(comic by Natalie Dee)
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6 years ago
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
DIY Laundry Soap
Commercial laundry detergents don't list the ingredients (go ahead, check), and that makes me a little nervous. It's fairly certain they contain nasty things like sulficants and possibly phosphates, which is really bad for water supplies. I had been using Seventh Generation, which does list the ingredients, but it's gd expensive.
I made my own laundry soap (found on Modern Cottage). It was super-easy to make, really cheap, and works really well. Here's how to make it:
1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
2 cups grated soap (Ivory, or Fels Naptha)
and, if you want, some oxy clean (1/4 cup)
I found all this stuff at my local Jewel, also at Dominicks.
Grating the soap is really easy - even easier than cheese. The whole thing took less than 5 minutes to make
Guess how much you use? Only 1-2 tablespoons per load! But, I'm telling you, it really cleans the clothes. I put in a load of clothes I hate to TELL you how smelly, but it came out smelling like sunshine.
Oh, get this... use (what else?) VINEGAR for "fabric softener". I put in 1/4 cup in one of those Downey balls and throw it in. Rest assured, your clothes won't smell like vinegar! Turns out commercial fabric softeners, aside from being kind of useless, are really bad for the environment. Vinegar rinses right out, reduces static, is a brightener, and also if you have hard water, it helps keep your pipes squeaky clean.
Let me know if you make it! I think it's great!
I made my own laundry soap (found on Modern Cottage). It was super-easy to make, really cheap, and works really well. Here's how to make it:
1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
2 cups grated soap (Ivory, or Fels Naptha)
and, if you want, some oxy clean (1/4 cup)
I found all this stuff at my local Jewel, also at Dominicks. 
Grating the soap is really easy - even easier than cheese. The whole thing took less than 5 minutes to make
Guess how much you use? Only 1-2 tablespoons per load! But, I'm telling you, it really cleans the clothes. I put in a load of clothes I hate to TELL you how smelly, but it came out smelling like sunshine.
Oh, get this... use (what else?) VINEGAR for "fabric softener". I put in 1/4 cup in one of those Downey balls and throw it in. Rest assured, your clothes won't smell like vinegar! Turns out commercial fabric softeners, aside from being kind of useless, are really bad for the environment. Vinegar rinses right out, reduces static, is a brightener, and also if you have hard water, it helps keep your pipes squeaky clean.
Let me know if you make it! I think it's great!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Green Week
It's green week on Agoraphobia, and for no good reason (aside from, you know, like trying to make the world a better place) I'm gonna blog about green stuff all week. Lately I've been having some problems with cleaning products. Whenever I cleaned, I got a really scratchy throat and felt kind of sick from the fumes. So, I did some research and it turns out you can clean your entire house with vinegar. VINEGAR! You can get like a gallon for about 4 bucks (you want White Distilled), so it's a major savings. I just waited until my reg. cleaner ran out and filled it with half vinegar, half water. For those of you worried about killing germs - rest assured it gets the job done. Something about the acidity level.
Don't worry, it won't stink up your house with the smell of vinegar. Sure, it smells for a sec when you spray it on, but then it goes away. For sure it doesn't linger like nasty household cleaners you get off the shelf. It's also cool because now instead of having a bunch of different cleaners under the sink, I've just got a big jug of vinegar.
BTW, if you clean your windows and mirrors with vinegar (you certainly can!), the first time you'll need to clean them with a bit of soap and water because Windex leaves a residue on the surface that streaks, so you just have to clean it off the one time.
Don't worry, it won't stink up your house with the smell of vinegar. Sure, it smells for a sec when you spray it on, but then it goes away. For sure it doesn't linger like nasty household cleaners you get off the shelf. It's also cool because now instead of having a bunch of different cleaners under the sink, I've just got a big jug of vinegar. BTW, if you clean your windows and mirrors with vinegar (you certainly can!), the first time you'll need to clean them with a bit of soap and water because Windex leaves a residue on the surface that streaks, so you just have to clean it off the one time.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Movies, movies, movies!
I gotta tell ya, there's nothing quite as painful as sitting at home, unemployed, in your jammies, as it approaches noon, watching your former classmate in a designer dress, elegant up-do, and a body that appears to be in even better shape than when she was a teenage cheerleader do the pre-Oscar show on the E channel. Ah, but I couldn't be happier for her...
Friday I saw the documentary The Rape of Europa (sounds like good times, right?). The book by the same name by Lynn Nicolas (1994) was quite influential for the type of work I do at the museum. Hitler had a plan to create a huge national museum with what he considered the finest art in the world and had gigantic stockpiles of looted art stored around Germany. If you're interested in that period and want to learn more, I'd highly suggest this movie.
Last night we saw Be Kind Rewind - the new Michael Gondry movie with Jack Black and Mos Def. Like Gondry's other films (The Science of Sleep, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Human Nature), this movie is fanciful and, in parts, absurd - but it's really fun and a celebration of how movies can unite people. That's one of the things I love about going to the movies - sitting in a crowd and experiencing group emotion - preferably laughter - is really the only reason to go to the movies anymore (when our home theatre options just keep getting better and better).
Something I thought was interesting was that this is one of the most racially integrated movies I've ever seen without being about racial integration. Mostly it's sad that such a thing is unusual, but I applaud Gondry for the casting choices - and it only makes sense for such a joyfully inclusive movie.
My favorite thing about Be Kind Rewind was the inventiveness and creativity in low, LOW budget film-making (by which I mean a couple of kids in their backyard with a vhs camcorder.) Gondry and his team use some cool techniques to harken back to those nostalgic days of yore when we watched movies on vhs tapes (and liked it!) Pay close attention to costumes and sets for some homespun details and nifty diy effects.
There's a line by Jack Black who says something like, "You guys, stop arguing! While you're yelling at each other, you're wasting time when you could be watching this movie!" Which sort of gets at the heart of the movie. I'm not saying watching movies together will solve the world's problems (and in this movie, making movies specifically does not solve their problems) but it does provide a way for us to create and maintain a human bond with strangers.
Friday I saw the documentary The Rape of Europa (sounds like good times, right?). The book by the same name by Lynn Nicolas (1994) was quite influential for the type of work I do at the museum. Hitler had a plan to create a huge national museum with what he considered the finest art in the world and had gigantic stockpiles of looted art stored around Germany. If you're interested in that period and want to learn more, I'd highly suggest this movie.
Last night we saw Be Kind Rewind - the new Michael Gondry movie with Jack Black and Mos Def. Like Gondry's other films (The Science of Sleep, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Human Nature), this movie is fanciful and, in parts, absurd - but it's really fun and a celebration of how movies can unite people. That's one of the things I love about going to the movies - sitting in a crowd and experiencing group emotion - preferably laughter - is really the only reason to go to the movies anymore (when our home theatre options just keep getting better and better).
Something I thought was interesting was that this is one of the most racially integrated movies I've ever seen without being about racial integration. Mostly it's sad that such a thing is unusual, but I applaud Gondry for the casting choices - and it only makes sense for such a joyfully inclusive movie.
My favorite thing about Be Kind Rewind was the inventiveness and creativity in low, LOW budget film-making (by which I mean a couple of kids in their backyard with a vhs camcorder.) Gondry and his team use some cool techniques to harken back to those nostalgic days of yore when we watched movies on vhs tapes (and liked it!) Pay close attention to costumes and sets for some homespun details and nifty diy effects. There's a line by Jack Black who says something like, "You guys, stop arguing! While you're yelling at each other, you're wasting time when you could be watching this movie!" Which sort of gets at the heart of the movie. I'm not saying watching movies together will solve the world's problems (and in this movie, making movies specifically does not solve their problems) but it does provide a way for us to create and maintain a human bond with strangers.
Friday, February 22, 2008
If DeBordian Perruque Picked the Oscars!
Best Actress
Ellen Page- Although I actually think Ellen Page delivers a great teenage hipster-nerd/know-it-all performance, I would normally look for awards to go for to an actress with a role with more... um, range and gravitas? But Page works really well with the talent that surrounds her in Juno, and furthermore, was evidently pivotal in the creation of the soundtrack. Special K has already noted the recent interview with The Washington Post: "I call myself a feminist when people ask me if I am, and of course I am 'cause it's about equality, so I hope everyone is. You know you're working in a patriarchal society when the word feminist has a weird connotation." I gotta say, she seems like a cool and smart young woman. While there were some other great performances out there, Ellen Page was just so integral to the way that the movie developed that the award should be hers.
