Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts

Palmettos

Monday, May 10, 2021

Had a great Mother's Day weekend! We drove out to Palmetto State Park near Gonzales on Saturday. It's very shady/swampy, so it was nice in the dry heat. Later summer days at 104 with 1000% humidity, probably not so much. I had never seen palmettos, and didn't think we would have something like them in Texas, but there ya' go. Very cool!
 
Texas Monthly did an interesting write up about the park. I didn't know it is home to "a hairy biped called the Ottine Swamp Thing." Also, otters? Wow!! We didn't see either of those, but we did catch two gigantic black birds hanging out in a tree together on the Interpretive Trail.
 
Here is the other-worldy landscape. The light green is algae covering the water...
 


Afterwards, we tried to visit the Gonzales Museum (with the famous "Come and Take It" cannon), but it was closed. Too bad! Visited Santa Anna Mound, but it wasn't worth the time.
 
We watched The Mitchells vs. the Machines on Sunday. It is really good. Movies during the plague have mostly sucked, but this is a winner for family viewing. 

We also finished Season 35 of The Challenge, and started Season 36: Double Agents. Whee! This most recent season has so many twists and turns, your head never stops spinning. The rookies are putting all the vets up, so vets are falling like flies.

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Vaccinated!

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Got Moderna vaccine #1! Woohooo! Halfway there.
 
We finally watched Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The ending was totally worth the three-hour, sometimes slow path it took to get there. Also watched Coming 2 America, which was at least as good as the first one, if not better.
 
I'm not a "fan" of the British royals, or any other royals really. I just don't understand it, especially today, when the money used to support these people in their lavish lifestyles could be put to so many worthwhile uses. Why should the Brits owe respect or deference to the royal family? Their value seems only to be ornamental. I couldn't do it.
 
I didn't watch the Harry/Meghan interview, but of course I'm seeing all the press coverage. They obviously want us to feel sorry for them. I have some sympathy for Harry, who seems to never have really loved the limitations of royal life, but Meghan chose that life. Maybe it was more than she thought it would be, but she claimed she had absolutely no idea. That's just silly. She said she "didn't google Harry." Huh? You don't have to google him to know what it is to be a royal.
 
Moving from England to Los Angeles isn't how you fix a papparazzi/privacy problem.
 
If you're going to call out a racist family member, you have to say that person's name. Otherwise, you leave your entire family under that cloud. The family should definitely say who it was, or all of them will forever be under suspicion. If it was a future king, I'd say that person isn't fit to be king.
 
Not that I care who is king of Eng... oy I've been sucked in...

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Superbowl 'n Stuff

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Superbowl was interesting this year! We went for Tampa, because Aggie Mike Evans is a starter for them, while Aggies Armani Watts and Ricky Seals-Jones aren't starters for the Chiefs. Since we don't follow NFL, that was our logic and we stuck with it. When it ended, we felt bad for Mahomes. His team just didn't ever get it going that day. He looked so beaten up, but he kept going until the end.
 
My favorite commercial all night was the Gwen/Blake/Adam T-Mobile one. OMG, so funny.
 

"Did you ride a horse here?" *snort*
 
Also enjoyed "Drake from State Farm." (Is this commercial the reason Jake's been working out and getting all those muscles?) 
 
 
And the Alexa ad with Michael B. Jordan.


I guess I don't really get the "Eat Local" ad. Where else are we going to eat? Are people ordering take-out from an Amazon warehouse?

Impeachment trial #2 started yesterday. Trump's lawyers admitted the people elected Biden. Wait. WHAAAAAAAT?
 
And his side says we can't impeach a president for "political speech," even though federal law says, "Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States."?  I dunno. It seems pretty specific. It also makes common sense to any normal person in any country on Earth. Where did he find these dummy dumb-dumbs?
 
Watching the Rom-Com Showdown on Today. It's down to four finalists. Pretty Woman vs. Sleepless in Seattle, and Something's Gotta Give vs. You've Got Mail. My votes are Sleepless in Seattle and Something's Gotta Give, with my final vote to Something's Gotta Give. GREAT movie.

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Monday, Monday

Monday, January 25, 2021

I was all psyched to bake dried apples, rather than buying processed apple chips, and then I read a comment under a recipe that said you basically spend 3 hours baking one apple's worth of dried apple slices on two trays. Bummer. I did read that if you bake thick slices, rather than mandolin-shaved ones, they are chewy and good, so that would at least make more servings per recipe.

