Happy Monday, friends.
Last time I blogged I mentioned that I was reading the Watchmen Graphic Novel...well I have finished the book, and I am happy to report that it was very enjoyable! The only complaint I would have is that the ending in the film is much better than the ending in the novel...I'm not going to give it away, but you can judge for yourself. Personally, I thought it very odd.
Now, on to the subject of banned books. This is something that I strongly believe in. Everyone should make an effort to read books that are either currently banned (I can't really think of many in Europe or the US right now, but there are certainly some that have created backlash), or those that have been banned in the past. These are much easier to find (as there are quite a few), and thankfully most (or perhaps none) are currently banned in a number of countries. I admit that I know a number of books that have been banned, however I need to further research the list of these books, and find out where, when, and why they were banned. It is a subject of which I am very interested in.
I am currently reading Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence. The book was published in 1928 in Florence Italy. Lawrence knew that he would not be able to find a publisher for his book, so he had it published himself by a printer in Italy. The first printing was limited to 1000 copies, and were sent out by order only to Lawrences acquaintances through an Italian antiquarian bookseller named Giuseppe "Pino" Orioli. Once the book was in the hands of the readers, word quickly spread that it was shocking and filthy. Books began to be confiscated, and eventually a number of pirated copies began to circulate due to the curiosity of the outraged public. Lawrence (critically ill at this point with tuburculosis), was condemned for his novel, and soon died due to the stress.
I find it quite funny that society would publicy scorn such a great author, while at the same time seek out the novel to read hidden alone in the privacy of their own homes. I am not very far into the novel (I haven't reached any of the parts that created all the fuss), but I can already see what a talented writer Lawrence was, and what a pity it is that his final novel was viewed in such a harsh manner. I read that the printer of the novel spoke not a single word of English, and so in order to keep him from printing something that he may not agree with, Lawrence told him that the book contained descriptins of a sexual nature. To this the printer replied "O! ma! but we do it every day!" Apparently the Florentines were a society more comfortable with the filth that others condemned.
My point in discussing these types of books (and I don't just mean books of a sexual nature), is that because of a closed mindset, so many generations have missed out on some brilliant writing. I don't believe in censorship, and I certainly don't believe that books should be banned. If the material inside offends you, don't read it.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Ronald Friedland for supplying the history behind the publication of the novel. His introduction to the 1968 printing is very informative and enjoyable.
To conclude, read a banned book my friends. You just don't know what you may be missing out on.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Reading Into The Wee Hours of the Night
So I have been reading more since last I posted. I haven't read as much in that time, though, as Facebook has become a serious obsession, and is sucking up all my free time.
I managed to finish The Sound and the Fury. This time around, it was easier to digest. I still think it was extremely confusing. Two characters have the same name, and one is a man, the other a girl. Since the novel is not linear this made me feel as if I were going crazy. Also, the first chapter is very hard to wade through. It is told from the perspective of Benjy, a metally challenged man, and his thoughts are related with no concept of time...they literally jump all over the place, and the two characters with the same name are mentioned by him a number of times. By the end of the novel everything made sense, but it was hard going until then. Worth reading just because Faulkner is considered such a great American author. I wanted to know what all the fuss was about.
Next I read Orlando by Virginia Woolf. I enjoyed this book more than Faulkner's novel, however it is not considered to be one of Woolf's best. The book spans a very long period in history, and is told from the perspective of a boy who later becomes a woman. Woolf's prose is outstanding, as it always is, and her descriptions of London and the other places that Orlando visits are beautifully written. I recommend this, but read Woolf's other works first.
I am now changing things up a bit and reading the Watchmen graphic Novel. I'm on chapter three, and so far I am loving it. I have never read a comic before, and it is so much fun. Especially since I can compare the book to the movie. I will post more about it once I have completed it.
For now, enjoy a good read with a hot cup of coffee. The two go perfect together.
