Mantra Of The Day

I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera.I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera. I will not forget my camera.

No matter how many times he puts a hex on me to forget my camera! I have a wedding to attend. Photos will be taken dammit. Even if the bf is not amused.

Update: The wedding was very sweet and mellow. The camera was brought, bad photos were taken. The couple was so sweet and loving, it's great when you actually in the presence of people who really love each other. Since I knew the groom slightly, I can attest how awesome he is. When I was telling him I was making jokes at his expense all night - he happily encouraged me on. I got happily tipsy and when the conversation turned to Delaware and informed people I loved Joe Biden. I was also able to persuade Peter to dance with me to songs I will not admit I like in public. However I will admit that we kept asking ourselves "Where did the sexy go?" To his credit he did ask me to dance to the first song open to the public. Good times.

I Would Like to Give the Middle Finger To All The Jews Who Said Obama Will Be A Great Supporter Of Israel

Seriously. Fuck you.*

* I do realize I'm being obnoxious to some people I actually love and respect. However, I kind feel this is important.

Can't Tell Me Nothing

Inspired by this article about Zach Galfianakis. I've posted the song before but with a different video. Check out Fiona Apple's Not About Love.

False 1,000 Words

You know how people say a picture is worth a 1,000 words? Well it seems in Germany a picture, which was a catalyst and justification for ultra-left terrorism or at least responsible for the left shift in the country, has been turned on its head, following the revelation that the shooter of the victim was a spy for East Germany. Neo-neocon has the fascinating story. She also writes about a Spiegel editor, no longer able to deny his right leanings. I find neo-neocon so well written and I see a mirror of myself in her - although a much more informed and wiser version. She has a whole section on her blog devoted to her "conversion" from a liberal to a conservative. She's awesome.

Things My Manager Has Freaked Out About (An Ongoing List)

- Popcorn ("It causes cancer! No microwavable popcorn in the office!")
- Snow (We live in New England)
- Rain ("Killer thunderstorms! There's a tornado heading for us!")
- My bloated feet, sending me to the ER thus I missed sushi dinner with my adorable bf.
- My co-workers bloated foot after she got a tattoo, my manager actually drove her to the ER, although she didn't want to go.
- My coworker's book about vampires. She actually shrieked when she read the back of the book.
- The Economy. Gloom and doom over here. Everyday I hear how I should be "thankful" for my shitty job. Makes coming to work that much more awesome.

The Dream Hasn't Died

I still want one. (link to the cutest animal you will see today!)

Rules To Being An Adult

I agree with 95% of the list.

Some People Have Way Too Much Time On Their Hands

I mean I agree, but even I have my limits on stupid shit I am willing to waste my time on.

Movie Review: Barcelona

I liked it. It's smart, funny, and shows how Europeans tend to think being anti-American is cool, without realizing what tools they are being by being fed incredible amounts of misinformation about Americans and America in general. If you are in a mood for a smart romantic comedy with a dose of a little bit of politics on the side, it's a great movie to rent. Even if you aren't into politics, the characters are likable, smart, thought provoking, and quirky at the same time, the dialogue is funny and witty. Especially fun to watch is Chris Eigeman's (the dude should have a much better career) Fred, who plays an honest con-artist type. The few shots of Barcelona are also nice, although not as spectacular as Vicky Cristina Barcelona which pales in comparison. Very enjoyable, I highly recommend it. This review does a much better job than I can.
It also reminds me that one of the scenes I loved was when Ted is admonishing Fred for revealing some personal information about him. And Fred very apologetically and lovingly explains how sometimes in the flow of the conversation you say things that might be less than appropriate. I really loved that exchange, I'm not sure why - maybe because I have found myself in that situation before - the over sharing I didn't mean to do and then having to face the consequences without realizing my words could cause harm.

Get Me A Poker Table Stat

Card playing seems to be linked to keeping a healthy mind at old age.

The evidence suggests that people who spend long stretches of their days, three hours and more, engrossed in some mental activities like cards may be at reduced risk of developing dementia.

Good Time

This photo series of drunks in Wales, reminded me of Bill Cosby's hilarious explanation of people having a "good time" because they "deserve it."
(Billy Cosby describes the typical weekend of people who go out drinking and questions just how hangovers and nausea can be considered essential parts of "having a good time.")

via Ken

Art out of Post It Notes

It seems she posts these post-it notes all around Singapore. I didn't they speak English there.

