Friday, December 17, 2010

Poetry 126: Woods In Winter

Winter forest

Woods In Winter
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

When winter winds are piercing chill,
And through the hawthorn blows the gale,
With solemn feet I tread the hill,
That overbrows the lonely vale.

O’er the bare upland, and away
Through the long reach of desert woods,
The embracing sunbeams chastely play,
And gladden these deep solitudes.

Where, twisted round the barren oak,
The summer vine in beauty clung,
And summer winds the stillness broke,
The crystal icicle is hung.

Where, from their frozen urns, mute springs
Pour out the river’s gradual tide,
Shrilly the skater’s iron rings,
And voices fill the woodland side.

Alas! how changed from the fair scene,
When birds sang out their mellow lay,
And winds were soft, and woods were green,
And the song ceased not with the day!

But still wild music is abroad,
Pale, desert woods! within your crowd;
And gathering winds, in hoarse accord,
Amid the vocal reeds pipe loud.

Chill airs and wintry winds! my ear
Has grown familiar with your song;
I hear it in the opening year,
I listen, and it cheers me long.

~~~

Just another poem to share. It's certainly seeming relevant to me right about now, considering the freezing temperatures and dustings of snow we've been seeing as of late. So be sure to keep warm and drink lots of hot cocoa this winter! :)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Music 126 : Darren Criss



This just might be his year. If you haven't came across this beautiful voice yet, you might want to check him out on this season of GLEE as Kurt's new love interest. Darren plays Blaine from the prep school.



To others you know him from the Harry Potter musical which you can find on YouTube.




Criss is from San Fransisco. He's of Filipino Irish heritage. Criss has enjoyed musical instruments and anything to do with music since he was a kid. He is part of the Team StarKid theater. He's talented in songwriting as well. Which you can clearly enjoy in the Harry Potter musicals.

Initially, he tried out for the part of Finn before Glee started. Now he's been signed on as Blaine for this season and next season, as well.



Darren is definitely on his way to being the guy to watch for. He's so creative and so much more than just eye-candy. Back in July he released a CD with five songs entitled HUMAN. I can only hope we'll be seeing a whole lot more of this talented guy.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Movies 126 : 127 hours



OK, I will let you know how I feel about bio pics. I don't think they make the best films. I suppose I like fiction over nonfiction when it comes to movies.



Here we have a film by Danny Boyle. I absolutely loved Slumdog Millionaire. From the music to the way it was styled, it was an excellent movie. But in 127 hours, I felt a little pressured, from the get go, especially, with the split trio screen. Yet, you are given the fast paced world of Aron Ralston (James Franco). This is a film you will either love the freshness to it, or hate it.

Storyline: 127 Hours is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston's remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. Over the next five days Ralston examines his life and survives the elements to finally discover he has the courage and the wherewithal to extricate himself by any means necessary, scale a 65 foot wall and hike over eight miles before he is finally rescued. Throughout his journey, Ralston recalls friends, lovers, family, and the two hikers he met before his accident. Will they be the last two people (Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara) he ever had the chance to meet?



In the movie you are taken on one of his average adventures in the canyon. You see its breath taking beauty, and the risks he takes on these amazing feats. He is such a thrill seeker. In some way, one has to wonder if he's down right vain, videoing all his accomplishments. Because of his foolishness(or to some, insanity), he neglects to tell anyone back home where he's going. And soon he's stuck, between a rock and a very hard place to get out of. Most of the movie is about his hours waiting for time to past. He thinks of his life and how his ex-girlfriend (Clemence Poesy) told him how lonely he'd be one day. You also see how he dreams of the future too and how he decides to to get out of this predicament.

Some think this might be James Franco's chance at an Oscar. I suppose we'll know next year.



There is some controversy over the movie. Some fainted while watching the graphic scenes. Trivia : The amputation scene was done in one take with multiple cameras because only one prosthetic arm was created. This movie isn't for the squeamish.

8/10

Friday, December 10, 2010

Poetry 125: Between the Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Poem by Linda Ellis, 1996

*I just thought this would be an interesting poem to share.*

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Music 125: Coconut Records


A review on the band Coconut Records is way over due on Mix Tape. You may be asking yourself 'who is Coconut Records?', but I guarrantee you will be humming along to this artist's tunes after this.

Coconut Records is a band that consists only of the actor Jason Schwartzman (Bored to Death, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Darjeeling Limited, and Funny People to name a few).

