i've never claimed to be punctual (except for work)
Finally. The London post.
It took nearly an hour for me to realize I was in London again. I guess jet lag will do that to you. I arrived at Heathrow after a very turbulent flight and very little sleep, only to find that the Picadilly line would not be servicing Terminal 4 for the next year and a half while under reconstruction. I was not in the mood to deal with buses, so I took the Heathrow Express to Paddington. It was as I was following the Green lines marking the way to the District line platform, lugging my suitcase throught the tunnels of the Paddington Underground station that it hit me: I was in my London again. The spaces between the Impressionist-style brush strokes of my memories of riding the District line every day to work smoothed into reality. It was just as surreal to me as it would be to see the dock workers in Monet's The Thames at Westminster suddenly leap to life. And yet it was also very natural to be back, the city just felt right.
After meeting Raegan at her flat, I convinced her to walk with me to Imperial, just to see if I could remember the short cut. I made it half way until we got to a spot that had to be dug out from the depths of my memory before it looked familiar, and then we wandered the rest of way to the union, chatting and catching up, in just the same manner that Ellen or Sarah and I used to chat as we'd walk to class. The week was full of moments like that: walking into a memory full of the people with whom I experienced London, this time accompanied by others. Lindy had her friends in flats one and two let me poke around a bit. Flat two was inhabited by girls, but I could still see our flat two guys there, drinks in hand. Walking back into flat one, was weird. The walls were full of quotes by girls I never knew, not OUR quotes. There wasn't a collage of pictures on the wall or a stack of Wedding and Homes, Tatlers or various newspapers and guidebooks piled in the corner and on the coffee table. Ellen's mound of clothes weren't in the hallway and Mary Pat's avocados weren't on the kitchen counter. I don't even remember the way the furniture was rearranged because the living room is burned into my memory in the way I lived in it.
The city had changed everso slightly. Construction on Earl's Court tube station had finished and the District line platform was actually full of light thanks to the absence of scaffolding. Scaffolding had also been removed from such famous landmarks as the Kensington Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Picadilly Circus billboards and St. Paul's Cathedral. I had returned to a city that had gotten its braces removed.
It was great to be back, but it was even better to get to be with Megan again. I was worried that staying with her and Jon for almost two weeks, I would become a nuisance and a bore, but Megan and I never ran out of things to talk about. Even the times we were quiet were full of thoughts that had been shared. I was very grateful for the chance to sleep on their couch and just as thankful for the chance to get to know Jon better.
While I was there, their friend Jocelyn came to visit. Jocelyn had studied with Megan and Jon in Singapore and now lives in Edmonton, Canada. Since she had never been to London, I got to play all-knowing tour guide and show her around the city. We hit all the hot spots and even had time for a musical: the new musical adaptation of Billy Elliott (which included a song that will soon become the theme song for every cross-dresser: "What the Hell is Wrong with Wearing a Dress?"). Jocelyn and I got our tickets at the last minute and - small world! - they ended up being right next to Lindy! And when I say "right next to," I mean we were A21 and 22, and Lindy was A20. Who'da thunk?!
I also got to see the new theatrical production of Mary Poppins, a slightly darker version of the movie. It included a scene that I call Toy Story on Crack, where Jane and Michael's toys grow to be life-size and hold court against the kids, singing a rather frightening song, "Children that don't learn do not return."
Because I can't go to Europe and not put my raggedy French to good use, I took a day trip to Lille in northern France. Thanks to the Eurostar, I left early in the morning and returned that evening, getting my fill of croissants and crêpes. I took the opportunity to wander in silence for most of the day, relishing the chance to practice my French on willing shopkeepers. Maybe it's naïve of me, but I truly believe that traveling abroad is my opportunity to be an ambassador from America and I try hard to shatter the stereotypes of American travelers by being a pleasant and engaging customer. My favorite exchanges were with the wine salesman who helped me pick out a bottle of wine to bring back to Megan and Jon, and with the guards at the Eurostar passport clearance. I said one tiny phrase to the guy who stamped my passport ("Yes! Another stamp!" was what I thought. "Merci beaucoup, monsieur" was what I said) and the guards around us burst out with, "Ah! Elle parle français!" "Oui, messieurs. Ma français n'est pas le meillure, mais j'aime la langue et j'aime visiter la France." (A phrase I had practiced in my mind hoping I'd get the chance to use it on some lucky Frenchman/woman.) They said some things I could figure out, and then seeing my confused look, repeated in English, "Come visit us again!" "Mais bien sûr!" I responded. I left the country feeling like I had accomplished something.
The whole trip was wonderful. I came back with a few new H&M outfits and new frameable memories that I'm sure will fade into Impressionist-style paintings, waiting to leap to life the next time I visit. People often ask if I'd ever see myself living in London and I'm not too sure. I think I could return for a year or so, but this visit has made me realize how much I love London as a vacation spot. I think that to live there would be to dampen the appeal and my love for the city. Not to say that I wouldn't consider it if the right opportunity ever presented itself...
snapshots
Return to London
Lille, France
Party at Steve's
in other news
I think Jack's monitor is on the fritz. I blame the movers and the injury they caused nine and a half months ago. Time to start investigating flat screen monitors.