Related.

Career Path?

Maybe I should become a mechanic - one of those "mechanics for women by women" deals. I've had so many female friends who hate taking their cars when they break down, feeling the mechanic is going to fleece them because they are woman. Hmmmm. I like tinkering and I like cars.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor

Looks like Gabriel Malor from ace's was right in guessing who Obama was going to pick as a Supreme Court nominee.



I'm guessing and hoping this kind of gaffe is going to cost her. Last time I checked it was the job of Judges to interpret the law and not make policy. How naive of me. Basically, her biggest qualification for the nomination is that she is Hispanic and a woman.

Starting The Week Right

I feel a little bit ambivalent about the new trend of making mock-musical videos on your wedding day. But I found the LOCKDOWN crew really fun. The one below is especially fun, I love all the English ladies with their fancy feathers in their hair. I especially love the lady who makes the tiger gesture, very cute. Plus the song by Queen is really fun, in fact I feel like the have a very good knack for picking fun songs. I find their interpretation of "Need a Girlfriend" by B2K is hilarious.

Brian & Eileen's Wedding Music Video. from LOCKDOWN projects on Vimeo.

via Mighty Girl

Definitions of Love

Our need for acceptance to come with love is so strong that when we say unconditional love it doesn't strike us as repetitive. Real love is always unconditional, if it wasn't it wouldn't be love.

Bathroom Break

Watching a movie in the theater and don't want to miss any of the good stuff. There is a website for you: runpee. Oh Internet, is there something you can't do?

Compare and Contrast

I don't even need to know what the article actually says, I can tell from the photos. Obama stands majestically against the beautiful painting of (I presume) the Founding Fathers, while Cheney looks like he is about to bite someone - with a blurred figure of some white dude behind him. Nice phooto choice NYT - no bias to see here, move along.

Update: Best Tweet about the speech from Jim Treacher: BREAKING: Obama Makes History as First President to Give Speech on May 21, 2009about 13 hours ago from web

You've Really Got Hold On Me

While I like The Beatles cover of this song. I really like this sensual cover by Thao, so gorgeous.

On a related note, I love when women do this kind of pose, the slight bite of the finger - sensual and vulnerable at the same time, just like the song.

A Calling

I've always been envious of people who had a calling, those people who knew from almost day one they wanted to be an artist, an engineer, or post man. For a while I thought I wanted to be like the Dad in Sabrina, you know the chauffeur who did that so he could read as much as he wanted. Somewhere along the way I realized that part of my definition of meaning of life is work. I believe, to truly be alive - to experience life I must work (even though I'm one of the laziest mofos you will ever meet). Life of luxury, of lounging around with a book while doing meaningless tasks to earn a living wasn't for me.

Take my hairdresser, Aldo. He is in his mid sixties, he is Sicilian, he is illiterate, he is an ex-druggie, and his passion is making art out of cutting hair. Seriously. He is a genius with scissors and comb, the man can give a bald dude a fantastic haircut.

He takes his craft very seriously; even though he can't read he goes every weekend to Harvard Square to buy the latest European magazine to stay on top of the hottest trends, he poo-poos the American trained stylists, letting me know he studied the craft in England, he has done hair competitions in NYC and in LA, and the only reason why he doesn't charge a arm and a leg is that he is a nightmare to work with - it seems being a ex-druggie and having larger than life personality (the kind who will break out into a Diana Ross song without any warning) does not sit well with high end clients.

When he begins the haircut all the drama and labels fall away from him - he is not my crazy hairdresser with a colorful background, instead he is stepping up to his calling. There is incredible beauty in that - a person following their passion - allowing all the training, hard work, and expertise culminate - it's almost divine. I know the description sounds melodramatic, but I really do believe that there is some kind of divinity in doing what you love, what you are good at, and what makes you feel alive.

I want that.

Disney Paradox

This just made my day and blew my mind:
from here.

Mitchell & Webb's Sherlock Holmes

The post below just gives me a really good excuse to post one of my favorite funny people. Check out Mitchell & Webb they are hilarious.
When I congratulated Peter last night for a Yankees win, he referenced this sketch below:

Sherlock Holmes Trailer

This is one of the films I've been waiting to see for a long time. It has a few things going for it:
1. It's a Sherlock Holmes movie.
2. It has Robert Downey Jr. in it. Thus Sherlock Holmes will be smart and funny, the acting will also be good.
3. The trailer looks awesome.
The only con I can see from the trailer is that it has supernatural crap going on, unless it's going to be explained by some kind of scientific facts I don't like my Sherlock Holmes to go into the magic-realm. I think it's a theater worthy film. Can't wait.
P.S. If you want a modern Sherlock Holmes check out Zero Effect (you can play instantly on Netflix), it's funny and has a neat plot. Ace introduced the movie to me.