We watched another crap movie the other night- The Assistant. We really like Julia Garner from Ozark, so we wanted to check it out, even though it is one of those movies with a higher critic score and abysmal viewer score on Rotten Tomatoes. Always a terrible sign. We should have known. It was an hour-and-a-half watching an admin assistant at a production company go through a single crappy work day, dealing with a dirtbag boss that we literally never saw. 
 
Long scenes of stirring coffee, washing break room dishes, walking to the adjoining building... She doesn't really speak to anyone socially, which is sad and strange, and also adds to the dullness of the day. It was just so laughably boring. We would have turned it off, but we began to think something ultra-dramatic would happen at the end of the day, then she went to get a muffin and... then the movie ended. Wow. We were tricked into staying with that thing to the very end. At least it didn't go two full hours. We're still Julia Garner fans.
 
We watched The Butler, which was good.  Next up in entertainment viewing, the new season of The Servant. YES. 

Laura is getting her vaccine tomorrow. She's in Hays county where people don't wear masks, so I'm not too keen on going there to wait in line for the shot. I may wait until the Johnson and Johnson vaccine comes, so I only have to go in once. We'll see how things go. Hopefully the process will improve a lot over the next couple of weeks. Right now, we just aren't getting enough vaccine in Austin, like most places, I guess!

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Happy Friday! It's the Saturday 9!

Friday, May 24, 2019

Adam is leaving The Voice??!! WHAAAAAAT?

Bummer, dude.

The only good thing about it is that maybe there will be less experimental hairstyles/colors and facial hair in his future. Hee.

Cannot wait to see Songland! What a genius idea for a show. Yes!!


Saturday 9: God Bless America
Unfamiliar with Deanna Durbin's rendition of week's tune? Hear it here.
Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle.

1) Memorial Day was introduced after the Civil War. Originally called Decoration Day, this is when memorials, as well as the graves of veterans, are to be decorated with flags and flowers on this day to show our appreciation. Is there a war memorial in your neighborhood?
Not in my 'hood specifically, but there are monuments for several wars, including the Korean War, WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War on the grounds of the state capitol.

2) Andrew Johnson, our 17th President, was in office the first time Memorial/Decoration Day was celebrated. Have you ever met one of our 45 Presidents?
No. George H. W. Bush spoke at our A&M graduation, although not at the engineering school's "session." That's the closest I've been. We visited his gravesite when we were in College Station a few weeks ago:


3) According to the AAA, more than 30 million Americans will hit the road this weekend and drive more than 50 miles. Will you be traveling far from home this weekend?
Staying here!

4) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food?
watermelon

5) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on?
Hell yes. This is Texas, y'all.

6) Though she's belting out one of America's best loved patriotic songs, Deanna Durbin was born in Canada. Is there anyone in your family or circle of friends who wasn't born in the USA?
I was born in Germany. My aunt was born in England. My dad's whole family is in Germany.

7) No longer a household name, Ms. Durbin was once one of the biggest stars in the country. One of her most popular films was 1937's One Hundred Men and a Girl, which was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. Recommend a movie that you really like, but don't think many Saturday 9ers have seen.
I can't think of a movie I love that few have seen. I like popular movies I can talk about with other film fans, but I do have a couple of TERRIBLE movies to recommend, that you may not have seen! The #1 worst, most horrifying and disgusting film I've ever ever ever seen is The Human Centipede (now available on iTunes and other streaming services!). My #2 least favorite all-time movie: Boxing Helena.

8) Back in 1938, Deanna Durbin had her handprints cemented in front of the TCL Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. Have you ever visited that Los Angeles tourist attraction?
No, but I would love to someday, if I get over my earthquake phobia. Thanks a lot, California.

9) Random question: What food did you hate as a child, but enjoy now?
Brussels sprouts

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Friday!

Friday, March 15, 2019

Are you watching too much television true crime, if you ponder whether the man in front of you at the supermarket checkout with three bottles of bleach cleanser just killed his wife?


Asking for a friend.

Maya knocked over an entire fresh 12 ounce soda in a glass full of ice yesterday. While I was cleaning it up, I had to wipe off an "I Love My Cat" coaster. smh

What other randomness do I have for today?

I could go for a Biden/O'Rourke ticket. Well, let's be honest, I would go for anyone against the current crazy, with very few extreme exceptions. But Biden/O'Rourke would be interesting.

And OMG, this movie!! From the writer of the incomparable Love, Actually.


Ed Sheeran- "...Hey DUDE." Ha! June 28 release.

Saturday 9: Molly Malone
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) Are you of Irish descent?
I am about 1/8 Irish, via my maternal grandmother's mother.

