Northgraves on the Hill

President Logan Is Back: A Reason to Watch "24" Again!

2009-11-01T23:17:00.002-05:00

According to Michael Ausiello, King of the Scoop, the fantabulous Gregory Itzin is coming back as (ex) President Logan on 24! Oh joyous day!

The first ever season of 24 I watched was season 5, where Logan/Itzin was featured prominently as the at first buffoonish, ultimately creepy-evil traitorous Commander-in-Chief. It was a Macbethian performance, perfectly pitched and one that bounced well off Jean Smart's unhinged Mrs. Logan. Overall the season was impeccable, and Itzin was the best. One of the greatest injustices in Emmy history is his loss in the 2006 Best Supporting Actor race (Seriously, why did Alan Alda have to get it? He'd won four previous times!).

Well, then season 6 came along, and it wasn't nearly as amazing. Deceased President David Palmer's younger brother, Wayne, was president, and a very wimpy one at that. The preposterousness of Jack's brother and father being evil masterminds, and Audrey's strange miming affectation were beyond what I'd come to accept from the series.

It's strange to think there's only been one season since then (Thanks, Writer's Strike!). I didn't get a chance because of London, and not this summer either.

With the news of the return of Logan, I am definitely watching 24 again this upcoming season. And I am sooo excited!

"Modern Family" Hilarity

2009-11-01T15:57:00.000-05:00

Modern Family is a pretty great show, though I haven't quite been able to put my finger on what I like about it so much . I have only rarely laughed out loud during the episodes, but the combination of ridiculously true hilarity and sweet lessons learned is very well balanced.

However, this week the show produced many more genuine belly-laughs, in a variety of ways. First, I found this amazing music video for free on iTunes.

As a preface, watch this segment from the episode two weeks ago.

The reactions are the best part.

So, the free video on iTunes was this.

I was laughing/crying the whole first two times I watched this. Little video extras are what really make shows I like shows I love. The world of the show becomes incredibly vivid and real. And this week's episode of Modern Family was the most hilarious to date, at least to me. Best part: the following. Cameron: "It's not unlocked!!!! Oh, oh. That is amazing, how did they do that? Did it come from space?"

Pet Peeves: My Fickle, Fickle Self

2009-10-31T13:08:00.000-04:00

In my Writing for Series TV class we have to write a spec script for one series, and I chose the addictive, hilarious, creepy HBO show True Blood. After cramming both seasons, I was as hooked as Amy and Jason are to V. And, in all honesty, the very attractive cast doesn't hurt the situation.

One of the shifts during the second season was baddie vampire Eric's (Alexander Skarsgard's) gradual and modest softening. He became much more interesting and attractive (because I'm a sucker for wounded tough guys, as evidenced by Sawyer).

Knowing the arc Skarsgard's character goes through, I thought when I went back to season 1 Eric would be really appealing. But watching it all over again, I did not like Eric. And I think this has something to do with it.

I have a major issue with guys and long hair. It's an instant turn off in my books. I couldn't even look at Hugh Jackman when he grew out his hair for Van Helsing, and to this day have never watched that movie. Sawyer's hair can get a little ridiculous at times, and is the limit of what I can accept on guys.

I know it's picky and fickle, but I just can't help it. All I can say is, thank goodness Pam had to cut Eric's locks.

"Lost": YEEESSSSSSSS...but NOOOOOOOOO!!

2009-10-30T20:25:00.004-04:00

A little more than a month ago, just before Hobbit/Lost Day I had a realization I've been avoiding since last season's finale — this next season is Lost's last. Ever. There will be no more.

I had some tears, I won't lie. Consequently this is a very, very strange time for Losties. It's the last time that the show is not on that there is still the joy of looking forward to it coming back for more, new, craziness, time jumping, character development, and hopefully more than a few answers.

What brings this to relevance now is an EW article that featured a trailer for the final season of Lost. The video featured on the site is ok, but this one is even better.

The beautiful music! The color inverted and off/sound intro! The symbolic meaning of seeing all the castaways getting on Oceanic flight 815 for the first time! The flashes of the future they have not experienced (or maybe the one they now will never experience?)! And that crazy NEW plane crash! WTF, WHY THE FACE?!?! That never happened before! What does it mean?! ARRRRGGHHHHH!!!!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: Sara Ramirez

2009-10-28T19:16:00.001-04:00

I really like Grey's Anatomy — it's a solid soap, and provides me with my cathartic tears for the week — but sometimes the show and the cast can seem a bit too serious. Take, for example, front picture of the cast on the show's Hulu homepage. Everyone looks so dour.

Well, I take that back. There is one person giving a huge, happy smile. Thanks, Sara Ramirez, for fully appreciating the stability of being on a hit show, having pretty good storylines and writing (at least so far this season), and the general hotness of the cast surrounding you.

Also, she was fab-u-lous in Monty Python's Spamalot. Check it out.

The Ithacan: "The Invention of Lying" Review

2009-10-21T00:26:00.003-04:00

Ricky Gervais is a funny guy. I've really enjoyed his appearances presenting at the Emmys the past few years, this year (I totally did not notice his jacket was green when first watching the show — spiffy!) and last year. He's even hilarious going off the cuff with Elmo.

However, I didn't enjoy his latest film as much. It's not necessarily his fault in the acting department, but he could have done a better job as a writer.

Predictable comedy hinders film

By Anne Gould Northgraves Staff Writer | October 8, 2009

Imagine a world without lies of any kind. People are always honest — at times brutally so. For those who subscribe to an “honesty is the best policy” point of view, a truthful world may sound ideal. However, such a straightforward existence also entails no fiction, so movies within this world merely consist of readers reciting history lessons, and there’s no deeper meaning behind a characters’ actions. Everything is exposed directly on the surface, which makes for amusing circumstances but no real emotional connections.

This world is exactly what is depicted in the new film “The Invention of Lying.” The premise is mildly entertaining, but the movie is unable to balance the amusing frankness of the characters and the deeper emotional resonance of protagonist Mark Bellison’s (Ricky Gervais) problem of being the first and only person capable of lying. Moments of humor and grief that strike true do not complement each other or add to the cohesive structure of the plot.

Gervais, the British comedian responsible for television favorite “The Office,” brings the best of his self-deprecating humor to the film as its co-director and co-writer. There are plenty of laughs, especially in the first half of the film, at the expense of Gervais’ “fat, snub-nosed” physique. Anna (Jennifer Garner), the object of Bellison’s affection, is particularly hilarious in her upbeat, earnest and cutting honesty toward Mark, by directly telling him he is not in her league.

There are a number of cameo appearances, from quirky television staples Tina Fey, as Mark’s disparaging secretary, and Jeffrey Tambor, as his diffident boss, to Academy Award nominees Philip Seymour Hoffman and Edward Norton as a clueless bartender and a skittish police officer, respectively. The actors clearly enjoy the opportunity to be callously honest in a role, and their joy is palpable.

In addition, there are some genuinely poignant moments. When Mark invents the idea of a happy eternity after death so his dying mother will not be afraid, Gervais gives a glimpse of his convincing emotional range. The moment in the film could be interpreted as an indictment of the artificiality of organized religion.

Despite the quality of the awkward interactions between the truth-tellers and Mark, as well as the emotional depth of Mark’s relationship with his mother, the overall story has several major problems. The most glaring issue is the lack of a proper backstory for the relationships of the film. Other than Anna’s attractiveness and sweetness, no reasons are given to explain why Mark is so enamored with her, nor is there an explanation of how the two met and ended up on a date together.

Similarly, throughout the film Mark confides in Greg (comedian Louis C.K.), who is assumed to be Mark’s good friend. However, the film never explains how or why they are so close — Mark simply walks into a bar disturbed by his newfound ability to lie and begins talking familiarly with Greg.

The climax of the film is rather anticlimactic and predictable, with Mark merely getting the courage to directly confront Anna about his feelings. Had Mark and Anna truly grown as characters, the film would be a much more solid piece overall.

Gervais and his writing and directing partner, Matthew Robinson, have a great deal to learn before moving from remotely successful comedies to unified and meaningful works of fiction.

“The Invention of Lying” was written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson.

What the Frick?! "Heroes" Channels "Lost"...Again

2009-10-20T17:07:00.002-04:00

When Heroes first came out in 2006, I refused to watch it, thinking it was just NBC's attempt at finding it's own Lost. The comic-book-like show had strange sci-fi circumstances, a large cast of complex characters dealing with extraordinary events surrounding them, and a serialized story of epic proportions — all things just like Lost. Some of my high school friends were into both show, but I couldn't. Lost takes most of my devotion.

Over the years, Lost had a few episodes here and there that were less than stellar, whereas Heroes has slid into a creative nadir. And that's not just my alligence to the other show talking. Numerous fans of the NBC once-juggernaut have said so themselves: see here, here, and here.

I've watched a few episodes recently, mostly because I am crushing on Zachary Quinto after the amazingness that was Star Trek (and he was holding a baby in a photo from an episode, so of course I had to watch it). But the most recent episode really got my goat when I saw it was entitled "Tabula Rasa." Um, excuse me, Heroes, that was the title of Lost's third episode — a Kate flashback. So please stop trying to be Lost. Thanks.

One note on Heroes' "Tabula Rasa" — love the purple plaid shirt on Quinto that exposes a bit of chest hair. Don't love the long hair on him.

Here's the good version of "Tabula Rasa."

That's Funny, Cause He WAS Shakespeare!

2009-10-17T13:14:00.002-04:00

I wonder if that line was written because Joseph Fiennes was Shakespeare...in Love.

I Never Experienced THIS Side of British Men

2009-10-13T23:00:00.002-04:00

This is one funny video. I have no idea from what programme (if we're being British) the clips come from, but I'm interested in finding out.

I didn't laugh out loud — or rather gasp — until 2:57 in.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Bryan Singer and "X-Men" Together Again?

2009-10-11T21:18:00.003-04:00

Wonder of wonder, miracles of miracles! There is a possibility that Bryan Singer will return to directing X-Men movies! There is no end to the exclamation points, as there is no end to my excitement!

According to EW.com, Singer mentioned at the Pusan International Film Festival in South Korea that he is “still looking to possibly returning to the X-Men franchise"! Let us supplicate ourselves to the film gods to ensure that this happens! (Seriously, there's no stopping this!) If there were any (film) event I would use a time machine to go back and change, Singer's exiting the franchise would definitely be it. (It stopped! Oh no, it's back!)

Here's a tasty morsel to remind us of the good ol' days, and hopefully prep for the future return to awesomeness.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: I Spy...

2009-10-10T16:40:00.003-04:00

So, I have a really busy weekend — tons of writing to do for classes/midterms next week. However, I had to take a moment for a post I've been wanting to do for a long time.

I'm very easily excitable and have a real knack for recognizing faces and voices of actors. Put the two together and you get random bursts of squealing from me whenever I spot an actor who shows up in several shows I love. It's been happening a lot recently: I rewatched an episode of Life and noticed the actor playing a homeless man is also Sheriff Dearborne on True Blood, and then I also remembered he was Oldmann, the truth-serum making Dharma-version-of-Sayid on Lost. And the woman who plays Jessica on True Blood, Deborah Ann Woll, was also on an episode of Life. Exciting stuff (if you're me)!

What tipped the scale in favor of writing this post was the appearance of three brand-spanking new SQUEEE moments on Thursday's episode of FlashForward*. First, Joseph Fiennes' character's AA sponsor talks to a bartender (who's just serving him soda) who turns out to be Cassidy, aka Sawyer's baby-mama, on Lost. Then Joseph Fiennes' wife on the show — played by Penny from Lost — is randomly having lunch with Zoe from Firefly**. Those were pretty neat moments for me, but the pièce de résistance was noticing that the German security officer was played by they guy who was Captain Englehorn in Peter Jackson's King Kong (though it's not a TV show connection, it still counts as excitement in my book).

* I really feel like FlashForward is just one big modge-podge of actors from other projects. I know actors have almost always been in other projects before, but this show is full of them. The FBI LA office director was the chief on Law & Order: CI, Joseph Fiennes is Shakespeare in Love (and should NOT be talking with an American accent), his wife is Penny*** from Lost, the other FBI agent is Harold from Harold and Kumar, the man Penny is going to have an affair with is Commodore Norrington from Pirates of the Caribbean, etc.

** Though FlashForward revolves around an interesting concept and has some funny moments, I think my inability to remember characters' names and only refer to them by the actor's name or a different character they've played is a bad sign that I'm not invested in the show.

*** Seriously, she will always be Penny.

What the Frick?! Crazy Babies

2009-10-05T21:27:00.004-04:00

I love kids, and can't wait to have them (someday, in the future (but not too far into the future)). But HELL. TO. THE. NO.

What I could deal with much more, getting pregnant two times in one month.

Buzzsaw: "Community" Review

2009-10-04T13:01:00.002-04:00

This semester I am writing for Buzzsaw, a student-run magazine on campus, in addition to The Ithacan. I've learned a lot of the newspaper, such as working on a deadline and the broader points of AP style, but Buzzsaw is great because I get to show much more of my own style in what I write. Here's my first piece, a review of the new Joel McHale-headlined NBC comedy Community.

Community Holds Promise of Many More Laughs to Come

By buzzsawmag-import | September 27th, 2009 | Family, Ministry of Cool

By Anne Gould Northgraves

Joel McHale is a much funnier, taller, and generally less toolish version of Ryan Seacrest. But until recently, the multi-job-juggling– and the concurrent success– had belonged to the American Idol/E! News/Radio Host. However, with McHale’s high profile headlining NBC’s new comedy Community, about a misfit group of community college students, the comedian is poised to rival Seacrest’s domination.

McHale, and the show in general, is off to a relatively good start. He stars as Jeff, a fast-talking lawyer going back to school to get a legitimate diploma (when asked if he has a degree from Columbia, Jeff replies, “And now I have to get one from America”). And while it is a treat to see a character so unabashedly devious, Jeff treads a fine line between garnering corny sympathy and being too much of a haughty cad to care about. Whether McHale and the writers maintain the balance or veer too far in either direction remains to be seen.

The rest of the cast, while archetypal, complement each other nicely. Filling out the Spanish study group, we have a prim perfectionist with a drug-addicted past (Alison Brie), a mom looking to improve her job prospects (Yvette Nicole Brown), a “dumb” jock feeling societal pressures (Donald Glover), a geek of mixed Middle Eastern descent and a bad case of verbal diarrhea (Danny Pudi), a high school drop-out as idiosyncratic as she is attractive (Gillian Jacobs), and a pompous old man as much interested in spreading his (supposed) wealth of knowledge as he is in learning new things (Chevy Chase).

Pudi, Glover, and Chase are particularly hilarious. In the race for my favorite line of the night, Chase’s pitch-perfect delivery of the line “I am a prominent business leader, and a highly sough-after dinner guest” just beats Glover’s clueless, “You seem pretty smart, you’ve got a sport coat.”

This is only a small sample of the vast amounts of dialogue that fly by with alarming speed, and it is the highlight of a slightly uneven script. Any pilot has to navigate mounds of explication necessary to establish the various characters and general tone of the show. Doing so without any hiccups is almost impossible.

Community throws out information so fast, that the show is occasionally bogged down by it. Even so, the amount of great exchanges, zingers, and witticisms is so high that appreciating them all definitely requires repeat viewings.

Everything that is good about the show is certainly due to its excellent pedigree. Community’s creator and executive producer, Dan Harmon, also co-created the absurdity-filled The Sarah Silverman Program, while executive producers/directors/brothers Anthony and Joe Russo were directors of Arrested Development. The later series had a definite influence in the quick pace and rapid-fire dialogue of Community, and if the genius of Arrested is any indication, that bodes incredibly well for the freshman series.

Given the past performance of those involved, the potential the premiere episode points to and the next episode’s addition of The Hangover scene-stealer Ken Jeong as Spanish teacher Senor Chang, Community definitely passes.

Community is on NBC Thursday nights at 9:30. Catch up with by watching the premiere on nbc.com or hulu.com.

Random Quote: The Unintentional Hilarity of Bill

2009-10-04T12:41:00.004-04:00

I've become a big (BIG) fan of True Blood. The show is such a unique mix of creepiness, hilarity, social allegory, and fantasy. The LOL moments are my favorite, and I don't laugh harder than when old-fashioned vampire Bill Compton gets flustered or formal. Take the following exchange —

Bill: Are you gonna leave or am I gonna have to throw you out. Through a window. That is closed!
Sookie: Bill, that is just rude.

There are no Bill quote compilations on youtube that aren't set to music, and I cannot abide music fan videos, and therefore will not subject you to them.

Random Quote: It's Hip to Be a Square!

2009-10-02T00:38:00.005-04:00

The video on this link on (of course) EW.com is a-maze-ing. (Also check out Kelly Paul's comments). But the best thing about the Sesame Street Mad Men parody — besides the use of sycophant on a children's television show — is how it brought so many other videos to my mind, and my knowledge.

First, I started looking up clips that played when I was little for a little stroll down memory lane. I remember a ton of great segments: "It's Hip to be a Square," "Cereal Girl," "Great Balls of Fur," "Reach for the Sky" and so, soo much more. Check out these classics.

* I had a slight convulsive episode watching this. I just loved this song so much!

Maybe this is where the seeds for my CSI/forensic love were planted?

I then had to check out some classic famous people I remembered, only a few of which I actually recognized as famous when I was watching. Robin Willams I did know. This is one of my favorites. His shirt is also fantabulous.

And I don't remember this song, but I definitely remember Randy Travis' jacket.

Youtube also showed me some fun recent celeb appearances. You can look them up, but is are my favorite. Jack Black is still Jack Black, and I guess it fits, since he is just a giant child. "Eight stunning angles!"

Aww, memories.

Community = Joyful Good Times

2009-10-01T17:41:00.003-04:00

Community is one of the many new shows I wanted to check out with the start of the new Fall TV season, because I love Joel McHale and it just looked funny. The good news is, it IS good. Very good, in fact. See my review of it in Buzzsaw (the link will go in once the site is up). Here's a clip!

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Best Site Ever: Funny Or Die

2009-09-30T03:55:00.003-04:00

Most people have probably heard of Funnyordie.com, the website run by Will Ferrell and company. The site has some amazing videos, including my personal favorites The Landlord, pointing out how Ironman is cooler than Batman, and Puppies! (Though many videos are NSFW — so watch out!)

Anywho, I really can't stand the new Latisse product — why would anyone need to grow more eyelashes, that's what mascara is for! Especially when your eyes can change color, or other awful things could happen, not too far from what is described below.

Lashisse from Molly Sims

Gross, hilarious, and sickening, because it's kinda true.

Dilemma: The Dangers of "Lost" Devotion

2009-09-28T22:17:00.001-04:00

Newsflash: I love Lost. I know - what a shock, right? Well, sometimes such unbridled devotion can be a baaad thing. For example: whenever I overhear total strangers talking about Lost, I struggle to not jump into the conversation, and if the mention incorrect information, I die a little bit inside doing the "normal" thing and not budding into their discussion. Though this is something many people struggle with.

Another example: when money is on the line. I hate spending money, but I do not mind shilling out for this dear, dear show. I've bought/pre-ordered all the previous four seasons, and in the process always got them for under $40, which is a big added bonus when drama season DVDs usually go for around$60. However, ABC/Universal went and decided that randomly, for the fifth season they would FINALLY put out a special edition box set. Look at this beautiful thing.

According to this website and contributor Peter Sciretta, this is only the conceptual artwork. But my, isn't it beautiful?

It's going to have the five discs, a VHS tape (!), and I'm assuming some cool pamphlets or something. But the VHS tape and and special edition-ness of it makes this a DVD worth buying. Lost has never put out a special DVD set, so I would assume they have some pretty great stuff for this. Also, the set (which is normally $119.99) is only $79.99 at Amazon (double !!).

But here's where my crazy type-A-ness comes in — if I were to get the Dharma Initiation Kit, as it's being called, it would not match my previous Lost DVD sets. Here they are. Aren't they pretty?

This is the regular season 5 DVD, which goes along with the previous jacket designs.

It is another serious pet peeve of mine when the companies change the style of the DVD jackets. Have they never heard of consistency? So the uniformity of Lost's is something that I really appreciate. Also, the regular edition is a cheaper $38.49 on Amazon ($59.99 otherwise).

So do I go for hopefully (but not guaranteed) awesome extras at a relatively good price, or cheaper similar packaging with pretty good extras?

I would pray on the subject, but I don't want to get smitten (or smote? Smoted?) by God for bothering him with something completely trivial.

