In the summer of 2000, my friend Phyllis and I attended the Enesco Regional Convention in Charlotte. If you don't know, Enesco is the company behind many of the collectible items (Boyds Bears, Cherished Teddies, etc.) which you can find in the greeting cards stores and gift shops at your local mall. Anyway, Phyllis was big into collecting Cherished Teddy figurines at the time, and I collect stuffed animals and dolls, so we used to spend a lot of time at a local collectibles store. Then Phyllis invited me to go to this convention, and the staff of our local store had a group going as well, so we hooked up with them when we got there. It was an all-day event and was a lot of fun.
Among our group were some other ladies from the Raleigh area - Alice and Cheryl. We sort of knew them from the store where we all shopped, so we sat with them at meals. As we got to talking, they brought up this club they were in back home - the Southern Paws Teddy Bear Collectors Club. The club got together every other month to appreciate bears with themed parties and raise money for charity. Alice and Cheryl invited us to come to their next meeting and think about joining the club. Phyllis joined that fall, and I followed a few months after.
Over the years we had many wonderful gatherings full of fun and laughter. Themes ranged from Mardi Gras to Teddy Bear Picnic to Back to School and, of course, Christmas. There was always a smorgasbord of yumminess, and usually contests or raffles for prizes. The charities we supported ranged from humane animal shelters to the ASPCA, among others, before we turned our focus on supporting one of our own - Cheryl, who was battling cancer. Sure, the club was about bears, but mostly it was about fellowship - when we got together, we spent more time talking and enjoying each other's company than we did focusing on bears specifically.
As time went by, some of the women left the club for various reasons - new job, a move, what have you. We had trouble recruiting new members, too. Our local collectible store had closed when the family moved on to other things, so we didn't really have a logical place to advertise the club. Then, as it often does, Life began intruding on the rest of the local members. What had been a very regularly structured meeting schedule began to shift to fit around the conflicts that can arise.
We were down to about 5 regular local members, with a few additional members who had moved away who would come back to one or two gatherings, when things started to get really difficult. Not the people, the things. In 2006 we barely managed to have two meetings. I missed the February one because of bad weather, I didn't feel it was safe to drive. The spring meeting got moved to mid-summer when the hostess had a family conflict. The fall meeting never actually happened. These were really the big indicators that the club was struggling. Looking back on it, I can see small ones before this time, but 2006 was when it became very evident. By Christmas of that year, the club officers had decided to disband.
Phyllis and I had both decided that we were going to leave the club at the end of the year anyway. I suspect that our decision had a large impact on the officers' choosing to end the club, and I regret that. I had chosen to leave because I was having greater and greater difficulty finding the time to attend meetings (when we had them) and to prepare for them (making themed gifts, creating entries for the contests, having any money to enter the raffles, etc.) as my work-life became busier and busier.
So the club broke up. All the money remaining in the treasury went to Cheryl as she continued in her battle with cancer. I think there were some bad feelings and misconceptions in the dissolution. I regret that, too. I was very fond of the ladies and really enjoyed our times together. It was very sad that circumstances brought us to such an end. I still think of the ladies with great affection and hope they are doing well. Just how life unfolds, I guess. Life, like love, bears all things.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
There Ought To Be A Word For That...
The church up the street from our apartment complex has one of those message boards out front - the kind with the removable letters so you can change the text on it to say different things at different times. Usually, it says some sort of inspirational slogan on one side and then has informative stuff (like when the congregational pancake breakfast is) on the other.
Back in December, it said: Prelude to Christmas - Dec. 7, 14 & 21. Bruce and I looked at each other and he said, "A Prelude to Christmas, you know, there ought to be a word for that." I agreed with, "Yeah, something that means 'waiting' and 'pensive anticipation.'" We found this very funny.
Now the sign says: 40 Days of Love, March 1 - April 9.
You know, there ought to be a word for that....
Back in December, it said: Prelude to Christmas - Dec. 7, 14 & 21. Bruce and I looked at each other and he said, "A Prelude to Christmas, you know, there ought to be a word for that." I agreed with, "Yeah, something that means 'waiting' and 'pensive anticipation.'" We found this very funny.
Now the sign says: 40 Days of Love, March 1 - April 9.
You know, there ought to be a word for that....
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Ergonomics
Have you ever experienced good ergonomics? I am not referring to lumbar pillows, arch supports, curved keyboards, or the like. I'm talking about those moments, large or small, when you are in perfect harmony with your environment. My personal favorite type of ergonomic harmony is when I have a bunch of errands to run on my day off and I can organize them in such a way that I go from one to the other efficiently, getting everything done that I need to in as smooth a manner as possible.
But I've been experiencing a lot of good ergonomics of late! For instance, cooking is a dream since our move last summer. It's just a delight to move about in harmony with my kitchen. Also, I have one day a week at work when I don't usually have any projects but my own to complete and I can usually set up my computer in an edit suite and plow through several tasks at once at a good clip. Then, the other day, I was driving home and I needed to pull up my socks. I had no trouble manipulating the brake pedal, switching feet as I adjusted the offending socks, and completing the whole maneuver before the light changed. Last night, I was watching a really good TV show while organizing some files in my sunroom, which is just off the living room. It was exceedingly easy, and comfortable, to stretch out on the floor while watching the show and then just turn to sort the files.
Ergonomic harmony makes me happy. Look around you. Do you have moments like these?
But I've been experiencing a lot of good ergonomics of late! For instance, cooking is a dream since our move last summer. It's just a delight to move about in harmony with my kitchen. Also, I have one day a week at work when I don't usually have any projects but my own to complete and I can usually set up my computer in an edit suite and plow through several tasks at once at a good clip. Then, the other day, I was driving home and I needed to pull up my socks. I had no trouble manipulating the brake pedal, switching feet as I adjusted the offending socks, and completing the whole maneuver before the light changed. Last night, I was watching a really good TV show while organizing some files in my sunroom, which is just off the living room. It was exceedingly easy, and comfortable, to stretch out on the floor while watching the show and then just turn to sort the files.
Ergonomic harmony makes me happy. Look around you. Do you have moments like these?
Monday, March 9, 2009
Who Watches the Watchmen?
