Lizzy in the City

2011-12-29T11:37:00.000-05:00

The lie had worked so far, but lacey felt its softness, like a floor of rotten boards beneath her feet.

The Passage

So Maybe Shakespeare Has a Few Gems

2011-10-16T20:36:00.000-04:00

Pistol: Bardolph, a soldier firm and sound of heart,
And of buxom valor, hath by cruel fate,
And giddy Fortune's furious fickle wheel--
That goodness blind,
That stands upon the rolling restless stone--
Fluellen: By your patience, Aunchient Pistol. Fortune is painted blind, with a muffler afore her eyes, to signify to you that Fortune is blind; and she is painted also with a wheel, to signify to you, which is the moral of it, that she is turning and inconstant, and mutability, and variation; and her foot, look you, is fixed upon a spherical stone, which rolls, and rolls, and rolls. In good truth, the poet makes a most excellent description of it; Fortune is an excellent moral.

Henry V

"I don't mean it's interesting that they float," Teddy said. "it's interesting that I know about them being there."

2011-10-05T00:54:00.001-04:00

Teddy looked at him directly for the first time. "Are you a poet?" he asked.
"A poet?" Nicholson said. "Lord, no. Alas, no. Why do you ask?"
"I don't know. Poets are always taking the weather so personally. They're always sticking their emotions in things that have no emotion."

J.D. Salinger
Nine Stories

Trust your heart, buddy.

2011-10-02T21:41:00.000-04:00

"The worst thing that being an artist could do to you would be that it would make you slightly unhappy constantly."

J.D.Salinger

Time is on our side.

2011-09-20T23:32:00.000-04:00

Some of the greatest commentary on relationships I've ever heard:

"...in the beginning of a relationship there are dragons to be slayed."

Too good not to share. I hope my friend doesn't mind I borrowed her words.

Love is a many splendid thing.

2011-09-20T20:24:00.000-04:00

Julia had once told him that the ideal partner was one that you could keep in a cupboard and take out when you felt like it. Jackson thought it unlikely that there were women out there who would acquiesce to being kept in a cupboard. Didn't stop men from trying to find them, though.

Kate Atkinson
Started Early, Took My Dog

You're off the hook.

2011-09-18T22:34:00.000-04:00

Pacey: The simple act of being in love with you is enough for me.

Dawson's Creek
The final episode

I don't know why I watch this show over again every year. I also don't know why it surprises me when Jen dies. Breaks my heart every, single time.

Started Early, Took My Dog

2011-08-22T13:57:00.000-04:00

Arkwright banged on the door and shouted, "Hello, it's the police here, is anyone in there? Shit, Tracy, can you hear that?"
"Flies?"
Ken Arkwright bent down and looked through the letter box. "Oh, Christ-" He recoiled from the letter box so quickly that Tracy's first thought was that someone had squirted something into his eyes. It happened to a sergeant a few weeks ago, a nutter with a Squeezy washing-up bottle full of bleach. It had put everyone off looking through letter boxes. Arkwright, however, immediately squatted down and pushed open the letter box again and started talking soothingly, the way you would to a nervy dog. "It's OK, it's OK, everything's OK now. Is Mummy there? Or your daddy? We're going to help you. It's OK." He stood and got ready to shoulder the door. Pawed the ground, blew air out of his mouth and said to Tracy, "Prepare yourself, lass, it's not going to be pretty."

Kate Atkinson
Started Early, Took My Dog

This gave me chills on the train today. Kate Atkinson is my hero.

2011-07-31T14:21:00.000-04:00

"I don't think everybody's made of iron, buddy"

J.D. Salinger

The Beatles

2011-07-31T14:14:00.000-04:00

I don’t know how
Someone controlled you
They bought and sold you
I look at the world and I notice it’s turning
While my guitar gently weeps
With every mistake we must surely be learning
Still my guitar gently weeps

"Welcome to the age of un-innocence. No one has breakfast at Tiffany's and no one has affairs to remember."

2011-07-21T23:09:00.000-04:00

Carrie: I've done the merry go round, I've been through the revolving door, and I feel like I've met somebody I can stand still with for a minute and... don't you wanna stand still with me?
Big: You dragged me out to a park at three in the morning to ask me if I wanna stand still with you?
Carrie: ...Yes

2011-07-15T16:09:00.002-04:00

Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do you start missing everybody.

Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger

"...she must seek them abroad..."

2011-07-15T13:30:00.000-04:00

"No one who had ever seen Catherine Moorland in her infancy, would have supposed her to be born to be an heroine. Her situation in life, the character of her father and mother; her own person and disposition, were all equally against her. Her father was a clergyman, without being neglected, or poor, and a very respectable man, though his name was Richard-and he had never been handsome."

Northanger Abbey
Jane Austen

"And he had taken Gabriel, too."

2011-07-12T00:09:00.001-04:00

"Gabe?" The new child stirred slightly in his sleep. Jonas looked over at him. "There could be love," Jonas whispered.

The Giver
Lois Lowry

"The strolling woman had been right, he was going the wrong way."

2011-07-12T00:05:00.000-04:00

"Strangers on a train. If there was an emergency, would they help one another? (Never overestimate people.)"

When Will There Be Good News?
Kate Atkinson

"It was impossible for her to say what she did not feel, however trivial the occasion..."

2011-07-11T01:19:00.000-04:00

"It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy it is disposition alone. Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others."

Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen

Growing up I always liked to think of myself as Elizabeth Bennet. In fact, I'm extremely Marianne.

2011-07-07T10:11:00.002-04:00

"You've lost me in your sea of pronouns."

I'm not afraid to admit this comes from my all time favorite t.v. show: Dawson's Creek.

I Think I Wanna Marry You

2011-07-01T00:53:00.000-04:00

Proving, proving; and for no other reason than that he was married to a woman who had somehow managed to put him forever on the defensive, who loved him when he was nice, who lived according to what she happened to feel like doing and who might at any time- this was the hell of it- who might at any time of day or night just happen to feel like leaving him. It was ludicrous and as simple as that.

Revolutionary Road
Richard Yates

2011-07-01T00:40:00.000-04:00

Keep me up till five because all your stars are out, and for no other reason...Oh dare to do it Buddy! Trust your heart. You're a deserving craftsman. It would never betray you. Good night. I'm feeling very much over-excited now, and a little dramatic, but I think I'd give almost anything on earth to see you writing a something, an anything, a poem, a tree, that was really and truly after your own heart.

Seymour An Introduction
J.D. Salinger

They were careless people, Tom and Daisy.

2011-05-28T01:12:00.001-04:00

“[Gatsby] stretched out his hand desperately as if to snatch only a wisp of air, to save a fragment of the spot that she had made lovely for him. But it was all going by too fast...and he knew that he had lost that part of it, the freshest and the best, forever.”
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald

I try to figure out why it is that I am so in love with this novel. I think about Gatsby and the detestable Daisy and I try to figure out why it is that I care about a novel with less than likable main characters. And then I realize that it isn't the love story between Daisy and Gatsby that gets me every time, and it isn't even the beautiful relationship that Nick has with Gatsby. I think the real reason that I love this story so much is because every word is so powerful. Fitzgerald did an amazing thing by creating such a beautiful piece of art about such (mostly) selfish people. It makes me see those people as a little less selfish, it makes me almost give them allowances for being so cruel. And that's kind of scary.

The Only Exception

2011-05-24T19:08:00.001-04:00

Forgive the total emo mushy-ness of this. I'm not a huge Paramore fan but the lyrics to this song are dazzling.

So Many Opportunities to Not Be Alone

2011-05-23T13:41:00.000-04:00

And, still more salient, why had I jumped into the car in the first place?...There seem to me at least a dozen answers to these questions, and all of them, however dimly, valid enough. I think, though, that I can dispense with them, and just reiterate that the year was 1942, that I was twenty-three, newly drafted, newly advised in the efficacy of keeping close to the herd-and, above all, I felt lonely. One simply jumped into loaded cars, as I see it, and stayed seated in them.
Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters
J.D. Salinger

It's interesting that in a city as full as New York that people are in a constant state of loneliness. People are yearning for some type of interaction, any type of interaction. A smile on the train, a wave at the station attendant, a regular trip to a local coffee shop, anything to feel a connection. I usually end up in conversations with those around me. And for those few minutes we share something that no one else will. We complain about the MTA or remark on the weather and it isn't the conversation, but rather knowing that you aren't alone. And even in something as simple as that we find that we've jumped into a loaded car to fight off the loneliness.

And I hope they don't feel so lonely anymore.

Rain, Rain, So Much Rain

2011-05-20T22:53:00.000-04:00

He stopped to look ahead. Then the rain started again and this time it wasn't a passing shower, the sky was full of dark gray clouds, he turned up the collar of his suite jacket, it was going to get worse, nothing surer. And he would get bloody soaked.
By the Burn
James Kelman

It has been quite the week here in Lizzy Land. Finals are quickly approaching and it's a good thing because I literally couldn't take another day of classes. By far this has been the most challenging year of my life. But I'm still here. And things can only get better. At least they have to. So, do me a favor, Mother Nature, cheer up. I don't know how much more rain I can take.

But I had lost something, too. I had lost something which could never be restored to me while I lived.

2011-05-13T15:33:00.000-04:00

No, the romance and beauty were all gone from the river. All the value any feature of it had for me now was the amount of usefulness it could furnish toward compassing the safe piloting of a steamboat. Since those days, I have pitied doctors from my heart. What does the lovely flush in a beauty's cheek mean to a doctor but a "break" that ripples above some deadly disease? Are not all her visible charms sown think with what are to him the signs and symbols of hidden decay? Does he ever see her beauty at all, or doesn't he simply view her professionally, and comment upon her unwholesome condition all to himself? And doesn't he sometimes wonder whether he has gained most or lost most by learning his trade?
Mark Twain

Sometimes I feel this way about The City.