The Ithacan: "The Informant!" Review

2009-09-28T18:38:00.005-04:00

First review of the semester. This was a decent film, and I give it a better review than I actually felt about the film, because from an objective point of view it was very good, it just did not tickle my particular funny bone.

Damon fills out role as informant

By Anne Gould Northgraves Staff Writer | September 24, 2009

Describing “The Informant!” is as complex as the plot. And just as each character in the film has a different view of the complications and events, every viewer is going to have a different opinion on the movie’s merits — which is part of its charm.

The plot appears simple at first: Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon), a pudgy executive at a corn processing company, becomes an FBI informant when he learns of a global corn-lysine price-fixing scheme. But Mark is a compulsive liar with delusions of grandeur. Unable to untangle his own lies, Mark eventually finds himself on trial for criminal activities. While Kurt Eichenwald’s book treats this as a thrilling tale of corporate espionage, director Steven Soderbergh takes a much different view. Imagine drawing from Soderbergh’s own body of work: The winks and nods of humor from the “Ocean’s” series combined with the serious corporate fraud of “Erin Brockovich,” but concerning corn by-products instead of pollution.

“The Informant!,” based on the nonfiction book of the same name (minus the exclamation point), exposes the absurdity of the situation to the audience even as the characters are dead serious about the multiple frauds going on. And the types of fraud differ greatly: corporate espionage, price-fixing, embezzlement and lying to the FBI, to name a few. But the many twists could potentially confuse the audience. Even someone who enjoys the general tone of the film will have a difficult time keeping track of the truth beneath the lies, in part because more lies are always being revealed.

Under the convoluted twists of deception and fabrication is an aura of absurdity created by Mark’s deceit. Soderbergh, also the cinematographer on the film, puts a yellow-orange tint on most of the movie — mirroring Mark’s excited personality and colorful inner dialogue. The tone and bright background age the feel of the film, giving it a more authentic ’90s vibe.

Even more than the overall color palette, the music of “The Informant!” is vital to establishing the mischievous tones in each scene. Prolific composer Marvin Hamlisch, the mind behind Broadway’s “A Chorus Line,” penned the upbeat score and garners widespread laughs from the entire audience. It was made to contrast scenes of great ruin and success on the part of Damon and the other actors.

Though the entire ensemble excels in the subtlety required to make the situations real, the film belongs to the inspired performance by Damon. He is hardly recognizable, having gained roughly 30 pounds for the role and hiding under a bad wig and an unfortunate moustache. These physical changes help effectively establish Mark’s cluelessness, from checking on his secret-recording equipment during a meeting to wanting to remain the president of a company he is trying to take down. Wardrobe aside, the biggest insight into Mark’s, and Damon’s, greatest triumph in the film is the off-topic, stream-of-consciousness narration he provides.

Almost never pertinent to the subject discussed during the scene, Mark’s disconnected thought process provides both humor and a window into his world, where in the end everything has a purpose.

“The Informant!’s” complex structure and combative stories make it a difficult film to gain interest in. However, with a basic understanding of the plot, an open mind to let the story develop and a sense of humor, “The Informant!” definitely deserves to be seen.

“The Informant!” was written by Scott Z. Burns and directed by Steven Soderbergh.

The Ithacan: Resident ducks make a splash

2009-09-28T18:00:00.007-04:00

With a new semester back at Ithaca comes a new group of The Ithacan articles! This first piece was not something I proposed — my editor Michelle had the story, and I volunteered to cover it. It was a bit of a difficult write, because obviously I couldn't talk to my subjects, other than getting a "quack quack," and it was a bit hard to find an angle on. My initial write up was scratched, rightfully so, because it didn't have a cohesive tone or subject. My second draft was a lot better, and after a final tweak to the lead, or "lede," it was done. And I actually got article of the week for the whole paper, which was nice!

Resident ducks make a splash

Two domesticated ducks make their mark on campus as friendly, personable celebrities

By Anne Gould Northgraves Staff Writer | September 17, 2009

Frank and Whiskey spend most of their mornings making their way from the Public Safety pond to the Roy H. Park School of Communications among groups of students and faculty. The journey is long for their little, webbed feet, but the rewards are plentiful as the bold pair approaches people, begging for breakfast.
With their human-friendly behavior, these two mallard ducks have gained a great deal of notoriety in a short amount of time.
Junior cinema and photography student Kristyne Fetsic, who began seeing the ducks this semester, said she already has an affinity for them.
“I’ve seen them outside just this year,” Fetsic said. “I call them Frank and Whiskey.”
Her name for the ducks would be more fitting if the two were male, but the lack of color on their heads and their overall muted coloring indicates that the two are, in fact, females.
Kit Straley, junior biology major, is especially interested in ducks and said she was shocked by the ducks’ interest in humans.
“One of the first days we were back … we were going to stop at Park, and they were just sitting outside,” Straley said. “I’ve always really liked ducks. I got really excited, and I slowly approached them, and then they just both stood up and ran over to us, which was a big surprise.”
This is the first semester these particular ducks have been seen by students. However, a pair of equally friendly ducklings were noticed this summer by junior psychology major Jacqueline Baum.
“I was here over the summer, and there were two baby ducks that were following everybody around,” Baum said. “We tried to leave them alone, and they kept following us around, so we had to wait ‘til they fell asleep, and then we ran away. We didn’t want to disrupt nature.”
Baum said she believes they are the same ducks because they make identical sounds and one of the ducklings had deformed wings, a trait shared with one of the Park School ducks.
“I assume they were the same ducks because they sound the same; they don’t really quack so well,” Baum said. “There’s one who has a wing stuck up in the back.”
In Straley’s close interaction with the ducks, she has observed the same deformity in the wings of one of the birds.
“Its wings were almost turned inside-out,” Straley said. “They fold out and up and stuck up like little spikes on its back, instead of [lying] down flat.”
Animal ecologist and assistant professor of biology Leann Kanda also observed the ducks and believes the malformation — and subsequently their inability to flee from humans — led students to start feeding one of the ducks. When the other noticed, it began begging for food as well.
“Since [the duck] couldn’t fly away when danger was approaching … basically it was stuck there,” Kanda says. “It started getting lots of attention. It started getting lots of food. And so its sibling said, ‘Hey, food.’”
To some it is very tempting to feed these cute animals. However, doing so is not in the ducks’ best interest. Straley said feeding bread to the ducks is not healthy.
“It’s bad for them,” she said. “Just like if you only ate bread.”
Sergeant Ronald Hart of Patrol and Security Services said he has responded to several complaints that the ducks, while not dangerous, are a bother.
“They don’t bite,” he said. “They can’t harm you. They’re more of a nuisance. We’ve had calls from people who’ve gone in [the building], and the ducks have walked in the building behind them.”
Kanda said the ducks’ comfort around people is more understandable given that they live on a college campus.
“Birds on campuses, [which are] very human-dominated landscapes, are always much more domesticated,” Kanda said. “They get used to humans being around that aren’t hurting them.”
Another reason not to feed the ducks is the hope that they might return to normal habits and participate in this fall’s migration. Straley said she noticed the deformed duck’s wings have been improving.
“Over time its [wings have] been sticking out a little bit less,” Straley said. “ I still can tell which one’s which because they act very different. But in terms of their wings, they now look exactly the same.”
This is positive news for all those who have become attached to the birds.
Straley said the ducks are becoming quite famous, starring in parts of several student projects.
“I took pictures of them for intermediate photography, and someone else used them for a CP class for a film called ‘Duck Films,’” Straley said. “They’re like celebrities.”
“I like them,” Baum said. “They’re kind of like the Park mascots now.”

A Brand New Day, a Brand New Blog (Format)

2009-09-28T12:35:00.005-04:00

I've been wanting to spice up the blog for a while, and thought this picture in the header (scroll to the top, take a gander) was fitting and rather pretty. Also, I really didn't like how the width of the main content would adjust to how wide the internet window was. I need to have things be uniform, and tend to freak out, visibly or internally, when things change.

In the process of changing the template, I could not find a format with fixed sizes that was wide enough to accommodate the width of the Hulu videos I so often put in my posts. BUT I discovered how to adjust templates! It's a very daunting task, just look at all that html code:

So I was able to make it wide enough. How happy I am with myself.

9/22: The Day of Supplication to the TV Gods!

2009-09-22T17:27:00.003-04:00

I was just coming back from an event at Church, when I ran into my friend, Kelly (Paul). We chatted for a minute before she said, "Oh, and Happy Hobbit Day."

"What?" I said.

"Hobbit Day," Kelly said, expecting me to already know.

After a moment, I suddenly realized. "September 22, yes!" I said with glee. "Happy birthday Bilbo and Frodo!"

But then, a strange sensation came over me. I went back, remembering...

WWWOOOOSSHHHH

September 22, 2004. It was a simpler time. I was just starting my sophomore year in high school. The Red Sox were only just in the running for the wild-card race - again. My sister had just started her freshman year at Fairfield. We had just gotten a new couch in the den where our TV is. And there was a hole in the television landscape where Friends and Frasier had been.

Then, at 8 pm, everything changed.

Feel free to watch the whole episode over again. I'll wait. Because it's worth it.

Beautiful, ain't it?

WWWWOOOSSSSHHHHH

Back in the present day, I begin to squeal uncontrollably.

That's right. Happy Lost Day everyone! Five years ago today ABC brought us what is arguably one of the most important shows in the last decade, if not the history of prime-time TV. Oceanic Flight 815 crashed on a strange Island. They were not rescued. They heard a monster. Jack was a doctor with control issues. Kate was a fugitive with a heart of gold. Charlie sang "You all everybody" and gave up drugs. Sawyer was a wise-ass con-man. Hurley was a chill dude except when the numbers were involved. Sayid was an Iraqi tech guy looking for love. Claire was pregnant with possibly a magic child. Jin was Korean and seemed mean to his wife. Sun was the stifled Korean wife who secretly spoke English. Michael was the rash father. Walt was his "special" son. John Locke was the wise bald man who used to be paralyzed. Boone was the do-gooder rich boy. Shannon was his spoiled step-sister. Vincent was the yellow lab. Rose was the spiritual older woman who believed her husband - also on the plane - survived.

What a simpler time it was! The cast aways were concerned about where the water was coming from, what they should do with the fuselage. There were no Others, no distinct knowledge of Smokey. No Dharma, no hatches (at least not the interiors), no buttons to push, no shootings, no Benjamin Linus, no ageless Richard, no time-bending/nose-bleeding, no Freighter invasions, no getting back to the Island, no flashes besides those that when back, no giant statues, and definitely no Jacob.

Though events on Lost have gotten quite complicated, it's still a character-driven show with all the big questions of life and death in this extreme situation. The bigger meanings are the subject of many theorizings — Doc Jensen is my personal favorite, especially his (and Dan Snierson's) Totally Lost videos — but I've never had the head for figuring out that stuff by myself. I just love the complex people that have been created, their interactions with each other, how they have grown and changed, and what they are willing to do in the crazy world that is the Island.*

There's also a lot of fun that happens on the show and because of Lost. Here are my personal favorites:

Charlie's physical comedy when trying not to read the kidnapped Claire's diary. It's so simple, yet sweet, endearing, and still makes me laugh.

"What?" It needs no more explanation. Ben has the best ones. Obvs.

Another compilation that makes my heart very happy, because it's Sawyer-centric. The nicknames are very inventive, which is a credit to the writers, but Josh Holloway's deliveries make them more than just witty, they become sublime. This is seasons 1-3, for seasons 4-5, see here.

My favorite fake video is a classic from season 1, but it still makes me laugh soooo much. "You know what, I'm sensitive to you."

Lost Rhapsody originally came from the first season, with the use of cutouts and Weird Al's version of "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Bohemian Polka." Though the original was great because it was the first, the second's beautiful rotoscoping and spot-on lyrics make it just that little bit better.

That's a heck of a lot of videos (and I could easily add at least 3 more). But I'll just leave this little taste, and let you look around for yourselves. It's the least we can do to celebrate the wonderful contribution to arts and entertainment that Lost will always be.

* Also, Josh Holloway is a great, and greatly attractive, actor. Those gratuitous shirtless scenes make all the bad worth it.

** We cannot forget Hobbit Day as well. Here's a video that addresses both joyous occasions to celebrate this day.

Best Site Ever: The Onion

2009-09-08T19:58:00.003-04:00

The Onion, the hysterical fake-news group, has been around for a while — twenty years in fact. It was doing Jon Stewart before Jon Stewart did Jon Stewart. I've also known about it for some time, between watching their clips on Hulu, and I recall my sister giving my father an Onion book for Christmas a long time ago.

But it just struck me that this is my new favorite site (after EW.com, that is. My love for that site is like my love for cheese. Sure I eat other things, but I can and do eat cheese all the time). Exhibit A of why you should love The Onion too:

Facebook, Twitter Revolutionizing How Parents Stalk Their College-Aged Kids

It's funny 'cause it's true.

P.S. - Thank you, Mom and Dad, for not being involved in either of those sites.

Are Any Films NOT Improved by Being 30 Seconds...and Reinacted by Bunnies?

2009-09-06T20:18:00.004-04:00

I have to admit, I was one of the very few people that did not like March of the Penguins that much. It was almost universally loved, but I just did not find the film that compelling and it was rather tedious, despite the adorableness of the animals and the kick-ass narration by A+ voice talent Morgan Freeman.

However, whist surfing the wild web yonder I rediscovered Starz 30-second Bunny Theatre. And their version of the film is much better (or just hilarious), what with the pretty decent Freeman mimicry, and the line "This is a story of survival and hot penguin loving." Check it out.

Want to get a load of the many other films that are just as, or even more, amazing when they are 30-seconds and re-enacted by bunnies? Check out angryalien.com. They are also rentable on DVDs!

The Baywatch Run: Renaissance Style, and Other Observations from the Hilarity That Is "Much Ado About Nothing"

2009-09-02T16:56:00.005-04:00

Upon initially starting Kenneth Branagh's 1993 all-star film adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing, I was just going to write a little post about how hilarious the opening montage is. But the film as a whole became so over the top funny — both in the dialogue and the staging — this is going to be a bit longer.

But let's start at the very beginning (it's a very good place to start). If you want to watch the rather beautifully structure beginning, feel free to watch this video from the start (say what you will about Branagh, but his choice to start with the bard's own words before the actor/director/writer's images is incredibly respectful). If the hilarity is all you care about, skip ahead to about 5:36.

It's just a genuinely and generally hilarious opening. Sure, you could view the slow mo riding montage of the men returning from war as an emphasis on male dominance, but I see it as a rather delicious display of attractive men (Denzel Washington, Keanu Reeves, Branagh, Robert Sean Leonard) for my viewing pleasure, a la the Baywatch run - hot yet ridiculous at the same time. And the following scene of the group bathing ups the WTF? ante.

All of the flirtatiously cutting dialogue between Benedick and Beatrice is comedy gold, and the idiocy of Dogberry and the other justice-servicemen is as insane as Quince's acting troupe in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Dogberry's lines, "Marry, sir, they have committed false report; moreover, they have spoken untruths; secondarily, they are slanders; sixth and lastly, they have belied a lady; thirdly, they have verified unjust things; and, to conclude, they are lying knaves," crack me up every time.

But it's really the little things that made this movie amazingly hilarious...or hilariously amazing (take your pick). The mere presence of Keanu Reeves, so pretty in the face, with nothin' really going on upstairs. The creepy oil rubdown his manservant was giving him. Branagh's line inflections ("have ^you?", the peacock call) and silent movie-schtick with the folding chair. Michael Keaton's co-opting of his Beetlejuice speech patterns for Dogberry.

Thanks for all the fun, Shakespeare (and you too, Mr. Branagh).

I Want My 'Bones' Right Now!

2009-08-31T00:34:00.002-04:00

I hear this Bones teaser trailer for the new fifth (fifth?!) season has been out for a little bit. But a perfect storm of interruptions — moving back into college, the Bones Hulu page for some awful reason not wanting to play anything, most of the campus' internet going out over the weekend — prevented me from seeing it until just time moment. And my, what a wonderful thing it is. There is honestly nothing I do not like about it, from the delightful intro by Glee's Jane Lynch (though I personally feel a bit lukewarm about that show, any dose of Jane Lynch is a good dose of Jane Lynch), to the underground death pit (not that I like death, but it's a fresh kind of murder-site).

Enjoy!

Looks like serious fun! And from what I hear, the premiere is typical Bonesian fun. This trailer also taught me a valuable lesson, for just when I thought the most attractive Boreanaz could get was sporting a big ol' smile and a sharp suit, here he is sporting a big ol' smile and some delicious scruff.

Which is the best Boreanaz look? Discuss.

Pet Peeves: Inaccurate Pictures

2009-08-13T21:12:00.004-04:00

I first saw the term "pet peeve" in The Simpsons Forever! book - and I initially thought it had to do with pets. I still don't know quite where the term comes from, but now I know that it basically means "things that annoy me." And that pet peeves are my specialty. From my mother's CHHMMM EEEEMMMGGGMM throat-clearing to anyone who throws away food.

So, one of my irrational pet peeves is mislabeled/misrepresented entertainment information. And Hulu, though I love it so, just committed a major boo-boo. In the scrolling list of recent Hulu additions there is a page for Lost: Season 1 (above). Yet clearly Desmond, Juliet, Ben, Daniel, and Miles (hiding behind the title) were NOT in Season 1. Judging by those characters and the lack of certain others I'd say this is either Season 4 or 5, probably 5. This happened in a previous Hulu ad for Lost: Season 1 showing a promotional shot for Season 2. I could forgive that, because most of the characters were the same. But using Season 4/5 is a huge discretion in time. Fail, Hulu.

Fail.

What The Frick, Monday?! Or Is It Bad to Have Homicidal Feelings Towards a Day?

2009-08-10T17:19:00.007-04:00

I mean, you can't actually murder it. And I don't think, even if there was a physical incarnation of a day of the week, I would carry out the wicked deed (I can't even bring myself to look at roadkill). Maybe I'd just throttle it a little bit.

Yeah, that's the kind of day I've had. A real bad case of the Mondays.

Listen, children, and you shall hear WHY it's been so awful I just ate some apple pie (ok, it was a quarter of a pie (well, a quarter minus approximately 1.5 bites)) (but it had fruit in it!) (and I had a small lunch of a salad and an apple!!).

Negative: I didn't get a ton of sleep, and was really lethargic all day.
Positive: I had stayed up watching LOTR.
Negative: There was a dead fox on the road into work.
Positive: I only found out about it from others, as I did not see it driving in or driving out!
Negative: Forgot to put the Netflix in the mailbox.
Negative: The cable was not working this morning, nor this afternoon.
Negative-Positive-Triple-Negative (resulting in a Double-Negative): I called Comcast, and got hustled around, though in the midst of the phone call the channels started working again! Then the lady said I had to leave the TV on for 20 minutes while it readjusted. The channels turned off. One hour and twenty minutes later, STILL NO CHANNELS.
Negative: Ithaca College decided to change Webmail, in an attempt to make it...cooler? More like iGoogle? More confusing? Harder for me to quickly check my e-mail? The worst addition to the Internet since Crazy Frog?
Negative: I wanted to check my mealplan and housing stati (real word? Mac spellcheck says it is) on Ithaca's Homerconnect site. It's not working.
Negative: After a call to Residential Life, there is no chance of us getting into an apartment until mid-September at the earliest.
Positive: This:

Thanks, television...on the Internet.

Hulu, once Again You Rock My Heart! This Time, to Space(ed)!!

2009-07-24T18:41:00.003-04:00

I've heard that some people get into relationships with their DVRs. They record things you love, suggest others you might, and when they're temperamental, your whole world smashes to pieces.

Well, I wouldn't know. But what I DO know is that I think I'm starting to fall in love with Hulu. Sure, I've been expounding its virtues for a long time, but that was more like a bit of a crush. But after logging in today and watching the flipping menu to see what new offerings there were, what should I behold? Only one of my favorite. Shows. Ever. No, not Lost (there's a good chance they should be there soon though). Nor Arrested Development (they're already there). Or Firefly (again, Hulu's already got it). Its Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes nee Stevenson's amazing Channel 4 1999-2001 series Spaced, about a pair of new friends who pretend to be dating in order to get a flat.

To celebrate/entice additional obsessees, here's an admittedly longis clip (this is showing a lot of restraint). Hopefully you'll enjoy. If not, well, let's say irreverent modern British humor is not everyone's cup of tea.

What's It All About, Andy Rooney?