When I was a freshman at Kalamazoo College I became acquainted with a guy who was a year or two ahead of me at school. I don't remember how we met, and I *think* his name was Eric, but what I do remember is that he was a fellow comic book geek...and he introduced me to Watchmen. This was back in 1986/87, well before the series became a trade paperback or hard-bound "Absolute" collection. Several issues were already out when I first met up with Eric, and thereafter I would go over to his dorm room to read the new ones as they came out.
The series is ground-breaking, thought-provoking, mind-bending, and just all around brilliant. Like the commercials say, it's "the most celebrated graphic novel of all time." Watchmen is written by Alan Moore, who is a prolific author of some of the best known graphic novels out there. Watchmen is definitely top of the heap. I loved it from the get-go, but didn't own my own copy until after Bruce and I were married (thank you, Santa!).
Like all the other uber comic geeks out there, I have been both anticipating and dreading a film adaptation for years. The story is so intricate - and gets so cerebral - that translating it to film seemed really tricky, and yet I could think of little I'd enjoy more than seeing the story on the big screen. When I saw the first trailer for Watchmen (attached to Bond last fall) I wept in the theater - it was so gorgeous and so well realized. Since then, I've followed various tidbits on the internet, seen trailers and still shots, and read a few choice blogs from folks who got to see sneaks. Everything looked good.
Last Friday, Bruce and I went to the 7pm showing on Opening Day. O M G.
It was everything I'd hoped for and more. Sure, the acting is not Shakespeare on Broadway quality, sure the story is just as heady and wordy and difficult as the comic, but DANG folks! It is a true and brilliant adaptation. It is the comic book on film. It was amazingly, awesomely, fantastic and I just want to go see it again...and again...and...oh, just watch for the DVD to get added to my Amazon list, okay?
Oh, and if anyone had a pool going, it was during The Comedian's funeral that I started to cry in sheer, rapt joy at the brilliance that is Watchmen.
The series is ground-breaking, thought-provoking, mind-bending, and just all around brilliant. Like the commercials say, it's "the most celebrated graphic novel of all time." Watchmen is written by Alan Moore, who is a prolific author of some of the best known graphic novels out there. Watchmen is definitely top of the heap. I loved it from the get-go, but didn't own my own copy until after Bruce and I were married (thank you, Santa!).
Like all the other uber comic geeks out there, I have been both anticipating and dreading a film adaptation for years. The story is so intricate - and gets so cerebral - that translating it to film seemed really tricky, and yet I could think of little I'd enjoy more than seeing the story on the big screen. When I saw the first trailer for Watchmen (attached to Bond last fall) I wept in the theater - it was so gorgeous and so well realized. Since then, I've followed various tidbits on the internet, seen trailers and still shots, and read a few choice blogs from folks who got to see sneaks. Everything looked good.
Last Friday, Bruce and I went to the 7pm showing on Opening Day. O M G.
It was everything I'd hoped for and more. Sure, the acting is not Shakespeare on Broadway quality, sure the story is just as heady and wordy and difficult as the comic, but DANG folks! It is a true and brilliant adaptation. It is the comic book on film. It was amazingly, awesomely, fantastic and I just want to go see it again...and again...and...oh, just watch for the DVD to get added to my Amazon list, okay?
Oh, and if anyone had a pool going, it was during The Comedian's funeral that I started to cry in sheer, rapt joy at the brilliance that is Watchmen.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March Comes In Like a Lion
Since it was all over the national news, you've probably heard (if you don't also already live here) that the Southeast got hit with some wintry weather to begin the month of March. Chez Loebrich South weathered the storm (pun intended!) with no problems.
It was pretty weird, though. Last Friday we hit 70 degrees with gorgeous sunshine. Then, on Saturday, it rained heavily all day and we struggled to get into the 50's -- plus there was fog so visibility while driving was sucky. Sunday the big front really began to pass over. It rained all day -- lightly for a bit, then really heavily for quite some time -- there were only one or two lulls in the storm during the day. We went out early for our Weekly Grocery Shop and were surprised to find only moderate crowds and ample foodstuffs at the store --usually just the threat of "weather" means a run on staple supplies.
Anyway, the big issue was the temperature. The high on Sunday was 36 and as the sun set the temps fell. By mid-evening it was snowing in Charlotte (2 and a half hours west of us) in big, fat flakes. Around 10, it began snowing in the Triangle. Monday morning, we woke up to 3 inches on the ground and a forecast high of 33...with wind. Nonetheless, after 20 minutes I had the car cleaned off (and had captured a few good photos of the snow!) and headed into work. The grounds at the station were gorgeous -- looked like a Currier and Ives Christmas card!
To be on the safe side, the producers decided we should record our program early so that folks could head home before the cold overnight temps (low of 16 last night!) made for black ice. Today it is sunny and cool, but most of the snow has melted and there are only patches of ice here and there where slush froze overnight. We're supposed to get back up to 70 by Saturday.
It was pretty weird, though. Last Friday we hit 70 degrees with gorgeous sunshine. Then, on Saturday, it rained heavily all day and we struggled to get into the 50's -- plus there was fog so visibility while driving was sucky. Sunday the big front really began to pass over. It rained all day -- lightly for a bit, then really heavily for quite some time -- there were only one or two lulls in the storm during the day. We went out early for our Weekly Grocery Shop and were surprised to find only moderate crowds and ample foodstuffs at the store --usually just the threat of "weather" means a run on staple supplies.
Anyway, the big issue was the temperature. The high on Sunday was 36 and as the sun set the temps fell. By mid-evening it was snowing in Charlotte (2 and a half hours west of us) in big, fat flakes. Around 10, it began snowing in the Triangle. Monday morning, we woke up to 3 inches on the ground and a forecast high of 33...with wind. Nonetheless, after 20 minutes I had the car cleaned off (and had captured a few good photos of the snow!) and headed into work. The grounds at the station were gorgeous -- looked like a Currier and Ives Christmas card!