2) Legend has it that the heroine of this week's Irish ballad was a real lass. 17th century birth and burial records confirm that a woman with that name lived in Dublin. Can you think of another song about a real historic figure?
Elton John's "Candle in the Wind"

3) Molly sold fish from a cart that she wheeled through the streets. What's the last seafood you ate?
ceviche at Cuba 512

4) The lyrics tell us that, after her death, her ghost continues to wander the streets of Dublin with her wheel barrow. Do you believe in ghosts?
not really

5) This week's featured band, The Dubliners, are obviously from Dublin. They were introduced to American audiences on The Ed Sullivan Show. Today, Stephen Colbert tapes his show in The Ed Sullivan Theater. Who hosted the last talk show you watched? 
Seth Meyers

6) Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick's Day dish. Is it a favorite of yours?
I haven't had it, but I would try it.

7) According to Irish legend, leprechauns earned the gold in the pot they guard by repairing shoes. Crazy Sam can't remember the last time she got a pair of shoes repaired. When the heels wear away, she discards the shoes and buys new ones. What about you? Do you get your shoes fixed (either by leprechauns or just by ordinary repairmen)?
Nope.

8) Do you look good in green, the signature color of St. Patrick's Day?
Yes

9) Random question: Did you more recently sneeze or cough?

I've been sneezing like crazy. Seasonal allergies! Don't move to Austin, SXSWers! ;)

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That's All, Brother

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

When you moved in middle school, it's very strange to watch your high school friends reminisce over elementary school photos. People you know very well...  talking about years of stuff you weren't a part of. So weird. (Although, it is superfun to see them when they were little kids. Awwwww!)

We watched the super-duper wolfie moon over at Scott-n-Julie's Sunday night. Scott has a telescope, so that was very cool. We even stayed up past our bedtimes!

A Star is Born got some great Oscar noms. I guess we'll get to see Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper sing "Shallow" live. YAAAAAAY! I haven't seen The Wife or Vice yet, so I need to do that.

We went to the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing hangar in San Marcos a few weeks ago, on one of our day trips. That is a cool place. You can even ride in some of the old airplanes for a fee. The museum (the door is along the back wall) has a lot of interesting items to peruse as well, so don't miss it.

One of the volunteers let us go inside That's All, Brother, the lead plane carrying paratroopers into France on D-Day. Amazing. The aircraft was discovered in Wisconsin in 2015, and brought here to restore. It's got just a few small details remaining, and will take part in 75th D-Day anniversary activities in Europe this summer.

Inside That's All, Brother

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Happy 2019!

Thursday, January 3, 2019

Went to Frisco for Christmas. It was nice. No political arguments with the Trumpers, even! Peace on Earth and all that! Lolo babysat in the infant room at the grandparents' church for the Christmas Eve service, which she's been looking forward to for weeks.  It was also the first Christmas with my new sis-in-law and her kiddos and parents. They're fun, which is really great!

Jeff and I went to Don's river house for NYE. Very cool. (Very cold, actually, but we had a big fire.) Many people were in and out all through the evening, and several of us stayed overnight. The young kids shot off fireworks with some adult help, announcing each one with, "IT'S HAPPENING!" Too funny.

College football has been interesting (and good- GIG EM!). Looking forward to the championship next week! Go get 'em, 'Bama!

Oh, and by the way, I have found the one person on this earth who hadn't seen, then finally watched, and actually hated Love Actually---- Laura! I even told her she didn't need to feel guilty for wanting Juliet to dump Peter and run away with the hopelessly romantic Mark (we don't ever really get to know Peter, so... Sorry Peter!). I mean, what the heck. Everyone loves Love Actually! Just discussing it with her made me want to watch again.

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Wednesday

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Got a message from Grant the other day, out of the blue. Just two photos of him, posing with a duck on his shoulder. Grant and I are the kind of old friends who send birthday cards to each other and text or email maybe once a year, so to start a text conversation with random photos, instead of "Hey! Check out my new pet!" was a clue that these photos were probably sent to me inadvertently.

Grant and I chatted a bit, and then I told Jeff about it. Jeff said, "Well at least it wasn't an unsolicited d* pic."

No. It was an unsolicited DUCK PIC.

Bwahahaa.

Jeff and I had margs at Curra's with Doug and his mom last weekend. She is still a firecracker, like she always was! It was fun to see them together again.

In other news, we saw A Star is Born, like a million years ago now, and Lady Gaga is SO talented. Holy moly. I mean, we knew it already, but she is amazing in this film. Bradley Cooper, also fabulous. I hope "Shallow" gets an Oscar nom!

