Stuff that makes me laugh lately: A Ramble

Dear Friend,
It is Friday night, I am pumped full of caffeine and a strong desire to write.  I cannot guarantee that what I am about to record will be entertaining or comprehensible.  If you choose to read this entry anyway I will consider you a true friend... or really bored, but either one is fine.

I have been practically devouring comedy lately.  It began with a whim to see some silent films. I chose to start off with Buster Keaton, and that was a success since I now adore the man.  It branched into a little Harold Lloyd, whom I had never heard about before researching silent films trying to find which of Buster's films I would probably like best.  I flatly refuse to watch Chaplin.  I cannot quite explain why. There is a strange quality about the man that I find off-putting and repulsive.  But Keaton and Lloyd films I will happily devour.  What I like best about these silent slapstick comedies is the physicality and stunts involved in the jokes.  I can't count how many times I've felt my jaw hanging open, making me look like an astonished fish when I see what these men were doing.  The best part is the lack of special effects involved in most of the stunts.  Honestly, I've grown tired of reading the rants of silent film fans who denounce the current method of using CGI to make most movie stunts these days, but they have a point.  What movie makers and actors did before computers (and frankly, insurance companies) took over is impressive.  But at the same time, it is incredible that these actors survived some of the shots they put themselves through.

Another great source of comedy for me lately is Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza on GSN.  (Red squiggly lines under the last third of that sentence, it's a shame they won't show when I publish...)   It is almost like a reunion of Whose Line is it Anyway, but not quite.  It still makes me laugh, to the point of tears sometimes.  It makes me so happy to see Ryan Stiles, Jeff Davis, Colin Mochrie, and Wayne Brady on TV again.  Drew has improved at improv since Whose Line, too.  (Aside note, I really, honestly like Drew Carey. He's the only reason I started watching the Price is Right again. I don't know why I like him so much... I don't think he's that great as a game show host, but he makes me laugh, and seems to enjoy himself doing it.) 

A friend of mine has been talking a lot about the Marx Brothers lately.  I love the Marx Brothers, myself, and hadn't seen any of their movies in a long time, so I put a couple in to watch this week.  It made me realize that my favorite Marx brother is Harpo.  He always has been, even when I was a kid.  I usually feel like Groucho gets all the attention, and he's definitely funny, but I'll always adore Harpo.

Also, somewhat related to my Marx brothers "epiphany," Wakko is my favorite of the three Warners in Animaniacs.  I thought Yakko was for the longest time, but it was always Wakko.  After all, all those years ago when I was a rather rude "hostess" when a friend was over and I insisted that she watch Animaniacs with me when she wanted to watch X-Men it was because it was a Wakko-heavy episode, not Yakko. 

Goodness, this has been a rambling and silly entry.  If you made it this far, consider yourself hugged.  I'll try to be more intellectual in my next letter. 

The Annual Birthday Post!

Dear Friend,
Once again, it is my birthday. It seems to happen every year around this time. Usually it makes me feel both nostalgic and introspective. Not so much this year. This year, I'm more wondering about the future. Frankly, as far as I can tell I'm on the verge of something. It might be something big, it might be something small. I don't know yet. Either way, something has to change, it's inevitable, whether I want it or not. I can't say that I feel ready for it, but since when do life changes wait until you're ready?

It's been a fairly nice day. Amazing, it hasn't been, to speak a little like Yoda. What I've noticed in my life is that if I plan my birthday myself I end up disappointed, so I didn't try to plan much for the day. Having the pick of what to do with my day, I took my mom to see Princess and the Frog again. A good movie, still, but not as great as it could have been, entertaining though. Crush any expectations you might have of it being Disney's greatest film ever, because it isn't. Can you really expect that though? Make a decent movie and slap Disney's name on it and more people will see it, though. Someone brought this adorable little boy who laughed at one scene and asked "Isn't that funny, Daddy?" really loud in the theater, too and that was cute. Do have a nice day, friend, and I'll talk to you later.