5.07.2005
5.05.2005
oops
When I picked up my Boston Magazine from the kitchen counter yesterday, I thought, "Man, haven't I read this issue already?" But I was still recovering from jet lag and headed straight to bed without a second glance. Thanks to Dan for clearing up my déjà* vu with this piece of info.
*Accents to come tomorrow when I have access to my Mac at work. Jack is asleep and I don't know how to do accents on a PC.
February 2005
May 2005
When I picked up my Boston Magazine from the kitchen counter yesterday, I thought, "Man, haven't I read this issue already?" But I was still recovering from jet lag and headed straight to bed without a second glance. Thanks to Dan for clearing up my déjà* vu with this piece of info.
*Accents to come tomorrow when I have access to my Mac at work. Jack is asleep and I don't know how to do accents on a PC.
February 2005
May 2005
5.04.2005
beef, it's what's for dinner
I really want some steak right now. My Michelina's Budget Gourmet Italian Style Vegetables and White Chicken in Sauce with Rice frozen dinner will have to suffice. But I could really use a grilled steak. And grilled potatoes, green beans and buttered bread.
Off to the microwave I go with my frozen dinner.
I really want some steak right now. My Michelina's Budget Gourmet Italian Style Vegetables and White Chicken in Sauce with Rice frozen dinner will have to suffice. But I could really use a grilled steak. And grilled potatoes, green beans and buttered bread.
Off to the microwave I go with my frozen dinner.
5.03.2005
a post about London to come
in the meantime...
the answers
Before we get to the announcement of who will receive homemade cookies, here are the answers to the How Well Do You Know Erica? Quiz. (Answers are in bold, of course).
1. Who is the source of inspiration for the subhead ("off to see the world") on this blog?
A. Frank Sinatra
B. The Beatles
C. Guster
D. Bob Dylan
Although Pat informs me that Bob Dylan once did a cover of Moon River.
2. What is the name of Erica's home computer?
Jack the Mac
3. What car is Erica saving up for?
A. another Honda Accord
B. Toyota RAV-4
C. Honda Civic Hybrid
D. Ford Focus
Yes, Kate, we are saving up for the same car! I see no reason why I should buy anything other than a hybrid as my next set of wheels.
4. What was the name of the cat that terrorized Erica both awake and in her dreams?
A. Gus
B. Cassie
C. Sophie
D. Ally
Just take a look at the picture of that cat on her blog and tell me she wouldn't terrorize you as well.
5. Erica had 15 different roommates in college (including the summer she lived in CoMo). Name at least seven of them. (A point will be awarded for each correct roommate.)
Gracy O., Emily S., Sarah H., Ellen M., Sarah M., Mary Pat S., Megan C., Careth C., Meh-gen R., May-gun C. (now G.), Ashley B., Ashley S., Erin P., Abby P., Kristen W.
Three people included Natalie N. (now W.) and one person listed Christina W. Although those two were ladies of the Chat, I did not reside there concurrent with them. However, Natalie and I did share a room/bed during Denver Christmas Conference sophomore year. But that doesn't count.
6. Where did Erica receive the worst sunburn of her life?
A. The back porch of Alpha Chi
B. Barcelona, Spain
C. Winter Park, Colo.
D. Nice, France
"Nice sunburn. I'm punny," Tim adds.
7. Who turned Erica on to Harry Potter?
A. her mother
B. her sister
C. K. Jeffries
D. E. Tuttle
8. Which one of the following is Erica's favorite consumer mag?
A. Esquire
B. Real Simple
C. Entertainment Weekly
D. Budget Travel
Tim's answer of "E, PC Shopper" was very much incorrect.
9. Which of the following is Erica's favorite city/regional mag?
A. Texas Monthly
B. Chicago Magazine
C. Los Angeles Magazine
D. Boston Magazine
A couple of people named Texas Monthly, which is a very close second.
10. Where was Erica headed when she got separated from her friends on the European Rail System?
A. Venice
B. London
C. Paris
D. Rome
An experience which caused me to reevaluate the merits of the dratted cellphone once I returned to the States.
11. Match the music group with the year of Erica's college life that heavily featured said group.
A. Coldplay c. Junior What I listened to while trying to sleep on uncomfortable hostel beds in Italy and Dublin. Was torn between attending the Coldplay concert two blocks from my flat in London or attending the Paul McCartney concert the next day (end-of-semester funds limited me to one concert). I decided to see Paul, because I figured he'd die first.
B. U2 b. Sophomore Attended their St. Louis concert a month or so after 9/11 and burst into tears when they projected the names of everyone killed in the terrorist attacks - my first time to cry in reaction to 9/11
C. Guster d. Senior Introduced to their music by Sarah at her lake house the weekend of the 4th of July. I swear that "Come Downstairs and Say Hello" was written specifically for my senior year thoughts. Attended Guster concert with Sarah at Truman State the weekend of my birthday
D. REM a. Freshman I equate Automatic For the People with studying on my blue blanket on the Quad, feeling everso collegiate for the first time.