2009-07-12T20:10:00.003-04:00

Whist flipping around the telly this evening, I happened on footage of fruit and an old man saying "mangoes." Well, of course I had to check it out. At the sight of shaky old hands and a distinctive whiny voice I realized it was Andy Rooney talking about fruit. And what was he saying about fruit? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. All I gathered from it was 1) There are a lot of fruits, 2) most are exotic, 3) Andy has not tried/does not like most of them, and 4) tomatoes should be with vegetables.

The complete uselessness of this segment of 60 Minutes got me thinking: what use does Andy Rooney serve? It's not his age - though I can't quite understand why, at 90, he doesn't want to take a break, go fishing, or take a nap in an easy chair - I mean, 87-year-old Christopher Lee has at least 5 films yet to be released, Maya Angelou is 81 and still working, and Sean Connery is still an inspiration to women around the world at 79. I guess I just have no stomach for solely opinion-based commentary when done is such an obnoxious manner.

Also, he didn't like mangoes. And, well, I have no use for people who don't care for mangoes. But that's just my opinion.

Random Quote: Miles Makes My Day

2009-07-08T21:59:00.003-04:00

"You owe me a fish taco!" - Miles Straume, Lost

P.S. - In the process of finding an appropriate clip for Miles (there is an extreme lack of them, I have to say), I found a MILES/KATE romance video. Not to get too Grey's-Anatomy on y'all, but Seriously?

Seriously?

Summer Doldrums Are Hereby Interrupted By The Amazing Bender Bending Rodrguez!

2009-06-12T23:15:00.003-04:00

Ah summer (Not Glau. Which isn't a surprising link to make if you'd been watching several episodes of Firefly [and the commentary] like I have). Between a near-week-long trip to Harrisburg to spend some much-needed time with my Ithaca people I missed while in London, hanging with my pEEps, a lack of universal internet in the house, attempts to read and clean my room, and the all-consuming entity that is summer television I haven't been able getting online much. I mean, seriously. It's like the universe wants me to be a big fat blob. Bones marathons. CSI marathons. Nights with Conan and the increasingly amusing Jimmy Fallon.

But man, I'm making time for THIS glorious news. Futurama is back! Sweet Hypno Toad's Heiny. Let's all jump on the Planet Express Ship and set sail to Comedy Central, sometime in 3010. Oops, I mean 2010. The network has picked up 26 episodes of the show, which hasn't seen new episodes since the four feature-length direct-to-DVD movies released since 2007, which were themselves broken up into 16 episodes shown on Comedy Central.

So until the joyous day when the new eps begin, I say we keep watching old (but never boring) Futuramas. Oh, the glory of summer.

It's the Little Things

2009-05-27T18:53:00.002-04:00

File this under the category of Completely Pointless. But guess what, this is my blog - so I can write about whatever I want!

So, I was just signing in to Netflix from the homepage, where new members can sign up if they want to. And they have this cute pictoral to show how it works, with DVD examples and everything - which were No Country for Old Men, Lost: Season 4, and Iron Man. Not only do I love all those movies (ok, not Old Country. I found it really slow moving, though the performances were top-notch), I've seen them all. I can't explain it, but I got this little thrill shudder. It happens everytime I go through my 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die book, and I have all the movies on the page checked off. I just enjoy seeing things I've watched. Or rather knowing that I've seen a film.

Or maybe I'm just a little nuts. As if that's news to anyone who knows me.

Slap Chop: This Summer's Best Comedy!

2009-05-27T02:28:00.002-04:00

You know Vince, that guy who shills all those things on infomercials? Like the Sham Wow! Well, I just saw the Slap Chop, and it. Cracked. Me. Up. I don't know what it was - I mean, I've seen it before. It's probably the combination of a very late time with the innate and unintended humor. But everything about it is magically delicious.

Um, "Stop having a boring tuna, stop having a boring life." "You're gunna love my nuts." The crazy-fast way he talks. The needless headset. (By the way, when he opens it up, on the TV he said "Like a butterfly," which I prefer much better.) The amazing way he throws the other food-chopper in the sink, over his shoulder. "Fugetaboutit." "Life's hard enough as it is, you don't want to cry anymore." "We're gunna make America skinny again, one slap at a time." (Really, we're all going to slap each other?) His amazing hand motion at "one slap." "The Graty." "Fettuccine, linguini, martini, bikini." It's hilarious!

Can Robert Downey, Jr. Star In Every Summer Movie Season?

2009-05-21T21:47:00.005-04:00

There's no use denying my crush on Robert Downey, Jr. Even back in his unfortunate, so-glad-you've-recovered druggie days, he was devastatingly charming as Ally McBeal's short-term boyfriend. But since the amazingness that was Iron Man, I just can't get enough RDJ. Tropic Thunder was not a huge opportunity to see His Hottness underneath all that makeup, but oh boy, did we get to see his intense, hilarious, Oscar-nomination-worthy acting chops — which IMHO is just as sexy as his chiseled features.

Obviously, I was more than happy to finally be able to see the trailer for the Guy Ritchie-directed, RDJ, Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams-starring Sherlock Holmes.

My first thoughts during the trailer were "Oh, so this is going to be just your average Guy Ritchie movie? (which I'm not the biggest fan of)" There were a lot of explosions, and RDJ's accent didn't seem quite right. But then about the 1:32 mark, with the intense music, things start getting really good. I love the sideways shot of Rachel — I have a real softspot for sideways shots, maybe it's the use of the widescreen to frame things in an interesting way — the defeated way Sherlock throws the tiny sledgehammer (oxymoron?) at the Giant-man's chest with no affect, and the "pillow" line. Priceless. Can it be July 24th already?*

And next summer RDJ's going to be in Iron Man 2. Really, he should be in every summer.

* Obviously it did not come out this summer. But I still cannot wait, now for December!

"Lost": The Beginning of the End...or the Beginning of the Beginning?

2009-05-14T06:29:00.001-04:00

Mind. Blown.

I know that I've said this about every Lost season finale. Season 1: Arzt dies in hilarity, first view of Smokey, emotional whammy of Vincent swimming after the raft, "man of science, man of faith," the numbers being on the hatch, Walt getting taken, and the long camera pull down the hatch. Season 2: Desmond showing up on the boat, Locke's determination to stop pushing the button, Jack, Kate, Sawyer, and Hurley following traitorous Michael to the Others, Sawyer finally hitting a long-distance shot, realizing the Pearl station was the fake one, Desmond's romantic back story, the Hurley-bird, Desmond's turning the key, Michael and Walt leaving, Jack, Kate, and Sawyer getting kept by the others, and the final flash to the Portuguese men in the snow calling Penny about finding the Island. Season 3: HUGE changes like Charlie dying, Patchy finally dying, the location of the Radio Tower, Hurley saving the day, Sayid revealing his amazing thighs of death, confirmation of Rousseau being Alex's mother, Jack going all crazy on Ben, Locke stabbing Naomi, calling the freighter, Daniel Faraday landing on the Island, and oh yeah THE FLASHFORWARD REVELATION! And finally Season 4, what lead us to this crazy-awesome ride: Sawyer and Jack going off to find Hurley, the joint forces of the Others and Sayid and Kate for the freeing of Ben, the tag-team beating of Keamy by Sayid and Richard Alpert, the freighter bomb reveal, Michael being a hero, the helicopter leaving, Sawyer jumping out of it like a hero, Ben killing Keamy, going into the cavern and turning the frozen donkey wheel, the freighter blowing up, Sun's heart-wrenching scream, the helicopter peoples getting picked up by Penny, Penny and Des' reunion, John Locke's dead body, and the ISLAND DISAPPEARING.

So, yes, each of the previous seasons have had mind-blowing finales. And yes, there are a lot of other things to talk about with this episode - namely the season-long parallels to season 2 brought up by the amazing Doc Jensen of EW.com, the implications for the upcoming final season (!!sorrow of sorrows!!). The great nuances of story points and acting. But for now, let's just focus on the amazing revelations as they come (with bracketed comments made after seeing the whole episode over again, and thinking about the larger meanings).

Jacob is revealed. Talking to Kyle Hollis (aka Titus Welliver) from Life.

SQQUEEEEEEE.

(What I presume to be) The Black Rock is floating off the coast of the Island. With the gigantic Anubis statue still erect.

LLLLOOOOOSSSSTTTTTT.

(So why is Jacob all out-and-about survival man back in the 1800's, but doesn't show his face in the later years? Interesting question that ought to be answered in Season Six. OMG I just had a HUGE epiphany. The man in the black shirt who wants to kill Jacob? He's SMOKEY!!! And he says "one of these days sooner or later I'll find a loop-hole my friend." Well, I think he THINKS he's found his loop-hole in John (not)Locke.)

Little Katie looks a good bit like adult —

WWWWAAAAHHHHHH?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

WHY IS JACOB THERE?

(The touching Darlton foreshadowed on Totally Lost has begun!)

OK, Juliet, you're interested in Jack just as much as Sawyer's interested in Kate. No judgments.

How does Sayid have the training to know how to remove a nuclear core? Does that mean Iraq DID have nukes?

Aww, little Daniel Faraday in utero. So that means he was younger than Charlotte? Hmm.

I want Razinksky to get severely hurt. He is such a little twit.

Umm, John Locke's really annoying in his pronunciation of Jacob. And his lying. And his everything. What is up with this dude? And now he's hinting at a Dharma-style Purge? Where is good ol' enthusiastic Johnnie boy?

(I wonder if Terry O'Quinn was told from the beginning of the season what was really up with notLocke from the get-go? Because that's a hell of a thing, to be playing your character but NOT your character. He's essentially playing Smokey, IMHO. But how and why did Smokey choose now [2007] and John to be the person of his Loop-hole insurection/murder of Jacob? Another question that must be answered by May 2010.)

I totally knew this was baby-James.

Arggh, more Jacob! Is it just me, or his he kind of sexy? He seems nice, concerned, wise.

TOUCHING!!! What is the point of this? And who is this man encouraging baby-James to not turn into adult-Sawyer? And what makes him not follow the lead of this seemingly caring man? Was it Jacob's touch?

Is Sawyer shooting the com-device why the sub is unable to contact people in the future? I wonder...

Is the whole nuke thing what Faraday was researching in Ann Arbor?

Whoa, did Jack just show faith in John Locke? What a big step for the man in regards to his nemesis. But that does make sense, because Jack has come to embrace the ideals of John.

I did not know that Ben would be so forthright with Locke about seeing Alex. Though he has always been a very honest person in his moments. Despite alllllllllll the lies.

(So is this where notLocke discovered the Loop-hole? Having Ben willing to blindly follow is going to bring him to kill Jacob. My theory: Smokey/notLocke cannot physically kill Jacob, a la Ben and Widmore not being able to kill each other. But having a proxy do it instead would work, and Ben's resignation to do whatever John says is what will allow Jacob's death. But why is notLocke surprised about what Ben saw, if notLocke is Smokey? Smokey/Alex said to follow Locke, but did it mean real Locke or notLocke? I'm going with notLocke really being Smokey, and knowing what happened to Ben in the Temple, but feigning surprise to keep conniving Ben.)

Those were some very pretty colored cars in the aerial of the LA road.

I'm very sad we haven't gotten more Sayid-Nadia time. They seem like such an adorable couple and it would have been very nice to see the softer side if Sir Kills-a-Lot.

Jacob sighting number three!

Oh, no Nadia! Even knowing it was going to happen was devastating. And thus we get the third Touching.

(OK, my question from this flashback is whether Jacob distracted Sayid in order to let Nadia get hit, thus inciting our erstwhile Iraqi to go on his vengeful rampage leading back to the Island, or whether Jacob stopped Sayid so he would not get hit aw well. Another question that I would like answered next season.)

I like to think "Take me home" was not meant as anything but a sweet and sad moment. These human moments are some of the best of Lost, and sometimes it is good when the do not have ulterior motives.

MMMhmmm, Richard, you swing that sledgehammer. Dee-licious. I love me some Richard.

So confirmation that Eloise is their leader. How did she get that position? How did she lose it? Was it voluntary in order to be away from the place of her son's murder?

Do Sayid and Jack seriously think they'll get out of Dharmaville a-okay? This is Lost, that does not happen.

OOhhh, shiznit, Sayid took a gut-shot! I surprised at how concerned AND unconcerned I am. After all the history this show has built up with the man, I expected myself to have a lot of concern over his well-being and ultimate demise. At least a lot more than I have right now. But at the same time, I do not forgive his shooting of baby-Ben. And therefore I'm surprised I care at all about his shooting. I really think Sayid's arc has been completed, and he should now be able to die in peace. Go to Nadia, no more torturing necessary!

Juliet, why are you looking longingly at the sub? If you really wanted to be on it, you should not have instigated the leaving of it!

VINCENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How adorable was Sawyer's greeting of him?!

OMG Rose and Bernard! That was the best reaction of Rose ever. And Bernard. I love them.

Oh Jack, how very manipulative you're being. "If you want to save Sayid, go to the Swan!" "If you want to be with your wife, bring me to the Swan!" Jerk.

"Because we're retired." Classic. And Bernard's new locks - amazing! Love it. Very Island chic.

Aw Sawyer baby, I love your sad meaningful looks. But why are you looking at Kate! Juliet can totally see you! ARgh!!! Rose and Bernard's "together" talk is very important for these people to hear.

So, who is Illana? And who are those people with her? Later-day Dharma-ites? Others? Widmore people? Some other shady group? I want answers to these questions in Season Six!

How do they know about Jacob's Cabin? And why is the ash breakage so importante? Is the ash breakage from John Locke circa Season Three, or is it from earlier?

Why is Illana all bandaged (not that I care about her, just interesting to know), and when is it?

(Does Jacob visiting her mean that he knew what was going to happen in the foot with notLocke and Ben? This is a question very necessary! Also, who has been using the shack? I wonder if this ever was Jacob's cabin, because wasn't it Horace that was building it? Ben's telling Locke about it being where Jacob lived was probably a lie. It is probably just where the ghosties come. But then why did Illana and her posse come to find Jacob there? Too...many...questions...ok, my brain just came a little close to implosion. but I'm fine...for now.)

Flannery O'Connor — Everything that Rises Must Converge. Add that to the list. Especially since Jacob is reading it.

TOUCHING!!! John Locke!! Sighting number five!

I'm a little creeped out by Locke's moobs.

What do you have Locke?

I am loving Ben's line delivery (as always) "I'm a Pisces." What does that have to do with anything? haha.

I have to admit, though I don't want Jacob to die, Locke's reasoning is very logical. Locke who does not seem like Locke anymore is totally playing Ben - role reversal!!

Oh, Aaron's cradle! I hope Sun finds Charlie's ring!

She has, she has!! Oh, I love this show when it's all sweet and sentimental.

Sorry to burst your romantic bubble Jin, but isn't the earth always seperate from the sky? They're kind of different states of matter.

JACOB NUMBER SIX!!! Man, that...man gets around. And more touching! What could be the significance (if any) of Jacob speaking Korean excellently. My guess: since he's old, he's learned a lot of languages and had time to get them right. Not mind-blowing, but logical. And TOUCHING - DOUBLE TIME!

I'm looking forward to a major Jack - Sawyer face off. Those looks said it all - and it's been a very long time coming.

Here endith "The Incident: Part I."

Good for You, Jeffrey Katzenberg!

2009-04-29T13:11:00.004-04:00

I'm not the kind of entertainment junkie to pay big attention - or care - to the moguls in charge of studios/corporations/companies/owners-of-enough-money-to-buy-the-whole-world-swine-flu-masks. But this article (of course courtesy of EW.com) caught my attention. Jeffrey Katzenberg, the Dreamworks CEO who has been behind some pretty huge, and in many cases well reviewed, animated films like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar has re-uped his contract through 2013. The deal?

He's getting paid $1 a year.

Ok, so its just in the "being reported" phase still, and "additional compensation in the form of stock incentives tightly linked to the company's share price." That's still a huge sign of goodwill in this rotten economy from a man who could be earning millions. So cheers Jeff!

Signs: Part Two (NOT The Movie)

2009-04-26T14:09:00.006-04:00

Here's some more funny signs from my European travels. Starting a long, long time ago, in a town far far away...Firenze (Florence), Italy. 7 March, 2009
How could I not be excited to see this sign in Florence? I only wonder if Boston is their only destination. Not that I don't love Boston, but that's gotta limit business.

I seriously considered buying one. But it was 10 in the morning. Duff beer!!

This was in the airport on our way out of Rome, heading to Athens. Is it just me, or is it SUPER creepy? I mean, the babies are all innocent looking, but the woman just looks like a psychopath, and wearing a wolf pelt is not helping. And it's an ad for Espresso. Really?

Saw this outside an antique shop on Portobello Road when I was with Frances. Dr. T.J. Eckleberg much?

This was along the Champ Elysees in Paris. Woot for Franklin Roosevelt!

I just thought the rabbit was hilarious. Do the Parisian metro authorities really think that a pink and yellow rabbit reminiscent of one Roger would make people take these safety instructions seriously?

Um, it should be self explanatory why I found this necessary of capturing.

Well, I DO want a posh dog! I have one, and I'm very happy with him.

Just 'cause papayas are awesome.

Tee hee at the wee wee.

Soo...It's Been a Long Time!

2009-04-12T04:48:00.005-04:00

While there's a LOT I've been doing - going on Spring Break to Italy and Greece, going to Paris with Frances and George, going to Stratford-upon-Avon, la la la, there's one thing I've been doing above all - finding funny signs!!

Here's part numero uno.
Yeah, I see this every day. But it's still hilariously awesome. The Brits are so polite in everything - if buses aren't picking up, their signs say "Sorry Not In Service."
Um, I assume why I had to take a picture of this sign is kind of obvious. This was in Greenwich, which was a pretty fun little trip.

Also in Greenwich. As you can tell, I was somewhat perplexed by the concept of a merlion.
This was on our way to Liverpool. Since, I've seen more of these "Little Mister and Little Miss" books, but here was the first. It brought back so many memories of my childhood with those books. And for some reason, they make me think of Mr. Sketch smelly markers. Mmm, I could go for one of those right about now.
This is just hilarious.
Ok, this is not a sign. But how could I not document this outrageous book title? "Itchy" London? Gosh, I hope not!
When we went to Brugge - amazing city BTW, small, quiet, and beautiful, no matter what Colin Farrell may say. So there was this little carnival thing, and there was this painting on the side. Which is EXACTLY the same as this Disney puzzle Frances, my sister, and I used to do all the time. How crazy (awesome) is that?
I don't know if you've seen these at airports or other establishments yet. They're called "A Novel Idea." Get it? It was at the Gatwick Airport on our way to Florence and Spring Break. At least Katie had heard of it. However, I had not. It's quite an interesting and innovative concept, but I can't help but get the hebbie jeebies from it. And isn't there usually a bookstore, I don't know, 50 feet away at airports?
This was in the window of a Florenti shop. London followed us everywhere!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T18:59:00.002-04:00

May the luck o' the Irish be with ye!

For some reason, today's Google icon went away, which isn't fair, since it's only 11 pm! So this is the 2008 Google logo. How about the 2007?

I don't like this as much. It's a lack of pizzazz. Was 2006 any better?

Hello! I like this one the best! I can just imagine the Google logo sighing as it lay down to lounge in the bed of shamrocks.

2005 gets points for incorporating the traditional cartoon leprechaun hat. Though for some reason the shade of green for the Google logo is really bothering me.

Here's 2004, and though the pattern is pretty, it's not Saint Patrick's Day without shamrocks. I also have to note some patterns I'm seeing in other special Google logos. Father's Day often includes a dad in a hammock. Mother's Day only has flowers. For some reason Persian New Year is different than regular new year, and thus worthy of a special logo.

For some reason Saint Patrick's Day isn't important enough in 2003!

At least 2002 has something. Not a particularly spectacular something, but something nonetheless.

Yay, a pot at the end of the rainbow! Way to go, 2001!

I just noticed in 2000 that they used to have a TM at the end of Google, apparently through 2003 that was the case (judging from these pictures.

So 2000 was the first year they really started the Google logo thing. But I just can't get over how weird the old Google named use to look! It's all chunky and different. Me no likey. Exclamation point!

Why is Everyone Getting Twitter-pated?!

2009-02-25T18:37:00.005-05:00

I am an old woman. Seriously. I know I've said that many times over the years for many reasons - I can't deal with loud music, I have had conversations with people (ok, children) who were born since i've been in high school - but I am serious this time. How did I not know about Twitter?

