Indecision, Oh Indecision
I need to start making plans for my trip. If I wait too much longer, the pound will be three times the dollar and everything I've saved up for this trip will go into my one-way ticket to London. Plotting out where I'm going to travel means having to decide which destinations I'm not going to be able to get to. I'm still not ready to admit the fact that I can't fit the world into 3 months. But I'm going to put off making decisions for a little while longer by asking you for your advice. So, my friends, you well-traveled lot, where in Central/Eastern Europe have you been and really enjoyed? Where would you love to go? The following are high on my list:
+ London (duh)
+ Edinburgh
+ Dublin (maybe)
+ Paris (but only if I make it for the end of the Tour de France)
+ Munich
+ Prague
+ Vienna
+ Salzburg
+ Amsterdam
+ Brussels
+ Split
+ Bled
+ Budapest
I'd love your thoughts and suggestions. Pipe up, yo.
5.01.2007
4.28.2007
Tiger Talk Radio
I got in my car after this morning's Big XII alumni softball tournament (Mizzou went out in 2 games), turned on the radio, and tuned it to the local NPR station just in time to hear: "M-I-Z!" "Z-O-U!" After checking my surroundings to make sure that the local cacti hadn't been replaced by a row of six ionic columns, I heard an announcer's voice say, "Live from Jesse Auditorium, it's Michael Feldman's Whad'ya Know?!!!!" I'm not usually a big fan of Whad'ya Know; I'm more of a Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me kinda girl. But I stuck around for a bit to hear some of Feldman's intro monologue, which included the necessary jabs at the illustrious Laurie family ("We're coming to you live from Page Auditorium! I mean, Jesse Auditorium."), Columbia's geography ("Strategically located to keep Kansas City and St. Louis at arm's length."), Mayor Darwin Hindman's love of his bike ("In Columbia, the mayor is a known pedalphile.") and — of course — Kansas ("It was in Missouri when Dorothy said, 'Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore,' and Toto replied, 'Thank God!'"). It seems the punch lines never change.
I got in my car after this morning's Big XII alumni softball tournament (Mizzou went out in 2 games), turned on the radio, and tuned it to the local NPR station just in time to hear: "M-I-Z!" "Z-O-U!" After checking my surroundings to make sure that the local cacti hadn't been replaced by a row of six ionic columns, I heard an announcer's voice say, "Live from Jesse Auditorium, it's Michael Feldman's Whad'ya Know?!!!!" I'm not usually a big fan of Whad'ya Know; I'm more of a Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me kinda girl. But I stuck around for a bit to hear some of Feldman's intro monologue, which included the necessary jabs at the illustrious Laurie family ("We're coming to you live from Page Auditorium! I mean, Jesse Auditorium."), Columbia's geography ("Strategically located to keep Kansas City and St. Louis at arm's length."), Mayor Darwin Hindman's love of his bike ("In Columbia, the mayor is a known pedalphile.") and — of course — Kansas ("It was in Missouri when Dorothy said, 'Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore,' and Toto replied, 'Thank God!'"). It seems the punch lines never change.
4.19.2007
Here, There and Everywhere
I don't know when I'm going to be able to hear a report about the Virginia Tech massacre without crying. When I first heard the news Monday morning I never expected I would feel such a connection to this event. Analyses of the tragedy often include that banal phrase, "It could happen anywhere." But when I hear the reports, it's not anywhere. It's Mizzou. When they talk of the dorm where the first shootings occured, I picture the third floor of McDavid. When they mention the engineering classrooms, it's Engineering Building West, a building that hosted several of my courses, that I see. And the spontaneous candlelight vigils? I envision them at Speaker's Circle and the Quad. It doesn't matter how many times I see pictures of VT students or graphics showing the school's campus layout; it hits closer than that. My mind fills the gaps between reporters' words with my school, my RAs, my friends. This feels personal.
I don't know when I'm going to be able to hear a report about the Virginia Tech massacre without crying. When I first heard the news Monday morning I never expected I would feel such a connection to this event. Analyses of the tragedy often include that banal phrase, "It could happen anywhere." But when I hear the reports, it's not anywhere. It's Mizzou. When they talk of the dorm where the first shootings occured, I picture the third floor of McDavid. When they mention the engineering classrooms, it's Engineering Building West, a building that hosted several of my courses, that I see. And the spontaneous candlelight vigils? I envision them at Speaker's Circle and the Quad. It doesn't matter how many times I see pictures of VT students or graphics showing the school's campus layout; it hits closer than that. My mind fills the gaps between reporters' words with my school, my RAs, my friends. This feels personal.