I managed to finish The Sound and the Fury. This time around, it was easier to digest. I still think it was extremely confusing. Two characters have the same name, and one is a man, the other a girl. Since the novel is not linear this made me feel as if I were going crazy. Also, the first chapter is very hard to wade through. It is told from the perspective of Benjy, a metally challenged man, and his thoughts are related with no concept of time...they literally jump all over the place, and the two characters with the same name are mentioned by him a number of times. By the end of the novel everything made sense, but it was hard going until then. Worth reading just because Faulkner is considered such a great American author. I wanted to know what all the fuss was about.
Next I read Orlando by Virginia Woolf. I enjoyed this book more than Faulkner's novel, however it is not considered to be one of Woolf's best. The book spans a very long period in history, and is told from the perspective of a boy who later becomes a woman. Woolf's prose is outstanding, as it always is, and her descriptions of London and the other places that Orlando visits are beautifully written. I recommend this, but read Woolf's other works first.
I am now changing things up a bit and reading the Watchmen graphic Novel. I'm on chapter three, and so far I am loving it. I have never read a comic before, and it is so much fun. Especially since I can compare the book to the movie. I will post more about it once I have completed it.
For now, enjoy a good read with a hot cup of coffee. The two go perfect together.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Watching Watchmen
Ok, so I saw Watchmen last night and loved it. Expectations have been pretty high for this film, and I went into it not really knowing what to expect. I knew a little about the story, (now I really want to read the graphic novel), and of course I had heard some of the hype, but I have to say I was surprised how much I liked it.
Firstly, it was visually stunning. The opening credits in particular were fabulous, and so many of the shots looked as if they were pulled directly from the panel of a comic book. The CGI was amazing...you never felt as if you were pulled out of the story due to poor CGI.
The characters were also wonderful, and I felt that most of the parts were perfectly cast. Matthew Goode would probably not been my first choice to play Adrian Veidt, but for the most part, everyone else seemed perfect for their roles.
The story was refreshing too. Much different from your typical Hollywood superhero movie, this one had it all. Lots of gratuitous violence and nudity, steamy sex scenes, and plenty of dark comedy laughs. What else could you ask for from a superhero movie? LOL
See the film. I enjoyed this one more than any I have seen in a while. And don't wait until it comes out on DVD. This one deserves to be enjoyed in the theater with a big tub of popcorn. ;)
Firstly, it was visually stunning. The opening credits in particular were fabulous, and so many of the shots looked as if they were pulled directly from the panel of a comic book. The CGI was amazing...you never felt as if you were pulled out of the story due to poor CGI.
The characters were also wonderful, and I felt that most of the parts were perfectly cast. Matthew Goode would probably not been my first choice to play Adrian Veidt, but for the most part, everyone else seemed perfect for their roles.
The story was refreshing too. Much different from your typical Hollywood superhero movie, this one had it all. Lots of gratuitous violence and nudity, steamy sex scenes, and plenty of dark comedy laughs. What else could you ask for from a superhero movie? LOL
See the film. I enjoyed this one more than any I have seen in a while. And don't wait until it comes out on DVD. This one deserves to be enjoyed in the theater with a big tub of popcorn. ;)
I've Done A Lot of Reading Since I've Been Gone!
I'm back from a short leave, and in the time since I last blogged, I have read a few books that I have greatly enjoyed. They are the following:
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Brave New World - So ahead of its time. I couldn't put it down. A very frightening and tragic story of the future that doesn't seem all that impossible in today's world. It's hard to believe that Huxley wrote this novel in 1932. I have been wanting to read this for so long, and now I'm glad I did. Definitely recommend this one.
The Maltese Falcon - What fun! A suspenseful and intriguing mystery...everything I have heard about Hammett is true. A master of mystery fiction, his Sam Spade character is exactly what a detective should be; rough around the edges, hard drinking, and cynical. This book was a delight, and all the better as I read the Franklin Mystery edition of it. A must read for lovers of mystery!
