hampshire plays Vivienne Freeman. Mostly a tv actress, Hampshire imbues the young woman on her way to visit her mom with an energy and life that infects each character and inspires them to add life to their daily existence.

The plus of this movie is that it's not a downer; it's life affirming and charming. The tagline of the film is 'Sometimes stopping is the most important part of the journey.' This is one journey worth taking. Unfortunately there are no goodies in terms of extras on the DVD. Some outtakes of actors playing in the snow in Canada would have been COOL.

Vomit scene-Yes. Visible-Yes Scene occurs after the car crash.

Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.5

Rant of the week

Ok, well I haven't had one of these in a while but this one is long overdue. I'm sick of the tv and radio commercials from so called "normal, everyday" people urging us to contact our congressman to keep our troops in Iraq. These people claim with utmost certainty that should we pull out then America will be attacked again. Enough of the fear factor. That's what the current administration has been all about since 9/11. I've had enough fearmongering to last me a lifetime. SHUT UP, ALREADY!!!!! If I never hear another one of these commercials it won't be long enough.

peace,

paul

Radical Radio-September Edition

Well don't believe the people who say there's nothing good on the radio unless you have satellite. I do and I could never imagine going back to plain old radio but there are some really good songs being played right (in my humble opinion). Below are just a few.

****Dance Floor Anthem-Good Charlotte-To listen to the song one would think it's a positive song; and it is in a way. Listen to the lyrics and you'll find that it's about breaking up and how everyone does it at one point or another. The lyrics, "Don't be afraid to get down say, I don't wanna be in love, I don't wanna be in love" are cynical sounding but the song is way more toe-tapping fun than that Tubthumping song from the 90's.

Because Of You-Reba McEntire (w/Kelly Clarkson)-Yes, the original American Idol winner did cover this song first and now joins Reba on a countrified version of the ballad. It works well as a country song and Reba & Kelly both blend nicely. It's from Reba's highly anticipated (I'm the one anticipating) new CD called Duets which comes out next Tuesday. I'm still not a fan of the lyrics but the song still sounds great.

Stronger-Kanye West-The first single off Kanye's new CD features some silly lines, "you know how long I've been on ya? Since Prince was on Appolonia, since OJ had Isotoners" but the song is a toe-tapping good time. The song does of course feature a sample which is from Daft Punk's song Harder Better Faster Stronger.

You Are The One-Shiny Toy Guns-This song from the quartet from LA is reminiscent of some of the best alt songs from the 80's such as It's My Life from Talk Talk and Send Me An Angel by Real Life.

peace,

paul

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Sunday, September 02, 2007

weekly post from August 31, 2007

Hello my friends & loved ones,

I feel great!!!!!!! One of my favorite commercials growing up was the Frosted Flakes commercial in which Tony the Tiger ended the commercial saying, "They're GREAT!!!!!" Anyway, I just wanted to start the email off on a positive note.

***MOVIE SPOILER ALERT*** I watched the movie Perfect Stranger this past week with Halle Berry and Bruce Willis. Not a great film but a good performance by Berry; the film tried to be this clever thriller but fell flat and didn't work for me. At the end, however, when it is revealed that Berry, not Willis, was the culprit all along I thought, 'She's going to get away with murder, isn't she?' And sure enough she did. It's not the typical Hollywood movie in which the bad guy/girl gets their comeuppance at the end; it's more the kind of film one might watch with subtitles in which the good guys all die and the bad guy rides off into the sunset.

America is obsessed with the happy ending; we even have a meal that's happy. We want everything to work out in the end and everyone to be alright and safe and cozy at home. That's not a bad thing but it just doesn't happen like that. Life is messy and sometimes the innocent get executed while the guilty roam around sipping pina coladas on some island. I'm not saying that we should all be fearful of the next moment; instead I'm saying that we should all live life as if our own lives depended on it. Don't walk around in a cocoon; don't think that everything single thing is going to be alright; don't think that mess won't touch you. Enjoy yourself and those that you love. Surround yourself with goodness and positive thoughts. Don't let anyone bring you down (you may do that to yourself enough as it is). Treasure what you have and what you have to give. And remember next time you see the "happily ever after" movie you can smile as you are walking out of the theater but don't be fooled.