4.16.2007
Fear itself
I've been meaning to post for months about my reaction to the movie Jesus Camp. I have many thoughts that have become a bit muddled as the weeks since viewing it have passsed. But there's one image that sticks out in my mind. It is of one of the kids attending the camp dressed in a t-shirt displaying a rip-off of the the Fear Factor logo. The manipulated logo reads "Faith Factor." To me, this symbolizes the crux of the film: To these children faith and fear are interchangeable. Their faith in God is one that is born out of fear. And that saddens me, because the God I know and the God I trust does not rely on fear. While fear is great motivation, it tends to breed further fear. Watch both these clips:
JFK's famous line, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" is true, and even more so when considering the results of actions of fear-based faith.
4.09.2007
About a week ago I had a dream that really gave me insight to the way I'm afraid I've been acting lately. I dreamt that I arrived in London, and it was wonderful all over again, and I met some real fun people, and we sat outside at a lovely cafe discussing profound things. And then after being there for two whole days, I decided to give Megan a call to let her know I was in town. Her response was something along the lines of, "Oh, I was wondering when you'd let me know you were coming." I don't think I've ever woken up from a dream feeling so guilty. Two whole days of being in her city and I didn't even have the decency to let one of my best friends know I was on my way to visit her. What's worse is that I'm afriad that's indicative of how I've been in relation to my friends lately. Appologies to dreamland Megan, to all of the friends whose emails I've left unanswered and to the inhabitants of blogland who have seen a drop-off in my posting.
What I've Been Doing
Putting in 25+ hours of overtime during deadline.
What I've Been Listening To
Wincing the Night Away by the Shins, Inside In / Inside Out by The Kooks, and whatever Lilly Allen comes on Virgin Radio, NPR or her website.
What I've Been Eating
Gelato. Lot's of gelato. And brie on crackers. Plenty of brie.
What I've Been Thinking
How am I going to fit the world into three months?!?!?
What I've Been Reading
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards, An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963 by Robert Dallek, the stack of magazines i just can't seem to keep up with.
What [Else] I've Been Dreaming
Something about Lance Armstrong's connection to steroids.
What I've Been Watching
Suns games, both live and on tv.
What I've Been Predicting
If Barack gets the Democratic nomination in '08, there will be talk of Arizona governor Janet Napolitano as his running mate. Think about it: a female Democrat who handily won reelection in a mostly red state because the Republicans basically declined to give her much competition. Add to the mix the fact that she governs a border state, has recently visited Iraq and Afghanistan and is currently chairing the National Governors Association. Total Veep material, yeah?
What I've Been Plugging
Personalized Google homepage. If I thought Gmail and Google's calendar service was fantastic, I'm blown away by the simplicity and style of the personal Google page. Yay for fun technolgy!
What I've Been Doing
Putting in 25+ hours of overtime during deadline.
What I've Been Listening To
Wincing the Night Away by the Shins, Inside In / Inside Out by The Kooks, and whatever Lilly Allen comes on Virgin Radio, NPR or her website.
What I've Been Eating
Gelato. Lot's of gelato. And brie on crackers. Plenty of brie.
What I've Been Thinking
How am I going to fit the world into three months?!?!?
What I've Been Reading
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards, An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963 by Robert Dallek, the stack of magazines i just can't seem to keep up with.
What [Else] I've Been Dreaming
Something about Lance Armstrong's connection to steroids.
What I've Been Watching
Suns games, both live and on tv.
What I've Been Predicting
If Barack gets the Democratic nomination in '08, there will be talk of Arizona governor Janet Napolitano as his running mate. Think about it: a female Democrat who handily won reelection in a mostly red state because the Republicans basically declined to give her much competition. Add to the mix the fact that she governs a border state, has recently visited Iraq and Afghanistan and is currently chairing the National Governors Association. Total Veep material, yeah?
What I've Been Plugging
Personalized Google homepage. If I thought Gmail and Google's calendar service was fantastic, I'm blown away by the simplicity and style of the personal Google page. Yay for fun technolgy!
3.07.2007
2.19.2007
Tap-tap-tap. Is this thing still on?
Hi. My name is Erica, and this is my blog. I feel like we need to get re-aquainted. Sorry for the absence.
A Noble Quest
My friend Lisa and I try every year to see all the Acadamy Awards Best Picture Nominees (and as much within the other major categories) before the Oscars are announced. In light of that great quest, one night a week ago we headed over to her brother's house to watch...wait for it...Jackass II. I'm not doing so well in making the deadline this year, and this following last year's acheivement of seeing all I really needed/wanted to see before awards night. It's sad. However, I do want to give a few thoughts on the films I have seen so far. And the nominees are...