Honorable Mention: Amy Adams in Enchanted
Best Actor
Tobey Maguire deserves some credit for a great run as Peter Parker/Spiderman. I really liked all the Spider-Man movies, and Spider-Man 3 was a good ending to the trilogy. Maguire doesn't seem to make a lot of movies, but he owned the iconic role of Peter Parker. I personally loved the strut-scene, but I think he also captured the dark as well as the dork in the character. I doubt there will ever be another character that had as much to offer Maguire, or that there's another actor that will fit Peter Parker so well.
Honorable Mention: Simon Pegg in Hot Fuzz, Matt Damon in Bourne Ultimatum
Best Supporting Actor
James Marsden, Enchanted
It's slim pickings here, so I'll just re-iterate that Enchanted is a fun, silly send-up of the Princess Genre. James Marsden has a consistent willingness to dive headfirst into an earnest goofiness I always get a kick out of. It'd be great to see him actually get some roles besides Cyclops, but at least Cyclops had the good sense to kick the bucket minutes into the crushingly awful X3. It's tough to leave out the carefully crafted irresponsible character that Jason Bateman put together in Juno, but Marsden just performs with such glee.
Honorable Mention: Jason Bateman in Juno, Michael Cera in Juno
Best Supporting Actress
Allison Janney, Juno
I've been an Allison Janney fan ever since 1999. I most remember her role as Ms. Perky in 10 Things I Hate About You, but she was also great in Drop Dead Gorgeous and American Beauty in that same year. Evidently she was amazing in the West Wing, but here she has a great turn as Juno's dad's second wife. Janney has a nice little role in Juno with some meaty bits that she just devours.
Honorable Mention: Jennifer Garner in Juno
Best Director
Paul Greenglass for The Bourne Supremacy.
I was no fan of the grainy & shaky quick-cut cam that was omnipresent in the last Bourne movie, but Greenglass thankfully ditched most of that for enjoyable action sequences packed around a solid continuation of the Bourne character development and themes. It was great to get my catharsis in the theater in seeing a good soldier grow a conscience and beat the system, but the Bourne movies have now become the only action films I really enjoy.
Honorable Mention: Wes Anderson for Darjeeling Limited
Best Picture
Juno
Even though Juno is an unrealistic, crowd-pleasing, glib "indie" film that's nominated for real life awards, and it is even #57 on the stuff white people like, it is actually a really good film. The first few minutes of patter give way some really interesting and funny conversations, and there's a certain immature depth of emotional experience to be found here as well. It's also really funny, has a great and appropriate soundtrack, and I think that it, overall, is an accurate painting of teenage experience. The supporting cast is outstanding, and yes, I admit that Juno was the only film I saw last year. Enjoy your schaudenfreude as you laugh at my pathetic attempt at an awards ceremony. But at least I created, contributed something to the world... while you, you just criticize! Those who can't do, teach. Those who can't teach, criticize! Attica! Attica!
Okay, seriously, Juno's pretty great. Check it out.
Additional Bonus Category! Best Monster: The Host
The Korean movie The Host was often over-the-top silly, and incomprehensible in its character development, but the monster is totally worth the price of admission. And honestly, I think the Host was probably the best monster I've ever seen in a sci-fi/horror film.
Ellen Page- Although I actually think Ellen Page delivers a great teenage hipster-nerd/know-it-all performance, I would normally look for awards to go for to an actress with a role with more... um, range and gravitas? But Page works really well with the talent that surrounds her in Juno, and furthermore, was evidently pivotal in the creation of the soundtrack. Special K has already noted the recent interview with The Washington Post: "I call myself a feminist when people ask me if I am, and of course I am 'cause it's about equality, so I hope everyone is. You know you're working in a patriarchal society when the word feminist has a weird connotation." I gotta say, she seems like a cool and smart young woman. While there were some other great performances out there, Ellen Page was just so integral to the way that the movie developed that the award should be hers.
Honorable Mention: Amy Adams in Enchanted
Best Actor
Tobey Maguire deserves some credit for a great run as Peter Parker/Spiderman. I really liked all the Spider-Man movies, and Spider-Man 3 was a good ending to the trilogy. Maguire doesn't seem to make a lot of movies, but he owned the iconic role of Peter Parker. I personally loved the strut-scene, but I think he also captured the dark as well as the dork in the character. I doubt there will ever be another character that had as much to offer Maguire, or that there's another actor that will fit Peter Parker so well.
Honorable Mention: Simon Pegg in Hot Fuzz, Matt Damon in Bourne Ultimatum
Best Supporting Actor
James Marsden, Enchanted
It's slim pickings here, so I'll just re-iterate that Enchanted is a fun, silly send-up of the Princess Genre. James Marsden has a consistent willingness to dive headfirst into an earnest goofiness I always get a kick out of. It'd be great to see him actually get some roles besides Cyclops, but at least Cyclops had the good sense to kick the bucket minutes into the crushingly awful X3. It's tough to leave out the carefully crafted irresponsible character that Jason Bateman put together in Juno, but Marsden just performs with such glee.
Honorable Mention: Jason Bateman in Juno, Michael Cera in Juno
Best Supporting Actress
Allison Janney, Juno
I've been an Allison Janney fan ever since 1999. I most remember her role as Ms. Perky in 10 Things I Hate About You, but she was also great in Drop Dead Gorgeous and American Beauty in that same year. Evidently she was amazing in the West Wing, but here she has a great turn as Juno's dad's second wife. Janney has a nice little role in Juno with some meaty bits that she just devours.
Honorable Mention: Jennifer Garner in Juno
Best Director
Paul Greenglass for The Bourne Supremacy.
I was no fan of the grainy & shaky quick-cut cam that was omnipresent in the last Bourne movie, but Greenglass thankfully ditched most of that for enjoyable action sequences packed around a solid continuation of the Bourne character development and themes. It was great to get my catharsis in the theater in seeing a good soldier grow a conscience and beat the system, but the Bourne movies have now become the only action films I really enjoy.
Honorable Mention: Wes Anderson for Darjeeling Limited
Best Picture
Juno
Even though Juno is an unrealistic, crowd-pleasing, glib "indie" film that's nominated for real life awards, and it is even #57 on the stuff white people like, it is actually a really good film. The first few minutes of patter give way some really interesting and funny conversations, and there's a certain immature depth of emotional experience to be found here as well. It's also really funny, has a great and appropriate soundtrack, and I think that it, overall, is an accurate painting of teenage experience. The supporting cast is outstanding, and yes, I admit that Juno was the only film I saw last year. Enjoy your schaudenfreude as you laugh at my pathetic attempt at an awards ceremony. But at least I created, contributed something to the world... while you, you just criticize! Those who can't do, teach. Those who can't teach, criticize! Attica! Attica!
Okay, seriously, Juno's pretty great. Check it out.
Additional Bonus Category! Best Monster: The Host
The Korean movie The Host was often over-the-top silly, and incomprehensible in its character development, but the monster is totally worth the price of admission. And honestly, I think the Host was probably the best monster I've ever seen in a sci-fi/horror film.
If Greta Picked the Oscars
Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress
As far as acting goes, nothing really jumps out at me. I mean, I could give it to the rugged young English lad in Atonement, but that would only be because he's so deliciously dreamy. Or maybe it should go to the robots in Transformers, they are at least supposed to sound mechanical and stiff.
Best Director
Tim Burton wins for best director, I mean he just tries SOOOO hard, right?
Best Picture
I'll go with Atonement just because it is the first movie in a long time that I liked more and more as I thought about it instead of less and less.
As far as acting goes, nothing really jumps out at me. I mean, I could give it to the rugged young English lad in Atonement, but that would only be because he's so deliciously dreamy. Or maybe it should go to the robots in Transformers, they are at least supposed to sound mechanical and stiff.
Best Director
Tim Burton wins for best director, I mean he just tries SOOOO hard, right?
Best Picture
I'll go with Atonement just because it is the first movie in a long time that I liked more and more as I thought about it instead of less and less.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Oh, Brad!
Arg. In order to save money, but to raise spirits, I went to the local beauty school to go blonde (a bit early - usually I do it in the summer, but I needed a change.) Why, oh why, didn't I go to Brad? Brad, who knows me, who knows how I like my blonde hairlights? Why? WHY?
It doesn't look bad, it's just not what I wanted. I took a picture of what I wanted! And, it took like four hours. Four hours for hair I didn't want! And, when I got home, all I wanted was a glass of red wine, but we're out of red wine! Arg!
Luckily we're not out of coke and 151.
In other news, I've been gifted with a pair of lovely, handmade, wool socks! I thank you, K, and my toes thank you!
And, in Oscar news (this is Oscar Extravaganza Week, after all), check out these awesome interviews with Ellen Page (fabulous, extremely bright, young, feminist, reader)* and all the Oscar noms, including Daniel Day Lewis, which is one of the most pretentious (and therefore hilarious) interviews I've ever heard.