Princess and the Frog

Dear Friend,
I saw Princess and the Frog today. Now, let me preface this by saying I wasn't especially looking forward to this film. Frankly, I was torn. As an animation fan, and one who loves hand drawn animation in particular (though Pixar has won my heart even with it's computer animation) I was pleased to see Disney returning to it. (Whoever bought into the piece of garbage lie that "audiences only want to watch computer animation" was a moron.) But on the other hand, the film was set in New Orleans and was proving to be filled with Voodoo. I've got a big enough issue with generic "magic" in movies, but Voodoo is a little too real for me, you know? On top of that, there was the issue with making Tiana black, and all sorts of people complaining about whatever they could find to complain about there. But that's a long story I don't feel like going into.

Anyway, friend, I wasn't expecting much from this movie. On top of that, I had been in a very bad mood and that made me extremely cynical and critical when I sat down in the theater. In fact, I hated the previews before the movie, except for the Toy Story 3 preview (I'm so there!) and the Disney Nature Oceans preview. (Side note, this bad mood has affected me in a way that I am crying at the drop of a hat, so I teared up at both of those previews. At the beginning of the TS3 trailer, with the sad song, and at the "I am wonderful" song part of Oceans. I sometimes hate being weepy.)

So, most people know the premise of this story. A prince winds up being turned into a frog by some evil, magical person and needs a princess to kiss him and break the spell. Well, in this version, the prince in question, Prince Naveen, is actually a self-centered, cocky, good for nothing who winds up in the "clutches" of a Voodoo "magician" named Dr. Facilier. (I may have misspelled that, but look at the name, who wouldn't misspell it?) And the "Princess," Tiana, isn't a princess, but she's a waitress who wants to own her own restaurant. Through a slight mix up, Naveen gets Tiana to kiss him, trying to break the spell. Instead, they both end up as frogs.

There, you know the premise. As it's not my personal policy to give away spoilers in my reviews, that's all you get.
After all, I enjoyed the movie. It lifted my horrendous mood a little. I think it was all I needed. I do take slight issue with one of the "good guys" also did voodoo, but that's probably just another instance of Disney being politically correct or what not. I honestly expected the firefly character, Ray, to be something of an annoying stereotype that I would hate. Imagine my surprise to end up loving the character and finding him amazingly inspirational. Trying not to spoil anything, his storyline just about made me cry, and left a bigger impression on me than the A plot. Not to belittle the A plot, I did like Naveen and Tiana. Naveen may be one of my favorite Disney male leads. (Not that he has a heck of a lot of competition. I can think of Prince Phillip and Tramp... yeah, that's it.) Tiana is a good character, too, and surprisingly her spoiled, rich friend Charlotte is a great character. "Lottie" was one of the funniest parts of the movie.

As for the fact that the leads in the film are black, I was glad to see an animated girl with dark, curly hair. I never quite "got" what girls were talking about when they said they were glad to finally have a Disney Princess who looked like them. Probably because I can't imagine the day that they draw a Biracial princess. But sitting in the theater and just realizing that she had curly hair I felt like I liked her more. Silly? Maybe, but undeniably true. There was really only one moment in the film where Tiana's race was made an issue of, and it, apparently, is a blink and you'll miss it sort of thing. As for where Naveen's kingdom of "Maldonea" could possibly be, who knows.

I wasn't too impressed with the music, which isn't great for a Disney film. It wasn't bad music, but there wasn't an earworm in the bunch. I can't remember the tune for a single song from it right now. I did enjoy the song in the credits, though I don't know if I'd admit it out loud, just online.

I loved the look of the film, too. Especially in the song "Almost There." If they had made the whole film look like that I think I would have still liked it. Probably too stylized for an entire movie, though. I though there were a few breathtaking shots, I'll admit.

In the end, I enjoyed it. It wasn't Disney's greatest film, but it was certainly worth watching.

Piece of Cake!