Pretty Woman as a Wedding Theme

Recently I had the pleasure of eating and having a drink or ten with "Ginger" and Elana. Somehow the conversation turned to Pretty Woman and why none of us like Julia Roberts (I heard one theory is that men find her unattractive, while women tend to like her for that same reason. Anyway the woman resembles a horse, has a horrible laugh, and can't act, I don't get how people find her gorgeous or something.) The only good movie she was good in was Pretty Woman. The conversation made me recall this tumblr post (it's a hilarious spoof of wedding blogs). The rest of the tumblr is hilarious.

Are Pigs Flying Yet?

Because I can't believe I'm going to say it, but I actually like and relate to a quote from Lindsay Lohan.

Don’t ever say this to me: ‘Are you O.K.?’ It’s like yeah, motherfucker, I’m fine.

via

Time Ninja

I accomplished three little tasks during my lunch break: went to the bank, picked out a new phone, and got gas. Not huge accomplishments, but still I feel like a Time Ninja getting things done. Obviously, I have very low expectations for myself.

For the Treckkies

Trekkies Bash New Star Trek Film As 'Fun, Watchable'

Smoking? WTF?

Smoking? WTF?, originally uploaded by approachingchaos.

I don't understand how showing smoking is now the ratings criteria? I like a blog which displays people smoking. I like the way people look when they smoke, however last time I visited Le Smoking, there was a Google advisory note - letting me know some people have found the blog objectionable. I get it, smoking is bad...but so are overzealous assholes.

I Wish All Graffitti Was Like This

IMG_0332, originally uploaded by jakedobkin.

Here's more stuff by this guy. Some of it is so incredible. I really want to see this in real life.

When Blaming Bush Doesn't Work

Blame Bush sounds kind of hallow when in 3 months racked up 89% of the deficit.

via ace

M.I.A. "Paper Airplanes"

The most disappointing performer at Coachella was M.I.A. The performance was fragmented and erratic, and she was complaining that she wasn't ready for the big stage, made a funny reference to replacing Amy Winehouse, and kept talking about wanting to be with her newborn son instead singing for the crowd. Seriously, she was counting down the songs she was going to sing. It was a huge turnoff. All her songs sounded the same on stage, but I really like "Paper Airplanes" and have been listening to it over and over again. I think it's quite catchy...

Amelie and Chanel No. 5

The Moment covers the new Chanel No. 5 ad starring Audrey Tautou directed by "Amélie" director Jean-Pierre Jeunet.

The film, which took three months to complete, looks (and feels) like it’s from a distant, luxurious era.

I love the ad, it's the typical caramel tint cinematography of Jeunet movies - just beautiful to look at. There is a long version and a short version, very dreamy.

I hate how a lot perfume commercials feature stupid, meaningless statements by beautiful women, I like how this is silent and just lets the song and images do the talking. I also liked the video of Tautou explaining why she did the commercial - this apparently her firs advert. "I always refused to do ads, and to be the face of perfume until now. Because, first I wanted to focus on my acting career, and I needed real sincerity in my 'yes.'"

As a capitalists I don't care if actors promote a product, as a film fan I hate seeing movie stars in ads, because it makes me associate them with the product and makes it that much harder to forget that watching a character on screen not Brad Pitt who peddles Swatches to the general public. This commercial feels less like a commercial and more like a luxurious mini-movie - so it's quite a happy medium between my two sides. Also, I agree with Tautou - Chanel No. 5 is an exceptional perfume.

I also agree that "For a woman, putting on perfume is the height of femininity." In fact there are many times in the day I forget that I'm a woman, little things like perfume remind me to take a revel in the fact, enjoy it. I have been trying to find a signature scent for a while and am dying to try these perfumes. I think my favorite perfume is Diorissimo, but I haven't seen lately and it's too much of splurge to buy it right now. However, I very much like to have a signature scent of my own. It's a huge compliment when someone leans over and tells you smell great.

I call B.S.

Inspired by someone's about me page: Most people who say they are pro-choice but wouldn't have an abortion themselves, are typically full of shit and never had to make that call. Just saying.