To be on the safe side, the producers decided we should record our program early so that folks could head home before the cold overnight temps (low of 16 last night!) made for black ice. Today it is sunny and cool, but most of the snow has melted and there are only patches of ice here and there where slush froze overnight. We're supposed to get back up to 70 by Saturday.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oscars 2009
For those of you interested, we're batting about average at Chez Loebrich South with about 75% correctly guessed. Thank you Academy, it was a great show, good night!
Best Picture - Slumdog Millionaire
Yes! Whew! I was still scared of a split.
Hey, Lucy, I miss you! Wish you were here so we could compare notes over coffee in the newsroom tomorrow!
Best Actor - Sean Penn, Milk
Wow! The Academy hates him, he's too much of a "troublemaker" for them. His performance was brilliant, his message necessary, and, as surprised as I am, I am completely thrilled.
So why didn't they do this Legends presentation with Best Director? I can list a bunch of powerhouse folks I'd have loved to have seen up there....
Best Actress - Kate Winslet, The Reader
Yes! This was a splendid performance in a powerful movie.
Sophia Loren is still danged gorgeous! Classy.
Best Director - Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Yes! I was so scared this wouldn't happen. I'm still scared there's gonna be a split....
Classy. Bravo, bravissimo.
OK, if she's gonna sing, I'll let it go...'caue it's classy.
Oh, man! My dear Queen Latifah gets stuck introducing the Death Reel?
Bruce has been following the stats on Awards Daily for weeks. He's totally into handicapping the awards. He's so cute.
Foreign Language Film - Departures
Well, this is unexpected! We hadn't actually managed to see any of the nominees this year, but we were expecting Waltz With Bashir -- which looks like a brilliantly animated movie -- to take this one.
Original Song - "Jai Ho" Slumdog Millionaire
Well, I think I owe my coworker Dave a cookie. I was sure Slumdog was going to split the vote with two songs nominated in this category. Besides, so often the Original Song winner comes from the Best Animated Feature, especially if it's Disney or Pixar. Oh well, I don't mind. Slumdog was great fun and the song is pretty cool, too.
Wow! I am loving the Original Song performances! You know, overall the production values on this Oscar broadcast have been superb.
Original Score - Slumdog Millionaire
Wow. I actually didn't expect this one to go this way. Don't get me wrong, I'm rooting for Slumdog, but I love Danny Elfman...maybe he'll make another movie with Tim Burton and Johnny Depp...oh, the trifecta!
Film Editing - Slumdog Millionaire
Bruce is concerned that Slumdog won't sweep because it lost Sound Editing to The Dark Knight. :-(
Sound Mixing - Slumdog Millionaire
Bruce is funny. He's started saying, "anything but Benjamin Button." Sounds like me the year Titanic was up for everything. :-)
Sound Editing - The Dark Knight
Yay! This was a great movie, definitely in my top 5 this year, glad to see it winning more than just the expected.
Visual Effects - Benjamin Button
This is a bummer, actually. The Dark Knight and Iron Man were up in this, too. Another category full of deserving nominees. Wish I'd liked Benjamin Button more.
I love Will Smith! Too bad he didn't have a chance to write and perform a rap number for the Oscars!
OK, that's going to be one of the images in the paper tomorrow -- Philippe Petit balancing the Oscar on his chin!
Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger
Didn't we tell you this was a lock? It was also one of the most brilliant performances of the year, heartily deserving of a nomination and an award. It's really awful that the ending wasn't as happy as we'd all have liked it to be.
OK, I'm loving this, but where's my girlfriend Queen Latifah?
Hmm, I've got a great idea for the next X-Men movie (after the one this May)...anybody else see a remake of, say, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers cast with the students of Professor X's school? Or, maybe, as they're doing now, Grease.... :-)
Cinematography - Slumdog Millionaire
Yay!
Does anybody know if Cate Blanchett actually did her own dancing in Benjamin Button? I tried to figure that out on IMdB, but couldn't.
Makeup - Benjamin Button
Well, you know, prosthetic aging makeup is usually an Academy shoe-in. Actually, this seemed like the toughest category to me with Dark Knight and Hellboy II as the other nominees.
Not to speak too soon, but is anybody else impressed with clip at which this broadcast is progressing?
Costume Design - The Duchess
Well, duh. It's a costume drama, and a darn pretty one at that.
Art Direction - Benjamin Button
Wow. Has the sweep begun? (I hope not...although it was a pretty movie.)
That was too cute -- the Japanese man who won for Animated Short saying "Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto" :-)
Animated Feature - Wall-E
Well, duh. I realized that I hadn't listed this in our predictions below, but, well..duh. (Bolt was cute, too, though.)
Adapted Screenplay - Slumdog Millionaire
Yay! Has the sweep begun?
Original Screenplay - Milk
This was a surprise. It was a great movie, as I said before it's the right story at the right time, I just wasn't expecting it to win screenplay.
UPDATE 8:53pm: OK, this screenplay intro is hilarious!
Supporting Actress - Penelope Cruz
Yay! We called this one and we're glad it went this way because she really was good. Also, we're liking this having the past winners announce the awards. That was really touching. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of them play out.
UPDATE 8:33pm: Yay! Welcome back, Opening Musical Number! Nobody could've done it better than Handsome Hugh!
UPDATE 8:27pm: So, do you suppose Lou Horvitz is going to win another Emmy for directing the Oscars? Looks like they've got a pretty ambitious show planned. Stay tuned!
UPDATE 8:20pm: That was the best intro to the Price Waterhouse guys I've ever seen!! Plus I love the fashion commentary about what they're wearing! Yay, Price Waterhouse and the winning envelopes!
UPDATE 8:10pm: That is SO cool that they've got the ENTIRE CAST of Slumdog! Guess it's not like graduation where you only get like 4 tickets!
UPDATE 8:02pm: So, now it's onto ABC's coverage. Hey, Wayne -- I've got my popcorn and "E's and 3's"!
UPDATE 7:58pm: I love Robert Downey, Jr. I haven't seen Tropic Thunder, but I have always liked him as an actor. Did you see Iron Man? He literally rocked in that -- although Chaplin remains my favorite role from him. Ooh, he says they're working on a sequel to Iron Man. As a Marvel girl, I appreciate that, too.
UPDATE 7:55pm: Did I miss my boyfriend Johnny? I haven't seen him up the hotness factor yet....
