Sunday, May 10, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
It Was The Perfect Day… Until It Wasn’t
Some of the participants will remain nameless, to protect the identity of the “thrower”
So today was shaping up to be a great day. We were up on time, everyone had a healthy breakfast and there was little dissent when it was time to get dressed, brush teeth, and go to school. This afternoon, we had plans to swim in the 76 degree water in our 92 degree back yard. No homework this week, because of SAT testing. By 3:10, I had the net off the pool, iTunes loaded, drinks in the back fridge, sunscreen on Your Majesty, and clean towels ready for the kids. Melanie was coming over with Hannah after the 2nd grade Brownie/Earth Day Meeting. Ross and Chris were already home, in the big pool, and Chloe and Emmy were “swimming” in the hot tub. Melanie & Hannah arrived, and everyone was having a great time… lots of laughing, splashing, snacking, singing… you get the idea. That’s when it happened.
All I saw was a snorkel mask fly through the air and land squarely in the middle of Emmy’s forehead. As you know, there isn’t much skin on the forehead, and it therefore BLEEDS PROFUSELY. This bleeding is made worse when your forehead is wet, for example, like WHEN YOU’RE IN A HOT TUB. In the course of about 3 seconds, Emmy went from looking like a normal 4 year old to an extra in a horror movie. I am not exaggerating. The impact of the bleeding, combined with the screaming coming out of Emmy’s mouth, made it hard to assess the seriousness of the injury. It took about another half a second for Melanie to spring into action, rushing to Emmy and helping her out of the water. I was right behind her, mind you, trying to get my brain to catch up with reality. Melanie yelled for everyone to get out of the pool. They did. Then she told me to get a towel, so I followed directions. I ran inside to get a towel for the bloody forehead. Melanie, who was holding Emmy, told me to apply pressure, so I did. This made Emmy scream louder (if that is possible). Ross ran up to me and asked if there was anything he could do, like maybe call dad. I told him, in no uncertain terms, that calling dad to tell him Emmy got a bleeding head wound while in the pool, was NOT a good idea. If you know Joe, you know the words “head injury,” even when you’re speaking of the superficial kind, send him into panic mode. One of the other kids (who will remain nameless) was talking Ross off the ceiling. Another child (who will also remain nameless) was crying. Another was wondering when s/he could get back in the pool. It was a picture of controlled chaos.
After about two minutes, the bleeding stopped. The older kids were “cleared” to get back in the pool, although the one who tossed the mask was a bit traumatized and sat on the side for an additional 5 minutes. Eventually, s/he was convinced that Emmy was going to live, and decided to join the others in the pool. Melanie asked Emmy if she wanted some juice and watermelon, which she did. Melanie also asked Emmy if she wanted some Tylenol for her head, which she did. Emmy sat and talked to us about all kinds of things for awhile, so we knew her cognitive ability wasn’t compromised. Eventually, Emmy asked to get back in the hot tub. In her way up the stairs, she stopped at the child who tossed the goggles and said, “Say you’re sorry.” Classic. The child complied, and Emmy walked on to the hot tub.
Melanie commented that alone, either one of us would have been freaking out. Together, we handled things well (which, if I’m being honest, really translates into Melanie took charge and I let her, and I did pretty good at listening & following “orders.” ) She’s right, though – we’re a good team!!!
It was, once again, the perfect day.
So today was shaping up to be a great day. We were up on time, everyone had a healthy breakfast and there was little dissent when it was time to get dressed, brush teeth, and go to school. This afternoon, we had plans to swim in the 76 degree water in our 92 degree back yard. No homework this week, because of SAT testing. By 3:10, I had the net off the pool, iTunes loaded, drinks in the back fridge, sunscreen on Your Majesty, and clean towels ready for the kids. Melanie was coming over with Hannah after the 2nd grade Brownie/Earth Day Meeting. Ross and Chris were already home, in the big pool, and Chloe and Emmy were “swimming” in the hot tub. Melanie & Hannah arrived, and everyone was having a great time… lots of laughing, splashing, snacking, singing… you get the idea. That’s when it happened.