Until next time: Stay happy, stay healthy, and stay safe.

love,

paul

Our orange and white cat with a wad of paper in his mouth. His eyes will get wide with anticipation if we wad up a piece of paper and when it is thrown he will actually fetch it (ala a dog) as seen here. Then he'll bat it around and play with it till he tires of it.

Another pic of the ravens

Not a great photo but the black birds on the lawn there are actually ravens. They are a frequent staple near the bird feeders. No sighting of Edgar Allan Poe.....yet.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

movie minute

Funeral Fun: What do you get when you mix together an uptight British family, a funeral, a shocking secret involving a midget and a drug that is most definitely not valium? You get this ridiculously funny movie about just how far people will go to protect the memory of the departed. Death At A Funeral (R) comes along as the summer blockbuster season putters to a close. The film starts out with an upsetting but surprisingly funny faux pas involving the wrong body being delivered for a funeral. Matthew Macfadyen (Mr. Darcy from the hit movie Pride & Prejudice) plays Daniel, the less successful and more stressed out son of the deceased. As Daniel's family gathers for the somber occasion, Daniel discovers something upsetting about his father and tries, at all costs, to stop the secret from getting out and making sure his father has the most dignified and moving funeral possible. The funeral is definitely moving; dignified is quite a different story.

This film features some very funny cast members. I must point out the standout performance of Alan Tudyk (Knocked Up) who plays Simon, the first person to be affected by the drug. Tudyk's performance is practically a movie unto itself; one that offers the elastic faced actor to offer up most of the movies hysterical moments. The film also features the usually quite arresting Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent) and while he does do his best in the role of Peter, the midget with money on his mind, he does seem out of his element and not just because of the different accents floating around him.

This film just gets more and more absurdly funny as it plows along toward the inevitable conclusion of the delivery of the eulogy; how it gets there is all the fun and one would have to be in a coma to not have at least a few guffaws. Just be warned there are a couple of gross out gags (thankfully those do not include upchucking, however, one does include something worse). The film's only weak point is the storyline between smitten and lurking Justin (played by Ewen Bremner) and Martha (played by Daisy Donovan).

Maven muppet director Frank Oz offers up an alternative to those blue over all the summer sequels; a late summer gem and hopefully a sleeper hit that the grown-up crowd will enjoy.

Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.75

paul

Monday, August 27, 2007

Gonzo, Gonzo, Gone

Gonzogate is finally over. U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, whose tenure was marred by controversy over political firings and perjuring himself in front of Congress, finally offered his resignation today. This comes just a couple of weeks after Karl Rove (Bush's "Brain") stepped down and that was followed by the replacement of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

Bye, Bye, Berto.


paul

Sunday, August 26, 2007

weekly post from August 24, 2007

Hello friends & loved ones,

Another week and one more day closer to September and fall. I won't remind you what comes after that. How is it that summer is near the end already? How is it possible that we are so close to starting a new decade? Where in the heck does the time go?

I don't know how your week went but my week was not the best one; in fact the whole second part of July and first part of August was not the best for me. I had something this past week and it wasn't pretty. Yes, I spent the better part of the week praying to the porcelain God. For me, it was the first time in 11 1/2 years. The last time that happened was February of 1996; shortly after my birthday. Although my birthday had nothing to do with me getting sick.

It got me thinking, though, just how many movies there are in which a character gets sick; and how many there are in which we as the viewer have to actually see it. I reviewed a movie on my blog last week in which the "sick" device was used multiple times. From now on I'm going to keep a running tally on my blog of movies I see in which a character gets sick and whether or not it happens off-screen or onscreen. I really think that when it comes to losing one's cookies, the less seen the better.

Until next week: Stay safe, stay happy, and STAY HEALTHY.

love,

paul

Friday, August 24, 2007

How do you like to say it?

Check out this link to colorfully describe how one gets sick.

http://surveycentral.org/survey/20303.html

movies and more movies

Ahhhhhh, fall. The colorful foliage, the crisp air, the apples, the battening down of the hatches for the season to follow, ahhhhhh. Oh, and, of course, spending hours upon hours in a darkened room in front of a big screen. Yes, it's that time of year when the studios march out the serious films that aim to please the intellectuals and those who are soooooooo tired of the damn sequels. Enough already. Now, we have Shrek 4 and 5 and Spider-Man 4 to look forward to in the coming years not to mention the last two Harry Potter films. Oy, vey!!!!