UPDATE 7:38pm: So who had TOTALLY AMAZINGLY BURNING HOT in the pool for how Brad and Angelina would look? Because you were SO right - whoa!
UPDATE 7:36pm: I would be remiss if I did not mention how much I also adore Queen Latifah - so gorgeous and so talented and so awesomely cool! Can't wait to hear her sing later.
UPDATE 7:34pm: I am watching Ron Howard be interviewed right now. He has been in my Top 10 Favorite Directors for years, and not just because he looks a little like my dad. :-)
The stars are arriving on Red Carpet Way, the crazy "fluff packages" and interviews are all over E! Entertainment Television, we're having our traditional steak and Coppola wine with popcorn and M&M's waiting in the kitchen, it's the big night at Chez Loebrich South -- Happy Oscars!
Predictions:
Best Picture: Bruce - Slumdog Millionaire, Katy - Slumdog Millionaire, but I'd be happy if Milk won, too, just so long as Benjamin Button doesn't.
Best Director: Bruce - Danny Boyle (Slumdog), Katy - Danny Boyle (Slumdog), but I'd be happy if Dad's "twin brother" Ron Howard won, too.
Best Actor: Bruce - Mickey Rourke, Katy - Mickey Rourke
Best Actress: Bruce - Kate Winslet (The Reader), but he'd love it if Anne Hathaway won, Katy - Kate Winslet, but I could see Meryl Streep pulling it out, too.
Best Supporting Actor: Bruce - Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight), Katy - Heath Ledger, but Bruce doesn't think it's as much of a lock as I do.
Best Supporting Actress: Bruce - Penelope Cruzy (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Katy - Penelope Cruz, but this is a tough one.
Best Picture - Slumdog Millionaire
Yes! Whew! I was still scared of a split.
Hey, Lucy, I miss you! Wish you were here so we could compare notes over coffee in the newsroom tomorrow!
Best Actor - Sean Penn, Milk
Wow! The Academy hates him, he's too much of a "troublemaker" for them. His performance was brilliant, his message necessary, and, as surprised as I am, I am completely thrilled.
So why didn't they do this Legends presentation with Best Director? I can list a bunch of powerhouse folks I'd have loved to have seen up there....
Best Actress - Kate Winslet, The Reader
Yes! This was a splendid performance in a powerful movie.
Sophia Loren is still danged gorgeous! Classy.
Best Director - Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Yes! I was so scared this wouldn't happen. I'm still scared there's gonna be a split....
Classy. Bravo, bravissimo.
OK, if she's gonna sing, I'll let it go...'caue it's classy.
Oh, man! My dear Queen Latifah gets stuck introducing the Death Reel?
Bruce has been following the stats on Awards Daily for weeks. He's totally into handicapping the awards. He's so cute.
Foreign Language Film - Departures
Well, this is unexpected! We hadn't actually managed to see any of the nominees this year, but we were expecting Waltz With Bashir -- which looks like a brilliantly animated movie -- to take this one.
Original Song - "Jai Ho" Slumdog Millionaire
Well, I think I owe my coworker Dave a cookie. I was sure Slumdog was going to split the vote with two songs nominated in this category. Besides, so often the Original Song winner comes from the Best Animated Feature, especially if it's Disney or Pixar. Oh well, I don't mind. Slumdog was great fun and the song is pretty cool, too.
Wow! I am loving the Original Song performances! You know, overall the production values on this Oscar broadcast have been superb.
Original Score - Slumdog Millionaire
Wow. I actually didn't expect this one to go this way. Don't get me wrong, I'm rooting for Slumdog, but I love Danny Elfman...maybe he'll make another movie with Tim Burton and Johnny Depp...oh, the trifecta!
Film Editing - Slumdog Millionaire
Bruce is concerned that Slumdog won't sweep because it lost Sound Editing to The Dark Knight. :-(
Sound Mixing - Slumdog Millionaire
Bruce is funny. He's started saying, "anything but Benjamin Button." Sounds like me the year Titanic was up for everything. :-)
Sound Editing - The Dark Knight
Yay! This was a great movie, definitely in my top 5 this year, glad to see it winning more than just the expected.
Visual Effects - Benjamin Button
This is a bummer, actually. The Dark Knight and Iron Man were up in this, too. Another category full of deserving nominees. Wish I'd liked Benjamin Button more.
I love Will Smith! Too bad he didn't have a chance to write and perform a rap number for the Oscars!
OK, that's going to be one of the images in the paper tomorrow -- Philippe Petit balancing the Oscar on his chin!
Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger
Didn't we tell you this was a lock? It was also one of the most brilliant performances of the year, heartily deserving of a nomination and an award. It's really awful that the ending wasn't as happy as we'd all have liked it to be.
OK, I'm loving this, but where's my girlfriend Queen Latifah?
Hmm, I've got a great idea for the next X-Men movie (after the one this May)...anybody else see a remake of, say, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers cast with the students of Professor X's school? Or, maybe, as they're doing now, Grease.... :-)
Cinematography - Slumdog Millionaire
Yay!
Does anybody know if Cate Blanchett actually did her own dancing in Benjamin Button? I tried to figure that out on IMdB, but couldn't.
Makeup - Benjamin Button
Well, you know, prosthetic aging makeup is usually an Academy shoe-in. Actually, this seemed like the toughest category to me with Dark Knight and Hellboy II as the other nominees.
Not to speak too soon, but is anybody else impressed with clip at which this broadcast is progressing?
Costume Design - The Duchess
Well, duh. It's a costume drama, and a darn pretty one at that.
Art Direction - Benjamin Button
Wow. Has the sweep begun? (I hope not...although it was a pretty movie.)
That was too cute -- the Japanese man who won for Animated Short saying "Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto" :-)
Animated Feature - Wall-E
Well, duh. I realized that I hadn't listed this in our predictions below, but, well..duh. (Bolt was cute, too, though.)
Adapted Screenplay - Slumdog Millionaire
Yay! Has the sweep begun?
Original Screenplay - Milk
This was a surprise. It was a great movie, as I said before it's the right story at the right time, I just wasn't expecting it to win screenplay.
