Boy, it's been four (4!) months since I last posted anything, and I must admit that I'm feeling a bit rusty. So, please, bear with me! I told you all in my last post that I was going on hiatus in order to find a new home for me, my husband, and our little chihuahua-mix circus dog, Esther. Well, I'm happy to finally be able to report that the house hunt is officially over...
We're now the proud owners of our very first house and it's quite exciting! Of course, the whole process of preparing to move (packing), the actual move itself (Thank heaven we're using professional movers!), and then ultimately unpacking everything on the other end is just completely overwhelming. But, fortunately, things worked out in such a way that we'll actually have the entire month of October to move everything into the new house. I can't even tell you how nice that's going to be! And after eighteen (18!) years of duplex-living, having our own house without any common walls is going to be beyond nice. Our own indoor laundry room, too! Aaaah... Oh, and our little Esther will have a huge backyard to run around in. That'll be fun to see! Can't wait 'til we're finally all moved in!
So that's it for my update. Stay tuned for more about the house, and maybe even some photos, too!
I absolutely LOVE dogs, so I thought it would be fun to see what some of them were up to out 'n' about the internets. Here's a bunch I found just "clowning around"...
Yikes! I'm not JOKING, this one is scary!
Won't you laugh for sweet Snuggles?
"Do you like my rrrruffles?"
"I really need a drink!"
I've heard of the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, but THIS is ridiculous!
My husband, Tommy, and I took my mom to see 'The Artist' for her birthday and, boy, were we ALL glad that we did. It was such a fun, up-beat (except for a portion near the second half), "feel good" movie that you almost want to see it again as soon as it ends. Yep, it was that good!
Being that it is a silent film, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the audience behavior wise. For example, I didn't know if people eating snacks would be too noisy, or whether people would be rude and talk? Fortunately, we didn't experience ANY of that. Although, I must say that the accompanying musical score probably did help a bit in that department... Speaking of the music, wow! It was absolutely beautiful, and I will definitely be acquiring the soundtrack soon.
Jean Dujardin as the always dapper
and incredibly charming, George Valentin.
Berenice Bejo as a very peppy, Peppy Miller.
The basic plot summary is as follows: It's 1927. Arguably Hollywood's most admired movie screen idol, George Valentin, is enjoying the success of his latest picture, The Russian Affair. He enjoys his work and the adulation he receives by being a movie star immensely, as witnessed by how he hogs the spotlight during The Russian Affair's post-premiere bows. Peppy Miller is an aspiring young actress, who literally runs into Valentin at the premiere, which ends up being the launching pad to her Hollywood acting career. The advent of talking pictures brings a reversal to their fortunes as Kinograph, the movie studio where Valentin is under contract, is looking for fresh faces such as Peppy Miller to star in their talking pictures, while Valentin resists the entire notion of talking pictures. Peppy, who appreciates everything that Valentin did for her career, tries to help him as much as she can, but Valentin may have to decide on his own where and if he fits into the Hollywood machine, one where he doesn't think people want to hear him speak.
Now, like I said, that really is a very basic summary. It doesn't even make mention of "the dog", and he alone is so adorable he practically steals the show. One good thing, though. I just read online somewhere that the doggy actor (Uggie) who played the part actually won an award (like a Golden Globe, or something) for Best Canine Performance. How cool is that?! I can't help wondering if an Academy Award might also be in his near future? He certainly deserves it, in my book!
Adorable Uggie plays the role of George's canine sidekick.
These two are practically
inseparable throughout the movie.
John Goodman as the head studio
executive at Kinograph Pictures.
A young new starlet on the rise to fame and fortune...
In conclusion, let me just say that, "You NEED to see this picture!" It's a fun, light-hearted romantic comedy that I think even people who don't like romantic comedies would still end up liking. It's also fresh and different for these times. I mean, "feel good" movies of this magnitude and quality don't come along very often, so catch it on the BIG SCREEN while you can. You'll be glad you did!
I love the innocence of things like Dick and Jane, but I also can't help twisting it around and corrupting it a bit. Here's a mere sampling...
Everyone was impressed with the size of Dick's package.
