Archive for February, 2007

David

Published 1 Year, 5 Months ago in family and photographs. 10 Comments

David resting

Click the image for a larger view.

David is my brother-in-law. He’s been a farmer since he was a child, first helping his father as a dairy farmer, later as a corn and wheat farmer with his twin brothers. It won’t be long now, before the land he and his brothers farm outside Elgin, Illinois becomes million-dollar homes, fancy shops and expensive cafes. Though David is past retirement age, farming is all he knows. Soon there will be no cattle to feed, corn to plant or harvest, or hay and straw to bale. David’s days of taking a break near the barn are numbered.

Revish - a new site for readers

Published 1 Year, 6 Months ago in internet and reading. 0 Comments

If you are a reader and like to talk about the books you read with others, you might be interested in a brand new kid on the block called Revish. I’ve been one of a handful of folks helping Dan Champion, the founder of Revish, test the site for the past week. Since Dan is a web standards Guru, this site is sure to be accessible and usable.

Revish is kind of like your local book club combined with the book section of the newspaper. As a member you get to write reviews, list the books you are reading or have read. You can also comment on reviews written by others. What makes this place different, among other things, is the quality of the reviews. If you write a review you are asked to follow a set of fair, but definate guidelines as to the length and depth of the review. No “I liked this book, it was good” for Revish.

If you’re interested, head on over to www.revish.com and sign up for the beta. They are going to invite more people to help test the site, so if you’re interested, don’t delay.

Hi, I’m Jane Doe and I’m a Betaholic

Published 1 Year, 6 Months ago in internet. 0 Comments

There, I’ve said it. I love betas. I join beta groups because I want to be the first to know. My email address must be out there in hundreds of beta databases, even ones I’ve long forgotten about. Especially in ones I’ve long forgotten about.

Sometimes I realize I’m not a good candidate for the beta group - either as soon as I sign up or when it moves out of beta. Very occcasionally I find a perfect niche, a place I feel as if I really belong.

What is best about betas is this - especially if you are among a small group of testers - you get to be part of the in-crowd for a while, especially just when the beta goes out of beta. You already know the ropes and perhaps you had a say in some of the features. It’s like high school and you are one of the popular kids!

The best way to find out about betas is the website of Saurier Duval, Museum of Modern Betas. Add it to your favorite RSS feed and learn about new betas daily. Go ahead, you know you want to.

Review: Notes on a Scandal

Published 1 Year, 6 Months ago in cinema. 0 Comments

I don’t get out much - with friends at least, so when Janet called to see if I wanted to see Because I Said So, I replied that I’d love to go. I had not heard anything about the movie, but figured that if Diane Keaton was in it, it couldn’t suck too bad.

Janet called back and said that she was rethinking the film we’d see. She’d looked at films playing at Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema and named a few. She recalled that the last time we’d seen a movie together (The Queen) we thought that the trailer for Notes on a Scandal looked good. I did a quick check on Rotten Tomatoes and saw that it received a tomato meter rating of 86%. Since Because I Said So only received a tomato meter rating of 6% we decided to see Notes on a Scandal. While I’m glad we went to Notes instead of Because, both Janet and Alison would have preferred the comedy.

Notes on a Scandal which stars Dame Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett and Bill Nighy is no comedy, although there are occasional amusing moments. It is disturbing on many levels and I know of several people who would be seriously offended by the subject matter. Luckily for me, I’m not one of them.

Dench plays Barbara, a lonely aging teacher in a school in a poor area of London. Her attitude as well as the voice over while she writes in her diary relays a disdain of the students she teaches as well as for her fellow teachers. In fact, Barbara doesn’t seem to like anyone. She lives alone with her similarly aging cat.

Blanchett plays Sheba (short for Bathsheba?), the new art teacher at Barbara’s school. Barbara’s voice over describes Sheba as wispy and fey. Sheba has difficulty managing the students in her class, and Barbara swoops to the rescue. Sheba invites Barbara to lunch where Barbara meets Sheba’s husband, played by Bill Nighy, and her two teenagers, one of whom has Down Syndrome.