A Farewell to Arms - What can you say about Hemingway that hasn't alread been said? This is the second book of his that I have read, the first being For Whom the Bell Tolls, and both are wonderful and tragic accounts of war. I love Hemingway's no nonsense prose, and the story is gripping and hard to put down.
I am currently reading The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner. I tried to read this book a couple of years ago, and the stream of consciousness was so confusing that I gave up. I enjoy stream of consciousness writing (Heny Miller being one of my favorite authors), but this was just too hard to follow. Much of it is told by a mentally challenged man who doesn't really understand the world around him, so you are left to try to understand his thought, which consequently jump all over the place. Plus, there are a number of narrators, and the author switches between them without warning. I'm reading it much more slowly this time, and I think I'm getting a lot more out of it. I will report back on this one again once I am finished.
Happy reading friends!
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Brave New World - So ahead of its time. I couldn't put it down. A very frightening and tragic story of the future that doesn't seem all that impossible in today's world. It's hard to believe that Huxley wrote this novel in 1932. I have been wanting to read this for so long, and now I'm glad I did. Definitely recommend this one.
The Maltese Falcon - What fun! A suspenseful and intriguing mystery...everything I have heard about Hammett is true. A master of mystery fiction, his Sam Spade character is exactly what a detective should be; rough around the edges, hard drinking, and cynical. This book was a delight, and all the better as I read the Franklin Mystery edition of it. A must read for lovers of mystery!
A Farewell to Arms - What can you say about Hemingway that hasn't alread been said? This is the second book of his that I have read, the first being For Whom the Bell Tolls, and both are wonderful and tragic accounts of war. I love Hemingway's no nonsense prose, and the story is gripping and hard to put down.
I am currently reading The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner. I tried to read this book a couple of years ago, and the stream of consciousness was so confusing that I gave up. I enjoy stream of consciousness writing (Heny Miller being one of my favorite authors), but this was just too hard to follow. Much of it is told by a mentally challenged man who doesn't really understand the world around him, so you are left to try to understand his thought, which consequently jump all over the place. Plus, there are a number of narrators, and the author switches between them without warning. I'm reading it much more slowly this time, and I think I'm getting a lot more out of it. I will report back on this one again once I am finished.
Happy reading friends!
Friday, February 27, 2009
My Recent Book Excursions
At the moment I am reading Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers. This is another book that I own in one of the Franklin Library of Mystery Masterpieces editions. I'm currently on chapter 4, and I am loving this book so much. There are so many elements to the novel that are fun. I love the setting of Pym's Publicity, Ltd., and how all of the characters at the company are exactly what you would expect for each of their positions. I love the fast paced dialogue and wit. And of course, who doesn't love a good murder mystery? This one is shaping up to be very interesting. In many ways, it reminds me of the television series Mad Men...only this story has a dead body.
This is my first Sayers novel, but I know that once I am finished I will go back and read the rest.
Right before this novel I read Of Mice and Men in about a days time. What a wonderful story. So sad and heartbreaking...a novel of dreams and friendship. Everyone should take the short amount of time to read this book. I can't believe that I never had to read it in school. I'm glad I did now.
I blogged earlier about reading Rebecca, and I absolutely loved that novel. I was instantly drawn into the story, and it held me right until the last word. A lovely book, suspensful and surprising...a mystery that you cannot put down. I have a feeling my mom would love this book. If she isn't reading anything now, I will have to let her borrow it. She can fill out one of my library cards the next time she is over. ;-)
This is my first Sayers novel, but I know that once I am finished I will go back and read the rest.
Right before this novel I read Of Mice and Men in about a days time. What a wonderful story. So sad and heartbreaking...a novel of dreams and friendship. Everyone should take the short amount of time to read this book. I can't believe that I never had to read it in school. I'm glad I did now.