UPDATE 8:53pm: OK, this screenplay intro is hilarious!
Supporting Actress - Penelope Cruz
Yay! We called this one and we're glad it went this way because she really was good. Also, we're liking this having the past winners announce the awards. That was really touching. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of them play out.
UPDATE 8:33pm: Yay! Welcome back, Opening Musical Number! Nobody could've done it better than Handsome Hugh!
UPDATE 8:27pm: So, do you suppose Lou Horvitz is going to win another Emmy for directing the Oscars? Looks like they've got a pretty ambitious show planned. Stay tuned!
UPDATE 8:20pm: That was the best intro to the Price Waterhouse guys I've ever seen!! Plus I love the fashion commentary about what they're wearing! Yay, Price Waterhouse and the winning envelopes!
UPDATE 8:10pm: That is SO cool that they've got the ENTIRE CAST of Slumdog! Guess it's not like graduation where you only get like 4 tickets!
UPDATE 8:02pm: So, now it's onto ABC's coverage. Hey, Wayne -- I've got my popcorn and "E's and 3's"!
UPDATE 7:58pm: I love Robert Downey, Jr. I haven't seen Tropic Thunder, but I have always liked him as an actor. Did you see Iron Man? He literally rocked in that -- although Chaplin remains my favorite role from him. Ooh, he says they're working on a sequel to Iron Man. As a Marvel girl, I appreciate that, too.
UPDATE 7:55pm: Did I miss my boyfriend Johnny? I haven't seen him up the hotness factor yet....
UPDATE 7:38pm: So who had TOTALLY AMAZINGLY BURNING HOT in the pool for how Brad and Angelina would look? Because you were SO right - whoa!
UPDATE 7:36pm: I would be remiss if I did not mention how much I also adore Queen Latifah - so gorgeous and so talented and so awesomely cool! Can't wait to hear her sing later.
UPDATE 7:34pm: I am watching Ron Howard be interviewed right now. He has been in my Top 10 Favorite Directors for years, and not just because he looks a little like my dad. :-)
The stars are arriving on Red Carpet Way, the crazy "fluff packages" and interviews are all over E! Entertainment Television, we're having our traditional steak and Coppola wine with popcorn and M&M's waiting in the kitchen, it's the big night at Chez Loebrich South -- Happy Oscars!
Predictions:
Best Picture: Bruce - Slumdog Millionaire, Katy - Slumdog Millionaire, but I'd be happy if Milk won, too, just so long as Benjamin Button doesn't.
Best Director: Bruce - Danny Boyle (Slumdog), Katy - Danny Boyle (Slumdog), but I'd be happy if Dad's "twin brother" Ron Howard won, too.
Best Actor: Bruce - Mickey Rourke, Katy - Mickey Rourke
Best Actress: Bruce - Kate Winslet (The Reader), but he'd love it if Anne Hathaway won, Katy - Kate Winslet, but I could see Meryl Streep pulling it out, too.
Best Supporting Actor: Bruce - Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight), Katy - Heath Ledger, but Bruce doesn't think it's as much of a lock as I do.
Best Supporting Actress: Bruce - Penelope Cruzy (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Katy - Penelope Cruz, but this is a tough one.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Wanted
Nominated for Sound Editing and Sound Mixing (somebody please tell me which of those is foley work?!), Wanted is the story of an unhappy man whose life takes a sudden turn when a beautiful assassin enters the picture. In a matter of moments, Wesley learns he is the son of a professional assassin and a legacy member into their guild. Ditching his miserable life as an account manager with an unfaithful girlfriend and a two-timing best friend, he takes up with the assassin's guild and learns to be a killer. The lessons and insights he gains turn his life around.
This movie was a lot of fun. It had great humor in addition to an interesting plot and fabulous special effects. We saw this with our friends Ken and Cathy and we all had a good time and liked the film even more than we expected to.
Moms, no. Shoot-em-ups are definitely not your style, even funny ones.
This movie was a lot of fun. It had great humor in addition to an interesting plot and fabulous special effects. We saw this with our friends Ken and Cathy and we all had a good time and liked the film even more than we expected to.
Moms, no. Shoot-em-ups are definitely not your style, even funny ones.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Duchess
Nominated for Art Direction and Costume Design, The Duchess is the true story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire and her troubled marriage and political aspirations.
As you'd guess from the nominations, this is a beautiful movie. When it started, it was very slow and we were concerned that it wouldn't get better, but it did. The trials and tribulations of the main character were interesting in their complexity, but the performances were pretty standard and the costuming and the sets really were the best part overall. It was also interesting to get a bit of a peek at some royal history (Georgiana's brother is an ancestor of Princess Diana).
Our opinion of this film is that it was okay. My mom might enjoy it for the royal angle, but there's a lot of tension and mean husbands and things like that.
As you'd guess from the nominations, this is a beautiful movie. When it started, it was very slow and we were concerned that it wouldn't get better, but it did. The trials and tribulations of the main character were interesting in their complexity, but the performances were pretty standard and the costuming and the sets really were the best part overall. It was also interesting to get a bit of a peek at some royal history (Georgiana's brother is an ancestor of Princess Diana).
Our opinion of this film is that it was okay. My mom might enjoy it for the royal angle, but there's a lot of tension and mean husbands and things like that.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Frozen River
Nominated for Best Actress (Melissa Leo) and Original Screenplay, Frozen River is the story of a woman trying to support her family on limited means in upstate New York. When her husband walks out and takes the family's savings, she takes the desperate option of supplementing her meager paycheck by helping smuggle immigrants into the country from Canada. Her partner is a Mohawk named Lila who has been making a living this way for a while. The two women eventually bond over the similarities of the situation.
OK, I've liked Melissa Leo for years, and she was good in this movie, but I wasn't overwhelmed by the performance. In fact, I thought the actor playing her teenage son was the best performer in the movie. The plot is very basic and the other characters, as with Changeling, are fairly stereotypical.
Moms, this is definitely not up your alley. Other readers, choose as you like, I'm rather lukewarm about this one.
OK, I've liked Melissa Leo for years, and she was good in this movie, but I wasn't overwhelmed by the performance. In fact, I thought the actor playing her teenage son was the best performer in the movie. The plot is very basic and the other characters, as with Changeling, are fairly stereotypical.
