FoxTrot, and the best comic strip...

Kingdom of Hearts

Don't know why I even bothered.  The fighting, not too superb.  The love story?  Not too thrilling.  It's about a blacksmith who finds out his father is a knight and a lord, and later fights to defend Jerusalem.  One of the longest movies I've watched where I kept thinking I should turn it off. 

Why you should watch it?  Just don't.

Invincible

The short of it?  A sports movie featuring Mark Wahlberg. It's a biographical movie based on Vince Papale who became a star player on the Philly Eagles in the 1970s.  Drafted from the general public, he rose to become a great football player.

Why you should see it?  Only if you're a sport movie lover.

A Hard Day's Night

If you can't recognize this poster, you're missing out. It's been hanging on my wall for ages :D. Either way, decided to rewatch the movie today, and I got my Dad watching and singing along with me. Oh, what a British day. It's so much more enjoyable this time around, perhaps since I can finally understand them clearly. Turning on the closed captioning helps out too. The Beatles are a crazy lot, jumping all about, taking baths with submarines, singing with mysteriously appearing instruments, and that dirty little old man. Watch it for yourself, it's one of those classic experiences you need to have. Enjoy it all you can.

Hot Fuzz

A superior movie, that was all fun. This movie actually made me laugh out loud, something that hasn't happened in a movie theatre for a long time. And it happened more than once. OK, a bit gruesome, and bloody, but it was all in good fun. It was a British day all around. (See the next post), and I enjoyed every second of it, and all the slang too. The movie was about a cop sent from London to the countryside since he was too good. Haha. Turns out the "perfect" village wasn't so perfect, and instead mostly criminals. Definitely recommended. I'm glad I only paid $3 for it, but it's probably out in a file or on a disc somewhere.

Take The Lead

Another one of those teach dance to public school students. This was done up with Antonio Banderas and was more of a reenactment in comparison with a movie like Mad Hot Ballroom. The students turned out to be really good at dancing, and as it said at the end, it eventually lead to a larger program in NYC, perhaps fueling the other movie I mentioned. It was cute, and well done, and I do love these dancing movies. Not particularly recommended, unless you too have a soft spot for dancing.

The Lake House

An interesting movie. Haven't seen either Sandra Bullock or Keanu Reeves for a very long time in any picture. Don't know if I like these love stories across the boundaries of time type, but I feel like I've watched something comparable before. Either way, it was a nice relaxing film to watch filmed in a suburb of Chicago, since it's all around Chicago, and the house itself was pretty neat, at least I thought so. The film wasn't fabulously beautiful, heart-wrenching, or all that fascinating, so I'm not suggesting it, just telling what I saw.

Who Killed the Electric Car

This is a wonderful documentary that everyone should go and watch this instant. It's not about our environment, but rather why we can't even change our cars to use electricity rather than oil. Absolutely enlightening. It brings to mind the idea about how much these documentaries influence us -- think about that one about McDonalds, remember that? Did you eat at McDonalds after watching the movie? I probably have. It just goes to show, that we watch, we learn, but do we really follow? Either way, it was a great movie and exposed a lot about General Motors and what they did to squash the electric car. Then what the car companies did to squash all electric cars and lead us to Hydrogen Fuel Cells, which the movie implies is not going to work out in the short term future, and will be even more costly. Definitely go watch this film, and enjoy it for what it tells you. It's frightening that such things can occur, with conspiracy theories leading the way about who is at fault. And in addition to those companies and perhaps the California board, the consumers too are at fault. Why do we need four seats and a huge trunk? Why do we need a car to go 300 miles in a day? How far should work and school, etc., be?

Running With Scissors (movie)

Oh my! If the book wasn't messed up, the movie certainly was. Instead of imagining his drugged up mother, we got to see her firsthand. A lot of the book was left out, thank goodness, and there was a lot of expression showed on faces where they did not show the actual horrific items mentioned. Not to spoil it or anything, but I think they ended differently as well, I'm not certain though, since my recollection is limited to some specific things. I'm not sure if it was touching actually, but it was definitely interesting, and I don't think I recommend it to just anyone, so ask if you're curious.

Lord of War

This may very well have been the best movie I've seen in months.  Very well done and it was very on the spot.  I mean, it is a movie about Nicholas Cage as an arms dealer, but it's much more than that.  Well filmed, a good narrative and voice over, and a plot that was just grabbing considering much of the same was being done over and over.  There was a love element, a family element, and a small bit of chase element, and I personally wonder how much is real.  Historical events were referenced, but I suppose we'll never see the real thing about arms dealers.  IMDB references that one of the piles of weapons or trucks or whatever was one borrowed from a real arms dealer since props would have been more expensive, but either way, that was a whole lot of weapons.  Definitely recommended.

Marie Antoinette

Well, I suppose my own thoughts are my own.  Even if she was glorified and humanized (thanks to Martin for bringing this all up) I thought the movie was a bit touching.  In case you don't know, she was once the Queen of France and apparently loved sweets and purchasing things.  Either way, it was sweet, or at least I thought so, and the cinematography was excellent - and the music and visualness of it all made it fun to watch. 

Admittedly, I was shocked at the end.  I remembered they'd escaped, at least from history, but that's not how I remember/imagine it all went down, but instead they made it out to be quite dramatic.  Recommended.

Love Is All There Is

Oh boy.  The absolutely cheesiest, sappiest, stupid movie I've ever seen.  With a bunch of famous people (including Angelina Jolie real young) it's about two rivalry families and their respective son and daughter reliving Romeo and Juliet.  After they play in it together.  But it's hilarious, really, and I wanted to turn it off the whole time but couldn't stop myself.  My suggestion... turn the channel as soon  as you can.

Two for the Money

So, another night, yet another movie.  At this rate, I'll either finish all the movies on my hard drive, or stop watching cause I'll get to the depressing ones... either way, this one was not depressing, but rather one of the sport type movies I'm so fond of.  The main guy is a sports lover, and becomes a picker for some kind of 900 number system, but he picks and sells.  So, he's got this nice upward winning streak, but then he loses it.  I'll let you watch the movie to find out what happens, but I will say it is predictable, and only watch if you like this kind of thing.

Inside Man

Wowsa.  I think this type of movie is my favorite, where it is absolutely completely unpredictable.  Ok, so he kept saying he'd walk right out the front door, but still.  It had a wonderful ending, and when I say that I don't necessarily mean a happy one, but just one written and acted out well enough that satisfies the movie in itself.  Definitely watch it or put it on your list to watch, and I'll go on and watch some more in the meantime.

Little Manhattan

 The movie?  The cutest thing I've ever seen, and sweet as all else.  Watched late at night, as usual, but it was worth all the extra time and the sleeping in the next morning.  About a boy and girl aged 11, who fall in love, or at least the boy who does.  They are fantastic in this movie and it seems so real.  About the true first love where boys and girls aren't seperated any longer.  Watch it.  :D

Happy Feet

So, I watched this movie after falling asleep watching it on an airplane before.  My grandfather has poor vision, so any movie with a light colored background makes the cut, and he admitted that it was the first movie that he actually saw for a long time.  He didn't hear a word they said, but that's besides the point.  I never thought I'd actually watch it, much less enjoy it, but it was cute enough to watch just the one time.  Never again, admittedly, but the specials were good, with the choreographer doing a bit of dancing, and some extra cartoon.  Do I recommend it?  er... perhaps if you like the cartoon/animated genre.