Apparently, it's the biggest thing right now. There are tons of celebrities on it. And at least 30,000 other people.

The name sounds so familiar. Maybe I heard it, but I thought it was just something like Flickr. Not.

I mean, I knew about MySpace, but chose never to be on it, cause MySpace is sketch. I got on Facebook, back when there weren't tons of adults and little children on it. But Twitter escaped my knowledge.

Perhaps it's better this way. Despite the call of celebrities being into it, I feel like it would be far too tiring to attempt to maintain Facebook, this blog, Twitter, and a normal, functioning REAL life.

The Adventures of Kristyne-Koala: What the Traveler!

2009-02-04T05:40:00.008-05:00

I just realized Kristyne-Koala hasn't given her adoring fans an update in quite some time. For a while she had to disappear from the limelight and get treated for "exhaustion," but she's back! With a whirlwind tour!

Before starting off across the big blue wet thing, Kristyne-Koala took a short holiday in a Winter Wonderland! Where is she?

Snow abounds across the wooded hills

Of this northern state I love so dear,

So much so that it gives me thrills

To return to the place of the redcoats' fear.

And when Kristyne-Koala arrives

With me and Boris, so used to the cold,

Though she shivers atop the iced-over ride

She can leave the winds that blow so bold,

Go into the Walnut enclave, and rest

Her paws round a very warm mug.

Content in the most unique, and best,

Home on the street - a place of warm hugs.

Sitting four floors up

away from the city streets

oogling Sawyer.

Tall silent sentinels, dressed to the nines

In green velvet, keep vigil on the hill.

Their spidery feel hold to the inclines

As the have forever, or at least still

Since the Celts brought these rough-hewn stones

to the varied circles and high-build henge.

To think they were able, with so many moans

Of strain and pain, to create this Stonehenge

Cousin. So as Kristyne-Koala sits

Surveying the site, she begins to think

About all that has past and what it's

That is yet to come, in this thought sinks -

How lucky it is that was have this fair place

And such beauty exists in the whole of space.

I don't know what it is

That makes me love this picture so.

Perhaps it's the tragic loveliness of the broken arches -

not as complete as Tintern, but with their small simplicity -

Perhaps it's the green grass -

A promise of the good weather to come -

Perhaps it's the way I look -

Not yet flushed with the Tor-id attempt -

Whatever the reason, the end result

Is a photograph with a person I love

And a moment of a memory I wish to dearly savor.

Yum Yum goes the little grey Koala one day

Yum Yum goes the little grey Bear.

Yum Yum goes the little grey Koala one day

And the bath waters tast'd like Iron.

Yuck Yuck goes the little grey Koala

Yuck Yuck goes the little grey Bear.

Yuck Yuck goes the little greay Koala,

And the Romans couldn't have liked that.

Dickens Comes to London (well, Dickensian Weather, at Least)

2009-02-04T05:15:00.000-05:00

SNOW! SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW!

There's snow in London! It started last night around 10 or 11, when the Super Bowl began.
They began putting salt down around noon, which Katie and I found hilarious. Being from Buffalo and New England, and going to Ithaca, the fact that they were so concerned as to put out salt a good 10 hours beforehand was amusing. Though I have heard since that they haven't had significant snow - really, any snow that counts as snow - here in six years. Six years!

A bunch of kids were being rowdy in the street, throwing snowballs and nearly getting hit by cars. It reminded me of Ithaca and playing in the snow, I really wanted to go out. Tears.
This morning we heard that virtually all the tube lines are down, and when Katie and I walked to the bus stop, no buses were coming, either. So we walked to the London Centre through Hyde Park. It was gorgeous, and I was ecstatic. Poor Katie wasn't feeling well, and her shoes got completely soaked, so she was less than thrilled.

When we finally got to the London Centre - which only took us an hour, and we were walking through snow - only a few people were there, and with all the prep for us cold students coming in Bill started class half an hour late, and let us out a bit early as well. And my afternoon class had been cancelled. After hanging for a bit, I walked back through Hyde Park - which was gorgeous! There were some roses that had already bloomed, poor things.

A bunch of the trees were very green and mossy, which was a beautiful contrast to their bark and the snow.

The park was swarming with people - mostly kids and parents. Virtually all London schools were cancelled, and between people not being able to get to work and offices closing, parents got a day off, too. I eventually found out ten of the eleven tube lines were either down or partly suspended, and it was the first time EVER that ALL London buses were withdrawn from the roads. This includes the Blitz, people. So basically, the town that kept things running on the roads during bombings couldn't deal with 7 inches of snow. All that is a roundabout way of saying, the park was covered in snowmen and snowballs. I found one that was an inch or two wider than I am tall in diameter. How do people make these things?

Ollie Ollie OXEN-free: Happy Chinese New Year!

2009-02-02T08:08:00.008-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year everyone! Congrats to all Ox-people and enthusiasts. It was a bit confusing here, because the New Year started last Monday, and that's when all us in the flat thought the big China in London celebration was. I was a bit bummed because I had to go to a play for my Drama class, so to celebrate I bought my own little meal.

The meal was more money than I was expecting to pay, and I waited MUCH longer than I would have liked, but it was actually pretty good, and it made up about 3 meals. Plus it had mushrooms, and as I'm very hobbit-like in my adoration of mushrooms, that made me very happy.
It turned out that the celebration was not the night of the 26th, but this past Sunday, February 1st. Jackie, Katie, Clara and I went to it for a little bit. Honestly, it wasn't too exciting. I did love seeing so many people in Trafalgar Square. And the singers and dancers on the stage were pretty spectacular, but they were far away. So we went into the National Gallery for a bit.
I had no idea 15th century artists liked to paint Mary breast-feeding baby Jesus so much.

Walk 2: Cathedrals and Gardens and Landmarks, Oh My!

2009-02-01T20:19:00.009-05:00

Our second Bill-led walk was on January 24th (hey, I'm only about a week behind on London recaps!), and wasn't as long as the first. Maybe because we've been here longer, but it wasn't quite as new, exciting, or fun. We still got to see tons of great sites. We started out by St. Paul's (the Fifth version of it, constructed by Christopher Wren, and the first Cathedral specifically build for the Protestant faith).We then saw a Christopher Wren designed gate for the City. Really, virtually everything we saw was Wren. By the end I was a little Wren out.

St. Paul's was followed seeing a bunch of cute little green areas. My favorite was Postman's Park. There was an adorable fountain, and memorial tiles for people who sacrificed their lives trying to save others. It was sad and beautiful. I remembered the area from the film Closer.

I can't really remember the order of the things we saw. St. Bartholomew-the-Greater stands out for me, it was a beautiful, very old church. Before going in, we saw Smithfield Street - where William Wallace was eviscerated and Queen Mary watched Protestants die - and the memorial to Wallace outside St. Bartholomew's Hospital. The whole situation of the area was incredibly ironic - "Over here is the site of one of the oldest hospitals in the world. And over here is the site of thousands and thousands of executions over hundreds of years."

But the church was very pretty. Much of the church dates from the 15oo's, and has been used in films for the period look. It was in Shakespeare in Love, which I love (I'm just realizing a lot of this is relating places back to films. I can't help it though, and in my defense, these places advertise the facts of their fame). I also lit a candle next to a nativity.
And this is the Golden Boy of Pye Corner. Since the Great Fire of London started in Pudding Lane (at a bakery, natch) and ended at Pye Corner, the people blamed it on the sin of Gluttony (that is, when they weren't blaming it on the Catholics). Thus, the reminder about the sin via this "fat" little boy. We had lunch in the Museum of London, right next to the Barbican - the old Roman wall around London - here's a part of it. The Museum of London looked nice, though we couldn't see much of it. I ordered a baguette and salmon pate, which came in a cute jar. I would never have been able to eat all the pate, and I wasn't about to leave it, so I took it back. Jar and all!

Almost at the end, we got to see the Guildhall, and the outline of the Roman stadium. The Guildhall was very pretty, with all sorts of neat statues. I LOVED the crazy wood carvings of Gog and Magog. Here's the pretty lights and windows, and Bill the Encyclopedia explaining things to us ignorant students.
There was a lion, which reminded me of Aslan. But for some reason, he thought my hand was very tasty. Oh no!We rounded out the walk back at St. Paul's, with a much better view. Jackie, Clara, Katie, and I had wanted to take the bus back, but it took us a while to figure out the buses weren't going as far as Edgware Road because of protests. It was really nice to see the absolute center of London, though.

The Ithacan: "Australia" Review

2009-01-29T14:25:00.003-05:00

Now, this review I wrote right after Thanksgiving break brought up a lot of dissenting opinions among my friends. Australia was directed by Baz Luhrmann, whose few films are incredibly polarizing. There are those that L. O. V. E. the sumptuous splendor and tragedy of Moulin Rouge, though many others find it too frenzied. And William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet can be seen as the freshest take on any of Shakespeare's plays or a needless adulteration of a classic.

I, for one, love his work. And though Australia has it's flaws, it was aiming to be a sweeping, romantic and joyous epic of a previous age. Which it succeeded at. Perhaps the reason the film did not do well is a testament to how much films have changed, and how the public's general expectations have been streamlined. For more, just see below.

Epic Aussie film breaks genre boundaries

By Anne Gould Northgraves Staff Writer | December 4th, 2008

Expectant moviegoers have been anticipating the release of “Australia” for months, and the large-scale, romantic and exotic epic did not let them down. It is epic with a capital “E.”

The film is anything but genre-specific. With the cattle driving and beautifully shot desert scenery in most of the movie, it is part Western. The passionate relationship between Nicole Kidman’s stuffy Brit Lady Ashley and Hugh Jackman’s gruff Aussie Drover is classic romance fodder, and moments of physical and verbal humor create flashes of comedy.

The social prejudices and Japanese Invasion of 1930s northern Australia add historical perspective. A large portion of the story revolves around the appalling racist policies of ruling whites against Aborigines and mixed-race children, providing social commentary.

“Australia” is reported to be the largest and most expensive film made in the titular country, costing upward of $150 million. Aussie director and co-writer Baz Luhrmann — best known for tragic romance spectacles “Moulin Rouge” (2001) and “Romeo + Juliet” (1996) — did not appear to be the ideal person to tackle “Australia.” But his experience crafting genre-bending films that fit bygone times was vital to making “Australia” work.

As in “Moulin Rouge,” the story starts off with a few too many characters and plot points presented all at once. Understanding all the information is admittedly difficult at first because of thick Australian accents. Also there are moments when quick editing, panning shots and physical humor akin to the style of “Moulin Rouge” and “Romeo + Juliet” are out of place. But overall the film flows well, and the audience can become truly invested in the story and the characters’ journeys. Luhrmann’s experience directing dance and action spectacles allows him to craft dramatic sequences in the expansive setting.

The writers also deserve a great deal of credit for the success of “Australia.” If not handled delicately, the story could have been predictable and unable to hold the viewer’s interest for the film’s 165 minutes. But “Australia” deftly handles the required plot points. While Kidman’s and Jackman’s characters progress through an archetypal relationship, from their initial loathing to being united to achieve a common goal to love, it is wholly believable. Though romantic films usually have an uplifting ending, given Luhrmann’s predilection for tragic endings, the conclusion does not feel forced or predictable.

The final piece of the epic puzzle that makes “Australia” a successfully grand picture is the actors’ skills. Though Kidman is Australian, she convincingly portrays a stuck-up British aristocrat. Her character is more than a caricature — Lady Ashley has good reasoning and motivation for her actions. Jackman is multidimensional as Drover, with his own motivations and convincing character arc. His emotional performance toward the end of the film when Drover comes to a startling realization is particularly moving. But while David Wenham is convincing as the evil Neil Fletcher, a far cry from his martyr-like role in “The Lord of the Rings,” Fletcher remains a one-note character and could have benefited from more development.

“Australia” reaches for epic proportions and hits the mark. Luhrmann transcends his customary style while keeping the film entertaining and surprising. The result is a film that recalls the grand spectacle of features like “Ben-Hur” in setting and story, while focusing on individual characters’ struggle through the landscape.

“Australia” was written by Baz Luhrmann, Stuart Beattie, Ronald Harwood and Richard Flanagan, and directed by Luhrmann. It received three and a half out of four stars.

UK Libraries are Greedy

2009-01-28T06:15:00.002-05:00

I would have though, given the Welfare State that the UK "supposedly" is, that their public systems would be well funded. Museums certainly are. Virtually every one is free general admission. At the British Museum, I just walked straight in. No security check. No people at a desk. The door was literally OPEN.

So the assumption would be that PUBLIC libraries would be the same as well. Actually, no. Just about the only free thing at libraries are taking out books and using the Internet (when you reserve a computer). What if you want to rent DVDs? That'll be over £3, please.

I admit, I'm probably a bit extra-bitter because Netflix's instant movies cannot be played outside the US, and Hulu doesn't work over here, either. But libraries in the US let you get DVDs for free. Score one for the US.

I wonder what the prices are at the rental store down the road.

Walk 1: Big Ben is REALLY Big, and London Bridge is NOT Falling Down!

2009-01-28T05:48:00.007-05:00

Hullo again! London's still great, though right now it's typically overcast and wet. It was a lot better out - but much colder - two Saturdays ago when Bill, the London Centre director, took a bunch of us students out for his first Walk. What's a walk? It is a tour around certain parts of London. A walking tour. Inventive title, isn't it?

I kid, the Walks are actually very fun. Bill's been living in London a good 30 years, and since he studies history, there's a lot he can tell us. So on the 17th we had our first outing, starting at the Westminster tube stop, ending at Tower Hill. The walk was a good 11 days ago, and this is rather delayed, I admit. But better late than never, I always say. Well, I don't always say it. It happens to be appropriate to this situation. So I'm using it now.

As I said, we started out at the Westminster tube stop. The moment we came out of the exit - BAM! The London Eye was right in front of us. Oh my gosh, there it is!

What did we see when we turned around? BAM Big Ben! Along with this statue of Boudicca. Pretty nifty.

We walked by Westminster Abbey, and Downing Street, which is all blocked off and guarded. Considering how people regarded Blair, and are starting to regard Brown, I'd say that security is a good idea.

We saw some other places on the North bank before crossing one of the many bridges to the South side. There's a stretch of about five miles of walkway right next to the Thames. We saw the National Theatre, The New Globe, the site of the original Globe...

...went into the Tate Modern, where there was this really weird exhibit about the future, with a very scary giant spider. Like Shelob.

We also looked around at a market. Which was basically cheese heaven. Aw, there were so many delicious cheeses. Let me take a minute to think about it...yes, delicious!

It felt like we walked for so, so long, but it was only about two miles from first crossing the river to getting back to the North side by crossing over at Tower Bridge. I actually stood over the little gap between the sections, and looked down at the Thames! Here's Tower Bridge in the background, with the Tower or London and it's wall in front.

And this is a little pigeon sitting on top of the remnants of the Roman wall. I just thought it was cute.

Thus ends the first Walk. Too fun! Coming soon - recap of Walk Two!

There's No Place Like London!

2009-01-23T17:57:00.011-05:00

Finally - my first real post about being in fab London! The past (nearly) two weeks have absolutely flown by. From arriving and adjusting to flat-hunting, moving into our flat and starting classes, getting my internship sorted out and exploring the city it's been a crazy time. But crazy in a good way.

When I arrived at Logan Monday, January 13th, with Mom and Frances, Dad was there to say my Virgin Atlantic flight had been cancelled. It was good it was, firstly because it had "mechanical problems" and I would not want to be in the air when that was happening. Secondly, I ended up on a British Airways flight that left an hour and forty-five minutes earlier (and according to Katie, Virgin doesn't have comfortable seats). Two other students and I were on it, and we became the third through fifth students to arrive - at 5 am London time, by the way. There were crazy severe delays for everyone else, so no one really arrived until about noon.

Katie (my really good friend from the Catholic Community) and I were already definitely living together, and we connected with Clara, Jackie, Alyssa, and Josue. We got a really nice flat after checking out about eight others. It's on Edgware Road, right between the Edgware Road and Marble Arch tube stops. Here's the Marble Arch, as you see it from the tube stop.

This is Alyssa and Josue in our front hallway with all our suitcases. Look at the pretty floor!

This is four of the six of us - Katie, Jackie, Clara, and me - for our first dinner in the flat!

After buying some very well priced sheet sets and duvets at Marks & Spencers, Katie and I felt pretty at home in our room. It would just be a lot nicer if we could use the Internet, seeing as every other part of the flat gets service (when our wireless decides to work). But since we at least get Internet in our flat - and it's included - I'm not complaining too much.

This is our living room, or common room, or whatever your region and/or nationality would call it. It's pretty nice, we have two leather (or faux-leather) couches, and a TV. Albeit, I had to disentangle all the wires to get our cable service up, but at least we get a good 20+ channels. Which means we can watch Skins!

Our living room is also a our dining room. Most of us spend most of our time out here. Say hi Katie!

Around the corner from the main hall (I can't believe we have a main hall) is Alyssa and Joe's door, on the far right, and one of our bathrooms. The other one is in Jackie and Clara's room, but we all use it.

The Ithacan: "The Wild Party" Review

2009-01-23T17:46:00.002-05:00

Seeing as I haven't posted one of my Ithacan pieces for a while, I thought I'd do that. This was my review of IC's production of "The Wild Party." I didn't like the show a ton, but since I couldn't critique the play itself, according to my editors, I had to respond to the cast and crew's work. Which was pretty good, so this became a much more positive article than I had intended.

Cast energy boosts an already ‘Wild Party’

By Anne Gould Northgraves Staff Writer | November 13th, 2008

Ithaca College Theater’s performance of “The Wild Party,” based on the off-Broadway musical by Andrew Lippa, truly lives up to its name. At Friday’s show, cast members threw energy into every number, and superb choreography carried some of the numbers that felt out of place.

A deep and dark (though periodically hard to follow) story underlies the frothy front of the musical, molding an enjoyable show into one that effectively sends a message about morality.

The opening number begins with lines from the 1928 poem by Joseph Moncure March on which the musical is based, “Queenie was a blonde and her age stood still / And she danced twice a day in vaudeville.” This vague yet affecting statement sets the tone for the next two hours. The musical numbers shift between vaudevillian acts of energy and ecstasy in “What a Party” and more introspective pieces like “Maybe I Like it This Way.”

The ensemble is perfectly tuned into the kind of energy required of each number, packing each piece with either emotional or physical energy. There are occasions, particularly during the first act, when numbers centering on ancillary characters — such as the lesbian Madame True, played by junior Emily Brazee — interrupt the central narrative. Though expertly performed and entertaining, the songs seem a bit out of place. The numbers in the second act take on a darker tone and focus on the central story of volatile and intertwined relationships between the unhappily married Burrs (junior Eric Morris) and Queenie (senior Meredith Beck), and new couple Black (junior Michael Haller) and Kate (senior Catherine Lena Stephani).

Impeccable acting compensates for some fine points of the story that do not hold up. While it is understandable that the abused Queenie seeks revenge upon Burrs, why she hesitates taking up with the immediately smitten Black is not clear. More mysterious is why Queenie’s old friend Kate — the antithesis of Queenie in every aspect, right down to their color palettes, with Queenie dressed in white and Kate in black — goes after Burrs. Since these relationships set the show’s ultimately tragic events into motion, additional explanation would have been more fitting.

But the actors perform admirably with the given material, recalling the atmosphere and mannerisms of 1920s characters. Beck is all wide-eyed faux waif with a gleam of malicious plotting behind her virginal exterior, her voice warbling like a real vaudeville showgirl. Morris fully transforms into the unlikable, violent Burrs, personifying the nadir of male chauvinism. Yet it is Stephani that is particularly impressive as Kate. She infuses her character’s every movement with the frenzied energy of a middle-aged woman trying to hold onto her youth and her desires without thinking of the possible consequences. Her liveliness makes each of her featured moments high points of “The Wild Party.”

The two-tiered set brings the cast’s energetic performances to life. Candles placed throughout Burrs and Queenie’s loft provide soft, low lighting — perfect for the show’s serious moments. The use of the orchestra pit for the bathroom, where a key point of the plot takes place, effectively highlights the importance of the events that transpire there.

Transformative acting and use of the performance space come together under the skilled direction of Norm Johnson, associate professor of theater arts. His solid guidance ensures the difficult subject matter of “The Wild Party” doesn’t lose its poignancy.

“The Wild Party” is showing tomorrow at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. in Hoerner Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office in the lobby of Dillingham Center.

Obama's Inauguration Live Blog

2009-01-20T12:40:00.001-05:00

OMG, I'm in London!!