Well for me fall and winter is a time to see all of the films that will eventually be vying for the little gold men. It's an exciting time for me as I pride myself on seeing ALL of the major nominees. The better to offer my humble opinion on who REALLY SHOULD be winning those men. So, without further ado and before the multiple critics and awards groups weigh in on their winners (hello Boston, hello, NY, hello LA!!!!), I will list the movies coming out in the next four months that I'm most looking forward to. I'll also offer a few early predictions on who will score a nomination for the big O.

I hope you enjoy the list as much as I've enjoyed putting it together.

Rendition-Blond funny girl Reese Witherspoon in a drop dead serious role? Yes, with Oscar winners Alan Arkin and Meryl Streep thrown in for good measure.

The Kingdom-Sydney Bristow (Alias) and Ray Charles impersonator together???? With hunkier as the years go by Jason Bateman???? Yes, it's true and it's also got a great director and is just one of MANY films this fall to deal with the quagmire in the Middle East.

The Brave One-Yes, we know Jodie Foster can act tough but what happens when she goes on a crime spree????? Hmmm, let's start jotting down ideas now as she goes face to face with cop Terrence Howard (not to mention some unlucky thugs).

Into The Wild-I read the book twice (only one of a literal handful of books I've read more than once) and this will either be a serious Oscar contender or a disappointing adaptation of a beloved book (remember, Memoirs Of A Geisha? Unfortunately, I still do.). Sean Penn has proven before how superb he is as a director; don't let us down Pennie.

Michael Clayton-Oscar winner and perennial hottie George Clooney and Oscar nominee Tom Wilkinson in a "layered" thriller set in a Manhattan law firm. I recently saw the trailer and was quite intrigued. Let's hope there's plenty more where that came from.

Grace Is Gone-Another movie that deals with the tragedy in Iraq. This one has a somber and unfunny John Cusack (who's had Oscar buzz surrounding him since this movie premiered at the festivals) as a widower whose wife was killed in Iraq and must now figure out how to tell his daughters.

Dan In Real Life-Steve Carell could read the phone book and I'd probably pee myself laughing. Perennial beauty and Oscar winner Juliette Binoche plays a woman who is dating the brother of Carell's character but he wants Binoche for himself.

Enchanted-I recently saw the trailer for this movie as well and it does put a little spin on all of those fairy tales. A prince and princess go from technicolor animation to real-life NYC. Throw in a little McDreamy (yes, from Grey's Anatomy) and you've got the makings of a hopefully very clever film with some great fish out of water gags. Thankfully it was changed from a Chicago setting with the princess being mistaken for a stripper. And, yes, it's a film with the terrific Oscar nominee Amy Adams......ahhhhhhh.

The Kite Runner-Just had the pleasure of reading this book earlier this year. Wonderful story and portrayal of 1970's Afghanistan. A tale of two friends who are torn apart by fear and silence. Again, either it will really work or have the book lovers hurling vitriolic stones.

Lions For Lambs-Ok, I'm not into this movie because of Tom Cruise at all. It is an interesting pairing of Cruise and Streep (who COULD get her 15th Oscar nod). Throw in Redford as a director and you've got the makings of a potential several category sweep when it comes to the nominations.

I Am Legend-This reads and feels like a movie one would see in the middle of the summer. Will Smith as the only "living" thing on earth after a plague wipes out most of humanity. The word is that there is hardly any dialogue at all in the first hour; just Smith and his trusty German shepherd. Kudos to the filmmakers for filming this in NYC and making it look like a true ghost town.

Leatherheads-The film's premise doesn't sound that interesting to me but the cast very much does. John Krasinski (American version of The Office), Renee Zellweger, and George Clooney. Directed by Clooney as well.

National Treasure:Book Of Secrets-I know, I know, it's a remake of 2004 popcorn adventure thriller. Why do I want to see it? Not because of Cage who is back as treasure hunter Ben Gates but because of the so-prim-and-proper-it hurts Helen Mirren who plays his mother. I just want to see her letting her hair down and shedding that corset.

Atonement-Another adaptation from another beloved book.

Some predictions for Oscar nods come January.