I blogged earlier about reading Rebecca, and I absolutely loved that novel. I was instantly drawn into the story, and it held me right until the last word. A lovely book, suspensful and surprising...a mystery that you cannot put down. I have a feeling my mom would love this book. If she isn't reading anything now, I will have to let her borrow it. She can fill out one of my library cards the next time she is over. ;-)
I'm Lost Again
First off, there were two mistakes in my previous post on Lost. The first is that I called Jack and his crew "the Oceanic 8". My bad...I should have said, the "Oceanic 6". Second, I quoted Eloise as saying "the island isn't finished with you" to Desmond. I believe she actually said "the island isn't done with you". Little things, but they have been bugging me ever since.
Now to the meat of this blog. A new Locke episode. I love Locke. I have missed him so while he has been in that coffin, and finally he is back. What a great episode; and yet, there are still many questions to be answered. At least we now know how Locke died, but why? Ben tries to save him, only to kill him in the end? My theory is that once you have been on the island, you are unable to kill yourself (remember Michael??), and Ben knew this. But why not just kill him immediately after he had talked him down from the table? Why did it take Locke's comment on finding Eloise to spur Ben into action?
And then there is still the question of who is really the bad guy...Ben or Widmore? I'm torn. The show seems to go back and forth with trying to make one of them seem worse than the other. Of course, this episode made Ben look evil...but still, I question that. He knew Locke had to get back to the island, maybe killing him was the only way to do that?
Now we have new characters, the wreckage of the Ajira Air plane, and Locke and the others on the wrong island...so much more to ponder! I am anxiously awaiting next week.
Now to the meat of this blog. A new Locke episode. I love Locke. I have missed him so while he has been in that coffin, and finally he is back. What a great episode; and yet, there are still many questions to be answered. At least we now know how Locke died, but why? Ben tries to save him, only to kill him in the end? My theory is that once you have been on the island, you are unable to kill yourself (remember Michael??), and Ben knew this. But why not just kill him immediately after he had talked him down from the table? Why did it take Locke's comment on finding Eloise to spur Ben into action?
And then there is still the question of who is really the bad guy...Ben or Widmore? I'm torn. The show seems to go back and forth with trying to make one of them seem worse than the other. Of course, this episode made Ben look evil...but still, I question that. He knew Locke had to get back to the island, maybe killing him was the only way to do that?
Now we have new characters, the wreckage of the Ajira Air plane, and Locke and the others on the wrong island...so much more to ponder! I am anxiously awaiting next week.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Facebook, You Crazy Temptress!
I'm hooked. Facebook, you got me. Something that I started to mess around with on a lark, has now become a major obsession. I currenlty have 92 friends, and believe it or not, all of them are people that I know, from either online conversations or people from some point in my life. And the number keeps growing.
I can't believe how many people from my high school show up on Facebook on a daily basis...it must be word of mouth. I love connecting with these old friends...people I saw in the hallways or spent time with in classes. Old friends and people who are still my friends today. I love seeing how people have changed...what is going on in their lives...pictures of their children. Facebook is really one big ongoing reunion.
I even love all those stupid little apps. I take quizes all the time (even though they mean nothing, LOL), and I love sending people pointless little things...Lost items, drinks, blasts from the past. Send me a hug! I love it.
I'm really obsessed with the Lil' Green Patch and Lil' Blue Cove. I spend tons of time messing around in there, and when someone sends me a plant or a fish I get so excited. Really, all of these extra things are so goofy, but who cares? When you are having a good time, why does it matter?
Every day I update my status too. I love that...and I love to read other people's as well. I feel so connected this way. For someone who doesn't work or get out of the house as much as I would like to during the week, Facebook is a welcome addition to my day.
Look me up...I'm sure I will friend you. :-)
I can't believe how many people from my high school show up on Facebook on a daily basis...it must be word of mouth. I love connecting with these old friends...people I saw in the hallways or spent time with in classes. Old friends and people who are still my friends today. I love seeing how people have changed...what is going on in their lives...pictures of their children. Facebook is really one big ongoing reunion.