*would it be lame if I carried around a pipe just like Juno?
It doesn't look bad, it's just not what I wanted. I took a picture of what I wanted! And, it took like four hours. Four hours for hair I didn't want! And, when I got home, all I wanted was a glass of red wine, but we're out of red wine! Arg!
Luckily we're not out of coke and 151.In other news, I've been gifted with a pair of lovely, handmade, wool socks! I thank you, K, and my toes thank you!
And, in Oscar news (this is Oscar Extravaganza Week, after all), check out these awesome interviews with Ellen Page (fabulous, extremely bright, young, feminist, reader)* and all the Oscar noms, including Daniel Day Lewis, which is one of the most pretentious (and therefore hilarious) interviews I've ever heard.*would it be lame if I carried around a pipe just like Juno?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
mini-film festival
I found some of the nominated animated shorts - they are:
I met the Walrus (trailer)
The slightly gross Madame Tutli-Putli, a puppeted stop-motion with real eyes. (17 min. film)
Même les Pigeons vont au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go To Heaven) (8 minute film)
Moya Lyubov (My Love) - a sort of watercolor-y Russian short so boring I couldn't finish it (part 1, part 2, part 3).
Peter and the Wolf (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, about 30 mins, total)
I met the Walrus (trailer)
The slightly gross Madame Tutli-Putli, a puppeted stop-motion with real eyes. (17 min. film)
Même les Pigeons vont au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go To Heaven) (8 minute film)
Moya Lyubov (My Love) - a sort of watercolor-y Russian short so boring I couldn't finish it (part 1, part 2, part 3).
Peter and the Wolf (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, about 30 mins, total)
If Special K Picked the Oscars
Best Actor
Will Smith, I am Legend. Because he's the last man on Earth, Smith really has to carry this film. Forced to battle his inner demons as well as the one's that have taken over the earth, Smith brings his usual wide range to the role. My favorite parts were the ones that were more human than hero.
Best Supporting Actor(s)
Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Adrian Brody, The Darjeeling Limited. Why shouldn't all three actors win Supporting Actor? A group of male actors supporting each other so well I've hardly seen before.
Best Actress
Ellen Page, Juno. Page's loquacious character has a lot of swagger, but occasionally her sarcasm (thanks to the brilliant script by Diablo Cody) falls away to reveal a young woman who is "dealing with things well above [her] maturity level." Like Molly Shannon in The Year of the Dog, her tight performance is for a character who wears a mask, when it slips aside, we glipse the insecurities she tries to hide. My favorite line (Up there with The Virgin Suicides, "Clearly, Doctor, you have never been a 13 year old girl.") is Juno's "I don't really know what kind of girl I am." Page beautifully portrays a very bright young woman trying to figure it out.
Best Supporting Actress
Tabu, The Namesake. The parents of Gogol (Kal Penn) really steal the show. The one-named Tabu is amazing as his mother, a young woman at the beginning of the film who's aging (beautifully!) by the end. Her moving performance and chemistry with her co-star was simply incredible.
Best Director
Craig Gillespie, Lars and the Real Girl. Truthfully, I don't know too much about film directing, but I do know I like this movie, and whoever made it collected a good story, great actors, interesting spaces and terrific performances, so I figure he did a really good job.
Best Picture
The Bourne Whatever. When it comes right down to it, when I go to the movies, I really wanna have a good time, some laughs, maybe *one* tear that I pretend I didn't cry, and I want a certain husband to go with me. Sure, I might go see the art-housey Margot at the Wedding and spend the rest of the night depressed and wishing I hadn't gone, and I'm through the blood-drenched dick flicks like No Country for Old Men and There Will Be (whatelse?) Blood. But a good, old-fashioned spy-type movie like the last Bourne movie really does it for me (as does a certain lead actor).
Will Smith, I am Legend. Because he's the last man on Earth, Smith really has to carry this film. Forced to battle his inner demons as well as the one's that have taken over the earth, Smith brings his usual wide range to the role. My favorite parts were the ones that were more human than hero.
Best Supporting Actor(s)Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Adrian Brody, The Darjeeling Limited. Why shouldn't all three actors win Supporting Actor? A group of male actors supporting each other so well I've hardly seen before.
Best Actress
Ellen Page, Juno. Page's loquacious character has a lot of swagger, but occasionally her sarcasm (thanks to the brilliant script by Diablo Cody) falls away to reveal a young woman who is "dealing with things well above [her] maturity level." Like Molly Shannon in The Year of the Dog, her tight performance is for a character who wears a mask, when it slips aside, we glipse the insecurities she tries to hide. My favorite line (Up there with The Virgin Suicides, "Clearly, Doctor, you have never been a 13 year old girl.") is Juno's "I don't really know what kind of girl I am." Page beautifully portrays a very bright young woman trying to figure it out.
Best Supporting ActressTabu, The Namesake. The parents of Gogol (Kal Penn) really steal the show. The one-named Tabu is amazing as his mother, a young woman at the beginning of the film who's aging (beautifully!) by the end. Her moving performance and chemistry with her co-star was simply incredible.
Best Director
Craig Gillespie, Lars and the Real Girl. Truthfully, I don't know too much about film directing, but I do know I like this movie, and whoever made it collected a good story, great actors, interesting spaces and terrific performances, so I figure he did a really good job.
Best Picture
The Bourne Whatever. When it comes right down to it, when I go to the movies, I really wanna have a good time, some laughs, maybe *one* tear that I pretend I didn't cry, and I want a certain husband to go with me. Sure, I might go see the art-housey Margot at the Wedding and spend the rest of the night depressed and wishing I hadn't gone, and I'm through the blood-drenched dick flicks like No Country for Old Men and There Will Be (whatelse?) Blood. But a good, old-fashioned spy-type movie like the last Bourne movie really does it for me (as does a certain lead actor).
Monday, February 18, 2008
If Carrie Picked the Oscars
For the second year in a row, I haven't seem too many nominees. There was a lot of blood running this year, and I am a bit more squeamish than I used to be. No matter- if I could cast a ballot, I'd pick...
Best Actor
Remi, Ratatouille. That little blue rat (an his artist creator) captured all my attention with his wide range of emotion and truthful performance
Best Supporting Actor
Phillip Seymore Hoffman, Charlie Wilson's War. I just love that guy; I'm sure I'll agree with my decision when I see the movie through Netflix
Best Actress
Ellen Page, Juno. I only buy one DVD a year, and this will be it. In a year with not much going on in the theatres (without blood) I was happy this movie was out there.
Best Supporting Actress
Jennifer Garner, Juno. I think I may have liked her performance more than Page's. This is a sentimental vote. I love when I can see my emotions mirrored in someone's performance. Like that scene when she feels the baby, or she's talking about what the book says about painting the nursery, you get the idea.
Best Director and Picture
Atonement. This was a beautifully crafted film. I thought it would be another sappy love story (and that would have been fine) but there was this awesome twist and then another interesting turn. I didn't see anything coming- I love that.
Best ActorRemi, Ratatouille. That little blue rat (an his artist creator) captured all my attention with his wide range of emotion and truthful performance
Best Supporting Actor
Phillip Seymore Hoffman, Charlie Wilson's War. I just love that guy; I'm sure I'll agree with my decision when I see the movie through Netflix
Best Actress
Ellen Page, Juno. I only buy one DVD a year, and this will be it. In a year with not much going on in the theatres (without blood) I was happy this movie was out there.
Best Supporting Actress Jennifer Garner, Juno. I think I may have liked her performance more than Page's. This is a sentimental vote. I love when I can see my emotions mirrored in someone's performance. Like that scene when she feels the baby, or she's talking about what the book says about painting the nursery, you get the idea.
Best Director and Picture
Atonement. This was a beautifully crafted film. I thought it would be another sappy love story (and that would have been fine) but there was this awesome twist and then another interesting turn. I didn't see anything coming- I love that.
8th Annual "If We Picked The Oscars"
I'm so excited to announce the kick-off of our EIGHTH year of "If We Picked the Oscars!" I've got some terrific guest hosts to join me, struggled a little bit with striking writers myself (hey, you guys, it's over!) and am ready to present to you, my valued reader, a collection of Oscar "picks" that have little or nothing to do with the actual Oscars, and sometimes even movies. Feel free to chime in on the comments and let us know what you think!
My first guest is your favorite sister and mine: Carrie!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Young again
Last night M and I actually went to a CLUB and watched a BAND, an activity we haven't engaged in for lo these many years. Back in MY day (the mid-nineties) we didn't stand around in smoke-free bars, waving our cellphones back and forth. Of course, also back in my day, we didn't have a lovely 3 course meal at a French restaurant, followed by REAL absinthe.With wormwood and everything. Wee!