Marion Cotillard-La Vie En Rose (sure bet) ****
Julie Christie-Away From Her (sure bet) ****
Reese Witherspoon-Rendition
Jodie Foster-The Brave One
Jason Bateman-The Kingdom
Evan Rachel Wood-Across The Universe (sure bet) ****
Clive Owen-Elizabeth:The Golden Age
Tom Wilkinson-Michael Clayton
John Cusack-Grace Is Gone (sure bet) *****
Javier Bardem-No Country For Old Men
Meryl Streep-Lions For Lambs
Laura Linney-The Savages (sure bet) *****

Films

The Golden Compass
Lions For Lambs
The Kite Runner
Into The Wild

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Run, Beckham, Run

I guess scientists didn't have anything better to do this week so they decided to calculate just which animal does run faster.

The scientists calculated the top speeds of five meat-eating dinosaurs and using the muscular and skeletal information of these animals, here's what they came up with:

Velociraptor: 24 mph
T-Rex: 18 mph
Compsognathus: 40 mph
Ostrich (fastest living thing on 2 legs): 35 mph
Speed of a top human sprinter: 25 mph

This means that if the T-Rex were actually after David Beckham he might be in some serious trouble. Posh, you might want to cover your eyes!!!!

paul

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

weekly post from August 19, 2007

Hello my friends & loved ones,

I was at a bar several weeks back and made a fool of myself. How? Well, I had had one too many glasses of white zin and started making a scene with someone at the bar. It was foolish, idiotic, and totally not who I usually am. Thankfully I haven't found myself starring in a video on youtube.

Youtube is my favorite site; I can spend hours watching videos on that site. It's somewhat addicting. People put anything and everything up there. Very few clips are truly funny but most of them are head shakers. What the hell was that person thinking, anyway? Oh, wait, they weren't. Kind of like my scene in the bar.

We live in an age where just about every phone you see comes equipped with a camera. Many people don't even think twice about taking pictures, even if YOU might be in it. And watch out if there's a fight or someone committing a crime or a highway accident or a bridge collapsing (see the clip someone took of the bridge in Minnesota collapsing). It gives new meaning to the phrase, "Smile, you're on candid camera." It's hard to know who's around with a camera. I offer this to you as someone who is thinking their lucky stars that, so far, I haven't seen a clip of me at my "best" in a gay bar making one hell of a scene.

I was inspired to write about this topic by a story I saw on Keith Olbermann's show this week. Yes, I've often talked about "my" Keith. I'd meet him in a heartbeat. His sense of humor is very similar to mine and he's entertaining and he reports the news.

So, to repeat an oft heard phrase from the 80's show Hill Street Blues, 'Let's be careful out there.'
Stay safe, stay happy, and stay healthy.

love,

paul

Monday, August 20, 2007

my next Everest

I think Josh Groban has a fabulous voice; so rich and melodic. I've sung a couple of his songs in church and the next one I'm going to tackle is the song in the clip below. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

paul


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls7ila3srzI

Turn it up, August

Who says there's nothing good on the radio? Not me. Here's a few songs I'm currently enjoying and one that I could stand to NEVER EVER hear again.

"Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" (or thanks for the memories if the vowels are included) by Fall Out Boy who happen to be one of the best groups of the late kk00's (that's double k, double 00 or the 2000's). Bonus points: The lead singer of the group sports an androgynous look and the lyrics sound giddily gay.

"Teenagers" by My Chemical Romance (another great group of the late kk00's).

"4 In The Morning" by Gwen Stefani

"Summer Love" by Justin Timberlake, however, is a song I'd be fine with never hearing for the rest of my life.

peace,

paul

Sunday, August 19, 2007

movie minute

The IN crowd: Yes, it's the third remake of a 1956 film about aliens from another planet who take over everyday human beings and make them stolid, automated persons. One of the ultimate non-conformity-is-dangerous-to-your-health movies returns in the form of The Invasion starring a radiant Nicole Kidman and a somnambulant Daniel Craig (yes, Mr. I'm-the-new-James-Bond).

If you've seen the 1956 film or the 1978 remake or even the crappy 1993 remake of a remake (Body Snatchers), then you know the basic plot of the film. A meteor hits the earth and the material is contaminated with a foreign substance that gets into a human host and turns that human into a less interesting and less expressive form of their former self. It's very similar to The Stepford Wives (another movie that suffered an inferior remake) except the trouble comes from another planet instead of our own planet.