All I saw was a snorkel mask fly through the air and land squarely in the middle of Emmy’s forehead. As you know, there isn’t much skin on the forehead, and it therefore BLEEDS PROFUSELY. This bleeding is made worse when your forehead is wet, for example, like WHEN YOU’RE IN A HOT TUB. In the course of about 3 seconds, Emmy went from looking like a normal 4 year old to an extra in a horror movie. I am not exaggerating. The impact of the bleeding, combined with the screaming coming out of Emmy’s mouth, made it hard to assess the seriousness of the injury. It took about another half a second for Melanie to spring into action, rushing to Emmy and helping her out of the water. I was right behind her, mind you, trying to get my brain to catch up with reality. Melanie yelled for everyone to get out of the pool. They did. Then she told me to get a towel, so I followed directions. I ran inside to get a towel for the bloody forehead. Melanie, who was holding Emmy, told me to apply pressure, so I did. This made Emmy scream louder (if that is possible). Ross ran up to me and asked if there was anything he could do, like maybe call dad. I told him, in no uncertain terms, that calling dad to tell him Emmy got a bleeding head wound while in the pool, was NOT a good idea. If you know Joe, you know the words “head injury,” even when you’re speaking of the superficial kind, send him into panic mode. One of the other kids (who will remain nameless) was talking Ross off the ceiling. Another child (who will also remain nameless) was crying. Another was wondering when s/he could get back in the pool. It was a picture of controlled chaos.
After about two minutes, the bleeding stopped. The older kids were “cleared” to get back in the pool, although the one who tossed the mask was a bit traumatized and sat on the side for an additional 5 minutes. Eventually, s/he was convinced that Emmy was going to live, and decided to join the others in the pool. Melanie asked Emmy if she wanted some juice and watermelon, which she did. Melanie also asked Emmy if she wanted some Tylenol for her head, which she did. Emmy sat and talked to us about all kinds of things for awhile, so we knew her cognitive ability wasn’t compromised. Eventually, Emmy asked to get back in the hot tub. In her way up the stairs, she stopped at the child who tossed the goggles and said, “Say you’re sorry.” Classic. The child complied, and Emmy walked on to the hot tub.
Melanie commented that alone, either one of us would have been freaking out. Together, we handled things well (which, if I’m being honest, really translates into Melanie took charge and I let her, and I did pretty good at listening & following “orders.” ) She’s right, though – we’re a good team!!!
It was, once again, the perfect day.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
RIP, BOGEY
It may seem odd to include an entire post about a family pet, but let me be a bit self-indulgent here. Bogey, our 14 year dog, died yesterday. We all knew it was coming, but that didn't make it any easier.
Joe & I got Bogey after we'd been married about a month, and I casually mentioned something about wanting a baby one night at dinner. Bogey was the perfect distraction for me! He was smart, required undivided attention, and gave unconditional love. I had great stories to share with my second graders about his antics (he knew how to do an "obstacle course" at the park, using all the jungle gym equipment and the slide as his big finale), and Bogey kept me company on the Saturdays that Joe was working. He & I had a Saturday routine that included frequent trips to PetSmart and the park. We even moved to a smaller place with a back yard to give Bogey the "outside time" I thought he needed, since he was kenneled all day in our first apartment.
Enter Ross, 3 years later. Our walks decreased, but by then, Bogey was content with a couple walks each week. He LOVED being outside. When Joe was out of town, he slept in the doorway of our bedroom, to "protect" me. Ross loved Mr. Bogey. Bogey didn't always like Ross, but the two came to an understanding. They coexisted, and they shared me.
Chloe's arrival gave me less time to spend with Bogey. He only got a walk every few weeks, and they were shorter than normal. He still enjoyed being outside, chasing birds that flew through the yard, and getting treats. We moved to Frisco the year Chloe was born, so Bogey's yard got smaller, but he didn't seem to mind. Any time he was in the house and the front door opened, out he went. We always knew he'd come back with his ears down and an "I know I shouldn't have but I couldn't help it" look on his face. Probably more walks would have ended the need for the neighborhood jaunts. Maybe not.
By the time Emmy came along, Bogey was 11 years old. He was slowing down a bit, and didn't seem to mind being left alone. He would occasionally come up to me for a pat on the head or a tummy rub, but not too frequently. He was entering the golden years.
