Well over a year ago I noticed a headline on Entertainment Weekly indicating a new movie was in production called Winter's Tale. At the time, I believed this was to be a film version of the Shakespeare play, The Winter's Tale . Well, apparently I was fifty shades of wrong. The trailer was released and Shakespeare it is not. Everything about this trailer looks amazingly, stupendously magical - from the cast to the filmography to the costumes.
And while it's not the work of Bill, turns out the movie is based on a novel of the same name. Which sort of leads me to the point of this post. Mark Helprin published this in 1983. I don't even think my parents had met in 1983, let alone had children, so clearly this book was written and published before I ever set foot on this planet. And certainly before I learned how to read. But the description of Winter's Tale is right up my alley - romance, historical setting, a time traveling magical twist - and I've never even heard of it! There seems to be a period time of from which I've never read. Sure, I've read many American classics taught in high school and college, but apparently the 1980's and 90's are lost on me.
So now I feel like I have some catching up to do. Until now I'd consider myself relatively well read. At the moment I am reading The Art of Fielding, which was only published two years ago, and I'm still plodding through Anna Karenina. I try to read a variety of genres, but this discovery has me reeling. How can I hope to even make a dent in the world's library? Most of the books are my to-read list are old classics or recent publications. Almost none of the books are from the past thirty years. While I don't honestly entertain the notion that upon my death I will have read every book known to man, I was thinking I could at least make it 50% through, right? That's totally reasonable, isn't it?
Okay, probably not.
It seems I am in need of some education. A quick Google search for"great books from the past 30 years" took me to this site. Funny thing about it - even a quick glance will tell you that many of these books were made in to films (just like Winter's Tale. Does Hollywood produce anything original anymore?) making the titles familiar, but the book a new concept. So don't mind me while I sit here, scouring the internet for not-new new books to read. And if anyone out there has suggestion for good adult literature from say, 1980 to 2000, let 'er rip! I'll just be sitting here adding things to my Goodreads shelf.
Showing posts with label Pop-Culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pop-Culture. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
Girls in White Dresses with Blue Satin Sashes
Just a mid-day list about my favorite things:
1. Coffee. Caribou was selling a pink mug for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it comes with free refills for a whole month! Now if they just had a drive-through, I'd be set. Also, they have the best slogan.
2. Katy Perry. No, seriously, have you heard her new song? It's like Ace of Base meets Madonna meets 2013.
3. Mindy Kaling. Just read this interview and then try to tell me she's not the best thing since sliced bread.
4. Greeting cards! The Postal Service might be a little slow, but mailing things is totally underrated. Who knew Halloween cards could be so much fun?
5. Baby clothes. I am now an auntie (horray!) and I plan on having the best-dressed little nephew around.
Coming soon, part three of Anna Karenina. I know, you've just been dying to see how the story continues . . .
1. Coffee. Caribou was selling a pink mug for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it comes with free refills for a whole month! Now if they just had a drive-through, I'd be set. Also, they have the best slogan.
2. Katy Perry. No, seriously, have you heard her new song? It's like Ace of Base meets Madonna meets 2013.
3. Mindy Kaling. Just read this interview and then try to tell me she's not the best thing since sliced bread.
4. Greeting cards! The Postal Service might be a little slow, but mailing things is totally underrated. Who knew Halloween cards could be so much fun?
5. Baby clothes. I am now an auntie (horray!) and I plan on having the best-dressed little nephew around.
Coming soon, part three of Anna Karenina. I know, you've just been dying to see how the story continues . . .
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Well Shoot, Now I Need to Order STARZ
Seriously, how did I not know about this? Outlander is amazing. Ridiculously, stupendously, incredibly amazing. If you are a fan of long books, Scotland, romance, or historical fiction, read these books. Diana Gabaldon has woven a story so rich in detail that I spent three months of my life reading this series and nothing else.