Nicole Kidman plays Carol Bennell (yes, this time she's a female; the males were played by Kevin McCarthy in 56 and Donald Sutherland in 78) who discovers that something is not right with one of her patients and takes a sample of the alien substance to her lover, Daniel Craig, to investigate.

The film continues as more and more people are infected, or turned, many times forcefully and by a mob, until it seems that Nicole Kidman and her son are the only two on the planet not infected. The film is very timely with the recent outbreaks of SARS, the birdflu virus, smallpox in the midwest and the looming threat of biological warfare, however, the ending is too pat; too easy; too predictable. And there's not even a twist ending like there is in the '78 version. There is one gruesome scene in which two people off themselves in order for the turned people to see who reacts with shock so that they too can be turned.

The casting of this film is interesting; Nicole Kidman seems to work as she gives it her all but Craig is sadly miscast. Tony, Golden Globe, Emmy winner and Broadway star Jeffrey Wright, however, who plays scientist Dr. Stephen Galeano, gives his performance his all and it would have been just fine if HE had been Kidman's male lead star instead of Craig. But then poor Nic would have had to kiss a black guy.

The only two things this film has going for it are its timeliness and Kidman and Wright although his role is sadly too small. One other caveat; for those of you who are squeamish, the way in which the body snatchers turn the uninfected is truly gross. Don't say I didn't warn you.

It's not a surprising invasion but it does cause some fear in the fact that what happens if a virus that cannot be contained does knock on our door.

Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 2.5
Timeliness Factor: 5

Saturday, August 18, 2007

A new superhero in NYC

Check out these clips of Jimmy Justice, recently featured on Countdown With Keith Olbermann, as he busts the people who bust you. According to James Huntley, the NYC traffic enforcement union president, the rules allow officers to sometimes park where others cannot. He also says, "I'm like really upset that he's doing this because now he's causing the NYC members to get embarrassed, they have to go home, they live in the city neighborhoods, um, and they haven't done anything wrong." However, former NYC Transportation Commissioner, Sam Schwartz, says that "besides the cursing, yelling, and name calling, Jimmy Justice has every right." YOU be the judge.


Enjoy,

Paul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CEFAifA1vY&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=052S1yg-zR0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJJw9fSM0es&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CELZSD1ijWE&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0rSqX-elZY&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf-tcjc87hw&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DytIyFgtvKI&mode=related&search=

Monday, August 13, 2007

another video

Here are the four Presidents that make up Mount Rushmore in S.D. speaking about Bush, our current President. All of the comments that Bush makes are ones he actually said in real life.

Enjoy,

paul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw2UQziI4aY&mode=related&search=

youtube video

I was not offended by this video. I would be offended if the gay guy who offended the waiter was at my table. The whole world doesn't need to know one's sexual orientation. I do want to know, however, why the waiter or the manager didn't tell the guy at the table to keep it down or they will have to leave. Just a thought.

Enjoy the video,

paul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgD_ZOZOyrk&feature=dir

movie minute with a clip

Bourne one more time: If you haven't seen the first two movies, The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supermacy then get thee to a video store stat. Or not. You can actually catch the third movie, The Bourne Ultimatum, without having seen the first two movies but if you want to know exactly how Jason Bourne (played by Matt Damon) got to where he is now, you might want to check out the first two. You'll enjoy the first and may not like the second but the third time is definitely the charm.

Bourne has been trying to find out who he was and what happened to him and how he became a killing machine. It involves a cover-up (naturally) of epic proportions with a secret CIA building in NYC (huh?) and lots of assassins. The film's "regulars" are also back. Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, Scott Glenn and David Strathairn joins the cast as a seedy CIA agent bent on taking out Bourne once and for all and anyone else who gets in his way.

When a journalist for the Guardian discovers crucial information about Jason Bourne he publishes it and Bourne makes a beeline for the journalist. Paddy Considine, a wonderful actor, plays the journalist whom Bourne must protect.

The film boasts such locations as Berlin, Madrid, Morocco, England, Paris, and, of course, NYC. It also features some great cat and mouse scenes with a "you are there" look to the film. Paul Greengrass, director of last year's best film, United 93 (in my opinion), directs this film as well. He gives it an urgency and intensity that has not been matched this summer.