It's strange to think just one week ago I got here. I already have a flat (with 5 other awesome people) and an internship (at Pioneer Productions). I've been so busy with everything - not to mention a lack of Internet access - I haven't been able to post. But this is such a momentous day, I had to write something.

Katie and I started off the day going to Madame Tussauds. Admission was free for Americans, woot!! Katie'd never been to one, so it was super fun, and all the attendants were really excited we were American. I'll post later with some more pictures from it, but here's Obama.

Now, to the Inauguration itself. We're watching it on BBC News.

16:56 - Aretha Franklin just finished singing "My Country Tis of Thee." She was wearing the most interesting hat. They're showing a shot of the Mall, and it's just staggering how many people are there.

16:58 - Biden has officially been sworn in as our Vice President. I was going to say 44th Vice President, but there have totally been more than that. That's something to look up. Oh, there's only been 46 previously.

17:00 - The BBC announcers are talking over Yo-Yo Ma playing. And they're mentioning William Henry Harrison, and his long speech that made him catch pneumonia and die. Let's home that's not the case here. Though I think Obama is smarter than that.

17:03 - There are definitely elements of "The Lord of the Dance" song in this composition. I don't know if that's intentional, but it made me happy. All I can think of now is Ursuline Masses.

17:04 - I just noticed there are blue skies in Washington. That's a good sign.

17:05 - There he goes...

17:06 - ...And we have a 44th President of the United States!! Congratulations President Barack Obama. Godspeed.

17:13 - As always, it's sounding eloquent and powerful, planted in realism but full of hope.

17:26 - Good speech. 20 minutes isn't too long, but he was able to touch on the myriad of issues we're facing today as Americans. Though he's right, we're not nearly living in the worst days American has seen. Hopefully, we won't go further in the negative directions.

17:28 - This poet is reading so slowly. It's a little annoying. Though I'm sure the words are very nice.

17:32 - Who is this woman introducing everyone? What did she do to deserve this distinction.

17:33 - Everyone else in my flat just laughed at the adorable little old Reverend giving the Benediction. I think he is adorable. I love little old men. His eyes are on the same level as the mic! Jackie also mentioned (sarcastically) that this shows a real separation of Church and State. Which is true. But the US is based on Judea-christian values, so in that sense it makes sense.

17:37 - He just rhymed all of the colors! "When brown will stick around, when yellow will be mellow, and when white will make things right." Too adorable!

17:39 - And that's it. Happy Inauguration everyone. How many people exactly are in the Mall?

Golden Globes Live Blog!!

2009-01-11T20:07:00.011-05:00

8:04 - And the awards show starts off brilliantly: Kate Winslet wins!! Oh, she deserved it - well, I can't really say that because I haven't seen all the nominated women in the Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, but my goodness, she's one of the best actresses of our day - and she's only 33! My hetero crush on her knows no bounds, and isn't abating in the slightest thanks to her adorable acceptance speech. I love it when stars acknowledge how much they want to win awards, cue her comment that she's going long because, "I don't get to do this much." Ugh,

8:07 - Sting looks strange. I thought his hair was blond. And I've never seen him with a beard.

809 - I don't listen to Bruce Springsteen's music (Erin will hate that), but his comment just after receiving the GG for Best Original Song for a Motion Picture was very funny! "This is the only time I'm going to be in competition for something with Clint Eastwood." Points for that, Mister.

8:13 - I have been seeing the He's Just Not That Into You trailer for months. MONTHS. I'm glad it's finally coming out. I do have the sneaking suspicion that it will be one of those the-trailer-was-5-times-better-than-the-actual-film movies.

8:15 - That little startled look shudder from NPH just became my second Made Me Love You Even Better Moment of the night! Sadly he'll have to wait till (hopefully) next year for a Best Supporting Actor in a Television Show or Miniseries. Dude needs some recognition. Tom Wilkinson did do a fabulous job as Ben Franklin in John Adams though.

8:19 - And the first Blunt Political Statement of the Night goes to Laura Dern. She was accepting her Best Supporting Actress in a Television Show or Miniseries award for her role in Recount.

8:26 - Don Cheadle, you need your own comedy show. Though he's so refined, it'd have to be on a cable network (read HBO).

8:27 - Really? Eva Mendes needs Latino music because she's a Latina? But the little Hispanic man she introduced is so adorable!

8:28 - I'm not a fan of Hayden Panettiere, but I love her dress! Notice I'm ignoring her co-presenter, partly because I do not want to ever acknowledge him, partly because I do not want to ever acknowledge that he was slightly hot just now.

8:29 - Ah, I was looking forward to another hilarious Hugh Laurie acceptance speech for Best Actor in a Drama Series. And I couldn't even look at Gabriel Byrne during his acceptance because he's not there!

8:31 - I wanna be Anna Paquin. Minus the gap in her teeth.

8:33 - ...and if there weren't a lot of people's jobs on the line, I would want Cadillac to go out of business, just so I could stop watching those annoying ads featuring Kate Walsh and other people I have never heard of.

8:36 - I hate to say this, because I love me (more than) some Hugh Jackman, but Ricky Gervais should probably be hosting the Oscars. Telling Kate Winslet she'd win by doing a Holocaust movie? Telling the movie stars to shhhsh? Brilliant!

8:39 - Then the Hollywood Foreign Press Association had to ruin my good mood by putting the Jo Bros up on stage.

8:40 - How could anything but Wall*E win Best Animated Motion Picture.

8:42 - I didn't know Johnny Depp presented awards! His every facial expression, movement, and pronunciation makes me giggle.

8:44 - Sally Hawkins is extremely skinny. This is not what I should be focusing on, her speech accepting for Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture is sweet, her emotions genuine, but man, the woman should be getting seconds and thirds on her meal back at the table!

8:52 - Were Robert Downey Jr. and Brad Pitt just sitting at the same table? Whatever, time for some Benjamin Button!!

8:53 - I now have the insane urge to see Bernard and Doris. And an intense attraction to Thomas Jefferson. That's not a new attraction though. And John Adams wins Best Made for Television Movie or Miniseries. Tom Hanks can still rock a tux. He'll always be able to.

8:57 - I wish Robert Downey Jr. could win. But he can't. Because Heath Ledger did give the best performance of the year, let alone a Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture worthy performance.

8:59 - I've started to cry.

9:05 - I feel like a lot of awards have been handed out in the first hour. Good pacing, Golden Globes.

9:06 - Colin Farrell. MMMmm.

9:09 - ____'s acceptance for Best Foreign Language Feature should be a lesson on how NOT to make a needless blunt political statement.

9:11 - Laura Linney's dress is gorgeous. And she really did a magnificent job as Best Actress in a Made for Television Movie or Miniseries Abigail Adams. Though I've started to wonder, why are there men practically lifting the women onto the stage? The stairs can't be that slippery, can they?

9:17 - Was Gerard Butler trying to imitate Ricky Gervais when he shhshed the crowd? That's a very strange twist of the normal workings of the world.

9:19 - Oh, best Adapted Screenplay! Yay, Slumdog Millionaire! Though his shirt does not fit well under his jacket.

9:21 - No Amy Poehler banter? What a shame.

9:22 - Except it's ok, because Tony Shaloub didn't win! Alec Baldwin deserves all the praise he gets for his now two-time Best Actor in a Comedy Television Series role. I love 30 Rock with a burning passion.

9:28 - There are lots of ads, and they are very long. I do not approve...Whoa, WHAT is Renee Zellweger wearing? The top? The skirt? The hair? The HAIR?! None of it works.

9:30 - The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is not doing a terrific job of pairing the presenters this year. Terrance Howard and Meghan Fox go together about as well as steak and a twizzler.

9:32 - John Adams is cleaning up. Though it's not as if I'm surprised. Paul Giamatti did a terrific job. A good deal of that acting job was the makeup and costumes, I'm sure. It couldn't be hard to get into the character and the age through all those years with such a terrific job of transformation.

9:36 - Tracy Morgan cracks me up every time he is on screen in 30 Rock. Except from his short-lived sitcom, Tracy.

9:44 - Ohh, I love the score awards. The beginning of Slumdog Millionaire's ongoing sweep. Benjamin Button would have been a very deserving recipient of it too.

9:48 - Tina Fey is a genius (apparently supported by the hilarity of Will Arnett).

9:55 - I had no idea Stephen Spielberg was this year's recipient of the Cecille B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. I'm enjoying this more, since I just watched Sunset Blvd. Though that was a very strange-sounding narration by Martin Scorsese.

10:07 - I wonder if Spielberg hasn't gotten this award before because he's young for his prolific output of work. His speech was as fun and well crafted as his movies - some history, a personal touch, and the cute Stephen Spielberginess that makes you love his movies.

10:13 - And there Emma Thompson goes with the "shhshing" - what is up with that? No wonder Last Chance Harvey is getting such rave reviews, Dustin Hoffmann and Emma have such awesome chemistry. Also, congrats to Danny Boyle, Best Director of a Motion Picture.

10:20 - Sandra Bullock does very well presenting on her own. My mom stayed up just to see her.

10:21 - Colin Farrell is a seriously underrated actor; I'm so happy he won Best Actor in a Comedy Motion Picture. I do want to see In Bruges. Good thing I'm going to London tomorrow, I'll get to hear many, many gorgeous accents just like Colin's.

10:27 - I want Salma Hayek's dress. And her body. Though her strange attraction and complimenting of bestie Penelope Cruz isn't quite up my alley. (I shouldn't talk, actually. I'm very physical with my besties - to their horror).

10:29 - Sasha Baron Cohen is following in the line of the other hilarious Brits of the night with some biting zingers the crowd of celebrities did not seem to appreciate. Can't Hollywood laugh at itself? Oh, and Vicky Christina Barcelona wins Best Motion Picture Comedy. If it's as good a dark comedy as Match Point was a domestic thriller, then I'd be very excited to see it.

10:36 - "I would do a pelvic Indian dance for you, but they would shoot me off the stage." What's this guy's name? He's witty!

10:38 - That little exchange between Cameron Diaz and Mark Whalberg was weird. Moving past that...

10:39 - KATE WINSLET WINS AGAIN! FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA MOTION PICTURE! She's finally getting emotional, good! She deserves to be as flustered as she wants, the awards for her tonight have been a long, long time coming. No duh she's not wrapping up!

10:43 - Oh Rainn. Well, the dresses the ladies of Best Drama Television Series winner Mad Men are wearing are very, very pretty.

10:51 - Micky Rourke wins Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture. I have to say, kudos to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for giving virtually every winner the time to speak and thank everyone.

10:59 - And the Golden Globe for Best Drama Motion Picture is Slumdog Millionaire! That shot of Christina Applegate saying "That's good" was nice. Congrats to the movie and all who made it. Thanks to the celebrities for showing up for food and drinks, and to the unions for not being on strike this year. Good night!

Making Up Reasons to Post About Alphabeat

2008-12-16T12:05:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure if this counts as making up a reason. But I'm certainly happy for any chance to talk about the Danish group Alphabeat. A few weeks ago I learned about them only to find out I could not purchase their music on iTunes. But it turns out that their albums are available on BRITISH iTunes.

Basically, the moment I get to England, I'm switching to the UK edition and purchasing any and all music by this addictive and adorable Euro-dance-pop band.

Thought this was appropriate, given they're appearing on a Brit talk show and all!

The Ithacan: "The Secret Life of Bees" Review

2008-12-15T23:29:00.002-05:00

I went all by my lonesome to see The Secret Life of Bees and review it. Though pretty cliche, it was still very heartwarming. Sometimes you need a film like that, and in that case I highly recommend Bees. Plus, Paul Bettany is pretty unrecognizable. I don't know why that fascinated me so, but it did. I mean, he convincingly portrayed a self-flagellating albino monk.

Coming-of-age film is sugarcoated yet believable

By Anne Gould Northgraves Contributing Writer | October 30th, 2008

Touching acting balances clichéd dialogue in the recent film version of the best-selling novel, “The Secret Life of Bees,” so much so that it reminds viewers of the true damage that can occur while growing up under trying circumstances. The film follows a young girl searching for the truth about her mother as she seeks out answers in the places she least expected.
The film’s multilayered story line is evidence of the film’s history as a novel. The startling revelation in the first few minutes — that young southerner Lily Owens, portrayed by the talented and moving Dakota Fanning, accidentally killed her mother as a toddler — immediately establishes the main character’s tortured nature. It is typical for characters in emotionally charged coming-of-age films to have traumatic pasts. But Lily’s guilt and pain from the loss of her mother and the abuse of her father are presented with matter-of-fact palpability, rather than unnecessary gobs of misery traditionally used in tearjerker films to garner sympathy from the audience.
A great deal of the credit for the appealingly unpredictable nature of the film goes to the star-studded, supremely talented cast. Jennifer Hudson is moving as Rosaleen Daise, a worker on Lily’s father’s farm, and Queen Latifah is powerful as August Boatwright, one of the women who takes Lily in when she runs away. A veteran actress at only 14 years old, Fanning’s tender performance is balanced by the stubborn strength played by Hudson, still a Hollywood newcomer.
Oscar nominee Latifah exudes a tangible calm for most of the film, but her extreme sorrow during a horrific plot twist develops her character’s dimension. Her even delivery ensures the sentimental dialogue is easy to swallow. Fellow Oscar nominee Sophie Okonedo makes the most of her small role as the overly sensitive May Boatwright. Her character’s hysterics are understandable rather than laughable.
The film’s true revelation is singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, in her third film role as the headstrong June Boatwright. Previously untested in dramatic fair, Keys’ June is a paradox. She treats her boyfriend Neil (Nate Parker) tenderly, yet coldly refuses to marry him. She devotedly prays with her sisters, yet does not always have faith in August’s decisions. Though the Boatwright sisters are much older in the novel, fans of the written work will not be disappointed by the quality of the performances.
The supporting cast delivers as well. British actor Paul Bettany is particularly effective and nearly unrecognizable as Lily’s angry and abusive father, T. Ray. Though Bettany has little screen time other than periodic, irrelevant scenes that throw off the film’s pace, the character is not one-dimensional. T. Ray has his own demons and pain that shed light on his questionable actions, making his decisions justifiable.
The film’s subtle style is like a golden layer of honey coating and sweetening the whole film. The southern locals are filmed under the guidance of writer and director Gina Prince-Bythewood and director of photography Rogier Stoffers, with strong attention to color and light. The sunlit scenes, full of colors that pop, like the Pepto-Bismol pink of the Boatwright house, appropriately showcase Lily’s increasing comfort in the Boatwright home.
Though “The Secret Life of Bees” features the occasionally sappy dialogue and pacing issues of similar feel-good films, there is much more to the film than that. In the capable hands of a talented cast, a strong guiding story and beautiful cinematography, the film makes for a heartwarming movie-going experience.

“The Secret Life of Bees” was written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

The Adventures of Kristyne-Koala: The Beginning

2008-12-15T23:07:00.005-05:00

I'm already beginning to go through Kristyne-withdrawal. See, Kristyne is one of my bestest friends here at Ithaca, and I'll miss her desperately while I'm traipsing throughout Europe.

But Kristyne and I had an idea while we were shopping this past Saturday when we saw a pile of classic Beanie Babies for $3.83 each at K.B. Toys. We got matching koalas (Mel the Koala, to be precise), each signed the tag of one, and gave it to the other.

Thus, I have a Kristyne-Koala! So while I'm in London - and seeing Europe during the semester as well - I will take Kristyne-Koala everywhere and take her picture at various famous places. I'm very excited for the adventures of Kristyne-Koala, and you should be, too!

Of course, we have to have the first location visited by Kristyne-Koala. Guess where she and I are! Here's a clue:

Kristyne-Koala is very content.

Before long all her time will be spent

Traveling to many exotic places.

But for now she's in small spaces

Just room enough for two to live

In a town with many lessons to give.

There are gorgeous gorges galore

And a lake with miles of shore.

The Ithacan: A Broadway Perspective

2008-12-15T01:37:00.004-05:00

This was the first (and so far only) online-only article I wrote. It either didn't fit in the paper or couldn't be put in because of a lack of proper artwork (aka pictures). So that was unfortunate.

A Broadway perspective

New York casting associate shares insight on breaking into the business

October 30th, 2008

Bess Fifer, a casting associate with the Telsey and Company agency in New York City, has cast films such as “Sex and the City: The Movie” and the upcoming “I Love You Phillip Morris,” starring Jim Carrey. She has also cast Broadway shows, such as “Rent” and “In the Heights.” This weekend she will be working with young actors in Ithaca during a two-day workshop at Ithaca College that will examine the latest audition methods and resume tactics. Staff writer Anne Gould Northgraves spoke with Fifer about finding her dream job and the struggles young actors face today.

Anne Gould Northgraves: What does the job of a casting associate include?

Bess Fifer: I work on everything from musicals to straight plays to commercials to film. What we do is find and audition actors for whatever we have been hired to find, go out and look for the best actor for the part, bring it to our creative team, which usually consists of a director and producer, and offer them what we have found.

AGN: What brought you into this line of work?

BF: (laughs) Actually I was working as an office manager in a commercial real estate development firm [in Anniston, Ala.]. I’d always been in the arts but was just trying to get some business experience and I ended up taking a [career] aptitude test. “Casting director” popped up on the suggestions, and I had no idea what it was. I started doing some research and it just kind of hit me… That sounded like the coolest job I had ever heard of. I ultimately made the decision to move to New York, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do since I got here [in August 2004].

AGN: Had you been involved in acting or theater in high school or college?

BF: I actually have from high school. I did a lot of theater — music theater — in college and then I got involved in it once we moved to New York. I never was a New York performer — it was never something that I ever wanted to do. I moved here to pursue casting.

AGN: What makes you excited about your job?

BF: I really love performers. It’s amazing what they do, to really put themselves out there in the rawest state possible. I love working with them, trying to get the best performance out of them. I enjoy the creative process and seeing how the work we did in the room transfers to the stage or screen.

AGN: Have you ever been upstate to Ithaca before?

BF: I have been upstate but I have never been to Ithaca before. So I’m excited about that. I love small towns and college towns in particular because they have so much life and I’m really excited to get up there and look around.

AGN: There has been a lot of press about shows closing on Broadway, such as “Hairspray” and “Legally Blonde.” What are your thoughts on that, as someone who casts Broadway shows?

BF: It’s a very precarious time for all of us, you know? It just means that it’s going to be harder, [and there will be] more competition for the students [who] are getting ready to graduate. There’s even less [work] out there. You really have to be on top of your game. And you really have to want it. There’s really a blind sense of faith you have to have in yourself in order to really be able to go out there everyday.

AGN: Do you think the rumored upcoming strike of the Screen Actors’ Guild is going to happen?

BF: I would like to say I hope a strike doesn’t happen. But at the same time there is a lot of new gray area in actors’ contracts and a lot of that has to do with the Internet coming into play in ways it never has before. An actor’s product is themselves. They deserve to know how they are being used and that’s a very important part of the discussion. I hope it works out because everyone deserves to be supported.

AGN: It’s such an interesting time for actors. What would you say is an essential piece of information or advice you could give to aspiring actors?

BF: I think it’s really important to know yourself. I feel a lot of times people waste their time trying to go for something that they’re never going to be right for. I can’t tell you how many times I’m sitting there and someone walks in with a piece of music that they would never perform. And I get it, it means something to them, and that’s important too. But at the same time you want to show somebody what you’re right for, and to come in and present yourself in a way that is not right for you can be a drawback. There are definitely times when you can go in and change people’s minds. And you should do that. But at the same time you should be very aware of what and who you are.

“Audition Intensive: Working with the Pros” will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Whalen Center for Music. Tuition is $100 for students and $150 for non-students. Space is limited. Call (607) 273-8588 ext. 440 to reserve placement.

Yeah, I Did That!: New York City

2008-12-15T01:02:00.006-05:00

Finally, I'm able to talk about the New York trip Morgan an I went on last Saturday (the 6th). We had to get up super-early for the 6 am departure. I napped fitfully until we finally got to the City.

We started out doing some shopping, getting stuff at H&M, and seeing the crazily packed Macy's, where they were displaying the crystal ball for Time's Square's New Year's Eve. We also saw the Empire State Building, which caused me to make continual references to King Kong, much to Morgan's dismay. Then we did some browsing in Bryant Park. It was so cool to discover it was named for my fav poet, William Cullen Bryant.

Aw, look, he's so festive! It wasn't all fun and games, though. Morgan had a scary encounter when a pigeon dive-bombed her head.