Babel // Actress in a Supporting Role (Adriana Barraza), Actress in a Supporting Role (Rinko Kikuchi), Directing, Editing, Original Score, Best Picture, Original Screenplay
This was a unique, thought-provoking and captivating story wonderfully acted, and yet it just didn't do it for me. I didn't really connect with or feel for any of the characters except Barraza's, so while I enjoyed the concept of the story and found the execution entertaining, I didn't walk away thinking that it was the best movie of the year.
Borat // Adapted Screenplay
Sacha Baron Cohen really should have been nominated for this role. Seriously. No one could have pulled that off the way Baron Cohen did; I don't think any actor could make something so comedically tragic. Comedy is hard, but the Academy doesn't like to reward it.
Cars // Animated Feature Film, Original Song
Cute. And they made Nascar-type racing interesting. That deserves an award of some kind, right?
Children of Men // Cinematography, Film Editing, Adapted Screenplay
That scene where Clive Owen is running through the street during the fighting and the tank driving and the shooting and the war stuff? All in one take? Woah. I don't know if that's because of the cinematographers' work or the editors', but that was impressive, and someone should be rewarded for it.
The Devil Wears Prada // Actress in a Leading Role (Meryl Streep), Achievement in Costume Design
I love Meryl Streep. I love her deep, silky voice. But somehow I just don't buy this as the best performance by an actress this year. Maybe it's just because I didn't buy Anne Hathaway as a journalist. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the peek into the workings of a high-powered NYC fashion mag. And let me tell you, from my experience working at a (not really) high-powered London (bridal) fashion mag, that's totally what it's like.
An Inconvenient Truth // Documentary, Original Song
If awards are based on the most influential film of the year, I'd have to say this one takes it, hands down. And it deserves it, too. I'll admit that I started falling alseep toward the end, though; I can only handle watching Al Gore for so long. I'm just glad it wasn't Bush giving a slideshow documentary. I wouldn't have lasted 20 minutes.
Jesus Camp // Documentary
I watched this film just days after An Inconvenient Truth, and there couldn't have been a more stark contrast. In one scene, the mother of one of the kids is teaching a science lesson during a home schooling session. She asks a question about what's wrong with global warming and the kid responds, "It's only gone up 0.6˚" Mom: "Yeah, it's not really a big problem, is it?"
Some day I'll get around to a more thorough commentary about this movie. In the meantime, you should watch it. The filmmakers really do a good job of impartiality. I think people from either side (religious right and progressive liberals) would watch the movie and feel like their side was supported.
Little Miss Sunshine // Actor in a Supporting Role (Alan Arkin), Actress in a Supporting Role (Abigail Breslin), Best Picture, Original Screenplay
This one gets my vote for Best Picture, and I think that for once, a comedy actually has a chance in a community that usually only rewards high-brow dramas. Maybe I'm partial because some of the scenes were filmed around Phoenix.
Marie Antoinette // Costume Design
Um. Blah. Except for the fun costumes, I was not a fan. It was too long and the music selection pissed me off.
Notes on a Scandal // Actress in a Leading Role (Judi Dench), Actress in a Supporting Role (Cate Blanchet), Original Score, Adapted Screenplay
Lisa and I just saw this one last night. I loved it. Loved it. Judi Dench is marvelous; Cate Blanchet is scrumptious (which I was much relieved to see after her insulting role as an unsympathetic American tourist in Morrocco in Babel); and the story is fascinating. I've got to read the book now.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest // Art Direction, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Visual Effects
I'm a huge fan of the first Pirates, and this one didn't do much for me. It took the magic out of Johnny Depp's portrayal.
The Pursuit of Happyness // Actor in a Leading Role (Will Smith)
This was a nice, uplifting movie and Will Smith did a great job. Did you know he learned how to solve the rubik's cube for this role? I know, not as impressive of all the Forrest Whitaker went through to play Idi Amin, but I was somewhat impressed. The movie got a bit long for me, but overall I enjoyed it.
The Queen // Actress in a Leading Role (Helen Miren), Costume Design, Directing, Original Score, Best Picture, Original Screenplay
I love a movie that teaches you something about recent history that you never knew. I remember Diana dying. I remember the processional toward Westminster Abbey. I remember The Queen — I mean Elton — singing his new version of "Candle in the Wind". But I never knew much about the backstory and how bad the blood was between the Royals and the ex-Royal. So I found it fascinating. I thought Helen Miren did a wonderful and convincing job of playing Elizabeth II. Unfortunately, the actors who played Tony Blair and Prince Charles were total caricatures, and I felt that detracted from spot-on performance.