I even love all those stupid little apps. I take quizes all the time (even though they mean nothing, LOL), and I love sending people pointless little things...Lost items, drinks, blasts from the past. Send me a hug! I love it.
I'm really obsessed with the Lil' Green Patch and Lil' Blue Cove. I spend tons of time messing around in there, and when someone sends me a plant or a fish I get so excited. Really, all of these extra things are so goofy, but who cares? When you are having a good time, why does it matter?
Every day I update my status too. I love that...and I love to read other people's as well. I feel so connected this way. For someone who doesn't work or get out of the house as much as I would like to during the week, Facebook is a welcome addition to my day.
Look me up...I'm sure I will friend you. :-)
I Love to Get LOST
Tonight is Lost night, and I am totally stoked. Every week I look forward to Wednesday...all of the clues...new questions...revelations! I'm like a kid in a candy store. And this season is one of the best in a long time. I am so amazed that viewership has fallen with each episode...although, this season has become rather cerebral, so perhaps people would rather not put the effort into figuring out what the heck is going on. For me, that is the best part.
What have I been loving this season? Jeremy Davies getting more screen time and more character development. The time travel plot, and the surprises that this storyline reveals. The mystery around the Oceanic 8 all making it to the plane (although Aaron was missing). And Jin! I love that Jin has returned.
Sun has become a little bitter and annoying this season. And I'm still not sure what is up with Ben...but of course that is part of the fun. I have a theory that his beating had to do with getting Sayid on the plane. A number of people have suggested that it had something to do with him trying to kill Penny, but I doubt he would try to do that himself. He has someone do everything else for him, so why do that personally? If Penny is dead, of course that means that Desmond will have to avenge her...and that would bring him back to the island. And we all know "Desmond, the island is not finished with you". ;-)
I also hope to see Faraday have his meeting with child Charlotte tonight. That would be very cool. I'm sad that she had to die so soon. I was beginning to like her.
Hopefully we will find some of the others that were on the plane...of course it seems as if they have arrived at the point in time when Ben was a child. That will be an interesting twist.
Anyway, thoughts anyone? How much are you loving this season? Any theories of your own?
Don't forget your popcorn, and I will meet you on the couch tonight. ;-)
What have I been loving this season? Jeremy Davies getting more screen time and more character development. The time travel plot, and the surprises that this storyline reveals. The mystery around the Oceanic 8 all making it to the plane (although Aaron was missing). And Jin! I love that Jin has returned.
Sun has become a little bitter and annoying this season. And I'm still not sure what is up with Ben...but of course that is part of the fun. I have a theory that his beating had to do with getting Sayid on the plane. A number of people have suggested that it had something to do with him trying to kill Penny, but I doubt he would try to do that himself. He has someone do everything else for him, so why do that personally? If Penny is dead, of course that means that Desmond will have to avenge her...and that would bring him back to the island. And we all know "Desmond, the island is not finished with you". ;-)
I also hope to see Faraday have his meeting with child Charlotte tonight. That would be very cool. I'm sad that she had to die so soon. I was beginning to like her.
Hopefully we will find some of the others that were on the plane...of course it seems as if they have arrived at the point in time when Ben was a child. That will be an interesting twist.
Anyway, thoughts anyone? How much are you loving this season? Any theories of your own?
Don't forget your popcorn, and I will meet you on the couch tonight. ;-)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Oscar, It's Not You...It's Me
I have been a long time fan of the Oscars broadcast. As a child, even if I had not seen any of the nominated films, I loved so much to watch. The excitement, the fashion, the speeches...I loved it all. I wanted so much to be an actress; to stand on that stage and receive an award of my own.
Later, as an adult I even hosted Oscar parties...everyone had to fill out their own ballots, food was prepared, the stage was set...and I loved it. Of course, I was usually the most enthusiastic person in the room.