I had never seen Central Park, so after Bryant Park we went to Central Park. We watched some adorable children ice-skating (I promise it wasn't that creepy!), but what I really had to do was find Balto's statue. I think Morgan thought I was losing my mind, especially when a bicycle cart driver came over to give me directions (probably hoping we'd hop a ride with him, only for me to say thanks and walk away). I finally found him, though!
Yay! He looked so heroic.

What did we do after that? Something. I can't remember. We finally found our way to Broadway and the Eugene O'Neill Theater to stand outside the Spring Awakening stage door. I pretended I knew the show at all, Morgan got so giggly, and we got VERY close.

We ended the day going to Rockefeller Center and saw the tree, which was so beautiful. And we got an awesome roommate picture.
We got to the pick-up site early, but there was this adorable little pub, The Landmark Tavern, so we got a quick and pretty great dinner.

And that was that. We did have to leave a little late and go back around the block to pick up some late people. Silly people!

It was such a fun day, something I'll really miss while I'm in London. Well, I'll be having days out and about in a city basically every day, but not with dearest Morgan! Sigh.

The Ithacan: "The Women" Review

2008-12-14T13:14:00.003-05:00

Here's another one of my pieces from this semester. It appeared in the same issue as the Raiders: The Adaptation front did, so that was an exciting week.

Stereotypes trump the truths of ‘The Women’

Mediocrity overtook a film with Hollywood alumnae and serious potential

By Anne Gould Northgraves Contributing Writer | September 18th, 2008

It is rare enough for a high-profile Hollywood film to be directed by a woman. It is rarer still for that same film to be written by a woman. And it is unheard of for such a film to feature a cast made up entirely of women. Yet the hat trick that is “The Women,” the recently released update of a 1930s classic about four friends, does not quite deliver, given the big names involved and the time it took to return to the big screen.

Take, for example, what should have been star Meg Ryan’s triumphant return to Hollywood glory. The role of protagonist Mary Haines is a mature and complex one. Mary is a woman who has to pick up the pieces of her life after she learns of her husband’s affair and deals with a friend’s equally painful betrayal. The role has potential for real depth, and it is plain Ryan is trying to evoke real pathos with every crinkle of her brow.

But overall Ryan portrays Mary as little more than the slightly quirky and pained romantic comedy character Ryan played to death in the 1990s. Somehow Ryan’s voice has gotten higher pitched since her last stint in the spotlight, which makes even Mary’s most meaningful comments feel almost too tartly sweet to be true. Her overly voluminous hair, clearly meant to emphasize her harried state, ends up looking strikingly similar to a certain Ms. Bradshaw of “Sex and the City.”

Mary’s best friend Sylvia is an equally well-conceived character: a successful, tough-as-nails magazine editor who is also dealing with self-doubt and questions of loyalty. But what makes Sylvia a fuller character than Mary is the masterful performance by Annette Bening. She is as capable of portraying serene and supreme confidence when declaring, “This is my face. Deal with it,” as she is able to contort that face into a taut and pained mask when hiding potentially friendship-breaking secrets.

While writer and director Diane English (who wrote the ’90s sitcom “Murphy Brown”) adapted Mary and Sylvia into modern and complex enough characters, the same cannot be said for the supporting roles of Alex Fischer (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Edie Cohen (Debra Messing), a pair of purely two-dimensional characters. Though hints of personality and character keep the audience interested, hardly any screen time is devoted to the duo, making it clear Alex and Edie are mere fillers.

Pinkett Smith scowls and growls her way through the peripheral role of Alex. The character, a writer who has been coasting for six years off the success of her first novel, has the potential for incredible drama. However, Alex is merely the little slice of sass in the group, both in terms of her tell-it-like-it-is attitude and the sexual and racial diversity she brings to the group.

Messing, meanwhile, does the best she can as the perpetual, and perpetually happy, mom of the group of friends. Her radiance provides a necessary levity in the film, but Edie lacks sufficient back story and emotional connections to the other three friends. If only Edie’s complexity was revealed before the last three minutes of the film, then the hilarious and climactic final scene — the only shining

moment for both Messing and Pinkett Smith — would not have felt overloaded.

A greater disservice has been done to Mary’s nemesis, Eva Mendes’ scheming, gold-digging character, Crystal Allen. One would hope every character in a film about complex, real women would have some measure of depth. But all Crystal provides is a tired stereotype — a scheming, money-obsessed cutthroat — and nothing more.

“The Women” could have featured fewer women and still expressed the truth of the story. All the high-profile names additionally flung about in the cast — Candice Bergen, Bette Midler, Cloris Leachman and Carrie Fisher — feel more like a ploy to entice ticket-buyers than a full cast of characters.

“The Women” is a promising story with some genuinely funny and truthful moments.

Unfortunately that aspect does not completely redeem the overabundance of meaningless, two-dimensional characters.

“The Women” was written and directed by Diane English.

What the Frick?!: My Fourth Attempt at Posting Pictures (Because Blogger Hates Me)

2008-12-14T13:06:00.005-05:00

I just want to preface this post by saying: blogger, why do you hate me so? For a week I've been trying to post pictures on here from my fabulous trip to New York City with Morgan, and every time it does not work. At least this picture got up. I'll try the New York pics next.

Anywho, there is finally snow in Ithaca! Huzzah! There had been a little before Thanksgiving Break, but between getting back on November 30th and this past Thursday, there had been none. Then we got TONS on the 11th. Which made me very, very happy.

How did we celebrate? Playing in the snow, of course! For more than an hour around midnight we (Kristyne, Kelly, Casey Dwyer, Joanna, and Zach) frolicked in the winter wonderland of the Lower Quad. Oh, was it glorious! Now it feels like Christmas.

The Ithacan: A Childhood Treasure

2008-12-08T13:18:00.003-05:00

Here is the first article I wrote this semester for The Ithacan. It's about the screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation that took place this September at Cornell Cinemas along with a Q&A with the films director, Eric Zala. I spoke with him a lot for this piece, and he was very nice and accommodating with all the follow up questions I had to call and ask about.

A Childhood Treasure

Aspiring ‘Raiders’ unveil an adventure 20 years in the making

By Anne Gould Northgraves Contributing Writer | September 18th, 2008

Indiana Jones hangs on to a speeding truck for dear life, a cloud of dust rising around him. The musical score swells, as if encouraging Indy to hold on. The hero works his way back into the vehicle, forcing out the driver while flashing his characteristic grin as he navigates through the rough terrain.

The scene’s most surprising detail is that the archaeologist is not the grown and grizzled Harrison Ford — but a young boy with fake stubble and the gleam of real determination in his eyes.

The scene’s similarity to “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” is a testament to the seven years that three young Mississippi boys — director Eric Zala, producer and star Chris Strompolos, and cinematographer Jayson Lamb — spent creating “Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation,” a shot-for-shot remake of the 1981 classic.

Cornell Cinema is the latest to host the adaptation, with a screening tomorrow and Saturday followed by a question-and-answer session with Zala.

Christopher Riley, Cornell Cinema’s managing director, said he is excited to host the film and looks forward to learning more about the film process the boys endured.

“It’s sort of like one of Indiana Jones’ treasures,” Riley said. “I am personally interested in talking to Eric about his experience as the director, trying to put all this together.”

After seeing the original “Raiders of the Lost Ark” upon its release, Zala said he and Strompolos were inspired by the film. The two boys, at 11 and 12 years old, decided to make their own adaptation of the film.

“As director, I wanted to see what a shot-by-shot remake of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ with teenage actors looked like,” Zala said. “The only way to find out was to make the movie.”

While Zala, Strompolos and Lamb began filming in 1982, the film was not completed until 1989.

“It consumed our entire childhood,” Zala said.

Zala said that the gargantuan task of realistically remaking “Raiders of the Lost Ark” was only possible because of the bonds the boys shared.

“[It was] the strength of the working friendship Chris and I had, and to another extent Jayson,” Zala said. “If you’ve spent five years and you quit, you let your buddies down.”

After shooting the film, the long process of editing began. A local television station let the boys use its editing equipment during the late hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

“We lived like vampires for a summer,” Zala said.

They celebrated their finished product with a premiere in their hometown of Ocean Springs, Miss. After that, Zala only occasionally showed the film to school and work friends.

In early 2003, a copy of the adaptation got into the hands of Eli Roth, director of “Cabin Fever” and “Hostel,” by complete chance, Zala said. Roth passed along the copy to executives at DreamWorks Studios, who then showed it to Steven Spielberg.

The strong positive reaction to the adaptation brought Zala, Strompolos and Lamb’s childhood project into the spotlight. A proper premiere was organized by Tim League, a friend of Roth’s, in May 2003 at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin, Texas.

Harry Knowles, writer for the popular Web site www.aintitcool.com,

attended the show and raved about the work of fandom. “Raiders: The Adaptation” began attracting massive attention on the Internet shortly after.

Riley said the press coverage following the Austin screening first attracted the attention of Cornell Cinema. The three men’s feat should serve as a model of success for young filmmakers.

“It is relevant especially to the film students at Ithaca College, who are trying to do things along these lines, trying to make great things out of very little,” Riley said.

In the five years since its Hollywood-backed premiere, the adaptation has been featured at more than 70 screenings across the world.

Sophomore Kristyne Fetsic, a cinema production major, is a longtime fan of the “Indy” franchise. Fetsic said she is planning to attend the “Raiders: The Adaptation” screening at Cornell Cinema.

“They’re getting so much recognition for three guys that just decided to do this one day,” Fetsic said. “I really have a lot of respect for them.”

To Zala, showing “Raiders: The Adaptation” to film students is an especially meaningful part of the screenings.

“People seem to have taken a lot from our film,” Zala said. “We know the value of being inspired ourselves. We would like to give back a little bit, because we’re certainly grateful for all the attention we’ve received.”

Zala said the most exciting moment came when he, Strompolos and Lamb met Spielberg in February 2004.

“[It was] the most amazing thing going through these gigantic ‘Jurassic Park’ gates,” Zala said.

A 2004 Vanity Fair article about the adaptation made many producers, including Scott Rudin, producer of “No Country for Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood,” interested in making a film about Zala, Strompolos and Lamb’s personal story.

The three accepted Rudin’s offer. Zala said Daniel Clowes, writer of “Ghost World,” has written a script that has been favorably received.

The positive reception of “Raiders: The Adaptation” has led Zala and Strompolos to leave their corporate jobs and return to Mississippi, where they are working on a southern gothic adventure film set in contemporary times.

Zala said he hopes those who are inspired by his film the way he was inspired by the original “Raiders of the Lost Ark” take some important lessons with them.

“Push voices of doubt and self-doubt aside, push ahead and do it anyway,” Zala said. “Finish. Don’t take no for an answer. People don’t take you seriously when you’re young. Just keep at it.”

Both screenings will be held in Willard Straight Hall at 7:15 p.m. Student tickets are $4 and can be purchased both at the Willard Straight Hall ticket desk and at the door.

For my first true newspaper article (I'm sorry, Ursuline Academy's Blazer doesn't really count), I was so happy with it.

I Want to Grow Up and Write Like This One Day

2008-12-08T12:17:00.007-05:00

Last Wednesday, Morgan and I were just in the room, doing work and watching TV. I completely forgot Life was on until Friday when I looked at my Hulu queue. Of course I watched it right away, and while the episode as a whole was rather confusing (definitely not the best one of the season) there was one gem moment. The scene at the dinner table was so well written and paced, at least in my opinion, I watched it three times in a row.

Never Fear, Anne Is Here (For Once)

2008-12-05T01:36:00.003-05:00

Whoa. So it's been a long time since I've written anything here. To recap my life in the past two and a half weeks:

Nov. 19th: I drove to Syracuse - 3 hours round trip - for a 5 minute appointment at the Immigration Office. "Why would you do that?" you might be asking? It's required for the London Visa (which I haven't received back yet, hopefully soon). It was actually pretty neat, I had my fingerprints and face scanned.

Nov. 21st - Nov. 30th: Thanksgiving Break! I rested, knitted, had fun with friends, ate lots of food, found out I'm having a new cousin, saw Australia (which most people hated but I loved), played Rock Band for the first time, and drove 7 hours back to IC in horrible weather and traffic.

That's it. It was more packed than it sounds, I swear.

Also, I wrote a review of Australia. I pretty sure it's my last article of the year. Starting Sunday I'll post an article per day of all the material I've written for The Ithacan this semester.

Expect some serious procrastination over the next week, and thus more posts! Now I'm off to bed.

Just For Compendium

2008-11-18T17:34:00.005-05:00

So this image is just for my Map part of this project for Intro to Visual Culture.

Whoa, It's Been Too Long!

2008-11-18T01:02:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I do have an explanation for not posting in 10/11 days. I've had a lot of work to do with classes, etc. Over Thanksgiving I will definitely be catching up with my Lost Revisited posts, so never fear!

I am, of course, posting late tonight in avoidance of work I should be doing. And what's the best way to do that? By watching TV shows online!

Well, that's if there are any good shows I am not caught up on to watch. And there aren't. I've watched all the Samantha Whos, CSIs, Pushing Daisies, Grey's Anatomys, etc. So I began watching the Ugly Betty presents: Mode After Dark. Which are pretty funny and adorable.

But the point of this post is not the minisodes. It is the short ads inbetween the shows that caught my attention. The song was this really catching little French ditty that I really want to find the name of. The weird thing is that the ad was for HPV.com. Why they would choose a cute little French song to back their text about HPV being comunicable and checking with your doctor beats me. I just really like the song!

What the Frick?! iTunes

2008-11-06T21:59:00.004-05:00

So, I was surfing the web (ok, from EW.com. Why pretend I find things out anywhere else) and found this great music video from the group Alphabeat. I was real excited to check out some more of there music, and maybe even get the music video, so I go to iTunes.

But they don't have it. Or any of Alphabeat's music. I say: what the Frick?!

Now I must be content with watching the video on YouTube on a loop.

SNL's Presidential Rehash

2008-11-03T23:15:00.001-05:00

I just finished watching SNL's Presidential Bash 2008 (avoiding a paper I have to write. Still avoiding it, in fact). And I have to say, I was a little disappointed.

It's not as if I was expecting all new material. I've watched the past two Presidential Bashes, so I knew to expect almost exclusively pre-aired sketches of presidential parodies. But I definitely remember the 2000 and 2004 Bashes featuring a lot more old school SNL skits. Hartman's Clinton eating voters' food at a McDonald's. The unforgettable Dana Carvey's H.W. Bush talking about the Gulf War. The full H.W. Bush - Dukakis (again Carvey, and Jon Lovitz).

They did show clips of old sketches. Very short clips. More or less a few lines. Which is a real shame, since I really enjoyed the older stuff they have shown in the past. It sparks interest in classic seasons of SNL.

That's all.

Happy Halloween!!

2008-10-31T17:04:00.003-04:00

Alright, this clip does not LOOK very Halloweenie, but it's from Nightmare. Need something more explicitly Halloween? Then here ya go.

'Lost' Revisited: "Confirmed Dead"

2008-10-31T00:50:00.014-04:00

Previously on Lost...man, do I love that deep deep voice. I would love to know who says that.

I didn't participate in "The Lost Experience" the summer between the second and third seasons, mostly because I was in Maine most of the summer, without internet access. Last summer, between the third and fourth seasons, I was a little more into it, watching some of the videos of the boyfriend of a stewardess, and of course I watched all of the Missing Pieces.

It was great how they made them somewhat mundane, but a quite fun moments for fans of the show, at least until the last Missing Piece, with Christian Shephard BEING ALIVE*.

MASSACHUSETTS!! (sorry, I always gotta recognize my roots) I don't know why Dan is so freaked out. We still don't know by the end of the season. Maybe it has to do with the time travel, like what happened to Desmond in "The Constant?"

Man, Daniel (Jeremy Davies) is great in his delivery. His voice goes up along with his body "Along with the phone."

That image of Locke standing in the clearing in the rain is so quintessential John Locke. I wish I had as much clarity as that man has (at least sometimes).

I love Sawyer, but really, man cannot pull off wet hair as sexy.

The great thing about Lost is, like life, you never know where people are coming from, or where they're going. It's strange, how despite the fact that there are flash backs and forwards, everything feels so present.

Miles Straume!! A number one, that has to be one of the best names ever. Not only is it cool, but very loaded with the connotations of maelstrom. Ken Leung is very attractive as well. I can't wait to learn more about Miles, there are so many places his character can go, so much we don't know.

I am with the line of thinking that Miles "saw" that Claire was dead in the season finale, that is why he is looking at her funny. Did he maybe have previous contact with the Island, is that why he can talk to dead people? Could there possibly be some Firestarter connotation about the DHARMA Initiative and the Island, tests done on people, who then had children also with special abilities?

Dude, what is that machine? And he better be involved more next season.

Again, Ben is amazing. I still think he's a bad man. Willing to sacrifice most people. But how he delivers all his lines, like "Carl, now if you're going to sleep with my daughter I insist you call me Ben," oh so great.

I completely did not get the possible moment of realization for Sawyer of getting Ben in front of his daughter. It must have gotten him thinking about HIS daughter, Clementine. Is that possibly what got him thinking that finally resulted in what he said to Kate in the finale?

Kate's look at Dan when he talks about the light, too magnificent.

I love the mirroring in this show. Like just now, how they make a mini ambush of Miles and Dan. Then in the later end of the season, how the Others ambush Kate and Sayid. It's like how the music gets repeated themes, but changed, throughout the show.

Charlotte Staples Lewis. There is so much about faith in this show.

The reveal of the polar bear skeleton was so shocking when the episode first aired. Now, obviously, it must have gotten to Tunisia via the Orchid station and its chamber, coming from the Hydra as we learned.

Miles gets the line of the night with "Oh my God, you guys were on Oceanic 815! Wow, that better?"

This violin work sounds like Psycho. I do love it though. So ominous. And yet, it's for nothing. Brilliant.

Frank Lapidus is pretty great in this scene. By the way, gotta love the Greg Grunberg picture with the mustache. Now, what happened to Frank that brought him from flying for Oceanic to the Bahamas? Hopefully that's a thing we'll find out (eventually).

Oh, silly Ben! Don't try to shoot people!

Is it just me, or does Franks forehead wound look like Charlie's from the first season finale? Aw, I miss him.

Lance Reddick is magnificent. I won't reiterate too much.

This whole scene, Locke readying to kill Ben, Ben's staggering to save himself, Alex not willing to see her, albeit manipulative father die, Charlotte's reaction shots, the weight of why they have been sent to capture Ben, it is all so intricate. The question is, does Ben really know what the Monster is. I know he can "control" or "summon" it, but does he know what makes it up? And knowing now that it is Michael on the boat...well, it doesn't add that much, to be frank.

So that's that. Next time on Lost: Sayid has creepy straightened hair in the future, and kills people while in cahoots with Ben. Also, the Losties participate in some human trafficing!

BOOM.

*I'm not sure he really is alive, but he's walking

Bond. James Bond. X20

2008-10-30T14:05:00.004-04:00

After three months, 21 movies, and innumerable double entendres, I have finally finished watching all the James Bond films. That's right, all of them.*

I love Casino Royale. Like, really love it. It is just a wonderful, well crafted movie, Let alone a Bond film. Daniel Craig is fantastic. But I'd never seen another Bond film. So in light of Quantum of Solace coming out this year, and my obsessive nature, I decided to watch them all. Save for two instances, I saw them in order (my Dad wanted to watch Goldfinger with me, and The World is Not Enough wouldn't play on my computer).

Sean Connery was amazing. Cause he's Sean freakin' Connery. I actually thought On Her Majesty's Secret Service was pretty good, but who knows where George Lazenby would have gone after that. Hated Roger Moore - too jokey, too suave, not enough bite. Timothy Dalton was not attractive (I have no appreciation of butt-chins) and it was so eighties. Pierce Brosnan was alright, but things were too gadgety and the stories totally stupid.

And that's that. Man, if I drank, I would totally need a martini. The closest I can get to an actual Bond clip is this Quantum of Solace video game trailer. Definitely not as good as the real thing.

*My list is in order of EW's rank of all the Bond films.

Mi az on telefonszama?

2008-10-29T16:01:00.002-04:00

Now I know if I hear that while in Hungary, I should slap that man in the face. Why should I? He's asking for my number, and I don't want to give skeevy Hungarian men (or any skeevy men, for that matter) my number. How do I know this? Well, I am going to London (woot!)

