Check out this video if you care or can take it:
Yes, Lindsey Lohan was arrested. Beyonce fell off stage. Britney Spears might be in trouble! This video is about George W. Bush but I thought those other names might get you here and watching faster so I mentioned them.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Dear Mr. President
Watch this and try not to care or cry or even pass it on:
Thank you to Pink and Indigo Girls for making a statement. Pink, you truly have come a long way.
Thank you to Pink and Indigo Girls for making a statement. Pink, you truly have come a long way.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
I <3 Ricky Gervais
I just have to gush for a moment about Ricky Gervais. This week, Kathy Griffin took her staff to London for a press tour. If you haven't seen Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List but you like Kathy Griffin (Suddenly Susan), comedy or reality shows about celebs, definitely check her out on Bravo. I'm sure some people think she is obnoxious and she kind of is but I love it and her! She did quite well in the UK which was great to see.
Now, back to Ricky. He was hilarious on the D-List and it made me want to dedicate an entry to him. Ricky, if you don't know, created The Office in the UK (along with Stephan Merchant), and then here in the US. I heard that there is a German version now as well. He also stars in and created Extras, another funny, brilliant show. Additionally, he is on tour with a one man comedy show that is selling out all over the UK which he somehow had time to create while starring in Night at the Museum and Stardust (Note: can't wait to see this one!!!).
What's next? On Ricky's website, he and Stephen Merchant talk about the Extras special that is due to be released near Christmas. I'm looking forward to that and think I might finally need to get HBO so I can catch it! Like they did with The Office (BBC version), they are only doing Extras for two short seasons and a special. My hope is also that Ricky will bring his UK show to The States. If not, I might be due for a trip across The Pond. Ricky is a fantastic comedian whom I greatly respect and I wanted to give him a shout out here. BTW -- I also think he's pretty cute.
Thank you to Ricky and Kathy. Because of you, I'm having a laugh!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Transforming Harry Potter
This review will cover half of what was covered on "Ebert and Roeper" this week and my opinions are very similar to Roeper's which is slightly disturbing for me. Ebert hasn't been on due to illness but I have prided myself on siding with him more often than Roeper overall. This week though, I was all about Roeper's "thumbs up" opinions and just annoyed with the special guest.
Transformers is loud, action-packed and a great popcorn and soda film. There isn't much to be said for the story. It isn't very elaborate and it seems that a sequel if one was made might be better than this first installation which served as kind of a "Transformers 101" introducing the story of the robots. From the special effects perspective, the film was a marvel. The tranformation of the robots into cars (some of them being really amazing cars) was flawless and phenomenal. The dialogue left much to be desired at least for me. I thought it was silly or even stupid at some points but not unbearably so. Optimus Prime had the best dialogue and he was a robot! There was quite a bit of humor in the film which was a pleasant surprise. Shia LaBouf continues to show why he is the next big thing. He gave a solid performance in this action film and I can't wait to see what he does in Indiana Jones 4. Do I recommend this one? If the trailers appeal to you, yes. If they don't, there is a reason why and you probably won't change your mind after seeing the film.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix made some news simply for its run-time. Phoenix is the longest Potter book but the film is the shortest. I can't speak as to whether there were important parts of the plot line cut out as I did not read the book but I can say that it was an interesting, fun film. It was darker than the Potter films I have previously seen but the kids have gotten older. Things do get darker as we get older, don't they? I have seen the first 2 films though I didn't realize I had seen the 2nd one until I did some reading up this evening. There is some great character development in Phoenix for Harry and some supporting characters as well. There was also enough action and magic to keep everyone interested. I enjoyed two specific scenes very much and they both involve spectacular effects. To avoid a spoiler here I won't be specific as to the content of the scenes. Radcliffe and his friends are proving to mature as actors overtime and it is fun to see them grow up. Imelda Staunton was wonderful as a cat lady/professor and her character was highly entertaining. Alan Rickman was wonderful as well and deserves mention. Similar to Transformers, I would say that if the film at all interests you, definitely see it. You won't be disappointed (unless my ignorance about the content of the actual book and the assumption that the story was well translated from print to screen is incorrect).