Coconut Records started in 2006 and currently has two albums out. Of the two albums (Nighttiming and Davy), there have been many guests featured on his songs. Some of the collaberations have been with the band Incubus, Actress Kirsten Dunst, and Actress/Singer Zooey Deschanel.

Coconut Records music has been featured on the soundtrack for the show Bored to Death and the movies Funny People and Spider Man 3.

On to the actual listening part of this review, all of Coconut Record's songs are good but if I had to pick my top three they'd be:

1) West Coast (off the album Nighttiming)


2) St. Jerome (off the album Davy)


3) Microphone (off the album Davy)


Hopefully you've enjoyed this review on an artist I think everyone should listen to.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Movies 125 : Love and other Drugs



It was definitely NOT what I was expecting. I'm not sure what I was expecting. I won't say I hated it, but I didn't quite love it, either. I mean, no way was I going to walk out on Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway. I've wanted to see them in something together since Brokeback Mountain. They do have a certain chemistry together. A sort of playfulness. And thankfully, they had it, in this movie.


STORYLINE: Maggie (Hathaway) is an alluring free spirit who won't let anyone - or anything - tie her down. But she meets her match in Jamie (Gyllenhaal), whose relentless and nearly infallible charm serve him well with the ladies and in the cutthroat world of pharmaceutical sales. Maggie and Jamie's evolving relationship takes them both by surprise, as they find themselves under the influence of the ultimate drug: love.

Its not a match made in heaven.


What I can say about their characters, Maggie and Jamie, they are definitely each other's equal. Of course, you have to wonder if they have any redeeming qualites. Just what was it that they saw in each other.. than the possibilities of hooking up.



The film takes place in 1996 when a war of pharmaceutical sales of antidepressants is going on. Here you have attention deficit Jamie from a rather doctor oriented family, but he just can't focus on medicine, so he does the next best thing. A drug salesman, and it really helps to be a ladies man too. Then there is Maggie with no insurance, a free spirit with a problem. She is a sick girl with begining stages of Parkinson's disease. But that doesn't let her down. She's spunky and has the most amazing flat ever. Of course, you have to wonder how she could afford such a place. And then one thing leads to another. Jamie has a panic attack when he can't even tell Maggie he loves her. He also has a very gross little brother, Josh Gad, as Josh.

Really, the movie offers all sorts of bad situations of brotherly love. There are moments I'm not that fond of in the movie, but I guess it has something for everyone. Oliver Platt is a little to high strung in the movie, but supporting actress Judy Greer is marvelous as ever. There are some laughs in the show, but you might be asking yourself later, just why you laughed. Thankfully, the ending was as I predicted. It has a fun 90's soundtrack, too.

Meggie's apartment was my favorite part of the movie.


5/5

Friday, December 3, 2010

Books 124: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime



"Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, Christopher is autistic. Everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning for him. Routine, order and predictability shelter him from the messy, wider world. Then, at fifteen, Christopher's carefully constructed world falls apart when he finds his neighbor's dog, Wellington, impaled on a garden fork, and he is initially blamed for the killing.He is a fifteen-year-old boy with autism, and also a savant genius who knows the capital city of every country in the world, every prime number up to 7,057, and much more. One day he discovers the dead body of Wellington, the neighbour's dog, who has been stabbed by a garden fork.

Christopher decides that he will track down the real killer and turns to his favorite fictional character, the impeccably logical Sherlock Holmes, for inspiration. But the investigation leads him down some unexpected paths and ultimately brings him face to face with the dissolution of his parents' marriage. As he tries to deal with the crisis within his own family, we are drawn into the workings of Christopher's mind."


(I didn't have time to write my own summary, so credit goes to
Book Browse for doing a very good job of it!)

Anyways, I got this book from the library and finished reading it in the same evening -- I just couldn't put it down! It was one of those books that left me with a strange sort of feeling that I can't really put into words. One of those books that manages to somehow makes you want to laugh, want to cry, and just want to sit back and reflect on life, all at the same time. I would definitely recommend it.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Music 124: Elliott Smith


I seemed to have forgotten that October 21st was the 7th anniversary of Elliott Smith's death. It seems surreal having one of the best musicians of our time to be gone. I figured that it's better late than never to showcase this artist's talent.