Sunday, we picked Bogey up from the vet, where he stayed while we were in New Jersey last week. He was frail and shaky, and the vet said he hadn't been eating. By Monday, he still wasn't eating and couldn't seem to get comfortable. He paced all day in the back yard, and when I finally let him inside, he went and laid down for a few minutes. We tried feeding Mr. Bogey anything we thought he might like- ham, pasta, turkey, graham crackers... no dice. He just couldn't eat.
Monday night after the kids went to bed, Joe took Bogey to the emergency vet. I think I knew he wouldn't be coming home again. I stroked his head and told him what a great dog he was. Not just for me, but for all of us. It was easy to see he didn't have any fight left in him. But, in true Bogey form, he perked up for me. I think he knew I was saying goodbye.
Tuesday morning, after a night of unsuccessful IV antibiotics and fluids, our vet told us it was time. So, I loaded up a car full of very sad kiddos (and a very sad momma) and met Joe at Dr. Buffington's office. The receptionist, Jamie, met us at the door with an enormous hug and a box of tissues. Dr. B let us have one last moment with Bogey. We all cried and hugged and said goodbye.
There are so many things we will miss about Bogey. When we are ready, I am sure we'll be able to smile when we tell funny stories about him. We'll remember the quirky things he did, the times he made us angry or happy or loved. But for now, we're just sad. Sad, sad, sad, as Emmy said. Even though we know he's in a better place now.
UPDATE!
WIDNERFUL LIFE, PART 1
As you all know, we are moving to the East coast this summer. After looking at train schedules, researching schools, gyms, churches, communities, and houses for rent, Joe & I took Ross & Chloe to Connecticut for 5 days. Our goal for the trip: buy-in. We are in agreement that if we can nail down the school piece of this jigsaw puzzle, we can tweak the other stuff around it. So, we found an awesome school, Christian Hertiage School, for the kids. The students and faculty rolled out a very long red carpet for us and treated us with so much hospitality we were SURE a Texan must be on staff!!! :) Ross & Chloe shadowed for one day, made lots of friends, and had a great experience. School: check.
After researching about 6 gyms in the CT area, I narrowed down the gym selection to ONE. Chloe got to participate in a level 5 team workout, and loved every minute of it. She even came out and asked to stay longer than we originally planned! The coach was amazing and took a lot of time answering our neurotic "we want this to be about her and not your program" questions, and our philisophies matched. Gym: check.
The Northeast is a very different environment than our southern, Bible belt, evangelical community, so we thought for SURE the church search would take a bit of time. Not true! We found Black Rock Community Church, and loved the worship, the message, and the kids programs. If anyone tries to tell you there aren't very many "committed Christians" in the northeast, don't listen! We ran into a whole slew of them while we were in Connecticut!!! Church: check.
Funny little coincidence: our neighbor here in Frisco, Texas knew our realtor in Stamford, Connecticut. Except I didn't know that until after I hired the CT realtor. Tell me God isn't in the details!!! :) Lorraine took us all over Stamford, showing us neighborhoods and areas that would be close to the train (for Joe) and the Merritt Parkway (for me). We left with 2 very doable options right in Stamford. So, house: check.
Commute. It's not a long word, but it is a nasty one. To work in the city, Joe would be facing a 42 minute train ride and about a 15 minute subway ride to his office. Add to that the 10 minutes it would take to get to the train, and we're up to 75 minutes. One way. On a good day. When everyone and everything is on time. I know most of you can do simple math, but let me just add it up for you: 12.5 hours a week commuting. That is longer than the average work day! So, Joe decided the search needed to continue. We were home for one week, and then flew with all 3 kids to Newark, New Jersey, to check out that fine state! It was all good! I am too tired to go on for now, though. If anyone is still reading, please know I'll post about that soon!!!
As you all know, we are moving to the East coast this summer. After looking at train schedules, researching schools, gyms, churches, communities, and houses for rent, Joe & I took Ross & Chloe to Connecticut for 5 days. Our goal for the trip: buy-in. We are in agreement that if we can nail down the school piece of this jigsaw puzzle, we can tweak the other stuff around it. So, we found an awesome school, Christian Hertiage School, for the kids. The students and faculty rolled out a very long red carpet for us and treated us with so much hospitality we were SURE a Texan must be on staff!!! :) Ross & Chloe shadowed for one day, made lots of friends, and had a great experience. School: check.