Slacking

Wow. I've been slacking on my blog in the year 2007, but that stops now. My media update has been finished and that's what was really holding me back in a sense. It's summer and I'm waiting to hear from a job or two, and then I'll leave Ft Lauderdale and move on to some other place. It's warm here, and sunny, which is a nice change from California (but only in one sense or two) and my grandparents are the same as usual.

Big Media Update

Shrek 3: Not worth your money. Typical sequel to the first two, with less laughter than it should have had.

Spiderman 3: Go see only only if you LOVED the first two, otherwise, skip this one too.

Pirates 3: Oh so long, I fell asleep. I know, I do that a lot, but never in the movies! It dragged on, the fighting especially and there were some loose ends that were not very clear.

Lucky You: Classic romance story with poker as the headlining feature. Seeing as how I do understand all the poker, it was just cute enough. The previews before this movie made me cry, so obviously there are more important movies I'm waiting for.

Away From Her: Absolutely fabulous even though I only saw half. Why? The power went out in Santa Monica halfway through the movie and didn't come back on so we decided to leave. Perhaps this summer I'll just spend all my money watching independent films, since I do love them so.

Dreamgirls: Tia told me she fell asleep, but Jinsun told me to watch it. My grandmother actually owns it, so she and I watched it together, and when I say that, I mean I watched it and she napped. Well... the singing was fantastic and the costumes and set was beautiful. She and I went over all the parallels to real life after the movie.

Blue Shoes and Happiness (a No. 1 Ladies... book): I do love these. I'd suggest to you to pick up the very first one, and then read on from there. She solves mysteries -- but not in the Agatha Christie kind of way, but a lovely one nonetheless.

Future Housewives of America: A story about the wives of Air Force personnel and their "everlasting" friendship. Very well written I'll say, but a heartbreaker and full of sadness and depression for all the characters.

Life: hectic... Stress: all my fault...

From Healthbolt:

1. Embrace the number one truth about stress: Only you create it. Stress isn’t defined as a large workload, a difficult child, or a rise in terrorism. Stress is your physical and mental reaction to these external stimuli. Remember the truism about alcoholism? The one that says admitting you are an alcoholic is more than 50 percent of the cure? The same is true for stress: Embracing the fact that stress is your reaction to external stimuli — and not the stimuli themselves — is half the battle toward managing it. You can’t change a crazy world. But you can learn to handle it with humor, humility, and hope. Not coincidentally, virtually every stress-relief method that follows is about how to improve your reaction to external factors…

The link provides a link to more. But I think I've finally gotten the idea once my life begins its downward spiral.

The Queen

A fantastic movie, really well done, portraying a side of the English Queen (Elizabeth II) that I'd never known before, especially with regards to the Princess Diana issue, but maybe only since I was young when it all occured. The movie ended with the end of the Diana issue (or really the beginning part of the issue) and didn't deal with later contraversies with Blair and the Queen.
*And here I hear the work contraversy in my head as an English person would say it...

But either way, it's quite a movie, and moving in it's own way. Helen Mirren is absolutely wonderful, and although the actor for Blair doesn't really remind me of the way Tony Blair actually looks, they did a wonderful job. Highly recommended by me.

Honest Tea/Ade

So Margie has been ranting and raving about these Honest Tea drinks she ended up buying at Jay's Place, and finally I gave in and tried them. Not so bad, and quite healthy. I didn't see it on the last one I drank, but on the inside label of this one was a good quote...

"Be like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing until you get there." -Josh Billings

Take off your shoes?

http://healthbolt.net/2007/02/19/easy-health-tip-36-take-off-your-shoes/

It’s something that a lot of families think is a good idea, but I always figured it had to do with keeping the house clean. But it’s not something I’ve ever taken upon myself to do at school. Perhaps this medical reason is a good one. Plus, it’s easier to sit cross-legged in my chair without shoes (which I like). :D.

Overheard in New York

Link here

Oh, it has great great lines that people have overheard and typed up to share... here's some:

Four-year-old girl: Mommy, is this avant-garde?
Mom: Yes.
Four-year-old girl: Mommy, I like avant-garde.

--MoMA

Frat boyfriend: Wait, 525,600 what? What was that about?
Girlfriend: Minutes, baby. It's, like, how many minutes we have in our lives.
Frat boyfriend: Oh. [Two blocks later] Wait, 525,600 what? Minutes?
Girlfriend: Yes. Minutes.

--Nederlander Theatre, 41st & 7th

Best American Short Stories 2005, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, False Impresion

Three books. The first was a compilation with heavy themes in terms of content and writing style, filled with true stories collected which were almost all fabulous. A good read (but I bet any year will do you good). The second book, a fictional piece from the 50s that takes place in Brooklyn of course, and was a touching story of a girl growing up and the hardships. The last was a quick read, a mystery by a ex-lord (from the UK) who spent time in prison, about the murders surrounding famous art pieces that a collector wishes to keep.

All good books. I'd most recommend the second as it was fabulous. The first was just an interesting read; and the last was a quick piece (not super high quality writing but a somewhat enthralling story).

Illusionist and The Last Kiss

The Illusionist was a fabulous movie with Edward Norton, one of my favourites. About a man who seems to have supernatural powers and does magic, and eventually tracks down his long lost love.

The Last Kiss was a movie with Zach Braff about a man who eventually decides not to leave his pregnant girlfriend for a younger girl. An alright movie with a fab soundtrack. Which I'll get soon enough.

Travels

Magnificent!

Scotland (Glasgow and Edinburgh)
Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome)
France (Paris)

Traveling was a great experience, and I'd love to go back everywhere and do everything and see everything again. As they say... 'leave things for later' which was done, but more so because we ran out of time. Ask if you want to know more.

Wicked

So, I've loved the music for ages (I used to blast it in the car when it was just me and the car for a drive...) and I loved the book. I had told myself that I was going to wait until returning to HMC and see it in LA with friend when it opened there in February. However, apparently I couldn't wait. Idina Menzel, the Tony award winner for Wicked, was absolutely wonderful; and the audience cheered extra for her whenever she entered the stage or sang. I do get annoyed with audiences though, especially when they start making "ooh" sounds, etc. because it's just ruining the production and it can distract the actors/actresses cause it's a live performance. Oh well. And people started standing up to clap before the curtain even fell. It was fabulous. Absolutely wonderful... (just like the song).

It's quite funny hearing some of them with British accents (which would make sense since they are from the UK), but it was interesting. Gives the production a bit of flavor.

Nina and I made an event out of it, going to a nice Italian dinner before the show and we walked around beforehand. Either way, I'm still going to plan a trip to see it in LA, it'll be fun.

Playing Mind Games

BBC NEWS | Magazine | Playing mind games

A very interesting article on the BBC about the wonderousness of magic. When I was little I always wanted to learn, but I think I had so little patience for the constant practice needed. But I do agree that slight-of-hand and distriction techniques can come into handy in dozens of scenarios. Read the article and rethink the power of magic for yourself.

Flapjacks

A comment on Brits and their food, at least a quick one. Ever had a flapjack? It's butter, oats and golden syrup (similar to the American Maple syrup)... and heavy as anything you've ever had. This product is a dessert type snack, and after going to the Butler Christmas Tea (which was lacking tea, actually) they had me take home a buckets worth. I had just better not eat them all real quick.

