Masterpiece Theater on PBS has gotten me reading Ms. Austen's novels. I hate to admit it, but Pride and Prejudice was the only one I had read previously. Now, I can change that number to two and a half (Persuasion and part of Northanger Abbey).
Besides increasing my exposure to her written word, I've developed more of an appreciation for Austen's Persuasion. I saw a 1995 movie version in college, and I could not abide the fact that Captain Wentworth would pay attention to Louisa Musgrove if his affections for Anne Elliot were true. Yes, eight years had passed since he rejected her proposal, but wouldn't the fact that she still remained single still give him hope?
But, then again, maybe is was the slow and subtle pace of the movie that didn't fall to my liking. I think my first impressions of Persuasion were influenced by Disney notions of love and romance. Last year's Enchanted was the perfect example of these ideas. Giselle imagines her Mr. Right and constructed a model of him out of common household items. Prince Edward (of course being the human form of her model) appears and saves her from the ogre attacking Giselle's house. Then, poof, she's in love. Better watch out, there may be another princesszilla (http://www.newsweek.com/id/70985) on the loose.
I recently turned 30 and maybe I can relate to Anne Elliot more since I'm still single myself. But, watching the 2007 version of Persuasion on Masterpiece Theater, I found myself feeling like I had become accquainted with a new friend - one that I had seen before, but never really taken the time to meet. When I read the book, I found that Austen's ideas of love and romance were more subtle than a 2 hour Disney movie. But, the quiet nature of Captain Wentworth's and Anne Elliot's relationship seemed more realistic. I could see Austen's plot occurring today.
One of my friends is convinced that her life is like a Jane Austen novel. I'm not sure if I feel the same. Maybe I'll have an opinion on the subject after another 30 years.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
I'd like to thank the Academy
For giving Once a nod. It would have been nice to seen other nominations for this film besides best original song. Hopefully, "Falling Slowly" will give the three nominated songs from Enchanted a run for their money.
For the person who thought to show Shia LeBeouf's black Chuck Taylors when he got off his bike in Transformers. Until that moment, I really was kind only half-interested in the movie. (Granted, I saw it on DVD so that kind of lessened the cool factor of the special effects.) But until that point, I was kind of distracted by how the plot, minus the whole Autobots and Decepticons, was similar to Independence Day. US soldiers being attacked an unknown enemy. Unlikely hero trying to help save the world. The Cons, though, and Bumblebee won me over in the end.
For the person who thought to show Shia LeBeouf's black Chuck Taylors when he got off his bike in Transformers. Until that moment, I really was kind only half-interested in the movie. (Granted, I saw it on DVD so that kind of lessened the cool factor of the special effects.) But until that point, I was kind of distracted by how the plot, minus the whole Autobots and Decepticons, was similar to Independence Day. US soldiers being attacked an unknown enemy. Unlikely hero trying to help save the world. The Cons, though, and Bumblebee won me over in the end.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Pondering atonement
I finished Ian McEwan's book (possible spoilers ahead), and I have to say it's brilliant. I mean it took me a while (2 readings) to get through the first part. Of course, perhaps I had the wrong motive for reading it. Atonement was made into a movie starring Keira Knightly and James McAvoy that's getting released in December.
So I guess when I started reading the book, I kind of assumed the plot would quickly develop like a movie. You know, the typical boy meets girl, boy loses girl, and boy gets girl back variety that's so popular in Jane Austen's novels and musical productions. Since I was reading a book, I didn't feel like singing and dancing a jig. Once I figured out that the book took place on a hot, summer, lazy day and the writer's style of revealing plot and characters was similar, though, I was more apt to kind of sit back and just see where Mr. McEwan was taking me. And, the conclusion of his book really resonated with me.
It's all about beliefs, assumptions, and seeing things. Briony had beliefs and assumptions about her sister, Cecilia and Robbie, a childhood friend. So when it was dark and Briony saw something terrible in the woods, she filtered what she saw through her beliefs and assumptions rather than what actually occurred. Kind of what I did when I first started reading Atonement. I assumed that the book would be like a TV dinner in that it would quickly give me something to eat. Instead, it was rather like a feast that came in many courses and offered ample time to savor each entree.