Dear Friend,
Oh my! I didn't post at all in the month of August? Obviously I was too busy watching TCM's Summer Under the Stars programming. Perhaps, there will be more on that later, but not tonight.

I finished Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box tonight. I'm still smiling from the ending. I'm not usually the "tragic" romance type, but dang, that was sweet. Toward the second half of the story if I couldn't solve the puzzle within a few seconds I went looking for cheats because it was getting in the way of the freaking story! And I wanted my story NOW!!!!!! Yeah, I'm not sure if the story was even that good, but it was certainly intriguing tonight. That, and I loved "Anton's" voice. I didn't expect it, after seeing pictures of the character all through the game, but it was a great voice. And the movie parts were cool, I loved the animation.
Every time Luke finished a puzzle correctly and said "Piece of cake!" I wanted to run out and eat cake. He didn't say it like it was easy, he said it like he saw an actual piece of cake. So now, I believe I must bake a cake.

Speaking of cake; (nice segue, there, huh?) I've decided to make a cake that looks like a pineapple. It may or may not taste like pineapple, since I haven't decided on that yet. I'm completely new at making cakes that look like anything other than cakes, so this will be an adventure. Besides, I've owed myself Cookies on a Stick for a long time, so those may have to come first in the baking priority list. The Pocky is waiting and everything...

In other news... found a local school that has a program for what I was looking into, so I may be going to school soon. I just have to pray, work out how to pay for it and how to get there...
"Fun" she said with a sarcastic lack of enthusiasm.

Saw Up, and loved it

Dear Friend,
My Dad and I went to see Pixar's Up this morning. I loved it.
Up is about Carl Fredricksen, and his house. The movie begins with Carl as a young boy, who idolizes an explorer named Charles Muntz. When Carl meets a young, adventurous girl who also admires Muntz, they become fast friends, and years later, marry. My favorite sequence in the movie is Carl and Ellie's marriage. The series of clips shows a loving, sweet relationship and quickly causes the audience to care about these two characters.
When Ellie is gone, Carl stays in his house, because it makes him feel close to her. But the outside world is getting too close, and all around the house major construction is going on. Through an unfortunate series of events, Carl is about to be forced to live in a retirement home. Carl remembers a promise he made to Ellie, to help her acquire her dream of moving the house to an amazing location in South America. When he's about to be taken away, he releases balloons out of his chimney and floats away.
What he didn't realize is that a young boy named Russel has been caught on his porch. Russel is a scout who needs just one more badge, Assisting the Elderly, and he's been trying to assist Carl, who isn't looking to be assisted.

That's essentially the premise. Honestly, you need to see the movie. The animation is beautiful, the story is entertaining, funny and sweet. I can't think of a single thing that detracted from the film. The characters are well depicted and acted. Carl and Ellie are one of the cutest couples I seen on film. Russel is adorable. Dug the dog is wonderfully and fully "dog." Even the bird, "Kevin," is lovable. As always, I loved Giacchino's score, as well.

I think Pixar hit another one out of the park.

Two awesome things

Dear friend,
I actually left the house intending to purchase something and ended up coming home with something. I can't remember the last time that happened. It probably was because this time the "something" was specific. It was Freakazoid season 2!
My brother bought me Freakazoid season 1 for my birthday, and the second season came out yesterday. This is the season with my best remembered episodes, such as the one with Norm Abrams, Dexter's date with Steff (and the amazing and mind blowing dance number with the Lobe), and a few others I won't describe just now. It's hilarious in the most ridiculous way, and so much fun.
I also bought Rhythm Heaven today. I had heard nothing but good things about this game. I heard it compared favorably to Elite Beat Agents, which I love, so I decided to give it a go. I love it! I, despite having lack-luster rhythm, love rhythm games. This game is challenging and fun. If you come and visit me, ask to play it, I think you'll like it, ok? Ok, cool.