Elliott Smith always had painstakingly morose and emotional tunes that were straight from the heart. He was honest and you could tell from his music that it was true. Smith's music had a sound that made you feel like he was in the room with you. Now it's haunting but still beautiful.

Here are a few of his top songs:
1) Between the Bars (this song is a real video of Smith himself playing. This song was featured in the movie Good Will Hunting along with many other Elliott Smith songs.)


2)Angel in the Snow (This song was released in 2007 after Smith died. It's on the album New Moon and was featured in the film Up in the Air.)


3) Waltz #2 (XO) (This song can be found on the album XO. This is another live video of him.)


For all newcomer listeners, there is a lyric by Elliott Smith that is one that still holds true to this day and is now sadly ironic. He wrote in his song Waltz #2 (xo) , "I'm never gonna know you now but I'm gonna love you anyhow." This is probably his most popular line and one we should all remember. Even if Elliott Smith is no longer with us, his music lives on as his lasting messages will too. Elliott Smith will be remembered.

Elliott Smith's memorial site, also the cover for his album Figure 8. Fans wrote on this wall messages to Smith. The wall was restored to it's original state in 2008 when if was vandalized 


All of Elliott Smith's music is available and can be found almost anywhere. A new album: An Introduction to Elliott Smith was released on November 2nd for anyone interested. Hopefully you've enjoyed this review and it's not just me thinking he is a truly good artist.

For more information about Elliott Smith you can go here.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Movies 124 : Burlesque



Let the holiday movies begin. Well, of course, it started with Harry Potter, but here comes the musical. Sometimes, these can be hit or miss during the holidays. But after listening to friends squabble why we shouldn't see this one because of critics reviews, I took the plunge and went. And...I'm glad I did.


From the get go it doesn't take long for Christine Aguilera to hit the stage, even if its the one in her mind, as the small town girl from Iowa. She's been saving up and she's going to L.A. or bust.



STORYLINE: The Burlesque Lounge has its best days behind it. Tess(Cher), a retired dancer and owner of the venue, struggles to keep the aging theater alive, facing all kinds of financial and artistic challenges. With the Lounge's troupe members becoming increasingly distracted by personal problems and a threat coming from a (Eric Dane) wealthy businessman's quest to buy the spot from Tess, the good fortune seems to have abandoned the club altogether. Meanwhile, the life of Ali (Christine Aguilera) , a small-town girl, is about to change dramatically. Hired by Tess as a waitress at the Lounge, Ali escapes a hollow past and quickly falls in love with the art of burlesque. Backed by newfound friends amongst the theater's crew, she manages to fulfill her dreams of being on stage herself. Things take a dramatic turn though when Ali's big voice makes her become the main attraction of the revue.



Julianne Hough and Kristen Bell strut their stuff as dancers at Burlesques. They lip sink. Julianne's Georgia gets bumped with a baby bump while Bell's Nikki is the dysfunctional drunk who can't stand the new girl Ali. Oh, you got it. A cat fight could break out at any moment.



But Ali has her allies and soon becomes the greatest when she sings for real. Thankfully, Jack (Twilight's Cam Gigandet..formerly of the O.C.) the bartender, who looks like he could be off the set of Clockwork Orange..comes to the rescue when Ali's hotel room gets robbed. But he's got a love in New York City, Natalie (GLEE'S Dianna Agron). Unfortunately, Dianna does not get to sing.

The music is upbeat and fun. Totally perfected for the stage. Very sexy burlesque and yet quite modern, too. The movie really keeps moving. You hardly know how long you've actually been there. Cher is elegant and her voice is beautiful. If you love either Cher or Christina you'll really want to go to this one. I honestly thought Aguilera was genuine, beautiful and delivered every note in this fantastic musical.

10/10

Friday, November 26, 2010

Poetry 123: Twas the Day After Thanksgiving



Twas the Day After Thanksgiving

By Jill Eisnaugle


Twas the day after Thanksgiving, hours before dawn
As millions of people bustled ‘cross the lawn
Many sacrificed needed hours of rest
For the open freeways and the shopping mall’s test
Each one had a purpose for why they were there
To save a few dollars on Christmas gift fare
The plan for their mission: high bargains galore
This wee Friday morning from store to store.

From candles to toys and wrenches to clothes
The registers lit up like ‘ol Rudolph’s nose
Using cash or credit, the money just flew
And, soon, the number of packages grew
Some went for one item and came home with four
Others dropped their load and headed back for more
The whole time devoted to shopping and fun
This day proved the holiday season had begun.

Across this great nation, come sun or come ice
Each Black Friday is a shopper’s paradise
From skateboards to iPods and cell phones to games
Shoppers gladly buy for their prized list of names
The names of the loved ones that each one holds dear
For the sake of spreading some holiday cheer
So, let’s celebrate ‘fore the day’s out of sight
Happy Shopping to all and to all a sane night!