I discovered this when I was trolling through Vulture and saw a casting announcement. How I missed that initial announcement, I'll never know - so let's move on to more important things:
5 BIG reasons I recommend this series.
1: Real romance and passion. No joke, the love between Jamie and Claire spans centuries, time, and space. When Claire, a nurse in post WWII England, is magically (not with wand or something, just magic okay? Don't think about it too much) thrown in to 18th century Scotland, she ends up marrying Jamie Fraser, a lord with a tragic past who's attempting to evade the law, when she gets into a sticky situation. Despite having been married back in the real the world, Claire quickly grows to love Jamie, as will you. Their relationship is a battle of wills, due in part to Claire's innate modernity and Jamie's seemingly "ancient" ways. Hell, the title of the novel is a nickname Jamie dubs upon Claire when they meet.
2: A seriously evil villain. Without giving away too much of the plot, it's hard to describe the series main antagonist. Suffice it to say, he could rival Voldemort. Black Jack Randall's evil seems so sadistic give that he is a mere human. I have always found human villains more compelling than supernatural characters. There are more foes throughout the lengthy series, but Black Jack Randall is certainly the most memorable.
3: Historical fiction is the best! Didn't you know that? Well, in case you forgot, Gabaldon will remind you. The culture of 18th century Scotland serves as a wonderful backdrop for this story. Jamie Fraser's Scotland is in some turmoil when Claire enters the scene and potential rebellions are cropping up all across the country. In one of the books Claire and Jamie attempt to prevent a battle - with unforeseen consequences. The series even includes a journey across the ocean to America, where Jamie and Claire become major players in the Revolutionary War, so you don't have to be Scottish to enjoy the history.
4: Time travel. Stay with me on this one! In the first book, Outlander, Claire travels through time and there is little explanation. Some readers and movie-viewers always want an explanation for time travel - I am not one of those viewers. It's fiction people. Just suspend your disbelief and roll with it. I love fantastical elements in stories, that's what makes them a great escape from real life, and that's also why I don't want to know how time travel happened. I am far more interested in society and culture of a story and the relationships than the technicalities of time travel.
5: Did I mention how awesome Claire is? As a nurse in WWII and after, Claire had her own career and life prior to marrying Frank (her 20th century husband). Even for our modern times, Claire is a strong, independent woman - her personality and strength are only enhanced by her life in 18th century Scotland. Sure, things were certainly very different for women in that time, but they weren't just sitting around looking pretty and making babies. Sure, women didn't have voting or property rights, but life was much harder in the 18th century an at times women had to fend for themselves in times when their husbands were off to war. Claire blossoms in the 18th century - she not only learns new domestic skills, but she puts her medical training to good use and becomes a "healer." Her strength, perseverance, and heart drive the story in a way that makes me want to be zapped back to the 18th century myself.
Suffice it to say, I am very excited for this series. My mom got me hooked on these books and she said there have been movie rumors for years. I am thrilled the books will become a television series - imagine balling a class room full of five-year-old Christmas excitement in to one person. Then multiply that times 100. The time travel and plot make it near impossible to make a movie which could do it justice. Not only that, but these books are pretty damn long. Like, Game of Thrones long. Perhaps STARZ has found its own obsessive fan base - I know I'll be tuning in. If I could just figure out a way to get STARZ without paying for it . . .
I discovered this when I was trolling through Vulture and saw a casting announcement. How I missed that initial announcement, I'll never know - so let's move on to more important things:
5 BIG reasons I recommend this series.
1: Real romance and passion. No joke, the love between Jamie and Claire spans centuries, time, and space. When Claire, a nurse in post WWII England, is magically (not with wand or something, just magic okay? Don't think about it too much) thrown in to 18th century Scotland, she ends up marrying Jamie Fraser, a lord with a tragic past who's attempting to evade the law, when she gets into a sticky situation. Despite having been married back in the real the world, Claire quickly grows to love Jamie, as will you. Their relationship is a battle of wills, due in part to Claire's innate modernity and Jamie's seemingly "ancient" ways. Hell, the title of the novel is a nickname Jamie dubs upon Claire when they meet.
2: A seriously evil villain. Without giving away too much of the plot, it's hard to describe the series main antagonist. Suffice it to say, he could rival Voldemort. Black Jack Randall's evil seems so sadistic give that he is a mere human. I have always found human villains more compelling than supernatural characters. There are more foes throughout the lengthy series, but Black Jack Randall is certainly the most memorable.