After researching about 6 gyms in the CT area, I narrowed down the gym selection to ONE. Chloe got to participate in a level 5 team workout, and loved every minute of it. She even came out and asked to stay longer than we originally planned! The coach was amazing and took a lot of time answering our neurotic "we want this to be about her and not your program" questions, and our philisophies matched. Gym: check.
The Northeast is a very different environment than our southern, Bible belt, evangelical community, so we thought for SURE the church search would take a bit of time. Not true! We found Black Rock Community Church, and loved the worship, the message, and the kids programs. If anyone tries to tell you there aren't very many "committed Christians" in the northeast, don't listen! We ran into a whole slew of them while we were in Connecticut!!! Church: check.
Funny little coincidence: our neighbor here in Frisco, Texas knew our realtor in Stamford, Connecticut. Except I didn't know that until after I hired the CT realtor. Tell me God isn't in the details!!! :) Lorraine took us all over Stamford, showing us neighborhoods and areas that would be close to the train (for Joe) and the Merritt Parkway (for me). We left with 2 very doable options right in Stamford. So, house: check.
Commute. It's not a long word, but it is a nasty one. To work in the city, Joe would be facing a 42 minute train ride and about a 15 minute subway ride to his office. Add to that the 10 minutes it would take to get to the train, and we're up to 75 minutes. One way. On a good day. When everyone and everything is on time. I know most of you can do simple math, but let me just add it up for you: 12.5 hours a week commuting. That is longer than the average work day! So, Joe decided the search needed to continue. We were home for one week, and then flew with all 3 kids to Newark, New Jersey, to check out that fine state! It was all good! I am too tired to go on for now, though. If anyone is still reading, please know I'll post about that soon!!!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
MARY LOU RETTON MEET
It has been more than a month since the Mary Lou Retton meet in Houston, and because of FLIP techinical difficulties, I have been unable to post videos! I think we're FINALLY ready to go!
First, let me say that MLR was, without a doubt, the most fun meet we've been to. I'm not sure if it was because Mary Lou was so accessible to the gymnasts, signing ANYTHING they put in front of her, including an ugg boot, posing for pictures, and congratulating everyone on jobs well done, or if it was because it is the first time we've traveled to a meet. Either way, Chloe had an outstanding weekend.
Because Houston is a solid 4 hour drive from Frisco, and because Southwest had CHEAP flights, Chloe and I flew down with her friend and fellow gymnast, Skylar, and her mom. We spent Saturday afternoon watching the optional girls compete, and that was a lot of fun. Team Eagle placed 2nd at levels 6 and 7, and we had 2 gymnasts place 2nd all around at those levels.
We went to dinner with the other level 4 team girls Saturday night, and then went to watch the Level 10 girls compete. Chloe thoroughly enjoyed spending the night ion the hotel, sleeping in her own Heavenly Bed, playing DS and having full control over the tv!! i think she went to bed at about 10:00 Saturday night, so it was a good thing we were in the afternoon session the next day!
Our girls had breakfast together and headed over for warmups at about 11 Sunday morning. As an added bonus, Chloe's Nahnee and Pookie (my parents), Aunt Ginger, and her cousin, Maddie, all came to cheer her on! It was so fun for them to watch her in her element!!
The flight home will be a whole other blog entry. I will summarize it with the following statement: Shannon Allen is the one of the funnest and funniest people I know!!! We had a great time!
Enjoy the videos below. It will, thankfully, be the last time we hear the Level 4 floor music!!! next year, we move up to Level 5!!
FLOOR: 9.2 She missed her handstand-bridge and had to retry.
VAULT: 8.7 Her coaches say it was, by far, her best vaulting all season, so she was thrilled with her score!
BARS: 9.2 She had the only 9 posted on bars for our gym that day. And she stuck her landing. Way to go, sister!!
BEAM: 9.7 Okay, let me just say here that after our Friends of Achievers Meet in Denton, where she had a great warmup and then fell 3 times on the beam, I was a little nervous when I again saw Chloe's near flawless warmup on the beam. She was having trouble with her dismount, but other than that, it looked really good. So, when she got on the beam and started, I was a wreck. But the child pulled it off.
Our gym walked away with first place for level 4, and Chloe walked away with memories that she is still reliving.