Last night I was excited to watch the program. I waited all day, and at 8:00 I switched on the pre-show. But I turned it on and decided to watch the pre-show ON MUTE. In past years I began to despise the inane questions posed by the interviewer of the year...some media personality on the fringes of the entertainment world, who would drag nominees to some platform and ask them the same questions they ask every single year. "Do you think you will win tonight?", "Are you nervous?", "I love your gown...who designed it?"...and of course the actors always smile and laugh and answer these stupid questions...and now I just can't take it. You can tell by their eyes that they endure this attack of idiocy because it's what Oscar expects, but you know what, Oscar? I can no longer endure it.
So after the pre-show I unmute the TV and settle in to watch the opening monologue. I'm excited because Hugh Jackman is the host, and I'm hopefull that the ridiculous musical montages of years past will be done away with this year. And then my hopes were dashed. For the second time I muted the TV. I couldn't stand it. I always find these performances cringe-worthy, and although I watched the screen, I was disappointed that they foreced Hugh into it.
Ok, musical number over, now we are going to get into the meat of the show...but you know, with every passing moment I lost more and more interest in the telecast. Why watch all of this filler...all of the annoying musical performances, all of the film clip montages, all of the horrible presenter jokes, tributes...etc.??? With a sinking feeling I realized I had lost that lovin' feeling for Oscar, and I decided it was time to end our relationship. It was good for a while Oscar, but now I need to move on. We just don't have anything in common anymore.
And with that I flipped off the television and went to find my book.
Later, as an adult I even hosted Oscar parties...everyone had to fill out their own ballots, food was prepared, the stage was set...and I loved it. Of course, I was usually the most enthusiastic person in the room.
Last night I was excited to watch the program. I waited all day, and at 8:00 I switched on the pre-show. But I turned it on and decided to watch the pre-show ON MUTE. In past years I began to despise the inane questions posed by the interviewer of the year...some media personality on the fringes of the entertainment world, who would drag nominees to some platform and ask them the same questions they ask every single year. "Do you think you will win tonight?", "Are you nervous?", "I love your gown...who designed it?"...and of course the actors always smile and laugh and answer these stupid questions...and now I just can't take it. You can tell by their eyes that they endure this attack of idiocy because it's what Oscar expects, but you know what, Oscar? I can no longer endure it.
So after the pre-show I unmute the TV and settle in to watch the opening monologue. I'm excited because Hugh Jackman is the host, and I'm hopefull that the ridiculous musical montages of years past will be done away with this year. And then my hopes were dashed. For the second time I muted the TV. I couldn't stand it. I always find these performances cringe-worthy, and although I watched the screen, I was disappointed that they foreced Hugh into it.
Ok, musical number over, now we are going to get into the meat of the show...but you know, with every passing moment I lost more and more interest in the telecast. Why watch all of this filler...all of the annoying musical performances, all of the film clip montages, all of the horrible presenter jokes, tributes...etc.??? With a sinking feeling I realized I had lost that lovin' feeling for Oscar, and I decided it was time to end our relationship. It was good for a while Oscar, but now I need to move on. We just don't have anything in common anymore.
And with that I flipped off the television and went to find my book.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Sunday Conundrum
To be honest, Sunday is probably my least favorite day of the week. Nothing stands between you and a new week. It isn't Monday, when you have resigned yourself to an entire work week ahead...and it isn't another week day in which you can say to yourself "one more down, getting closer to the weekend!". And of course it isn't like Friday or Saturday when you know you can stay out late and do whatever, because of course you will have the next day to recuperate.
Instead, Sunday is a day for me that creates a weekly conundrum. It is usually a day that I decide to just relax and not force myself to leave the house or get anything done. However, Sunday can also be a very restless day because of that. And the weird thing is, I feel restless and bored, and yet, at the same time, I still don't want to do anything. It's that in-between feeling. I say to myself "I'm tired, it's been a long week, I just want to relax and catch up on that DVD I have been wanting to watch, or read that book I have been meaning to finish". But oddly enough, I never get around to those things on Sunday. Usually I spend the entire day frittering my time away with nothing to show for it. And that is the feeling I hate; intense boredom mixed with sheer laziness.
