the Wedding.

Google's Celebration

For the record, I wasn't following this like some people (ahem, ahem...Id Rather Be in Texas).  I couldn't help but know that it was happening, though I didn't research the couple, learn about the ring, their courtship, or the traditions.  That said, in the coming days, I felt this urge to watch.  I wasn't sure why.  Maybe it was hearing my mom (and others) talking about Diana and Charles' wedding and how they still remember the spectacle ( in the best possible way).  Maybe it was my own memory of Diana's tragic death, and following William and Harry in the coming years, like if only we could be in the same room with them, that we could be in Kate's position (HA).   Whatever the reason, I wanted to watch.

Photos from Telegraph UK

 I realized last night that one of the biggest attractors for me personally was... as a television junkie, someone who loves the medium and yearns for a time long past, when there were only 3 choices on the tube, meaning everyone had the shared knowledge of seeing the same thing.  I've often thought of the famous Beatles performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, or Elvis' scandalous gyrating hips, and how that can't happen anymore.  There is never (or apparently rarely) a television event that we all experience simultaneously.  The fact that everyone was watching it at practically the same time (tho I missed the boat a little bit) -- whether it be the Americans that woke up before dawn, the British (and Americans) that got dressed up and stood in the square or on the street, who were all watching the happy, now Royal, couple get hitched.  With the exception of an awards show (the Oscars) and a sporting event (the Superbowl) and that's mainly America alone, it simply doesn't happen anymore.   I felt the need to partake and watch while everyone was watching.   No, I didn't make it live (I caught the kiss in real time), but I did watch before the sun rose, and before I turned on the computer or talked to anyone who knew anything....and I'm glad I did. 

Here are the things that intrigued me:

• the fairytale & tradition.  Every little girl (and perhaps boy) has read them, has watched them, and has imagined being a prince/ess.  We were raised on them, and as modern as Will and Kate might be, it still has the essence of a fairytale.  America doesn't have royals, celebrities are our makeshift royals, so the tradition of the ceremony, the traditional garb and tunics, the Abbey...its historic.  They did add their own touches though with trees lining the Abbey, to incorporate nature into the service.  Also, since William by tradition wasn't allowed to look, Harry looked for him, then a large smile came across his face; and lip readers have said that when Kate and her father approach William, he leans over to say "it was supposed to be a small family affair." 
• the dress.  Again, I didn't get caught up in the debate of what designer it would be and what it would look like...but it was GOR.GEOUS!  I couldn't have imagined anything better.  It was a 50s style, lace-sleeved, fitted....Its something I would like to wear (and wouldn't look nearly as good)...and that train!  The public wouldn't have been happy without a train like that.  (Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen)...the tiara didn't hurt either.
• the hats:  I wish we wore more hats.  I try to get into fedoras, but I haven't made the leap to more outrageous.  Some were hilariously silly, some were understated and slick, but all were entertaining.  

• the beautiful chorus: being raised in the Anglican church (aka Episcopal) I was probably a bit more open to the service and hymns.  It was long, I give you that.  It was obviously more religious than most modern/American ceremonies would be, but didn't you expect that?  Regardless, the choir voices, singing the traditional hymns was breathtakingly beautiful.
• the ring and lack of ring.  Anyone else notice that William didn't get a ring?  Anyone know why?   I tried to find out if it was some sort of tradition, like he is married to the country or something...but no, seems to have been his decision.  I mean, everyone knows who he is, therefore for that he's married...some say it might be as simple as that he doesn't like to wear jewelry.
• the sermon after the vows (where Kate promised to comfort, not obey).  As previously stated, I expected this, though most people felt the service should have ended after the vows.  I liked that the Archbishop of Canterbury quoted Chaucer, and when he said, "You have both made your decision today" in a very foreboding manner, like "hope you made it wisely."  The couple looked at one another with a small smile and big eyes, almost as if you could hear the ominous "don, don, don" music.  It was both hilarious and heartwarming.