First, let me say that MLR was, without a doubt, the most fun meet we've been to. I'm not sure if it was because Mary Lou was so accessible to the gymnasts, signing ANYTHING they put in front of her, including an ugg boot, posing for pictures, and congratulating everyone on jobs well done, or if it was because it is the first time we've traveled to a meet. Either way, Chloe had an outstanding weekend.
Because Houston is a solid 4 hour drive from Frisco, and because Southwest had CHEAP flights, Chloe and I flew down with her friend and fellow gymnast, Skylar, and her mom. We spent Saturday afternoon watching the optional girls compete, and that was a lot of fun. Team Eagle placed 2nd at levels 6 and 7, and we had 2 gymnasts place 2nd all around at those levels.
We went to dinner with the other level 4 team girls Saturday night, and then went to watch the Level 10 girls compete. Chloe thoroughly enjoyed spending the night ion the hotel, sleeping in her own Heavenly Bed, playing DS and having full control over the tv!! i think she went to bed at about 10:00 Saturday night, so it was a good thing we were in the afternoon session the next day!
Our girls had breakfast together and headed over for warmups at about 11 Sunday morning. As an added bonus, Chloe's Nahnee and Pookie (my parents), Aunt Ginger, and her cousin, Maddie, all came to cheer her on! It was so fun for them to watch her in her element!!
The flight home will be a whole other blog entry. I will summarize it with the following statement: Shannon Allen is the one of the funnest and funniest people I know!!! We had a great time!
Enjoy the videos below. It will, thankfully, be the last time we hear the Level 4 floor music!!! next year, we move up to Level 5!!
FLOOR: 9.2 She missed her handstand-bridge and had to retry.
VAULT: 8.7 Her coaches say it was, by far, her best vaulting all season, so she was thrilled with her score!
BARS: 9.2 She had the only 9 posted on bars for our gym that day. And she stuck her landing. Way to go, sister!!
BEAM: 9.7 Okay, let me just say here that after our Friends of Achievers Meet in Denton, where she had a great warmup and then fell 3 times on the beam, I was a little nervous when I again saw Chloe's near flawless warmup on the beam. She was having trouble with her dismount, but other than that, it looked really good. So, when she got on the beam and started, I was a wreck. But the child pulled it off.
Our gym walked away with first place for level 4, and Chloe walked away with memories that she is still reliving.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
It's Oscar Time!
For those who know me, you already know that I am an enormous Hollywood fan. I try to see every film nominated in the "big 6" categories, and I always post my predictions before Oscar night. Here are my picks and comments on this year's actors, films, and directors. Enjoy!!!
It’s Oscar time again, and I am once again blogging my predictions in the top 6 categories! This has been quite a year for Hollywood – the films are darker, shorter (with the exception of Ben Button), and leave the viewers with little reason to have any hope. I guess art does reflect life. On with the picks!!!
Best Actor:
Richard Jenkins, "The Visitor"; Frank Langella, "Frost/Nixon"; Sean Penn, "Milk"; Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; Mickey Rourke, "The Wrestler"
Early on, the buzz was with Frank Langella. I thought he was captivating in his role as Richard Nixon. Unfortunately, he has stiff competition from Mickey Rourke and Sean Penn. You know an actor did a good job when you can’t imagine anyone else in the same role. Mickey Rourke, the washed up has-been in real life makes a stunning comeback with his first big lead in years as, well, a washed up has-been. Of this year’s choices, he is the only actor besides Heath Ledger who successfully managed to make the movie he starred in all about him. That being said, the academy LOVES them some Sean Penn. He stars as Harvey Milk, the camera store owner whose decision to campaign for a place on San Francisco's Board of Supervisors becomes a landmark event within the gay rights movement. And we all know that while actors are nominated for ONE role, they win because of their body of work. But, I am going with Mickey Rourke. If he were reading this, I’d ask him to PLEASE not mention his dogs in his acceptance speech. People already think he’s a weirdo, but are willing to overlook that because of this performance. No need to confirm their suspicions!