Moms, this is definitely not up your alley. Other readers, choose as you like, I'm rather lukewarm about this one.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Visitor
Nominated for Best Actor (Richard Jenkins), The Visitor is the story of a college professor and the impact some unexpected friends have on his life. Walter has been living in Connecticut and teaching at the university for 20+ years. His late wife was a concert pianist and he has been searching to bring the music back into his life since her death. One day he is sent to New York City to present a paper at a conference because his co-author has been put on bed-rest for a pregnancy. He goes reluctantly and lets himself into the apartment he owns in the city -- where his wife would stay when she was performing and recording. Walter has not been to the apartment since his wife passed away, although he has maintained the lease. Much to his surprise, someone in the building has rented his apartment out to a young immigrant couple -- Tarek and Zainab. Despite the initial awkwardness of their situation, a friendship blossoms between the trio and changes all their lives.
This was a really good movie with some fine performances. Jenkins' nomination is well-deserved, to be sure. The characters, their development and their interaction are what make this film worthwhile.
Moms, maybe. There is definitely tension, but very little actual violence, and it is a moving story.
This was a really good movie with some fine performances. Jenkins' nomination is well-deserved, to be sure. The characters, their development and their interaction are what make this film worthwhile.
Moms, maybe. There is definitely tension, but very little actual violence, and it is a moving story.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Changeling
Nominated for Best Actress (Angelina Jolie), Cinematography, and Art Direction, Changeling is the true story of Christine Collins and her search for Walter, her missing son. Walter disappeared in 1928 on a day when Christine was called into work to cover for a sick coworker. Five months later the police recover a boy matching Walter's description, but he is not her son. Without the benefit of modern forensics, and needing good press, the police insist the boy is Walter despite Christine's protests. Instead, she is considered insane and committed to a mental institution under the pretext that she is an unfit mother for not accepting this boy. When she is proven right, with the aid of a local minister and other experts, the police department is put on trial. At the same time, a man who frequently kidnapped and killed missing children is also standing trial for his crimes -- one of which may be Walter's murder.
Well, the movie is gorgeous -- which you would expect with Art Direction and Cinematography nods -- and so is Angelina, who also proves (again) that she is not just a pretty face, but also a fine actress. But that's about it. The movie is very predictable and, because it's based on a true story, it doesn't actually have any resolution. Bruce said that, while Angelina's character was well fleshed-out and played, everyone and everything else seemed like stereotypes and caricatures. That's a pretty apt description. I was disappointed. I had high hopes for this film when it originally came out and was sorry I'd missed it in the theater, but it didn't live up to my expectations.
Moms, sorry, but "separation of mothers and children" automatically puts a movie in your "no" column.
Well, the movie is gorgeous -- which you would expect with Art Direction and Cinematography nods -- and so is Angelina, who also proves (again) that she is not just a pretty face, but also a fine actress. But that's about it. The movie is very predictable and, because it's based on a true story, it doesn't actually have any resolution. Bruce said that, while Angelina's character was well fleshed-out and played, everyone and everything else seemed like stereotypes and caricatures. That's a pretty apt description. I was disappointed. I had high hopes for this film when it originally came out and was sorry I'd missed it in the theater, but it didn't live up to my expectations.
Moms, sorry, but "separation of mothers and children" automatically puts a movie in your "no" column.
Monday, February 16, 2009
In Bruges
Nominated for Original Screenplay, In Bruges is the story of two hit-men sent to the Belgian city to await orders for their next job. While waiting, they take in some sights and happen upon a film crew shooting a movie. The younger hit-man introduces himself to a pretty girl with the crew and makes a date. Throughout their time in town the two men feel very out of place, trying to appear normal despite an unusual career, as they wait in the charming "old-timey" town that is Bruges, Belgium. When their next assignment comes, it is not what they were expecting.
Despite what you would think from that synopsis, this movie is hilarious! The coincidences upon coincidences that happen as these two men cross paths with other people in Bruges, and as parts of their own pasts are revealed, are so intricately clever. The performances are brilliant -- you'd expect no less from Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, and Ralph Fiennes -- and the story is definitely worthy of its nomination.
We didn't know what to expect going into this film, but we got was a fabulous dark farce that is exactly the type of comic movie we love. This one is definitely in my top 5 movies of the year, it's that good. It was also fun for me to watch because I've been to Bruges -- at Christmas, even, which is when the movie takes place -- so I enjoyed seeing the city again and I could relate to many of the things the main characters were doing.
Moms, sorry, this is way to violent for you, but non-squeamish readers up for a great romp in Belgium (where we know what they put on their fries and I've actually bought some that way from a street vendor in Bruges) should make check out this film!
Despite what you would think from that synopsis, this movie is hilarious! The coincidences upon coincidences that happen as these two men cross paths with other people in Bruges, and as parts of their own pasts are revealed, are so intricately clever. The performances are brilliant -- you'd expect no less from Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, and Ralph Fiennes -- and the story is definitely worthy of its nomination.
We didn't know what to expect going into this film, but we got was a fabulous dark farce that is exactly the type of comic movie we love. This one is definitely in my top 5 movies of the year, it's that good. It was also fun for me to watch because I've been to Bruges -- at Christmas, even, which is when the movie takes place -- so I enjoyed seeing the city again and I could relate to many of the things the main characters were doing.
Moms, sorry, this is way to violent for you, but non-squeamish readers up for a great romp in Belgium (where we know what they put on their fries and I've actually bought some that way from a street vendor in Bruges) should make check out this film!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Penelope Cruz), Vicky Cristina Barcelona is the story of two American women and their summer in Spain. Vicky is working on a graduate thesis which would benefit from first-hand study in Spain and she happens to have a distant relative, Judy, who lives in Barcelona. Judy and her husband, Mark, invite Vicky to come for the summer so she can finish her paper before her fall wedding to fiance, Doug. Vicky brings her best friend, Cristina, an artistic dreamer who has just made a short film, but is still trying to figure out what she wants to do in life. One night after an art gala, the girls meet Juan Antonio, a painter who recently broke up with his wife in a messy tabloid scandal, and there is instant chemistry - both the good and the bad kind.