3: Historical fiction is the best! Didn't you know that? Well, in case you forgot, Gabaldon will remind you. The culture of 18th century Scotland serves as a wonderful backdrop for this story. Jamie Fraser's Scotland is in some turmoil when Claire enters the scene and potential rebellions are cropping up all across the country. In one of the books Claire and Jamie attempt to prevent a battle - with unforeseen consequences. The series even includes a journey across the ocean to America, where Jamie and Claire become major players in the Revolutionary War, so you don't have to be Scottish to enjoy the history.
4: Time travel. Stay with me on this one! In the first book, Outlander, Claire travels through time and there is little explanation. Some readers and movie-viewers always want an explanation for time travel - I am not one of those viewers. It's fiction people. Just suspend your disbelief and roll with it. I love fantastical elements in stories, that's what makes them a great escape from real life, and that's also why I don't want to know how time travel happened. I am far more interested in society and culture of a story and the relationships than the technicalities of time travel.
5: Did I mention how awesome Claire is? As a nurse in WWII and after, Claire had her own career and life prior to marrying Frank (her 20th century husband). Even for our modern times, Claire is a strong, independent woman - her personality and strength are only enhanced by her life in 18th century Scotland. Sure, things were certainly very different for women in that time, but they weren't just sitting around looking pretty and making babies. Sure, women didn't have voting or property rights, but life was much harder in the 18th century an at times women had to fend for themselves in times when their husbands were off to war. Claire blossoms in the 18th century - she not only learns new domestic skills, but she puts her medical training to good use and becomes a "healer." Her strength, perseverance, and heart drive the story in a way that makes me want to be zapped back to the 18th century myself.
Suffice it to say, I am very excited for this series. My mom got me hooked on these books and she said there have been movie rumors for years. I am thrilled the books will become a television series - imagine balling a class room full of five-year-old Christmas excitement in to one person. Then multiply that times 100. The time travel and plot make it near impossible to make a movie which could do it justice. Not only that, but these books are pretty damn long. Like, Game of Thrones long. Perhaps STARZ has found its own obsessive fan base - I know I'll be tuning in. If I could just figure out a way to get STARZ without paying for it . . .
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Dance, Dance, Dance!
I have been blogging about books for a few weeks now and it's time for a break! So buckle up folks, because the new cast of Dancing with the Stars has been released and I could not be more excited!
Snooki
- I love Nicole (yes, I said it). She is very sweet in interviews, a total quote machine, and just real. I know, I know, she became famous by getting drunk on a reality TV show, but I think motherhood has helped her mature tremendously. I think Nicole could surprise us all and become a really great dancer. The only thing working against her could be the fact that her partner is a newbie. Hopefully Sasha Farber (team Saki?) will be a good instructor so Nicole has some good moves for her upcoming wedding.
Valerie Harper
- I love RHODA! How great is this? Valerie has a background in Broadway dancing, she has an awesome, natural personality, and is a talented actress. Many celebrities go on this show with no acting experience and struggle with the performance aspect - this will certainly not be a problem for Valerie. She'll also benefit greatly from being parred with Tristan, aka. the leprechaun. Tristan has often been parred with older contestants (oh how I wish, wish, wish the producers would give him a younger girl so we could see more physical moves from him), so he will have a lot of experience choreographing for someone with Valerie's skill set.
Bill Nye THE SCIENCE GUY!
- Oh, how I love nerdy guys on this show! Bill Nye hasn't been in the spotlight for some time, so I think he will bring some welcome humility and grace to the show. Apparently he already loves dancing, so if he can bring the same enthusiasm he has for science to the ballroom, he could go pretty far. Bill is partnered with a new pro, Tyne Stecklein, so hopefully he will have enough audience support to get them votes! DWTS has been on for so long now, I definitely think some of the professionals have their own fans who will support them with votes despite their partners.
Elizabeth Berkley
- Seriously, this cast just keeps getting better! I think Elizabeth will put on a great show. I'm sure the producers will use her background as a "showgirl" to their advantage, especially if she makes it far, but I think her previous work on Saved By the Bell will be far more compelling! Elizabeth is also parred with Val (yes, that Val), there is nothing standing in her way - unless she totally sucks. Val has a great personality and has developed really well as an instructor over the years. He made it to the finals with Zendaya and lost, so I think Val will be truly motivated to win it all this season.