The film really does speed by and there are very very few flat moments. So for a good time call Bourne at your local multiplex. And check out the spoof of the film from youtube. The link is included below.

Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4.25


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA1tM4lIjIU

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Some terrific pics for Tuesday



This guy, Henri Ayala, a Colombian with the Zippo Circus, shows off his balancing skills. Yes, he's actually standing on a chair on a high wire. I'm guessing there is a huge net below him to catch his possible fall. Now that's is truly incredible!!! Photo from BBC News.

paul


A car caught between, not a rock and a hard place but a wall and a handrail in Central Moscow. According to witnesses the driver walked away unscathed. Photo from BBC News.
paul


This lego man appeared on Zandvoort beach in Holland. It's huge. It's either trick photography or someone's idea for the next summer blockbuster: Attack of the Legos: The Building Is Over.

Photo was found on BBC News.

paul

Saturday, August 04, 2007

more cool clips

I really like clever magic and these clips are really neat.

Enjoy,

paul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNSnSbH05qo&NR=1


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW3kpAbcwn4&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibtk5PxDDtQ&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvipCNfMUz8&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK8GkVm4G10&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET_MKohV0xU&mode=related&search=

Commercials can be cool

Here are a few links to some entertaining commercials from youtube. Most of them are from other countries. There are also some other neat clips.

Enjoy,

paul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvTU0rlhBVw&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSOr3KfPc3A&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yw7oX5CXhk&mode=related&search=

weekly post from August 3, 2007

Hello friends & loved ones,

It's a hot one today and has been all week. So far today it's gotten up to 97 degrees. I pray you are staying cool.

Jim and I recently watched Jay Bakker's reality show, "One Punk Under God." It was broadcast on the Sundance channel last fall and after watching it I developed a new respect for him. I think I got more out of it than Jim did. I was also fortunate enough to get to shake his hand and have my picture taken with him (twice) at conference in Arizona. I felt like a little schoolgirl with the famous quarterback. The first time I stood in line for my picture with him, instead of hitting the take picture button Jim hit the power button. So I waited in line again and this time the picture was definitely taken. I am so proud of him for the work he is doing with GLBT people.

I recently went out to a local bar a couple of times and both times I handed people one of my deacon cards; a Jay Bakker in the making or just coincidence? Only time will tell.

One other thing that touched me this week was the reemergence of Paul Potts (not PolPot as Jim commented). My friend Dougie sent me his cd in the mail after I had forgotten about him. Paul who? Paul Potts, the guy who earlier this summer simply wowed the judges on Britain's version of America's Got Talent by singing Nessun Dorma. I've included the link below; watch the whole thing. The best part of it, aside from the singing, is the look on crabby Simon Cowell's face. I remember watching it for the first time and both Jim and I thought for sure that he was lip synching. I even poked around online to watch other clips of other tenors singing the same song to see if it sounded the exact same or not. This guy, who worked as a cell phone saleperson, came out of nowhere. He took a chance on national telly and sang his heart out; his passion, his dream. I've often talked about following dreams and passions and taking risks and look where it got this guy.

In other news, today we had to put our 12 1/2 year old Golden Retriever to sleep. He seemed to have really good days and then he would decline again. Of course once we called the vet to come, Brewster, appeared more alert and perky than he had in 6 weeks. I had no idea it would affect me the way it has; I feel empty and like I'm missing a part of my body. Never one who was a dog person, Brewster was so loyal and so loving that I will definitely miss him.

Please pray for each other as I pray for each of you. Remember to stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy. And for something feel good watch the link at the bottom.

love,

paul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA

Friday, August 03, 2007

Passing of our pal


We had to put our beloved Golden Retriever, Brewster, down today. For the past 6 weeks he's been getting thinner and thinner and eating less and less. When the vet came today he said that Brew looks like a cancer patient; we had thought that's what it was. We didn't want to put a 12 1/2 year old dog through that so we thought it best to let him go. There's no telling how long he would have kept up and suffering more and more.
Here is Brewster with our 23lb (yes, 23lbs!) cat Perry. They were both the same color and sometimes if Perry was sleeping right up against Brewster it was hard to tell he was there.
Who will look at me intently while I'm eating my dinner? Who will drool on the floor when I feed him a cookie or snack? Who will whine from downstairs that he wants to come up if Jim and I are napping and he's still downstairs? He would have to be prompted to come up, he wouldn't do it on his own. Who will run off down to the creek if I'm outside with him and turn my back for a second? Who will find the grossest carcass and sniff at it and lick it and eat it? No, it won't be my spouse Jim. I'm going to miss that wonderful dog.
paul