An additional comment: a lot of HP sauce (it's brown...) on everything, the idea that cheese often goes, and just heavy food in general. Not that I eat lightly all the time. :)

Charity Clicks

You know those websites people always send you saying: click here to make a free donation... well I'm still not sure if it's true/false and what exactly happens, but here's a link to do a bunch at once. http://www.charityclickdonation.com/free_donation_clicks.html.

A Very Long Engagement

Wow. A really beautiful movie that reminds me a lot of Amelie. Not just because of the actress but since I think the director is the same. She investigates the disappearance of her fiance after he had left for war. I think I had expected the movie to be about something else, so perhaps read up a tidbit of info before watching if it sounds interesting. She was gorgeous in the movie, and he was handsome. They were lovely in it, and the movie was good.

Casino Royale

A fabulous new James Bond. I tended to like that it was more emotional and less violent overall. Yes, things blowing up are all well and good in the movies, but this movie just didn't need it. Apparently this is the movie they say is most like the books, and I'm excited to read it. So I've put it on my list. It seemed like this was the first book, for he had just been promoted to his double-zero-seven status, but the movie wasn't promoted as such. It was an inconsequential bit anyway. The movie's plot: James Bond needs to save the world from the financier of terrorists. In a poker match.

I loved it. I'm not sure if it's a necessary movie to see in the theaters, but the camera work was great and apparently the man from HMC was a bit part. Which I can barely remember. Still very cool.

NPR and its podcasts

I've been listening to NPR podcasts, don't get too excited... they've been the more light-hearted ones. Includes Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me (recorded in front of a live audience in Chicago, no less); and NPR: Sunday Puzzle. This week's 'Wait Wait' featured Harry Shearer (Wikipedia link here), a man who has done Spinal Tap, a lot of Christopher Guest films which I love, and a bunch of voices on the Simpsons including Ned Flanders and Burns. You never really look up about people, or know what kind of humor they possess - but it's nice to see that such celebrities (or more artistic types they have on the show) are really truly comedic and are sociable with the radio hosts. Apparently the show now has a quiz on its NPR website. You can also see the show live in Chicago-something I'll have to do later in life.

Reinstate the Draft?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061119/ap_on_go_co/military_draft

Does a military draft make you nervous? Apparently 7 out of 10 Americans oppose such a reinstatement of the draft, but the representative putting it into the spotlight brings up a good point. That perhaps people feel far from the war because they don't have sons and daughters fighting, and if they did, then they might hesitate before becoming involved in such a deep manner. It's intriguing, and Rangel (a democrat no less) would include females and males ages 18-42, although he previously proposed a measure covering from 18-26. A lot of countries do have a standing drafted army, but what does it serve to do? People could work in airports, hospitals and the like, but the rest? Are they wasting their time in such a standing army?

Pelosi makes history as female speaker

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061116/ap_on_go_co/congress_leaders_55

The first woman house speaker, and a democratic majority. Good news for America, I say.

Oh... and if you care, soon I'll post something about my reading week trip, or at least an email to some. Or perhaps pictures up on my picasa web album... soon, I promise.

America, and the vote

Unmarried women targeted in election

Besides my telling whoever reads to vote... which they should be doing anyway if they are of the legal age, the article just goes to show how many females don't do it. I remember voting for the president in the 2004 election, even though the outcome wasn't as nice as I'd hoped. Guess next time I should skip the rallies... or perhaps I should try harder. Maybe when I get back to HMC I'll have to join the league of women voters or whatever it is in order to sign more people up. I think it's one of the things I'm opinionated about (voting=good thing) that's not controversial at all. Most people agree, and not voting is just ridiculous.

A excerpt from the article:

"In 2004 they were 22 percent of the electorate yet there were still 20 million unmarried women who did not vote," she said. "If they voted in higher numbers ... they could literally help determine the agenda in this country."

Unmarried women tend to lean Democratic, political experts said.
----------------------------------------------------------------

This article just makes me more interested in the matter. The lecturer in my British history class defined Federalism and referenced America. Yes, we are federalist, or at least that's a part of the government. America's democracy is interesting -- especially in the way it's all done, especially in comparison with other countries. And in response to the excerpt -- they'd determine the agenda because everyone should get a voice. There are 52% females compared with males who are registered to vote. Another fact. Enough rambling.

Back to history research paper writing...

Flatmates + Monopoly

Oh yes. We play monopoly.

The Motorcycle Diaries

If I said Crash was an art-y movie, then I spoke too soon, because Motorcycle Diaries takes the cake. The movie is about Che Guevara and his friend Alberto who undertake a motorcycle journey of South America, with a long stop at a leprosy site. The movie, although it may not be true -- even though I think it is based off his actual writings, is very realistic. The movie shows how they were able to see people of all sorts - rich, poor, healthy, sick, oppressed, etc. and Che Guevara was obviously touched by what he saw on his journey that probably influenced him later in life. It was a marvelous movie and had all the great elements and was truly heartfelt. This movie is one I recommend even more.

Crash

Wow. My reaction all through the movie was just: "wow." It's quite astonishing, well done, and it touches on a lot of issues. Crash is a movie made up of several storylines: policemen, both racist and not, men who are car thieves, a married couple, a family with a little girl, etc. They're really well interwoven and the themes that the movie touches on are mainly racial. Although I know it can't be real, the movie was very realistic. It had won a lot of awards, but I thought before that it was more of a documentary, and I hadn't been too interested; but it was suggested that I watch it, and I've finally done it. I highly recommend that everyone watch it.

Illness, Canterbury, Adventure Weekend

So, I've been busy. At least retrospectively. I've gotten some kind of illness that's no good for me and won't go away even after two weeks. But even so, I went on a bus trip to Canterbury, spent time in the city with my aunt and our family friends, and went on the "adventure" weekend trip organized by Butler. It was really lovely in the country even though it took 10 hours to get there in a bus. See my photo album link on the side for more pictures of what I've been up to.

Awards Around the World

So, the past week has been full of announcements of winners. The winner of the Booker Prize was Kiran Desai. The winner of the Nobel Literature Prize was Orhan Pamuk. People who've written about issues that involved around their cultural lives -- in the case of the first, her heritage, the latter author going against the Turkish government and writing about Armenian/Turkish relations (and conflict). [And before I go on, I'd like to say that these books are so so on my list.]

People have been making a difference everywhere. Then I go and read about the possibilities up for the Nobel Peace prize, people who really have made a difference in the world. A Negotiator, representatives, a presidents, musicans, a leader of a church, and general human rights campaigners. What a bunch. It makes me think that I should do something that can really make a difference. Yes, there are those scientists who make a difference, and engineers are behind everything and everyone in essence, but is it really a attainable goal. I just don't know.

Read the BBC Article about the Nobel Peace Prize Candidates.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

I loved the movie, and now I can say I loved the real live musical. The dance numbers were big and colorful and showy (with lots of jumping splits by the guys) and surprisingly carried out perfectly. Thirty people dancing on a small stage in a coordinated manner is a serious spectacular feat. It was truly fantastic. Plus American accents by British people, and southern/mountain accents at that, makes it even humorous.

Nisha, Zane and I went together as Zane had come to visit us from lovely Paris, France. And we had a splendid time.

Exciting Weekend

A friday spent doing karaoke (although we were all too chicken till the very end before they closed). A saturday spent at Hampton and Windsor, see the picture above, as that is a picture of beautiful Windsor. Sunday was spent at Spitalfields Market, (the rain), then a quiz at night with two of my flatmates -- not as dorky as it sounds, and much harder than expected. Especially since I'm not up on British geography, tv, or culture really. We weren't even close to winning, but we'll try again another week. It's nice to know that London isn't all rain and clouds.