12. Where did Erica work her senior year of college? (choose more than one)
A. the Artisan
B. the MU Licensing office
C. the MU News Bureau
D. the MU Marketing office
This is a trick question, as I intended it. But I kinda tricked myself as well. Several people included the News Bureau, which I included as a trick answer because I never worked FOR the News Bureau, just IN their office. But then I realized that the question was WHERE did I work, and it's true that the location of where I reported to work for the Marketing office was in the News Bureau office. So I awarded a half point to those who put C as an answer. I also gave Kate a point for her answer: "A. the Artisan - is where you worked on your homework."
13. What was Erica's regular drink at the Artisan?
A. Latté w/ Bailey's
B. Mocha Chai
C. Mocha
D. Earl Gray Tea
I trained Luke to know what to make when I ordered "my usual, please." Sorry Dan, it wasn't an accented drink.
14. What was Erica's minor?
A. Graphic Design
B. Religious Studies
C. French
D. Just kidding - she didn't have one
15. What song is Erica's number-one guilty pleasure song?
A. "Bye Bye Bye" by *nSync
B. "Oops, I Did it Again" by Mama Britney Spears
C. "Yeah" by Usher
D. "Vogue" by Madonna
Peace Up. This song is GUARANTEED to put me in an awesome mood...as long as I don't think about the story behind the lyrics.
16. What is Erica's favorite color?
A. Yellow
B. Light blue
C. Light green
D. Purple
17. Which of the following has Erica not read since starting her "Currently reading" sidebar nugget-thing?
A. The Grapes of Wrath
B. The DaVinci Code
C. My Misspent Youth
D. The Cider House Rules
18. Which of the following was not a reason Erica gave as a sign that Phoenix life would be good?
A. The 20-minute drive to the airport
B. See's Candy Shops
C. The backyard pool
D. The lack of snow
19. Who is Erica's favorite sports columnist? (Fill in the blank)
Rick Reilly
"Like Fort Riley, near Erica's hometown," Dan says.
20. Which of the following was not a favorite instructor of Erica's? (class descriptions for the benefit of any non-MU quiz-takers)
A. J. Moe||er (Magazine Editing)
B. J. Co|bert (Magazine Design)
C. B. Co||ins (History of the 60s)
D. S. Fr¡esen (Old & New Testament)
Tim remarks that "the name scramble makes me wodner if the answer should be 'all of the above,'" but I just seek to cover my tracks.
and the cookies go to....
Pat! With 30.5 points! Although Dan answered 15 questions correct to Pat's 14 correct questions (for the record, Sarah also had correct answers to 14 questions). Pat's inflated score comes from his ability to name every one of my roommates except for Sarah H. Dan had 28.5 points, Sarah had 22.5, Kate had 13, Tim had 7.5, and Justin's tried and true scantron test practice of marking C for every answer got him 2.5 points.
Dan played the role of class brown-noser by submitting his own extra credit. While it did not earn him extra points, his questions merit inclusion. All answers are correct.
21. Where did Erica work as a counselor after freshman year?
Heartland Presbyterian Center in Parkville, Mo.
22. Dan, Jason and Sara were proud of Erica in Jan. 2002 for:
C. Turning her back during the K-State fight song
I turned my back because if I didn't I knew I would burst into song. Ed's note to Dan: wasn't it Jan. 2001 when you guys came to Manhappenin'? I assume you're referring to the MU/KSU basketball game at K-State.
23. Dan and Erica were total dorks together in what course senior year?
D. All of the above
24. Qu'est-ce que c'est le lieu idéal d'Erica?
Une petite ville française sans les gens qui parlent anglais. Et avec un bon livre et une tasse café, bien sûr.
25. Dan also could have answered Erica-related questions on:
A. Sam, Don Quixote, "Look at me, Dr. Geiss" and other FIG fun
B. Alpha Chi stuff
C. Having met all the immediate Brookses more than once
D. Anything from London not on the blog
E. Wrestling
in the meantime...
the answers
Before we get to the announcement of who will receive homemade cookies, here are the answers to the How Well Do You Know Erica? Quiz. (Answers are in bold, of course).
1. Who is the source of inspiration for the subhead ("off to see the world") on this blog?
A. Frank Sinatra
B. The Beatles
C. Guster
D. Bob Dylan
Although Pat informs me that Bob Dylan once did a cover of Moon River.
2. What is the name of Erica's home computer?
Jack the Mac
3. What car is Erica saving up for?
A. another Honda Accord
B. Toyota RAV-4
C. Honda Civic Hybrid
D. Ford Focus
Yes, Kate, we are saving up for the same car! I see no reason why I should buy anything other than a hybrid as my next set of wheels.
4. What was the name of the cat that terrorized Erica both awake and in her dreams?
A. Gus
B. Cassie
C. Sophie
D. Ally
Just take a look at the picture of that cat on her blog and tell me she wouldn't terrorize you as well.