I haven't had a job in a few months, but I still have the Sunday conundrum. It never fails. I'm hoping to one day find a way to enjoy Sundays more. However, I'm not going to hold my breath.
Instead, Sunday is a day for me that creates a weekly conundrum. It is usually a day that I decide to just relax and not force myself to leave the house or get anything done. However, Sunday can also be a very restless day because of that. And the weird thing is, I feel restless and bored, and yet, at the same time, I still don't want to do anything. It's that in-between feeling. I say to myself "I'm tired, it's been a long week, I just want to relax and catch up on that DVD I have been wanting to watch, or read that book I have been meaning to finish". But oddly enough, I never get around to those things on Sunday. Usually I spend the entire day frittering my time away with nothing to show for it. And that is the feeling I hate; intense boredom mixed with sheer laziness.
I haven't had a job in a few months, but I still have the Sunday conundrum. It never fails. I'm hoping to one day find a way to enjoy Sundays more. However, I'm not going to hold my breath.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Etsy...It's An Obsession
I am so obsessed with etsy.com... Seriously. I need to find a support group or something for people who are trying to kick the habit (although I really don't want to stop). Another member of a message board that I frequent mentioned the online store, and ever since then I visit it on a daily basis. Everyone should check out this site, but be prepared to fall in love and spend money. All of the items for sale are either vintage or handmade (two things that I adore). There are so many lovely things on the site...and most of the artists send their items with personal notes, wrapped in cool paper, tied with ribbons or inside hand decorated boxes. Often times they will send a little freebie as a thank you. I love buying something unique and beautiful, and then opening the package to find such personal touches. I'm hooked. Beware...you will be too.
Friday, February 20, 2009
O.P.I...You Had Me at O
Who doesn't love O.P.I products? I am so obsessed with them right now. I just painted my nails, and I am so in love with the new color I just tried called Moon Over Mumbai. It's a very subtle and pretty silver. I own so many different colors from this brand, and I love how they come out with new lines for each season. Right now the French line is one of my favs, especially the dark reds and purples. I'm a big fan of dark nail color, and I think black nails are very chic and sophisticated. Sorry goth gals, black is the new pink in nail color. And I don't care if anyone says "black is so last year". Black is timeless, no matter what. I especially like it on my toes. Winter needs to go away so that I can break out the sandals. I think it's time for a pedicure. ;-)
30 Rock? Really?
Ok, I'm sure I am blogging about this show too early. I am going to admit here and now that I have only seen 3 episodes of this sitcom. However, the 3 eps that I have seen leave me baffled.
My husband and I love watching TV on DVD. I used to watch tons of shows in their actual time slots, but then I discovered the fun that is watching an entire series at your own pace...even if that means watching 5 episodes on a single day. Try it people. If you have not yet discovered the joys of TV on DVD, I highly recommend it. The only show that I watch in its time slot is Lost, and that's because I can't stand to wait. But Lost deserves its own entry.
Anyway, due to 30 Rock being so popular, and a critic's darling to boot, it was with much enthusiasm that my husband and I purchased Season 2 on DVD. Why season 2, you ask? Because it was on sale for 20 bucks at the local Best Buy (why other seasons were not on sale is a mystery to both of us). The other night we sat down with excitement to watch this Emmy winner, and after episode 1 was over, we both just looked at each other. Readers, I need to know why this show is so popular...we are on episode 3, and things seem to be getting better, but I'm still at a loss. Please tell me the show just went through the typical sophomore slump. We thought we would watch season 2, and then if we loved it, we would go and buy the rest of the seasons, but right now I'm not sure we will.
Tina Fey is a talented woman, but honestly I don't think she is a good actress. And Tracy Morgan's character just seems forced. Jack McBrayer's simpleton page is intensely annoying, and I often times find Jane Krakowski's character cringe-worthy. Alec Baldwin seems to carry the entire show, but I still don't think this is his best work, by far.