Before long we discover that Sheba has entered into an affair with one of her students, a 15 year old boy. Barbara also discovers this and the film focuses on what she does with that knowledge.

The acting in the film is superb. Dench is excellent in this unflattering role as a sick, lonely older woman. Blanchett’s acting makes you believe she could do nothing about the affair “it just happened”. Nighy’s role as the caring, albeit somewhat absent minded, father is more or less the role he plays in other films, but it serves him well here. Young handsome Andrew Simpson, as Steven, the 15-year-old boy, plays the part of a randy teen aged boy quite well.

Janet said she liked The Queen better, Alison didn’t really say. I liked this film better - the acting was far better and the story was more interesting to me.

Continue reading ‘Review: Notes on a Scandal’

Review: The Time Traveler’s Wife

Published 1 Year, 6 Months ago in Book Reviews. 0 Comments

The Time Traveler’s WifeAs a longtime time-travel book fan I have read many books with some sort of time-travel. The first book I read that dealt with this subject was called The Thyme Garden by Edward Eager where children went into a garden and crushed thyme between their fingers and traveled elsewhere in time. I recently re-read it, and discovered the author wrote a number of other time-travel books for children. While not really “time travel”, I loved the Narnia series where the children traveled to a different place. Another book I enjoyed was Andre Norton’s Dragon Magic in which people were able to time travel where they wanted. Secretly, my favorite romantic movie is “Somewhere in Time” and I have even written a short story or two involving time-travel.

I purchased The Time Traveler’s Wife a few months ago after briefly hearing about it and thinking the title and cover of the book were intriguing. I suggested it as a possible read for my book group, but another book was chosen. Then an online group to which I belong suggested reading it, and I joined in. My real life book group is still not interested. Pity.

Henry first meets Clare at the Newberry Library in Chicago when Henry is 28 and Clare is 20. However Clare first meets Henry when she is 6 and he is 36. Henry has a disorder that he suspects is a bit like a seizure disorder, except instead of having a seizure, he is transported backwards and forwards in time, ending up naked where ever he lands.

In this book Henry may not change events, although he is forced to witness some tragedies time and time again, he is always helpless to change the outcome.

This book is breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreakingly sad. However it is uplifting and I am envious of the love these two characters have for each other. The author writes it in such a way that the time-travel part of the story is believable.

I had a slightly difficult time with the ending, not the very ending, but what happened to Henry in the year before the book ended. The book was like a pleasant ride on a mild roller coaster, and suddenly it became, for a while, a jarring walk through an evil carnival fun house.

One last thing I liked about the book was the fact that many place names were real. I recently spoke to someone who said that she even went to some of the concerts mentioned in the book.

It is hard to believe that this is Audrey Niffenegger’s first book. It is nearly perfect in every detail. I read an interview with the author that suggested she wrote the book in a different order than in which it was published.

I got the title first, and played around with it for quite a long time, slowly evolving the characters in my head. I wrote the end before anything else, and then began to write scenes as they occurred to me. TTW was written in a completely different order than the one it finally took. I understood early on that it would be organized in three sections, and that the basic unit was the scene, not the chapter. It has a rather chaotic feel to it, especially at the beginning, and that is deliberate-there is a slow piecing together, a gradual accumulation of story, that mimics the experience of the characters. I made a lot of notes about the characters. I had two timelines to help me stay organized, but no outline of the plot. (Audrey Niffenegger interviewed by Mark Flanagan. Full interview available here.)

I sincerely hope this will not be Niffenegger’s last novel.

Rumor has it that Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston have purchased the rights to the novel and are going to star in it. Not who I pictured at all. I can possibly see Pitt as Henry, but Aniston is too much that Friend’s character to me.