The Producers

Well, although I've been in London so far, I haven't actually gone to see a musical till tonight. Butler, the program I'm studying here through, took us to see "See how they run" which was a very comical play set during WWII. I had never seen the producers (although the movie is rampant, and I did want to) because my grandmother said that the live production was so much better, so I've waited, and now I've seen it. I had no idea what was going to happen at all really, and ended up loving the story and the music and all of it. :). It's about two men who set out to make a flop on Broadway, knowing that they can then misdirect some money and then run off with the money made to Rio. Very funny, and I loved it 100 percent! I plan on seeing many more musicals while I'm here, as it should be real fun.

A Million Little Pieces

I know I said I'd never read it, but I finally caved after taking it from my Grandparents (who couldn't make it past the start) and hearing some good reviews of it from others. The book is about a man who makes it through rehab after years of horrible drug/alcohol use in his life, and his realization that he has two choices: rehab or death. People have said that it seems fictional when you read it because of the varying writing styles that change between sections of drug memories and the eloquence he posses (coherently) when speaking to the counselors and his family. I agree with this idea, but knowing that the book wasn't real, helped me get through. Some of the book is especially vivid, and it would have been a great story of someone getting through rehab, but I think it gets by as fiction anyway. Final Review: A book to be recommended to those that can 1) stomach it, 2) handle books about serious issues and drug use, and 3) like the sort of stream of consciousness writing. (Most people can handle all three, so read if it interests you)

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

A japanese animated movie by Miyazaki, which was quite good. This one had more of a point than the last one I watched, the name of which I can't recally. Essentially, Nausicaa is the princess of a region and she tries to get the other regions to stop fighting each other, the earth, and the insects so that they can all overcome the poison that is spreading through the world. It held my attention, and for what it's worth, that's pretty good considering I could have been napping instead. Recommended for those that like animated movies, or cutesy ones.

Pomegranate, Nutella, Yellow Lights

Ah, the wonders of London. Things are different here, but really ever so slightly. A few interesting things I'd like to point out for my own amusement really. When the traffic light is about to turn red, it goes from green to yellow and to red. When it's going to turn green, it stays red -- adds yellow, and then becomes green. Very neat indeed. And a good reason for cars to get rip roaring to go at the red light.

I've been eating nutella on my bread, yum. And had a pomegranate beverage (like a cola) just today. Very interesting. There is a lot of blackcurrent in their drinks, and it's odd, but I think I'll grow to like it mixed with apple. It's just a bit tangy.

Class registration here has been a pain, but it's all almost over now and classes will start soon. Hoping for exciting doings this weekend, but as with any other, it'll unfold as it all comes along.

Speed Reading

I found something awesome on the internet once again. Or that I believe to be neat.

Spreeder

Yes, it sounds odd, but you paste text in there from the internet and the words flash by real quick and times it all out. I tried an article from BBC and it only took me 2 minutes to read through, but I'm not sure how long it would have taken reading it the old fashioned way in huge chunks. They recommend that beginners do one word to four words at a time, and then move on to quick large chunks. Seems like a good idea if not much faster... considering I was already a quick reader. Put perhaps it increases absorbancy or something. Good to check out anyway.

London at last!

So, the lack of posts has been due to the fact that I've been in London. First we had Orientation with the Butler students, from all school with a start similar to my own, including schools semi-far like in Leeds. Then we had a short homestay for a weekend, and then off to Queen Mary. Finally the internet is all set up and working properly and my pictures are up.

Click here for the pictures.

The school is really great, and classes are getting worked out, and class begins on Monday. So till then it's "Freshers Week" and we're getting orient-ed once again for the school now rather than London itself. Met a bunch of great Americans studying here (the university is 20 percent international students), and my flatmates are ... interesting! I'll try to post up general information about how everything goes, or what's up in my life, but leaving the details out for those who are near and dear and deserve to know! Email me if you'd like... really do.

Detective Shows

Being at home, and having cable, alerts me to the fact that Law and Order can be found on television almost at any hour of the day. Not to mention there are now three different types of the show on NBC during the week airing new episodes, and I think it still hits the list of most watched shows and holds its own. Perhaps because it's of a different breed then all those reality shows now on television. But tonight, oh tonight, an episode of "Homicide, Life on the Street" a show I used to love to watch every Friday night was on television. In this particular episode, they had all my classic detectives from this show and a bunch that are still on television during Law and Order.

The Interpreter

A movie about Nicole Kidman who overhears a threat to a president of an African country. She reports this threat, and the movie is about following it through to see who is going to be the cause. Sean Penn plays a member of the secret service, who first want to protect the president, then protect Nicole Kidman as well. In doing so, her past is revealed as a member of a rebel group, and her path to becoming a peacemaker as an interpreter for the UN. A unique movie in a way, but action packed and nothing special overall.

Clay Aiken and Bush!?

Newsvine reports it here.

Clay Aiken is to be named to the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Ridiculousness must be surrounding the president of the U.S., because this is just unreal. Do people actually get appointed to such positions who are regular-type people? I thought that politics was for the politicians. (Not to mention in my fair state, a past Governor just got sentenced 6.5 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy, fraud, etc.)

Blogger Beta

The new blogger beta causes me to change my template, create labels, enter specific HTML code in little boxes, all because I don't feel like looking into the new way Blogger does things. But it was quite simple, and the color scheme is easy to change if I get tired of the simple white and gray. It's all new and unique, and updates quickly without the loading clock. I approve.

Speaking of new things, apparently facebook has riled people against all the new changes taking place in things called feeds. There have been numerous articles that I read each day about how many people have signed how many petitions, and even one website suggesting a boycott if the changes aren't removed. Tech writers remark on how interesting the idea is, and how if it had been an integral part of facebook in the beginning, people would have cried at its removal. I'm not sure exactly about my thoughts, but you can remove yourself from the stalking easily, so it can't be all that bad.

Late Night Television

So, after deciding I was tiring of the computer and sitting in front of it, I changed directions and headed downstairs for the tv. Now, I'm don't mean Prime-Time, but I mean the after-the-news type of television. Yes, yes, there is all that junk (think infomercials and bad reruns), but I like the David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Conan O'Brien shows. Watching tonight just brought laughter to the surface. David Letterman had a segment called "Stump the Band" where members of the audience get to first get introduced, then offer up a song that the band doesn't know, and the band tries to make something up (typically funny). So, tonight, David Letterman talked to a man named Klaus, who then forgot the song he was going to volunteer, and resorted to saying he forgot and hitting his head a few times. An uproar. He just couldn't remember. I was thinking that it was kind of sad, embarrassing yourself on late-night tv, but it just happens I suppose. Life does go on, and I'm sure his friends will only remember it all for a brief bit of his life. And still funny, nonetheless.

Shopping, Suburbs, and soon-to-be London

I'm super shopped out.  After having to drive to some far away suburb (or sort of far) to get new tires for the car, I decided to hit up all the stores out there in search of some boots.  Yes, crazy me, but the roads out there are terrible and I ended up going around blocks and making turns in abandoned parking lots and waiting in long lines to turn left.  It's definitely a trade off between that and not being able to park in the city.  But I guess both worlds have their own perks.  Plus, I was able to get not one, but two pairs of lovely boots (one of which I'll return), making me almost ready to leave for London.