5. Erica had 15 different roommates in college (including the summer she lived in CoMo). Name at least seven of them. (A point will be awarded for each correct roommate.)
Gracy O., Emily S., Sarah H., Ellen M., Sarah M., Mary Pat S., Megan C., Careth C., Meh-gen R., May-gun C. (now G.), Ashley B., Ashley S., Erin P., Abby P., Kristen W.
Three people included Natalie N. (now W.) and one person listed Christina W. Although those two were ladies of the Chat, I did not reside there concurrent with them. However, Natalie and I did share a room/bed during Denver Christmas Conference sophomore year. But that doesn't count.
6. Where did Erica receive the worst sunburn of her life?
A. The back porch of Alpha Chi
B. Barcelona, Spain
C. Winter Park, Colo.
D. Nice, France
"Nice sunburn. I'm punny," Tim adds.
7. Who turned Erica on to Harry Potter?
A. her mother
B. her sister
C. K. Jeffries
D. E. Tuttle
8. Which one of the following is Erica's favorite consumer mag?
A. Esquire
B. Real Simple
C. Entertainment Weekly
D. Budget Travel
Tim's answer of "E, PC Shopper" was very much incorrect.
9. Which of the following is Erica's favorite city/regional mag?
A. Texas Monthly
B. Chicago Magazine
C. Los Angeles Magazine
D. Boston Magazine
A couple of people named Texas Monthly, which is a very close second.
10. Where was Erica headed when she got separated from her friends on the European Rail System?
A. Venice
B. London
C. Paris
D. Rome
An experience which caused me to reevaluate the merits of the dratted cellphone once I returned to the States.
11. Match the music group with the year of Erica's college life that heavily featured said group.
A. Coldplay c. Junior What I listened to while trying to sleep on uncomfortable hostel beds in Italy and Dublin. Was torn between attending the Coldplay concert two blocks from my flat in London or attending the Paul McCartney concert the next day (end-of-semester funds limited me to one concert). I decided to see Paul, because I figured he'd die first.
B. U2 b. Sophomore Attended their St. Louis concert a month or so after 9/11 and burst into tears when they projected the names of everyone killed in the terrorist attacks - my first time to cry in reaction to 9/11
C. Guster d. Senior Introduced to their music by Sarah at her lake house the weekend of the 4th of July. I swear that "Come Downstairs and Say Hello" was written specifically for my senior year thoughts. Attended Guster concert with Sarah at Truman State the weekend of my birthday
D. REM a. Freshman I equate Automatic For the People with studying on my blue blanket on the Quad, feeling everso collegiate for the first time.
12. Where did Erica work her senior year of college? (choose more than one)
A. the Artisan
B. the MU Licensing office
C. the MU News Bureau
D. the MU Marketing office
This is a trick question, as I intended it. But I kinda tricked myself as well. Several people included the News Bureau, which I included as a trick answer because I never worked FOR the News Bureau, just IN their office. But then I realized that the question was WHERE did I work, and it's true that the location of where I reported to work for the Marketing office was in the News Bureau office. So I awarded a half point to those who put C as an answer. I also gave Kate a point for her answer: "A. the Artisan - is where you worked on your homework."
13. What was Erica's regular drink at the Artisan?
A. Latté w/ Bailey's
B. Mocha Chai
C. Mocha
D. Earl Gray Tea
I trained Luke to know what to make when I ordered "my usual, please." Sorry Dan, it wasn't an accented drink.
14. What was Erica's minor?
A. Graphic Design
B. Religious Studies
C. French
D. Just kidding - she didn't have one
15. What song is Erica's number-one guilty pleasure song?
A. "Bye Bye Bye" by *nSync
B. "Oops, I Did it Again" by Mama Britney Spears
C. "Yeah" by Usher
D. "Vogue" by Madonna
Peace Up. This song is GUARANTEED to put me in an awesome mood...as long as I don't think about the story behind the lyrics.
16. What is Erica's favorite color?
A. Yellow
B. Light blue
C. Light green
D. Purple
17. Which of the following has Erica not read since starting her "Currently reading" sidebar nugget-thing?
A. The Grapes of Wrath
B. The DaVinci Code
C. My Misspent Youth
D. The Cider House Rules
18. Which of the following was not a reason Erica gave as a sign that Phoenix life would be good?
A. The 20-minute drive to the airport
B. See's Candy Shops
C. The backyard pool
D. The lack of snow
19. Who is Erica's favorite sports columnist? (Fill in the blank)
Rick Reilly
"Like Fort Riley, near Erica's hometown," Dan says.
20. Which of the following was not a favorite instructor of Erica's? (class descriptions for the benefit of any non-MU quiz-takers)
A. J. Moe||er (Magazine Editing)
B. J. Co|bert (Magazine Design)
C. B. Co||ins (History of the 60s)
D. S. Fr¡esen (Old & New Testament)
Tim remarks that "the name scramble makes me wodner if the answer should be 'all of the above,'" but I just seek to cover my tracks.
and the cookies go to....