New And Old

Segei Larenkov has combined old photos of Leningrad under siege from the Nazis with modern photos of the city today. My great-grandfather perished in the Siege, while my grandfather almost died of starvation. The photos are haunting and strange (more here).

Best Simile I Read Today

Yesterday, I broke out all my old journals - my book journal, where I kept all my favorite passages of books I used to read, my quotes journal, where I kept my favorite sayings from magazines & random place, my movie journal, where I kept information and reviews of movies I've seen, and even a few of my personal journals made an appearance. It actually made me quite sad, since I realized having a blog has made all these beautifully bound notebooks half empty. The other sad part is that the blog has not replaced those things, just made me forget about all the wonderful (yet useless to everyone else) stuff I used think/write.
So on that note and because I read this post and wholeheartedly agree - here's my favorite line I have read today:"She said that following the progress of your career over the years was her only truly wicked pleasure, and that it was like watching a massacre through a telescope." - Jincy Willett from "The Best of Betty"
I immediately liked that phrase, but it took me a while to realize what it really meant. And it was amazing.

Bleh

Not surprising, but Jonathan Safran Foer, confirms all the negative ideas I have of him. I really wanted to like Everything Is Illuminated, everyone raved about it; my geeky friends had crushes on the guy, he was the "it" boy of the literary world. So when I finally read Everything Is Illuminated, I felt cheated. The book wasn't bad, per se, but it wasn't good. In fact it felt incredibly contrived and inauthentic. The way Foer wrote about love and friendship, the use of his heritage (Ukrainian Jewish) felt like a manipulation in order for him to use magical realism, not as an authentic voice. In fact the first time I read it, I convinced myself I liked it well enough. It took me recommending the book to someone, watching the film adaptation (which I actually liked, at least the first part), and reading his other book, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (which I hated, naive musings of a wunderkind that urges all of us to be pacifist, retching inducing really), to re-read the book and realize how horrible it was. I mean there were some things that I loved about it, some passages spoke to me. However, the second time I read the book it crystallized for me that behind all that style, was a lot shallow assumptions about the world.

Afterthoughts: I meant to write a post about all the things I hated about Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, I found a draft an some notes - but not enough to write anything substantial.
- The Dresden bombings are not the same as the 9/11 attack. The devastation of Dresden has been exaggerated. The moral equivalence is pretty disgusting.
- Books with precocious little kids annoy me. He isn't that brilliant and his use of "raison d'etre" and other quirks is frankly pretentious and distracting.
- The last image that Foer uses at the end (a body falling out of the World Trade Center in reverse), is deeply offensive - a whimsical wish, a child's fantasy in the face of true evil. That's where the book ultimately fails for me, no amount of flip book magic can return the world to what it was before 9/11.

Song of the Day

It's been stuck in my head for like two weeks. Good thing it's an amazing song, I don't mind it too much.

Not So Random TV thought

Does Charlize Theron feel a little embarrassed about saying, in a breathy voice, "J'adore, Dior." Seems so tacky.

Let Them Run Free

One of the things that delights me is seeing a kid or kids play on their own without any adult supervision. Growing up in Leningrad, I loved hanging out with the kids downstairs playing various childhood games (some including knives...I still can't figure out how we got away with this - you spread out your hand in the sand and then your friend lobs a knife at you, trying to miss your fingers). When we came to America I was also allowed to play alone or with other kids, it was a wonderful way to grow up - learning independence, making choices knowing my parents weren't their to guide to the right one. I'm a big proponent of letting kids play without adults.
This is also one of the reasons I loved being in Israel. There, kids stay out till it's dark, hanging out and playing games. None of the play date stuff applies in Israel. In fact, although I would like my kids to grow up in the suburbs, part of me likes the idea of a city kids playing with a group from the block.
I loved reading this interview, mainly because it justifies my views:

Skenazy suggests that many American parents are in the grips of a national hysteria about child safety, which is fed by sensationalistic media coverage of child abductions, safety tips from alarmist parenting mags, and companies marketing products that promise to protect tykes from every possible danger. She by no means recommends that mom and dad chuck the car seats, but says that trying to fend off every possible risk, however remote, holds its own unfortunate, unintended consequences.

I always thought it was strange, when I was in middle school, that a lot of my peers had never been to Boston (the suburb I grew up in is less than 20 min. away from downtown Boston)because their parents were afraid for them.