We also saw Green Book, which I loved. Such a relevant movie for these times. It is very raw and real. The honesty is refreshing. And you'll be smiling at the end, which is nice.

Finally did our weekend in Waco with Scott-n-Julie. It was fun fun! We made it to the Waco Mammoth National Monument. It was VERY cool. Learned a lot. They may start digging there again soon.

We went to a museum with a John James Audubon exhibit. We've had great luck getting museum curators and directors telling us stories during our trips, and this one was no different. The lady told us how she accidentally ended up with a very rare print. Ask questions at museums! The real stories are behind the scenes.

Sorry to say, I wasn't very impressed with Magnolia Market. It's just a store, and it is packed to the gills with people, making it impossible to see everything. I would have bought a giant clock, but there is no way I could have fit it into the car was going to stand in that line.

We went to the Spice Village, which I liked a lot. There are a lot of neat things for sale there. Many stores in town have "Magnolia-like" merch that you can buy for less money and hassle than at Magnolia. At one of those stores, I wanted to get a retired red wine barrel for my in-laws' back patio (they're wine people), but wasn't sure how to get it home or to Frisco. Cool item though!

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Mid-Week Update

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Jeff and I finished the second season of Ozark. Man, that is such a great series. The acting is SO good and the story so dark that I can't even watch more than one episode in a sitting. They'll off anyone on that show! Skeery!

I had lunch with Crystal at EastSide Tavern yesterday. It was really yummy! Try the brisket tater tots appetizer.

We saw A Simple Favor last weekend. It was very entertaining, but I did think there was some weird editing, that didn't ever explain a whole obvious side-plot (the TA relationship- amiright?), and also went wonky at the end, where the film turned from dramedy to slapstick comedy for a few minutes there. Funny (ha ha), but also quite funny (odd). We did have a couple of questions about the story details as well. Maybe we're thinking too much.

And lastly, on the first listen, I really sort of hated this song. (I was like- THIS is David Guetta's latest???) Then Apple Music started playing three songs on repeat for some creepy/weird reason, and this song was one of them (of course). I was driving, so I couldn't fix it. The second time I heard the song, I liked it, and by the third time, I LOVED it! What the heck? Anyhoo...



I run to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

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Weekend Update - Asian Edition

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Yesterday, we finally did the Asian market day we've been planning since H-Mart and 99 Ranch Market opened in Austin earlier this year. Scott-n-Julie and Jeff and I headed to H-Mart first, so we could get lunch at the 8-restaurant food court there. We tried several things from a few of them, and almost everything we tried was a hit! My favorites were the Kimchi Tater Tots and Bulgogi Sandwich from EStreet Tacos, and the garlic-soy Korean Chicken Bites from Donkey Mo's. And omg, EStreet has something called Chicken Skin Chicharrones, also very highly recommended, which I will definitely try next time. Their queso supposedly rocks as well. So, EStreet and Donkey Mo's, y'all. Write. That. Down.

We perused the aisles at H-Mart, which is very large and bright, and looks just like a regular grocery store, other than the products are almost all Asian. Their produce was OUTSTANDING. Just beautiful. I complain all the time about our produce at our grocery stores. Their stuff was exceptional and not expensive.

Next we headed to 99 Ranch Market. It is smaller than H-Mart (still big though!), and less well-lit. Their produce looked just like my HEB, pretty average. Their prices ran quite a bit less than H-Mart. They also have Peking Duck for $20 and live lobster for $8 per pound. I almost bought a vat of Kikkoman soy sauce (the only one I use), 2 quarts worth, for $5 and change. Couldn't figure out where to store it, so I didn't, but just as an example, they do have great prices. Plenty of selection, too. I did get some grapeseed oil (the best for stir fry, according to Jet Tila) and sesame oil there.

We stopped into the Beto campaign office in the 99 Ranch Market shopping center, to buy a bumper sticker. I was going to take a photo of Jeff entering the glass doors with a big sign for the Texas Democratic Party, just to send his parents for funsies, but they are reaching that age where we don't want to shock them too much.

Last night, Jeff and I went to a new-to-us restaurant so I could try Banh Mi for the first time. It was really good. We need to hit one of the more acclaimed banh mi spots to compare though.

Today, Jeff and I saw Crazy Rich Asians, I guess to complete the Far East themed weekend we're having. I liked it, but I will warn you, it is a rom-com with the emphasis on the Rom. You probably think it's a comedy along the lines of The Hangover or Wedding Crashers from some of the trailers, but it is a normal romantic comedy, with a few laughs here and there. Still good! Just don't plan to blow Dr. Pepper out your nose laughing.