Best Actress:
Anne Hathaway, "Rachel Getting Married"; Angelina Jolie, "Changeling"; Melissa Leo, "Frozen River"; Meryl Streep, "Doubt"; Kate Winslet, "The Reader"
This is an amazing category this year. You have the seasoned veteran, Meryl Streep, with quite a body of work (Mamma Mia, Devil Wears Prada) in the last couple years. You have Kate Winslet, currently 0 for 5 in the “Oscar Winner” category. And you have Anne Hathaway, who really earns her acting chops as a very disturbed recovering addict on a weekend stay out of her recovery facility to attend her sister’s eclectic wedding. To me, it pretty much comes down to first-time nominee Anne Hathaway Kate Winslet (currently running 0 for 5). This year’s competition for “Best Actress” pits a fresh face vs. experience, indie vs. studio. Regardless of who gave the best performance, Winslet will probably win because she’s paid her dues while Hathaway is still too wet behind the ears. And, by the way, she is fabulous in The Reader. Another must-see movie.
Best Supporting Actor:
Josh Brolin, "Milk"; Robert Downey Jr., "Tropic Thunder"; Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Doubt"; Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"; Michael Shannon, "Revolutionary Road"
All the nominees in this category are super strong this year. But, there is no real contest. Heath Ledger will win, because he plays the scariest villain in comic book history. It is sad that we will not get to see any more performances by this talented actor, but make no mistake – he won’t win because he died. He will win because he was great. PSH in Doubt was also phenomenal –it is hard to decide if he is guilty – but he already has the hardware.
Best Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams, "Doubt"; Penélope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"; Viola Davis, "Doubt"; Taraji P. Henson, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; Marisa Tomei, "The Wrestler"
This is the hardest category for me this year. Amy Adams and Viola Davis are incredible in Doubt. Marisa Tomei has received her fair share of buzz for The Wrestler. But, I am going with Penelope Cruz. While the academy doesn’t like Woody Allen much, they do like his work. And, the quirky Vicky Christina Barcelona is said to be among his best. Javier Bardem (winner last year) was also in the film, so it has a strong cast. I’ll let you know if my prediction has any merit as soon as I see the film!
Best Director:
David Finchner: Benjamin Button, Ron Howard: Frost/Nixon, Gus Van Smart: Milk, Stephen Daldry: The Reader, Danny Boyle: Slumdog Millionaire
Danny Boyle is a respectable director. He’s made a handful of decent movies (”Millions,” “The Beach,” “28 Days Later”), but a lot of his work is very hit (”Trainspotting) or miss (”Sunshine”).“Slumdog Millionaire” fits more in the miss column. It seems a shame to award a good filmmaker for one of his not so great movies. This seems to be a tradition at the Academy Awards - two years ago Martin Scorsese won for “The Departed” (a solid film but not his best by a long shot) and last year the Coen brothers took the trophy home for “No Country for Old Men” (again, a commendable effort but minor compared to “Fargo” or “The Big Lebowski”). David Fincher and Gus Van Sant, two capable directors, are also nominated for some of their poorest contributions to cinema: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Milk.” Maybe it is a testament to how often the academy fails to get it right. After all, they left the likes of Alfred Hitchcock, Luis Bunuel, and Ingmar Bergman completely empty-handed.
Best Picture:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader, Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog wins because, as Roger Ebert says, “It tells the story of an orphan from the slums of Mumbai who is born into a brutal existence. A petty thief, impostor and survivor, mired in dire poverty, he improvises his way up through the world and remembers everything he has learned.” The movie is almost impossible to watch for the first hour. Danny Boyle captures a realistic depiction of the Indian slums and the conditions some children are born into. But Jameel is a survivor. Even in the direst of situations, he holds on to hope. And in the end, things work out for him.
I wish I was excited about this film winning (like I was with Dreamgirls in 2007), but I’m not. It doesn’t do anything to advance the cause of children’s rights around the world. It doesn’t really inspire people to greatness. It just kind-of shows us how depraved some societies are. Maybe next year, there will be a “feel good” movie I can really get behind. Not this year.
Happy watching!!
It’s Oscar time again, and I am once again blogging my predictions in the top 6 categories! This has been quite a year for Hollywood – the films are darker, shorter (with the exception of Ben Button), and leave the viewers with little reason to have any hope. I guess art does reflect life. On with the picks!!!