Side note: If I recall correctly, my sister, who is 5 years older than me, used to stay home with me alone when she was 7. I believe now days that's child neglect or something.

One of my pet peeves on the internet!

nataliedee.com

I can't stop reading Natalie Dee. I'm not getting any work done.

You Might Think

I love how trippy this video is and I love The Cars! This was one of the first videos I saw as a kid. I was a VH1 kid, instead of an MTV kid. I always liked it.

Fellows All Around

I've been dealing with someone named "Fellows" yesterday and today and that is going through my head every time I write her an e-mail:

I really like Patti's approach, seriously

Best Twitter Feed Ever!

Seriously. Statler & Waldorf are my favorite Muppet characters!

Things I'm Not Allowed To Do

Apparently, I'm not allowed to use the ATM machine anymore, since this is my THIRD time forgetting the bank card in the last month.

The King is Naked or something

I was watching a video of a foreign guy (I think he was Spanish) slightly on the attractive side go on and on about some mundane observation he experienced a few hours prior. He was talking to an American, forgetting a few words, making awkward pauses between words - and then without warning I realized his story wasn't interesting at all. In fact, a while back I would have found somehow charming and profound - like "look at this slick European, making these wise and entertaining observations about life" - now not so much. It's nice to break away from past delusions.

Macca at Coachella 2009

Speaking of The Beatles, I saw Paul McCartney at Coachella. Sir Paul, put on a fantastic show. Although the first part of his set was hit and miss (it was mostly his newer songs)and I was in a lot of pain - to the point that I didn't know if I was crying because I was so moved by hearing & seeing all the music I love or because my legs were about to fall off. In the beginning, he talked a lot in between songs - leading Peter and I to suspect that he was high, since ninety percent of what he said made no sense. At one point he made the crowd repeat "Oh Yeah" and other nonsense all the while chuckling to himself. What was amazing (and what shouldn't have surprised me)is to see McCartney expertly handle his Hofner bass - and other instruments (piano, guitar, and the ukulele), he was amazing to see - the man broke into a Hendrix's "Purple Haze" - and killed it!

Paul also explained how "Blackbird" was a song about the struggle of civil rights and how much of it had been realized in 2009 and that we "have President Obama". I cringed a little, but certainly knew where he was coming from - it wasn't an endorsement of the Obama himself, instead it was an endorsement of how far America had come. As Peter said, Paul is too smart to make overt political endorsements or statements.

Paul did a tribute to Linda since it was the eleventh anniversary since her death, with "My Love," telling the audience it was "for all the lovers in the audience" (ed. thanks Paul, but no thanks, the song was mediocre at the best - horrible melody & cliche lyrics). He then followed it up with tributes to John and George. He told a sweet story about asking George what he thought of a new song he learned to play on the ukulele and then broke into a very sweet rendition of "Something" He also sang a schmaltzy song “Here Today,” his tribute to Lennon, I actually appreciated how sweet and candid the song was. He also sang “A Day in the Life” which he melded into John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” - when I mentioned to Peter how I love the former song but dislike the later, Peter said "At least it was a much better song than the one he composed for his late wife..." I used dismiss Paul's talents, thinking John was better, more complex, composer and lyricist. However, since getting The Beatles Anthology I appreciate him as musician so much more. In a lot of ways he was much more honest than John, and a lot more gracious.

At one moment, early in the set, when he started singing "Paperback Writer," I got an indescribably feeling - I kept saying to myself "I was seeing Paul live!" I can't fully explain it, but The Beatles are not just my favorite band, their songs are part of my life. I love the line in Nick Hornby's novel High Fidelity where Rob (the protagonist) puts on The Beatles after his break up with Liz, because while he doesn't know how their music is going to make him feel, he knows it won't make him feel bad. That's how I feel, The Beatles won't necessarily bring me joy, but they will bring a level of comfort other music can't. Seeing Paul on stage was too surreal of an experience. It's with great shame that I have to admit that I didn't stay for the whole set, in fact I heard the last 2 songs walking away to the campsite.

Day Tripper

Madrid 2009, originally uploaded by lynnbabe.

So my friend visited Madrid and posted a video of two of my favorite things: The Beatles and puppetry! Enjoy!

One of the reasons I don't text is

this and because I'm not willing to shell out an extra $5 for the privilege. I might when I get a new phone, my current cell phone is an 80's throwback.