Pat! With 30.5 points! Although Dan answered 15 questions correct to Pat's 14 correct questions (for the record, Sarah also had correct answers to 14 questions). Pat's inflated score comes from his ability to name every one of my roommates except for Sarah H. Dan had 28.5 points, Sarah had 22.5, Kate had 13, Tim had 7.5, and Justin's tried and true scantron test practice of marking C for every answer got him 2.5 points.
Dan played the role of class brown-noser by submitting his own extra credit. While it did not earn him extra points, his questions merit inclusion. All answers are correct.
21. Where did Erica work as a counselor after freshman year?
Heartland Presbyterian Center in Parkville, Mo.
22. Dan, Jason and Sara were proud of Erica in Jan. 2002 for:
C. Turning her back during the K-State fight song
I turned my back because if I didn't I knew I would burst into song. Ed's note to Dan: wasn't it Jan. 2001 when you guys came to Manhappenin'? I assume you're referring to the MU/KSU basketball game at K-State.
23. Dan and Erica were total dorks together in what course senior year?
D. All of the above
24. Qu'est-ce que c'est le lieu idéal d'Erica?
Une petite ville française sans les gens qui parlent anglais. Et avec un bon livre et une tasse café, bien sûr.
25. Dan also could have answered Erica-related questions on:
A. Sam, Don Quixote, "Look at me, Dr. Geiss" and other FIG fun
B. Alpha Chi stuff
C. Having met all the immediate Brookses more than once
D. Anything from London not on the blog
E. Wrestling
4.29.2005
obligatory dateline post
LONDON - Cheers, mates. It's weird to think I've been here in London for more than a week already. It's been absolutely wonderful and very natural to step back into this city of my past, not to mention to step back into a room with warm conversation with Megan. More to come later.
postscript
Pat and (the other) Tim have submitted their quiz answers already. Neither have earned a perfect score. Therefore, you still have a chance. And yes, there are a few of you I expect submissions from. (If you're not sure if you're one of the few, better submit some answers just in case.) Yummm.....homemade cookies...
LONDON - Cheers, mates. It's weird to think I've been here in London for more than a week already. It's been absolutely wonderful and very natural to step back into this city of my past, not to mention to step back into a room with warm conversation with Megan. More to come later.
postscript
Pat and (the other) Tim have submitted their quiz answers already. Neither have earned a perfect score. Therefore, you still have a chance. And yes, there are a few of you I expect submissions from. (If you're not sure if you're one of the few, better submit some answers just in case.) Yummm.....homemade cookies...
4.19.2005
i might not post for a while
I might post, but don't get your hopes up.
the quiz
To occupy your ALCOS needs while I am out of the country, I bring the first ever How Well Do You Know Erica? Quiz. First things first. The prize: homemade cookies sent to your mailbox, awarded to the person who submits to most correct answers by midnight (Pacific Time) on May 2 (the day I return from London). Submissions should be by email to: eleighbrooks[at]yahoo[dot]com. Questions take the form of multiple choice and fill in the blank. Incorrect multiple choice answers will not penalize you. Answers to the questions are not limited to this blog. No bonus points will be awarded, but humorous answers/comments may be posted publicly if the proctor (ahem - me) deems them funny enough to share. Have no fear, Retka will not be allowed to cheat while I am staying with her. It's not as intense as Clark's exam, but I had some fun with it. Who knows, maybe there will be more than one winner...
You may pick up your No. 2 pencils and begin.
1. Who is the source of inspiration for the subhead ("off to see the world") on this blog?
A. Frank Sinatra
B. The Beatles
C. Guster
D. Bob Dylan
2. What is the name of Erica's home computer?
3. What car is Erica saving up for?
A. another Honda Accord
B. Toyota RAV-4
C. Honda Civic Hybrid
D. Ford Focus
4. What was the name of the cat that terrorized Erica both awake and in her dreams?
A. Gus
B. Cassie
C. Sophie
D. Ally
5. Erica had 15 different roommates in college (including the summer she lived in CoMo). Name at least seven of them. (A point will be awarded for each correct roommate.)