If Neil Gaiman asked me to jump off a bridge, would I?

Published 1 Year, 6 Months ago in blogging and entertainment. 0 Comments

Of course I wouldn’t, but I would make a link on my blog so he can mess with someone’s head.

Penn Jillette?

December 31, 1974 In which I write about 1974 some more

Published 1 Year, 6 Months ago in farewell to 1974. 0 Comments

10:05

Well, 1974 is almost over. Later I’ll be sad, I’m too excited to be sad. I just conversed with Jeremy, his mother and father. My stomach doesn’t feel quite right — all excited and churning.

11:00

I’ve calmed down now. Kevin and I are playing Crazy 8’s. I’ve got to think of two pages of things to say now before midnight.

We went out to dinner tonight - to the Nordic [steakhouse]. Daddy mentioned calling England. I thought he was kidding. He kept on saying it and that he would pay for it. well, I was nervous and didn’t want to call so he called and got Mr. B after quite a few rings and then I got on the phone and talked to Jeremy and his parents. I could think of nothing to say and kept on jumping from one foot to another. (That wasn’t due to having to use the toilet either). Anyway, that was the most spectacular New Year Eve’s present I’ve ever received!

Well, back to the review of my year. It ws pretty good. Again, it had a few ups and downs. Of course the top of the list is Jeremy, closely followed by England. Then third place is tied with so many others I couldn’t begin to name them and be fair.

All in all, life was pretty kind to me. My very first real love (”I love you” kind of love) I hope it is my only love from now on. Jeremy is a wonderful person and I’m in Love with him and he loves me too (three, four etc [smiley face]).

A year ago tonight I was at Turner’s feeling sad. Tonight I feel anticipation - wondering what next year will bring. College! My god! I’m going to college next year. Pretty soon (34 minutes to be exact) next year will be this year and this year will be last year. Strange! Unbelievable!

I hope I keep up this tradition — actually this is my second annual New Year’s eve writing in my journal.

Resolutions? Made any? (yeah, learn how to spell!!!) Just like last year’s to be myself, I guess. But moreso. I don’t have the male sex to worry about (except my male).

I’ve decided not to worry about my figure. It is good enough for me I’m sure that I have other qualities that make up for my bosom.

I’ve made another decision — a very important decision — to take up Special Education and go to ECC one year and finish up at Northeastern.

I met a bunch of superfantastic people this year, especially Chris King, Nigel, Mr. and Mrs. Burgoyne, Mr and Mrs. Chadwick, Sue B., Julia T., Kathy and I forgot - oh dear. Renee and Nancy, all the kids at TAP. I’ve also met myself. That was the most important meeting I’ve had. I must live with myself all my life. I’d better like me.

My best friend left for Spain this year. (now 15 minutes left in it!) Sad parting. I had a great time with her in other years. I guess in our growing up we grew apart.

Lori and I became close and then apart. I think that this year has made me harder, yet softer in some ways.

I think I’ve come back to God. I lost him a while ago — I don’t know exactly when. Jeremy has helped me find religion.

I’ve decided to be cremated. Grotesque to think about now - but one never knows.

I decided to marry Jeremy and have his baby (or two). All the time before I wouldn’t dream of having a kid. (pain and embarrassing).

I played Guitar a bit this year (last year too).

I turned of age this year. My god — only 10 more minutes of 1974.

I love you 1974. You have been so kind to me. I hope you have a nice trip to wherever you go after…

Hey — there will never be another 1974. It is unique. So am I — everything is — in their own way.

I will treasure 1974 in my heart forever.

As last year I will litter the back side of this paper with memories of 1974.

I love Jeremy. (1974 - thank you for giving him to me, Farewell! (5 min left))


Note:
One thing that I didn’t mention about this year was Betsy’s death. She was a friend from junior high - we were not close anymore, but at one time were friends. In junior high she began wearing a wig. Wigs were fashionable then, so I assumed she just liked wearing the wig for show. I made a remark once at the lunch table that she lookd better with her real hair.