The band was Freezepop, and it was really fun. Not one Keytar but two. Never have I seen it played with such grace. Back in my day, drummers sat surrounded by untold numbers of drums and cymbals, but apparently all they do today is poke the buttons of a small plastic machine with their fingers. Freezepop's songs are ironic and kind of post-80s Euro-dance (can you tell I have no idea what I'm talking about?) M. and I were trying to describe the quality of the lead singers voice - look, I'm really not good at writing about non-visual things like food and music - I came up with, "She sings like she's not trying" and M. said, "It's like she doesn't care?" Which doesn't sound good, but actually, we both really love her voice. I thought they had a great attitude, jumping into the crowd and borrowing cameras to take pictures of the audience, letting the kids in the front row bang on the keytar like a bunch of monkeys. For some reason they closed the show with a couple of goofy covers, like The Final Countdown, which always reminds me of Gob, from Arrested Development, who reminds me of my brother. I couldn't believe all the youngsters knew the words!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
1-100
For those of you keeping score, it is now February: 10, Special K: 2. We were supposed to get 2-3 inches of snow yesterday, but in the afternoon it started snowing, quite hard, and did not stop all night. We have at least 6 inches (in addition to the snow we already had, which covered a layer of slush, which covered a layer of ice). Everyone is wandering around at their wit's end, muttering out, "I've had enough!" and "This is getting old!" The fact that we will not actually experience anything like warm weather for approximately another 6 months is particularly depressing. I spent most of yesterday researching those special lights you shine on yourself if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD? Come on!), which, it turns out, are really expensive.
Well, in order to fight the winter dulldrums, I'd like to announce a few upcoming blogging events to occur right here on Agoraphobia - next week, the annual If We Picked the Oscars, whereby "we" is myself and a few friends who have hardly seen any movies all year, much less the nominated films, who nevertheless regale you with our own elite opinions. The following week I'm planning to do a week of Green Blogging, and I invite you to do your own Green Blogging on your own website, and we'll all share our ideas about - you guessed it! Making the World a Better Place! Teaser: I'm about to make my own laundry detergent and test it out - I'll let you know on Green Week! (And now I bet you can't wait, right?)
And here's one more thing to amuse you during this dark, cold time, an awesome short film - check it out!
Well, in order to fight the winter dulldrums, I'd like to announce a few upcoming blogging events to occur right here on Agoraphobia - next week, the annual If We Picked the Oscars, whereby "we" is myself and a few friends who have hardly seen any movies all year, much less the nominated films, who nevertheless regale you with our own elite opinions. The following week I'm planning to do a week of Green Blogging, and I invite you to do your own Green Blogging on your own website, and we'll all share our ideas about - you guessed it! Making the World a Better Place! Teaser: I'm about to make my own laundry detergent and test it out - I'll let you know on Green Week! (And now I bet you can't wait, right?)
And here's one more thing to amuse you during this dark, cold time, an awesome short film - check it out!
Monday, February 11, 2008
boo ya
Had a pretty quiet weekend sitting around on the couch (it was like negative 12 outside!) Actually played a lot of video games with my ol' man. We played Paradise City, which is actually pretty fun. I felt like Vince Vaughn and his buddies in just about every movie he's ever been in. (I'm not sure which one of us is Vince Vaughn.) It involves shouting BOO-YA! a lot. M.'s also got Motor Storm or something like that. He explained that it's simply not cool if you don't explode across the finish line. Just broke my No Film with Only One Women Rule and watched 3:10 to Yuma. Damn it, I have really got to stick to that rule! It gets me every time! If I wanted to watch a bunch of crap about moronic pressures of masculinity and the myth of the hero, I'd... well, explode my car across the finish line of Motor Cross. Check out my lately ignored book blog for a couple of new posts, including one about six word memoirs - give it a minute and write your own!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
February: 2, Special K: 1
I think it's hit the national news that we're suffering some pretty bad weather in Chicago, because "friends" from all over the country have been calling me up to tell me exactly how warm it is in their area. It snowed last week, which I told y'all about, then it snowed a little during the superbowl (3-4 inches). Then about half of all that melted, leaving behind several inches of slush that threatened to invade even the most steadfast of winter boots. It was through this sludge that I trudged downtown to work (for FREE!) yesterday, cursing, at every step, neighbors who had not shoveled their walks, conveniently forgetting that I had not actually shoveled MY walk. Lo, did I pass one kind soul out there shoveling his walk, and did I command my most colloquial of voices and utter, "God bless ya!" He scowled at me, and didst return his own colloquialism, "This is the definition of an uphill battle" saith he.
All of this might not have been such a drag if I did not, in fact, have an interview yesterday. One wants to arrive looking fresh and professional, not slightly soggy with hat head, in giant, wet boots, wearing a crumpled suit jacket. It snowed all day, if you can call the beady pellets of ice that fell from the sky "snow". By the time I got home what we had was approximately one foot of snow on top of 3 inches of sludge. I shoveled immediately.
This morning I heard the depressing news that the sun has shown in Chicago for a total of 11 minutes this month. Eleven. Minutes. Damn you, February!
All of this might not have been such a drag if I did not, in fact, have an interview yesterday. One wants to arrive looking fresh and professional, not slightly soggy with hat head, in giant, wet boots, wearing a crumpled suit jacket. It snowed all day, if you can call the beady pellets of ice that fell from the sky "snow". By the time I got home what we had was approximately one foot of snow on top of 3 inches of sludge. I shoveled immediately.
This morning I heard the depressing news that the sun has shown in Chicago for a total of 11 minutes this month. Eleven. Minutes. Damn you, February!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Democratic Process!
Well, I just got back from voting in the primaries, and am now filled with both a feeling of satisfaction and an odd sense of wonderment. Make that wondering: wondering whether or not my vote will actually be counted. I was asked, so casually, that (all important) PaperOrPlastic question - PaperOrElectronic? I did some quick thinking: which was more likely to be counted properly? Paper? I said. That's good, right? The young man did not inspire confidence. Probably it'll be fine, he said. Probably?!? I marked my choice (H.C.), I slid it into the machine. It slid back out. I protested. I was assured that it was counted, even though a receipt came out that said Vote Not Registered or some crap.
Anyway, don't let any of this deter YOU, fine citizen, from going out and voting for the (democrat) of your choice. A certain husband's grandma tried to convince me why she doesn't vote and it only filled me with a boiling rage. You cannot convince me that you shouldn't vote (yes, helpless old women send me into a boiling rage). But, I just have to think: Jesus Effing Christ! For hundreds of years we've been voting in this country and still it's a friggin' cock-mess? I've seen high school prom queen elections with more integrity!
Here are four simple suggestions for a better voting system:
Anyway, don't let any of this deter YOU, fine citizen, from going out and voting for the (democrat) of your choice. A certain husband's grandma tried to convince me why she doesn't vote and it only filled me with a boiling rage. You cannot convince me that you shouldn't vote (yes, helpless old women send me into a boiling rage). But, I just have to think: Jesus Effing Christ! For hundreds of years we've been voting in this country and still it's a friggin' cock-mess? I've seen high school prom queen elections with more integrity!
Here are four simple suggestions for a better voting system:
1. Dip voter's finger in ink, mark ballot. Beat inkless finger people in the street at end of day.
2. Arrive at voters' station, pick up jelly bean. Put it in jar associated with candidate. Have huge jelly bean party the next day.
3. Text 001 for Obama, 002 for Hilary. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
4. Have one STANDARDIZED, goddamn paper ballot that's used at every polling station in the US. Holy Frick! Do I have to do EVERYTHING?
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Giants Win! (I like the Giants)
We had a really fun Superbowl party tonight - everyone was rooting for the Giants after it was explained that they are:
I learned some really interesting stuff like after 9/11 the Patriots won the Superbowl on accounta some lame calls because they were like Team America or something. And also, that there are these two brothers, Mannings, and their dad was a football player too or something, and that he only dated really athletic women so his kids would be great football players. That's all supposed to be true.
So, because I am my father's daughter, I will now give you a wrap up of the end of the game: The best bit was definitely when that one guy caught the ball on top of his head and then held on to it even though he was being tackled like a pro-wrestler across someone's knee! And then, the Giants made a touchdown, and then, with something like 35 seconds left, the Patriots tried to make a touchdown, but, too bad, they couldn't do it. I think the Giants caught their super-long pass. And then, for some reason, the time was 01, then it was 00, then it was 02, then 01, then 00, then 01...00...01...00, and then everyone was starting to run on the field, then they dumped the gatoraide, then they cleared the field and stood there for ONE second, then they mobbed the field again, then a guy named something strange cried. I liked that part.
It was very exciting.