~~~

This poem seemed all too appropriate given the day! If you're unfamiliar with the idea of Black Friday, it's basically where stores have huge day-after-Thanksgiving sales starting ridiculously early in the morning, sometimes as early as three AM, that draw in hoards and hoards of customers hoping to get great deals on their Christmas shopping. Are you taking part in Black Friday this year?

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful to have such a fantastic, talented group writers to contribute for this blog and now equally fantastic followers!

A HUGE thank you goes out to Em, Natalie and Ivy, whom kept this blog alive!! Seriously, I don't think I can thank you all enough.

That said, we're still looking for new contributors to fill some of the holes in our line-up. If you're at all interested, please leave a comment below. There really are no qualifications you have to meet besides having a blog -- or at least an e-mail address -- of your own.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

What are you thankful for?

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Music 123: Judging An Album By It's Cover

Okay, so the thought came to me the other day about how album covers do convince people whether to buy the album or not sometimes. Given, it's usually over if the cover is appropriate or not. I thought it might be cool to show some cool looking album covers. First, are the cool looking album covers. These ones are ones that would be great to have in the form of a vinyl record. These are the covers that are frame worthy and creative. These are the ones that look awesome blown up and maybe even ones you could constantly stare at. 
This cover is just so cute and fun to look at! Don't deny that you're not admiring it right now. (Everything In Transit from Jack's Mannequin).
The bright color of this album just draw you in. (LP from Discovery)
This cover has a true sincere look to it. (The Summer EP from Never Shout Never).
This album was made to look like a cover for a record. It has a very clever look to it.  (Brothers from The Black Keys). 
This cover looks home made and the colors just go together and it brings you back to a better time. (Volume Two from She & Him).
Not only does it look like Up without the house with it, but the colors pop and you can see texture of a painting. (Tentacles from Crystal Antlers).

Soon you'll get a look at some album covers that weren't so good. Any thoughts on this? Any albums you think should've been on here?


Friday, November 19, 2010

Books 122: Harry Potter



As many of you are probably aware, today being November 19th is the day that the first of the two-part movie Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows comes out in theaters. Harry Potter fans across the world (including myself) crowded theaters for midnight showings, dressed up in extravagant costumes to showcase their pride, all to watch the final book in J.K. Rowling's epic series come to life on the big screen. "But what's the big deal about Harry Potter anyway?" someone that hasn't read a Harry Potter book before might be asking. Well, as a self-proclaimed Harry Potter fanatic, I'm here to give you my two cents.

I'm sure that everyone is at least familiar with the general concept of the books, as Wikipedia so eloquently describes them: "The books chronicle the adventures of the adolescent wizard Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story arc concerns Harry's quandary involving the evil wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents in his quest to conquer the wizarding world and subjugate non-magical people (Muggles)."

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was published on June 30th, 1997. Six more books, eight movies, and millions upon millions of Harry Potter lovers followed. Not to mention an entire franchise worth billions of dollars. According to Tumblr: "The U.S. print run of book one, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, was 50,000 copies. The U.S. print run of the final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was 12 million copies. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows sold 8.3 million copies in the U.S. in the first 24 hours. That's 96 copies per second. If you lined up those 8.3 million copies, you'd end up with a bookshelf longer than the Grand Canyon. Harry Potter movies have made roughly $5.4 billion worldwide, more than any other franchise. That averages out to $900 million per film. It's as if every person in the world has spent 80 cents on the franchise."

But there's so much more to Harry Potter than all of that. J.K. Rowling had created an entire magical world that you longed to be a part of. Even though you knew it was just a book, you couldn't help but wonder if your Hogwarts acceptance letter had just gotten lost in the mail or something. You're almost to the point that you would almost give anything to be on that train eating chocolate frogs after changing into your school robes.

For many, growing up along with Harry throughout his many adventures was such a huge part of their childhood. I can remember doing a book report on the Chamber of Secrets in second grade, all the way up to the point of being thirteen and standing in the huge line at Barnes & Noble for hours before midnight waiting to buy my copy of the last book, and then reading it until my parents forced me to go to bed at five in the morning. That anticipation of waiting and waiting for that next sequel to come out was always torturously exciting.

After seven books, you can't help but fall in love with the characters, becoming incredibly emotionally attached to every single one of them. J.K. Rowling has made us laugh and cry and wonder and dream and think and imagine, and I can't thank her enough for that.

