Closing of 2006

I think it's so weird that in the last weekend of 2006, these news stories were popular on MSNBC.

1. Saddam Hussein is hanged

It seems very eerie that he was hung. Yes, he killed thousands (was actually convicted of killing 148 people and crimes against humanity?). But doesn't this seem like a bad omen for the new year? I mean it just feels weird. Apparentlyl he was hung around 10:05 pm EST on Dec. 30.





2. The Ayles Ice Shelf breaks off of Canada

The ice shelf, about the size of Manhattan, broke away from the coast of Ellesmere Island about 16 months ago. Scientists say this shelf is more than 3,000 years old and this break-off is just another indicator of global warming.


This NASA satellite image shows the Ayles Ice Shelf collapse, center and below the open water, on Aug. 13, 2005. Within days of breaking free and becoming an island, Ayles drifted about 30 miles before freezing into the sea ice seen here along top of photo. Photo curtesy of MSNBC.


Part of what was the Ayles Ice Shelf is surveyed last summer by Denis Sarrazin, a researcher with the Center for Northern Studies at Laval University in Quebec City, Canada. Sarrazin and other researchers visited what is now an island as part of an expedition within a program called ArcticNet. Photo curtesy of MSNBC.


Graphic curtesy of MSNBC.

"Dark and difficult times are ahead" ~ Dumbledor

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot? Hmm...

So, I think this was the most challenging year of my existence. The first half was relatively tame. But this last half, especially this last semester, hit the fan.

I mean, I totaled my car. The Nissan. What did John Fox name it sophomore year? I think it was Jolly Rodger. Haha. He was a weird kid. He made the entire dorm stink when he kept a dead lobster in his room for like a week or two. Then, him and his friends decided to play with it in the stairwell. Jesus, everyone was so pissed at him.

Well, now I have Beatrix, the Black Mamba. But she just got a damn dent from my mom's cunt neighbor. I swear.

My dad went to the hospital after having a seizure, in jail, and suffered a massive brain injury when he fell down. Apparently he hit his head on the windowsill. I can't believe how much he's improved over a month's time. I mean: night and day. When I saw him before Thanksgiving break he was all tubed-up and unconscious. Now, he's walking and talking again. I do sense that it's hard for him to think. And he's in pain. I wonder if this will change him or if he'll continue to destroy himself? I hope it's the former.

I graduated!! Thank the Lord Almighty. I thought this would never occur, but it has, and I can begin the next journey.

I don't know if I'll get to that journalism desk in the sky I've been hoping. I've applied for over a dozen jobs. Heard nothing. I have an interview for a full-time teller this coming Wednesday. But I can't do this forever. I've determined that I'll stick it out for a year or two here working off my debt. I also plan to keep writing for the paper (which will hopefully attract jobs since most of them require 1-3 years experience).

I haven't had any significant blips on the romance radar. Yeah, who knows where that aspect of my life will take me. I feel so helpless, hopeful and out-casted sometimes. I'm very particular. I have an ideal and I can't find it because I don't put myself out there and those that I do find, aren't up to par. I'm really thinking it's Columbia. I just have no access to anyone who's cultured or encompasses everything I'm looking for in a man.

I would have a countdown of my favorite music and movie picks from the year, but alas, I haven't seen every movie I need to. That's another frustrating aspect to my being utterly poor: no disposible income for movies. But non-the-less, here are my favorites.

Movies:
1. Dreamgirls


2. An Inconvient Truth


3. The Prestige


4. The Devil Wears Prada


5. Inside Man


Movies I wish I had seen: Little Miss Sunshine, The Fountain, Little Children, The Departed, The Queen (which I still may see at Rag Tag and put into this post), Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwa Jiima, Borat, Casino Royale, The Good Shepard, The Good German

Albums:
1. Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds


2. Beyonce - B'day


3. Snow Patrol - Eyes Open


4. Gwen Stefani - The Sweet Escape


5. OutKast - Idlewild


Honorable mentions (which are just further down the line): Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere, Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium, James Blunt - Back to Bedlam, The Fray - How to Save a Life, Keane - Under the Iron Sea, Nelly Furtado - Loose, T.I. - King, Lupe Fiasco - Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor, Walk the Line Sountrack, Brokeback Mountain Soundtrack

Alright, well, that's that I guess. Have a great New Year's. Let's hope this one is one that makes us learn, grow, and love. To new beginnings and learned reflections.