Please readers, prove me wrong. Do I need to watch season 1 first? Does season 2 get better? Am I being too hard on the show, and to quick to make a premature judgement? I anxiously await your replies.
My husband and I love watching TV on DVD. I used to watch tons of shows in their actual time slots, but then I discovered the fun that is watching an entire series at your own pace...even if that means watching 5 episodes on a single day. Try it people. If you have not yet discovered the joys of TV on DVD, I highly recommend it. The only show that I watch in its time slot is Lost, and that's because I can't stand to wait. But Lost deserves its own entry.
Anyway, due to 30 Rock being so popular, and a critic's darling to boot, it was with much enthusiasm that my husband and I purchased Season 2 on DVD. Why season 2, you ask? Because it was on sale for 20 bucks at the local Best Buy (why other seasons were not on sale is a mystery to both of us). The other night we sat down with excitement to watch this Emmy winner, and after episode 1 was over, we both just looked at each other. Readers, I need to know why this show is so popular...we are on episode 3, and things seem to be getting better, but I'm still at a loss. Please tell me the show just went through the typical sophomore slump. We thought we would watch season 2, and then if we loved it, we would go and buy the rest of the seasons, but right now I'm not sure we will.
Tina Fey is a talented woman, but honestly I don't think she is a good actress. And Tracy Morgan's character just seems forced. Jack McBrayer's simpleton page is intensely annoying, and I often times find Jane Krakowski's character cringe-worthy. Alec Baldwin seems to carry the entire show, but I still don't think this is his best work, by far.
Please readers, prove me wrong. Do I need to watch season 1 first? Does season 2 get better? Am I being too hard on the show, and to quick to make a premature judgement? I anxiously await your replies.
Book Thoughts for Today - 02/20/09
Reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I have owned this book for a long time, but just now am I getting around to reading it. So far the novel is a twisted fairy tale...things seem to be perfect, but of course we know from chapter 1 that a dark cloud hangs over the story. Right now I would call the book fun and intriguing, and I am reading the most beautiful copy. My edition was published by The Franklin Library of Mystery Masterpieces. I bought a number of novels in these editions when I found them at a bookstore. While I normally love used books, these editions are so nice that I had to have them. Gorgeous hardcovers, with exquisite paper and lovely fonts. If you can find them, I would recommend picking them up. They are a pleasure just to hold in your hand. And of course I love mysteries. Other editions from this publisher that I picked up:
The Red House Mystery - A.A. Milne
The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Charles Dickens
The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde
The Maltese Falcon - Dashiell Hammett
Murder Must Advertise - Dororthy L. Sayers
The Roman Hat Mystery - Ellery Queen
The Benson Murder Case - S.S. Van Dine
The 39 Steps - John Buchan
These are just a few of the ones I own. There are others that I didn't have a chance to buy. They sold quickly. I would like to check Alibris.com for used copies of the ones I didn't manage to get.
Also, The 39 Steps was a great find, as it is illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Edward Gorey. I will have to blog about him another time. He deserves his own entry.
These are my book thoughts for today. Have a lovely one, friends.
Girl of Wild Strawberries
The Red House Mystery - A.A. Milne
The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Charles Dickens
The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde
The Maltese Falcon - Dashiell Hammett
Murder Must Advertise - Dororthy L. Sayers
The Roman Hat Mystery - Ellery Queen
The Benson Murder Case - S.S. Van Dine
The 39 Steps - John Buchan
These are just a few of the ones I own. There are others that I didn't have a chance to buy. They sold quickly. I would like to check Alibris.com for used copies of the ones I didn't manage to get.
Also, The 39 Steps was a great find, as it is illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Edward Gorey. I will have to blog about him another time. He deserves his own entry.
These are my book thoughts for today. Have a lovely one, friends.
Girl of Wild Strawberries
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