Jack Osbourne
- Can't say I am very excited about this one. I don't know much about Jack Osbourne other than his family and his recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. If his sister Kelly shows up to root him on . . . she might just be the new Coco of the ballroom. Although, Jack is parred with Cheryl Burke, and she's won this thing a million times (okay, just twice, but she's been in the finals a million times). Jack looks a little stiff in his first promo shot, so hopefully Cheryl can loosen him up.
Corbin Bleu
- I gotta say, I love the fact that DWTS always puts a Disney Star, or former in this case, on the show. They are always energetic and enthusiastic about performing. If Corbin's performance in the High School Musical movies wasn't enough proof that he has moves, check out the lesser-known Jump In! Corbin is also parred with Karina Smirnoff and she has always been one of my favorite pro dancers. Karina's choreography is excellent and she always brings the right amount of sexiness.
Christina Milian
- Hmmmm. I am not sure what I think about Christina. Other than her appearance as the Brooke Burke equivalent over on The Voice, I'm not sure what she's been up to since her pop-career fizzled out. I bet she'll have great dance moves - she is partnered with Mark Ballas afterall - but I don't know how her personality will translate into ballroom dancing.
Leah Remini
- Oh boy, the tabloids were right! Leah was recently seen in the tabloids for leaving the church of scientology behind, so I am sure she'll bring some new viewers to the show. That aside, I've always liked her on King of Queens and I think she'll bring great spunk to the dance floor. Leah is parred with Tony Dovolani, so they should have great chemistry and probably some pretty funny banter in the studio.
AMBER RILEY
- Think I'm excited about this one????? I didn't watch Glee last season, but Amber's character Mercedes was not a big part of the plot. However, in the first three seasons she was amazing. I am also very curious about her dance skills. On Glee, Amber's character was singled out as a poor dancer, so I wonder if Amber herself has any moves? Amber is parred with Derek (aka. the Walking Ken Doll), so she will certainly be in winning hands.
Keyshawn Johnson
- You didn't really think there'd be an entire season without a professional athlete did you? Keyshawn is a former NFL wide receiver, and if history is any indicator, he should do just fine. And if he doesn't, well Emmitt, Hines, and Donald might have some words for him. Not only is the lone football player a personal favorite of mine on ESPN, he is parred with Sharna Burgess. Sharna was Andy Dick's partner previously - she was so sweet and quirky! I am excited to see what Sharna puts together for her and Keyshawn.
Brant Daugherty
- Who? This is the only cast member I didn't immediately recognize! Apparently he is on Pretty Little Liars, a very popular teen show on ABC Family (so almost a Disney star?). Brant is parred with Peta Murgatroyd and I have liked her every season, so perhaps this couple will go pretty far. Realistically, the core audience of DWTS didn't have any idea who Zendaya was before she hit the ballroom and she came in second place! That's what I love about this show. It's only really partially about your celebrity and fan base - because if you're a good dancer, the DWTS fan base will vote for you.
Bill Engvall
- Obviously there had to be a total wild card, right? Bill should be really fun to watch. As a comedian he has been super successful, but stand-up doesn't exactly require finesse. Though I guess it does require good timing. Bill will be a great contestant because he's fun and has no qualms about embarrassing himself, so there shouldn't be any hesitation to look goofy. As with Nicole, Bill is parred with a new pro dancer, Emma Slater, so hopefully that doesn't hurt his chances of becoming a good dancer.
Overall I have to say, this will be a great season! I think there is a good mix of potential talent just waiting to be unlocked. The show is also changing its format slightly and dropping from two nights a week to just one. I think this is a great idea, I never watch the results show anyways (I'm guessing no one else does either, since ABC is dropping it from the schedule).
Now all I have to do is bribe my husband so I can watch the show in real-time every Monday and post a re-cap . . . hmm.
Snooki
- I love Nicole (yes, I said it). She is very sweet in interviews, a total quote machine, and just real. I know, I know, she became famous by getting drunk on a reality TV show, but I think motherhood has helped her mature tremendously. I think Nicole could surprise us all and become a really great dancer. The only thing working against her could be the fact that her partner is a newbie. Hopefully Sasha Farber (team Saki?) will be a good instructor so Nicole has some good moves for her upcoming wedding.