6. Where did Erica receive the worst sunburn of her life?
A. The back porch of Alpha Chi
B. Barcelona, Spain
C. Winter Park, Colo.
D. Nice, France
7. Who turned Erica on to Harry Potter?
A. her mother
B. her sister
C. K. Jeffries
D. E. Tuttle
8. Which one of the following is Erica's favorite consumer mag?
A. Esquire
B. Real Simple
C. Entertainment Weekly
D. Budget Travel
9. Which of the following is Erica's favorite city/regional mag?
A. Texas Monthly
B. Chicago Magazine
C. Los Angeles Magazine
D. Boston Magazine
10. Where was Erica headed when she got separated from her friends on the European Rail System?
A. Venice
B. London
C. Paris
D. Rome
11. Match the music group with the year of Erica's college life that heavily featured said group.
A. Coldplay
B. U2
C. Guster
D. REM
a. Freshman
b. Sophomore
c. Junior
d. Senior
12. Where did Erica work her senior year of college? (choose more than one)
A. the Artisan
B. the MU Licensing office
C. the MU News Bureau
D. the MU Marketing office
13. What was Erica's regular drink at the Artisan?
A. Latté w/ Bailey's
B. Mocha Chai
C. Mocha
D. Earl Gray Tea
14. What was Erica's minor?
A. Graphic Design
B. Religious Studies
C. French
D. Just kidding - she didn't have one
15. What song is Erica's number-one guilty pleasure song?
A. "Bye Bye Bye" by *nSync
B. "Oops, I Did it Again" by Mama Britney Spears
C. "Yeah" by Usher
D. "Vogue" by Madonna
16. What is Erica's favorite color?
A. Yellow
B. Light blue
C. Light green
D. Purple
17. Which of the following has Erica not read since starting her "Currently reading" sidebar nugget-thing?
A. The Grapes of Wrath
B. The DaVinci Code
C. My Misspent Youth
D. The Cider House Rules
18. Which of the following was not a reason Erica gave as a sign that Phoenix life would be good?
A. The 20-minute drive to the airport
B. See's Candy Shops
C. The backyard pool
D. The lack of snow
19. Who is Erica's favorite sports columnist? (Fill in the blank)
20. Which of the following was not a favorite instructor of Erica's? (class descriptions for the benefit of any non-MU quiz-takers)
A. J. Moe||er (Magazine Editing)
B. J. Co|bert (Magazine Design)
C. B. Co||ins (History of the 60s)
D. S. Fr¡esen (Old & New Testament)
I might post, but don't get your hopes up.
the quiz
To occupy your ALCOS needs while I am out of the country, I bring the first ever How Well Do You Know Erica? Quiz. First things first. The prize: homemade cookies sent to your mailbox, awarded to the person who submits to most correct answers by midnight (Pacific Time) on May 2 (the day I return from London). Submissions should be by email to: eleighbrooks[at]yahoo[dot]com. Questions take the form of multiple choice and fill in the blank. Incorrect multiple choice answers will not penalize you. Answers to the questions are not limited to this blog. No bonus points will be awarded, but humorous answers/comments may be posted publicly if the proctor (ahem - me) deems them funny enough to share. Have no fear, Retka will not be allowed to cheat while I am staying with her. It's not as intense as Clark's exam, but I had some fun with it. Who knows, maybe there will be more than one winner...
You may pick up your No. 2 pencils and begin.
1. Who is the source of inspiration for the subhead ("off to see the world") on this blog?
A. Frank Sinatra
B. The Beatles
C. Guster
D. Bob Dylan
2. What is the name of Erica's home computer?
3. What car is Erica saving up for?
A. another Honda Accord
B. Toyota RAV-4
C. Honda Civic Hybrid
D. Ford Focus
4. What was the name of the cat that terrorized Erica both awake and in her dreams?
A. Gus
B. Cassie
C. Sophie
D. Ally
5. Erica had 15 different roommates in college (including the summer she lived in CoMo). Name at least seven of them. (A point will be awarded for each correct roommate.)