(810): did you make any bad decisions?
(248): many, i pretty much fell in love with a freshman...it doesn't get much better than that

This one made me snort out loud.

Most of the texts aren't very funny, just gross & vulgar. I like Sarah's texts much more.

Oh Those Smug Pregnant Women....

via PN who got it from Wheaton, who still hasn't added me to his "spiffy" blog.

Delusional

I guess the Kennedy family is taking the whole "royals" of America literally. Last time I checked you couldn't just "give" your Senate seat away. But then again this is Camelot country. Barf.
via Ace

P.S. I just saw Grey Gardens (the original documentary) and found it interesting but a bit repetitive. Half the time I was thinking I was watching actors, especially Little Eddie who is such a character. I didn't feel bad for them at all, in fact the film hit, on some levels, too close to home. The mother-daughter relationship, the loss of dreams and opportunity, and the delusions of life. It was a bit boring at times, but interesting nonetheless.

Oprah Wants Me To Be Fat

Obviously. I mean it's free. (As Gob as says) C'mon!

Pondering

What do you give an 80 year old grandmother who's pleasures in life involve cigarettes and talking about your perfect cousin? I'm open for suggestions. It's her birthday this Sunday.

It's the 5th of May

Otherwise knows as Cinco de Mayo - which has nothing to do with mayonnaise but everything to do with beer. I feel like I should be allowed to drink a few beers before I headed off to work and yet I sit here very sober indeed. This reminds me of one of my favorite Jack Handy jokes:

When this girl at the art museum asked me whom I liked better, Monet or Manet,
I said, "I like mayonnaise." She just stared at me, so I said it again,
louder. Then she left. I guess she went to try to find some mayonnaise for me.

Fruity Humor

I just had a banana and it reminded me of this:
“I feel stupid when I write the word banana. Its like, how many na’s are on this thing? ‘Cause I’m like ‘Bana … keep going. Bananana … damn.’ - Dimitri Martin

So Tired

You know when you are so tired you feel like you want to hurl a bit? Yeah, that's me today. I want to sleep so much.

2009 MIT Hack

Those hacks are so darn impressive. Really cool. This year it features a solar powered MBTA red train going around the MIT dome.

via Samtron

I'm Thinking of Writing A Relationship/Dating Book

It will contain one piece of advice:

If you are not happy for at least 95% of the time in the relationship, you should split up. *

*Unless you have children. Then work on it as hard as possible to get it there - if you can.

Disclaimer: I'm not in any shape or form an expert on these things. Obviously, there's so much more to relationships/dating. However it took me such a long time to learn this simple truth. I've loved people who didn't make me happy and as hard as it was to not be with them, ultimately it would have been bad for both people to remain together. I feel like if everyone applied this standard a lot more people would be single, but at least more happy.

Also don't be like this guy. Guy should stop being such pussies and just ask the girl out. Seriously, in today's world it makes you look like Mr. Confident if you even attempt the first move. Also, I used to feel bad for guys who go the "friend" route - now, not so much. If you are attracted someone you only have yourself to blame if you put yourself in the friend category.

My University Is LAME

Not Surprising:

The first person in the U.S. arrested for speeding was NYC cab driver. - Snapple's "Real Fact" #388.

Julie & Julia

Okay I really want to see this movie. First of all because it looks like my life (minus the cooking but with a soul sucking job with a very cute boyfriend on the side, plus I blog!). Second, because I like Meryl Streep (even with her wacky political ideas) and Amy Adams. Third, I like Julia Childs and find her very strange but love her writing. Another thing, I love the guy who plays Julie's husband, he was Claire's Republican boyfriend on Six Feet Under, so cute.



Update: I really like this excerpt, from the last post of the blog (The Julie/Julia Project) that inspired the movie, about Julia Childs on the day after she died:

She was no bending reed, of course. She had no use for silly,
fear-driven food fads; she could be set in her ways, even mulish, and
when she wanted to she could be withering. That’s fine. That’s good
even. We don’t need saints. Who changes their life under the
influence of a saint? Okay – don’t answer that. But the point is –
Julia was so impressive, so instructive, so exhilarating, because she
was a woman, not a goddess. Julia didn’t create armies of drones,
mindlessly equating her name with taste and muttering “It’s a Good
Thing” under their minty breath. Instead she created feisty, buttery,
adventurous cooks, always diving in to the next possible disaster,
because goddammit, if Julia did it, so could we.