Weird idea

Dear Friend,
I was out shopping today, grocery shopping and the like, and caught a reflection of myself in one of the freezer case doors. I realized that my pants would make a perfect start to a Yakko costume! They're wide-leg khakis that require me to not only wear a belt to keep them up, but also require high heel shoes to keep them from dragging on the ground. I figure all I need is a black shirt and some white gloves. Can't be too hard to find, right? And if I really want to go for it, I could make some ears.
It might be awesome!
Should I do it?

I don't obsess, I think intensely

Dear Friend,
Depending on your view of my... how shall I phrase it?... appreciation of a certain actor named Rob Paulsen my next statement could be awesome or sad. I found a Rob Paulsen fan forum! Yay, right? Hey, look at it this way, next time I talk to you I may already have worked the Rob talk out of my system.
Anyway, yeah, I found it through a new friend who had a Rob video on YouTube. I can't tell yet if this is increasing my mania or helping to burn some of my "hobby energy." (Yes, I call it hobby energy, because it's entirely separate from my "real life energy.")
To continue on this subject, I finally saw Three Musketeers with Mickey, Donald and Goofy, where Rob was the Troubadour Turtle. I found it all adorable. I love turtles (in cartoon form, anyway) I love cartoons adding lyrics to well known classic songs, I love goofy, phony french accents, and I love Rob's singing. OK, that's all the things I loved about Rob's character, but I enjoyed the story, too. It is a fairly recent Disney cartoon, but it was still cute. You know, as much as I enjoy Tress McNeile ( I fear I forgot how to spell her name, bad me, I'm a bad fan) I don't like her as Daisy Duck.
LOST is coming back, and I'm looking forward to it. I wasn't this enthusiastic for the 4Th season, since the 3rd season had kind of left me cold, but 4 blew me away. I hope that the show continues in it's awesome-ness like it did last year. I just really hope that Daniel can get back to the island, since being stranded in the middle of the ocean in a raft can't be fun, and I want to see him with Charlotte again. I am spoiler-free, so I don't have a clue what's coming up. In fact, I haven't read any of the messages on the LOST mailing list I belong to for the past month.
Remember when I wrote about my Computer's death? Apparently, I haven't been the only person to suffer from this particular virus/trojan garbage. I also am not the first to "catch" it from Deviant Art. I need, desperately, to figure out what sort of Virus protection to use. I think that this time I have it under control, but I wish I could get a professional to look at my laptop. If you've got a way to contact me, and you know any good programs, feel free to advise. I'll listen.

My Batman sounds like Kevin Conroy

Dear Friend,
I think I may have written to you about Batman before. Perhaps around the time that a certain highly anticipated film came out this past summer, perhaps around the time that a certain animated show came out on a children's television block. All I know is, I talk about Batman from time to time.
The subject of this particular "super hero" came to my mind this time because my father turned on the TV and Batman was on. You may be familiar with this particular Batman, played by Micheal Keaton, against Nicholson's Joker. I was already familiar with this little film because my parents had it on VHS and one of those summer nights that my brother was home from college we watched it together.
I cannot say that if this had been my first exposure to this character I would have ever sought any more exposure to him. I can't quite put my finger on why I dislike this movie, casting or design or plot, but I know that I don't like it. At all.
Thankfully, "my Batman" came in the form of a Fox animated series, at just about the silver age of Warner Bros. animation. Back in 1992 I started watching Batman: The Animated Series. Now, if you do your math, that was when I was 9 years old. I'm not sure if many 9 year old girls were watching superhero cartoons back then, but I had an older brother and had been "sharing" his TV shows most of my life. (If you hear him tell it, though, we watched nothing but Rainbow Brite and My Little Pony.)
It certainly wasn't my first encounter with action/crime fighting cartoons, I had been obsessed with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles before this.
Anyway, it was a new cartoon, and being young me, I made sure to watch it. Little did I know that I would wind up a bat-fan for life. Even when the show switched from Fox to Kids WB and became the Batman/ Superman Adventures, and I had to tape it while my family was at church, I still watched. I even remember my shock at the episode "Over the Edge" when I thought everyone now knew that Bruce Wayne was Batman.
I even "followed" Bruce Wayne to Batman Beyond, which brought us Terry McGinnis in the batsuit. Of course, though old and "decrepit" Bruce was still my batman.
In between shows, of course there were the movies, with Val Kilmer and George Clooney, but these, in my opinion, all sucked. Frankly, for the longest the only batman I would say was worth anything was one that was drawn.
However, I had never, at a single point in my life read a Batman comic. Not a one. I'm not into comics.
Then came along Justice League on Cartoon Network. I however, never got into that, too many of those other people in tights running around (or flying as the case may be).
Fox, then, came up with The Batman, which is supposed to take place at the beginning of Bruce's career as Batman. I had several problems with this series, as you can see if you go way, way back in my blog. I disliked character designs and voices. I've heard that it improved greatly, but I still haven't given it a chance. I mean, come on, that design for the Joker is terrible, and the voice of Batman in the show will forever be the liar of two episodes of Due South to me, not Batman.
How pleased I was when Batman Begins came out. Finally, a live action adaptation that didn't make me roll my eyes until they were in the back of my head.
Then the sequel came along and I was rather disappointed, since it was so depressing and evil I couldn't in anyway enjoy it.
Now, Cartoon Network is starting the process again by bringing us Batman: The Brave and the Bold. I like it. I enjoy the fact that this show doesn't take it self as seriously as the recent films. Because, though tragic in storyline, and dark by design, Batman, if you step back and look, is very ridiculous. This show has a sense of humor, and lots of guest starring heroes. I think, even though the voice isn't Kevin Conroy, I will be watching this one.