I spoke to Kenn this morning about his trip to Hokaido, and his welcoming (or some members of the family were) and lovely and kind host family.  I hope the family I stay with for the few days I do are nice too.  And I found out about my living situation in London (a specific dorm, hurrah), and got more approval for classes that I can take and which count for credit.  If only I could end up deciding.  Life isn't too tough, but decisions are nerve wracking.

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Indiana Jones

Now I've seen the whole trilogy, in a row too. I'd really only seen the second (something of Doom), but I liked the last one best. The last Indiana Jones movie had Sean Connery as the father of Indiana Jones, and he was just fabulous as the indifferent, not paying attention father-type. Quite a chuckle. If you haven't seen them, it's a time investment, but it's a good investment, because even though we know Indiana gets out alive and gets the girl, it's fun to watch. Enjoy if you'd like.

Flavor Fest

This is a "festival" that took place in the park down the block near my home, which was sponsored by Whole Foods. Not too crowded, since when we went it was raining or misting... but the idea of this was to try organic, natural foods. Essentially it was a sample bonanza, where I got to taste lots of chips, yogurt, drinks, and even a hot dog that were all made from organic, non-___ (fill in the blank) foods. They were all quite yummy, and I really can't taste the difference between all of them and all the preservative-laden foods I eat, so I'm wondering if it's really that much better for you. There were chef presentations too, but I couldn't sit through the end, because he kept saying that we ought not to by this, that and the other; but instead should be non-genetically altered foods, organic, home-grown, hand-picked, etc., and it just started to piss me off. What's so bad about technology anyway? Does "loved" food taste better? I doubt it.

Brick

Another indie-type movie. This one won some Sundance film festival awards, and was raved about of course in the following. I had wanted to see it ever since I saw the trailer, however again, due to the hype around the movie, I was disappointed.

The movie is about a boy who firstly investigates the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend, and then the cause of her death. He gets involved with drug-dealers in the nearby areas, including muscle and eventually guns. If I told you much more, I'd really give it all away and since it unravels so well, I'd hate to spoil it. The beginning was very confusing and it was hard to tell what the plan was or what was going on and who was who, but it cleared itself out over time and developed well. It was a good movie nonetheless (from my disappointment), and I would recommend it. The characters were all very fascinating, and the main actor (the boy from 3rd Rock From The Sun) was good and odd all at once -- very fitting.

Mistress of Spices & Friends with Money & Clerks

A super movie marathon. Also known as my life. Mistress of Spices is a movie I found through Margie, who didn't really like it and compared it to magical realism, whereas I found the movie cute enough - and her having a sixth sense rather than it being Marquez-esque. I liked it well enough.

Friends with Money was very strange, with three married couples and Jennifer Aniston who are all friends dealing with relationships, too much money, too little money, jobs, their families, etc. It was an interesting movie, but not a fabulous one, and not as good as I had expected. The reviewer on imdb seemed to hate the movie, thinking it all seemed very unrealistic and unliking the relationships set up by the movie makers... But, eh. What's done is done, and unless you really love the actors - don't bother watching I think.

Clerks, a movie I had never seen was odd. I didn't expect it to be in black and white, and I figured it would be much more funny overall. "I'm not even supposed to be here today." That's the catchphrase. The movie is just about this guy's day working at the Stop n Shop all day long. Crazy crazy, and very unreal. Aw well, I guess it's one of those movies you just have to see once.

Pluto, the non-planet

Article

The article above, from Wired, is similar to many others that just got posted up today in the news after the International Astronomical Union voted Pluto to not be considered as a planet anymore (it had been so-called since 1930) and is now to be called a "dwarf-planet."

It's all quite disappointing even though the astronomers are happy -- I'll need a new acronym for remembering the 8 "classical-planets." The old one I knew was: My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas. Oh well. I guess she could serve us... nuts, or perhaps Nutter-butters. Aw.

Rear Window Sign

Drivemocion

This contraption has an LED display that you place in the rear window of a car to communicate with other drivers... but think of the uses! I have a feeling that if I got one, it'd be trained to say not so nice things, but perhaps only because I'm a semi-agressive driver. But it makes happy faces, and prints out a Thanks! sign, which is all well and good and nice. Very cool nonetheless.

Good Night, and Good Luck & Moonstruck

Two fabulous movies. I was dying to see Good Night and Good Luck ever since it came out, but I put it off since it is a serious movie. It's about Ed Murrow (a journalist) who has a television show about current happenings, and he takes down Sen McCarthy. It's about the news-team, the problems they begin to have as they get crusaded against, and how real the times were then. Watched it with my grandparents and David... and my grandmother commented on how she wouldn't leave the TV when the trials against McCarthy were on television. My grandparents remember one of their friends being scared as she had joined some youth social group which was listed as one of the groups affiliated with communism. It's amazing that they are old, remember so much and have lived through so much.

Moonstruck is a movie about Cher and Nicholas Cage, who meet up and fall in love, evne though Cher is the fiancee of his brother. It's about love and the moon as an indicator of love, and although it's quite cheesy, it really is a nice movie. Cher has such big big hair, and she and Cage have NY accents. Quite humorous as well. :) But very enjoyable.

Friday Night Lights

The end of the sports movies? No, there still exists one more... and I'm sure they'll make more. Not to spoil the movie or anything, but my brother asked me after it ended if I was surprised. Nothing in these sports movies ever surprises me, and of course they always end well. This movie is about Billy Bob Thorton who becomes the coach of a high school football team in a town where football is the most important thing.

Little Miss Sunshine

Ah the cast of Little Miss Sunshine, the movie, is in the picture. The movie is really about this dysfunctional family, their problems with each other and their problems in life. It has it's moments of sadness, but is quite funny and full of laughter nonetheless. And the end is fabulous. A great movie, and a must see if you like these types, and are not too easily weirded out.

nsf.gov - SRS What Do People Do After Earning an S&E Bachelor's Degree? - US National Science Foundation (NSF)

http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf06324/

This article is very interesting about what people in the sciences (undergrad) end up going to do. Apparently ~41% of engineers go on to get additional degrees, one of the lowest of all the sciences (with Math/CS following at 39%). Also Engineers seem more likely to go into business than any of the other fields, or at least get degrees in Business. Some of it goes contrary to what I've seen at school, and other bits of the article make more sense.

If you don't feel like reading, I suggest you click anyway to see the pie chart in the beginning, it's very fascinating!

OK Go: Here It Goes Again

The OK Go music video was something I saw a few days ago on Elaine's blog, and contemplated posting it up... but figured too much copying wouldn't be good for the world. But it is indeed very cool, and has them dancing on treadmills. Awesome! It was brought to my attention today when someone emailed it to summer-l (the email list for the school that is present over the summer), meaning it must be super important. I don't think the sender understood how many people were actually going to see the email with the title "Hot Video" or even be brave enough to click the link, but it is neat.

Watch away...

Scoop and Wordplay

So, Anna and I hit up a double header on Friday, at the AMC, which has movies before noon for an astonishing 5 dollars. So we got to see two movies. Scoop, the Woody Allen movie with the story of Scarlett as a investigative reporter who falls for a man who may or may not be the "tarot card killer." It's about her and Woody Allen trying to solve the mystery with help from a ghost from the past, looking for his last SCOOP. How cliche, you think? Well, it quite really is, but the movie is fun in that Scarlett is really channeling Woody Allen, in a freaky sort of way. The glasses really put it all together, but you can tell it's his lines she is performing. The movie is cute, and not as bad as Match Point, where you end up hating a bunch of the characters. And a very good ending, also unlike Allen's last movie.