Transformers is loud, action-packed and a great popcorn and soda film. There isn't much to be said for the story. It isn't very elaborate and it seems that a sequel if one was made might be better than this first installation which served as kind of a "Transformers 101" introducing the story of the robots. From the special effects perspective, the film was a marvel. The tranformation of the robots into cars (some of them being really amazing cars) was flawless and phenomenal. The dialogue left much to be desired at least for me. I thought it was silly or even stupid at some points but not unbearably so. Optimus Prime had the best dialogue and he was a robot! There was quite a bit of humor in the film which was a pleasant surprise. Shia LaBouf continues to show why he is the next big thing. He gave a solid performance in this action film and I can't wait to see what he does in Indiana Jones 4. Do I recommend this one? If the trailers appeal to you, yes. If they don't, there is a reason why and you probably won't change your mind after seeing the film.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix made some news simply for its run-time. Phoenix is the longest Potter book but the film is the shortest. I can't speak as to whether there were important parts of the plot line cut out as I did not read the book but I can say that it was an interesting, fun film. It was darker than the Potter films I have previously seen but the kids have gotten older. Things do get darker as we get older, don't they? I have seen the first 2 films though I didn't realize I had seen the 2nd one until I did some reading up this evening. There is some great character development in Phoenix for Harry and some supporting characters as well. There was also enough action and magic to keep everyone interested. I enjoyed two specific scenes very much and they both involve spectacular effects. To avoid a spoiler here I won't be specific as to the content of the scenes. Radcliffe and his friends are proving to mature as actors overtime and it is fun to see them grow up. Imelda Staunton was wonderful as a cat lady/professor and her character was highly entertaining. Alan Rickman was wonderful as well and deserves mention. Similar to Transformers, I would say that if the film at all interests you, definitely see it. You won't be disappointed (unless my ignorance about the content of the actual book and the assumption that the story was well translated from print to screen is incorrect).
Live Earth
Live Earth was seen by over 10 million people on line and in person on 7.7.07. If you didn't catch this unprecedented international call to action for the environment, it is not too late to catch the performances, the interviews and some damn cool PSA's.
Check out MSN's coverage here.
I've seen a lot of the coverage so far and here are my recommendations:
PSA's -- check out as many as you can handle watching. There are some good tips and fun stars involved. Two of my faves were Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Cameron Diaz and Josh Lucas. Their messages: turn it off or unplug it when you're not using it. Before you leave your computer for the day, try shutting down and saving energy!
Missy Higgins (AUS) -- this is a good intro to the Australian singer-songwriter if you haven't heard her already
Interviews -- some of them are a bit mundane so pick and choose. I found the one with Spinal Tap entertaining, James Blunt's and Keane's were thoughtful and Robert Kennedy Jr.'s was angry.
Genesis (UK) -- it was a bit sad to see the size of the audience at their show but if you're a fan, it is nice to see them again
SOS All Stars (UK) -- Awesome drumming :)
12 Girls Band (CHI) -- Pretty cool instrumentation
Shakira (GER) -- How does she move like that?
The website is organized by country and there are a ton of things to see from acts you already know to acts more locally famous than internationally. Check it out, take care of the Earth and be wel.
Check out MSN's coverage here.
I've seen a lot of the coverage so far and here are my recommendations:
PSA's -- check out as many as you can handle watching. There are some good tips and fun stars involved. Two of my faves were Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Cameron Diaz and Josh Lucas. Their messages: turn it off or unplug it when you're not using it. Before you leave your computer for the day, try shutting down and saving energy!
Missy Higgins (AUS) -- this is a good intro to the Australian singer-songwriter if you haven't heard her already
Interviews -- some of them are a bit mundane so pick and choose. I found the one with Spinal Tap entertaining, James Blunt's and Keane's were thoughtful and Robert Kennedy Jr.'s was angry.
Genesis (UK) -- it was a bit sad to see the size of the audience at their show but if you're a fan, it is nice to see them again
SOS All Stars (UK) -- Awesome drumming :)
12 Girls Band (CHI) -- Pretty cool instrumentation
Shakira (GER) -- How does she move like that?
The website is organized by country and there are a ton of things to see from acts you already know to acts more locally famous than internationally. Check it out, take care of the Earth and be wel.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Reluctant Insomniac
Insomnia is beginning to attack me again. This happens periodically and I sympathize with those who just can't sleep. I think I got 2 hours. I was productive and did some podcast interview editing but still, it would have been nice to sleep. It is after 6am so might as well call it a night and get ready for the day job.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Sicko Evening
There are two films in this posting, of very different natures; Sicko and Evening. I'll start with the latter since I saw it first.
Evening is a chick-flick, unapologetically. It is about first love and loss and forgiveness and living. It wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. I wanted the film to completely blow me away and stir me and change me. I wanted too much and probably didn't like the film as much as I would have if those expectations hadn't been there. The cast consists of no less than Vanessa Redgrave, Clare Danes, Toni Collette, Natasha Richardson, Glenn Close, Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep, Eileen Atkins and also the males; Hugh Dancy and Patrick Wilson.