6. Where did Erica receive the worst sunburn of her life?
A. The back porch of Alpha Chi
B. Barcelona, Spain
C. Winter Park, Colo.
D. Nice, France
7. Who turned Erica on to Harry Potter?
A. her mother
B. her sister
C. K. Jeffries
D. E. Tuttle
8. Which one of the following is Erica's favorite consumer mag?
A. Esquire
B. Real Simple
C. Entertainment Weekly
D. Budget Travel
9. Which of the following is Erica's favorite city/regional mag?
A. Texas Monthly
B. Chicago Magazine
C. Los Angeles Magazine
D. Boston Magazine
10. Where was Erica headed when she got separated from her friends on the European Rail System?
A. Venice
B. London
C. Paris
D. Rome
11. Match the music group with the year of Erica's college life that heavily featured said group.
A. Coldplay
B. U2
C. Guster
D. REM
a. Freshman
b. Sophomore
c. Junior
d. Senior
12. Where did Erica work her senior year of college? (choose more than one)
A. the Artisan
B. the MU Licensing office
C. the MU News Bureau
D. the MU Marketing office
13. What was Erica's regular drink at the Artisan?
A. Latté w/ Bailey's
B. Mocha Chai
C. Mocha
D. Earl Gray Tea
14. What was Erica's minor?
A. Graphic Design
B. Religious Studies
C. French
D. Just kidding - she didn't have one
15. What song is Erica's number-one guilty pleasure song?
A. "Bye Bye Bye" by *nSync
B. "Oops, I Did it Again" by Mama Britney Spears
C. "Yeah" by Usher
D. "Vogue" by Madonna
16. What is Erica's favorite color?
A. Yellow
B. Light blue
C. Light green
D. Purple
17. Which of the following has Erica not read since starting her "Currently reading" sidebar nugget-thing?
A. The Grapes of Wrath
B. The DaVinci Code
C. My Misspent Youth
D. The Cider House Rules
18. Which of the following was not a reason Erica gave as a sign that Phoenix life would be good?
A. The 20-minute drive to the airport
B. See's Candy Shops
C. The backyard pool
D. The lack of snow
19. Who is Erica's favorite sports columnist? (Fill in the blank)
20. Which of the following was not a favorite instructor of Erica's? (class descriptions for the benefit of any non-MU quiz-takers)
A. J. Moe||er (Magazine Editing)
B. J. Co|bert (Magazine Design)
C. B. Co||ins (History of the 60s)
D. S. Fr¡esen (Old & New Testament)
4.17.2005
bags packed
The aniticipation of travel is a lot like the early stages of falling in love: You choose a destination, an adventure, a culture that makes your pulse race, your heart leap. When you arrive, you don't know if it will turn out to be a casual flirtation, a torrid affair, a long-term relationship -- or if, in the end, after all the planning and expectation, you'll find out there's just no chemistry.
-"When We Take Travel to Heart" Daisann McLane, National Geographic Traveler May/June 2005
Following the metaphor above, I'm returning to an old flame in two days, and I'm two parts jumping out of my skin with excitement and one part nervous that London has moved on to other loves, that the old chemistry just won't be there.
Nah...who am I kidding? I'm all parts jumping out of my skin with excitement.
up next:
A Clark-like quiz.
PS
I totally just accidently closed the window with my completed-but-not-yet-published post. My heart was calmed and my curses quieted when I tested the "Recover post" option that Blogger recently added and found my intact post. Thank you, Blogger!!!!
The aniticipation of travel is a lot like the early stages of falling in love: You choose a destination, an adventure, a culture that makes your pulse race, your heart leap. When you arrive, you don't know if it will turn out to be a casual flirtation, a torrid affair, a long-term relationship -- or if, in the end, after all the planning and expectation, you'll find out there's just no chemistry.
-"When We Take Travel to Heart" Daisann McLane, National Geographic Traveler May/June 2005
Following the metaphor above, I'm returning to an old flame in two days, and I'm two parts jumping out of my skin with excitement and one part nervous that London has moved on to other loves, that the old chemistry just won't be there.
Nah...who am I kidding? I'm all parts jumping out of my skin with excitement.
up next:
A Clark-like quiz.
PS
I totally just accidently closed the window with my completed-but-not-yet-published post. My heart was calmed and my curses quieted when I tested the "Recover post" option that Blogger recently added and found my intact post. Thank you, Blogger!!!!
4.15.2005
4.12.2005
festival reflection
It was fun.
you want more?
It was so amazing to be a part of the independent film scene for a weekend, to experience the results of the passionate labors of (mostly) young filmmakers. To see that after I previewed nearly 28 hours of (mostly) crap entries last fall, there were some real gems that made it to the big screen at the Harkins Scottsdale 101 cinema. The beauty of the film festival was the opportunity to interact with the filmmakers, producers and actors themselves. I came away from the weekend with movies with whom I feel personally involved. Thus, I am compeled to insist that you see them when they (hopefully) make it to a theater near you.
Checking Out
With Peter Falk as the "force of nature" that is Morris Applebaum at the head of this cast, Checking Out is a hilarious jaunt through one Jewish family's reconciliation caused by Morris's announcement to his grown children that in one week he will be throwing a huge party, and then he will kill himself. I can't believe that no studio wanted to take this film on. Fortunately, the producer and director have a meeting with the woman who helped propel My Big Fat Greek Wedding into theaters across the country. This movie has the potential to be My Big Fat Jewish Suicide. I had the chance to talk with both the director (Jeff Hare) and the producer (Mark Lane) after the movie. This was Hare's first big film; he had done comercials before, and before that, he was a reporter for a news station in Kearney, Neb. When he said he went to journalism school rather than film school, I knew I had to introduce myself. Alas, he attended Penn State; props to him, though, for his impressed reaction when I said I attended Missouri.
Après Vous
This jokes in this French film transcend cultures and language. Even though it lacks Audrey Tautou, I think this movie could actually make it in the U.S. I knew from the opening credits and song that it was going to be a good movie and it was. Antoine stumbles across Louis in a Paris park and saves him from killing himself, ultimately invloving himself in a complicated love affair. Funny funny funny. Sidenote: The actor who plays Antoine looks so much like Paul McCatney I kept expecting him to doff his French for a British accent and burst into "Hey Jude."
Happy Endings
Lisa Kudrow. Maggie Gyllenhaal. Tom Arnold. I don't know how to describe this movie. I guess it's a humorous look at hard topics such as abortion and homosexuality. But it's better than that description. This was the opening night film at the festival and it was a very surreal experience to watch the movie, knowing that the director (Don Roos), the producer (and president of Lions Gate Films, Tom Ortenberg) and an actor (Tom Arnold) were in the theater. It was kind of like watching a sex scene with your mom. Rather than "Oh look. The actors are getting naked. Oh look. My mother is sitting next to me." it was "Oh look. Tom Arnold's getting naked. Oh look. He's sitting five rows in front of me in a pink shirt with a pink scarf/tie-thing." I was conscious of my every reaction. Was I not laughing enough? Did my laughter sound forced or fake? Should I laugh louder? Sidenote: Maggie Gyllenhaal's haircut is super, super-sexy.