Wow, that was long. Did you even finish it? Congrats if you did.

If you like Batman, and don't hate animation, I've got a film for ya!

Dear Friend,
I just finished watching, for the second time in a day, "Batman: Gotham Knight" which is a set of short, animated films set between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Now, I didn't like The Dark Knight, but that has proven to be "above" my like or dislike. I felt it was too dark, and should have been rated R. (I consider TDK to be my first R rated movie, now, so there you go)
Gotham Knight, now is also rated PG-13, and I felt it came by it honestly (even if there is one shot of a guy being shot clean through the head, a very clear shot at that) and it was bloody. Not a lot of cussing, though I did get to hear Rob Paulsen say "Son of a *****"; quite a strange experience. (I almost felt like Mr. Opportunity was cussing at me. Ok, just kidding) But, quite seriously, though animated, this isn't meant for the kiddoes, ok?
Anyway, beyond content issues, There are 6 different shorts, written and directed by different people, and animated by different Japanese studios. It's anime inspired, so don't expect lip-sync. Do, however, expect interesting visuals, which change each story. Only the voice actors remain the same through the entire film. The shorts are loosely connected, but each could stand alone if it needed to.

The First, "Have I Got a Story for You" is much like the BTAS episode "Legends of the Dark Knight" and frankly I think the TV show one was better. I admit I was put off my the animation style. While the backgrounds were stunning, the people were grotesque and ugly. It did serve the story well, with the differing interpretations of three kids descriptions of their encounters with Batman earlier that day. It was a solid start.

Next, "Crossfire" was animated in a dark, shadowed, comic-book style. It showed two cops in the Major Crimes Unit, discussing Batman as they take a prisoner over the "Narrows" and then end up in a gang crossfire. The story was good. It was maybe my third favorite. Lots of gunfire, as well.

Then "Field Test", which despite a rather confusing story that caused me to wonder what was going on exactly, wound up being one of my favorite shorts on the disc. It was very "anime" style, and I liked the design of the batsuit. They even managed to make Bruce Wayne a decided "pretty boy" that you'd never expect to be Batman. (see icon stamp on this entry)

"In Darkness Dwells" was OK, to me. The sewer setting lent itself to a gritty, unattractive drawing style. There was a brief fight with Killer Croc, so brief you wonder if it was needed. It also had Scarecrow, yet it didn't seem to be like the same character from the live-action films. It was one of the more disappointing shorts in my opinion.