Basically, the film finds Redgrave on her deathbed reflecting on Harris (played by Wilson), her only true love, events surrounding their meeting and the subsequent life she led after she lost him. Harris and most of her youth are a mystery to daughters Collette and Richardson who learn about their mother and themselves as she looks back at the past. The film flashes between the past and the present with the young version of Redgrave's character played by Danes and Streep’s by her real-life daughter Mamie Gummer. Streep arrives in the end shedding a faint light on Redgrave for the girls and granting Redgrave the peace of mind she needs to basically die. There was no spoiler here because you know from the start this is what's coming (it's in the preview).
The film equally weighs the present and the past but left me wanting more. I wanted more interaction between Streep and Redgrave. I realized after reflection though, I just wanted to see more of Streep and that the film handled quite well the interaction between the two characters in their older age. It wasn't the greatest film but there was a wonderful lesson in living and forgiveness of one's own mistakes that the film presented. The acting is flawless and there is no over dramatization in the performances. If anything, Danes for example was quite subtle and beautiful. I especially enjoyed Dancy's performance as well.
Sicko, in case you don't know, is Michael Moore's newest documentary which looks at the flawed if not tragically so, American health care system in contrast to the socialized health care systems found in Canada, France, Britain and Cuba (yes, Cuba). The film was well done as expected and with the exception of a few charming (if you agree with him) quips by Moore, a fair assessment of insurance and health care in the US. Real people told their stories. There was no need for melodrama as the stories conjured up emotions of anger and disenchantment on their own. Sure, there are positive things in our system. The right insurance and the right situation yield a positive result but the documentary wasn't about what works. It was about what doesn't work and naysayers who find the film unfair should keep that in mind and tell their own fairy tale on their own dime if they so choose. They already sort of do if one considers Pfizer and Kaiser ads to name two.
For a second time that I remember, I find myself truly disheartened with our health care system, to the point that I want to do something. I want to take action and fight. Generally speaking, I have known that people are treated unfairly (if they are treated at all!) and that the U.S. healthcare system discriminates against the uninsured, the sick (MS is a pre-existing condition) and the poor. I have known that I am lucky to have the coverage I do and that some people in much worse condition than me can't afford annually more than a month's worth of the medication I don't even bother taking half the time for no good reason. I have been aware of this and weighed down by this but the only other time I remember a fire starting in me and a desire to do something about it was several years ago on a trip to NYC.
Here is my story:
I love NYC and I love America, but I know they are flawed. In December of 2003, I was crossing the street near the Empire State Building when I slipped on a patch of ice and landed unfavorably on the inside of my right knee. It was a tough lesson in proper footwear for such weather and after I finished cursing my New Balance shows and crossing the street, I realized the pain I was in and shortly thereafter passed out. Not a good start to a vacation to be sure. My point? I'm getting to it. Due to a poor booking, my friend and I were staying in Queens. By the time we got back to the hotel, I could barely walk and had to go to the ER. The ER in Queens was dismal. I was well-insured at the time and had money so that was no object. Still, I was there from 11pm until 2am without being seen. There were maybe 3 people in the waiting room but still, it took that long. When I was called back, my friend and I entered a room that neither of us could believe existed in a hospital, a place that people were supposed to be when they needed care, safety and comfort the most.
All of the beds were full and chairs were randomly placed throughout the room. A man with a soiled open gown and even more unsanitary underwear wandered around muttering to himself and disturbing others. People were clearly uncomfortable all around and doctors and nurses ignored them as the called out with a question. After 20 minutes, I was seen and learned that before I could have an x-ray, they needed a urine sample.
I asked the nurse why thinking that it was a drug test. I explained that I had been up for over 24 hours and assured him that I was not on any drugs. He said it was for a pregnancy test. At the time, I assure any reader that a pregnancy would have been impossible...even less possible than as I type this! I told the nurse that I was not pregnant and it wouldn't be necessary. It was hospital policy though because "you never know." I knew but I also knew I had to comply. I took the cup and went to the bathroom. At this point, I had no crutches or assistance and made my way along the wall, getting support where I could.