1. Not the Patriots
2. The Patriots are big jerks
I learned some really interesting stuff like after 9/11 the Patriots won the Superbowl on accounta some lame calls because they were like Team America or something. And also, that there are these two brothers, Mannings, and their dad was a football player too or something, and that he only dated really athletic women so his kids would be great football players. That's all supposed to be true. So, because I am my father's daughter, I will now give you a wrap up of the end of the game: The best bit was definitely when that one guy caught the ball on top of his head and then held on to it even though he was being tackled like a pro-wrestler across someone's knee! And then, the Giants made a touchdown, and then, with something like 35 seconds left, the Patriots tried to make a touchdown, but, too bad, they couldn't do it. I think the Giants caught their super-long pass. And then, for some reason, the time was 01, then it was 00, then it was 02, then 01, then 00, then 01...00...01...00, and then everyone was starting to run on the field, then they dumped the gatoraide, then they cleared the field and stood there for ONE second, then they mobbed the field again, then a guy named something strange cried. I liked that part.
It was very exciting.
Friday, February 01, 2008
February: 0, Special K: 1
There's over a foot of snow outside in Chicago, but thanks to a kindly neighbor with one of those nifty shovel machines who does our sidewalks, I'm on top! Thanks to him, I had a renewed believe in humanity and the energy to do the back walk all the way to the trashcan, so a certain husband can throw out the trash later. (The kindly neighbor will find a bottle of wine chilling in the snow.)
Yesterday as I was trudging through the snow, gettin' kind of grouchy, I had to keep reminding myself that it was actually gorgeous, and fun. It was snowing perfect, Currier and Ives, Tahoe-quality snow, sparkly and light. Today I took the plunge and planted a snow angel outside my kitchen window. brrrrr!
It has somehow registered on my radar that the Giants are in the SuperBowl. Ha HA! I happen to have a Giants t-shirt from my San Francisco days, so now I have something to wear to our annual Super Bowl party, which is really just an excuse to eat Cheesy Poofs and (meatless) mini-pigs in blankets (nut free).
Ready to vote for your favorite (democrat!) on Tuesday? Get out the vote!!!
Yesterday as I was trudging through the snow, gettin' kind of grouchy, I had to keep reminding myself that it was actually gorgeous, and fun. It was snowing perfect, Currier and Ives, Tahoe-quality snow, sparkly and light. Today I took the plunge and planted a snow angel outside my kitchen window. brrrrr!
It has somehow registered on my radar that the Giants are in the SuperBowl. Ha HA! I happen to have a Giants t-shirt from my San Francisco days, so now I have something to wear to our annual Super Bowl party, which is really just an excuse to eat Cheesy Poofs and (meatless) mini-pigs in blankets (nut free).
Ready to vote for your favorite (democrat!) on Tuesday? Get out the vote!!!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Blast from the past
Me and my cousins:
Little R., C., C., me, Jason, who's no longer with us, and S. in front.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Ikea Hack
You know those gigantaloid bags you buy at Ikea for $.50? Quite a while ago, K told me about her friend, a fellow crafter over Knit or Get Off the Pot, who pointed out how easy it is to make two bags from one. I love what she did with the otherwise not-very-useful bags. Just made these myself:
Ah, but what is that button and hook for? you ask. Why, I'll show you.
foldfoldfold
Ta Da! Handy ICOE bagwithinabag!
Ah, but what is that button and hook for? you ask. Why, I'll show you.
foldfoldfold
Ta Da! Handy ICOE bagwithinabag!
Anjelina Jolie Pregnant with Twins?!?!
I don't think I'll be able to handle it if Angelina Jolie is pregnant with twins. Excuse me, pregnant with Brad Pitt's twins, which is how everyone seems to be wording it. I'll never understand the obsession with celebrity baby stories - but it sure sells the rags, doesn't it? Nothing ruins standing in line at the grocery quite like the dimple-cheeked offspring of the starved. I like looking at pics of my nephews like nothing else, but, as everyone knows, there's nothing more dull than looking at pics of kids you don't know. I'm telling you, seriously, mark my words, in 13 years or so, we're going to see some major recriminations from today's wee little ones, when they start demanding residuals. I found this lame-ass article by this woman who writes, "...I can’t deny the appeal that a celebrity’s status as a mother has on my interest in them. Maybe other people aren’t as simple-minded as I am, but what do I know? I’m just a mom." Seriously? I'm pretty sick of this I'm-busy-raising-my-kids-so-I-don't-have-time-to-use-my-brain-excuse that people like to trot out. What do we care what the children of the Cruises, the Britneys, the scary Nicole Richies and the Robertses look like? I mean, it's simple: if the kids are really lucky, they won't end up cracked out of their minds or under the parental care of Kevin Federline. But, more likely, they're going to end up pretty effed up, just like the rest of us, because not only do they live in a celebrity-obsessed culture, but they're the object of obsession.
Or maybe Jolie is selflessly, single-handedly trying to revive our dying economy (ie. baby "bump" rumors spur on sales of magazines, more women get pregnant to follow "trend" of making babies, buy whatever stroller the Jolie-Pitts are pushing their twins around in. Oh, excuse me, his twins).
Saturday, January 26, 2008
In the News
The Onion has some awesome articles out right now, including Bill Clinton: Screw it, I'm Running for President. You KNOW that's what he's thinking... Area Eccentric Reads Entire Book is hilarious, but even more so when I noticed that the location is Greenwood, Indiana. One of their writers has got to be from IN; it seems to be a frequent locale in the stories. Happened to notice this old article from 2001, Garage Band Actually Believes There Is A 'Terre Haute Sound', which'll be sure to amuse anyone that's ever been a member or observer of the Indiana music scene.
In REAL news, my friend A. is featured in an article in the WaPo: A Colorful Haven for Artists and Activists. Check it out!
In REAL news, my friend A. is featured in an article in the WaPo: A Colorful Haven for Artists and Activists. Check it out!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Do It!
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: Mac Matrix
(first pet & current car)
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: Chocolate Sugar
(fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: K Ro
(first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: Blue Dog
(favorite color, favorite animal)
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: Jean Bloomington
(middle name, city where you were born)
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: Roake
(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
7. SUPERHERO NAME: The Black Cosmopolitan (Oooh - I like that!)
(”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
8. NASCAR NAME: Corky Eugene
(the first names of your grandfathers)
9. STRIPPER NAME: Amarige Truffle (ooh!)
( the name of your favorite scent/perfume/cologne, favorite candy)
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: Lee Dave
(mother’s & father’s middle names )
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: uhhh... mom, do you know?
(Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
12. SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: Autumn Narcissus (ooh, that's good!)
(your favorite season/holiday, flower)
13. CARTOON NAME: Strawberry Pantsies
(favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
14. HIPPY NAME: Coffee Maple
(What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: The Sewing Hailing Tour
(”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
(first pet & current car)
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: Chocolate Sugar
(fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: K Ro
(first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: Blue Dog
(favorite color, favorite animal)
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: Jean Bloomington
(middle name, city where you were born)
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: Roake
(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
7. SUPERHERO NAME: The Black Cosmopolitan (Oooh - I like that!)
(”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
8. NASCAR NAME: Corky Eugene
(the first names of your grandfathers)
9. STRIPPER NAME: Amarige Truffle (ooh!)
( the name of your favorite scent/perfume/cologne, favorite candy)
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: Lee Dave
(mother’s & father’s middle names )
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: uhhh... mom, do you know?
(Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
12. SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: Autumn Narcissus (ooh, that's good!)
(your favorite season/holiday, flower)
13. CARTOON NAME: Strawberry Pantsies
(favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
14. HIPPY NAME: Coffee Maple
(What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: The Sewing Hailing Tour
(”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
Watcha watchin?
God help me if I'm not spending the morning watching reality tv (free the writers!) I've got a few questions:
In other weak entertainment news, M and I attempted to watch Cloverfield, which I mistakenly thought was a Godzilla movie, and which I mistakenly called a King Kong movie. It turns out it is neither Godzilla nor King Kong. It is, however, quite similar to The Blair Witch Project, which caused me to throw up all night after I watched it. Part way through the completely handheld Cloverfield I started getting that old feeling again. Lo, did we stumble out of the theatre, moaning and clutching at the wall. Even though the movie was really boring and lame, I still wonder what predictable ending they went with - did they all get dashed to death at the last minute? or did they ride off in a helicopter into an uncertain future? Anybody know?
1. Are we supposed to believe that that dude's wife had a baby, and then he AND the wife dragged their one day old baby to an American Idol audition?
2. What heads of states do the contestants of Crowned: The Mother of All Pagents think they are going to dine with after winning the dubious prize of a reality tv show about bitchy mothers and daughters lacking even the integrity of say, Miss Teen USA (Poor Carson! How did he end up in the middle of that hot mess?)