More Than What it Means

2011-05-07T19:11:00.000-04:00

How terrible it is when you say I love you and the person on the other end shouts back 'What?'
Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters
J.D. Salinger

Not with the fire in me now.

2011-04-27T15:25:00.001-04:00

TAPE: --gooseberries, she said. I said again I thought it was hopeless and no good going on and she agreed, without opening her eyes. [Pause.] I asked her to look at me and after a few moments--[Pause.]--after a few moments she did, but the eyes just list, because of the glare. I bent over to get them in the shadow and they opened. [Pause. Low.] Let me in. [Pause] We drifted in among the flags and stuck. The way they went down, sighing, before the stem! [Pause.] I lay down across her with my face in her breasts and my hand on her. We lay there without moving. But under us all moved, and moved us, gently, up and down, and from side to side.
[Pause. Krapp's lips move. No sound.]
Past midnight. Never knew such silence. The earth might be uninhabited.
[Pause.]
Here I end this reel. Box--[Pause.]--three, spool--[Pause.]--five. [Pause.] Perhaps my best years are gone. When there was a chance of happiness. But I wouldn't want them back. Not with the fire in me now. No, I wouldn't want them back.
[Krapp motionless staring before him. The tape runs on in silence.]
CURTAIN

Krapp's Last Tape
By Samuel Beckett

I think this kind of speaks for itself.

The most important things work out rather beautifully.

2011-04-13T14:47:00.000-04:00

"For the faithful, the patient, the hermetically pure, all the important things in this world — not life and death, perhaps, which are merely words, but the important things — work out rather beautifully."
- J.D. Salinger

I'm trying really hard not to be to much of a downer. A friend of mine had a stroke on Sunday night, at 28, and was declared brain dead yesterday. He wrote me a letter and I never responded, due to my selfishness of focusing on my extremely busy life. Sometimes in life we lose contact with people we care about and become insular. It's so easy to do living in The City where every second can be spent doing something with someone. We cancel plans here and there, forget to call, talk of meeting up but never do. It's so easy. So I figured now was as good a time as ever to finally get back to him.

Sorry it took so long, R. Hope this helps:

From R:

February 2, 2011
Hey Liz,

thanks for taking a moment to read and digest. It's much appreciated.

i wrote a friend:

I'm in the place that's been my home for 27 years... and i'm lost.

so she responded with:

I am beginning to think being lost is just part of it, who ever thinks they are found is naive. What would being found look like? Definitely not like me.

i responded:

life is a journey, and in every journey we're always looking for something. At each stage we find what we're looking for, we appreciate it for what it is, then we begin the next trek. If within this journey we find that we're lost, then we either continue seeking for what we've been looking for, or we fool ourselves into believing that what we've found is the answer or that we'll never find what we were looking for in the first place. I believe if we accept the last two options, the all we've found is complacency. At this point in my life, there are certain things I want to find, and find myself in. Once I'm found within those things, I can appreciate them and find myself in something else at the next step. But if I'm perpetually lost and I've accepted being lost as my way of being, what motivates me to continue searching?

Dear R,
Never stop searching for your way. It's interesting that at different points in life we are so sure of how things will progress and how they will turn out. When we're little we have this sense that we know exactly how life will turn out. "I'm going to be a doctor!" "A pilot!" "I'll be President!!" No one ever tells us we can't accomplish everything we want. It's only when we grow up and exist in this imperfect and damaged world that we trick ourselves into thinking that we can't accomplish absolutely everything that we want to. The road gets thick with prickly bushes sometimes and it can be hard to find our way back to our road, but it's still there. It just means we have to cut some bushes down. Walk on, R. Never stop searching for your way in life. Time is precious and life is way to short.

I'll see you soon,
Elizabeth

Coldplay-Sparks

2011-04-01T21:08:00.000-04:00

Kind of the perfect song for a rainy day such as this.

Do you see me?

2011-03-31T14:44:00.000-04:00

"Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room."
"Frequently."
"How often?"
"Well, some hundreds of times."
"Then how many are there?"
"How many? I don't know."
"Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is just my point. Now, I know there are seventeen steps, because I have both seen and observed..."

Recently after reading A.C. Doyle's "Scandal in Bohemia" I realized that I'm extremely unaware of what's going on around me. Living in The City that never sleeps is stimulating to all the senses, but can also leave you dull.

It's nice to have little reminders telling you to keep your eyes, and interestingly enough, your heart, open and aware.

So, world, keep your head up, your eyes open, and your heart ready. You don't want to miss something amazing.

I loved thee with a love I seemed to lose

2011-03-23T16:08:00.000-04:00

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I'm not a mushy person. In fact I don't see myself as someone who is traditionally romantic. But something has happened to me recently. I guess you could say that I've become more in-tuned with my sensitive side. We read the above poem in my British Literature class today and something absolutely out of the ordinary happened: I cried.
I don't cry in public very often, if ever. And I'm known for staying away from relationships and commitment. And at every turn I debate against this idealized, romantic, unfounded notion of "love". I don't believe in "love" as associated with the fairy tales and prince charming's most of us have grown up with. But what I realized in class, while reading Browning's words to the man who would become her husband, I understood a little better what this idea of "love" was.
Browning speaks of love as something that is limitless. It is the deepest, widest, highest love that anyone can fathom. And that got me to thinking about what a limitless love means. And I think I'm slightly closer to understanding what the capacity of actual love means and what that does to the heart.

The Facade of an Existential Crisis?

2011-03-23T15:50:00.000-04:00

“Among other things, you'll find that you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behaviour. You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You'll learn from them—if you want to. Just as some day, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry." J.D. Salinger

I titled this post with a question mark because the entire basis of my personal existential crisis is shaky. At this point in life I'm not really sure if there is such a thing as an existential crisis.

Sometimes I think that growing up in love with an author, and subsequently his work, may have hindered me from experiencing life genuinely. I have been in love with Salinger for most of my life. Sometimes I wonder that if by living in The City, and reading his work over and over again, I'm not somehow forced into a false sense of existentialism and the constant questioning of "what is life?". Were I not saturated in Seymour Glass' life and family, and had I not felt myself going through a nervous breakdown like Holden, would I still step back from my life and question the "why" of the Universe? I suppose it will have to be one of those chicken and egg dilemmas.

As for now, I will sit here looking out on The City, on 23rd Street and Lexington, 13 floors above the rainy streets, and think about Salinger and The City and Life. And I'll wait for spring to come and bring a little color to my gray scale world.

I love it when we're cruising together.

2011-03-23T15:19:00.000-04:00

"Baby let's cruise, away from here
Don't be confused, the way is clear
& if you want it you got it forever
This is not a one night stand, baby, yeah"

I took a trip to (what my city mind calls) the country this past weekend and I learned something very important, I belong in the city. I had been operating under the impression that I belonged in the city for awhile but last weekend proved it. To me, the city signifies a mindset that we live in a united world, not a state, or a town.
In The City, I am bombarded with pictures of the distraction in Japan and the political unrest in Libya. I hear discussions about the economic state of our world and the devastation in war torn countries. But while I was in the suburbs I could feel the disconnection from the world. Soccer mom cars, chain restaurants, big houses.
I'm not saying that living outside of a large city is a bad thing, I'm saying that for me to feel connected to the world, I need to be near the city. I can see myself being easily lost in the comfort and familiarity of people and things around me. I'm more afraid of being complacent than almost anything in my life. Living in a place where I see people from all over the world on a daily basis reminds me that I'm not the only culture living in the world. It clarifies the idea of one race, the human race.

So while I will probably take many weekends away to "get away from it all", I'll always find myself coming back to The City I love. The City that reminds me how precious life is, how fleeting and temporary it all can be. A City that challenges me and that pisses me off, that makes me angry and that also enlightens me, and romances me, and reminds me of how lucky I am to be alive.

Wow. Thanks suburbia for the epiphany.

Another Year's Over, A New One's Just Begun

2011-01-04T13:33:00.000-05:00

It's New Years Eve and Im feeling pretty wonderful. I've been chosen to work a private party at my job. In case you aren't familiar, I work at a restaurant in the heart of times square- and we happen to have the perfect view of the ball drop.

So, here I am, looking down at thousands of people, cozy and comfortable, and rockin out. The night goes by in waves, there are so many happy people, lots of dancing, and nothing but laughing and smiling. We are all ecstatic.

The time has come, the last few minutes of 2010 (good riddance), most of our guests have gone outside to our private pen to watch the ball drop first hand, so its mostly me and my coworkers upstairs. And then one of the most magical New York moments happens, the dj is playing my song. I grab my dear friend and we begin dancing. He twirls me around and we sing the familiar lyrics to each other, our other coworkers doing the same. And I get a little teary eyed and I think about this past year and all the good and bad and everything I've ben through and the insane amount of awful things I've put off thinking about and the beautiful moments of love I've experienced, and its almost a new year, a new decade. And then we all join in and sing, "If you can make it here, you'll make it anywhere, New York, New York."

And then the countdown to a new year begins.

The End Is Near

2010-12-13T17:51:00.000-05:00

Lately I've had this feeling that the world is going to end, or could end, at any moment. And I guess in some way that's always possible. Life is so temporary. And we are such fragile creatures.

It's almost 2011. I can hardly believe it. I knew last year that 2010 was going to be intense. I had made the decision to go back to school. And here I am, one semester down. I'm exhausted, my brain is numb, I've hardly seen my friends. But somehow that's ok. Because I made it. I got through. I'm not who I was last year at all, but I know thats a good thing. It means I'm not stagnant. Ive taken risks and grown up and learned about myself through the eyes of people I never would have known otherwise. This year has simultaneously been the worst and best year of my life.

I'm kind of terrified of next year, but hopeful. Is that even possible?