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Don't Look Too Deep Into those Angel Eyes

Friday, July 27, 2018

...oh no no no nooo-oooo-oooo...

Saw Mamma Mia! 2: Here We Go Again with the hubby Wednesday night. SUPER FUN! It even includes my favorite ABBA song of all time, "Angel Eyes!" Wheeee!!

It's a cute story. Pierce Brosnan's singing is vastly improved. Cher rocked her part. It is totally worth the stay until the very very end of the movie, to see a funny clip!

My only complaint was that, at least in our theater, the lead vocals on every song were too dang loud. Couldn't hear the music or harmonies much.

Overheard while leaving the theater, from a young man on the row in front of us:

"Was ABBA a real band?"

Why, yes! Yes, they were.

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A Star is Born Trailer

Thursday, June 7, 2018

YES!!



October 5, 2018.

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Come Whaaaat Maaaaay

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Jeff took me out for early (yes!) Valentine's Day night, to the Moulin Rouge (yes!) Movie Party at the Alamo Drafthouse. I don't know how many times I've seen that film, but it's amazing. Every. Single. Time.

THIS:


SO good.

I hadn't ever been to the movie party for it. Alamo's movie parties have props and stuff, which adds to the fun. Two missing props last night: Kleenex would have been helpful. Also, too bad we couldn't have sparklers for the "Spectacular Spectacular" finale. Right?! Do they have to be used outside? I dunno. It would have been supercool though. Your sparklers would go out right about the time Satine keels over.

(Oops, spoiler alert.)


Sunday Stealing

1. Have you ever tried to learn (or re-learn) a foreign language as an adult? Which one? What worked for you?

I have not tried to learn or re-learn a foreign language as an adult. Would love to.

2. Do you donate blood? Do you know your blood type?
I can't donate blood, because I had Hodgkins lymphoma. My blood type is O+. (Most cancer survivors can donate blood safely to others. There are different rules at different donation centers for cancer survivors donating blood, but in general, see these guidelines at the American Cancer Society website.)

3. Have you ever been in a play or musical?
Several in elementary through high school.

4. Do you use certain text or ring tones for specific people? Who gets their own? Or do you just use the default on your phone?
People I talk to regularly and close friends/relatives get a ring tone. It's currently the same one for everyone. All others in my contacts, along with anyone not in my contacts, have a silent tone, so I don't hear it at all.

5. When did you get your first digital camera? Do you still shoot on actual film, or all digital now?
I think I got my first digital camera when Lauren was small, in the mid 90's. I've been all digital since then.

6. What do you think someone else would say the most daring thing you’ve done is?
Someone else would probably say my high school talent show. Ha! I would say riding around Dallas in a teensy, four-seat plane, with Jeff's buddy piloting. 

7. Do you talk with your hands?
Not really.

8. Do you have a lucky number? What is it, and what is the story behind it?
Nope.

9. What kind of milk did you drink, growing up? And now?
We got whole milk when I was growing up. I have always bought 2%.

10. What is your favorite kind of pie?
peach

11. Are you a note taker?
Yep!

12. Do you have an eclectic mug collection, or is your stuff all matchy matchy?
Eclectic.

13. Do you have a junk drawer in your house/garage/at work/wherever?
Who doesn't?

14. What is the longest amount of time you’ve worked at one job – and what was/is it?
Volunteer webmsitress for a nonprofit foundation for 15 years.

15. How old were you when you took your first commercial flight? To where did you fly?
I was two or three years old, flying from Frankfurt, Germany to Houston, Texas.

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Movie, TV and Musical Weekend

Monday, December 11, 2017

This weekend was an unplanned, fun movie and television extravaganza. Friday night we went to the Amazon Prime preview of Jumanji. It was good. I would swear I saw Kirsten Dunst's name in the acting credits, but evidently that's impossible, so...  And keep in mind, I had no idea she was in the original film. Why did I think I saw her name? SUPERweird. I did look up on my phone whether we were supposed to sit through the credits to see any outtakes or other scenes, so maaaaaaybe I saw her name in my search or something. I dunno. Strange.

Saturday we watched Opening Night on Netflix. Enjoyed it! JC Chasez and Taye Diggs? Yes, please. It was funny, too!



Next up (because we watched Opening Night and followed up with "other musicals we might like," we discovered the musical comedy TV show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, also on Netflix. OMG. That is one of the funniest shows ever! How did I miss it before? We binged about 6 episodes of that. Can't wait to continue all the way through Season 2 on Netflix. Season 3 started in October on the CW.