Our orientation was this weekend, and my parents came up for it. In all honesty, it was probably better they did, so I wouldn't have to get annoyed at them when they asked all sorts of questions about things. Anywho, Bill Sheasgreen, who runs the London Centre (gotta get used to the British spelling) asked questions and gave out prizes.

Of course, my Dad had to say the answers to everything, despite my protests. And he won me this European phrase book. I couldn't be too annoyed at him after that. It's cool, because it's a DK book.

That Guilty Feeling

2008-10-23T19:08:00.003-04:00

The new 30 Rock episode is on Hulu, a full week before it premieres on that boxy thing that looks like a computer screen without a keyboard. What's it called again? Oh, that's right, a television.

Afterward, I proceeded to watch a solid half hour of clips, which culminated with this one.

It is so true.

"Lost" Revisted: "The Beginning of the End"

2008-10-21T22:29:00.006-04:00

As a means of satiating my hunger for Lost and giving this blog a feeling of legitimacy (and procrastinating the actual work I have to do) I have decided to start a regular feature. Each week, I'll recap at least one episode of Lost from season 4. Part analysis, part recap, all mushy fan-love, it'll be a good prep for the coming Lost penultimate season.

So lets begin, shall we?

Hurley's exclamation about being one of the oceanic six isn't a mystery anymore - if you don't know that those are Hurley, Jack, Kate, Sayid, Sun, and Aaron, well then you live ON the Island (by the way, out of respect for the Island as a character, I'll be capitalizing it).

The thing that puzzles me is why exactly Hurley is so susceptible to visions, hallucinations, generally going crazy. Maybe it's his gift, having a connection to the world of the dead, like Walt's special powers. Or Locke's understanding of the Island. It just makes me sad he's in the Loony Bin.

I'm surprised Locke killed Naomi. Of all the characters, I feel he and Hurley are the least likely to kill anyone. I would say Claire, too, but I she is so protective of Aaron she would kill someone for him. There's a fierce streak in her. But Locke's gift is that he's not a ruthless as Ben, and therefore a better leader for the Others and the Island in general. He has come so close to killing but been unable to in the past.

Oh, it is so sad to hear Ben say Rousseau has to take Alex away. Given the awful things that happen in "The Shape of Things to Come."

Ok, this will reveal the fullness of my Lost geek-itude/obsession, but all I can think about when Hurley jumps into the water is how Jorge jumped into the water after finishing the filming of the pilot (revealed in the season 1 extras).

I spent the entire summer contemplating the reactions of people to the news of Charlie's death. When I first saw "The Beginning of the End" when it aired, I was highly underwhelmed. Being able to see the reaction shots of those on the beach again, they are completely appropriate.

Ah, Fisher Stevens (aka Chuck from Early Edition!) is the voice of Minkowski now! I knew that he wasn't in the previous season finale, but he's clearly the voice on the phone now!

Jack has gone crazy with...something. Not power, Jack is not a man who needs to rule. He (as has been clearly established by flashbacks, his actions on the Island, everything) needs control. while I have come to highly dislike the character of Jack, he's a pompous control-freak so obsessed with his own beliefs the well-being of others is compromised, Matthew Fox's quality as an actor to convincingly portray such a complex - and to some dislikable - character is truly wonderful. And if you need any proof that Jack is not this great savior, a real knight in shining armor, more of a hero than Sawyer, look no further than the fact that he ACTUALLY PULLS THE TRIGGER ON LOCKE!

ARGH! Lance Reddick is probably one of the creepiest looking people out there. And he is a superb actor. He infuses every word with intensity. I am so sad he's a series regular on Fringe (well, not sad for the quality of Fringe) but I think it means he'll not be as regular on Lost as I would like. Hopefully before the end he'll have some scenes with Michael Emerson, and more with Terry O'Quinn, because those fabulous actors would play off each other like nobody's business.

I need to who Abaddon is working for, and in what capacity. Well, let me qualify that. I'm pretty sure he's working for Widmore, though there's something about his demeanor that makes me think he could be a plant in Widmore's ranks.

I am still convinced he, Widmore, Alpert, and others are survivors of the Black Rock crash on the Island.

The actress who plays Naomi was recently on something else. I can't remember what it was.

Ok, so if Christian Shephard was sitting in the chair, does that mean John Locke had seen him before meeting him in the finale? Or was Hurley's ability to see Christian for a moment like Locke's seeing him for a moment in the season 3 finale? I think that's how I'll see things.

What were they all leaning against? Oh, the cockpit. I see.

Juliet just had the most hilarious look on her face when everyone else cocked the guns.

So, I still cry when Hurley tells Claire Charlie's dead. Cause it is really sad. He had been one of the main survivors over the course of three full seasons. Though Charlie wasn't always the most well-served character ("Fire+Water" was one of the worst episodes of Lost, IMHO)

But man did he (Dom) look good with short hair and aviators. This conversation is chock full of fabulous lines and acting. I can tell Jorge and Dom probably had a lot of fun getting back together for a day of shooting. "I am here. You're being a baby." And what fortuitousness about "They need you." It's all set-up for the finale.

Jack has also got some serious rage issues.

Though I love Jorge, he's a great actor, Hurley's big monalogue is a bit contrived. I just don't like the dialogue that much. That's ok, the flash-forward scene makes up for it.

"Jack, with your permission, I would like to go with John" has got to be one of the best lines, and line deliveries, in this series' history. If only for the context.

Ok, so Jack. You WOULD look bad with a beard. You would look like a crazy mountain-man.

I still don't understand why Hurley is sorry he went with Locke. Is it because that caused Jack and Sawyer to go after him, thereby causing them to be later to the copter, thereby causing them to lose Jin? I still don't know.

And with the introduction of Daniel Faraday, we are introduced to the first of the Freighter Folk. Overall, I feel they were better additions than the Tailies. Though I loved Eko and Bernard, and would have loved to know more about Libby, their intro was a little sloppy, part of the reason season 2 was the weakest so far.

And so, thus ends what could have been an insanely long foray into the world of Lost.

Next time on Lost Revisited: We meet the key members of the Freighter Folk, Locke is a little, well, lost, and Jack gets a little gun-happy.

BOOM

EW and I Have a Mind-meld*

2008-10-20T19:18:00.004-04:00

This is why I want to write for EW when I graduate. I was thinking about writing a "Happy 50th, Viggo" post, and they up and did it before me.

*Only my heterosexual life-partner Kim** would understand this reference.

**Again, only Kim would know.

Yeah, I Did That!: Beating PopWatch

2008-10-16T00:07:00.003-04:00

Have you heard of Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation, a film three Mississippi boys made over the course of 7 years in the 80s recreating shot-for-shot the original Raiders film?

Well, my first point is you should see it if you get the opportunity - it is great. My more important point is that I saw it and wrote about it - 4 weeks before EW.com's PopWatch blog wrote about it. And for someone who loves EW, someone who'd love to work there one day, it was a great feeling of scoop-age and accomplishment. Check out my article in The Ithacan and the PopWatch piece about Raiders: The Adaptation.

CSI Brings on the Waterworks Like It's Grey's Anatomy

2008-10-11T14:47:00.005-04:00

I finally watched the season nine premiere of CSI last night. And it was oh so good.

It was not good that Warrick (Gary Dourdan) died. But his sad (and exceptionally bloody) demise brought on the A-game from the rest of the cast. From Grissom's (William Petersen) panicked last few moments with Warrick, to Catherine's (Marg Helgenberger) hyperventilating, Greg's (Eric Szmanda) shock, and Nick's (George Eads) simmering sorrow and rage. I was moved to tears — though that's not too difficult — by the team's responses, especially at the funeral in the final moments of the episode.

Seriously, how has this show only been nominated 5 times for non-creative arts Emmys? AND never won? It's a travesty. The show has been the number one on television for nearly nine years for a reason.

Now I am all riled up .

Why is Prison Taking Over My Life?

2008-10-06T22:28:00.008-04:00

Ha ha, get it? LIFE! Cause I'm obsessed with that show. My wit amazes me.

But seriously, there has been an erie amount of prison-oriented entertainment recently for me.

First, Life is back on NBC. It premiered last Monday, and had its second episode on Friday, which will be the show's normal night (NBC, this better not cause the show to fail, or I will hold you personally responsible. I have on my "grr" face, just so you know how serious I am). It's about a cop sentenced to life in prison for murders he did not commit who is released 12 years later, becoming a cop once again. And it is fabulous. The stories are really unique and involving, and all the acting is great, especially Damien Lewis as the protagonist Charlie Crews. He also has red hair and is British in real life, but that's completely besides the point. Also, the awesome Donal Logue has joined the cast. The opening of the second season HAD the fabulous song "Devil's Playground" by Gram Rabbit kicking things off, but stupidly they changed the song (and I am irrationally depressed by this fact).

Second, IC Theatre's mainstay productions kick off this week, with "The Exonerated" previewing October 7th. Since I'm in Intro to Theatre I've already had to read the play and will be seeing the preview. It's a moving play about six innocent people sent to death row and their experiences until their eventual exoneration.

Finally, I just watched The Shawshank Redemption in full for the first time at the Catholic Community's Movie Monday. It was so-oh good. Morgan Freeman is the master of narration. His closest rival - Ron Howard. That's how good he is.

Everything comes in threes, so I hope that's all the prison-ness I'm going to get for a while. Because even though all those three things are great, it's also kind of depressing.

Happy October!

2008-10-01T12:51:00.003-04:00

The month of Halloween is already off to a scary start thanks to a particularly creepy episode of Fringe last night.

I'm not the most easily freaked out person. But who wouldn't be creeped out by the hairless man who apparently has no taste buds. I honestly don't know what's scarier - his voice, his lack of eyebrows, his creepy backwards handwriting, or the heap of pepper, Tabasco sauce, and jalapenos he put on his roast beast. Please back me up on this.

Arrrren't Ye Blood a' Boilin'?

2008-09-25T19:34:00.008-04:00

In case you missed it, there is a new format on Facebook. And most people don't like it. Heck, I don't like it very much. What is easier about having the "facebook" and "home" links at the top of the page lead to THE SAME PLACE?

Anyway, my friend Alex alerted me to a very good reason to dislike new Facebook a little less: the English/Pirate language option. Now everything is in pirate lingo. You do not poke; you skewer. You have mateys, not friends. You can mangle me litany instead of...well, I'm not sure what that replaces.

In any case, it is fabulous. And now I want to watch Pirates of the Caribbean (the good one). Aye, avast!

Don't Mess with Boston

2008-09-24T13:16:00.001-04:00

It recently dawned on me I haven't written on this blog for a while. And by "a while" I mean three months. So with my Emmy blog, I decided to return to blogging.

Basically, I am going to use this little slice of the scarily large World Wide Web to comment on things that are important to me in the world of Entertainment, Ithaca College, and life in general. And that starts now.

I was perusing EW.com's PopWatch (for the fifth time today, as usual) and by checking out a link to the Time Out New York 40th anniversary interviews with 40 famous New Yorkers, I saw David Cross' name. Now, as a huge fan of Arrested Development, I had to check it out. But what I found made me very upity (yes, I just used that word).

It seems the man really loves New York. Understandable, he's being interviewed as a New Yorker. But it also seems he doesn't like Boston. I mean really doesn't like Boston. He called us "f***ing pricks." And I do not appreciate that.

I am proud of the culture in Boston. I love that there are trees and grass all-over the place. I love that you can walk around the city in a day, but it can still surprise you all the time. I love that you can drive into the city. I especially love you can do that, or take an easy T ride in. I love that I can start conversations with total strangers on the Green Line, and not have to worry (too much) about my purse. I love Fenway, and that we're KEEPING our park. I love flocking out of a game after a win, taking over the street, and how much the inability to move for half an hour because of this doesn't seem to bother the people in cars. I love that Catholicism is a part of Boston.

And I could go on, and on, and on.

Emmy Awards live blog (written live, posted late. As always)

2008-09-24T11:58:00.003-04:00

Live Emmy Blogging

Hi, so because I am obsessed with television, and have no interest in MC Lars, Young Joc, or Cartel, here’s a live Emmy blog!

So we just turned to ABC from E!, and it’s the end of Jimmy Kimmel’s special. I am now very sad we did not watch this from the beginning. It is so hilarious!!

8:00 – OMG, I love the quotes!! This telecast knows how to win me over. Jorge Garcia, Doris Roberts, the Baldwin brothers, and more reading famous TV quotes: priceless. But why did they let HAYDEN say the incomparable Edward R. Murrow’s line?

8:01 – Of course Oprah would introduce the show. Of course she is wearing red. But I can’t help but love her. It’s a love/hate thing. And since she’s talking up TV, I am currently in the “love” phase.

8:02 –What would an Oprah appearance be without some self-promotion? Here, she plugs the bookclub.

8:03 – Well, she’s got the inspire thing right.

8:04: Our five hosts. Heidi in a suit = still super hot. And Jeff Probst isn’t wearing a tie, oh, gotta love the Probst. I was worried about them all, but this is flowing pretty well. Oh Howie and Jeff should get a sitcom. The Host Odd Couple? I think it’s an appealing combination of the reality and comedy genres. ABC, get on that!

8:06 – Tom Bergeren does not look amused. And what a wonderful dig at Seacrest.

8:08 – Why is William Shatner getting onstage? He looks like a confused old man at the grocery store looking for his wife.

8:09 – Amy Poelher, you need to win. Especially given the great gift to the comedy world she is baking inside her uterus.

8:11 – Really Jeremy Piven wins the Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy award, really? He’s becoming the next Tony Shaloub/James Spader. And that’s not a good thing.

8:16 – Why are Bergeren and Seacrest sitting in a booth? OOhhh, the Seinfeld set. Well, as someone who wasn’t a fan of the show, I’m not surprised I didn’t recognize it.

8:19 – Jean Smart should have gotten a Best Supporting Actress award for 24 Season 5. Beggars can’t be choosers. She looks so fabulous, like Helen Mirren. But I would have loved if Amy won.

8:26 – What is this Desperate Housewives tribute? I would have wanted/understood a salute to a bygone show much better. Golden Girls reunion? Would have been a lot better.

8:28 – Michael Emerson better win Best Supporting Actor in a Arama!! I have such butterflies in my belly!

8:29 – NOOOOOOOOOO! I don’t care how good the other guys “supposedly” were. I am very upset. I would stop watching if I didn’t want to see if Lost wins.

8:30 – Thank you, Ricky Gervais, for making me laugh. You comfort me in this dark time. The crying this is too true though.

8:33 – “Look at his stupid face.” My new favorite saying. And Steve Carrell’s face. Priceless. So far, this is shaping up to be a good show. It just goes to show you - Proscenium seating is not overrated. Arena seating does nothing good.

8:41 - How wonderful Conan is on the Simpsons’ set. Oh, what a good Katherine Hiegel dig. I would totally tap that albino Swede-president look-alike.

8:43 – I really didn’t have that much invested in the Supporting Actress in a Drama award, so good for you, Diane Wiest.

8:44 – Writing! And Variety Writing! I love these clips of the writers. Last year’s were pretty good. Oh, but I think Conan’s just took the cake.

8:46 – I think the most I have ever come to liking “Dr.” Phil is this precise moment, especially on saying “Loser” with that scary/hilarious eye-bulge.

8:48 – What a sweetly sincere moment for Steven Colbert’s acceptance of best writing.

8:49 – The Host Odd Couple: Episode Two. This material is gold. They make the parade of Accountants fabulous. Howie perfectly fits the OCD role, and Probst is used to bumming it on an island, so he’s got the slob act down.

8:51 – I don’t know what Steve Martin is presenting or doing onstage, but any Steve Martin appearance is welcome. Aww, that’s sweet. I have no idea exactly what the Smothers Brothers Show was, but how nice Tommy Smothers is getting an award.

8:54 – What is up with Tom Hanks’ glasses? He looks like an old lady who needs to see her bridge cards.

8:55 – Yes, free speech is good, Tommy Smothers. Yes, it is important. But is a Hollywood awards show the place to make such statements? In my opinion, no. Now I feel all serious and down.

8:59 – Ok, so I’m torn. Colm Meaney is great, he was so amazing in Layer Cake. He could use work, so I’m sad he’s not in Life on Mars anymore. But they got Harvey Kietel. And Harvey Kietel is one of my inappropriate old-man crushes. Not that I’m really going to watch the show anyway. How hilarious the longest entry is about something not on the show.

9:01 – How is Josh Groban going to sing 30 songs? Oh, that’s how he’s going to do it. What a fabulous intro with the Simpsons, he knows how to win me over. Then Friends, what a great voice he put on. Animal! The X-Files!! SOUTH PARK!!! “Pie-HIGH!!!!” Slow-mo running!!!!! Fresh Prince!!!!!!

9:06 – Could that please have gone on another 5 minutes?

9:06 – Is Alec Baldwin trying to be that guy from the Inside the Actor’s Studio Sketch again?

9:07 – I really want to see John Adams. And what a nice, subtle political comment.

9:09 – I think I like that PC ad as much as the Mac ads. At least a lot more than the recent Mac ads.

9:14 – Sock it to me? No thank you. I really think Laugh In belongs in a totally different time. And should not be brought into the light anymore. As Alex said “That took way too long.” I am getting exceptionally bored.

9:19 – “And from the Bones, David Boreanaz,” Oh Heidi, I love ya. And you know who I love even more? DAVID BOREANAZ! Why isn’t he reading it? And why is he standing next to that blonde robot? Poor David.

9:21 – I had to take a breather and look at my boy.

9:22 – Morgan wants to be Paul Fieg. I’m sorry he didn’t win best directing for a comedy series for her.

9:23 – Here’s his beautiful voice! Oh, Fight of the Concords better win! They are soo funny.

9:24 – Well, Tina Fey is a worthy winner for Best Writing for a Comedy Series, too. And it makes it better that she used a profanity-substitute. I want to be her.

9:31 – Martin Sheen doing a West Wing/politics tribute. He gets it off to a good start with the comment about him never winning. What a good little speech.

9:33 – “Vote for the candidate of your choice at least once” ? I thought we were allowed only one ballot! Someone needs to re-teach me some constitutional rights.

9:34 – Y’all better be giving us a brand new full season of TV! And “Oprah was correct, of course.” Everyone is under the power of the one Orpah! (no, not a typo. I love spelling her name the correct way).

9:35 – Christina Applegate looks fabulous. And funny!

9:36 – Dermott Mulroney looks super-creepy in the nominations for best made for TV movie. Glad for that reason it didn’t win. And no political speech from Recount’s producers, so that’s something.

9:40 – I’m sorry Nuvaring, no matter how many pretty colors and fun songs you put in your ads, I do not want a ring in my vagina.

9:42 – The Dragnet theme music makes me thing of a show that used to be on PBS I watched as a child. Yay! William Petersen! I will miss you on CSI. I’m getting all verklempt thinking about it. But Laurence, you will be fine too.

9:43 – Now I really want to see John Adams, Tom Wilkinson and David Morris? Sign me up!

9:44 – I know we’re in for something good, Colbert and Stewart are on the stage! Although, the prune thing does not top Colbert’s “Kneel before your golden idol” bit from a few years ago.

9:47 – Wow, I’m writing a lot more about the presenters than the actual awards. Guess that means I’m not that invested. Though to be more honest, it hasn’t gotten to the big awards I really care about (read: ones involving Lost).

9:48 – Gosh, John Adams is calling out to me to see it. Best Writing for a Miniseries! Oh, he got cut off. That’s sad for him. But not for me, because I wasn’t listening.

9:50 – Aw, cute baby during the Applebee’s ad!! I just realized, there are never babies on awards shows. There should be. So many people would tune in if there were, like babies in very corner of the screen. Or maybe that’s just me. It’s just me? Ok, I’ll stop.

9:55 – Ailene Atkins isn’t here to accept her Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries award. So many people are not here.

9:56 – Don Rickles still got it. Every moment: genius.

9:58 – Are there planes landing? Yes Mr. Rickles, planes of laughter. That didn’t make sense. Oh well. I don’t get why he’s presenting best reality program though.

9:59 – Fudgearoo! Sixth CONSECUTIVE win for The Amazing Race? Christian Siriano was robbed, I say! Ok, so he wouldn’t have gotten an actual Emmy award, but he was the star of that show.

10:01 – Sally Field: Always superfine. And the Best Miniseries award goes to…

10:02 – John Adams! Aw, Forrest and Mama Gump! What a great little line from Sally and Tom. I just can’t get over Tom’s old granny glasses though. Um, but how is David McCoullough a sex symbol for the ages? Tom, is there something you’re not telling us?