Thursday, August 02, 2007

movie minute

Hair Galore: First things first: Let's get the original Hairspray, directed in 1988 by John Waters, out of the way. The film is not so much a musical as it is a movie with sometimes too long scenes showing characters dancing. It's 1962 Baltimore and desegregation is one of the main themes. Most notably desegregating the popular Corny Collins tv show. This is a show whiter than snow and "shake my groove thang" Tracy Turnblad is just the one to get the show colorized. There's something else going on in the film as well and that is being comfortable enough in one's own skin to get on national tv to shake it like a tailfeather. In today's "everyone wants their 15 minutes" culture, it's a timely theme. The original sags a lot and doesn't have verve or fun.

Fast forward 14 years later and the film becomes a Broadway musical. The 2007 film of Hairspray is based on the original and the musical. This time around instead of Ricki Lake, newcomer Nikki Blonsky takes on Tracy's toe tapping and hip hopping. Whereas Lake's Tracy was pushy and too competitive; Blonsky is perky and determined to win without resorting to petulance or arrogance.

John Travolta fills Devine's shoes as Edna Turnblad and I have to tell you I never thought that Travolta would make such an appealing and cheek pinchable woman. Whereas Devine's Edna was harsh and unpleasant; Travolta's is a waif of a housewife with only good intentions.

The film is pure fun much like last year's High School Musical in which one of that movie's stars appears in this film as Link Larkin. The numbers with the exception of two are full of pizzazz and energy. There are some leftovers in this film from the original: Jerry Stiller who played the father in the original plays Mr. Pinky in this version; Ricki Lake plays a talent scout near the end; and John Waters plays a flasher. One other thing very worth noting is one of my favorite young actresses Amanda Bynes. Bynes plays the best friend of Tracy, Penny Pingleton and Bynes's winsome face and facial expressions are a delight. She should have a great career ahead of her.

Hairspray is full of fun and finger snapping and although the ending does differ from the original it does make sense especially in today's atmosphere of total inclusion. This is a film amid the string of summer sequels worth seeing more than once.

Bags of popcorn: (out of 5) 3.75

paul

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Hump Day Humor

All Time Dumbest Questions Asked By Banff Park Tourists

Yes, they're ALL TRUE as heard at the information kiosks manned by ParksCanada staff!

1. How do the elk know they're supposed to cross at the "Elk Crossing"signs?

2. At what elevation does an elk become a moose?

3. Tourist: "How do you pronounce 'Elk'?"
Park Information Staff: "'Elk.'"
Tourist: "Oh."

4. Are the bears with collars tame?

5. Is there anywhere I can see the bears pose?

6. Is it okay to keep an open bag of bacon on the picnic table, or should Istore it in my tent?

7. Where can I find Alpine Flamingos?

8. I saw an animal on the way to Banff today -- could you tell me what itwas?

9. Are there birds in Canada?

10. Did I miss the turnoff for Canada?

11. Where does Alberta end and Canada begin?

12. Do you have a map of the State of Jasper?

13. Is this the part of Canada that speaks French, or is that Saskatchewan?

14. If I go to B.C., do I have to go through Ontario?

15. Which is the way to the Columbia Rice fields?

16. How far is Banff from Canada?

17. What's the best way to see Canada in a day?

18. Do they search you at the B.C. border?

19. When we enter B.C., do we have to convert our money to British pounds?

20. Where can I buy a raccoon hat? ALL Canadians own one, don't they?

21. Are there phones in Banff?

22. So it's eight kilometers away... is that in miles?

23. We're on the decibel system, you know.

24. Where can I get my husband really, REALLY, lost??

25. Is that two kilometers by foot or by car?

26. Don't you Canadians know anything?

27. Where do you put the animals at night?

28. Tourist: "How do you get your lakes so blue?"
Park staff: "We take the water out in the winter and paint the bottom."
Tourist: "Oh!"

paul

Friday, July 13, 2007

Here are some pics from our amazing vacation in Arizona. Enjoy.
This first pic is a photo of Jim and his friend (and now my friend) Florin who lives in Bucharest. Hopefully Jim and I will be able to go to Romania next year to visit him. Florin is an activist of GLBT people (and the pastor of the church) in Bucharest. He takes a risk everyday as people are much more conservative and closed-minded there.