Broadway Review: Next to Normal

2009-10-16T13:56:00.000-04:00

I wanted to wait to see the full original cast before I did my review but my absurdly busy past few weeks have kept me from being able to partake in this again. But rest assured, I will see this show again.

My musical buddy from California has now become my roommate (YAY!!) so I'm hoping my excursions onto Broadway will be more frequent.

I can't believe my luck. I feel like Broadway just can't disappoint me (or perhaps it's my roommate and her good taste in theater). I was so astonishingly moved by this show. I knew it was going to be good, it racked up quite a reputation. I had no idea that I would not only enjoy the show but that I'd feel emotionally connected to every actor on stage. Shamelessly I cried through the entire production but it wasn't until Alice Ripley looked me square in the eyes that I erupted like a snotting volcano. No wonder she has major cred, she lives up to the hype. Ripley was Diana. I'm in love with this woman's performance!

Sadly for me the actors who play the father (Robert Spencer as Dan) and brother (Aaron Tveit as Gabe, my new lover) were not at the show. But luckily for me their understudies Michael Berry and Timothy Young (respectively) were brilliant. Young especially controlled the stage, almost effortlessly as if he were not an understudy. But it wasn't until I heard Young and Berry's father / son duet that I really fell in love. Berry was stiff at times but he still did an amazing job.

(One of my favorite parts!!)

The entire cast (Jennifer Damiano as Natalie, Adam Chanler-Berat as Henry, and the luscious Louis Hobson as Dr. Maddan / Dr. Fine) portrayed their characters extremely well. I really can't say enough how much I enjoyed this show. The music was haunting, the lyrics deep and so meaningful (I sobbed through "Superboy and the Invisible Girl). The on stage band didn't miss a beat. I mean really, what more could you want out of a show?

To see or not to see?

Missing this would be a travesty.

Play Review: Departure Lounge

2009-08-20T10:39:00.000-04:00

As I was leaving Twelfth Night I was chatting with some friends about the next play on my list, Departure Lounge with Jonathan B. Wright, of Spring Awakening fame. A man looked up from his blackberry at me as I gushed about my love of Johnny B Wright and all the Spring Awakening kids. He agrees, they are great. So I, thinking he wants to chat and is lonely, say, "I just love that show. My favorite." And he says, "Thank you." It dons on me. I've seen this guy before. It's Steven Sater!! The writer of Spring Awakening!!! Ok I just had to share that with you before I actually get on to my review.

Here's a nice little photo of him.

I was pretty excited to see Jonathan B Wright in another musical. It looked like it was going to be a good time either way. I'm a huge admirer of the entire cast of Spring Awakening and try to support them when I can.

The opening to this play I thought, oh well here's a silly musical about a bunch of guys. Oh well. But what I ended up getting was so much more. The entire cast was amazing! Nick Blaemire, Doug Kreeger, Kathleen Monteleone and Alex Tonetta were each talented actors and singers. The music was a blast, the story line engaging (thank you Christopher Gattelli), and the script was full of emotion and friendship, and beauty (thank you Dougal Irvine). Really, this was an amazing play.

There is one scene between Alex Tonetta and Jonathan B. Wright where they are singing a duet about the other. Jonathan is singing about how much he loves Alex, and Alex is singing about how much he hates Jonathan. It's so beautiful! I was tearing up a bit. The emotional depth of that song was by far the best part of the show.

I'm so lucky that I was able to attend this nice little world of four boys on their way to becoming men. Well done everyone, well done!

Play Review The Bacchae

2009-08-20T09:56:00.000-04:00

Be still my heart. Jonathan Groff in Central Park playing Dionysus. Singing. In a leather jacket. For free?? This is too good to be true.

Here, enjoy:

And not to deprive you of the other yummy lead, here is Anthony Mackie:

Ok, I'm sorry. Enough with the eye candy. Let's get into the thick of it. Euripides' The Bacchae is a dark and twisted tale of a Greek God with no true understanding of humanity. He desires worship and will stop at nothing to prove his point. He doesn't care if you die or suffer, you will bow to him. It's an interesting story. Jonathan Groff was perfect in his role and wasn't afraid to embrace the character. His psycho laughing and sassy banter with Anthony Mackie's Pentheus was perfect. Anthony Mackie's was able to go from strong and firm, manly; to pretty and feminine. Mind you this isn't a few days apart, he transformed himself emotionally (and physically) in minutes. Pretty amazing if you ask me. The chorus was good at times, but was too long and kept repeating plot lines. By the middle of the show I was ready for Dionysus to strike them down with thunder already. This was definitely a play of monologues, something that you need a very strong supporting cast to pull of, which Shakespeare in the Park definitely had. I realllllly enjoyed this show. Even coupled with an unbearably hot day and the obnoxious photographers sneaking a peak, flashing their light bulbs as we were trying to enjoy the show I still enjoyed myself.

I almost don't want to say this but...

Hey, Christopher Nolan, you looking for someone to at least do Heath Ledger's Joker justice? Well, no need to worry, I've found him. Look no further than Jonathan Groff. He will never be Heath's joker, but he'll do the part justice.

To see or not to see?
Hurry before it's too late! Last show is August 30th. Don't worry too much about the line. I got tickets on Sunday after noon after waiting for only 2 hours. There were still tickets left after all of us got ours.

Play Review: Twelfth Night

2009-07-13T10:50:00.000-04:00

I'm about to say something I've said many times that has gotten me in a lot of trouble: I don't care for Shakespeare. There I said it, now leave me alone.

With the above statement made let me tell you that though I may not think the world of Shakespeare The Public's production of Twelfth Night was one of the best plays I have ever seen.

I waited in line from midnight till one in the afternoon to get my tickets for the final performance of Twelfth Night starring Anne Hathaway as Viola, Audra McDonald as Olivia, Jay O. Sanders as Sir Toby Belch, David Pittu as Feste, and Julie White as Maria.

The Public's prduction of Twelfth Night was a bit different from the ones I've seen. I'm not sure if they varied a bit from the script but it seemed to be much more humorous than the other productions I've watched. Then again, perhaps I've just never seen Twelfth Night done properly. Anne Hathaway was amazing! I've always loved her but seeing her on stage was truly a treat, proof that she has talent. Audra McDonald (a noted stage actress as well as Niaomi in Private Practice) blew my mind! She was hilarious. Her body language enhanced her already top notch acting. But my favorite was the David Pittu. He was conniving, silly, witty, and above all sang sooooo beautifully.

Unique to this specific show was some amazing music, and singing! I had no idea Anne Hathaway could sing, and man did she do a great job. I hear rumors they are going to record an album with the music from this play soon. And if they do believe me, I will be listening to it on repeat.

All in all, getting stuck in a downpour for an hour, sitting along 86th and Central Park West all night, shuffling into the park at 6am, being completely sleep deprived (I only took a 20 minute nap), I would do this again, ten times, just to experience those few hours under the stars listening in on and experiencing a beautifully done play. Oh yeah, and the security guard being completely gorgeous and nice didn't hurt either...

To see or not to see?
Sadly, Sunday was the last showing. Otherwise I'm sure if you haven't seen this play I would implore you to wait in line right this moment.

*** I've had less than eight hours of sleep this entire weekend, so please forgive my less than perfect review. ***

Movie Review: Public Enemies

2009-07-06T11:21:00.000-04:00

Jonny Depp. Bank robbers. Christian Bale. Billy Crudup. Tommy guns. LUCAS (Rory Cochrane)!! (from Empire Records, in case you some how slept through the 90s).

This is a movie to make the most skeptical critic happy. It had the big Hollywood budget, gang violence to rival The Godfather, and a script to love (with a few cheesy one liners, yes, but hello, this was the 30s). I was on the edge of my seat rooting for the suave and charming John Dillinger the whole way through (especially when he is so gentleman-like). Johnny Depp did Dillinger proud. I wasn't as impressed with the films cinematography and didn't enjoy the p.o.v. switches and the use of different styles of camera work. It did, however, enhance my viewing pleasure in some areas. In one scene the camera work is shaky and looks like a handheld is being used. It feels a little low budget but it made me feel like I was there, like it was real.

I have to give props to all the surprising pop ups including the beautiful Channing Tatum, Emillie De Ravin (you know her from Lost, I love her from Roswell), and Leelee Sobieski (so cute!). Also, I was beyond happy to see Giovanni Ribisi! He wasn't on screen much, but any time I saw that face of his I got excited. He played his quiet character very well.

To see or not to see?
Oh yes, to see. On the big screen, don't wait.

Movie Review: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

2009-07-06T10:31:00.000-04:00

Dear Michael Bay,
Don't worry this wasn't completely your fault. With a crap script (thanks in equal parts I'm sure, to Ehren Kruger, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci) what more could you have done. I'm sure with credits like The Island and Bad Boys (1 and 2) you are well qualified for a movie like this (poorly written scripts and a lot of things blowing up). But reallllly Michael. Really? Fart humor? Crass robots? Really? That kind of writing I expect for a made-for-tv-1980s-movie. NOT for a huge Hollywood blockbuster. You should have insisted that a better script be written. The fans of Transformers deserve more. I deserve more. I expect more. With the success of 2007's first Transformers movie you are expected to give us something bigger and better, not to take ten steps back and leave us with something that smells an awful lot like that potty humor.

I'm very disappointed, Michael, very disappointed indeed.

P.S. Am I the ONLY person who finds Megan Fox ordinary? Honestly, I'm all about the girl power and for building each other up, but what is the deal with Megan Fox? That voice of hers, that I'm-being-cute-talking-to-a-robot-like-it's-a-puppy-voice. It is the equivalent of nails on a chalk board. Please someone explain to me the draw of Megan Fox (other than her body, please!!).

P.S.S. I still stand by Shia. I will always love him.

To see or not to see?
What does it matter. You'll see it either way.