And, I am finding that beliefs and assumptions affect how I see other things as well. For example, I watched half of an episode of Freaks and Geeks when it was on the air. The Geeks (Sam, Bill, and Neal) were getting ready to go party with the poplar kids. I assumed that their venture would end up in humilation because I believed that's what their peers would do to them so I turned it off. If kept watching, though, I would have seen a little embarrassment of Neal having to kiss Bill when they played spin the bottle. But, I also would have seen Bill's triumph of being kissed by the prettiest girl at school.
Isn't that what life is? A little embarrassment mixed in with triumphant moments? But, then there's also the things that we see and as we filter them through our beliefs and assumptions, sometimes the result is something we regret. Something that we wish we could atone for but cannot change.
What's the solution? Because as I'm writing this, I am realizing that I have beliefs and assumptions about everything: Converse shoes, chocolate, and Jane Austen's novels. I am not sure if there's a solution, but I do believe that what I think and believe affects my emotions and actions. So I suppose I should try to identify what those are and my motives for having them before acting upon them.
I guess this post is a bit darker than my usual fare. I feel like I should add a smiley face or something to lighten up its tone. But, sweet and sour is what I am. I usually try to repress the sour parts and be only sweet, but somehow, the sourness in me still shines through. And, I have no idea how to end this post. Maybe it could be like the song that never ends.
Or, I could talk about what else I've been doing with my time. Hmmm. I think I have spotted my illusive unicorn in the Converse world (chocolate brown and off white Chuck Taylors). I am still waiting for them to be shipped to me so I'll have to get back to you whether or not the legend is real.
I stopped watching Chuck. Although I am glad Chuck and I share a similar taste in shoes, I found Moonlight and Samantha Who more interesting. Hey, maybe Samantha and Mick St. John can wear Cons, too, as they are finding their identity and saving the world.
So I guess when I started reading the book, I kind of assumed the plot would quickly develop like a movie. You know, the typical boy meets girl, boy loses girl, and boy gets girl back variety that's so popular in Jane Austen's novels and musical productions. Since I was reading a book, I didn't feel like singing and dancing a jig. Once I figured out that the book took place on a hot, summer, lazy day and the writer's style of revealing plot and characters was similar, though, I was more apt to kind of sit back and just see where Mr. McEwan was taking me. And, the conclusion of his book really resonated with me.
It's all about beliefs, assumptions, and seeing things. Briony had beliefs and assumptions about her sister, Cecilia and Robbie, a childhood friend. So when it was dark and Briony saw something terrible in the woods, she filtered what she saw through her beliefs and assumptions rather than what actually occurred. Kind of what I did when I first started reading Atonement. I assumed that the book would be like a TV dinner in that it would quickly give me something to eat. Instead, it was rather like a feast that came in many courses and offered ample time to savor each entree.
And, I am finding that beliefs and assumptions affect how I see other things as well. For example, I watched half of an episode of Freaks and Geeks when it was on the air. The Geeks (Sam, Bill, and Neal) were getting ready to go party with the poplar kids. I assumed that their venture would end up in humilation because I believed that's what their peers would do to them so I turned it off. If kept watching, though, I would have seen a little embarrassment of Neal having to kiss Bill when they played spin the bottle. But, I also would have seen Bill's triumph of being kissed by the prettiest girl at school.
Isn't that what life is? A little embarrassment mixed in with triumphant moments? But, then there's also the things that we see and as we filter them through our beliefs and assumptions, sometimes the result is something we regret. Something that we wish we could atone for but cannot change.
What's the solution? Because as I'm writing this, I am realizing that I have beliefs and assumptions about everything: Converse shoes, chocolate, and Jane Austen's novels. I am not sure if there's a solution, but I do believe that what I think and believe affects my emotions and actions. So I suppose I should try to identify what those are and my motives for having them before acting upon them.
I guess this post is a bit darker than my usual fare. I feel like I should add a smiley face or something to lighten up its tone. But, sweet and sour is what I am. I usually try to repress the sour parts and be only sweet, but somehow, the sourness in me still shines through. And, I have no idea how to end this post. Maybe it could be like the song that never ends.
Or, I could talk about what else I've been doing with my time. Hmmm. I think I have spotted my illusive unicorn in the Converse world (chocolate brown and off white Chuck Taylors). I am still waiting for them to be shipped to me so I'll have to get back to you whether or not the legend is real.