Never Been Thawed
I didn't find this movie as compelling as the ones above, but it's worth mentioning. It was a locally produced film by a director and actors who had never done movies before. I think the director said the whole thing was shot with one $400 camera from Best Buy. NBT is a mockumentary about a guy who is the founder of the Frozen Food Entre Club of Mesa, Ariz. (that's right, they collect t.v. dinners) and also the lead singer in a Christian rock band. The Christers isn't your typical Christian rock band; they "converted" from hard rock, but they haven't left the hard rock lifestyle behind. Upon deciding that it'd be esier to make it in the Christian rock business, they changed all the lyrics of their songs. "I Love to F***" became "I Love to Pray." Totally blasphemous, the movie is like a coarser Saved! in both plot and production. It was ok.
in other movie news
My mother just told me that she went to see Sin City today because she heard it was based on a comic strip. Her reaction: "Those people are sick." I just shook my head. Comic book ? comic strip.
It was fun.
you want more?
It was so amazing to be a part of the independent film scene for a weekend, to experience the results of the passionate labors of (mostly) young filmmakers. To see that after I previewed nearly 28 hours of (mostly) crap entries last fall, there were some real gems that made it to the big screen at the Harkins Scottsdale 101 cinema. The beauty of the film festival was the opportunity to interact with the filmmakers, producers and actors themselves. I came away from the weekend with movies with whom I feel personally involved. Thus, I am compeled to insist that you see them when they (hopefully) make it to a theater near you.
Checking Out
With Peter Falk as the "force of nature" that is Morris Applebaum at the head of this cast, Checking Out is a hilarious jaunt through one Jewish family's reconciliation caused by Morris's announcement to his grown children that in one week he will be throwing a huge party, and then he will kill himself. I can't believe that no studio wanted to take this film on. Fortunately, the producer and director have a meeting with the woman who helped propel My Big Fat Greek Wedding into theaters across the country. This movie has the potential to be My Big Fat Jewish Suicide. I had the chance to talk with both the director (Jeff Hare) and the producer (Mark Lane) after the movie. This was Hare's first big film; he had done comercials before, and before that, he was a reporter for a news station in Kearney, Neb. When he said he went to journalism school rather than film school, I knew I had to introduce myself. Alas, he attended Penn State; props to him, though, for his impressed reaction when I said I attended Missouri.
Après Vous
This jokes in this French film transcend cultures and language. Even though it lacks Audrey Tautou, I think this movie could actually make it in the U.S. I knew from the opening credits and song that it was going to be a good movie and it was. Antoine stumbles across Louis in a Paris park and saves him from killing himself, ultimately invloving himself in a complicated love affair. Funny funny funny. Sidenote: The actor who plays Antoine looks so much like Paul McCatney I kept expecting him to doff his French for a British accent and burst into "Hey Jude."
Happy Endings
Lisa Kudrow. Maggie Gyllenhaal. Tom Arnold. I don't know how to describe this movie. I guess it's a humorous look at hard topics such as abortion and homosexuality. But it's better than that description. This was the opening night film at the festival and it was a very surreal experience to watch the movie, knowing that the director (Don Roos), the producer (and president of Lions Gate Films, Tom Ortenberg) and an actor (Tom Arnold) were in the theater. It was kind of like watching a sex scene with your mom. Rather than "Oh look. The actors are getting naked. Oh look. My mother is sitting next to me." it was "Oh look. Tom Arnold's getting naked. Oh look. He's sitting five rows in front of me in a pink shirt with a pink scarf/tie-thing." I was conscious of my every reaction. Was I not laughing enough? Did my laughter sound forced or fake? Should I laugh louder? Sidenote: Maggie Gyllenhaal's haircut is super, super-sexy.
Never Been Thawed
I didn't find this movie as compelling as the ones above, but it's worth mentioning. It was a locally produced film by a director and actors who had never done movies before. I think the director said the whole thing was shot with one $400 camera from Best Buy. NBT is a mockumentary about a guy who is the founder of the Frozen Food Entre Club of Mesa, Ariz. (that's right, they collect t.v. dinners) and also the lead singer in a Christian rock band. The Christers isn't your typical Christian rock band; they "converted" from hard rock, but they haven't left the hard rock lifestyle behind. Upon deciding that it'd be esier to make it in the Christian rock business, they changed all the lyrics of their songs. "I Love to F***" became "I Love to Pray." Totally blasphemous, the movie is like a coarser Saved! in both plot and production. It was ok.
in other movie news
My mother just told me that she went to see Sin City today because she heard it was based on a comic strip. Her reaction: "Those people are sick." I just shook my head. Comic book ? comic strip.
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