I discovered a year or two later that she wore the wig because she was going through chemotherapy. She had leukemia. She died during the visit of the British students in April. I remember Lori telling me about Betsy’s death after I told Lori about the fun I’d had on a trip with the British students.

It pains me that I was so selfish. A fellow student struggled for and lost her life and I didn’t even have the decency to document it, let alone visit her in the hospital or even go to her funeral.

December 30, 1974 In which I list all the highights of 1974

Published 1 Year, 6 Months ago in 1974 and list. 0 Comments

I guess that it is about time for my run-down of the year nineteen hundred and seventy-four AD

I think I will try a month-by-month review:

January: Began working at Ben Franklin, broke old specs & got oval wire rims, Greg began taking me to school, Dan T’s B’day party [drawing of present]

February: Ears pierced

March: Rock-a-thon, Sue “sister” B.

April: Vilma & others, Chris, JEREMY, Vilma leaving, C. S. Lewis & J. R. R. Tolkien Festival, The Sting, The Great Gatsby, Marcia’s Party

May: Planting Eric, The Creek, Other Parties, Good-bye, First love letter from Jeremy, Prom

June: First Airplane ride, England! Telephone call to Jeremy, Reunion of two lovers

July: Proposal, France, Scotland, Lake District, Flamborough Head etc, Parting & tears #2

August: 18 years old! Goodbye to Cindy

September: A senior!

October: —————–

November: Northeastern, Hank’s death

December: J.R.R Tolkien Calendar & Call to Jeremy

Note:
It seemed as if 1974 was a good year for me. It is funny to note that I crossed out the r in lovers to make it loves. Perhaps lovers meant something to physical for me. I don’t remember who Hank was whose name I crossed out before the word death.

December 26, 1974 In which I list my Christmas presents and rearrange my room

Published 1 Year, 6 Months ago in christmas gifts, pam and room. 0 Comments

10:54 pm

Pam was over today. It was nice to see her. My gifts were:

  • 2 JRR Tolkien calendars (I’m sending one to Jeremy)
  • 1 from Renee & Nancy
  • 1 from Mom & Dad
  • Mel Meyer gave me a cosmetic case and change purse in matching colors
  • Sue B gave me a memo board of the sea
  • Lori S. gave me a bottle of Intimate Cream Sachet
  • Kevin gave me a tin of biscuits (bickies)
  • I got a lavender toga nightgown
  • Purse
  • Book (The Hollow Hills)
  • Book of Sweets
  • Embroidered lion - very Aslanish
  • white blouse
  • rosebud earrings
  • silver cross from mom and dad
  • Both grandmothers gave me $10
  • Aunt Pat gave me $5
  • Jeremy sent me a bracelet

    • I got a letter from Jeremy today. I replied very harshly. I don’t want to discuss it. I wish we were together. I’m cold.

    I changed my room around today.

    There is now much more room.

    Note:
    I remember many of those Christmas gifts. I still have the Embroidered Aslanish lion, in fact it is in the other room.

    December 14, 1974 In which I write a bad poem and fairy story about love

    Published 1 Year, 6 Months ago in fairy story, love and turmoil. 0 Comments

    Saturday

    I don’t know why I am writing tonight. Because I feel like it I guess. Good reason.

    I wish I could write a poem
    It is a great ambition for me.
    Words don’t come to me,
    As they do for some.

    Once, not too very long ago a young princess lived. She lived in a beautiful house with two wonderful parents and a great kid brother. Her life was quiet and full of peace. That was before…before the prince charming stopped by for directions to the next castle. As soon as the princess and prince saw each other they knew that they loved each other. Now that the princess has found love her life is in a constant turmoil.

    Note:
    Not much to say about this entry. I guess I felt in turmoil and needed a different way to express it than simple teen angst.