"Working Through the Pain" was my second favorite story here. I again like the style of drawing, and the backgrounds were beautiful. It was slightly bloody for my taste, and I had to look away a few times. My dad was disappointed by the end of the short, but I liked it's emotional nature. I do admit, it doesn't feel like much of a climax, though.

"Deadshot" ranked high in my opinion, too. It's style was interesting, and though it was violent I couldn't look away. The shot of the Ferris Wheel was gorgeous. I found the plot obvious, but maybe not everyone would.

I enjoyed this DVD, and would recommend it to Batman and animation fans alike. I liked hearing Kevin Conroy as Batman again. Watch it if you can.

Ta-Da!

Dear Friend,
So, you just knew I'd be blogging today, right? If anything, you thought I'd have blogged earlier, right? Yeah, I know. So, let's get down to it: Wall-E was great. That little robot was so adorable! This movie made me cry, dude!
I'll now attempt to look objectively at this film. There was a definite environmental and "green" feel to this movie, what with the world's population evacuating a trash-filled earth and such. There was also quite the message about getting up off your fat a- I mean butt- and observing the beauty of the natural world around you. I, as a bit of a tree-hugger (according to some) had no problem with that, but even if you think that environmental propaganda needs to go the way of the Dodo bird (how's that for irony) you have to admit that these messages should be heeded to some extent. I appreciate that this film didn't verbally attack you with repeated messages like "Reduce, reuse, recycle!!!!! or die!" It was also rather amused at the exaggeration that they used. While you know things would never get that extreme, you realize that, well, maybe in the worst-case scenario, they could.
What was truly great about the movie, though, was the character of Wall-E, and even Eve. You can actually believe that these robots, inanimate objects though they are, have personalities. Wall-E is one of the sweetest little characters I've seen in a Pixar film. He can barely say anything, not much more than his own name and Eve's (which he pronounces as "Eev-ah") and the occasional Ta-da! There isn't a lot of dialogue in the film, really, but it's good storytelling since you don't miss it much. I didn't miss it at all, to tell the truth.
I was pleasantly surprised by the use of live-action actors on screen, but it was done well. I loved the space scenes, as well.
I have no idea if that review was coherent. To sum up, I enjoyed the movie. I will be buying it when the DVD comes out, and expect Wall-E icons to accompany my posts in the future. As I blog I'm looking for icons in another window. Yes, I'm that talented.
I only wish I could have found the soundtrack in a store. I loved the use of music, especially La Vie En Rose with Louis Armstrong. And the two songs from Hello Dolly. Yeah, it was adorable. It was Wall-E's favorite movie, such a sweet little robot.
I re watched Napolean Dynamite tonight, as well. My brother had never seen it. I watched it right after it came out on DVD and found it rather stupid. I watched it again about a year later and smiled a bit. I watched it tonight, and cracked up. I think I just needed to realize that I was in this movie's world, where random rubbish occurs and you're just supposed to laugh at it. It worked tonight.

New Layout, so why not post?

Dear Friend,
I felt for a richer color scheme, and to get rid of any sort of media related images in my intro and title. So, what do you think? I love the rose picture, but am a bit concerned that it is, well, huge. We'll see how I take to it.
I also wanted to stop using the Robin Hood banners because, although the artist who made them made them really well, the show sucks. I haven't truly watched it for the past month. I've had the TV on, and looked up when something "interesting" happened (usually when Much or Gisborne were on screen) but even that has been getting to be too stupid. I have been told that Much tells Robin off in the finale, so I may keep trying, just to see if my favorite character finally gets a backbone.
I'm looking forward to seeing Wall-E this Friday. I'm hoping to see it before the "kiddy" crowd sees it, because though I love animated movies and kids, I'm none too fond of them put together. I also want to see Wanted with Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy. Now, there is a contrast. Strange thing is, I've not seen an R rated movie yet, and since the first PG-13 movie I saw sucked, I've held out on watching one until I had picked a great movie. I've decided that the Godfather will be the first R movie I watch. I just need to find the time to watch it. The problem really is, I'm a wimp. No, really, I watch the AFI countdowns and when they show clips of the Godfather they always show the same clip of people being shot in the head, and this one clip that obviously is deemed suitable to air on prime time TV sends me into shock! How I'll get through that entire film I don't know. Then, if I find that I can't make it through the Godfather, I doubt I'll make it through Wanted, rated R for "strong, bloody violence" throughout. Yeesh.
I'm actually slightly apprehensive about the next Batman film. I'm such a wimp.