Valerie Harper
- I love RHODA! How great is this? Valerie has a background in Broadway dancing, she has an awesome, natural personality, and is a talented actress. Many celebrities go on this show with no acting experience and struggle with the performance aspect - this will certainly not be a problem for Valerie. She'll also benefit greatly from being parred with Tristan, aka. the leprechaun. Tristan has often been parred with older contestants (oh how I wish, wish, wish the producers would give him a younger girl so we could see more physical moves from him), so he will have a lot of experience choreographing for someone with Valerie's skill set.
Bill Nye THE SCIENCE GUY!
- Oh, how I love nerdy guys on this show! Bill Nye hasn't been in the spotlight for some time, so I think he will bring some welcome humility and grace to the show. Apparently he already loves dancing, so if he can bring the same enthusiasm he has for science to the ballroom, he could go pretty far. Bill is partnered with a new pro, Tyne Stecklein, so hopefully he will have enough audience support to get them votes! DWTS has been on for so long now, I definitely think some of the professionals have their own fans who will support them with votes despite their partners.
Elizabeth Berkley
- Seriously, this cast just keeps getting better! I think Elizabeth will put on a great show. I'm sure the producers will use her background as a "showgirl" to their advantage, especially if she makes it far, but I think her previous work on Saved By the Bell will be far more compelling! Elizabeth is also parred with Val (yes, that Val), there is nothing standing in her way - unless she totally sucks. Val has a great personality and has developed really well as an instructor over the years. He made it to the finals with Zendaya and lost, so I think Val will be truly motivated to win it all this season.
Jack Osbourne
- Can't say I am very excited about this one. I don't know much about Jack Osbourne other than his family and his recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. If his sister Kelly shows up to root him on . . . she might just be the new Coco of the ballroom. Although, Jack is parred with Cheryl Burke, and she's won this thing a million times (okay, just twice, but she's been in the finals a million times). Jack looks a little stiff in his first promo shot, so hopefully Cheryl can loosen him up.
Corbin Bleu
- I gotta say, I love the fact that DWTS always puts a Disney Star, or former in this case, on the show. They are always energetic and enthusiastic about performing. If Corbin's performance in the High School Musical movies wasn't enough proof that he has moves, check out the lesser-known Jump In! Corbin is also parred with Karina Smirnoff and she has always been one of my favorite pro dancers. Karina's choreography is excellent and she always brings the right amount of sexiness.
Christina Milian
- Hmmmm. I am not sure what I think about Christina. Other than her appearance as the Brooke Burke equivalent over on The Voice, I'm not sure what she's been up to since her pop-career fizzled out. I bet she'll have great dance moves - she is partnered with Mark Ballas afterall - but I don't know how her personality will translate into ballroom dancing.
Leah Remini
- Oh boy, the tabloids were right! Leah was recently seen in the tabloids for leaving the church of scientology behind, so I am sure she'll bring some new viewers to the show. That aside, I've always liked her on King of Queens and I think she'll bring great spunk to the dance floor. Leah is parred with Tony Dovolani, so they should have great chemistry and probably some pretty funny banter in the studio.
AMBER RILEY
- Think I'm excited about this one????? I didn't watch Glee last season, but Amber's character Mercedes was not a big part of the plot. However, in the first three seasons she was amazing. I am also very curious about her dance skills. On Glee, Amber's character was singled out as a poor dancer, so I wonder if Amber herself has any moves? Amber is parred with Derek (aka. the Walking Ken Doll), so she will certainly be in winning hands.
Keyshawn Johnson
- You didn't really think there'd be an entire season without a professional athlete did you? Keyshawn is a former NFL wide receiver, and if history is any indicator, he should do just fine. And if he doesn't, well Emmitt, Hines, and Donald might have some words for him. Not only is the lone football player a personal favorite of mine on ESPN, he is parred with Sharna Burgess. Sharna was Andy Dick's partner previously - she was so sweet and quirky! I am excited to see what Sharna puts together for her and Keyshawn.
Brant Daugherty
- Who? This is the only cast member I didn't immediately recognize! Apparently he is on Pretty Little Liars, a very popular teen show on ABC Family (so almost a Disney star?). Brant is parred with Peta Murgatroyd and I have liked her every season, so perhaps this couple will go pretty far. Realistically, the core audience of DWTS didn't have any idea who Zendaya was before she hit the ballroom and she came in second place! That's what I love about this show. It's only really partially about your celebrity and fan base - because if you're a good dancer, the DWTS fan base will vote for you.