10:04 – “I kinda want to punch someone in the face now.” You and me both, Morgan. We did not want to see the High School Musical Children sing about bread.

10:10 – Don Rickles gets an award. Yay, he’s back on stage! He’s rambling, but I don’t mind, it’s funny rambling. And good for the sound people for not cutting him off. The man deserves some time to talk.

10:12 – Well, Kate Walsh and Wayne Brady are an interesting pair. Just about as strange as David and LC.

10:13 – I’m so happy Cynthia Nixon won. She is such a great actress.

10:14 – And Greg Luganus wins for directing House’s Head. Good, that was a devastating episode. And what a great little speech! Like I said, mentioning babies gets me every time.

10:16 – I can’t say I was too invested in the Best Writing for a Drama Series award, given The Constant wasn’t nominated. So good for you, Mad Men, getting recognized as the second best written script this year. Me, bitter? No.

10:17 – Oh, what a bad thing. You don’t forget your kid’s name!!

10:23 – What a long commercial break. Wait, did the announcer man just say Chevin Spacey?

10:23 – My gosh, John Adams is totally cleaning up! But Paul Giamatti deserves it! But what an unnecessary jab.

10:25 – Candice Bergen, you need more roles than Boston Legal. Oh, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series! But why don’t they get lines! Oh, that’s ok, Alec Baldwin got the gold!

10:26 – And for once, the orchestra can play a theme that sounds like the actual theme! What jazzy fun to get the fabulous Alec onstage. And how adorable, thanking Tina Fey (appropriately).

10:27 – Sound trouble!! Epic fail!

10:28 – Good speech Glen Close, it truly is a heyday for female roles.

10:29 – In Memoriam. I forgot Charlton Heston was in this year. Big cheers for Sidney Pollack, Bernie Mac, Tim Russert, Issac Hayes, and George Carlin (on his second appearance. Editor mistake, or did they want to make it clear?).

10:37 – Woah, Kiefer jumps right into the Best Lead Actor in a Drama award.

10:38 – Yes, Y-E-S Yes! Brian Cranston totally deserved an Emmy for Malcolm in the Middle, thank goodness he finally gets his due! Aw, he’s so overwhelmed, understandably! I can’t stop using exclamation points! This may be the most excited I am all night (awards wise).

10:40 – Craig Furgeson is too close to Brooke Shields. I love it. Oh, the payoff – “Is that your hand on my ass?” “Yes, and it’s respecting you.”

10:41 – And the Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series is…Tina Fey! Since I was just watching a bunch of 30 Rock episodes, I totally feel this. And giving props to Julia Louise Dreyfus is deserved. Julia deserves this next year. What a nice speech Tina! I want to be even more like you now!

10:43 – Jimmy Kimmel presents the Best Reality Program Host. They all have great facial expressions. What a great little eyebrow lift, Seacrest, and I don’t want to say great about Seacrest too often.

10:45 – Are they really going to a break? They’re really going to a break!

10:49 – The music is so appropriate. I’m seriously loving this show, and this part of it.

10:50 – Yay!! Probst totally deserved this, he has been at this so long, was the first of these hosts out there, and has always done it magnificently.

10:51 – Mary Tyler Moore is really skinny. I mean REALLY skinny.

10:52 – This is tribute to the old people night. But they’re picking good, funny old people. Oh, they’re presenting Best Comedy Series! OH, the tension is big!

10:54 – 30 Rock! Hopefully these wins will help this not go the way of Arrested Development.

10:55 – Tom Selleck! Another oldie but hottie! Oh, best drama series! Come on Lost!

10:56 – And it’s Mad Men. Well, it is good. Very good. Definitely deserved this. But I can’t get rid of my slight bias. Ok, more than slight. Lost was magic again this season.

10:58 – It is not even 11. My gosh, I could have happily had a few more minutes of that fun. Despite the awesomeness of the show, I can’t help but be a little disappointed. Well, next year.

Delicious L4yer Cake

2008-06-05T02:47:00.007-04:00

I know it is almost 3 in the morning. I know I should be sleeping (though I quell that thought by remembering IT'S SUMMER). But I just finished L4yer Cake, the 2004 British gangster film. And it was so fantastic, I am almost beyond words.

Ok, it certainly helped that Daniel Craig was in it. Sure, he is, to put it politely, attractive (to me anyway; many of my friends very openly tell me it is a debatable fact). Over and above that, however, he is a fantastic actor. Everyone in it was. And the story was dynamite - twisty, fast, emotional, nerve-wracking. Hard to fully comprehend in just one sitting, it was so dense yet tightly woven. Yet the style was so simple. Which was necessary, with such a complex plot. Nothing was overdone, and the sex, drugs, and violence was not gratuitous or unnecessary.

I'm trying to remember when was the last time I saw such a great movie. I had the same urge to immediately re-watch Iron Man, but they're such different genres and different food for my movie appetites I'm not sure I can compare them. Casino Royale and The Borne Ultimatum certainly compare. But the last time I really had this feeling was Inside Man. Which was three years ago. Woah, that's a long time.

Or maybe I've just been a film student too long.

P.S. - Just so anyone who cares knows, I will be doing a big Lost response. I 1) have had other things to do, and B) feel I need a second viewing of the episode.

LOST: Or What Caused My Brain to Short Circuit

2008-05-29T23:05:00.001-04:00

AAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!

(A more coherent post will come tomorrow)

Lost Returns!! (Major Spoilers Ahoy!)

2008-04-24T23:27:00.004-04:00

Michael Emerson deserves an Emmy. And a Golden Globe. And a Screen Actor's Guild Award. I don't know if they have a cute nickname (they should), but he should have one. He should have one of each for every season he as been on Lost.

The man makes my heart simultaneously break and freeze at the utter pain his character must be going through, yet he remains cold and practically evil. You would retain my sympathy, Ben, if you did NOT plan on killing Penny as revenge for the murder of Alex.

Speaking of plots, what an episode! Ben time/space traveled! Alex killed! Claire practically killed! Ben's secret communion tunnel with Smokey! Ben's control of Smokey! The CSI-Doctor is DEAD AND ALIVE AT THE SAME TIME (The actor also plays Eckley on CSI)! Sawyer hearts (in a totally hetero, manly, I'll-kill-you-if-you-hurt-my-friend's-hair way) Hurley!

Basically, it was great. I was freaking out, making nonsensical noises, flailing, generally being me. When in the presence of Lost.

Bones Episode Synopsis

2008-04-24T23:26:00.002-04:00

Booth and Bones are called in when a garbage man collecting at a local park discovers a mummified body under his truck, with the neck and jaw crushed by the tire. Zack and Angela have to work together to reconstruct the face and identify the victim, which is made particularly difficult given Bones’ diagnosis of the clearly juvenile body with brittle bone disease (Osteogenesis imperfecta). This does limit the search field, and the mother of the missing boy is found. He and his father disappeared 3 years ago, causing his mother to believe her estranged husband abducted the son. Hodgins has no bugs to identify due to the mummified nature of the corpse, but he works on finding out what the unique type of melted substance on the clothes is from. He identifies it as rubber tire transfer, from a small type used in golf carts. There are also lead paint particles mixed in. Booth and Bones search for run down neighborhoods that still have lead paint in their houses, leading them to an area in Virginia where the groundskeeper of a Country Club has recently gone missing. They search his house, and discover blood. After searching the grounds, they also find his recently stabbed-to-death body. The basement also contains blood of the son and recently disturbed plaster walls. A nail discovered in the basement is a match to the mother. The reconstructed skull of the boy reveals the fatal injury was a blow to the head, caused by being dropped, and his Osteogenesis imperfecta made the fall deadly. The mother reveals she saw her former husband at her parents’ new Country Club, and found out their son was dead after confronting his father. Enraged, she killed him, buried him, and took her son’s body to the lake he most loved when he was alive.

Meanwhile, Bones has gone on a date with the new curator of the Jeffersonian Institute’s Museum. He is young, handsome, and highly versed on topics Bones is most interested in. Yet she does not find herself liking him. Angela however knows exactly what Bones’ problem is—she like Booth.

Comedy Sketch

2008-04-22T12:27:00.000-04:00

Pirate Speed Dating

SARAH enters the fancy [French Name] restaurant.

Maitr'de: Good evening miss, do you have a reservation.

Sarah: No, well yes. I'm here for the Speed Dating event, actually.

Maitr'de looks at her strangely.

Maitr'de: Really? You? Well, right this way miss.

They walk over to a doorway, he hands Sarah a sheet.

Maitr'de: Here is your checklist of names.

Sarah: Um, I think there's been a mistake. These names don't look right.

Maitr'de: Well, it is Speed Dating, which, correct me if I am wrong, does not include one being so picky about who the other patrons are.You must know what you are getting yourself into, if you are desperate enough to come to this insane event.

He walks away as she says

Sarah: What's so insane about trying to find love?

Sarah looks down at the names on her list – Henriques the Englishman, Captain Jackman and Walker D. Plank.

Sarah: Those are strange names, though.

She takes a seat at her table. HENRIQUES the Englishman appears in front of her. He’s a younger looking man with a patch over his left eye. He sits down across from her.

HENRIQUES:(smiling) Ya know, I may only have one eye, but I see you’re a catch.

SARAH: (confused) Um…thank you…I guess…(Trying to be positive) What…happened to your eye?

HENRIQUES: I lost it…in battle…I seized the Dirty Servant.

Henriques smirks and raises his eyebrows at her twice. He nods in approval of himself. Sarah stares at him in disgust.

HENRIQUES: She was vicious, but eventually I had her….

SARAH: Okay, ya know what… it’s time for you to go. (She whispers to herself, disgusted) Pig…

Captain Jackman, a younger man in his 30s wearing a black pirate hat with a skull and crossbones on it sits down across from her.

CAPTAIN JACKMAN: What a fine lass you are.

Sarah: (Pleased) Well, thank you, that’s sweet.

Captain Jackman: I’d take you for my booty…

Captain Jackman laughs a bit and smiles. Sarah raises her eyebrows at him.

SARAH: Excuse Me?

CAPTAIN JACKMAN:(still smiling) You’re the goods me’ dear.

SARAH: Ugh! Another one! I can’t believe this!

Sarah stands up from her table and pushes Captain Jackman way across the table.

SARAH: (furiously) These goods are not for sale!

Captain Jackman: (As he walks away) What a feisty wench.

Sarah sits back down again as WALKER D. PLANK, a portly gentleman with a long, black beard approaches the table. He smiles.

WALKER D. PLANK: Yo-ho-ho…

Sarah opens her mouth wide in a furry of disbelief and anger. She quickly rises from her chair and SLAPS him across the face.

Sarah: You’re all disgusting! You’re delinquents, you’re delinquents!!

Horrified, she goes back to the front door and the valet, and sees a normally dressed man, HOWARD.

Sarah: Oh my God, I can't believe those people, can you? I thought this was a going to be a normal dating experience. (Attempting to be seductive) You must have been mistaken too.

Howard: No, no I wasn't. I wouldn't want anything else at Pirate Enthusiast Speed Dating.

A WOMAN dressed as a pirate maid comes up and puts her arm around Howard. They walk through the front door as Sarah looks shellshocked. Walker D. Plank comes up behind Sarah and squeezes her butt.

Walker D. Plank: Arrr my pretty, I've come to commandeer your vessel and bring you to my port!

Sarah: EWWWWWWW!!

She runs through the front door with Walker D. Plank after her.

Writing Portfolio and Query Letter

2008-04-21T17:01:00.003-04:00

Agency Address

Big Building Street

New York, NY

Dear Mr./Ms. Agent,

Hello. I would like to present to you the pilot spec script for my new show, Fairy U.

Previously, I have written screenplays for, and ultimately produced, two short films, “Out of the Box” and “A Crying Shame.” Both examine the psyche of young women trapped within a world they are not comfortable in. Additionally, I am a member of the writing staff for the ICTV program Entertainment 16, covering the latest events in the entertainment industry, and wrote television reviews for The Blazer.

Though the subject matter of Fairy U is neither serious nor nonfiction, it is nonetheless a genre I am comfortable writing in. The college-set comedy follows the muddled life of a young undergraduate; a good guy, though a bit of a slacker. In danger of flunking out, he is suddenly woken on the morning of his important midterm by the sudden appearance of a woman claiming to be his Fairy Godmother. Despite his initial disbelief, the protagonist comes to realize his Fairy Godmother is in fact real, and only visible to him. While the student accepts the presence of his new guardian, he does so begrudgingly. Subsequent episodes are concerned with their initially tempestuous relationship, the Godmother’s bungled attempts to help her ward, and his complete contempt for her attempts at aide. Eventually the pair comes to an understanding, even a friendship, while still having to contend with the problems of college life.

An obvious comparison could be made between Fairy U and The Fairly Oddparents. And while both are characterized by fast-paced dialogue and are witty on different levels, Fairy U has the advantage of being targeted for an older audience, and thus capable of more subtle humor and complex topics to tackle. Additionally, the quirky tone of Fairy U recalls the humor of shows such as Scrubs, with its fantasy sequences. However, Fairy U will automatically appeal to the wider audience of anyone who plans on going, is currently attending, or has gone to college, and can thus relate to the life problems being faced by the protagonist, while having a Fairy Godmother sets this show apart. Fairy U would be perfectly suited for a basic cable channel such as TBS, which has recently been nurturing comedy shows with irreverent, unique premises.

As I work in a variety of media and genres, with a slant towards comedic tones, I am searching for an agent that understands the breadth of my talents. Your experience working with similarly diverse clients would be perfectly suited to me.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my proposal, I understand the demanding schedule an agent of your stature must have. If this letter has peaked your interest, I have copies of the pilot spec script for Fairy U, as well as an outline for the series I could send to you.

Sincerely,

Anne Northgraves

“Giving and Receiving: A Short Love Story”

She was so different from, well, everyone. I had to start responding, to defend myself. We’d argue the whole ride—well, I’d argue and she would just talk around everything I said with that little smile on her face. Eventually it wasn’t even about the arguing, I just needed to talk to her.

A dreary February day, I got in the car and she wasn’t talking, didn’t have that smile. She finally broke down, told me her aunt had died. The person she’d always been able to confide in was gone. It should have been weird to be the sounding board, the confidant, but with her it was suddenly so natural. Though I suppose we’d had a relationship for a while, that contact was the start of THAT kind of relationship.

Just having each other’s company was the best thing. It certainly was the healthiest relationship I’d ever been in. But the fact that someone I cared about, whose opinion I valued and who I didn’t really want to see hurt, still couldn’t get me to stop all my shit wasn’t good. It wasn’t good for her.

But I was so stupid I couldn’t see it. And she cared too much about me to care what was happening to her. She still picked and prodded at me, only now it really affected her. She started looking drawn, didn’t have her special look. Except by then I didn’t notice.

Fairy U Synopsis

MAX is a smart and all around decent college co-ed but has the tendency of being a slacker – a tendency that might cause him to flunk out of his University. One morning in the midst of sleeping through a major midterm, he is awakened by the presence of a strange winged figure - his young, peppy Fairy Godmother, BELINDA sent to help Max get his life back on track and catch the eye of SARAH, his warm-hearted, yet overachieving crush.

Understandably freaked out by her existence, as she is only visible to him, Max’s harsh feelings towards Belinda are not helped by the Fairy’s inability to, at first, do anything but cause more problems for him. Max finds himself in the center of a slew of embarrassing, trouble-making situations most of which aren’t the least bit appreciated by Max’s stuffy, uptight Resident Assistant, JESSICA. His only comfort during these wacky events comes from his stoner roommate, CARL who for obvious reasons completely believes Max.

In order to get what he wants, Max must finally accept the fact that Belinda is not going anywhere anytime soon. While Max learns to trust Belinda, he must prove to Sarah and himself that he’s worth taking a chance on.

“Back To You” Spec Script

INT. NEWS ROOM - AFTERNOON

(Ryan is in the doorway to Chuck's office)

Ryan: Chuck, I'm not criticizing anything, I just think you should have checked this with me...

Chuck (within): I don't see what the big deal is. It's hardly noticeable.

Ryan: But there's no reason you needed to do it in the first place.

Greg (Coming up): What's the problem?

Ryan: There's no problem (louder, to Chuck) NO PROBLEM (back to Greg) Chuck got a fan letter -

Greg: I thought we didn't accept fan mail - I've never gotten any.

Chuck (within): Of course we do, I get buckets.

Ryan: Anyway, one letter said that his hair -

Greg: Or lack thereof -

Ryan: Was a bit thin and graying. I took it to mean he looked refined, wise, like Sean Connery. But Chuck -

(Chuck enters with a very noticeable, blonde toupee, Greg starts cracking up)

Chuck: Thought it was time to improve my look. What do you think?

Greg: I...it's... (breaking up, he turns away, and Ryan lightly punches him)

Chuck: What's wrong?

Marsh (walking by): He's probably frightened of that ferret you killed and placed on top of your head to keep it warm. I mean your scalp, not the ferret. It's clearly dead.

Chuck: Greg, what story are you on tonight?

Greg: The sewage leak on Washington Ave.

Chuck: You should probably head out now. It'll take a while to wade through all that stinking refuse.

(Greg leaves, now subdued)

Comments on the Writers Strike

The AMPTP argues that new media has yet to prove itself as a verifiable source of revenue and was vehemently opposed to reality and animation writers’ inclusion. However, the “fledgling” Internet marketplace has already begun raking in the cash for the media conglomerates leading company heads to make statements like Sumner Redstone pronouncing “Viacom will double its revenue this year from digital.” And since the Director’s Guild of America (DGA) successfully gained residuals and payment for Internet material in their renegotiations with the AMPTP, the producers can hardly refuse the same to the WGA. With the reality/animation demands off the table, the AMPTP has virtually no reason to refuse the reasonable, fair, and justifiably adamant demands of the writers. While it is true the strike has caused many other employees of the film/TV industry to lose work, the overwhelming support the WGA has received from members of other unions cannot be ignored either.

Hope is on the horizon, however. Since talks resumed January 23^rdand are still in session, no news is good news. Ideally, the AMPTP will follow their own example during the successful negotiations with the DGA and grant the WGA it’s new media compensation demands. Then we the viewing masses can stop having to think about complicated things like residuals and get back to what is important – oggling attractive famous people.

Walt Disney Company SWOT Analysis

The Walt Disney Company has grown from the children’s cartoon dream-factory of brothers Roy and Walt Disney into the world’s second largest media conglomerate, behind Time-Warner (Hoover’s). Anyone with at least a peripheral knowledge of current popular culture knows there is not much Disney does not do.

While television and film are what the corporation originated as and constitute the majority of Disney’s profits and public identity, virtually every asset and product the conglomerate has exists in multiple forms through the many types of groups owned by Disney. The numerous companies under the Disney umbrella are divided into four segments: media networks (43% of fiscal year 2006 covering broadcasters like ABC and ESPN, radio, TV production and syndicate companies, and channel-related Internet sites); parks and resorts (29% fy 2006, including parks in all nations, the Disney Cruise Line, and ESPN dining); studio entertainment (21% fy 2006, in which movie studios Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, and Miramax, and TV/DVD distributors belong); and consumer products (7% fy 2006, including merchandising licensing, retail stores, and children’s book publishing) (Amobi).

Ithaca College alum Bob Iger, President, CEO, and Director since 2005 has encouraged the use of synergy between the four segments, leading the Burbank, California based Walt Disney Company to its best shape ever, with 137,000 employees and a 2007 total revenue of approximately $35.51 billion (Hoover’s). With each year, new technologies emerge allowing for more cross-promotion and increased revenue. The Walt Disney Company will certainly not be filing for bankruptcy any time soon.

“The Extraordinary Appeal of Screen Media” Review

However, I would tend to say that much of the information presented in the article is logical, common knowledge. The first topic presented in the article, the purposes and motives behind TV viewing, are indeed common to all information and entertainment media. Humans have always needed a release and escape from stresses, a means of gaining a wider understanding of themselves in the context of their environment, and keeping informed of the ebb and flow of society as a whole.

For these reasons, high television viewing, or any high media consumption, should not be seen in a negative connotation, especially given the additional statistics brought to light in the article. While it may seem alarming most viewers of media consume it ritualistically, the fact that many media are low involvement due to the ability to merely monitor entertainment and still comprehend and appreciate the story being told allows multiple activities to be participated in at one time. This directly plays into the findings of Robinson and Godbey the author highlights, stating, “ ‘more is more’…those who engage in one activity are more likely to engage in other activities.” Overall, those that watch the most television are also the most physically and socially active.