I stopped watching Chuck. Although I am glad Chuck and I share a similar taste in shoes, I found Moonlight and Samantha Who more interesting. Hey, maybe Samantha and Mick St. John can wear Cons, too, as they are finding their identity and saving the world.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Converse invasion
I was happy to see the main character on the show, Chuck, wearing black high-tops. My opinion of the show isn't quite formed, but the shoes convince me to go on a little faith and maybe watch a few more episodes. Amanda Bynes also wore black low-tops in her movie, Sydney White. Although I've yet to have the gumption to wear these shoes with a sundress, I was please to see someone in Cons that could also wield a hammer as well as study books.
Someone said to me that I fit the "bookish" type of Converse-wearer. Since I'm a librarian, I guess it makes sense. But, frankly, my affection for Cons comes from the fact that I have big feet, and I think that wearing them makes my feet look smaller. And, since Converse come in universal sizes, I don't have any trouble finding ones that fit my feet.
So you think will Converse becoming more popular, that I would be buying more? No, not yet.
Someone said to me that I fit the "bookish" type of Converse-wearer. Since I'm a librarian, I guess it makes sense. But, frankly, my affection for Cons comes from the fact that I have big feet, and I think that wearing them makes my feet look smaller. And, since Converse come in universal sizes, I don't have any trouble finding ones that fit my feet.
So you think will Converse becoming more popular, that I would be buying more? No, not yet.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Missing out
Besides avoiding my third bouquet toss of the year, I also missed the first annual running of the Elvises. http://http://www.runelvisrun.com/ Guess I'll have to wait another year to sing and shake like the King of Rock and Roll. Actually, I wonder which would would have bigger odds - me catching a bouquet or me running like Elvis.
Another thing I'll be missing today is the sequel to High School Musical. I'm not sure if I'll catch it later on DVD. The first one was peppy and fun. And, with Kenny Ortega at the helm again, who knows? I might find it enjoyable if I'm looking for a dollop of fluffy entertainment. I'm curious how long the phenomenon is going to last, though. (And how long I'll see High School Musical folders, jewelry, and t-shirts in stores.)
But, I did catch The Bourne Ultimatum when it opened in theaters. Seeing Matt Damon run throughout the movie was thrill. Although the Jason Bourne movies are entirely different than Robert Ludlam's books, I found the final installment well worth the admission of a movie ticket. I also saw Hairspray, too. It was a hoot to watch, and it had me walking out of the theater with its music stuck in my head.
So maybe I haven't missed out after all? It's amazing how our culture can guilt us into making us feel excluded. There's always the hit movie, TV show, etc. that become the topic of conversation. And, you almost feel compelled to buy into all just so you can join in the discussion. But, maybe feeling connected is the root desire behind it all. People are looking for an access point to converse easily with people they may or may not know very well. It gives them a temporary bond of community seeing the funniest Super Bowl commercial or the latest blockbuster.
Why does community, though, have to fueled by the consumption of stuff? Why can't it just naturally occur? I just tell you what's going on in my life and you tell me what's going on in yours. Hmmm...maybe that's a question for Dr. Phil to answer.
Another thing I'll be missing today is the sequel to High School Musical. I'm not sure if I'll catch it later on DVD. The first one was peppy and fun. And, with Kenny Ortega at the helm again, who knows? I might find it enjoyable if I'm looking for a dollop of fluffy entertainment. I'm curious how long the phenomenon is going to last, though. (And how long I'll see High School Musical folders, jewelry, and t-shirts in stores.)
But, I did catch The Bourne Ultimatum when it opened in theaters. Seeing Matt Damon run throughout the movie was thrill. Although the Jason Bourne movies are entirely different than Robert Ludlam's books, I found the final installment well worth the admission of a movie ticket. I also saw Hairspray, too. It was a hoot to watch, and it had me walking out of the theater with its music stuck in my head.
So maybe I haven't missed out after all? It's amazing how our culture can guilt us into making us feel excluded. There's always the hit movie, TV show, etc. that become the topic of conversation. And, you almost feel compelled to buy into all just so you can join in the discussion. But, maybe feeling connected is the root desire behind it all. People are looking for an access point to converse easily with people they may or may not know very well. It gives them a temporary bond of community seeing the funniest Super Bowl commercial or the latest blockbuster.