3. Why was that mom "humiliated and embarrassed" for kissing her husband and taking her shoes off?
In other weak entertainment news, M and I attempted to watch Cloverfield, which I mistakenly thought was a Godzilla movie, and which I mistakenly called a King Kong movie. It turns out it is neither Godzilla nor King Kong. It is, however, quite similar to The Blair Witch Project, which caused me to throw up all night after I watched it. Part way through the completely handheld Cloverfield I started getting that old feeling again. Lo, did we stumble out of the theatre, moaning and clutching at the wall. Even though the movie was really boring and lame, I still wonder what predictable ending they went with - did they all get dashed to death at the last minute? or did they ride off in a helicopter into an uncertain future? Anybody know?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Blog for Choice 2008
Today's the 35 Anniversary of Roe v. Wade. While our rights are slipping through our fingers these days, it's important to remember the women who fought and are fighting for women's rights. Please remember, one third of American women have had an abortion by the time they're 45, so whether or not she's trusted you enough to tell you, chances are you know quite a few women who've had an abortion. Practice respect and sensitivity for a difficult and honorable choice.
Monday, January 21, 2008
MLK
An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
DVR Breakdown
Something got cocked up in our DVR so The Guy came this morning, and besides regaling me with tales of how much better he plays Guitar Hero when he's drunk, he gave me the bad news that we needed to replace the machine and all our recordings would be lost. Wah, all those 30 Rocks I'd saved! A Friday Night Lights only half-watched! And last night's American Idol, for which I had to suffer a certain husband making fun. I watched the Philadelphia one the night before. I don't know why that Simon guy gets such a bad rap. If you ask me, he's the most professional one of them all - Crazy and that other dude sit there snickering and poking each other in the ribs, but at least Simon has some decorum. You know what's interesting? The show was two hours long but I watched it in about 40 minutes, fast forwarding through commercials, anything with that Seacrest person, and any shots of the miserable hovels and tiny babies these desperate wannabes are anxious to escape.
In other news, there's a wet snow coming down outside, but K is warm and toasty inside, hiding from the world and all the nasty people out there who might take her DVR and tell her a singing career is simply not in her future.
In other news, there's a wet snow coming down outside, but K is warm and toasty inside, hiding from the world and all the nasty people out there who might take her DVR and tell her a singing career is simply not in her future.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Self-Serving Blog Shout Out
Yo, if you're not reading (and commenting) on Top Five, you're missing a good time! (This week: People You'd Invite to Dinner)
I wrote about this new batch of "bad girl" books (Gossip Girl and so on) on my book blog. Isn't it crazy what the kids are up to these days?
This I only WISH I'd written. (Thanks for the tip, C&D!)
PS - do y'all like my new foto over there, or does it make me look too chubby?
I wrote about this new batch of "bad girl" books (Gossip Girl and so on) on my book blog. Isn't it crazy what the kids are up to these days?This I only WISH I'd written. (Thanks for the tip, C&D!)
PS - do y'all like my new foto over there, or does it make me look too chubby?
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Right Wing Media Turns Me Into Clinton Supporter
The recent brouhaha over Hillary Clinton's "tears" after her touchingly (and ever so slightly) emotional response to a question ("How do you do it?") has got me rethinking about who I support for president...
I think she sounds sincere and honest, and that little speech, which has caused an commotion in the press (I think the Daily Show covered it well) has even
Feminists poking fingers at each other. Maureen Dowd's bizarre-o op-ed about Clinton's "crying" reeks with the discomfort of someone who can't stomach a powerful woman (odd, coming from a pretty powerful woman herself) with *gasp* feelings. It seems obvious to me, but people seem to forget that most people, even this guy, are at times "emotional".
I just happened to catch a rerun of Sex and The City yesterday where Charlotte complains that one time she cried on the job and no one ever let her forget it. After being insulted, Samantha makes a bee-line for privacy before allowing herself to shed a tear. When men cry, Jesus Christ, isn't it touching? but when women cry, watch out! she's an unstable woman, likely to bleed all over the Oval Office.
The whole thing makes me nuts, particularly how she's referred to over and over again as "Hillary". God help me if I don't do it myself sometimes, it's so ingrained in our mentality. Does the media ever mention Barack and John? No, it's Obama, Edwards, and "Hillary" - it's a classic method of marginalizing women, and it's not acceptable. And, yes, yes, I know that even her campaign refers to "Hillary for President" but does that give the media free reign to refer to her by her first name while everyone is given the courtesy of their last name?
Gloria Steinem's NYT article was a tough pill to swallow, but mostly because what she wrote rings pretty true, whether we want to believe it or not. Steinem writes:
Feministing has been making frequent posts all day in a "24 Hour Hillary Sexism Watch" that really make you wonder what century we're living in. Amidst all these ridiculous reactions to Clinton, from what she's wearing to getting a little misty-eyed when talking about how invested she is in changing this country for the better made me think, to quote an early feminist, Ain't I a woman?
Funny that the right wing media turns me into a Clinton supporter, but that's exactly what's happened. That's my SISTER they're talking about, and each jab that has to do with her gender makes me feel like myself and women everywhere don't stand a chance until we confront the caste system, like Steinem says, and support Clinton not just because she's a great candidate but also because she's a woman. I may not share every single one of her political decisions, but I want to see a woman president. And instead of waiting around for the perfect woman, why shouldn't I stand behind this one, who's brilliant, a Democrat, a Feminist, has a ridiculous amount of experience and is just maybe the perfect person to be our first female president?
I think she sounds sincere and honest, and that little speech, which has caused an commotion in the press (I think the Daily Show covered it well) has even
Feminists poking fingers at each other. Maureen Dowd's bizarre-o op-ed about Clinton's "crying" reeks with the discomfort of someone who can't stomach a powerful woman (odd, coming from a pretty powerful woman herself) with *gasp* feelings. It seems obvious to me, but people seem to forget that most people, even this guy, are at times "emotional".
I just happened to catch a rerun of Sex and The City yesterday where Charlotte complains that one time she cried on the job and no one ever let her forget it. After being insulted, Samantha makes a bee-line for privacy before allowing herself to shed a tear. When men cry, Jesus Christ, isn't it touching? but when women cry, watch out! she's an unstable woman, likely to bleed all over the Oval Office.The whole thing makes me nuts, particularly how she's referred to over and over again as "Hillary". God help me if I don't do it myself sometimes, it's so ingrained in our mentality. Does the media ever mention Barack and John? No, it's Obama, Edwards, and "Hillary" - it's a classic method of marginalizing women, and it's not acceptable. And, yes, yes, I know that even her campaign refers to "Hillary for President" but does that give the media free reign to refer to her by her first name while everyone is given the courtesy of their last name?
Gloria Steinem's NYT article was a tough pill to swallow, but mostly because what she wrote rings pretty true, whether we want to believe it or not. Steinem writes:
Gender is probably the most restricting force in American life, whether the question is who must be in the kitchen or who could be in the White House. This country is way down the list of countries electing women and, according to one study, it polarizes gender roles more than the average democracy.I hate to say I've (until recently) been one of those women Steinem's worried about, who "hope to deny or escape the sexual caste system" because I've so far been throwing my (considerable - ha!) influence and support to Obama. Like many others, I thought that Clinton's ok, but not exactly the person I want as president. Why? I thought, maybe she's too shrewd or political, plays the game too much. But which man in the running isn't doing that right now? (Well, ok, Kusinich...)
Feministing has been making frequent posts all day in a "24 Hour Hillary Sexism Watch" that really make you wonder what century we're living in. Amidst all these ridiculous reactions to Clinton, from what she's wearing to getting a little misty-eyed when talking about how invested she is in changing this country for the better made me think, to quote an early feminist, Ain't I a woman?
Funny that the right wing media turns me into a Clinton supporter, but that's exactly what's happened. That's my SISTER they're talking about, and each jab that has to do with her gender makes me feel like myself and women everywhere don't stand a chance until we confront the caste system, like Steinem says, and support Clinton not just because she's a great candidate but also because she's a woman. I may not share every single one of her political decisions, but I want to see a woman president. And instead of waiting around for the perfect woman, why shouldn't I stand behind this one, who's brilliant, a Democrat, a Feminist, has a ridiculous amount of experience and is just maybe the perfect person to be our first female president?
Monday, January 07, 2008
Homemade
I wasn't the only one who was crafting away at Christmas time! Wanted to share with you these super-cool soy candles made by my friend G. She's a thrift-store shopper extraordinaire and found some really fabulous containers for the candles. I also got some mixed cds from friends C&D - have been incessantly listening to Ingrid Michaelson, Girls and Boys.