A photo of me next to a cactus outside of our room at the resort. I was pretending that I had touched it and I had hurt my finger. I'm not a ham or anything.
A photo of Jim feeding the ducks at the resort. This is how we started every morning; going out and feeding them. They would see us from the other side of the pond and then hop in the water and swim over as fast as they could. Sometimes they'd even hop up onto the grass. It was a lot of fun. I didn't get a chance to feed the sparrows which ran rampant by the outside bar at the resort. Jim tried to feed the sparrows one morning and the woman behind the bar told him not to. I was going to sit where no one could see me but I never got a chance; too busy.


A photo of my feet after the first day in Phoenix, AZ. I wore sandals the first day and wore sneakers for the rest of the week. They are still healing almost two weeks later.

These are my favorite kind of cactus (cacti?). I believe they are called saguaro. This is sunset at the resort.

Some more cacti we saw at the resort.


There were lots of cacti at the resort; it was Phoenix and desert like. These are barrel cacti. They aren't my favorite but photo worthy nonetheless.


I went on a horseback riding day trip. It wasn't fast riding but trail riding. This is a pic of me before the trip. I am on a Pinto named Beau. I decided to wear a helmet so my head wouldn't burn (Jim says I look retarded; how un-pc).

Me with Jay Bakker (yes, Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker's son). He was part of a panel at the conference in AZ and, for me, it was the highlight of the conference. I waited in line twice to get my pic with him. The first time my spouse turned the camera off instead of taking the pic. Jay preaches to the GLBT community that they are loved and God loves them for who they are. He's a straight ally and I really look up to him.

A pic of our bed (which we could have had a party in) at the resort. When we checked in our room wasn't ready so they offered us a mini-suite at no extra charge. How nice!


A pic of the rest of our mini-suite at the resort. Yes, there's my honey talking on the phone (naturally).


A pic of our closet at the resort. I was excited and camera happy, ok?


The first pic of our bathroom at the resort. The little room on the left side of the pic leads into the shower.


The second picture of our bathroom at the resort we stayed at in Phoenix, AZ. We could have had a party in there. There was a shower that would have fit four people easily and a tub that would have fit at least three and another four or five could have stood around the sink which is seen here.

A picture of a real live roadrunner. Smaller than the one portrayed in the Looney Tunes cartoons but just as fast. It didn't actually run like the cartoon roadrunner but we could see it's feet moving pretty damn fast. It probably would have run if we tried to chase it. Jim decided to try and make the noise it was making and it started coming toward the jeep we were in. It crossed right in front of the jeep but was moving way too fast for me to get a better pic of it.
The first of two pics of mule deer. Not a great pic but I couldn't get the deer to stand still.

During one of our daily outings, our wildlife tour, we saw some mule deer. They have long ears like mules. This is the second pic and it's not a great one and while the guide stopped so I could take a pic the deer did not stop.


The first pic of me dancing a Native American friendship dance. You can see my backside; the one with the tan looking shirt and blue jeans.

A picture of me dancing a friendship dance with a Native American girl. I'm the one right next to the small girl on the left; she has little jingly things on her dress. I'm in the tan shirt and blue jeans with the sunglasses.


A photo of some ravens outside of our hotel room in Grand Canyon, AZ. We did not have a pleasant stay at that hotel and neither did a number of other people we spoke with.


One of the red rock mountains in Sedona. They are just incredible. I forget what this one is called; something like the Council or some important people getting together for a meeting. If you look, it does look like some impressive people convening for some important topic.

A cypress tree we saw on the wildlife tour. How strange it looks. I wonder how it formed this way.


This was taken while Jim and I were on the spiritual outing. I think Cypress trees are wonderful and I was becoming one with nature by "hugging" the tree. I was even talking to it. Jim says I wasn't really hugging it but I was pretty close. I was at least feeling it up.