The movie follows the two girls, and the companions in their outer circle, through their summer of discovery. All sorts of hijinks ensue. In the end, everyone learns something about who they are and who they want to be.
Penelope Cruz plays Juan Antonio's troubled ex-wife. She is amazing in the film! She totally nails the role of high-strung, off-balance love of Juan Antonio's life. She is at once flamboyant, crazy, scary, tender, and sheltered. Her character is the sounding-board and the mirror from which the other characters gain their insights and develop in their own right. Definitely a nomination-worthy turn.
It's probably also worth noting that everything in this movie is gorgeous. The actors, the scenery, the shots...a visual treat.
We did not want to see this when it first came out, even though it's a Woody Allen film. I thought it was just going to be a bunch of dumb people having sex in Spain. Turns out that was just a minor point to the movie and actually performances and plot rose way above it. We were both more than pleasantly surprised.
Moms, well...my mom could probably see this and might enjoy it since it's in Spain and parts of it are actually in Spanish...as long as she keeps in mind that there is casual sex. Bruce's mom probably wouldn't be all that interested in the film, though.
The movie follows the two girls, and the companions in their outer circle, through their summer of discovery. All sorts of hijinks ensue. In the end, everyone learns something about who they are and who they want to be.
Penelope Cruz plays Juan Antonio's troubled ex-wife. She is amazing in the film! She totally nails the role of high-strung, off-balance love of Juan Antonio's life. She is at once flamboyant, crazy, scary, tender, and sheltered. Her character is the sounding-board and the mirror from which the other characters gain their insights and develop in their own right. Definitely a nomination-worthy turn.
It's probably also worth noting that everything in this movie is gorgeous. The actors, the scenery, the shots...a visual treat.
We did not want to see this when it first came out, even though it's a Woody Allen film. I thought it was just going to be a bunch of dumb people having sex in Spain. Turns out that was just a minor point to the movie and actually performances and plot rose way above it. We were both more than pleasantly surprised.
Moms, well...my mom could probably see this and might enjoy it since it's in Spain and parts of it are actually in Spanish...as long as she keeps in mind that there is casual sex. Bruce's mom probably wouldn't be all that interested in the film, though.
Kung Fu Panda
Nominated for Best Animated Feature, Kung Fu Panda is the story of Po, a panda who is fascinated with kung fu, and how that changes his life. When it is revealed that the kung fu masters must choose who will be the Dragon Warrior in order to defend their home from enemies, Po is unexpectedly thrown into the midst of the situation by being chosen. He must overcome his own difficulties and learn kung fu in a very short time in order to protect his home. In the end, he learns something about himself as well.
This is a pretty typical movie. The plot is exactly what you'd expect, the jokes are exactly what you'd expect, the ending is exactly what you'd expect, etc.. That said, it's a cute film. It's not an animation masterpiece, but it's a fun movie to watch.
Moms, maybe. There's a lot of martial arts fighting, but it's all cartoon...you decide.
This is a pretty typical movie. The plot is exactly what you'd expect, the jokes are exactly what you'd expect, the ending is exactly what you'd expect, etc.. That said, it's a cute film. It's not an animation masterpiece, but it's a fun movie to watch.
Moms, maybe. There's a lot of martial arts fighting, but it's all cartoon...you decide.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
We took a break from our Annual Oscar Push to catch something a little more "traditional" for us during a nice evening out with friends.
Set several hundred years in the past, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is a prequel to the other two films in the series -- Underworld and Underworld: Evolution. The movie tells the story of Lucian, the first of the genetically-engineered (bred, not bitten) werewolves. He and his kin were created by Victor, ruling-elder of a vampire coven, to serve as the vampires' slaves and protectors. Lucian eventually leads his brethren to rise up against their vampire masters.
This creation myth was originally told in Underworld, as a back-story, and is fleshed out here in its own film. So, if you've seen the first one, you know exactly what's going to happen. However, it was fun to see anyway. Lots of cgi action, vampires and werewolves fighting, dark and rainy vistas, etc.. A terrific way to spend Friday The 13th with friends!
(As an aside, it was also interesting to note that the actor playing Lucian is the same guy who plays Sir David Frost in Frost/Nixon. That's a broad repertoire, eh?)
Set several hundred years in the past, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is a prequel to the other two films in the series -- Underworld and Underworld: Evolution. The movie tells the story of Lucian, the first of the genetically-engineered (bred, not bitten) werewolves. He and his kin were created by Victor, ruling-elder of a vampire coven, to serve as the vampires' slaves and protectors. Lucian eventually leads his brethren to rise up against their vampire masters.
This creation myth was originally told in Underworld, as a back-story, and is fleshed out here in its own film. So, if you've seen the first one, you know exactly what's going to happen. However, it was fun to see anyway. Lots of cgi action, vampires and werewolves fighting, dark and rainy vistas, etc.. A terrific way to spend Friday The 13th with friends!
(As an aside, it was also interesting to note that the actor playing Lucian is the same guy who plays Sir David Frost in Frost/Nixon. That's a broad repertoire, eh?)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Nominated for Make-Up, Hellboy II: The Golden Army is the story of how Hellboy, Liz, Abe, and new team member Johann Krauss take on Prince Nuada as he attempts to raise the titular Golden Army. As you can probably also guess, it's a sequel.
I wanted to see this movie when it first came out -- because I am almost always up for a comic book adaptation film and I enjoyed the first one -- but our friends all poo-pooed the idea thinking the film would be dumb. Well, it's no art film or epic drama, but Hellboy II is cute and fun. Oh yeah, and the make-up is darned good, too...as you would expect. (In fact, this is probably the tightest category this year!)
Moms, although it is funny and does have a happy ending of sorts, probably not. Anybody else up for renting a "popcorn flick," check it out!
I wanted to see this movie when it first came out -- because I am almost always up for a comic book adaptation film and I enjoyed the first one -- but our friends all poo-pooed the idea thinking the film would be dumb. Well, it's no art film or epic drama, but Hellboy II is cute and fun. Oh yeah, and the make-up is darned good, too...as you would expect. (In fact, this is probably the tightest category this year!)