There are one or two very-well produced, hilarious songs per episode. Most of it is regular sitcom, with speaking characters. The songs go a little somethin' like this...



We watched Born in China, the Disney animal film of 2017. So cute!



Then last night, we watched The Last Five Years, which is also on Netflix. It's a two-character musical from 2014 (the play was originally in Chicago, then off-Broadway in 2002) covering a five year relationship and marriage. Cathy starts at their breakup at the end of the story and moves backward in time to the beginning, while Jamie starts at the beginning and moves forward to the end. They alternate songs all the way through, moving towards each other on the timeline, meeting in the middle, then moving ever away again. The final song is brilliant! I could listen to Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan sing all day long. I really loved it. The reviews are very middle-of-the-road, but take a chance on this one.



Years ago, Lauren had "If I Didn't Believe In You," a song from the play, on one of her car CDs. Jamie is frustrated with Cathy during the song, and addresses her by name throughout. We used to laugh when it came on, as he seemed to berate me for four minutes straight. Ha!

The Buffalo game was crazy yesterday, right? Football in a blizzard!

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Grocery Store Adventures

Friday, July 7, 2017

So I get into a regular checkout line this morning with 16 items in my grocery cart (that's one over the fast lane limit), behind a woman with a completely full cart. She immediately turns around and sees me. Five full minutes later, when she's about three-quarters unloaded onto the conveyor, another woman shows up with a completely full cart and pulls up next to us.

Original woman with full cart (to me): She's with me. We have two big cart-loads of groceries today. Sorry!

She couldn't have mentioned that... oh... I don't know... as soon as I walked up?

So rude.  What is it with this social climate where inconsiderate dunderheads run free? I blame Trump.

In other news... we saw The Big Sick last weekend. It is really good! Fun date movie!


Saturday 9: The Joker (1973)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Steve Miller claims he's a picker, grinner, sinner, lover, smoker and joker. Do any of those six words describe you?

grinner, lover, sinner, joker

2) He maintains he's still a midnight toker. When's the last time you got high?
at least 30 years ago

3) The lyrics include a reference to peaches. Name your favorite fruit.
watermelon

4) This song had a big impact on the character of Joey on Friends, who had an imaginary friend named Maurice with the occupation of space cowboy. Did you ever have an imaginary friend? 
nope

5) Steve Miller is the pride of Milwaukee, WI. What else is Milwaukee famous for?
beer

6) Steve Miller considers himself a serious blues guitarist. When did you last feel like singing the blues?
Wednesday, when I was looking at the rules for a program for which Lauren may be applying. There is so much legal jargon in the informational material that my head was spinning. I had the head spinnin', forehead smackin', "shall therein be referenced as the revocation of these statutes" bluuuues.

7) In 1973, when this song was popular, you could buy a portable 8-track tape player for $44.50. On what device do you listen to music most often?
my phone

8) A Curious George book packaged with a Curious George plush toy was a big seller at Christmas 1973. Tell us about a toy -- either given or received -- that brightened a holiday or birthday for you.
I remember giving Lauren a Skip It. 
Not Lauren.
It was really cool, because it's basically the Lemon Twist I used to have when I was little. I played with that thing until the lemon fell apart from being scraped on the driveway. 

Remember these? Superfun!
9) M*A*S*H was one of TV's top-rated shows in 1973. Who is your favorite M*A*S*H character?
I've seen every episode in repeats. They're all so great. I'll say Henry Blake.

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Summertime and the Livin' is Easy

Monday, June 19, 2017

I got my hair chopped off for summer! It was about halfway down my back and now it's above my shoulders. It always takes a surprisingly long time to get used to the difference. You know how you keep flipping your hair, but there isn't any to flip? Weird!

It does reduce hair drying time by half. Styling time- half. It's GREAT.

Speaking of "Summertime," we saw the Billie Holiday musical Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill at Zach Scott Theater  a few weeks back. The singing was really amazing, but I wasn't a big fan of the musical itself. It was slow, and really more like a concert. I think if you go into it thinking you're going to a nightclub singer's show, it's probably a better mindset than expecting showtunes on a big stage. I had no idea what it was and it was just a'ight for me.

Saw In the Heights at Zach last week. I've seen it once before, when the traveling Broadway show came to Austin a while back. The dancing and music are so much fun! Enjoyed it!

Saw Wonder Woman this weekend with the Jeffs. It was very entertaining. Loved Chris Pine's line about being above average. Ha! Agreed.