Movie Review: My Sister's Keeper

2009-07-01T10:03:00.000-04:00

Before I review the film I just have to say one quick note. Though I would have LOVED to see the Fanning sisters play opposite each other (and I honestly believe they would have done an amazing job) I was beyond giddy when I found out that Abagail Breslin was slated to play Anna (the younger sister) I was beside myself with joy. Alright then, carry on.

From the beginning I thought this movie was doomed to fail. Cameron Diaz as Sara? Cameron is going to play the mother two teenage children? I was so upset. When I heard they were going to make the sisters, Anna and Kate younger for Cameron I was even more upset. They were playing with fire. As stated above the Fanning sisters dropped out and lo and behold Breslin and the beautiful Sofia Vassilieva stepped in. I have to give Diaz props. I was blown away by her. Still beautiful without make up she was believable as a tired lawyer turned caretaker. Her emotional range was not only surprising but refreshing. I don't know about you but I think the sweet, girly ditz has been played out by Diaz and I'm grateful that she can stick around doing dramas. She was incredible. But she wasn't the best part of the movie.
Don't mistake me here, I think Abigail Breslin is a very talented young actress and is going to do great things but she is no where near the talent of Sofia Vassilieva. Vassilieva was amazing. I really don't know how else to put it. I was taken aback by her control on screen, her range of emotion, and her quiet beauty. To me, Vassilieva stole the show in an already well acted piece.

I'd like to give a shout out to Jason Patric (as the father), Evan Ellingson (as the brother), and Joan Cusack (as the judge). Well done, supporting cast, well done. I'd like to say shame on you Alac Baldwin for being intolerable and annoying.

Though the movie was amazing, it was not the book. The book far surpassed the movie in story line (yes they were different) and emotional depth. Whether you see the movie or the book first you will find that one will not ruin the other. They differ enough that you can enjoy them both without feeling like you already know what's going on.

To see or not to see?
See, but you can wait to rent it. Read the book first.

To read or not to read?
Read. Go on, you know you want to.

Movie Review: Dedication

2009-07-01T09:46:00.000-04:00

I can't help it. I have this crazy love for Mandy Moore. I thought this movie was very well done. I didn't LOVE it love it. But I truly enjoyed it. Billy Crudup did a wonderful job and played the characters neurosis very well. I think it's difficult to play a character who is so completely mad and awfully mean but Crudup did an amazing job of bringing humanity to his character. We easily could have hated Henry Roth. And many times I found myself doing so. But something about the way Crudup played him made me forgive him (especially since Moore's Lucy Reilly could). Mandy Moore did an excellent job (I know, I'm biased) and I find that she really shines on screen. All in all I thought this was a strong directorial debut for Justin Theroux (another actor!). I think when a director is also an actor they can bring a strong asset to their films. And Theroux defiantly has done so.

To see or not to see.
To see.

Movie Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

2009-07-01T09:34:00.000-04:00

Am I the only person who was unimpressed with this film? It had an over the top budget, a slew of amazing actors, and yet there I sat, bored. I had hoped that the story would live up to the hype. Hoped but didn't think it could be pulled off by a bunch of big Hollywood people. The more money that goes into a film, the more hands that go into the cookie jar (case in point, the Newest Indiana Jones). When Brad Pitt looked like an old man (but was really a young man) he played an old man, not a young man in an old man's body (did that make any sense?). Cate Blanchett was beautiful, but she laked emotional presense onscreen. The acting was flat, aside from the amazing Taraji P. Henson.

The cinimatography was amazing. It was a visually beautiful film, but after all is said and done a flawless script and a few good actors are all a talented director really needs to pull off a moving film (Tom McCarthy anyone?).

To see or not to see?
Meh. Do what you want.

A Little Catch Up

2009-07-01T09:21:00.000-04:00

It's been about five months since I've logged into my blogspot account. I've been trying to find my creative outlet in other areas, but bottom line, I really enjoy my little blogspot world. I watch entirely too many movies to give proper reviews to them all but my laptop recently died (blue screen of death) so any ability to enjoy a movie will have to be put on hold. I'm going to try to play catch up with the movie reviews as much as I can. So prepare to be overwhelmed with my cynical reviews.

You asked for it Toni, so here it goes.

Movie Review: The Visitor

2009-02-04T11:22:00.000-05:00

So I saw this movie months ago and am just now getting to the review. Please forgive my absence. It's been a long few months. Onward:

As from my previous post I'm a new admirer of Tom McCarthy's. I think I made it pretty obvious that I respect and am awed by him as a director. This did not end with The Visitor. I was blown away by this film. McCarthy once again caught an honest and beautiful portrayal of humans in every day circumstances. And again, his casting was flawless. I think his experience as an actor has made him such a good director and screenplay writer. It's like having a professional wine taster pick out your glass of wine. You know that it's going to be thought out and considered and that you are going to drink one of the best glasses of wine you've ever had.

I find it interesting that I've seen Richard Jenkins in a ton of movies over the past 20 years yet he's never really stuck out to me. But playing a man who is basically invisible and alone he shinned brighter than I've ever seen him. Not only did Jenkins completely surprise me with the quiet emotion he portrayed but Haaz Sleiman was pure gold on the screen. He was Tarek. Not to be overshadowed by two amazing male leads, the supporting roles played by Hiam Abbass (Tarek's mother) and Danai Gurira (Tarek's wife) only enhanced the cohesive bond of this film. I felt like I was invading someones private life by watching this movie. I have to say it: Tom McCarthy is my favorite director. I'm so sorry Baz Luhrmann.

To see or not to see?
Yes. Go. Enjoy it. Be moved.

Movie Review: The Station Agent

2009-02-04T10:46:00.001-05:00

Receiving wide critical acclaim elsewhere, it seems the Oscars yet again disappointed by ignoring the best movie of 2003. Though a new admirer, my admiration for The Station Agent solidifies my love of the "indie" and Sundance film circuit.

I'm beyond stunned that this is Tom McCarthy's first screenplay, and even more amazed that he hasn't been discovered sooner! Though he is a noted actor his ability to write and direct go beyond anything I've seen him in. The ability he has to tell a story of the relationships between people makes me believe that the beauty of honest, organic, cinema is not lost to the big budget, poor acted, Hollywood proto types. I'm now a new and forever fan of McCarthy's (see: The Visitor).

Peter Dinklage's portrayal of Finbar McBride was probably one of the best performances of the year. I felt every emotion that flickered on his face. I've never seen an actor in such control of their body before. His performance was only enhanced by the remarkable supporting cast. Patricia Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale, Michelle Williams... what a beautiful cast.

I'm not sure how else I can express my dear admiration for this film.

To see?
A resounding yes.

Off-Broadway: Fuerzabruta

2009-02-04T09:52:00.000-05:00

In trying to explain what I had just seen I told my friend that Fuerzabruta was an experience for all the senses. I wasn't sure what to expect but I'd heard great things about this show. Every year New York has a 20-for-20 where you come 20 minutes before the show and get tickets for only $20. This promo is a great way to see any off-Broadway show, especially since there is a standard $75 ticket for this show.

I loved everything about this show, and I honestly wished it had been longer. The one and only thing I'd say in regards to a change would be to have a maturity limit. Test out the audience with a few simple questions before allowing them in the room. And here's why: Repeatedly when the water sequence was going on throughout the room you could hear and see boys (who were most defiantly above the 18 age range) poking the performer's crotch. Seriously? Seriously. Other than their lack of common sense, this show was an experience everyone should have (who can handle themselves in a room with women).

After the performers took their bows they moved everyone to the dance floor and the music started banging, and then the water started. It was freezing out, but dancing like a child in the sprinklers on a hot summer day was well worth the cold ride home. I had never felt so free in my life.

Here are a few photos of some of the highlights. The pictures do no justice to the experience.

Freddy Bosche and me. I kinda was amazed by him... seriously, couldn't take my eyes off of him.

To see?
Yes, this is an amazing experience.

Broadway Review: Spring Awakening Part 2!

2008-10-01T16:40:00.000-04:00

Oh Spring Awakening, we had quite a run. You sang to me, you brought me to tears. I loved you! I really did. But what on earth were you thinking with this new cast?

I sat on stage for my second viewing of Spring Awakening. I attended the Wednesday September 3rd evening showing (which may accounting for the sluggish performances). It was a little strange first because I was alone and second I had just cracked my tailbone 4 days before. I was excited to see the new cast, how they brought the characters to life. It was nice that Blake Daniel was still there (he is such a cutie). But the rest of the cast...oh dear....

Let's start with Hunter Parrish.

Why were you chosen for the role of Melchior? What possessed the team to pick you? No offense, I'm sure you are a great guy, but really? You looked like you were playing a part the whole time, where as Jonathan Groff became Melchior. I know it isn't quite fair because he IS Melchior, but this is Broadway baby, not some high school musical. Very poorly done, Hunter, very poorly done indeed.

Oh Gerard Canonico (Moritz), nice voice, not so good at the rest. I felt like I was watching a community production, NOT Broadway.

Alexandra Socha as Wendla was very nice. You definitely believe that she is young and naive where as Mia was more "learned." You did an amazing job. But, with that said, it just wasn't up to Broadway standards! I just don't understand!

All in all the new cast is a big let down. Strong roles thanks to the supporting cast but other then that not as good as even the second role changes.

Movie Review: Me and You and Everyone We Know

2008-09-30T17:16:00.001-04:00

Eww. Gross. Disgusting. That's how I feel.

To see or not to see?
To see if you are into that kinda stuff...me however, I was very disappointed. Acting=good, script=disgusting.

Movie Review: The Last Kiss

2008-09-30T17:07:00.000-04:00

I didn't LOVE the movie, but I liked it. The ending was wonderful. It was well acted, just a little silly at times. I like that the ending was completely different from the original French film. I think I enjoy movies more when I see the "making of" because I see where people's hearts went into the film. So sometimes if I think a movie is "ok" I'll really like it after the "making of". The acting was really good, the script read like it was real life. I can see a lot of people going through what they went through.