•  the Kiss.  History was made with 2 kisses.  The first was lackluster.  They, especially Kate (who said "wow" as she saw the crowd), were a little nervous.  It was awkward, so when the crowd started cheering "2nd kiss, kiss, kiss,"  the couple obliged, with a much better attempt.

Note:  not everyone was impressed with the second kiss:

ABC/Diane Sawyer

Overall, I give it a thumbs up, if you can rate such things.

Calling all A Christmas Story Fans (and humanitarians)...

So we all talk a good game about "helping" those less fortunate, and doing more for the common man.  Whether that means you're a good tipper, or make your regular donations to charities and causes.   My friend Jacqui, on the other hand, takes it one step further...  She recently returned from a trip to Haiti with the foundation All Hands and has been inspired to help them out by raising $500.

Its not a monstrous number, its totally do-able, and she has already raised $300!  She is asking people for a minimum of a $25 donation (which buys 25% of the screws needed to make desks and chairs for an entire school in Haiti).

Now comes the good part...for all you A Christmas Story fans -- Jacqui has scored a Red Ryder signed by Ralphie himself, Peter Billingsley.   If you donate 25 bucks then you are entered and elligible for the Red Ryder BB gun.  Win/Win, right?  You help out, tax deductible, and potentially will walk away with a pretty fly prize:-)


Check her out and make your donation at:  All Hands

Palin Showdown

When I heard she was cast, I was conflicted. 

Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin in the new HBO movie Game Change about McCain's 2008 run for President.  I LOOOOOOVE Julianne.  I once saw her on the street in NY's West Village...we were walking opposite directions, and she past me while on the phone and smiled.  I nearly about-faced and followed her a few blocks.   OK I did.  No, I didn't.  Maybe I did.  No.  I didn't.  I swear. 

Photo from Washington Post

 They just started shooting today, so we have to wait awhile, but I think Tina Fey might get a run for her money...if this picture has anything to say.

P.S.  Ed Harris is playing John McCain.  Could be fantastic.  Not that I want to relive those few months. 

The reigning champ:

Proper (Movie) Theater Etiquette

My favorite theater in LA: the Arclight

I go to the movies a lot.  Shocker.   Lately, I've noticed some fairly poor theater behavior.  I'm not big on etiquette and manners in most areas of life (beyond the basics) but this is one place that I'm a traditionalist. 

All of my rules fall under one moniker, and if you remember nothing else, remember this:

"You are not at home." 

Seems simple, right?  Everyone should realize they are in a theater and not in his or her living room.  All the same, its shocking how many people seem to be confused by this. 

1) Do not speak at a normal volume.  In fact, once the lights go down, don't speak at all if you can help it.  If it is absolutely necessary, whisper as softly as possible. 

a) Particularly, now this is important...pay attention...particularly, if you are repeating the lines of the film.  I am shocked by the number of people (my dad used to be included in this category until I broke him of the habit) that feel the need to repeat the jokes and shocking moments of a film immediately after the characters on screen. 

b)  Also included in this category is asking questions to either your friend/family member or to no one in particular -- ex: "Why is he doing that?"  "What'd she say?" "Oh, she shouldn't go in there...that's where he is!"  I understand that if you're in a certain age bracket this is extremely difficult.  Try Harder.

2) Don't put your feet anywhere on the seat in front of you (if there is someone sitting in it).  This includes but is not limited to: propped up on the top, pushing on the back, tapping anywhere on the seat, and wedged between the two seats.  Sidenote:  please don't ever take your shoes off.  Socked and barefeet shouldn't be on the seat even if no one is there.  If I see your monkey feet, I might gag. 

3) Silent your snacks.  Perhaps I'm more sensitive to sounds than most people, but please try to keep your variety of snacks and refreshments as silent as possible.  Example:  crinkly candy wrappers, crunching of popcorn, straws moving up and down in your lid...  Recently a woman in a theater I was in brought her own popcorn from home, which I admire because it is a more affordable and healthier option, but the bag was ridiculously noisy.  Perhaps she could've transferred it to a less noisy bag.  Just a thought.