Now I'm just eagerly waiting for The Big Sick at the end of the month. *drumming fingers*



Y'all know I'm loving this:



*snort*

(Does anyone do the asterisk actions anymore? I miss them. *shrugs*)

Soon we're headed to College Station for my second weekend vacay there in two months. Well, it's a cool place! Jeff and I are going to a Messina Hof winery event, which will be fun. We're staying at one of the brand new hotels in town. There are three, of which two are open so far- The Stella Hotel and Cavalry Court. The George will open later this year. They definitely need the rooms!

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Surfing Old Music Vids

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Lauren and I were talking about LGBTQ the other day, how it used to be LGBT and now they've added a few more letters for LGBTQIA. We were discussing the differences between each identifier and how we weren't sure what the new letters were for. I mentioned that I'd always wondered why they excluded people whose physical sex is ambiguous at birth, when I finally made the connection.

Me: I could be 'Intersex.'
Lauren: U?
Me: I.
Lauren: Right. You. You said, 'I could be intersex.'
Me: No. The I in LGBTQIA. Maybe it stands for Intersex.
Lauren: Ohhhhhh. I was so confused.

Ha! 'Tis confusion!! (Still the best line ever on Impractical Jokers.)

I was thinking about Marty Robbins songs for some reason this morning. Mom was a fan, and we listened to his records a lot. I wanted to look up a few songs on YouTube. Turns out, I still know ALL the words to a bunch of them. Here's one of my faves...



...Cradled by two loving arms that I'll die for
One little kiss, then Felina good-bye


(Oops... spoiler alert!)

After video surfing a bit, I ended up finding this completely unrelated set of vids from The Idolmaker, with songs from one of my favorite childhood movie soundtracks, to which I also still know all the words. It's very cheesy-pop.

SO.
GREAT.

It's really Peter Gallagher singing here. He's good. And he looks nice in these pants.

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Rants

Saturday, January 28, 2017

I don't usually do rants, but when I do... I present them in list format on my blog.

* I will not see A Dog's Purpose. From claims of video being edited to make it look like the dog was in distress (clearly he was terrified of the rushing water and also had to be rescued from being trapped against a wall underwater, no matter how you edit it) to diverting attention to the motivations of the videographer (that is a separate issue altogether), all we get is excuses and distractions, rather than the film makers simply being appalled that this happened at all. I wish they just would have said they are looking into it and the people responsible would be punished. Animals should not be placed into severe anxiety-causing situations, just for our entertainment. Don't care that the dog wasn't in danger or that he wasn't hurt. He was afraid for his life. Sickening!

* Trump- so incredibly impulsive and reactive in all arenas. He is thin-skinned and responds with rude comments like a middle-schooler when he feels he's been slighted. He also has sweeping ideas for changes, but doesn't ever seem to be aware of all the ramifications. He should stop and consider the reaching effects before tossing ideas into the universe. I did have hope that people around him might be able to advise him to slow down and gather information before speaking, but it doesn't appear they are, or he is ignoring them. It may be a long four years.

* Many celebrities, some of whom I really used to like, are wallowing around in the mud with Trump, saying all sorts of idiot things. These annoying hypocrites are only validating his behavior. Ashley Judd read a poem calling him "...a man who looks like he bathes in Cheeto dust." (They all make fun of the way he looks, yet whinge on when he makes fun of the way people look.) Chelsea Handler said she wouldn't have Melania Trump in her show, because "she can barely speak English." (Xenophobe much?) SNL writer Katie Rich tweeted that ten-year-old Barron Trump "will be this country's first homeschool shooter." (I can't even. Just awful.) Rosie O'Donnell posted a video and tweeted that she thinks Barron is autistic. (What. The. Hell. What kind of person says that about a child on social media?)

* News flash: Despite what many say, he actually IS your president. Right now, this country is the worst example of democracy on the planet. For America to function, we respect the office and the results of the election. Our system has checks and balances for a reason. (Perhaps valued more now than ever.) We can voice our disapproval of the man and/or his policies, but if you rebel against the government and the democratic process itself, you're really getting into some scary territory. Children are seeing adults as sore losers and disrespectful a-holes, rather than thoughtful, good-hearted citizens with differing opinions on how to make our country the best it can be for everyone. Be positive! Be a good example for the children and young people around you.


Saturday 9: Brokenhearted (2012)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a girl who is eager and anxious for her new lover to call. Do you owe anyone a call? An email? A text? 

I need to call Crystal.

2) The lyrics are peppered with the informal English exclamation, "cheerio!" What pops into your head when you close your eyes and think of England?
Buckingham Palace interior. (We've been watching The Crown!)

3) This week's artist, Karmin, is a husband/wife duo who met at college, and that meeting changed the course of their lives and careers. Think of someone who has had a huge impact on your life. Did you know, as soon as you met, that this was going to be a life-changing relationship?
The moment I met Jeff, did I think it was going to be a life-changing relationship? No, I was just hopeful that if I was charming and funny in class, he might ask me out!

4) Though she sings about consuming tequila, the female side of Karmin, Amy, is a big proponent of healthy eating. She recommends organic foods that are free of pesticides, hormones, food coloring and added sugar. Think about your most recent meal. Was it a good example of "healthy eating?"
Egads, no. I had enchiladas, queso and sopapillas.

5) Husband Nick has his own Twitter account (@NickKarmin), but he doesn't use it often. His last tweet was back in August. What's the last thing you posted to social media? (No, your blog doesn't count.) 
On Facebook, I posted a reply to Kimberly at 5 a.m. this morning, when she was sad about the ending of La La Land. I said, "Yeah, I was conflicted about the ending, too. It could have been happy and wrapped up in a pretty ribbon, but instead, we're left with a wistful feeling. (It's sort of how I felt about the ending of The Vow.) I did absolutely love La La Land's beautiful cinematography and new take on the classic movie musical. The opening number was my favorite!"

The last thing I posted myself was back on November 8, 2016. Election Day. It was this:


Ha!

6) Karmin performed "Brokenhearted" live on Dancing with the Stars. DWTS is very big business for ABC-TV. So many people vote for their favorite couples each week that their phone and text systems often overload. Have you ever voted for a contestant on American Idol, DWTS, The Voice, etc.?
I voted quite a bit on the early seasons of American Idol.

7) In 2012, the year "Brokenhearted" was popular, the average cost for a gallon of gas was $3.91. In 2016, it had dropped to $2.40. When it's time to fill up your tank, do you shop around for the lowest price/gal.? Are you brand loyal and always return to the same station, regardless of price? Or do you just buy gas from the nearest station when you're running low?
I return to the same station all the time, unless I'm running really low and can't get there. Then I just go to the nearest one.

8) In 2012, the Space Shuttle Endeavor was retired and placed on permanent display at the California Science Center, a Los Angeles museum dedicated to encouraging excitement and enthusiasm about air and space travel. Let's say you had a long weekend to spend in Los Angeles. Would you go out of your way to see The Endeavor? What else would you like to do during your time in the City of Angels?
I wouldn't make a special effort to see The Endeavor, because I've seen shuttles before. Remember, my dad worked in the shuttle program at NASA! I would definitely see a few shows in a live audience. I'd probably also go to the Walk of Fame and go see the Hollywood sign.

9) While we're thinking about aviation ... Statistics show that it's still a predominantly male field, and less than 10% of commercial pilots are women. Would you be nervous flying with a woman pilot?
Not at all!

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Nocturnal Animals

Friday, December 23, 2016

Saw Nocturnal Animals yesterday. It was really good up until the very last moment. Then we weren't sure what to make of it.

I wasn't a fan of the first three minutes or so, though. Good grief. It just went on and on, and was SO incredibly random. Susan thought it was terrible, too, and it was her exhibit, so there you go. After that, I was sucked into the story and never let go.

Amy Adams and Isla Fisher in the same film! They're long lost twins, right?! Just when you thought you'd never seen them together, so maybe they ARE the same person... they do a movie together.

Anyhoo... I liked the film a LOT. Visually, it is beautiful. It seamlessly travels from present to past to writer's imagination and back around again. There are differences in color and textures among the three worlds, taking us from dusty west Texas to trendy LA to a couple's college days in the ol' ATX. I just couldn't wait to see what would happen from minute to minute.

I thought I had heard there was a surprising twist, so I was waiting for it. It is a great story, catapulting us into a very dramatic, but mysterious ending. We had to go to the net to get a crowd perspective on it. I'm not the only person to say out loud when the lights came up, "What was the point of all this?" I got The Matrix, y'all. It shouldn't be as complicated to figure out what happened in this movie.

Was revenge the point of it, for her leaving him all those years ago? I think that was the point. I mean there was an art piece in the gallery that said REVENGE, for heaven's sake. How many clues do we need? If so, I think the ending was too softened and needed a little more obvious realization and some sort of reaction on her part, that would have made it more clear. Perhaps Ford didn't want it to be that definitive.

See it for the sheer beauty and compelling story. Also, it will keep you and your movie date talking about it all the way home!

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This is a personal blog with no particular niche, or really any purpose whatsoever. Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom! Stalker...

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