To see or not to see?
To see.

Movie Review: Superbad

2008-09-30T17:03:00.000-04:00

Super. Bad.

To see or not to see?
Seriously?

Movie Review: Lars and the Real Girl

2008-08-18T16:27:00.000-04:00

I am a huge fan of Ryan Gosling thanks in equal parts to Murder by Numbers and Half Nelson. Besides, anyone who can go from Young Hercules to an Oscar nomination in less than 10 years deserves attention. It doesn't hurt he's from Canada (which brought us Joshua Jackson...)

But on to Lars and the Real Girl. It had wide praise from film festivals alike, but could Gosling really bring it to this movie or would Half Nelson be his only big hit? It seems that the independent industry is a bulls eye for Gosling because I can't complain about anything in this movie (having Patricia Clarkson and Emily Mortimer in the cast was a major plus). I was so impressed that I gave this movie 5 out of 5 stars on my Netflix queue, which is few and far between.

The emotional depth of this movie is hard to explain if you haven't seen it. From Lars' apartment, to the location, to the facial expressions on each character truly made this a film to remember.

To see or not to see?
To see, right now. Get in your car (or on your queue) and rent this movie immediately, or you will die.

Movie Review: Little Manhattan

2008-08-18T16:08:00.000-04:00

This is probably one of the best "first love" films I've seen. Set in (obviously) New York City it's the tale of first love between two very different 5th graders. Not since The Wonder Years' Kevin and Winny have I seen such true, innocent, love. A movie worth watching, you know if your into that kind of sappy romance.

To see or not to see?
To see.

Movie Review: Mamma Mia!

2008-08-18T15:46:00.000-04:00

Oh Mamma Mia! how I love you!

I went and saw this movie with my momma mia and we laughed the whole time (much to the dismay of other movie go-ers, we are loud, obnoxious laughers). Meryl Streep was amazing! She played the part so well! She had such high energy I couldn't help but dance in my seat. And what a lovely cast of "fathers"! I was excited to see my Mr. Darcy (your Colin Firth), the hilariously singing-challenged Pierce Brosnan (nothing says fish out of water like former 007 tenderly singing) and yes, even that perverted old man played by Stellan Skarsgard. But for me, seeing Amanday Syefried took the cake. As a big fan of Veronica Mars (I have the facebook scores to prove it) I was glad to support any former VM character. All in all, to break the blockbuster melodrama Mamma Mia is the perfect choice.

To see or not to see?
To see!

Movie Review: WALL-E

2008-08-18T15:37:00.002-04:00

I'm not the biggest fan of cartoon movies. I have nieces and nephews so I see a lot of them anyway. But Pixar has surprised me time and again with their ability to create movies that entertain children and interest adults. I wouldn't say that WALL-E was the best cartoon of the year, I'd say it contends for one of the best films of the year.

Three reasons why WALL-E rocks:

1. Hardly any dialogue and it is able to carry such a deep emotional message

2. WALL-E's expressions are so full of emotions he doesn't even need to talk for you to understand him.

3. A chilling portrayal of the world's future if we don't do something to stop it.

Go see this movie, kids in tow are not necessary.

To see or not to see?
To see!!

Life Changing Experience at Dylan's Candy Bar

2008-07-16T12:30:00.000-04:00

I had one of the worst days yesterday. It started out alright and everything. Just a normal run of the mill kind of day. But all that changed when someone who works in my building came up, down cast. He needed to talk to Ray. From the look on his face, and remembering the conversation he had with his co-worker, Chris, on Thursday, I assumed he was telling Ray he was quitting. The news he gave instead caught me off guard. His co-worker, Chris, had been killed by a car on Saturday night. Chris wouldn't be coming to do his rounds that day.

My first reaction, unbelief, second, sorrow.

The rest of the afternoon I spent crying off an on. He had turned 22 just the week before. He was younger than me. He was kind. He was funny. And now he is gone. He isn't in the hospital getting his tonsils out; he isn't sick at home with the flew; there wasn't an accident in his family; he is dead.

Tuesdays I go into physical therapy so instead of going home right away I hang out in the city a few hours longer than normal. After therapy (a painful one might I add), I decided that I needed a sweet pick-me-up. I wandered around Dylan's Candy Bar picking out my favorite candy talking to my mom on the phone, confiding in her the most painful situations relating to Chris. On my way to the cash register my mom began to pray for me. I took out the amount shown on the register, but it was pre-tax, so after the cashier pressed the "enter" button, a different amount came up. I shifted the $10.70 and went back to my wallet to get the $11.17.

"Talking on the phone while at the register, are you serious?" I heard a voice say directly behind me.

I turned around immediately to see who it was. It was an older man and his wife, clearly he was peeved with me.

"Excuse me?" I asked him. His wife colored a little
"Nothing." She said.

I was not in the mood to just sit there and let him be so rude to me.

"My friend just died and that's why I'm on my phone at the register."

His wife look completely embarrassed.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry." She said.

I got out of that store as soon as I could, tears streaming down my face. It was all so ironic walking out of the brightly colored store, pink bag full of candy, and me, sobbing.

But that situation taught me a lot. It was like I had this whole new perspective of people all around me. Whether it's someone pushing me on the subway, bumping my purse off my arm in the street, or cutting me in line at the train station; I don't know what that person has just experienced. I don't know if that person is lost in remorse, oblivious because of an exciting event, or just plain exhausted from being over worked.

I wouldn't have learned that if it weren't for Chris.

I wish I could say Chris would want it that way, but honestly I wasn't given the opportunity to get to know him well enough to say that. So I'll just say it's something I learned only thanks to Chris.

To get information on Chris' untimely death, please see the Staten Island Advance (www.SILive.com/obits) for Christopher Nowak.

Critical Review: Dating Younger Guys

2008-07-02T16:20:00.000-04:00

Three Reasons Why I Will Consider Dating Younger Guys.

Those who know me know that I'm not only picky but that I have strict "rules" for dating. One of them is based on the maturity gap between guys and gals.

Thanks to my brother (19) and his girlfriend (25) I've changed that silly opinion of mine. Ok, well it really isn't because of them. It's because of them:

Shia LaBeouf, recently turned 22

What can I say? Sometimes good girls enjoy a little dirt. How cute is he in Disturbia? And how slightly disturbing is he in A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints?

Lorenzo Delloye, 19

A man after my own heart. The son of "radical" politician, adores his mother, and smokin' good looks...sign me up.

Ed Westwick, turned 21 last week

Not that Ed needs to be explained but here goes:
1. British accent, and so well spoken!
2. Plays in a hot band
3. Oh that hair

So from now on people, I vow not to judge a man by his birth year...

Gypsy

2008-06-04T10:45:00.000-04:00

I went to see Gypsy with absolutely no idea who Pattie LuPone was (I'm so sorry!). I went with a friend who was visiting good old Broadway (the same one that "forced" me to go to Spring Awakening). I had head about Gypsy but had no idea what I was in for. After waiting to be impressed and daring the actors to woo me I found my self dumb struck at how amazing it was. The actors (um how had I not known who Patti LuPone was? I believe she was CREATED to be Rose), the music (though all is amazing, I was blown away by the duet with the sisters), the score (goosebumps worthy). All in all I was impressed and even cried a few times. Well done, well done.

I almost think walking into a show with absolutely no expectations, no critics words looming in your brain is the best way to approach Broadway (when you're as ignorant about it as I am)

Thanks for dragging me to yet another amazing show, Tiffany.

News Still Sucks, But People Suck More

2008-05-14T11:44:00.000-04:00

Slightly ironically I am reading The Best American Nonrequired Reading of 2007. One day after the cyclone in Myanmar I was reading about Scott Carrier's experience there (Rock the Junta, pg 84). And what I found sad was how controlled the people are by their government. The government censors everything, and I mean everything the people see, saw, listen to, watch, eat, and basically think. What made this reality of restriction so apparent is the way the government will refuse to allow outside sources bring aid.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said that Myanmar doesn't want any aid because, "they have their own team to cope with the situation." I understand a government being self sufficient, but to be completely against (or in their minds above) help just shows their limited views on society and a lack of common sense. Instead of putting their pride aside for the welfare of their people, they choose to "lock" their country from help of others.

And what makes this even worse is the threat of another cyclone in the next two days. God save the people.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121075281328191547.html?mod=yahoo_buzz

Critical Review: The News Is Bad

2008-04-29T22:00:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure what else to do. In order to keep myself from becoming completely jaded by the evil things in this world I have to stop reading the news.

Case in point:
The biggest news story right now is about a seemingly "personable and well-liked" person locking his daughter in his basement (along with three of the seven children he had with her). If reading about the disgusting things he has done to everyone involved isn't enough, he may only get 20 years for ruining eight people directly (his daughter, their six children, and his wife) and numerous indirectly.

(news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080430/ap_on_re_eu/austria_captive_daughter_43)

First of all, how can something like this happen? Second, why does something so evil get so much attention?

Why can't we read about this on the front page:

Create Providence:

Professional artists from New York City embracing and empowering communities in extreme poverty, making space for God to move.

(www.createprovidence.org/)

Until our society can change it's fascination with evil, I'm boycotting the news(ok I'm being a little dramatic). I honestly don't know how I can invest time in a media outlet that is sensationalizing all the evil without mentioning all the amazing things people are doing all around our great country.

Bliss

2008-04-21T11:47:00.000-04:00

Vote for Jacob and Sita!!

http://www.gather.com/viewVideo.jsp?id=11821949021863982&grpId=3659174697251734&nav=Groupspace

Once a day, every day.