Bill Engvall
- Obviously there had to be a total wild card, right? Bill should be really fun to watch. As a comedian he has been super successful, but stand-up doesn't exactly require finesse. Though I guess it does require good timing. Bill will be a great contestant because he's fun and has no qualms about embarrassing himself, so there shouldn't be any hesitation to look goofy. As with Nicole, Bill is parred with a new pro dancer, Emma Slater, so hopefully that doesn't hurt his chances of becoming a good dancer.
Overall I have to say, this will be a great season! I think there is a good mix of potential talent just waiting to be unlocked. The show is also changing its format slightly and dropping from two nights a week to just one. I think this is a great idea, I never watch the results show anyways (I'm guessing no one else does either, since ABC is dropping it from the schedule).
Now all I have to do is bribe my husband so I can watch the show in real-time every Monday and post a re-cap . . . hmm.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Love in the Time of Austen-mania
This. Article. O.M.G. I had planned to do a Wondering Wednesday post for today regarding infidelity, sparked by my reading of Anna Karenina, but NYMag has given me a writing springboard I cannot pass up, so that will have to wait ("Thinking Thursday" sounds good, right?)
Generally speaking, I love the modern day spins on Austen's work. The Jane Austen Book Club is one of my favorite chick-flicks, and I believe anyone who can't love Bridget Jones is missing a piece of their soul - perhaps a Dementor took it?
Over the years I've read all of Jane Austen's novels, except for Northanger Abbey (which you can see on my shelf, but I've never successfully finished reading it). With the exception of Mansfield Park's Fancy Price, her lead characters are some of my favorite. Though Lizzie Bennett is her most recognizable, in part for her strong opinions and disinterest in societal parties, Anne Elliot transcends the likes of both Lizzie, Emma, and the lot. I read Persuasion in between college semesters, on a whim mostly, thinking it was short enough read to last through winter break but still "intelligent" so as to prevent me from losing my reading mojo.
Anne embodies all of the flaw of 19th century society. A kind, loyal daughter and friend, Anne listens to those around her instead of her heart. Where Lizzie allows her own pride and flaws to influence her actions, Anne is driven by the expectations and behaviors of society. Perhaps because Persuasion was one of Austen's later novels it achieves what her other novels set out to do - express how society at the time often prevented women from achieving happiness. Much like Lizzie, Emma also allowed her own flaws to post-pone her relationship from blossoming.
Which brings me (sort of, forgive my Jane-ite rambling) to my point. This NYMag article sums up so many great adaptations of Austen and related works. The 2009 BBC Miniseries starting Romola Garai is excellent - I would argue it rivals the '95 P&P but that might offend King Colin - it's truly a work of art. What the article fails to mention is that Michael Gambon (yes, that Michael Gambon) plays Mr. Woodhouse to perfection. I would watch the 2005 P&P just for Donald Sutherland's portrayal of Mr. Bennett, but with this version of Emma that seems worthless.
Perhaps if I show this list to my Mom I can convert her! She's seen the 2005 P&P and certainly liked it, but you can't really enjoy these movies without the book as background. I tend to enjoy movie adaptations of books, so long as major plot points aren't changed (another good post idea!). I've seen so many articles about Jane Austen recently, and her fan club, so hopefully this means more people will be inclined to read her great works. I'm going to try easing my husband in by presenting him with a copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Here's hoping!
Generally speaking, I love the modern day spins on Austen's work. The Jane Austen Book Club is one of my favorite chick-flicks, and I believe anyone who can't love Bridget Jones is missing a piece of their soul - perhaps a Dementor took it?
Over the years I've read all of Jane Austen's novels, except for Northanger Abbey (which you can see on my shelf, but I've never successfully finished reading it). With the exception of Mansfield Park's Fancy Price, her lead characters are some of my favorite. Though Lizzie Bennett is her most recognizable, in part for her strong opinions and disinterest in societal parties, Anne Elliot transcends the likes of both Lizzie, Emma, and the lot. I read Persuasion in between college semesters, on a whim mostly, thinking it was short enough read to last through winter break but still "intelligent" so as to prevent me from losing my reading mojo.