Recommended? Yes, but only for the Allen movie lovers

The other movie we saw was Wordplay, one I've been dying to see for a long time, and this was the last theater in the city of Chicago showing the movie (including the suburbs)... guess I did put it off for a long time. A documentary film, that I had read about in the newpaper/or online and which Prof Yong mentioned that I might find interesting. Although Anna and I may be interested in crossword puzzles, we most certainly cannot be considered fanatics, like the people of the movie. Will Shortz does those amazing word puzzles that are aired on NPR, and the movie is about crossword puzzle solvers, himself (the editor), the creators of the puzzles, and the annual competition and its competitors. THe movie is somewhat reminiscent of Spellbound, except that this one is much much more interesting and still done well. There are bits in the middle with ex-President Bill Clinton, Jon Stuart, and the Indigo girls about their love for the NY Times Crossword. It's very fascinating and the movie is wonderful.

Recommended? For most -- except those bored by a tiny bit of an academic-type movie. :)

After all that, Anna and I went back to the crosswords we had been working on lunch before the movies, and inbetween the two movies, and finally solved one! Hoorah! My goal is now to attempt a crossword puzzle each and everyday. But maybe I'll start on Monday with an easy one.

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Flock, Round 2

So I've decided I do love flock the browser. It's really similar to Firefox, loads with the same speed, etc. (probably becuase it is based almost entirely off the other), but the drag and drop feature and built in blogging are quite nice too. See for yourself!

BookMooch

The idea of this websites, like many others, is to offer your library up online and mail out books when others request, which gives you the ability to request them from even more others on the site. BookMooch, is a new site, which I just happened across that does things similar to Zunafish, which Margie uses. I used to like the idea of BookCrossing, which says to leave your books behind in random places with a sticker -- so people can get the book for free and it can be tracked all the time. But I was mostly hesitant because if you saw a random book, would you actually pick it up and take it with you? Seems shady. The mailing books to others seems less shady, and a good idea if it all works out. I posted up a few, and even ones that were on others "wishlists," and requested one too. It just sucks time out browsing the site, but if you know what you want it is real easy. Check it out!

D*I*Y Planner

I've been checking out this website, who knows how it was found, but it allows you to print your own planner, which seems real useful as you can have only the pages you want, and offers a index card version. The downloads are all free, and the website itself is blog based and has additions and information about planning life.

And there are these notebooks I've found that are essentially covers and rings, and you can put your own pages/lined paper inside. Meaning that when I only use half a notbook - the rest of the paper is salvageable, and the papers can be clipped together and saved. Look into Five Star Flex and Rollabind. Very cool.

Home, Chicago

So, finally home. After an early day at the airport and a day off flying... I finally am home. Or what is home? Being here reminds me of a lot of things, including those that I don't wish to be reminded of. The movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was on television tonight, as I browsed on by all the channels, and I remember that being one of my mom's favorite movies and watching it with her. Couldn't make myself watch it tonight, but maybe another day.

Instead I was up to watching "So You Think You Can Dance" but haven't yet voted enough. :). It's one of those shows where you just end up hooked and thus can't stop watching it. The dancing is really great, and although I read a joke about the show mentioning that both the winners and the losers will end up fading into obscurity, I can't believe that it's true. They'll dance for life if nothing else, and that'll be good for them, cause I'm sure they'll love it.

Everyone I ever see now asks me what I'll do with my life -- they all question my engineering, will I really do it? Will I end up at graduate school? Business? Etc. It all just makes me nervous. Not the questions themselves but the grand scheme of things.

American Beauty

This movie is just sort of messed up. Everyone in the movie is harboring secret ideas, feelings, and actions from each other, and it revolves mostly around two families who are neighbors. If I explain much more, the movie will just give itself away, but I think it's important to watch it from the beginning and catch everything (cause that is what makes the movie after all). Janet mentioned this was her favorite movie, but I think this goes on the list of strangest movies of all time. Plus there is that whole creepy stalking part, and pedophile part, which just gives me the creeps. The cinematography seemed good, if I am even versed enough to comment on it, and I think this is possibly what makes the movie such a classic.

My opinion: A see once type of film.

Dropping off the Car

Ah. So before leaving sunny (and warm) California, I was sure to take care of the car, and I left it in the garage of some family friends we have that live in L.A. I was going to take an earlier train back to Claremont, but since I hit traffic, I ended up on the later Metrolink. I took a walk to Little Tokyo and bought myself some snacks. It is really nice there, and I'm kind of sorry that I never took better advantage of the train system during the year. There are a lot of things close to Union Station in L.A. which would be fun and exciting and all that jazz. Maybe when I return from study abroad I'll start doing things more often off-campus.

It is interesting how parents and tours always ask what I do off campus, when the answer is really that I do almost nothing off-campus. I wonder how many other students really feel the same way, and how many actually take advantage of the coolness that is L.A.

Anyway, back to the main story. I have pictures I'll put up later from my phone... I never remember to bring my camera when I should, but I guess I didn't expect to be there so long. I'll have to do better in the future. Glued to the camera should do.

A picture from the Fair

Martin and Jason are examining the dairy goats I believe. They had large animals and small animals and a lot of them looked really groomed, which surprised me. There were cows in a barn, and chickens, and mice too, but not altogether. And no one wanted to pet the little chicks, which were in the petting area. Instead, we spent longer examining the odd fruits and vegetables, including the largest pumpkin, and strangely shaped carrots. 

A tisket, A tasket

Saturday was spent at the O.C. County Fair -- and since I'd never been to one, it really was quite fun. Martin, Jason, and I got to see all the prize winning animals -- goats, pigs, cows, bunnies... and the winning fruits and vegetables. This was much different from the Taste of Chicago. There was a chair-lift that went over the whole fair, and which we rode, which allowed us to see everything that we hadn't already walked through. I was quite surprised at the size, and the lack of crowds (but I guess that's coming from a city girl), but they had plenty of stands and rides. Right before leaving the sun came out (which resulted in a nice little sunburn) and we went on a ride where it spins so fast you get stuck to the wall. How come after that ride, you always end up laughing, and when you leave, it appears that your eyes have teared up as well. Is it really that funny? Perhaps.

Yu-Loung finally left HMC for China, and the traffic today was abominable. Walking through Atwood (where Yu-Loung is going to live) reminds me of Freshman year and SI. It makes me all think how much I really do like this school after all. We played a final game of settlers last night in an empty room in the suite.

It's all very strange, life that is, when it comes full circle. I am halfway through my college life, and it all feels very odd. I was looking at a list of the birthdays of the incoming students for SI, and it makes me feel old. Yes, yes, I know, I'm not old, but 20 years is a long time, and it makes me think of the future. What will I do? What kind of person will I be? What engineering type? Engineering or not engineering? Life is really full of choices, not all attainable, but all there and visible if nothing else.

I'm also getting excited to go home to Chicago... it'll be a nice change, since I haven't been there for 8 months. That's a long time. And I'll visit my grandparents and perhaps New York too. Visiting the east coast just seems so much easier, and I'm not quite sure why.

The Research Wave begins to end

As people begin to leave, and I finally did buy an airplane ticket home, it's come to the time when I realize I really am going to leave too. Studying abroad will be great, I know it, yet I also know I'll be excited to come back. Only one week left of research for me, and a bunch of people leaving at the end of this weekend here, leaving only a few left. Wow. Better start packing!