Firsttracks.gather.com

2008-04-17T10:46:00.000-04:00

I had the privilege of being a fly on the wall at the Firsttracks final five show yesterday. My brother Jacob and his friend Sita were chosen from hundreds of contestants all around the US. Last night at the Living Room in lower Manhattan they played for an audience and the judges (one of whom was Paula Cole!).

Please log on to firsttracks.gather.com and vote for your favorite. Voting is April 21-28. You can vote once a day everyday.

Is He Dead?

2008-02-19T11:53:00.000-05:00

My mother was in town during the Christmas holiday and I just had to take her to a Broadway show. She had visited New York as a child, loved theater, and had never been able to see a show. So for her 50th Birthday I decided to take her to see Mark Twain’s Is He Dead?

We went to the box to get our tickets. The ticket holder informed me that I booked tickets for the weekend prior! I couldn’t believe it. I’d mistaken the date. But not to worry, he informed me. It was kind of my lucky day, he continued. Sure enough he comped our third row tickets when we had purchased fifth to the last row at the very top of the three tier Lyceum Theatre!! So our $25 a piece tickets ended up being worth $100 each!

And how grand it was. Almost the entire show my mom and I were laughing. Not so much at the sometimes ignorable dialogue, but the physical comedy had our sides splitting.
Plus, who can deny that Norbert Leo Buts (Tony Award winner) is to die for? He defiantly gave my mother and I a pretty little smile. And when I say pretty I mean it; he was dressed in a lovely blue satin gown with beautiful red curls.

August: Osage County

2008-02-04T11:20:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a week. Sadly I only enjoyed the week from in bed. Being sick sucks.

Right along, then.

August: Osage County, what to say that the professional critics haven't already? As one of the best reviewd plays on Broadway it's hard to say something new. So I'll go from my personal experience.

I'm lucky enough to know one of the actresses in the show, Kimberly Guerrero, so my opinion is extremely biased. But knowing her made me feel like I belonged to this crazy family is some way. The set was one of the most simple, yet amazing, sets I've seen. And don't get me started on how beautiful the Imperial Theater is (which I will have you know I was lucky enough to see from behind the stage!!).

I was either laughing or crying through out the entire show. It was funny, it was moving, and the ensamble cast were all perfect in their portryal of one of the most disfuntional families known to man.

The most touching part of the entire play was when Kimberly aka the housekeeper Johanna, is holding the crazy mother, Violet (played by Deanna Dunagan) and she starts singing to her. I was crying like a baby.

Bottom line: if you can handle the subject matter of insane family drama, go see this the moment you get into NYC.

Sita and Jacob need us!!!!!

2008-01-23T14:35:00.000-05:00

Alright everyone, I know this is a critical review blog but there is something I need EVERYONE's help with.

Decca Records is hosting a contests for singer/songwriters and my brother Jacob and his good friend Sita have just entered the contest and to all our delight have been given RAVE reviews already from the studio people. My favorite review is when they told Sita and Jacob they were the best they'd heard all day. That's pretty big.

So, for more information on this upcoming compitition please see this link:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977225853&grpId=3659174697251734&nav=Groupspace

or go to the site to search around for yourself:
firsttracks.gather.com

Please remember to check up on this as Feburary comes to a close. If they win this, they get signed to Decca. This is huge guys, really huge.

Check out their myspace pages for more music, and fyi they are working on putting more music on their myspaces:
Jacob
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=155982768&MyToken=c559bbf6-425c-41ff-ad63-4770b11d6f9e

Sita
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=121889987

Alright guys, let's make this happen!!!!

Spring Awakening

2008-01-17T15:03:00.000-05:00

Alright, Broadway show number two.

Not keeping up with the Broadway buzz, I hadn't heard a thing about Spring Awakening until a friend came to visit. Not only is she a super fan, she is also slightly obsessed going so far as to etch pictures for the principals. Really, friend? Really?? I didn't understand the obsession and thought she may be slightly unstable (born and raised in SoCal doesn't do so much for the sanity development part of the brain, sorry SoCal peeps). So my friend, let's call her Tiffany, she hadn't even seen the show yet and was obsessed. Less than a week later, after having gone twice, she dragged me to her third show. I went kicking and screaming, well not literally, but I hadn't decided until the night before to actually go.

So, here I am third row right of the stage. Lights up, curtains rise.

From the moment Lea Michele opened her mouth I was hooked.

The show consists of not only the vocal talents of this young cast but an amazing on stage band. The musical overall was funny and very touching. Not only did the show entertain but it also has an amazing message. With the recent pregnancy of a teen sensation (Jamie Lynn Spears, the much loved Zooey 101 on Nickelodeon) and the sleeper hit Juno, this show is just another avenue for parents to have dialogue with their teens about love, sex, and puberty (thank GOD I'm not a parent yet).

After the show I waited, just like my crazy obsessive friend, in line to meet the cast. It must be said that I embarresed myself. But that I am so proud to have seen this amazing show with such talented people.

Blake Daniel and I.

Jonathan Groff and I.

A Chorus Line

2008-01-17T14:28:00.000-05:00

This was the first Broadway show I've ever seen. Opened April 16 1975 with over 6,000 performances as of 1990, A Chorus Line is the longest running American Musical.

Possibly one of the best shows on Broadway. Maybe that is because it's my first, but none the less, I was moved by the acting, awed by the dancing, and dazzled by the glitter (I can't help it).

After the show my brother, his friend, and I waited to congratulate the actors. She was visiting and wanted to get autographs. Meeting the people who had just put on an amazing, emotional, moving performance was a pretty amazing experience. Unlike watching a movie and leaving the theater, almost walking back into the "real world," seeing a show and meeting the cast after give you almost a closure.

So biased as I may be, the longest running American Musical has to be so for some reason.

http://www.achorusline.com/

The First Offical Critical Review...2007 and I are OVER.

2008-01-17T14:14:00.000-05:00

Hellooooooo, 2008. 2007, we had a nice run, but with all the changes, you had to have known that this was coming. Times Square being fitted for the 100th ball (now "green" thank you very much), the 2008 eyeglasses being sold. You must have known. I hope it wasn't a shock. But it's time for you to be left in the past. 2008 and I are really happy, I know we just started our relationship, but honestly you and I were done long before January 1st. Around Novemeber, if your lucky, we were coming to an end. You had to have felt the chill in the air, the trees loosing their color, the lakes loosing their sparkle. It was time to end before I held on to something that cleary wasn't going to last. I'm sorry, 2007, but it's over.

And with a new year I thought it only fitting to begin a new type of blog. This is my critical review bolg. Love it, hate it, I don't care, just read it and please add your own opinions.

New York's Achilles Heel

2007-08-08T11:11:00.000-04:00

Yep, that's right, I have just discovered New York's Achilles Heel. And guess what it is? TRANSPORTATION!

Imagine my surprise when I get off the bus at the R/W Subway station just to find it isn't running! No explanation or anything. All I knew was it was closed. So I head over to the next station, the N, and guess what? It is down also! So I get in line to wait for the bus to take me from Queens to Manhattan. The bus just doesn't seem to be coming. I run to a store and get some cash out to grab a taxi. And wouldn't you know it that the taxis are all occupied. Seriously, it was a two hour wait at most companies for taxis. So I waited in the now very long line for the bus. When I finally got the third bus that came my way it was PACKED. And I mean people sitting on each other! I was crouched down on the floor at the very front. I'm not even kidding you. People on the streets were laughing at me. And I was laughing at me too. But I was just so happy to have made it on the bus and get myself to work. And with all the problems I was only an hour late!! My office manager came over, looked at me and went, "Oh wow! You're here! I can't believe it." And I couldn't believe it either.

But anyway this little story of my morning is just to tell you all that there are so many people in New York that the moment there are delays on any type of transportation it seems that everything just falls apart. But thank God for that nice bus driver who let me on.

My wall of protection

2007-08-02T13:23:00.000-04:00

I was at a bar last night (no this isn't one of those stories) to support my brother. It was his first show in New York (and after the "musician" before him emptied the bar and almost made me change that whole no alcohol thing) my brother tore up the stage and made the left over attenders very happy. But something I've learned about myself, extensively; is that I am a very closed off person. That is, once I feel someone pulling away from me, lousing their interest (friend or otherwise) I completely pull my emotions back into my heart and begin erecting that wall of protection. Once this wall has begun construction it is really hard to halt, tare down, and forget the whole idea. I'm just so afraid of being rejected that I choose to pull away before I get hurt. No whether or not the other person means to "loose interest" or not, in my little world of I-know-I'm-right it doesn't matter. Once I have that in my head that this person is about to reject me, I decided to give them the cold shoulder.
So that is what I learned last night. And I don't really know to change--or know if I want to.

I Suppose

2007-08-01T11:24:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I start to reminisce about the past. I wonder what things would have been like had I made a certain decision: went to this school, finished the year in this state, finally told that boy how much I liked him.

But every time I start to get all nostalgic I just think about the ending of one of my favorite movies, Mansfield Park, where Fanny Price is tying up all the loose ends for the characters and after each character she says, "Things could have turned out differently I suppose....but they didn't."

And I remind myself of that every time I start thinking about the "what-ifs" in life. Things could have turned out very differently for me, but I bet you I wouldn't be who I am today if that were true.

Also recommended for the "what-ifs" category, Sliding Doors. This is a fantastically amazing movie.

Wishful Dreaming

2007-07-27T10:33:00.000-04:00

I had this dream last night where I was yelling at someone and telling them all the things about them that bugged me, all the negative things I felt towards them. This person got really angry back at me. It was one of the biggest fights I have ever had. But I was relieved to finally tell them how I felt. And when I woke up I was still relieved until I realized it was all just a dream.