Anne embodies all of the flaw of 19th century society. A kind, loyal daughter and friend, Anne listens to those around her instead of her heart. Where Lizzie allows her own pride and flaws to influence her actions, Anne is driven by the expectations and behaviors of society. Perhaps because Persuasion was one of Austen's later novels it achieves what her other novels set out to do - express how society at the time often prevented women from achieving happiness. Much like Lizzie, Emma also allowed her own flaws to post-pone her relationship from blossoming.
Which brings me (sort of, forgive my Jane-ite rambling) to my point. This NYMag article sums up so many great adaptations of Austen and related works. The 2009 BBC Miniseries starting Romola Garai is excellent - I would argue it rivals the '95 P&P but that might offend King Colin - it's truly a work of art. What the article fails to mention is that Michael Gambon (yes, that Michael Gambon) plays Mr. Woodhouse to perfection. I would watch the 2005 P&P just for Donald Sutherland's portrayal of Mr. Bennett, but with this version of Emma that seems worthless.
Perhaps if I show this list to my Mom I can convert her! She's seen the 2005 P&P and certainly liked it, but you can't really enjoy these movies without the book as background. I tend to enjoy movie adaptations of books, so long as major plot points aren't changed (another good post idea!). I've seen so many articles about Jane Austen recently, and her fan club, so hopefully this means more people will be inclined to read her great works. I'm going to try easing my husband in by presenting him with a copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Here's hoping!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
A Love Letter to Hilary Duff
Dear Hilary,
I know you don't know me very well - okay, fine, you don't know me at all. But I know you! You are the pinnacle of cool. You always look super cute and put together, but never like you're trying too hard (because we know how much people hate a celebrity who looks too perfect - see all the hate for Gwyneth Paltrow).
You have seamlessly transitioned from teeny-bopper-idol to a fully-formed adult actress. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to see someone so genuinely happy and grounded. I was a huge fan of Lizzie McGuire back in the day - she was by far my favorite Disney character - and I want to know your secret! Can you please call Lindsay and Miley and tell them how you did it? HOW on earth did you shed the little kid image without losing yourself or turning off the parents of young girls everywhere? You've embraced motherhood and marriage so well - young girls everywhere should be looking up to you. Maybe your secret isn't a secret . . . and that's why I love you.
Your Twitter feed makes me certain we would be great friends. You have a great sense of humor about yourself and the celebrity lifestyle. And, being friends with you means I get to be friends with Haley! I have an older sister too! (look, we have something in common, we can totally bond!)
Obviously I also find you awesome because you write books! My one true love! And I recently heard you'll be making your way back in to the recording studio sometime soon. I cannot wait to see what you put out - it could be an album of lullabies a la Nick Lachey and I would buy it.
So keep doing what you're doing Hilary! And you know, call me when you get the chance.
Love,
Me
I know you don't know me very well - okay, fine, you don't know me at all. But I know you! You are the pinnacle of cool. You always look super cute and put together, but never like you're trying too hard (because we know how much people hate a celebrity who looks too perfect - see all the hate for Gwyneth Paltrow).
You have seamlessly transitioned from teeny-bopper-idol to a fully-formed adult actress. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to see someone so genuinely happy and grounded. I was a huge fan of Lizzie McGuire back in the day - she was by far my favorite Disney character - and I want to know your secret! Can you please call Lindsay and Miley and tell them how you did it? HOW on earth did you shed the little kid image without losing yourself or turning off the parents of young girls everywhere? You've embraced motherhood and marriage so well - young girls everywhere should be looking up to you. Maybe your secret isn't a secret . . . and that's why I love you.
Your Twitter feed makes me certain we would be great friends. You have a great sense of humor about yourself and the celebrity lifestyle. And, being friends with you means I get to be friends with Haley! I have an older sister too! (look, we have something in common, we can totally bond!)
Obviously I also find you awesome because you write books! My one true love! And I recently heard you'll be making your way back in to the recording studio sometime soon. I cannot wait to see what you put out - it could be an album of lullabies a la Nick Lachey and I would buy it.
So keep doing what you're doing Hilary! And you know, call me when you get the chance.