Now, here's a blast from the past... saw some awesome jewelry made with Shrinky-Dinks on Etsy, and had to run out and buy my own. Here are some of the things I've made so far. Think will turn them into key chains or necklaces. Fun, huh? 
Hope my da' doesn't mind if I share this poem I wrote for him for Christmas:
Now, here's a blast from the past... saw some awesome jewelry made with Shrinky-Dinks on Etsy, and had to run out and buy my own. Here are some of the things I've made so far. Think will turn them into key chains or necklaces. Fun, huh? 
Hope my da' doesn't mind if I share this poem I wrote for him for Christmas:You built a house in the tree
with wood from my Grandpa.
It was red, and peeling, and wonderful,
there was a ladder, and a trap door, and a pail
that we used to raise and lower things.
It was everything a tree house should be.
In the summer
we slept in the tree house
with neighborhood kids.
Well, we started the night in the tree,
looking at stars
listening to the silence of a sleeping street.
In the middle of the night,
or maybe nine-thirty in the evening,
we climbed down and went to our beds,
shivering.
Not along ago,
you and I tried to draw the tree house
together.
The challenge of perspective,
of point-of-view,
was too much.
How did we forget to take a picture
of your creation?
My grandma can barely watch old videos of her family
playing in the lake, tan and beautiful.
She avoids the screen.
“It doesn't capture,” she says, “How wonderful it was.”
Photographs don't tell the whole story.
We had dogs and days with no pictures
but I remember them well.
We never could have captured
how fun it was.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Monkeying Around
Here are some monkeys I made for a couple of young friends. I was quite pleased with how they came out and enjoyed making them. These are made from the classic "Red Heel Sock", locally made in Rockford, IL. I felt like something of a Native American because to make a sock monkey, you use all of the sock. These were the best instructions I could find online - you can make them with any kind of sock, if you wish.
I think he liked it!
I think he liked it!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
We can be heroes
Happened upon this Hero-generator. My heroine, Wonder K, stays Warm with the help of her Trusty Companion, The Sympathetic Squirrel, and Smashes Patriarchy with her Feminist Hammer! (BTW, did anyone else watch Wife Swap tonight? God help me if I did.)
Make your a hero in your image here.
Make your a hero in your image here.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
New Year, New Baby
Shortly after midnight last night my dad called with the good news that my sister-in-law had (finally, poor thing) given birth to a baby boy. His name is Nathan James and looks cute as a button. Look at that face! They were on the news this morning because he was one of the first babies of the new year (in Indiana). Everyone's doing very well. Think my sister-in-law is a little viking.
In my midnight state (post-champagne but pre-flaming shots) I was confused about the date of the birth because I forgot to factor the time change. Had long chat over brunch whether Jan. 1 was a good birthday or not (you know, people with birthdays close to Christmas always complain that no one gives their birthday any special notice). Well, I promise to be a good Auntie and provide both Xmas and birthday presents.
Here's his cover story and some in-depth journalistic coverage about his urine.
In my midnight state (post-champagne but pre-flaming shots) I was confused about the date of the birth because I forgot to factor the time change. Had long chat over brunch whether Jan. 1 was a good birthday or not (you know, people with birthdays close to Christmas always complain that no one gives their birthday any special notice). Well, I promise to be a good Auntie and provide both Xmas and birthday presents. Here's his cover story and some in-depth journalistic coverage about his urine.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Suck it, 2007!
I'm really happy to see the end of 2007, which has largely been a pain in my tokhes. But, I'm trying out this new things where I try to focus on the good things in my life rather than all the lame things. But I swear to god, if I don't find gainful employment in 2008, I'm going to go seriously ballistic. Speaking of, head over to Top Five to list your favorite memories of the year...
The year's going out with a bang, with one nasty stomach flu that traveled from my sister and bro-in-law, to me, and then to my husband, who's spent the last few days refusing to take any medicine (as is his way) and occasionally refusing to put on pants. It's just like 2007 to sock me and everyone I know with a massive intestinal shock in the last week. But, listen, I'm focusing on the trips to the hospital that I didn't take.
I'm not one for resolutions (anymore) - I figure, it's unlikely I'm going to keep them, so why set myself up for failure? But, I do like to consider some loose goals at the end of the year, which I might focus on in at least January. They are (the usual):
Hope the next year treats you all better - have fun and be safe tonight!
The year's going out with a bang, with one nasty stomach flu that traveled from my sister and bro-in-law, to me, and then to my husband, who's spent the last few days refusing to take any medicine (as is his way) and occasionally refusing to put on pants. It's just like 2007 to sock me and everyone I know with a massive intestinal shock in the last week. But, listen, I'm focusing on the trips to the hospital that I didn't take.
I'm not one for resolutions (anymore) - I figure, it's unlikely I'm going to keep them, so why set myself up for failure? But, I do like to consider some loose goals at the end of the year, which I might focus on in at least January. They are (the usual):
1. To get in better shape.
2. To take the good with the bad (part of new mentality)
3. To find gainful employment (will at least teach a course at Loyola)
4. Look into selling some of my crafts
5. Continue working on my book(s)
Hope the next year treats you all better - have fun and be safe tonight!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Juno
Saw Juno on Christmas Eve - really enjoyed it. It's being billed as This Year's Little Miss Sunshine and Knocked Up From a Woman's Perspective - I'm not sure how helpful those descriptions are, but it's a good movie in its own right. Juno's (Ellen Page) a junior in high school who gets pregnant after a brief encounter with her friend (Michael Cera). Cera is hilarious as the running-short-wearing, agreeable, not-quite boyfriend, and Juno, thanks to the witty screenplay by Diablo Cody (who really hasn't done anything else), is great as the wise-beyond-her-years teenager.
The dialogue is the sort you'll only find on the more industrious Gilmore Girls episodes - I happen to love it but I suppose some people might find it annoying. Alas, no one talks like this in real life, and I'd be surprised if people make the decision to give up a child for adoption so easily in real life either, but, that's the conceit of the movie.
Juno's parents (J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney), who are for the most part supportive, nevertheless have their moments. After telling them the news, her dad says, "Juno, I thought you were the kind of girl who knew when to say when." Juno flinches at this sting, and after a pause says, "I don't really know what kind of girl I am."
In the end (and I don't think I'm ruining it if you haven't seen it) I think the movie makes a pretty positive message (for a movie that doesn't really push any agenda) that choices women make about unwanted pregnancies are difficult, of course, but they can be dealt with and life goes on.
As the couple Juno chooses to give the baby to, Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner are evenly matched - him as the laid back, useta-be rocker, and she as the high-strung I-was-born-to-be-a-mommy type. I'm not a big fan of Garner's acting, generally, but I think this was a great role for her. Her character's not as one-dimensional as she first appears.
BTW, it's got a really interesting soundtrack with songs by Kimya Dawson, whose songs are perfectly quirky for this quirky movie. Fo shizz.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Indiana!
Just got back from Indiana last night - had a great time visiting my family and lots of friends. My adorable little nephew just charmed our pants off again and again, while my other nieceornephew stubbornly refused to be born one week after its due date. I'm starting to think there's no way heorshe could be as great as our favorite son.
As I've mentioned before, I come from a celebrity family in my tiny little hometown. My da' is a local sportscaster extraordinaire and my uncle is also on the radio. I told my mom I would not be satisfied if I wasn't on the radio at least once and that need was immediately met on the first morning, when I called in to my uncle's (surely copyright infringed) show, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? Quite confident that I am smarter than even a 7th or 8th grader, I called in, and after being supplied with the (science-y) answer by friends that are even smarter than 10th and 11th graders, successfully answered the question and won one coveted handmade candy cane from the local Candy Kitchen. Apparently the show is otherwise extremely boring because I was told that I was like the best guest evah.
Let's see, we also visited my brother's new house, where things, as you might imagine, are rather tense as they all sit around wondering when the baby will arrive. We also terrorized my grandma and her cat. I think this picture says it best:
Threw a rockin' party at my parent's house and had a lot of fun. For those still doubting global warming, we had the heat off and all the windows open and were burning up. I predict we're all dead within a year (Merry Christmas!) Here's me and my grandma:
Family fave kbmulder took a pic of our motley crew. Here we all are pretending to be normal:
Wouldn't you know the last night we were there I got violently ill, so had something of a miserable drive back to Chicago and am now diligently trying to convince my body to be well. I feel a lot better, but pretty delicate. But, I'm happy to be in our little house with my husband and my cat and looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the next few days! Take care, everyone!