Why does community, though, have to fueled by the consumption of stuff? Why can't it just naturally occur? I just tell you what's going on in my life and you tell me what's going on in yours. Hmmm...maybe that's a question for Dr. Phil to answer.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Under the looking glass
So this summer I've managed to avoid two bouquet tosses, and I'm hoping to avoid my third this week. For those of you who are wondering why I, a single woman soon approaching my 30th birthday, would scurry away from bouquet tosses instead of trying to claim one of them for my own - let me just clarify something.
Bouquet tosses are humiliating. I feel like a show dog being led out into the ring. See the single girl. She's yet to find her perfect mate, but if you give her whirl, maybe she's the gal for you.
However, if the flowers were really magical and guaranteed me an instant walk down the aisle, I would be all over doing bouquet tosses. In fact, get out of my way gals - this one is mine.
But, my sister caught the bouquet at a wedding, and then ten years later, she got married. So I guess my main objection to doing them is a fear, really. What if I catch one and never get walk down the aisle? How depressing is that?
So I strategize on how to avoid them. Occasionally, I'm foiled by well-meaning friends or relatives who make a big deal about me bucking tradition so I'm pressured to join my single peers. On one such occasion, the bride didn't throw her bouquet. Instead, she gave every single gal a long-stemmed rose. Which I have to admit was pretty nice.
So maybe it's equality that I'm rallying for. If you're going to make us single gals stand up and be counted, at least make it worth our while by giving us all a flower. I'm not sure, really. And, I am not against brides who want to follow tradition and throw their bouquet. Just warn me so I can quickly flee from the room.
Bouquet tosses are humiliating. I feel like a show dog being led out into the ring. See the single girl. She's yet to find her perfect mate, but if you give her whirl, maybe she's the gal for you.
However, if the flowers were really magical and guaranteed me an instant walk down the aisle, I would be all over doing bouquet tosses. In fact, get out of my way gals - this one is mine.
But, my sister caught the bouquet at a wedding, and then ten years later, she got married. So I guess my main objection to doing them is a fear, really. What if I catch one and never get walk down the aisle? How depressing is that?
So I strategize on how to avoid them. Occasionally, I'm foiled by well-meaning friends or relatives who make a big deal about me bucking tradition so I'm pressured to join my single peers. On one such occasion, the bride didn't throw her bouquet. Instead, she gave every single gal a long-stemmed rose. Which I have to admit was pretty nice.
So maybe it's equality that I'm rallying for. If you're going to make us single gals stand up and be counted, at least make it worth our while by giving us all a flower. I'm not sure, really. And, I am not against brides who want to follow tradition and throw their bouquet. Just warn me so I can quickly flee from the room.
Friday, August 3, 2007
the surreal life
On Wednesday night, I was headed east on I-94 to St. Paul. I think it was near the Hwy 280 exit when I heard the following on the radio. "The 35 W bridge near University Ave. has collapsed and cars are in the water."
I continued to my destination and flipped on the TV as soon as I got there. The images stunned me. I couldn't believe that the collapse had occurred, but it did. And, my thoughts and prayers went out to those people who had been on the bridge at 6:05 p.m.
And, now as the story has been broadcasted across the nation and around the world, I wonder how this bridge collapse will impact the future. Will it just be blip of memory? Or, will it truly be a catalyst for improving transportation infrastructure in the United States?
I guess I'm not sure what's going to happen. But, it's something I'll continue to wonder each time I go by the Hwy 280 exit and see cars being detoured from I-35 W.
For those who have lost loved ones on the bridge or have yet to find missing relatives, you are the ones that have been affected the most. Offering sympathy and condolences seems futile because you probably just want your loved ones alive. At least, that's what I'd want.
I continued to my destination and flipped on the TV as soon as I got there. The images stunned me. I couldn't believe that the collapse had occurred, but it did. And, my thoughts and prayers went out to those people who had been on the bridge at 6:05 p.m.
And, now as the story has been broadcasted across the nation and around the world, I wonder how this bridge collapse will impact the future. Will it just be blip of memory? Or, will it truly be a catalyst for improving transportation infrastructure in the United States?
I guess I'm not sure what's going to happen. But, it's something I'll continue to wonder each time I go by the Hwy 280 exit and see cars being detoured from I-35 W.
For those who have lost loved ones on the bridge or have yet to find missing relatives, you are the ones that have been affected the most. Offering sympathy and condolences seems futile because you probably just want your loved ones alive. At least, that's what I'd want.
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