Food 122: Harry Potter Month (Butterbeer)


Today it's time to cover an infamous Harry Potter drink. Butterbeer. It seriously is one of the best drinks I have ever had. It warms your insides and makes you feel magical for a moment. It really brings you into the world of Harry Potter. Hopefully everyone can enjoy it this weekend (well, the Harry Potter fans that is). Even if you didn't read the books though, I'm sure you'll enjoy this drink!

Prep Time: 5 minutes.
Makes: 2 cups
Cook Time: 3 minutes.

Ingredients:
1) 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
2) 1/4 cup butterscotch topping
3) 2 tablespoons whipped butter, room temperature
4) 1 1/2 cups vanilla cream soda



Directions:
1) Combine condensed milk, butterscotch topping, and butter in a glass heatproof measuring cup.
2) Heat in microwave for 1 minute.
3) Remove and stir until butter has melted and incorporated into mixture.
4) Meanwhile heat cream soda in another heatproof measuring cup for 1 minute 30 seconds.
5) Divide butterscotch mixture between 2 (10 to 12-ounce) mugs.
6) Fill mugs with heated cream soda and stir thoroughly.
7) Serve garnished with an old-fashioned butterscotch candy stick if desired.

Hope you enjoy and happy Harry Potter week!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Music 122: MSTRKRFT (Remixes)

*Before starting this profile on MSTRKRFT you should know that it's pronounced Master-Craft.

So MSTRKRFT might be known for two things: their original music or their remixes. Personally I like their remixes more. The thing about their remixes are that they are better than the originals. Yes, remixes can be better than original music if you find the right song and the right remix. I'm serious. On occasion, I will find a really good remix. I'm not talking about club songs for the Black Eyed Peas or anything, I'm talking about remixes of Justice, Wolfmother, and Metric. MSTRKRFT even remixed a Katy Perry song and made it more enjoyable. So today instead of giving background on MSTRKRFT I'll show you their remixes, an art that they have definitely perfected.

1) D.A.N.C.E. - Justice (remixed by MSTRKRFT)


2) Monster Hospital- Metric (remixed by MSTRKRFT)


3) Woman- Wolfmother (remixed by MSTRKRFT)


If up to it after, check out the originals (if you didn't know them before). Which ones do you think are better?

Friday, November 12, 2010

Books 121: The Hobbit

If you haven't at least heard of the Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien, where have you been? If you haven't noticed, the successful books have been made into a three award-winning films directed by Peter Jackson, and the fan base behind the popular franchise is just as huge as they come.



But before the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Tolkien wrote an equally successful children's book called The Hobbit. The book follows the journey of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, who is recruited by the wizard Gandalf to join a group of dwarves on the quest to retrieve their lost treasure from the clutches of a dragon named Smaug. Their journey is filled with narrow escapes from trolls, goblins, evil wolves, enormous spiders, and other strange creatures, as well as visits with elves, giant eagles, and a man that can change into a bear. It all sounds like a pretty awesome adventure, right? And if you're at all familiar with the series, you might recognize some of the names of the characters too, a few of which show up later in the LOTR books.



When I was little, my dad would read me chapters from The Hobbit every night before I went to bed, so I pretty much grew up with loving the story. And now it turns out that this book is going to be made into a movie too, also directed by Peter Jackson, which is supposedly scheduled to begin filming this February and be released in December 2012. That's definitely exciting news for Tolkien fans.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Food 121: Harry Potter Month (Cauldron Cakes)


Last month was treats for the month of October and that went pretty well if I do say so myself. Traditionally you'd do Thanksgiving treatsin November, but the nerd I am had a better idea. This month the first part of the final Harry Potter film comes out and what better way to countdown than to post a popular Potter recipe each week? Awesome right? Seeing that I was in a Harry Potter club a few years back and got to try all the great recipes (Butterbeer anyone?) I like to think I am a little bit experienced in these recipes. Even if you are not a fan of the books you will love these recipes!

*Before we start there are many variations of these recipes online but I picked the ones I've either tried or that looked the yummiest. Up this week are Cauldron Cakes, which can be changed to be chocolate. The vanilla one is better though if I do say so myself.