Moms, although it is funny and does have a happy ending of sorts, probably not. Anybody else up for renting a "popcorn flick," check it out!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Wrestler
Nominated for Best Actor (Mickey Rourke) and Best Supporting Actress (Marisa Tomei), The Wrestler is the story of an aging professional wrestler trying to come to grips with his life on the verge of "has-been-dom." He finds a kindred spirit in a stripper at the local bar he frequents and their friendship helps him move forward despite the setbacks of ill-health and self-doubt.
There are some really intense moments in this movie, but there are great performances to go along with it. There's a lot of humor and a lot of humanity, too. If we were watching this in film class back at K College, Professor Bogart (really, I took film from Dr. Bogart!) would have asked us to interpret the ending, but I think it's best left up to the viewer's own interpretation. I was left wondering whether my prediction from yesterday would actually come to pass, because Rourke's performance really is terrific and the Academy may well decide that the Golden Globe wasn't enough on its own.
Moms, uh, no, sorry. You really don't want to see grown men in tights beating each other up.
There are some really intense moments in this movie, but there are great performances to go along with it. There's a lot of humor and a lot of humanity, too. If we were watching this in film class back at K College, Professor Bogart (really, I took film from Dr. Bogart!) would have asked us to interpret the ending, but I think it's best left up to the viewer's own interpretation. I was left wondering whether my prediction from yesterday would actually come to pass, because Rourke's performance really is terrific and the Academy may well decide that the Golden Globe wasn't enough on its own.
Moms, uh, no, sorry. You really don't want to see grown men in tights beating each other up.
Defiance
Nominated for Original Score, Defiance is the true story of a group of Jewish brothers who escaped the slaughter of their village in Belarus, established a camp in the woods, and eventually saved 1200 people from the Holocaust.
Daniel Craig steps away from his role as Bond to play the eldest brother here. There are several good performances and some amazing cinematography mixed in with the moving story. Oddly, the soundtrack seemed predictable to me; ironic since that's what earned an Oscar nod for the film. Anyway, a local paper gave this movie a bad review...it wasn't that bad. Sure, you pretty much know what's going to happen, there's a lot of historical fact to support your own second-guessing of the plot anyway, but it is still a film worth watching.
Except for our mothers, of course, I mean, come on, it's about the Holocaust, definitely not one for you, moms.
Daniel Craig steps away from his role as Bond to play the eldest brother here. There are several good performances and some amazing cinematography mixed in with the moving story. Oddly, the soundtrack seemed predictable to me; ironic since that's what earned an Oscar nod for the film. Anyway, a local paper gave this movie a bad review...it wasn't that bad. Sure, you pretty much know what's going to happen, there's a lot of historical fact to support your own second-guessing of the plot anyway, but it is still a film worth watching.
Except for our mothers, of course, I mean, come on, it's about the Holocaust, definitely not one for you, moms.
Frost/Nixon
Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Frank Langella), Best Director (Ron Howard), Adapted Screenplay, and Editing, Frost/Nixon is the story of Sir David Frost's famous post-Watergate television interviews with former President Richard Nixon. Based on the stage play, the movie recreates the time and circumstances surrounding the interviews as well as the tapings themselves.
I had really high hopes going into this film and I was not disappointed! Ron Howard has been one of my favorite directors for years and this movie certainly shows his skill -- the pacing is masterful, the shot choices great, and above all, the performances are spectacular. In fact, it's the brilliant acting that really sells the film. Langella's portrayal of Nixon is truly amazing -- definitely Oscar-worthy. Throughout the movie I just kept thinking, "THIS is how it's done."
Moms, make your own call here. It wasn't a great time in history, but it sure is a good movie.
I had really high hopes going into this film and I was not disappointed! Ron Howard has been one of my favorite directors for years and this movie certainly shows his skill -- the pacing is masterful, the shot choices great, and above all, the performances are spectacular. In fact, it's the brilliant acting that really sells the film. Langella's portrayal of Nixon is truly amazing -- definitely Oscar-worthy. Throughout the movie I just kept thinking, "THIS is how it's done."
Moms, make your own call here. It wasn't a great time in history, but it sure is a good movie.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Brad Pitt), Best Supporting Actress (Taraji P. Henson), Best Director (David Fincher), Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Art Direction, Costume Design, Makeup, Visual Effects, Editing, Sound Mixing, and Original Score, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is the most nominated movie of the year. Based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the film follows the titular Benjamin through his life...an odd life which has him aging backwards, born as an old man and slowly growing younger. He experiences the world from his unique perspective meeting and connecting with people, many of whom become extremely important to him, along the way.
OK, folks, my description of this movie is, "it's better than Titanic." The two movies are a lot alike -- they're beautiful, they've got great effects and talented actors, there's a deep and lasting love story beneath the rest of the plot, there's great tragedy and tension -- but they're cotton candy movies. Sweet, pretty, but not substantive. Sure, I cried at some points in the movie (and I bawled during Titanic), but afterward I was left thinking "okay, that's done." The plot is really predictable (during Titanic I was actually quoting dialog before the characters even said it, which I didn't do here) and the pacing is terrible. The film is SO long and moves SO slowly. There were parts I liked -- good acting, some great cinematography -- but all in all I didn't think it was all that and a bag of chips.
Moms, probably not. In addition to the tension and trauma, Benjamin serves in World War II and sees violent action.
OK, folks, my description of this movie is, "it's better than Titanic." The two movies are a lot alike -- they're beautiful, they've got great effects and talented actors, there's a deep and lasting love story beneath the rest of the plot, there's great tragedy and tension -- but they're cotton candy movies. Sweet, pretty, but not substantive. Sure, I cried at some points in the movie (and I bawled during Titanic), but afterward I was left thinking "okay, that's done." The plot is really predictable (during Titanic I was actually quoting dialog before the characters even said it, which I didn't do here) and the pacing is terrible. The film is SO long and moves SO slowly. There were parts I liked -- good acting, some great cinematography -- but all in all I didn't think it was all that and a bag of chips.
Moms, probably not. In addition to the tension and trauma, Benjamin serves in World War II and sees violent action.
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