My New Year's resolutions: to manage my debts and get out of the whole, find a job in a major city writing, and maybe to fall in love. Peace.

Justin Timberlake SNL Digital Short

Personally, I think this video is very funny. I know it's been getting some bad press because it's uncensored on the internet. Geez, some parents.

Dreamgirls

I saw "Dreamgirls" last night. I must say it was really good. I may love it someday.



The movie is based on a hit Broadway play that did well critically and commercially. I know it won around six Tonys. One of those went to Jennifer Holliday for her portrayal of Effie White (the break-out role). The story follows a girl group named The Dreamettes and later The Dreams, a group much like the Supremes, as they enter a talent contest, and soon find themselves back-up singing for Jimmy "Thunder" Early, an artist much like James Brown. The group of three girls have been singing together since they were girls. Effie, the lead singer, is every sense the diva. Deena Jones is the glamorous eye-candy that the audiance likes to look at while they listen to Effie sing. Finallly, there's Lorrell Robinson, the quiet member that falls for Jimmy. The group find a manager in Curtis Taylor, a used-car salesman every bit a slythering seedy snake. He even convinces Jimmy to leave his manager and "Step Into the Bad Side" with him. The group eventually find fame and fortune on there own with Curtis controlling everything. He determines that in order to accomplish riches and gold records, he makes Deena the lead singer. This makes the group more accessible to the white audiences. Effie, who has been sleeping with Curtis, is crushed and left out cold when his affections turn to Deena. Effie is eventually ousted and replaced. She is forgotten. The Dreams take off.



The movie was solid. The performances top-notch. I've never been more proud of Beyonce. She really puts her heart and soul into the role of Deena. Her Deena is fragile, timid and niavely beautiful. Unfortuately, Deena is not the focus of the story.



What performance stands out most is Effie. It's the kind of role that makes stars, and yes, wins Academy Awards. Jennifer Hudson, an American Idol reject, soars as Effie.



Jamie Foxx is wicked and vile as Curtis, a man so remenescent of Ike Turner and Joe Jackson, that we all know where his loyalties lie, to the almighy dollar.



Eddie Murphy as Jimmy and Anika Noni Rose as Lorrell are charming and delightful as the doomed lovers. Eddie Murphy impresses. Who knew he could act??



As for acclaim, Dreamgirls will be the one to beat. It just feels good. Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy may get those golden knights. But I must address the Jennifer Hudson love that is all over the place. My loyalties lie with my B. Of course the performances and roles where completely different from each other, you can tell B wanted the acclaim more. She put herself out there and you can tell. Jennifer Hudson really isn't well-known in the public, so really there's no way of telling which aspect of Effie is her and which aspect of Hudson is Effie. No doubt, Hudson knocks it out, but I just wish people would give my girl some props! I do think she has a chance at best original song for "Listen" (a great song and a knock-out scence).



The only problem with this film is not the dialogue, which critics claim the movie does "too much" of. There are, to my recollection, two musical numbers that are awkward. Much like Chicago, the musical numbers play out in front of an audience. And when they "randomly burst into song" like musicals do, the scene seems really awkward. It's like, "Why are these people singing?" But that is forgiven because the story, which the audience is familar, is so good.

The cinematography is juicy with sparkle and rich colors. The costumes are gorgeous and eye-popping. Truely amazing. Bill Condon, the director and writer did an excellent job translating the musical from stage to screen. He wrote the adaptation for Chicago. He has such a good eye and attention to detail. Well done. *** B ***

Hiking

I really miss going on a hike at Rockbridge. I basically went two to three times a week this summer. Sometimes more. I really want to go. At least I had a couple of days last week that allowed me to go. It really did help with the working out process. It doesn't feel like you're working a lot, but after four miles, three times a week. That shit will tone you.



It's also just really nice being out in nature. It's because I won't have access to great hiking opportunities in a city that's making me re-think about moving east. I kind of want to go to Colorado. But I think that is when I settle down with that special someone and perhaps start the big F.

Love, sex & death

love, sex & death...










...but they all know

An Inconvenient Truth

I just rented and got done watching "An Inconvenient Truth" and I can't tell you how imparative it is for everyone to see this film. I can't believe some people (politicans and the media) believe and write global warming off as a "theory". I hate these people and hope they die as soon as possible. I'm serious. I can't stand the ignorance that these people are inflicting on the U.S. We are the single leading producer of carbon dioxide (something I've actually known for a long time, thanks poli sci degree). But Al Gore does tell the audience that we have the technology to do something about it. It's just a matter of politics. I think every politican should see this film. I think every paper should write about global warming (even those down to the very smallest newspapers). It's something that must be talked about from the ground up.