As I've mentioned before, I come from a celebrity family in my tiny little hometown. My da' is a local sportscaster extraordinaire and my uncle is also on the radio. I told my mom I would not be satisfied if I wasn't on the radio at least once and that need was immediately met on the first morning, when I called in to my uncle's (surely copyright infringed) show, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? Quite confident that I am smarter than even a 7th or 8th grader, I called in, and after being supplied with the (science-y) answer by friends that are even smarter than 10th and 11th graders, successfully answered the question and won one coveted handmade candy cane from the local Candy Kitchen. Apparently the show is otherwise extremely boring because I was told that I was like the best guest evah.
Let's see, we also visited my brother's new house, where things, as you might imagine, are rather tense as they all sit around wondering when the baby will arrive. We also terrorized my grandma and her cat. I think this picture says it best:
Threw a rockin' party at my parent's house and had a lot of fun. For those still doubting global warming, we had the heat off and all the windows open and were burning up. I predict we're all dead within a year (Merry Christmas!) Here's me and my grandma:
Family fave kbmulder took a pic of our motley crew. Here we all are pretending to be normal:
Wouldn't you know the last night we were there I got violently ill, so had something of a miserable drive back to Chicago and am now diligently trying to convince my body to be well. I feel a lot better, but pretty delicate. But, I'm happy to be in our little house with my husband and my cat and looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the next few days! Take care, everyone!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Miss Kaya
We've got quite a bit of snow on the ground. Our neighbor has one of those nifty shovelling machines and apparently just because he's a nice person, shovels our sidewalk for us. For reasons unknown, Miss Kaya wanted to go out, so we said, "Ooooooooookaaaaaaaay." She walked down the path but then her toes got cold, and she got, as she often does with us, very angry.
I am Legend (no spoilers)
Because it was over several rivers and through the snow, to Grandmother's house we did not go, as planned, and rather found ourselves at a matinee, watching I am Legend, based on the 1954 novel by Richard Matheson. It was a really fun movie to watch - had us on the edge of our seats the whole time, and I am loathe to give away any details.
Will Smith, who I really think is one of the greatest actors alive, is, as you'll have seen from the trailers, the "sole survivor" in NYC, along with his dog. I thought the movie and Smith's performance had a quality very similar to Tom Hanks in Cast Away, in that it's very much a psychological examination of what happens to a person who is completely isolated. Smith brings a lot of tenderness and sensitivity to the role; like Hanks in Cast Away, he has his Wilsons to help stay sane.
There's a new book out fright now called The World without Us which speculates what would happen to the world if all the people disappeared rather rapidly, which I thought about several times during this movie. The author supposes that nature will reclaim our urban spaces quickly. To some extent these scenes are played out in the movie, with interesting visuals like deer running wild through the streets of Manhattan and other wild life free to reign.
Anyone who's a fan of end-of-humankind movies like 28 Days Later or Children of Men will surely enjoy this movie a lot. I just love these smart (and slightly scary!) apocalyptic movies, and what's really great about I am Legend is that the movie reveals itself bit by bit, showing a lot of respect for the audience.
Will Smith, who I really think is one of the greatest actors alive, is, as you'll have seen from the trailers, the "sole survivor" in NYC, along with his dog. I thought the movie and Smith's performance had a quality very similar to Tom Hanks in Cast Away, in that it's very much a psychological examination of what happens to a person who is completely isolated. Smith brings a lot of tenderness and sensitivity to the role; like Hanks in Cast Away, he has his Wilsons to help stay sane. There's a new book out fright now called The World without Us which speculates what would happen to the world if all the people disappeared rather rapidly, which I thought about several times during this movie. The author supposes that nature will reclaim our urban spaces quickly. To some extent these scenes are played out in the movie, with interesting visuals like deer running wild through the streets of Manhattan and other wild life free to reign.
Anyone who's a fan of end-of-humankind movies like 28 Days Later or Children of Men will surely enjoy this movie a lot. I just love these smart (and slightly scary!) apocalyptic movies, and what's really great about I am Legend is that the movie reveals itself bit by bit, showing a lot of respect for the audience.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Thrifty
Yesterday I did a little thrift-store shopping. I picked up a bunch of bargain books. I also went to the library and borrowed a few books, but also had to pay $20 in late fees. Boo. That's why libraries don't work too well for me. Saw a book for $1 called Living With the Passive-Aggressive Man and thought about how passive-aggressive it would be if I bought it and left it laying around the house for a certain husband to see. 
Been amusing ourselves lately by putting on dvd (also bought for $1 at Target) of a fireplace and pretending is real fire. M. actually said his brain sent him the sensation of heat. Yesterday reflected on fact that I have not set foot in a mall or the horrible "Miracle Mile" for Christmas shopping and felt very proud of myself. Back when I used to go out and shop for presents like a common animal usually wanted to kill myself and/or others. Is so much better to sit in front of fake fireplace and relax.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Say Cheese!
We took, seriously, about 50 photos of ourselves trying to get a good shot for our Christmas card (a fact that will only become more shocking when you get the card). I thought some of duds were pretty funny:
In other news, Barbara Ehrenreich skewers the Disney Princess phenom in The Nation - you know that gets me all excited.
I read this old post and laughed and laughed until I cried... but, fo realz, yo, I'm totally going to get my job on in 2008.
And here's a little holiday meme from Sew, Mama, Sew:
1. What is your favorite family holiday tradition?
I like the long celebration that is Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years, and my favorite part is getting together frequently with friends, having M. home more often, making good food and drinking a lot of wine.
2. Have you started any new traditions with your family that you didn’t practice growing up?
Yeah, making really good food. And getting drunk. ha!
3. What do you love most about the holiday season?
I like giving presents to people, and I like singing carols.
4. What do you like least about the holiday season?
I feel a lot of pressure for everything to be perfect and jolly, and, you know, nothing's ever perfect, so, sometimes I get disappointed when invariably there's some hurt feeling or whatever. Truthfully, Christmas is not my favorite holiday by a long shot - sometimes I get pretty sad at this time of year. Also, eggnog is totally disgusting.
5. Anyone close to your heart that you’ll be missing this year?
My grandpa.
6. What is your favorite holiday food?
Glogg. No, make that my mother-in-law's sugar cookies.
7. Do you have a great recipe to share?
French lentils with sausage! Sugar cookie recipe stays in the family! (:
In other news, Barbara Ehrenreich skewers the Disney Princess phenom in The Nation - you know that gets me all excited.
I read this old post and laughed and laughed until I cried... but, fo realz, yo, I'm totally going to get my job on in 2008.
And here's a little holiday meme from Sew, Mama, Sew:
1. What is your favorite family holiday tradition?
I like the long celebration that is Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years, and my favorite part is getting together frequently with friends, having M. home more often, making good food and drinking a lot of wine.
2. Have you started any new traditions with your family that you didn’t practice growing up?
Yeah, making really good food. And getting drunk. ha!
3. What do you love most about the holiday season?
I like giving presents to people, and I like singing carols.
4. What do you like least about the holiday season?
I feel a lot of pressure for everything to be perfect and jolly, and, you know, nothing's ever perfect, so, sometimes I get disappointed when invariably there's some hurt feeling or whatever. Truthfully, Christmas is not my favorite holiday by a long shot - sometimes I get pretty sad at this time of year. Also, eggnog is totally disgusting.
5. Anyone close to your heart that you’ll be missing this year?
My grandpa.
6. What is your favorite holiday food?
Glogg. No, make that my mother-in-law's sugar cookies.
7. Do you have a great recipe to share?
French lentils with sausage! Sugar cookie recipe stays in the family! (:
Monday, December 10, 2007
Margot at the Wedding
Margot at the Wedding is Noah Baumbach's latest movie - it's quite similar to his 2005 movie, the Squid and the Whale which was a kind of devastating film about selfish and irresponsible people. Margot at the Wedding is also about outrageously insensitive and irresponsible people - Margot (Nicole Kidman) and her sister, Pauline (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Margot and her son, Claude, have gone to the family estate on some Bershired locale for Pauline's marriage to a depressive and anger-prone doofus (Jack Black, who's wonderfully cast. I love seeing him in more serious roles!) It's mainly a character study, and mainly a horrifying one, in that everyone is hateful to each other and there are children involved, but parts are really hilarious, and for the most part I enjoyed it, because they're all great actors and I thought the performances were terrific. I can't really think of anyone I would recommend it to, though. My favorite Baumbach film is Kicking and Screaming (1995, not the Will Farrell/soccer thing), which is also about insensitive irresponsible people, but they don't have kids and just got out of college so who cares?
Many of his films have a very autobiographic air to them (apparently Squid and The Whale is closely based on his childhood experiences) - who knows, maybe Wes Anderson-style he's going to keep on making movies about his daddy issues but I hope to see some more variety from him in the future, because I think he's a good film maker.
Speaking of, his next project is a collaboration with Wes Anderson, an animated The Fantastic Mr. Fox, by Roald Dahl.
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