Been rewatching a bunch of movies I've always liked with everyone, and finding not everyone enjoys all of them as much as I do. It's quite interesting to see what people like and don't like about certain things. Movies aren't a good judge of anyone, that I know, but I'm just commenting on the interesting factor of it all.

San Diego for Research, and a Weekend Sunday

Ah. This past Sunday, I went hiking at Griffith Park, which was really nice, and I look forward to when the observatory opens and I can actually visit. Hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later and by the time I get back from abroad. The hike wasn't too bad and Prof Lape suggested a few more trails in the area, that I'll look into when I return from abroad.

Went to San Diego on Monday and Tuesday for Accelrys Training for the Molecular Modeling software, and finally I understand what to do for research and it's becoming really interesting. It's all very exciting!

Rock Climbing

Or as close to it as I'm going to get. Hangar 18 is a pretty neat place, although with air conditioning, it would have been nicer. Hey -- when it's fairly hot outside, it's got to be fairly hot inside - which is way too much heat considering we were being active.

see here (facebook) or here (google web album) for pictures.

The summer is also finally winding down, and I haven't yet decided what I'll do for the end. Home of course, since my ticket is from there to London, perhaps Florida for visiting the grandparents, and perhaps staying at HMC for a bit more after research as well. Can't decide, can't ever decide....

Devil Wears Prada: The book

Ah. A really wonderful book, much better than the movie, and more real. I know in movies they have to cut out all the details because there isn't time, etc., but the nitty gritty really make this book great. And I suppose they cut out the smoking from the movie cause it's just not appropriate, but her smoking causes to burned clothes and hilarity at all moments of the book. It's a girly book, guaranteed, but if you seem the type, you'll like the book. Recap: Book is about a girl who wants to be a journalist, but can only find a job as a fashion magazine editor's assistant, who does random things at her every whim. A horrible, low paying job, and in the end she realizes that friends and family are much more important.

Lists of Things

I found a website, which led to the finding of another, which are sites that hold lists of things in general. Things you want to do, things you've read/watched, etc.

List of Bests... here I've checkmarked the ones I've read or watched, and I found out I'm quite far behind. I'm not wanting to see Psycho or anything scary, but it might be nice to have watched 50% of the top movies instead of only 20. Must get cracking.

42 Things - This website is just a list of things you want to do in general. Quite nice if you like making lists and actually end up accomplishing something or other.

Beware of addiction though, as I did spend some minutes more on checking boxes, etc. learning about myself in the top 100 ranks etc. :) Enjoy.

BBC News: Long hours unhealthier for women

BBC NEWS | Health | Long hours unhealthier for women: "Professor Cary Cooper, professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University, said men were less likely to be affected by working long hours because they were not expected to multi-task in the same way as women."

A short, yet interesting, article about the effects of long working hours. They say that women who work longer eat more during the day (high-fat, high-sugar junk), drink more caffine, exercise less, and smoke more. Men on the other hand, experience no such changes in their lives, and it seems to be that they like the idea of a long day, yet women have domestic chores after any day, whereas men do not.

Is this what society and our lives have come to? People need to work longer and harder hours to get by in today's society to compete with others who can do the same. Are some traits of genetics just against females?

Lois & Clark and Summer Research

I finally finished watching all of Lois and Clark (at least the first three seasons, the fourth is less than attainable). I guess I have to stop getting hooked on shows, cause I really can't take staying up so late watching. I think it's probably killing off brain cells faster than I'd want them to. Especially since I'd rather spend them thinking or doing something more productive. The show is good, I remember it used to be on cable as reruns sometimes, but that I never really watched it. Eh. Now that it's over, it all seems really sill and far fetched, although I do prefer Dean Cain as Superman over the others, and Teri Hatcher who plays Lois Lane is much less whiny here than in Desperate Housewives. :)

And a breakthrough on research, at least I hope so. Research is interesting, about gas diffusion through polymer membranes, and I've figured out a problem in my modeling strategy -- molecule typing. I supppose I'll have to try it tomorrow during work.

Tipping Point & The World is Flat

A post with two books in one. I do think I'm reviewing too much media on my blog, and not enough other things in life, but oh well. The Tipping Point is another book by Gladwell, the same author of Blink. The book discusses what makes other things happen, including the role of people: Connectors, Mavens, etc. who are the people that make things happen in the world. The examples are numerous, and the book proved to be very interesting discussing all those things. I highly recommend it. It also makes me think that I should be one of those people -- someone who knows everything, or helpful information, or someone who can connect people by knowing a bunch of people and being naturally friendly. Ah, who knows anyway.

The World is Flat discusses that very theory -- that globalization is inevitable and that we cannot stop it, but it's helpful in its own way. Margie (in the beginning of the book) thought that the author was too american in his views and thus biased, but I thought overall he was very balanced and I hope truthful. It was fairly enlightening, cause the news here in America really does only present the one side -- ex. outsourcing. Outsourcing takes place on both sides, and it isn't entirely on the fact that labor is cheaper everywhere else, but lies on the fact that intelligence is increasing everywhere for a lot of people. Such engineers and scientists are now more numerous outside America, and here, there are becoming less and less (especially women). It's all very interesting, and I would have loved to read it in Prof Sullivan's class... aw.

Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Ah. Another sequel movie, only to be followed by one more. Probably to be released next year, and although the cliff hanger does exist, it wasn't to catchy for me, so I'm not too worried about waiting. The movie is about our favorite pirate Jack Sparrow and his quest for the "dead man's chest" which holds a live heart, which will get Sparrow out from under the super evil ugly looking pirate by some name I can't remember. This other guy is some kind of watercreature type.

Exciting, lively, with great action and shootings, etc. A movie to watch in the theaters for 2 dollars, sure, but more than that.... I'm not quite so sure.

Arsenic and Old Lace

Watched this movie with Kathleen, who suggested it, and notified me that the library has a "secret" video room where I can get them. Which I didn't know. But now I do! It was an interesting movie, about a man who was the bachelor of them all, got married, and then found out his two aunts were actually sympathy killers (killing old "miserable" men). His ugly, scary looking brother returned home (he'd been killing also), and the Cary Grant (the main guy) debates how to rat out his brother without the aunts. And his other brother thinks he's Teddy Rooselvelt. It's quite funny and the story progresses quite well.

I learned from this that I'm not a laugh out loud-er. When everyone else laughs, I typically smile, if not smile only inside. I guess it annoys some people, asking me if I think something's funny, but I find that in reality -- I do laugh when things are funny. And I think I get most annoyed by laughs of others. Not everyone, mind you, but one in a few.

Annie Hall

Perhaps this is one of the very few movies we actually own at home that I've never seen. So, it was time to get it from the library and watch it here at school. It was a very... strange movie, about a man Albie (I think that was his name) played by Woody Allen and his relationships, their problems, and all of his manic phobias. He's quite a character in real life and in the film also. The movie didn't have much of a main thought or point except to go about how life unfolds and his relationships, especially the one with Annie Hall who he eventually follows to L.A., the city that he couldn't hate more. New York seems to be the lively hood of the movie, and it becomes idealized often in Allen's films, at least I think so. Interesting, but not worth recommending especially. I can't imagine how my parents love this film. Maybe it has to do with the fact that my mother was from Brooklyn herself, and my father does like NYC. Who knows...