From: http://www.spiritcommunity.com/

Anger - Angry

dream interpretation/meaning of dream

This may be a carry-over from your daily life. In our dreams we can experience and express such feelings safely. Feeling great anger in your dream may be disturbing but pay attention to it and attempt to deal with all of your emotions in a more appropriate and productive manner.

Even though I was really angry in how I handled my feelings in my dream, the feeling of relief that I had made it seem worth it. I'm glad that this fight didn't happen in actual life but it really got me thinking. Should people walk around this earth being completely honest with each other? And I don't mean honest like "wow you look really ugly in that," or "I hate your new hair cut," but being honest like, "What you just said really hurt my feelings," and "When you talk to me like that I fell like you are talking down to me". In my dream these things were so easy to say, granted they weren't said properly (I don't think expressing feelings of hurt need to involve anger) but I still said them. And I felt relieved. I had never woken up so relieved in my life, like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. It was really fantastic. So how do you go from being painfully understanding and not standing up for yourself to being truly honest with everyone around you? I would like to learn whatever the answer may be.

Guess What

2007-07-24T14:58:00.000-04:00

I JUST GOT AN APARTMENT!!!!!!

PICTURES TO FOLLOW....

Why I haven't written

2007-07-24T11:59:00.000-04:00

Last Friday was amazing. I was able to see Toni and Michael for his birthday, and meet their assorted family members. I thought everything was coming together fine in my big city life. I felt like I was succeeding.

The Truth.
While in no way am I failing, I feel like I'm not succeeding the way I planned. I came out here expecting to live the dream of being Carrie Bradshaw, whom I totally look up to as much as one can a fictional character. We are both writers, both love fashion, and both moved to the big city expecting our lives to begin. But I didn't realize how difficult it would be. Don't get me wrong, the city and I are still going VERY strong. But I am so stressed by finding my way I am losing momentum to go forward. It is such an amazing experience, even in the really desperate times, like right now, when I don't feel like I can go on, I know that I will make it through to the other side. I know that in time I will be living in the lower East Village, writing regularly, and shopping for amazing shoes. But for now. I feel like I am sinking away into failure.

Carrie once said:

“As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself a little lost. And when that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, shoulda, woulda, buckle up and just keep going.”

And that is what I am going to do. I am going to let go of all the coulda, shoulda, wouldas, and buckle up and keep going until I can't go any further.

Three things I want to do in New York

2007-07-16T10:05:00.000-04:00

It has been amazing exploring all that this amazing city has to offer. My favorite things to do right now are to wander around and stare up at the 10+ story buildings. The architecture here is amazing. I love how old colonial all the buildings are. The way you will see a whole block of apartments together and each two window sections have completely different styles. It is so beautiful. Then, when you look carefully you will see a top floor garden on an inconspicuous floor, that is truly conspicuous if you are paying attention. I love it.

But there is so much more I want to do, to see, to explore here.

These are the top three things I hope to do:

1. HBO Movie in the Park:

On Mondays during the summer you can go to Bryant Park, bring a picnic and sit on a blanket watching classic black and white movies. While I haven't had a Monday to experience this yet, Casablanca is playing in September, and even if I have to go alone, it is worth it.

2. Watching the Ball drop in Times Square.

I know that this is such a tourist thing to do, but I have to experience it just once. I'm not a big New Years celebrator, but when my Gina gets here this is something we have to do. I know it will be crowed beyond belief, but it will be well worth it.

3. The Tribeca Film Festival:

This is an Indie film lovers dream come true! Thank you Robert De Niro!! Hopefully I can get in to some real gems this 2008 season.

Friday the 13th

2007-07-13T13:56:00.001-04:00

You know, for the longest time Friday the 13th has been considered a very unlucky day.

In an article by About.com's David Emery, he explained some culture's disdain for the number 13:

It is said: If 13 people sit down to dinner together, all will die within the year. The Turks so disliked the number 13 that it was practically expunged from their vocabulary (Brewer, 1894). Many cities do not have a 13th Street or a 13th Avenue. Many buildings don't have a 13th floor. If you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil's luck (Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy and Albert De Salvo all have 13 letters in their names).

Continued on in his article, Ebory quotes an old tale:

One hundred years ago, the British government sought to quell once and for all the widespread superstition among seamen that setting sail on Fridays was unlucky. A special ship was commissioned, named "H.M.S. Friday." They laid her keel on a Friday, launched her on a Friday, selected her crew on a Friday and hired a man named Jim Friday to be her captain. To top it off, H.M.S. Friday embarked on her maiden voyage on a Friday, and was never seen or heard from again.

And one story that resonates around the world is the tale of the Knights Templar, recounted by Katherine Kurtz from Tales of the Knights Templar

"On October 13, 1307, a day so infamous that Friday the 13th would become a synonym for ill fortune, officers of King Philip IV of France carried out mass arrests in a well-coordinated dawn raid that left several thousand Templars — knights, sergeants, priests, and serving brethren — in chains, charged with heresy, blasphemy, various obscenities, and homosexual practices. None of these charges was ever proven, even in France — and the Order was found innocent elsewhere — but in the seven years following the arrests, hundreds of Templars suffered excruciating tortures intended to force 'confessions,' and more than a hundred died under torture or were executed by burning at the stake."

So what about all the other "bad days" that have happened in the world's history?

The atomic bombs hit Japan on August 9th, a Thursday.
And 9/11 happened on a Tuesday.
The Titanic sunk on April 14th, a Sunday.
And Martin Luther King Jr was shot April 4th, a Thursday.

So I guess what I'm saying is that a day can only be unlucky if you make it unlucky. I on the other hand choose to break free of the stigma of the unlucky Friday and the unlucky number 13 and say "Hello world! I am not going to let 13 get me down!"
And just in case I am wearing my horseshoe necklace...and a green shirt (you know the luck of the Irish thing....).

I have fallen in love for the first time....and probably the last.

2007-07-10T10:23:00.000-04:00

It seems as though I am in a very committed relationship. Most of you who know me know that I am not one to easily, or in this case quickly, commit to any sort of serious long term relationship. But, as love has a way of appearing when you least expect it, I have fallen madly deeply in love with the City of New York.

"Impossible!" You are probably thinking. Well, I am here to tell you it is possible to find true love! And I have found my true love.

From the busy streets where people are as diverse as their clothes; to the muggy, dusty, smelly, subway stations transporting people to their desired location; to the musicians filling every nook and cranny available to showcase their talents; to the myriad of things to do at any given moment; I am in love with this city.

I can't wait to experience the most romantic season here in New York, winter. I believe then I will officially be engaged to the city of my dreams. But for now we are going steady. I think it is almost time for the city to meet my parents!

I Stand Corrected.

2007-07-06T08:36:00.000-04:00

I found out today at CNN.com that my post from yesterday was written under false pretenses. It has to be said that I was wrong about that whole women-talk-way-more-than-men thing. But if you lived one week in my life right now, you would totally understand my post.

From CNN.com:
Another stereotype -- chatty gals and taciturn guys -- bites the dust.
Turns out, when you actually count the words, there isn't much difference between the sexes when it comes to talking.
A team led by Matthias R. Mehl, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Arizona, came up with the finding, which is published in Friday's issue of the journal Science.
The researchers placed microphones on 396 college students for periods ranging from two to 10 days, sampled their conversations and calculated how many words they used in the course of a day.
The score: Women, 16,215. Men, 15,669.
The difference: 546 words: "Not statistically significant," say the researchers.
"What's a 500-word difference, compared with the 45,000-word difference between the most and the least talkative persons" in the study, said Mehl. He said the least talkative person in the study -- a male -- used just over 500 words a day, while another male topped that by more than 45,000.

From my Perspective

2007-07-05T22:58:00.000-04:00

Why I don’t think men want to get married.
1. Because then they have to share their space with another person, or worse they have to move into someone else’s place making them the “outsider.”
2. Because women talk more then men. And sometimes when a man spends his whole day at work talking or listening to people talk all he wants to do when he gets home is be quiet. But all she wants to do is…talk.
3. Because one thing about women is not only do they like to talk, they like to talk on the phone. And when they make phone call after phone call and all the man wants to do is sleep, that voice can start causing a rift.
4. Because no one likes to hear about money. And like I said above, women like to talk. A lot. 5. Because sometimes you just want to walk into your place, throw your stuff on the floor and sit in front of the TV without speaking a word.
6. And, come on, man or woman, sometimes you just don’t want to clean up after someone else for the rest of your life.

Finding Some Alone Time in New York

2007-06-27T00:54:00.000-04:00

What a "subway" coaster of a week it has been. I can't explain all the emotions I have gone through, all the emotions I am continuing to feel. Sometimes I feel regret for the comfort of my "former life". Sometimes I feel like I am still a child trying on my mothers dresses and high heels, but I'm not quite ready to go out and grow up. Other times I feel like I'm right where I need to be. I feel like I am an adult. I feel like I am on the right path.

It has been such a confusing time in my life. I have never felt like so many different emotions. And I'm not talking about feeling different daily, I am talking about feeling different every other hour.

I have met some amazing people here so far. I have been wandering around the city meeting people who I know I will only be in their life for a moment. I have also met some people who I will be in their life longer. But in each moment I meet a new person I feel like I am a little closer to who I am about to become.

I sat in Cafe Lalo the other day. I felt a little silly writing post cards and sipping an iced latte, munching on Rocky Road mud pie. I was sitting alone, next to the street, watching people pass by, listening to the young girls chatting indifferently to each other, watching the servers stand around waiting for something to happen. And I realized that I was like those servers. I was standing around waiting for life to begin. But I finally realized I was tired of waiting and I made life begin.

I think about all the people who I love who I left back home. My sister, my best friend, "the boy," my mentor. Sometimes I feel guilty that I left these people. I almost want to get on the next plane home and give up. I want back that comfort of knowing where I was, who I was, every little detail. But I can't do that. I can't because during all my alone time I have realized that I am finally ready to begin my adulthood. I am doing something for me.

Well enough of those "I" statements. I just had to get that out there. So thanks for reading.

I HEART NEW YORK

2007-06-24T23:14:00.000-04:00

I love love love it here. I am having a blast and I will update very soon with amazing stories and great pictures. Ohhhh I can't wait! But my net is really bad. So just keep on holding out I will have it soon.

How I'm feeling sung by Fergie

2007-06-13T03:51:00.000-04:00

This song kind of sums up how I feel about certian situations in my life right now.

Why I'm excited to leave SoCal

2007-06-10T02:57:00.000-04:00

Since I moved to California I feel like my life has been a let down. Now please don't take this blog as a self-deprecating post I just want you to understand why I am so excited to leave.

When I lived in Virginia I had a 3.5 GPA in college full time, working full time, and the children's pastor at my church. When I moved here my GPA went down to a 2.49. I had to petition to get my scholarships back. After my first year in Cali at Life Pacific College I knew that I needed to leave. I knew getting away from that school would only help things.

I went from a private four year college to community college with absolutely no idea what to do next. I was living in a church alone, I had a new job, and I felt like my life was at a stand still. The next year I was fortunate enough to meet Professor Brantingham who will always hold a place in my life as someone who helped and guided me into a new passion: creative writing. Without him I don't think I would be writing today. From there came the newspaper and Toni and Gina who I know my life wouldn't be whole without. But during these two years I went through an awful breakup, my best friend stopped talking to me when I needed her the most, and I felt like I was a burden on everyone around me. Needing rides, not being able to take care of myself, I felt like I was a child all over again. I felt like nothing I did was right, like I was constantly letting everyone around me down. Like I was a disappointment, which I still feel like today. I can only hope that by moving my world to the other side of the country, by living away from my parents, by truly being responsible for my life, that by all these things I will finally make someone proud and that I will no longer be such a burden, such a disappointment.

So, don't let the happy carefree exterior fool you. It has been a tough path, though I have learned a lot, I've had to work really hard to keep my head above the waters.

Root canals suck.

2007-06-07T13:27:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the absence. I had a root canal. Let me tell you, not a fun experience. You are not just lying in a dentist chair for an hour an a half, mouth open wide, but they put your chair up and down, take ex rays, stuff sticks in your mouth, and are continuously refilling your nerves with more Novocaine. Give me a monotonous three hour lecture on the origin of mold over another minute in that chair.

Anyway. That is all for now. There is so much news going on that I will probably post tomorrow.

Above and Beyond

2007-05-29T01:19:00.000-04:00

For those of you that don't know my brother and I are moving to New York to start a church called Avaunt Guard. Something I have experienced and have heard from many of my peers is the hypocrisy in the Christian church. I have been in church most my life. I am a firm believer in Christ as my savior, the divinity of the Bible, and the Holy Trinity. But when it comes to the church I see so much negative. The purpose to start a church is not because I believe I am 'holier than thou' it is because I believe God has called me, and everyone, to follow the commandments love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, love your neighbor as yourself. I believe God has called me to do this by way of starting a church with my dear friend, Beth Anna, my baby brother and a few more people. I hope that I can show people what God meant to show the world by sending Jesus, Jesus dying for our sins, and the apostles beginning the Christian church.

Anyway, all that said was to give you a clue as to what I am doing picking up my life, leaving the comfort of my family behind, and taking a blind leap to what I hope is the other side. Without my mother I couldn't do this. She has been my rock through my entire life. She has given me encouragement, wisdom, and this weekend a wardrobe of formal work attire. I know it sounds silly, but without these clothes I wouldn't have the proper attire to get a job that will allow me to achieve what I believe God has called me to do. My mother has gone above and beyond. I don't deserve her.

Whose View?

2007-05-23T22:07:00.000-04:00

I was just watching the verbal brawl between Rosie and Elisabeth from The View. I was disturbed by how angry these women got with each other. Though they do have very different opinions. Politics is almost a topic that can't be discussed these days. Either you are Republican or Democrat and that means you are right or wrong, good or bad. There is no middle ground. It is like if you don't share political beliefs with someone you are the enemy.

I understand that politics are a touchy subject but I don't ever think that demeaning someone based on their political preference is ever an OK thing.

Watch the video for yourself and tell me what you think.

http://abc.go.com/fsp/index.html?channel=TheView&clip=125691

V Mars Update!!!

2007-05-23T02:42:00.000-04:00

Alright everyone here is the info on the uncertainty of my favorite show. I just watched what is presumed to be the final episode of V Mars today. Though many questions were put in a box, wrapped in pretty, festive paper, and had a shiny bow placed on it many questions still remain:

1. Will Keith Mars make it as the sheriff despite Veronica's bad behavior?

2. Will they revive Jake Kane and or Duncan Kane if there is a renewal for Veronica?

3. Hello...Logan or Piz? There is absolutely no definite answer to this.

4. IF the CW does choose to keep V Mars and they flash forward like they are with One Tree Hill, will our favorite characters we have grown fond of over the past three years be included in the four-year jump?

and many more.

Here is what TV.com is reporting:

It's been an up and down the past few weeks for Veronica Mars fans. The future of the cult show looked grim but was momentarily turned around after network execs reportedly responded positively to new a direction for the next season. Then, word spread that the CW had picked up three dramas, making a renewal for the detective show unlikely.
Today, the CW released its schedule for the fall season, and--brace yourselves--Veronica Mars was not on it.

Kristen Bell fans shouldn't storm the CW's corporate office yet. Though Veronica Mars isn't on the schedule, The Hollywood Reporter says a final decision on the show may not happen until next month.

From the Hollywood Reporter:

At a news conference after the presentation, Ostroff confirmed that "Veronica Mars" has solved her last case in her current incarnation but that no final decision has been made on a proposed new version of the series by creator Rob Thomas in which the title character, played by Kristen Bell, is at the FBI Academy.

So I guess there is no definite answer as of yet. That means a whole month of hope that the CW executives will choose to do what is right.

The Good, The Bad and The Unbelievable

2007-05-19T02:12:00.000-04:00

DISCLAIMER: Alright, what I am about to post is by no means a true representation of my self. I am a serious, educated women and I am entitled to be a little girly and silly sometimes. So here goes.

The Good

Brothers and Sisters

I just love this show. It has been so amazing to watch a family I can relate with that are so close with each other and yet completely neurotic. It reminds me of how slightly off my family is...

We have one episode left until the season finale. With all of the unanswered questions about Rebecca's secret past in Chicago, Justin leaving for Iraq in a few weeks, and the marriage issues between Joe and Sarah, it is hard to believe what will happen in the season finale.

The BAD

Grey's Anatomy

I can NOT believe what happened on this episode. I just have three quick things to say about it--in the following pictures:

Um, hello...calling all cheating husbands...I realize Izzie and George and best friends, but how on earth can they continue to keep up their adulterous lives? And now that he failed his exam what will happen next? Would they really get rid of T.R. Knight?

What is it with interns and getting involved with their patients...though I wouldn't mind getting involved with this doctor...but still.

Alright. Probably one of the worst things next to Izzie lying in bed with dead Denny is that Burke and Christina DIDN'T get married. Not only didn't they get married, but Burke disappeared. I know! I can't believe it. And then Christina and Meridith in the living room, Christina crying in her arms still in her wedding dress that had to be cut off her. You have to see it to understand.

The Unbelievable

Veronica Mars

How on earth could this happen. V Mars is no longer. You have to go out and watch any clips of this that you can. This is one of the best shows. Even better than Dawson's Creek...and I mean that.

So now you know.

Amazingness

2007-05-14T01:31:00.000-04:00

I just held Lucas, my sister's baby. It was amazing. She said that he never looks at someone for so long. He was fighting his heavy eye lids to stay awake and stare at me. I have never felt something so amazing as holding a tiny baby like him. He is 5lbs 6oz (he was born two months premature) and he is now a month old. I can't believe how amazing it was.

What a great experience.

Seeing it in bright lights

2007-05-08T18:24:00.000-04:00

I saw Spiderman 3 this weekend. It was pretty amazing. I mean where else can you get action, drama, comic book heroes, love stories, and comedy all in one?

Besides, seeing Mary Jane up on stage, her dream, was a relief. It reminds me to reach for the stars and that how you rise above failure will determine your success.

AND! The powerful point of this movie was all about what hatred and bitterness can do to a person. Peter was so miserable when he was full of hate. But as soon as he decided to put that behind him and was able to forgive he was able to be freed from the misery that bitterness brought him. The contrast was amazing.

Anticipation

2007-05-02T21:40:00.000-04:00

Anticipation. It's like the way your tongue starts watering right before you are about to enjoy something really sweet or sour.

Like the way my lips start to pucker right before I take the first bite of an amazing caramel apple. Even thinking about eating an apple makes my mouth water...

That is how I feel about moving.

But I'm still scared to do it. That is because I will finally be an adult.

Enjoy your own taste bud extravaganza:

http://www.rmcf.com/cp/shop/apples_fudge/apples.asp?

My First Blog

2007-05-01T13:10:00.000-04:00

I'm about a month and a half away from beginning the rest of my life. Although I do have about 22 years under my belt. For the first time I am choosing where to begin my life. I am moving to New York city! I feel like the little country girl from Iowa stepping into the city for the first time. You know, the little blondie country girl with a straw hat and says "y'all" all the time and asks for a pop (soda, coke, etc.). But I'm not a country girl, though I have lived in a lot of small cities, I'm not afraid to be in a new culture. Part of having a father in the army is the ability to be able to adapt quickly. But seriously, I'm scared silly. But don't tell anyone. I don't want to get the word out that I'm not as easy going with all these changes as I seem.

Wow. I am still in denial of all these amazing changes about to happen. I'll keep you posted. June 18 will probably come sooner than anticipated.