But, most of all, Jane was surprised to learn that Dick
had such feelings for her...
My work is already done, here.
I'm so immature... and I like it! What about you? Do you enjoy being silly and irreverent? If so, tell me all about it. I'm sure the rest of our readers would get a kick out of it, too!
She's a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix that Tommy and I recently rescued from the county animal shelter, and the latest addition to our circus family. Since we lost our beloved 14-year-old Mr. Scoots back in February of this year (R.I.P.), we're VERY happy to, once again, have a little animal friend roaming around the house (and fairgrounds).
Aren't those BIG ears great?! Maybe we'll find out she can fly, just like Dumbo! Or, maybe, we'll soon discover that all she can really do is receive satellite radio with those dishes. Even if Esther has no special talents to speak of, we'll love her regardless. Besides, we already do... BIG TIME!
I discovered Goldfrapp years ago, just after they had released their first album, 'Felt Mountain'. I can even remember when I bought the CD because I was immediately drawn to it on the store shelf by its unique cover image. Well, that and the odd name. Both factors combined to ensure my sampling of it at a nearby listening station, and once I'd heard the music along with Alison's beautiful voice, I was hooked!
The band is Alison Goldfrapp (that's where the funny name comes from) and Will Gregory. Their sound is hard to pin down because it has varied over the last 4 albums, but I guess you could say that it's basically electronic pop at the core. 'Felt Mountain', which came out back in 2000, had a very cinematic sound with elements of cabaret, folk, ambient and electronica. Alison's voice range is so insane that, on this album in particular, it's operatic at times!
Here's a music video from 'Felt Mountain' for the song, 'Utopia'...
Gorgeously shot video, wouldn't you say? Even though it is a little creepy toward the end, with all of that blue goop being sucked up through Alison's nose and into her brain. And that's assuming that who we're seeing is the real Alison because it also appears as though some sort of cloning has occurred. That was my interpretation of it, anyway. Maybe, you saw a different story?
Their second album, 'Black Cherry', went waaay off in a different direction! Released in 2003, it was a dance/glam rock inspired powerhouse and ILOVEDIT! Not only was the music really hot and sexy, Alison completely transformed her image from a sophisticated Marlene Dietrich look into that of a New Wave diva. And it works on her, let me tell you!
Take a look for yourself. This is the music video for 'Strict Machine', the second single off of 'Black Cherry' which reached #1 on the dance charts...
Now, was that HOT, or what?! Alison has got it goin' ON! Cool hair, too, huh?! I've always liked her awesome blonde, curly locks. If I were a lady, that's the hair I'd want. Fo' sho!
With the third album, 'Supernature', Alison & Will decided to stick with the electro dance vibe. And because of that, I was a very happy, bouncing 35-year-old boy! Although released in 2005, 'Supernature' received 2 Grammy nominations in 2007. One for "Best Electronic/Dance Album" and another for "Best Dance Recording" which was specifically for the first single, 'Ooh La La'. That was all reallycool, but I don't get how the timing worked out for those? Album released in 2005... Grammy nominations 2 years later in 2007... Huh? Whatever.
The song, 'Number 1', was the second single off of 'Supernature', and also my favorite track on that album. Here's the music video for your viewing and listening pleasure...
Great song, beautiful lady, cute dogs and a fun sense of humor... What more could you want?! I guess that the dogs with the human bodies are a bit disturbing, but I think that's sorta the point.
In 2008, Goldfrapp released their fourth album, 'Seventh Tree'. And with it, they shifted gears once again to replace their electronic dance groove with more ambient and down tempo music. One of the main things they did was incorporate acoustic guitars in order to create a "warmer" sound.
The first single off of 'Seventh Tree', and a fine example of the warmer, down tempo sound was, 'A & E'. Go ahead, take a look & a listen...
I like how Alison seems to be communing with nature. The dancing leaves and dancing tree people are wonderful. Did you happen to see the fox run by? He was very quick! There was also a beautiful brief shot of an owl. Did you see him?