In the bathroom there was urine and excrement on the floor (hopefully that's what it was) and on the toilet seat. I had to figure out a way to avoid sitting on the toilet while getting my sample into the cup and putting minimal pressure on my injured leg. I can't tell you how I did it but mission accomplished I got out as fast as I could and sat back down, several ounces of urine in hand. I got into a wheelchair at that point because one was sitting there and wheeled up to the nurses' station. I held my urine cup up and was told by a nurse to just hold onto it. What?!? Hold onto it? I saw the nurse who asked for the sample and he ignored me when I called. I was told also to back away from the counter. 15 minutes later I finally yelled, "Someone please take my urine!" I was fed up. My friend and I were nearly in shock at how I was being treated and in looking around me I faced the reality that this is how people are really treated outside of La Jolla and the safety of UCSD. I was out by about 430am but by then I was completely exhausted and burdened by what I had seen. Ignoring my own problems, I was devastated by what I had witnessed.
I wasn't devastated enough I suppose because I did nothing about it other than look up a few Public Policy grad programs, go to physical therapy and forget about it until now. I don't know if I will this time either but to start I am telling anyone who reads this that they should see Sicko and keep an open mind and to vote and to spread the word. See Sicko!
Evening is a chick-flick, unapologetically. It is about first love and loss and forgiveness and living. It wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. I wanted the film to completely blow me away and stir me and change me. I wanted too much and probably didn't like the film as much as I would have if those expectations hadn't been there. The cast consists of no less than Vanessa Redgrave, Clare Danes, Toni Collette, Natasha Richardson, Glenn Close, Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep, Eileen Atkins and also the males; Hugh Dancy and Patrick Wilson.
Basically, the film finds Redgrave on her deathbed reflecting on Harris (played by Wilson), her only true love, events surrounding their meeting and the subsequent life she led after she lost him. Harris and most of her youth are a mystery to daughters Collette and Richardson who learn about their mother and themselves as she looks back at the past. The film flashes between the past and the present with the young version of Redgrave's character played by Danes and Streep’s by her real-life daughter Mamie Gummer. Streep arrives in the end shedding a faint light on Redgrave for the girls and granting Redgrave the peace of mind she needs to basically die. There was no spoiler here because you know from the start this is what's coming (it's in the preview).
The film equally weighs the present and the past but left me wanting more. I wanted more interaction between Streep and Redgrave. I realized after reflection though, I just wanted to see more of Streep and that the film handled quite well the interaction between the two characters in their older age. It wasn't the greatest film but there was a wonderful lesson in living and forgiveness of one's own mistakes that the film presented. The acting is flawless and there is no over dramatization in the performances. If anything, Danes for example was quite subtle and beautiful. I especially enjoyed Dancy's performance as well.
Sicko, in case you don't know, is Michael Moore's newest documentary which looks at the flawed if not tragically so, American health care system in contrast to the socialized health care systems found in Canada, France, Britain and Cuba (yes, Cuba). The film was well done as expected and with the exception of a few charming (if you agree with him) quips by Moore, a fair assessment of insurance and health care in the US. Real people told their stories. There was no need for melodrama as the stories conjured up emotions of anger and disenchantment on their own. Sure, there are positive things in our system. The right insurance and the right situation yield a positive result but the documentary wasn't about what works. It was about what doesn't work and naysayers who find the film unfair should keep that in mind and tell their own fairy tale on their own dime if they so choose. They already sort of do if one considers Pfizer and Kaiser ads to name two.
For a second time that I remember, I find myself truly disheartened with our health care system, to the point that I want to do something. I want to take action and fight. Generally speaking, I have known that people are treated unfairly (if they are treated at all!) and that the U.S. healthcare system discriminates against the uninsured, the sick (MS is a pre-existing condition) and the poor. I have known that I am lucky to have the coverage I do and that some people in much worse condition than me can't afford annually more than a month's worth of the medication I don't even bother taking half the time for no good reason. I have been aware of this and weighed down by this but the only other time I remember a fire starting in me and a desire to do something about it was several years ago on a trip to NYC.
Here is my story:
I love NYC and I love America, but I know they are flawed. In December of 2003, I was crossing the street near the Empire State Building when I slipped on a patch of ice and landed unfavorably on the inside of my right knee. It was a tough lesson in proper footwear for such weather and after I finished cursing my New Balance shows and crossing the street, I realized the pain I was in and shortly thereafter passed out. Not a good start to a vacation to be sure. My point? I'm getting to it. Due to a poor booking, my friend and I were staying in Queens. By the time we got back to the hotel, I could barely walk and had to go to the ER. The ER in Queens was dismal. I was well-insured at the time and had money so that was no object. Still, I was there from 11pm until 2am without being seen. There were maybe 3 people in the waiting room but still, it took that long. When I was called back, my friend and I entered a room that neither of us could believe existed in a hospital, a place that people were supposed to be when they needed care, safety and comfort the most.