Overall time: 35  minutes. (10 to prep and 35 to bake).
Serves: 21 small cakes

Ingredients:
1. 1 1/2 cups of flour
2. 3 /12 teaspoons of baking powder
3. 1 teaspoon of salt
4. 1/2 cup of softened butter or 1/2 cup of softened margarine
5. 1 cup of milk
6. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
7. 3 eggs
8. 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
9. 1/8 teaspoon of ginger

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix eggs, sugar, butter/margarine, cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla in a mixing bowl (large) on whip for about 2 minutes.
3. Mix the other solid ingredients and milk gradually in the large mixing bowl.
4. Put batter in muffin tins (not too high, these are supposed to look flat). bake for 25 minutes.
5. You can decorate with sprinkles, powder, or frosting after if you please. These cakes go well with honey too.
6. Enjoy!

Any requests or comments? If you tried this recipe did you like it? I love to hear your feedback!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Movies 121 : Due Date


Todd Phillips, the director of the fun Hangover,  is back. This time with a buddy roadtrip. Well, I'm not sure if you would call it a buddy film, exactly. It does slightly resemble Planes, trains and Automobiles. There is Robert Downey, Jr. as the straight man while Zach Galifianakis plays the funny one.

Michelle Monaghan plays the pregnant wife

Storyline: Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) must get to LA in five days to be at the birth of his firstborn. He is about to fly home from Atlanta when his luggage and wallet are stolen, and he is put on the "no-fly" list. Desperate to get home Peter is forced to accept the offer of Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis) to hitch a ride with him cross-country. Peter is about to go on a terrifying and agonizing journey of his life.

mishaps with Ethan's father's ashes


Granted, I don't feel this movie is quite over the top and hilarious as Phillips previous film The Hangover. But Galifianakis does exactly his bit, as being his quirky pothead self. And he shows the lengths he'll go to, just to have himself tripping. Which is kind of funny, with the inside jokes. Since Downey's character is on the straight and narrow.

There is plenty of unexpected adventure. Breath taking car accidents, a side trip to Mexico and even a jaunt to Grand Canyon that makes you squirm just a little, wondering if one might fall in. Of course, one has to wonder of Galifiankisis sexual orientation in the movie, too. Its kept a mystery. His Ethan Tremblay is would be actor, hoping to make it big on Two and Half Men. Of course, Downey's Peter would wonder how the fellow has made it this far in life. Ethan's not that bright and stay confused on so much common knowledge. Tremblay is a heavy sleeper. Even drives in his sleep. Luckily, after their major accident on the freeway, an old friend of Peter's from Dallas comes to help. Jamie Foxx is Daryl, who's got it good in Dallas, but he can only do so much for Peter since he is on the NO FLY list, thanks to Ethan when he tried to fly out of Atlanta in the first place.

This happens a lot in the film


Seriously, its a movie that puts Downey through the rigors, just to get to the birth of his first born. Perhaps its trips like these that make good buddies in the end. Its quite a quest. Really, Downey is the better actor in the movie, but Galifianakis definitely does what he does best. And that is to make you laugh.

On a side note, I really loved the soundtrack. Tunes from Wolfmother, Band of Horses and Fleet Foxes.



7/10

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Art 120: Creative Color Wheels

Color wheels are essential for artists while they are painting and/or studying color theory. They can be really basic like the one above, or far more interesting and ascetically pleasing to the eye like the rest of the ones I'll include.

Besides being a tool for color study, people will in fact argue that color wheels serve no real purpose. But what what if you got creative with it? Thought outside the box, or in this case, the circle? Well, then it can transform into an art piece itself!


Have you ever made a color wheel?

Friday, November 5, 2010

Poetry 120: E.E. Cummings

A post on the work of E.E. Cummings was already made before, but I figured that there's no such thing as too much from him! So, here are a few more of his poems that I've selected to share with you all on this lovely Friday. Enjoy. :)

it may not always be so

it may not always be so; and i say
that if your lips,which i have loved,should touch
another's, and your dear strong fingers clutch
his heart,as mine in time not far away;
if on another's face your sweet hair lay
in such a silence as i know,or such
great writhing words as, uttering overmuch,
stand helplessly before the spirit at bay;

if this should be, i say if this should be-
you of my heart,send me a little word;
that i may go unto him,and take his hands,
saying, Accept all happiness from me.
Then shall i turn my face,and hear one bird
sing terribly afar in the lost lands.


~~~

somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond

somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond
any experience, your eyes have their silence:
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
or which i cannot touch because they are too near


your slightest look easily will unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skilfully, mysteriously) her first rose

or if your wish be to close me, i and
my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending

nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
the power of your intense fragility: whose texture
compels me with the color of its countries
rendering death and forever with each breathing

(i do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens; only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands