The what?

I saw M. Night Shyamalan latest movie, The Happening, this weekend.

First of all, I am so sick of people mentioning the “dead people” move every time they talk about one of M.Night’s movies. I can don’t understand why people want to keep watching the same thing.

With that said, I have really enjoyed all of his movies. I am always happy to know when watching his films that the story will be original and character driven.

I thought that The Happening was well cast (loved Marky Mark and Zooey) and had an interesting premise. It really scared me. I feign to tell you that premise because I think it’s better to go in with an open mine. However, I won’t watch it again because it was entirely too graphic. People commit suicide in lots of different ways, and it feels WAY too real for me. There are some things in life that I am much happier to not think about. I still thought it was a well done movie and was happy to spend the time watching it. I would strongly suggest against allowing kids (there were a ton in the theatre!) or anyone even slightly prone to nightmares (me! Just look at my puffy eyes and ask me about my lawn mower dream.) to watch this.

Moonlight Drive... I'll be, the Irish loud...

I’ve been more than a little reminiscent lately. Tonight, I was looking for a letter that a friend wrote me and came across journals that I had to write for a class in high school. I always thought that my teacher was so amazing because he respected everyone’s thoughts and opinions and worshipped Jim Morrison. I even remember him doing his Jim Morrison impersonation in class to make everyone laugh. I loved that an adult treated me that way and was interested in finding out the things that I cared about. For instance, I loved Oasis at the time (Forgive me; I was only 15.), so he let me bring in a CD and we listened to it in class. It’s funny to think about it now because I thought of him as an adult but he was probably only like 22 at the time.
While reading over my old journals, I saw one where I asked him if I was a Beatle which one would I be. He answered John Lennon. I don’t know why, but that really just struck me and made me happy. I see it as an amazing compliment.

It’s interesting to read things like that. I feel like such a different person now. I thought that I was so grown up then, but I was so hyper and silly. But then again, I do feel like exactly the same person. I love old mementos. I love to reminisce and be reminded of things long forgotten.

And from one of my favorite books (The American Night: The Writings of Jim Morrison - man did I ever include some interesting writing in the margins) from the time period:

"As I look back

over my life

I am struck by post

cards

Ruined Snap shots

faded posters

Of a time, I can't recall..."

JDs in Hot Rods

I watched American Graffiti tonight and really enjoyed it. I remember watching it when I was younger and not thinking much about it. It was too soon for me. Part of the joy in watching it is how it makes you feel a nostalgic for your childhood. It doesn't make as much sense to watch it when you're still a child. I love the radio station playing throughout everything; it was so authentic and gave the movie a second layer that helped to develop a rich sense of place. Although it has been said many times before, thank you to George Lucas for preserving a fantastically ideal slice of Americana.

And whoa baby, if John (Paul LeMat) in that car isn't just the epitome of hunky masculinity, I don't know what is. I guess it probably all goes back to my middle class, Midwestern upbringing. All the men in my family fixed things and weren’t afraid of being greasy under the hood of a car. It's sort of old fashioned, but we're shaped by what is around us. I'm happy to cling to it and will keep on loving Paul Newman, Soda Pop Curtis, and Billy Idol.

Anyway, it gives me another reason to use my beloved "two bit hoods with hearts of gold" label.

“Idealists...foolish enough to throw caution to the winds...have advanced mankind and have enriched the world.” – Emma Goldman

Subtle Juvenile Humor

I found this photo back in my old baseball photos. I promise you that this sign was real and it stayed this way for well over a month. This joke just keeps getting better with time:

Happy Mother's Day

For Mother's Day, I went shopping with my mom in Orlando, and then we went to lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, Cafe Tu Tu Tango. If you like art and love fantastic tapas, then I suggest that you check it out. There was even a Friendly's across the street! I guess for most people that wouldn't be too exciting, but I grew up with one across the street from my house, and I still dream about those Reese Pieces sundaes.

Anyway, it was a great day, so I thought that I would share some photos:

At Cafe Tu Tu Tango:



And from a few years ago:

Apparently Sappy

I watched Bella earlier this week. It really struck me because it showed just how good people can be. Most days, we only hear about how horrible people are or how tragedy ruined someone, but this movie gave it quite the spin. It was emotional, but honestly emotional. I hate to give too much away, so I would just suggest checking it out.

Have I ever mentioned how much I value honesty?

I also rewatched P.S. I Love You last night. It's the same way in that it was honest and emotional. I don't think that someone you love has to die to feel that kind of sadness from their loss. Anyway, I was happy because I got to go to bed with Gerard Butler, Harry Connick Jr., James Marsters, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan on the brain. Hilary Swank, you were one lucky lady.

I already know I'm lazy...

I every intention to write when things are happening, but I don't. Oh well. Last week, I saw both Sheryl Crow and B.B. King in concert; it was quite the week.

First of all, Crow's new album is fun and thoughtful. It’s a very nice combination and great for a concert . She absolutely rocked live. I love it when an artist isn't afraid to play all of their hits. However, the drums were turned up so loud that you could barely hear her talking. I noticed that she has some weird fans. For example, I got stuck sitting next to a guy who I can only describe as smelling like a dirty hamster cage. He spent the majority of the evening mindlessly staring with no reaction to the concert. I have a feeling that he writes a lot of letters.

Seeing B.B. King was also quite the experience. Just hearing him play guitar gave me goose bumps. He was emotional and so full of life. He has some of the best fans that I've seen. One of my favorite things was watching him tell a story; when he said something anywhere near naughty, he'd laugh and bury his face in his hands.

BK Jackson opened for King. He was an energetic, talented sax player. He put on the best show.

And after recent conversations at work about band instruments, I have learned that the sax is the coolest of cool instruments. Although no one can beat Rob Lowe's sax playing in St. Elmo's Fire:


That clip even includes the most annoying line ever delivered in a movie - "Oh Billy!"