4) Blanket rule that falls under the "obviously you aren't at home" -- Don't do any private acts in what is a public place.   Including but not limited to: filing (and/or painting) your nails, phone calls, brushing your hair, cleaning out your purse, etc...

That's all for now.   More will come to me later...probably next time I go to the movies. 

This Week Presents: Miley Cyrus Center Stage

Are you watching American Idol?  If you are, did anyone else catch the release that Jimmy Iovine was a regular?  I mean I've noticed he's on every episode (with WILL.I.AM) but didn't realize it was official...that he was essentially one of the judges...minus the judging.

If you aren't an Idol watcher, this week was "song from a movie" week.  Lauren (one of only 2 girls left) chose to sing "The Climb" from the Hannah Montana movie.  I love this song.  Irregardless of Miley, and the movie, the lyrics of the song really speak to me.

"There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb."

They are simple, straight forward, even obvious...but they are meaningful to where I am in my life.

All of that is besides the point, the point is that something happened in the rehearsals that made its way to "mainstream news/gossip" (including NYT).  Jimmy Iovine of Interscope Records told Lauren, "You’re a much, much much stronger singer than Miley Cyrus. You gotta bury her on this song. If one person thinks Miley Cyrus sang this song better than you,” and then he made the motion and sound of slicing one’s throat.  

It was slightly out of the blue and unnecessary, he could have said she was going to nail it and surprise everyone.  Instead, he took the opportunity to say that Miley's voice wasn't up to par.   I think the reason it blew up as "news" was that...well...its true.  It's always been the reason why I don't listen to "The Climb"  because her voice isn't great.  Sorry.  Sad, but true. Well not that sad...she's doing OK.

So I thought the timing was interesting that she appeared on Oprah the next day singing a duet medley with Joan Jett.  She did alright.  Her less than refined voice actually sounded pretty good accompanied by Joan Jett's rough around the edges sound.   My issue though...the show was on female rock legends with newer singers (Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow; Pat Benetar and Avril Lavigne...) but in all the other duets, the LEGEND was showcased, front and center.  I felt like with Miley I heard her 80% of the time and yearned for more Joan...

You decide.

One Door Closes...and Another One Opens

Recently, I have been traveling around New York and Texas; and noticed something similar in both places -- giant signs saying, "NOW CLOSING: ALL ITEMS MUST GO."  I know, I know, this is nothing new.  We are still in a recession, times are still tough, but what I noticed is that it consisted vastly of large companies -- particularly Borders (filed chapter 11 Bankruptcy in February 2011), and Blockbusters (filed for Bankruptcy protection in September 2010).  

This got me thinking about a strange "circle of life" type situation.  Not so long ago, the conversations about business were focused on the "little guy" being shut down.  Walmart, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Blockbuster were named as the "big bad corporations" putting the "family or mom & pop places" out of business with their ability to under cut the prices by such a massive difference.  Now it gets interesting -- these same "bad boys" are now closing their doors because of an inability to compete with Netflix and Amazon.   They just can't keep their doors open and support the costs of being a chain. 

Now, no one can predict the future, but I'm wondering -- will the Mom and Pop shops come back?  Will this leave an opening, or a vacuum of sorts, for a smaller business to return?  I truly believe that despite the popularity of kindles and ipads, and digital downloads, and one click shopping, that Americans (maybe all people?) still have the urge to "browse."  I want to walk through a book shop, pick things up, and flip the pages.   I love discovering things I would never know to search for on Netflix or Amazon.

It's not Take One, but similar...

 I still have some very vivid memories of going to Take One Video around the corner from where I grew up with my parents and deciding as a family what we wanted to watch that Saturday night.  It was that same shop that I visited a couple times a month to ask if they would give me their old movie posters (they usually sold them to me for 50cents or a dollar).  All of this to say, I believe that instinct is still there.  we still want to go in the store, pick things up, and decide whether on not to buy it.   I for one am hoping that the closing of Blockbusters and Borders...leads to openings for boutique, small scale stores to come back.   Go Local!

Check out this posting about independent bookstore alternatives nearby to closing Borders

Or this Wall Street Journal posting on almost 1200 Blockbuster stores closing