All of the beds were full and chairs were randomly placed throughout the room. A man with a soiled open gown and even more unsanitary underwear wandered around muttering to himself and disturbing others. People were clearly uncomfortable all around and doctors and nurses ignored them as the called out with a question. After 20 minutes, I was seen and learned that before I could have an x-ray, they needed a urine sample.
I asked the nurse why thinking that it was a drug test. I explained that I had been up for over 24 hours and assured him that I was not on any drugs. He said it was for a pregnancy test. At the time, I assure any reader that a pregnancy would have been impossible...even less possible than as I type this! I told the nurse that I was not pregnant and it wouldn't be necessary. It was hospital policy though because "you never know." I knew but I also knew I had to comply. I took the cup and went to the bathroom. At this point, I had no crutches or assistance and made my way along the wall, getting support where I could.
In the bathroom there was urine and excrement on the floor (hopefully that's what it was) and on the toilet seat. I had to figure out a way to avoid sitting on the toilet while getting my sample into the cup and putting minimal pressure on my injured leg. I can't tell you how I did it but mission accomplished I got out as fast as I could and sat back down, several ounces of urine in hand. I got into a wheelchair at that point because one was sitting there and wheeled up to the nurses' station. I held my urine cup up and was told by a nurse to just hold onto it. What?!? Hold onto it? I saw the nurse who asked for the sample and he ignored me when I called. I was told also to back away from the counter. 15 minutes later I finally yelled, "Someone please take my urine!" I was fed up. My friend and I were nearly in shock at how I was being treated and in looking around me I faced the reality that this is how people are really treated outside of La Jolla and the safety of UCSD. I was out by about 430am but by then I was completely exhausted and burdened by what I had seen. Ignoring my own problems, I was devastated by what I had witnessed.
I wasn't devastated enough I suppose because I did nothing about it other than look up a few Public Policy grad programs, go to physical therapy and forget about it until now. I don't know if I will this time either but to start I am telling anyone who reads this that they should see Sicko and keep an open mind and to vote and to spread the word. See Sicko!
Monday, July 02, 2007
Ratatouille = Delicious
Pixar films tend to always entertain me and the film I saw today, Ratatouille, is no exception. The story itself was so creative, the characters so fun and the setting (Paris, oui?) so great that I couldn't help but enjoy Ratatouille as much as I enjoy saying the title itself. This was the 3rd movie I've seen with my little nephew and though he did find the dark parts a little frightening and sitting for nearly 2 hours a little tedious, I can say that even the littlest critics will enjoy the story of the little chef and narrator of the film, Remy who happens to be a rat. :)
I saw the film at the El Capitan theater in Hollywood which made for a unique experience. Prior to the show there was entertainment including and organist playing Disney tunes and then a live mini-show featuring Disney characters and human chefs singing a medley if Disney favorites. It was a lot of fun for the young and not-so-young. I recommend checking out a Disney movie at that theater sometime.
The Pixar short film that preceded Ratatouille (That is so fun to say, right? Not as fun to spell though!) was Lifted, their most recent Academy Award nominee. I saw this one earlier this year when I viewed all of the nominated shorts and was glad to get to see it again. It is a great little film and I hope precedes Ratatouille at all screenings rather than just at the El C.
Pack up the kids if you have 'em, or go enjoy it yourself but definitely beat the summer sun's heat and step into the kitchen to see my new favorite rat, Remy, in this summer's surefire hit, Ratatouille!
I saw the film at the El Capitan theater in Hollywood which made for a unique experience. Prior to the show there was entertainment including and organist playing Disney tunes and then a live mini-show featuring Disney characters and human chefs singing a medley if Disney favorites. It was a lot of fun for the young and not-so-young. I recommend checking out a Disney movie at that theater sometime.
The Pixar short film that preceded Ratatouille (That is so fun to say, right? Not as fun to spell though!) was Lifted, their most recent Academy Award nominee. I saw this one earlier this year when I viewed all of the nominated shorts and was glad to get to see it again. It is a great little film and I hope precedes Ratatouille at all screenings rather than just at the El C.
Pack up the kids if you have 'em, or go enjoy it yourself but definitely beat the summer sun's heat and step into the kitchen to see my new favorite rat, Remy, in this summer's surefire hit, Ratatouille!
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