Volver // Actress in a Leading Role (Penélope Cruz)
I found this movie hilarious. It's hard to read subtitles when you're giggling. Penélope Cruz was lucious in this movie, though I'm not sure if it was enough to get her a Best Actress Oscar. Her tushy though, I think it was vying for Best Supporting Actress all on its own.
Hi. My name is Erica, and this is my blog. I feel like we need to get re-aquainted. Sorry for the absence.
A Noble Quest
My friend Lisa and I try every year to see all the Acadamy Awards Best Picture Nominees (and as much within the other major categories) before the Oscars are announced. In light of that great quest, one night a week ago we headed over to her brother's house to watch...wait for it...Jackass II. I'm not doing so well in making the deadline this year, and this following last year's acheivement of seeing all I really needed/wanted to see before awards night. It's sad. However, I do want to give a few thoughts on the films I have seen so far. And the nominees are...
Babel // Actress in a Supporting Role (Adriana Barraza), Actress in a Supporting Role (Rinko Kikuchi), Directing, Editing, Original Score, Best Picture, Original Screenplay
This was a unique, thought-provoking and captivating story wonderfully acted, and yet it just didn't do it for me. I didn't really connect with or feel for any of the characters except Barraza's, so while I enjoyed the concept of the story and found the execution entertaining, I didn't walk away thinking that it was the best movie of the year.
Borat // Adapted Screenplay
Sacha Baron Cohen really should have been nominated for this role. Seriously. No one could have pulled that off the way Baron Cohen did; I don't think any actor could make something so comedically tragic. Comedy is hard, but the Academy doesn't like to reward it.
Cars // Animated Feature Film, Original Song
Cute. And they made Nascar-type racing interesting. That deserves an award of some kind, right?
Children of Men // Cinematography, Film Editing, Adapted Screenplay
That scene where Clive Owen is running through the street during the fighting and the tank driving and the shooting and the war stuff? All in one take? Woah. I don't know if that's because of the cinematographers' work or the editors', but that was impressive, and someone should be rewarded for it.
The Devil Wears Prada // Actress in a Leading Role (Meryl Streep), Achievement in Costume Design
I love Meryl Streep. I love her deep, silky voice. But somehow I just don't buy this as the best performance by an actress this year. Maybe it's just because I didn't buy Anne Hathaway as a journalist. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the peek into the workings of a high-powered NYC fashion mag. And let me tell you, from my experience working at a (not really) high-powered London (bridal) fashion mag, that's totally what it's like.
An Inconvenient Truth // Documentary, Original Song
If awards are based on the most influential film of the year, I'd have to say this one takes it, hands down. And it deserves it, too. I'll admit that I started falling alseep toward the end, though; I can only handle watching Al Gore for so long. I'm just glad it wasn't Bush giving a slideshow documentary. I wouldn't have lasted 20 minutes.
Jesus Camp // Documentary
I watched this film just days after An Inconvenient Truth, and there couldn't have been a more stark contrast. In one scene, the mother of one of the kids is teaching a science lesson during a home schooling session. She asks a question about what's wrong with global warming and the kid responds, "It's only gone up 0.6˚" Mom: "Yeah, it's not really a big problem, is it?"
Some day I'll get around to a more thorough commentary about this movie. In the meantime, you should watch it. The filmmakers really do a good job of impartiality. I think people from either side (religious right and progressive liberals) would watch the movie and feel like their side was supported.
Little Miss Sunshine // Actor in a Supporting Role (Alan Arkin), Actress in a Supporting Role (Abigail Breslin), Best Picture, Original Screenplay
This one gets my vote for Best Picture, and I think that for once, a comedy actually has a chance in a community that usually only rewards high-brow dramas. Maybe I'm partial because some of the scenes were filmed around Phoenix.
Marie Antoinette // Costume Design
Um. Blah. Except for the fun costumes, I was not a fan. It was too long and the music selection pissed me off.
Notes on a Scandal // Actress in a Leading Role (Judi Dench), Actress in a Supporting Role (Cate Blanchet), Original Score, Adapted Screenplay
Lisa and I just saw this one last night. I loved it. Loved it. Judi Dench is marvelous; Cate Blanchet is scrumptious (which I was much relieved to see after her insulting role as an unsympathetic American tourist in Morrocco in Babel); and the story is fascinating. I've got to read the book now.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest // Art Direction, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Visual Effects
I'm a huge fan of the first Pirates, and this one didn't do much for me. It took the magic out of Johnny Depp's portrayal.