This excellent duo just finished recording their fifth album, 'Head First', and it's scheduled for release in late March, 2010. An excerpt from the band's official website describes the new album as, "Goldfrapp's most powerful trip to date, a speedy rush of synth optimism, euphoria, fantasy and romance." Also, the first single will be, 'Rocket'. I cannot wait! I just know that I'm gonna love it! Alison could probably sing the phone book and I'd be perfectly happy...
So that's my nutshell bio on Goldfrapp. There's actually a lot more interesting stuff about them, and more videos, too. I guess you could say this was just an appetizer! If you'd like to know more about them, go check out their website. Plus, Alison has been doing a little blog of her own, although posting entries somewhat sporadically.
Now, I wonder where that 'Rocket' is going? Not that it makes any difference, because I'll be on it no matter where it's headed!
Some people find Monopoly boring, but I don't. It has always seemed fun to me! Well, for as long as any game I've played has actually lasted. In fact, I don't think I've ever played a game of Monopoly to its very end... Not for lack of trying, mind you. See, I've had the misfortune of being surrounded by people in my life who find it VERY boring and don't have the patience required to play it all the way through. Much to my dismay!
"Let's see... Boardwalk, with 1 house and 1 hotel is... WAIT! Who let you build both a house AND a hotel on this property?! You're in violation of Monopoly building codes, sir!"
Contrary to popular belief, Monopoly was NOT invented by Charles B. Darrow. He only revised and improved upon a much cruder early version of the game, and then managed to strike a deal with Parker Brothers in 1935. It was originally created, and then patented under the name, The Landlord's Game, by a woman named Lizzie J. Magie in 1904. She spent many, many years trying to get it off the ground, but to no avail. Her main intent for the game was for it to become popular as an educational tool, not just a way for her to get rich. So, I don't think it bothered her too much that it didn't make her a millionaire. What DID bother her, was that she felt cast aside and unrecognized as the game's real inventor, convinced it was due to the fact she was a woman. And, back then, she was probably right! Women were the victims of sexism quite often, in those days. Not that it doesn't still exist, today...
If only you could spend this pile of "cash" at the mall... Then again, in today's economy, it would probably only get you a sweet roll at Cinnabon and a smoothie drink at Orange Julius!
A virtual rainbow of real estate!
I think what I like most about this game is all of the accoutrements. There's something about getting a Title Deed card for every property you purchase, and they're fun to keep organized in neat rows of matching colors. Alongside the railroads and utilities, of course! Exchanging the money is quite pleasing, too. The bills are nice colors, and the print design for them is cleverly simple yet functional. Then, once you own a monopoly, it's time to BUILD! I just love those little green houses and red hotels. But let's not forget one of the best things about this game... The player tokens! I prefer the old classic ones over any of the modern replacements. And I always choose either the dog or the race car. I guess that the top hat would come a close third, but neither the wheelbarrow, cannon, flat iron, thimble or horse & rider ever get my selection. There is a train token, too, but not in any of the editions I have. That one would probably trump the whole lot of 'em, if I had the option! All together, I'd say that I find Monopoly to be a very satisfying tactile experience in addition to being a visual delight. I particularly find the game board itself to be a good example of elegant simplicity at its best! That might seem a bit over-the-top to you, but I get excited about these things.
A study in green. Pretty, but I would arrange all of the houses in a STRAIGHT line!
As if I wasn't enamored enough with the classic design of this game, I've also recently discovered a couple of excellent reinterpretations that I want to share with you. The first one is a different take on the game board, a Helvetica Revival version by graphic artist Florent Guerlain. And the other one is a beautiful repackaging that was imagined, as well as created, by graphic artist Andy Mangold.
Helvetica Revival Monopoly, by Florent Guerlain
Monopoly Repackage (closed box), by Andy Mangold
Monopoly Repackage (open box), by Andy Mangold
Monopoly Repackage (out of box), by Andy Mangold
Pretty great, huh? I love it when artists mix things up like that. I just wish that I could own one of each of those! They're certainly leagues better than most variations, like Cat-opoly, Wine-opoly, or the dreaded Pink Boutique edition.
Thanks for "playing" along with me! Maybe, someday when we all have a few hours to kill, we can get together and play an entire game, from start to finish?