Devil Wears Prada

A movie about fashion, fashion magazaine workers, and doing what you want to do. I do suppose every movie needs a moral after all. It's about Andy who can't find a job as a journalist, so takes a job as an assistant to the magazine editor at Runway (fashion mag.), where she spends all her time helping out the boss, only to find her life falling apart, her sense of fashion growing, and in the end losing sight of her main goal. The movie is quite cute and Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep do wonderful jobs portraying their respective characters. Not a classic movie, nor one that's going to go down in history somewhere, but I've downloaded the audiobook, the book for which the movie was based on (of the same name), and think it's worth a read/listen.

Arrested Development

I finally finished all THREE seasons. Holy moly. I've gone psycho again watching television, but now that it's done I'll... move on to something else I'm sure. Anna suggested that I watch the show, cause I might enjoy the humor of David Cross, who plays the brother-in-law of the main character Michael, who spends a few years (the three seasons) trying to keep his family together. It's quite amusing, and the jokes, if not laugh out loud humor, are right on. The show was cancelled, which is quite sad, except for that fact that I've finally finished. :) I better go look up David Cross himself. Anna and I have similar types of humor, so I do trust her on this one. If you think you might like an odd laugh, check the show out, and you might just enjoy it.

Billy Elliot

Shelley told me to watch this movie, and although I only half remember watching, I couldn't remember the end. But I love it! About a boy, Billy, who wishes to dance ballet, while perservering through family trouble (money), people thinking he's gay, etc. It's quite good, touching, and the dancing is just too fun. And the music is ab fab. I now have to listen to the Billy Elliot soundtrack for the musical before seeing it in London.

Super excited about London too, now that some people are already abroad, and I'm the one missing out. It'll be sad to leave HMC, cause I do like it here, but it'll be an adventure I'm ready for. So I hope.

Settlers of Catan

This is a fabulous game by Mayfair Games, which plays a bit like Risk, or so I'm told, and a bit like Monopoly. There's dice rolling to get the resources you need, and then you can build with them. The goal: 10 Victory Points from a combination of settlements, cities, roads, development cards, and soldiers. It's quite fun, and I have to say I may be addicted. Found the computer game version as well, and although it's not quite the same, it's very fun as well.

About a Boy & Monster's Ball

I've seen "About a Boy" many many times, and finally I give into writing about it. I always thought it a great, interesting, and unique movie, and I do love Hugh Grant. If you haven't seen it you really should. It's about a man and a boy and their interactions with one another and a lot of talk about the line - "No man is an island." It's quite, quirky, funny, witty, and just wonderful. And the soundtrack is to be listened to quite often from now on. :)

Monster's Ball is a different type of movie about the relationship between a corrections officer and the wife of the man he he put to death a bit earlier. It's very touching and calls upon all sorts of emotions - love, sadness, etc. and although no one else seemed to appreciate it, I did like the lack of plot of the movie, and how it just seemed real.

My Neighbor Totoro

Finally, another movie... haha. This movie is really about nothing except the two small girls who enjoy seeing Totoro, who is essentially a huge fuzzy animal. Only children can see him, and he helps the older sister find the younger one, and is their friend for a while. It's really just entertaining with the plot sort of hidden away. It's animated, very cute, and the music is quite catchy. Not a Academy Award winning movie, but very good nonetheless. Watch it for fun!

Brokeback Mountain

A movie I'd put off watching for a long long time, finally got watched tonight. It was fabulous, well done, and very scenic. A touching movie about two men who fall in love while sheep hearding and their trials in trying to keep together even through marriages to others. Touching, and recommended for those times when a sappy movie will do. Aw...

On a side note, it reminds me a lot of Cold Mountain, another long scenic movie that I loved. If you haven't seen either, I advise you to do so. :)

Superman(s)

The old superman movie from 1979 was quite interesting, and it was definitely a smart move in watching it before the newer one. Superman I was very slow and very long, but the plotline was clever at best, as it was probably based upon the comic books after all. A few good lines, and not too bad after all. Although it definitely makes me appreciate the actor who played in the Lois and Clark TV show more.

The newer one has an even more gorgeous actor playing superman, although the plot line is a bit more serious and ends on a sadder note than the traditional happy way. Saw it in the IMAX giant screen with bits of the movie parts in 3D, most of which were cheesy, but in a good way. Definitely recommended (even more so for the IMAX version).

Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

This is a wonderful book that I'd been meaning to read for a long time. It's a nonfiction book that had been recommended by Kenn, and a great selling and well reviewed book to boot. The book is about how people can use their subconscious to make decisions that have yielded important information that seems almost like telling the future or reading someone's mind. The break down of people's expressions and actions to their true meanings is very interesting, and would be something useful to study (except for the fact that it might be a lifetime's worth of work). By "thin-slicing," one can determine the true relationship between two people or a true person's reaction to something before they can cover it up consciously. It's all very interesting, and I recommend it to everyone. I'll eventually read The Tipping Point by the same author, a similar type book.

Nanny McPhee

This movie doesn't get a picture. Why? Because Colin Firth wasn't his usual fabulous self, but instead was only half-fabulous, and thus not worth the picture. The movie was a cute one, made for kids I gather, and instead of marrying a horrible stepmother, he marries well in the end, someone the kids love. It was entertaining though, and although I do like the English, the movie wasn't really English at all, but American at heart. Severly disspointed, meaning that I might have to watch Pride and Prejudice now just to cheer myself up. :)

Glory Road and Prime

Two movies watched. Glory Road is about a basketball coach and his team in Western Texas. The coach of course recruits african-americans for the team in a time when it was contraversial, meaning it is indeed a Disney movie after all, with a moral and all that. Since I do like the sports type movies, it was very good, and I liked the basketball - so it was all in all a winner. Recommended.

The second movie, Prime, has Uma Thurman and Meryl Streep. The character Uma Thurman plays essentially falls in love with a 23 year old, the son of her psychariast (Streep), and Uma's character is 37, so the movie is really about love, age differences, etc, and the ending is quite sad and touching all at once. Funny at the right times, not a tear-jerker, but sigh-ful, and it's done very well. Recommended.

Cars

Another Wednesday, another free movie for me. This one was quite cute, although the people watching and making noises nearby is really annoying. So the car doesn't care about anyone but himself, but learns the beauty of friendship and love. Aw. It's quite cute and the graphics are fairly neat looking, the jokes were pretty much right on, meaning it was funny at times, never too raunchy or sappy. Recommended? YES.

The Break-up

Ah. Totally a movie I should have skipped to begin with. Why in the hell did my father say this movie was one I'd like, and that was funny. Wasn't funny, the scene on the poster never occurs, and was semi-dissapointing overall. Beginning to dislike Vince Vaughn, as the movies that he's in are just not satisfactory. The movie is about the husband and wife who are trying to anger the other, or make the other jealous, when she can't get him to change who he is. And they don't want to leave the condo (although this is a big part of the idea of the movie, it's not really in there too much). I'd say -- not to be recommended unless you're not smart. Just don't do it. :)

Maps.A9.com

maps.a9.com

Since I was just clicking around on A9, the Amazon search engine, I found this maps thing, and since I'm usually entertained by them I went ahead and looked around. Apparently they have photos of sides of the streets for major cities. So I'm thinking, OK, let's look in Chicago (which they have) for my house. And I almost find it. My street is only photographed on the opposite side, but I can see all those houses across the street as if I were walking there myself. Creepy-ish, yet somewhat neat.

They've only got the major cities up, but look around, it is cool.