The Pursuit of Happyness // Actor in a Leading Role (Will Smith)
This was a nice, uplifting movie and Will Smith did a great job. Did you know he learned how to solve the rubik's cube for this role? I know, not as impressive of all the Forrest Whitaker went through to play Idi Amin, but I was somewhat impressed. The movie got a bit long for me, but overall I enjoyed it.
The Queen // Actress in a Leading Role (Helen Miren), Costume Design, Directing, Original Score, Best Picture, Original Screenplay
I love a movie that teaches you something about recent history that you never knew. I remember Diana dying. I remember the processional toward Westminster Abbey. I remember The Queen — I mean Elton — singing his new version of "Candle in the Wind". But I never knew much about the backstory and how bad the blood was between the Royals and the ex-Royal. So I found it fascinating. I thought Helen Miren did a wonderful and convincing job of playing Elizabeth II. Unfortunately, the actors who played Tony Blair and Prince Charles were total caricatures, and I felt that detracted from spot-on performance.
Volver // Actress in a Leading Role (Penélope Cruz)
I found this movie hilarious. It's hard to read subtitles when you're giggling. Penélope Cruz was lucious in this movie, though I'm not sure if it was enough to get her a Best Actress Oscar. Her tushy though, I think it was vying for Best Supporting Actress all on its own.
1.29.2007
Just in Case You Didn't Know
God Hates Fags: the music video
And as a public service, this guy Donnie, who claims to be a "reformed homosexual," lists on his website a bunch of the bands you should avoid because of their gay associations. The predictable ones are on there: Rufus Wainwright, Marilyn Manson (a "dark gay"!), Melissa Ethridge, Clay Aiken, the Village People, Elton John and the Indigo Girls (the last two are listed twice!). But he also includes Jay-Z and Frank Sinatra. I guess there's something we don't know about how friendly the Rat Pack actually was.
I don't know if I should laugh or cry.
1.09.2007
Go IntroDooce Yourself*
The Chinese may have proclaimed 2006 as the Year of the Dog, but I will remember it as the Year of the Dooce. For those of you unfamiliar with Heather B. Armstrong, well, where do you get your daily dose of dry, hyperbolic humor? She cracks me up with her wit and outlook on life as a wife, mother, dog owner and recovering Mormon. And she designs pretty mastheads and takes amazing pictures. I believe we could be great friends. She's the type of person you talk about boobs and farts with while drinking alcoholic coffees before moving on to the lighter topics of global warming and the effect depression has on families. If you need an overview, let me help:
+ Evolution of the Mormon Cusser
+ Drunken Underpants Remodeling Again
+ Side Effects May Include Miscommunication
+ Having Dated Walking Red Flags
+ Even More Important Than a Pop Tart
Please tell me you laughed at least once while reading those.
*Megan was the one who introdooced me.
The Chinese may have proclaimed 2006 as the Year of the Dog, but I will remember it as the Year of the Dooce. For those of you unfamiliar with Heather B. Armstrong, well, where do you get your daily dose of dry, hyperbolic humor? She cracks me up with her wit and outlook on life as a wife, mother, dog owner and recovering Mormon. And she designs pretty mastheads and takes amazing pictures. I believe we could be great friends. She's the type of person you talk about boobs and farts with while drinking alcoholic coffees before moving on to the lighter topics of global warming and the effect depression has on families. If you need an overview, let me help:
+ Evolution of the Mormon Cusser
+ Drunken Underpants Remodeling Again
+ Side Effects May Include Miscommunication
+ Having Dated Walking Red Flags
+ Even More Important Than a Pop Tart
Please tell me you laughed at least once while reading those.
*Megan was the one who introdooced me.
1.02.2007
It May Look Simple Here, But This Sucker Requires a College Degree to Strap Yourself in
I bought a backpack this weekend. But not just any backpack. This is my new Journey to the Center of My Soul backpack by REI. I want to take it into work just so I can zip and unzip all the zipping parts, clasp and unclasp all the clasping parts and tell everyone, "Look! This is where I can portion off my dirty clothes or hiking shoes! And here? Here is where you zip away the straps so they don't get caught in the conveyor belt if I decide to check my luggage (even though it's small enough to take as my carry-on). And you won't believe this! The sternum strap has a built-in whistle. It's like a rape whistle! That'll keep those Italians from clucking at me!"
Man I miss Show and Tell.
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