Best Actor:
Richard Jenkins, "The Visitor"; Frank Langella, "Frost/Nixon"; Sean Penn, "Milk"; Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; Mickey Rourke, "The Wrestler"
Early on, the buzz was with Frank Langella. I thought he was captivating in his role as Richard Nixon. Unfortunately, he has stiff competition from Mickey Rourke and Sean Penn. You know an actor did a good job when you can’t imagine anyone else in the same role. Mickey Rourke, the washed up has-been in real life makes a stunning comeback with his first big lead in years as, well, a washed up has-been. Of this year’s choices, he is the only actor besides Heath Ledger who successfully managed to make the movie he starred in all about him. That being said, the academy LOVES them some Sean Penn. He stars as Harvey Milk, the camera store owner whose decision to campaign for a place on San Francisco's Board of Supervisors becomes a landmark event within the gay rights movement. And we all know that while actors are nominated for ONE role, they win because of their body of work. But, I am going with Mickey Rourke. If he were reading this, I’d ask him to PLEASE not mention his dogs in his acceptance speech. People already think he’s a weirdo, but are willing to overlook that because of this performance. No need to confirm their suspicions!
Best Actress:
Anne Hathaway, "Rachel Getting Married"; Angelina Jolie, "Changeling"; Melissa Leo, "Frozen River"; Meryl Streep, "Doubt"; Kate Winslet, "The Reader"
This is an amazing category this year. You have the seasoned veteran, Meryl Streep, with quite a body of work (Mamma Mia, Devil Wears Prada) in the last couple years. You have Kate Winslet, currently 0 for 5 in the “Oscar Winner” category. And you have Anne Hathaway, who really earns her acting chops as a very disturbed recovering addict on a weekend stay out of her recovery facility to attend her sister’s eclectic wedding. To me, it pretty much comes down to first-time nominee Anne Hathaway Kate Winslet (currently running 0 for 5). This year’s competition for “Best Actress” pits a fresh face vs. experience, indie vs. studio. Regardless of who gave the best performance, Winslet will probably win because she’s paid her dues while Hathaway is still too wet behind the ears. And, by the way, she is fabulous in The Reader. Another must-see movie.
Best Supporting Actor:
Josh Brolin, "Milk"; Robert Downey Jr., "Tropic Thunder"; Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Doubt"; Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"; Michael Shannon, "Revolutionary Road"
All the nominees in this category are super strong this year. But, there is no real contest. Heath Ledger will win, because he plays the scariest villain in comic book history. It is sad that we will not get to see any more performances by this talented actor, but make no mistake – he won’t win because he died. He will win because he was great. PSH in Doubt was also phenomenal –it is hard to decide if he is guilty – but he already has the hardware.
Best Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams, "Doubt"; Penélope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"; Viola Davis, "Doubt"; Taraji P. Henson, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; Marisa Tomei, "The Wrestler"
This is the hardest category for me this year. Amy Adams and Viola Davis are incredible in Doubt. Marisa Tomei has received her fair share of buzz for The Wrestler. But, I am going with Penelope Cruz. While the academy doesn’t like Woody Allen much, they do like his work. And, the quirky Vicky Christina Barcelona is said to be among his best. Javier Bardem (winner last year) was also in the film, so it has a strong cast. I’ll let you know if my prediction has any merit as soon as I see the film!
Best Director:
David Finchner: Benjamin Button, Ron Howard: Frost/Nixon, Gus Van Smart: Milk, Stephen Daldry: The Reader, Danny Boyle: Slumdog Millionaire
Danny Boyle is a respectable director. He’s made a handful of decent movies (”Millions,” “The Beach,” “28 Days Later”), but a lot of his work is very hit (”Trainspotting) or miss (”Sunshine”).“Slumdog Millionaire” fits more in the miss column. It seems a shame to award a good filmmaker for one of his not so great movies. This seems to be a tradition at the Academy Awards - two years ago Martin Scorsese won for “The Departed” (a solid film but not his best by a long shot) and last year the Coen brothers took the trophy home for “No Country for Old Men” (again, a commendable effort but minor compared to “Fargo” or “The Big Lebowski”). David Fincher and Gus Van Sant, two capable directors, are also nominated for some of their poorest contributions to cinema: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Milk.” Maybe it is a testament to how often the academy fails to get it right. After all, they left the likes of Alfred Hitchcock, Luis Bunuel, and Ingmar Bergman completely empty-handed.