Here is yet another post unrelated to pop culture, but I so enjoyed Heidi's post about her kitty, Dizzy, over at her Gold Country Girls blog, that I felt inspired to share with you MY late Tonkinese cat, Henry.
Gosh, I guess it's been about a decade now, since we lost him to kidney failure. That was very hard. We actually had to have him put to sleep, after he had been through all that the doctors could do for him. And, I think, that was the most DIFFICULT thing I've had to do in my life. If you have ever owned pets, odds are that you probably know what it feels like. I'll never forget how paralyzed I felt when I was trying to sign the release form authorizing Henry's euthanasia...
Henry, in the thick of it all!
In case you aren't sure what a Tonkinese cat is, it's a Siamese/Burmese cross-breed. I much prefer it over a normal Siamese because Henry did not have the typical eyes that they do. His were the same pretty, light blue, but they did not look crossed. I was so glad about that since I've always thought that the cross-eyed ones look really DUMB! (Sorry, if you have one. I'm sure that yours is just lovely.)
I can remember Henry's coat being VERY soft, which made it especially nice whenever you held him. And I miss how you can usually hold a cat in the same manner as you would a baby, cradled in your arms. Every once in a while, I attempt to hold Mr. Scoots that way, but he wants NO part of it! Oh, well...
I asked Tommy what quirky things he remembers about Henry, and he mentioned how, at Christmas time, Henry absolutely loved to lay under the glowing tree for hours in an almost trance-like state. While under there, he also enjoyed selecting one particular hanging ornament (usually something irreplaceable) to bat at, and then eventually squirrel away with to nibble on!
Tommy & Henry, caught playing their reindeer games!
Oh, to be a cat... Wouldn't that be nice?
I'd like to have a cat again, someday. I love Mr. Scoots, but there's just something about having a cat for a pet that is sooo different from a dog. And vice versa, of course! Even if we did get another cat, I doubt that we'd ever find another one as SPECIAL as our Henry was!
Yay, I finally got to see 'Up', Disney and Pixar's latest collaboration! And it was REALLY good! Of course, that came as no surprise. Everything that they do is top-notch quality and a whole lotta FUN! I saw it in 3D, too. Not sure if you can see it without...?
Anyway, it's got a wonderful story (My author husband said afterward that he was impressed with the screen writer's ability to formulate a story that encompassed so much and evoked such emotion.), terrific animation, awesome sound, VIBRANT colors and excellent characters. What more could one want from a cartoon movie?!
The story begins to take flight!
Old fuddy-duddy, Carl Fredricksen.
Perpetual optimist, Russell.
Ever faithful & furry, Dug.
Here is the official movie synopsis from Disney ~
"a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell."
And if I told you any MORE than that, I'd surely ruin it for you. So, do yourself a favor and see this film. Unless you're a curmudgeon like the story's protagonist Carl, it will most certainly BRIGHTEN your day!
I'm an adult who isn't the least bit ashamed of my love for toys. I also enjoy board games, art, music, photography, laughter, and just about any good old-fashioned circus. But I really dig pop culture, and that's the main reason I do this blog. I hope that you enjoy the show and come back once in a while to see what's new!
I've got your button, right here! Please, feel free to copy and use as a link from your own blog. I'm sure it would just look terrific!
KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS!
Now see, this nice little girl totally "gets it"! And she also proves a point that I feel very strongly about. I believe children are born completely innocent, with open hearts and open minds. Then, as a child grows and encounters more of their surrounding world, he or she just accepts things and people as they are because the child isn't aware of any reason to feel differently. Unless, of course, they have ignorant, narrow-minded parents who raise them to view our world with hatred and discrimination...
FAMILY FUNHOUSE
You've gotta check this out! Awkward Family Photos.com is such an entertaining website, and real addictive! We ALL probably have at least one or two awkward photos like this in our albums, right?! Click on the "happy" family above for more fine examples of visually documented discomfort...
"STOP CLOWNING AROUND!"
... and visit my husband's website! He's both a writer AND an artist! He's Tommy Kovac!
HERE'S A TASTY TREAT...
Strap on your moon boots and hop in the time machine 'cuz you're gonna be taken on a trip!