I need to try and cut down my carbon producing. It of course will be hard. I already have started by (thank God) having a car that gets better gas mileage.



Another thing. I can't believe all the dedication Al Gore has put into this fight. To spread the word. I can't help but admire the man. He keeps going and going when all these people just don't listen. He's literally fighting to save the world.



One thing I didn't like was the coverage they do of the 2000 election. I mean, I would be hella bitter, but still, maybe overkill? Acutally the man has earned it. I mean look where we are now compared to where we could be if Gore was president? That's right, I'll take saving the world over securing oil reserves. Bush, and his Republican Bush wackers, can die.

A SIDE: It was a lecture with high-tech graphics, but the message was more important than how it was filmed.



Had chills down my back the entire viewing. ***A***

Finals Finale

So, I'm at the library for the last go around of finals. Luckily (or depending on the context) I'm with friends who are down to the studying as well. I get really distracted by people who walk around. I can't help but look at them. I like to people watch, what can I say? Here are some photos.

My Future Husband

In the tradition of getting all things posted and out there on the web. I must write about my ideal man.

Yes, getting married is something I would like to embark on if allowed in the state I reside.

I prefer men who have dark features. I only assume that this is because I am a blonde and feel that another blonde mate would be too much to handle. Needless to say I like someone tall and fit, but not crazy buff or crazy skinny. Average is the term that comes to mind.



This is why Josh Wald is perfect for me. Yes, I have sung his praises to many of my friends. He's a model/skateboarder and I'm in love with him. I have no idea if he's gay (knowing my luck, he isn't). But if he's not, then someone out there has a mold to fit, don't they? He has four tattoos (that I know of and are visible). He's lean, without being too skinny and fit enough without being too buff. I believe I read somewhere that he's 6'4" and was born in 1979. That's just five years older than myself. (Completely manageable). Mr. Wald is also someone that can wear clothes and looks good in them. (Something I personally adore). AND depending on what he wears, he can look older, more mature, or younger and hip. (Yes, I just used the word hip, which is not). This post is for you Josh Wald, wherever you may be.

A New Chapter, A New Blog...

So, I've sucummed to my worst fear. I've created a blog. Yes, learning about the power of blogs two years ago in my journalism classes seemed laughable. Now, I'm addicted to many blogs and can't get enough. Perhaps putting your thoughts out there is a true stress reliever (which I'm very much in need of now).

I'm graduating in a week (hopefully). I haven't a clue as to what to do. I'm an aspiring journalist who believes in the powers, dangers, and beauties of the pen. Alas, no one is hiring me. (Believe me, I've sent out my resume like a hooker who goes to the street corner for her next trick for that ever elusive crack money).

(Maybe I should be PC on my blog??? This could come back to bite me in the ass later in life...)

I hope to tickle the fancy of those out there who wish to know and read about my random ramblings. I also hope to stretch my creative juices until I can write those long, in-depth, well-researched articles for Vanity Fair. I will write about my life, my fam, my friends, politics, the media, and those minxy celebs with that juicy dish I so crave in Star magazine. (It's now my not-so-secret shame)!

Well, it's almost five in the AM, so, I'll just post a list of the top twenty movies I love. (Last night I was bored, what can I say).

My Top Twenty
1. Moulin Rouge
2. Eternal Sunshine
3. Mulholland Drive
4. Star Wars Trilogy (the original)
5. The Shawshank Redemption
6. All That Jazz
7. The Lion King
8. The Hours
9. X2
10. Gone With The Wind
11. Indiana Jones Trilogy
12. Clueless
13. Edward Scissorhands
14. The Silence of the Lambs
15. Walk the Line
16. Tommy Boy
17. Mean Girls
18. Wonder Boys
19. Cold Mountain
20. Finding Nemo

All...of these are my favs and earn ravs because these are the movies I quote most in my life. I'm kind of ashamed that there aren't more oldies in there. You know, the greats. But these are movies that I've (1) grown up with, (2) just fell madly in-love for, or, (3) maybe I'm shallow and like current movies.

Well, I hope this is the beginning of someting cool. Or, maybe just the first and last post. Goodnight world!