Best Picture:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader, Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog wins because, as Roger Ebert says, “It tells the story of an orphan from the slums of Mumbai who is born into a brutal existence. A petty thief, impostor and survivor, mired in dire poverty, he improvises his way up through the world and remembers everything he has learned.” The movie is almost impossible to watch for the first hour. Danny Boyle captures a realistic depiction of the Indian slums and the conditions some children are born into. But Jameel is a survivor. Even in the direst of situations, he holds on to hope. And in the end, things work out for him.
I wish I was excited about this film winning (like I was with Dreamgirls in 2007), but I’m not. It doesn’t do anything to advance the cause of children’s rights around the world. It doesn’t really inspire people to greatness. It just kind-of shows us how depraved some societies are. Maybe next year, there will be a “feel good” movie I can really get behind. Not this year.
Happy watching!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
AMERICAN IDOL 2009
I went into Idol this week with the best of bloggy intentions, but quite frankly trying to write about tonight’s episode was a beating. There were recaps and fake-outs and sing-offs and switcheroos. There was no rickety elevator and no 256 steps. The contestants were in a mansion and everybody sat in some really tricky chairs. I was in a great mood as I watched and the following people made it:
Scott McIntyre (blind guy)
Michael Sarver (oil rig guy)
Anne Marie Boskovich
Jasmine Murray
Danny Gokey (music teacher who lost his wife)
This is when the wheels came off for me.
First, you have the freak show that is Nick Mitchell (the guy who sings in the alter ego’s character). He reminds me of the black guy on Boston Legal who always had to dress up like a female to get his point across. Seriously. He needs mental help. There is NO WAY I would room with him, even if it meant I had to quit the show.
Next, Nathaniel Marshall, who is having an identity crisis of his own, sits and cries and tells us this is what he was “born to do.” I personally think he was born to open with RuPaul. No one is going to pay any money to watch him perform. I wish he knew that. His life story montage was sad and did what it was intended to do – invite us to take pity on him – but I just don’t see him hanging around for long. And it will devastate him when his “end of the road” comes. When he’s asked to sing for the final time on the Idol stage, prepare yourselves for a sobfest, the likes of which we’ve never seen before.
And then I found out that Tatiana made it and I was done. The girl who reminds me of The Love Boat episodes with Charro as the “special guest star” is actually in the TOP FREAKIN’ 36 of AI this year.
I seriously think they need to put Nathaniel & Tatiana in a shared room and see which beauty queen survives. In fact, THAT might be the ONLY reality show I’d watch with these two in it!
It was too much, y’all.
So do you know what I’ve decided to do?
I’ve decided to go to bed.
PS: What was Paula wearing around her neck? She appeared to be trying to keep vampires or some such creatures away! Either that or she just always wants to make sure there is a mirror on hand for last-minute touchups.
Scott McIntyre (blind guy)
Michael Sarver (oil rig guy)
Anne Marie Boskovich
Jasmine Murray
Danny Gokey (music teacher who lost his wife)
This is when the wheels came off for me.
First, you have the freak show that is Nick Mitchell (the guy who sings in the alter ego’s character). He reminds me of the black guy on Boston Legal who always had to dress up like a female to get his point across. Seriously. He needs mental help. There is NO WAY I would room with him, even if it meant I had to quit the show.
Next, Nathaniel Marshall, who is having an identity crisis of his own, sits and cries and tells us this is what he was “born to do.” I personally think he was born to open with RuPaul. No one is going to pay any money to watch him perform. I wish he knew that. His life story montage was sad and did what it was intended to do – invite us to take pity on him – but I just don’t see him hanging around for long. And it will devastate him when his “end of the road” comes. When he’s asked to sing for the final time on the Idol stage, prepare yourselves for a sobfest, the likes of which we’ve never seen before.
And then I found out that Tatiana made it and I was done. The girl who reminds me of The Love Boat episodes with Charro as the “special guest star” is actually in the TOP FREAKIN’ 36 of AI this year.
I seriously think they need to put Nathaniel & Tatiana in a shared room and see which beauty queen survives. In fact, THAT might be the ONLY reality show I’d watch with these two in it!
It was too much, y’all.
So do you know what I’ve decided to do?
I’ve decided to go to bed.
PS: What was Paula wearing around her neck? She appeared to be trying to keep vampires or some such creatures away! Either that or she just always wants to make sure there is a mirror on hand for last-minute touchups.
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