Love,
Me
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Daily Pop-Culture Haunts
Every morning, after I start "working" for the day, I check several pop-culture/entertainment news websites. Though some might say tv-watching and celebrity gossip is vapid and pointless, I love it - and that does not make me stupid. Just ask Mindy Kaling.
People: Mostly just full of pictures, short news breaks, and headlines. For real writing from People, I'd have to buy the print magazine - and that's just not a habit I can afford to start (one day! One day, I will subscribe to every magazine known to man. Until then I'll continue my habit of only buying it when The Bachelor/ette is on the cover). My favorite feature on People is "Last Night's Look: Love it or Leave it?" It's like a daily does of the Fashion Police without the nastiness - though Joan is almost always right.
Entertainment Weekly: This is by far my favorite. It's chock-full of entertainment news and focuses more heavily on actual news. By that I mean casting information, spoilers, previews, and interviews with cast and producers, ratings analysis, book and movie reviews, and other tidbits. There are some photos, but only from publicity events - no paparazzi photos, which is kind of nice. The only downfall to this site is the commentary - so many people read the articles and blogs posts and start arguing with complete strangers about the merits of Lindsay Lohan's rehab stint. This can be fun, don't get me wrong, but dang some people get really worked up!
E!Online: This is a good mash-up of People and EW. There are tons of photos, both at events and by the paparazzi. The articles are beefier than People but not as substantial as EW. This site is also full of Kardashian news since their show airs on the E! network - so if you don't like them, don't go on this site. I unabashedly love the K family, especially Khloe, so if you don't like them you probably shouldn't read my blog! (SIDEBAR: if you don't like something, don't read the article and then bitch about it. I think Kristen Stewart is a terrible actress, but you don't see me reading stuff about her post-Twilight career and then tearing her apart in the comments).
NYMag/Vulture: Definitely the highest quality, but lower quantity. Very little gossip, almost none. The bloggers who re-cap tv shows are hilarious on this site. There are also some really great interviews with actors and producers. I started reading this site back when I watched Gossip Girl and missed a few episodes. The re-cappers dubbed it "the greatest show of our time" and their commentary about Serena, Blair, and the other upper-east siders made watching the show that much better. Part of what makes tv watching for me - much like reading - is the discussion it brings, even if that discussion centers around someone's outfit.
People: Mostly just full of pictures, short news breaks, and headlines. For real writing from People, I'd have to buy the print magazine - and that's just not a habit I can afford to start (one day! One day, I will subscribe to every magazine known to man. Until then I'll continue my habit of only buying it when The Bachelor/ette is on the cover). My favorite feature on People is "Last Night's Look: Love it or Leave it?" It's like a daily does of the Fashion Police without the nastiness - though Joan is almost always right.
Entertainment Weekly: This is by far my favorite. It's chock-full of entertainment news and focuses more heavily on actual news. By that I mean casting information, spoilers, previews, and interviews with cast and producers, ratings analysis, book and movie reviews, and other tidbits. There are some photos, but only from publicity events - no paparazzi photos, which is kind of nice. The only downfall to this site is the commentary - so many people read the articles and blogs posts and start arguing with complete strangers about the merits of Lindsay Lohan's rehab stint. This can be fun, don't get me wrong, but dang some people get really worked up!
E!Online: This is a good mash-up of People and EW. There are tons of photos, both at events and by the paparazzi. The articles are beefier than People but not as substantial as EW. This site is also full of Kardashian news since their show airs on the E! network - so if you don't like them, don't go on this site. I unabashedly love the K family, especially Khloe, so if you don't like them you probably shouldn't read my blog! (SIDEBAR: if you don't like something, don't read the article and then bitch about it. I think Kristen Stewart is a terrible actress, but you don't see me reading stuff about her post-Twilight career and then tearing her apart in the comments).
NYMag/Vulture: Definitely the highest quality, but lower quantity. Very little gossip, almost none. The bloggers who re-cap tv shows are hilarious on this site. There are also some really great interviews with actors and producers. I started reading this site back when I watched Gossip Girl and missed a few episodes. The re-cappers dubbed it "the greatest show of our time" and their commentary about Serena, Blair, and the other upper-east siders made watching the show that much better. Part of what makes tv watching for me - much like reading - is the discussion it brings, even if that discussion centers around someone's outfit.
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