Would you believe Chuck Norris with a BB gun?

Dear Friend,
I have been seeing more movies this summer than is my usual wont. (I love that word, "wont" it's fun) I've just seen my third, and boy was it fun. Get Smart was really funny. It's a great waste of time, if you've got time to waste. I think it helps to be familiar with the old show, but not too fanatical about the old show. It also helps if you have a nearly unhealthy fascination with Steve Carell. *glances at icon "stamp"* What? I'm just saying... and I've been waiting to use that icon... anyway. Anne Hathaway was good in this, too. I like Hathaway, despite certain things I've heard about her. In cases such as these my policy of just plain not caring about actors personalities or lives works pretty well. If they entertain my on screen I don't care about who they really are.
OK, I am so rambling now. The movie was good, but to be honest I'm not sure it would stand up to a second viewing. In general I would recommend it to a friend, if I knew they liked stupid, yet not too stupid, comedy.
Ovation TV (arty channel, just my speed) has been having a week devoted to animation. Happy me, I've enjoyed nearly all the documentaries on the studios and animators and what-not. Ub Iwerks was a fascinating man, and the majority of people don't realize that he came up with Mickey Mouse, which saddens me. He drew the character and pretty much single-handedly animated his first cartoon. He was an amazing inventor, too. If you have any interest in animation, look that man up. He'll astound you.
I just realized a few minutes ago that my dear brother has a link to my blog on his blog. Isn't he just cool? I love that his entries have more depth than mine. I still have issues with letting myself get too serious in "public" and therefore my writings tend to be from the shallow end of the pool. My brother, however, all kinds of deep, and I love him for it.
The rest of my (planned) summer movies will include Wall-E, Wanted, the new Batman and possibly a few more. I'm not sure just now.
I'm considering a blog of reviews of my DVD collection. That would be quite a project considering the size of my media shelf. It would be more organized and eloquent than the "reviews" I write here. We'll see what develops.

Dreaming

Dear friend,
I'd forgotten how very dull and low life is in the "in-between times". Those times when you don't have anything pressing to do can be as depressing as they are freeing. I don't know what to do with myself, despite an abundance of required tasks around me. I know this too will pass, but I'm living in the right now, dang it!
I had a sort of realization last night. I want to be in a "Roger and Anita Radcliffe" situation. One of my favorite movies is Disney's 101 Dalmatians. (If you have even a slight interest in animation that film is amazing. The Xerox machine changed animation forever! And the design is captivatingly attractive) The dog's owners were recently married and wonderful together. The moment that sticks into my mind is the scene in which Roger is composing the tune that would ultimately be "Cruella DeVille" and make him a load of money. At this moment in the film, though, he's just upstairs making music. As he comes downstairs the couple has cute banter about the song until the villain arrives at the door. Roger makes fun of the approaching visitor with his new song, as he makes his exit. After Cruella leaves he reemerges from his "studio" still teasing in song. The couple dances and as his song ends the two share a "married moment." You just know that these two love each other, even though they tease and joke, they each take such games as good-naturedly as it is meant. Somehow that animated, fictional couple rings true to my heart.
Another animated couple dear to my heart is "Jim Dear and Darling" from Lady and the Tramp, but I don't think I'll go into detail for that tonight.
In more real, right now news, I've got a Wii Fit. I'm rather dedicated to this little workout program. It has me doing (light) exercise every day for the past week. That's no small accomplishment for lazy little me. I rather like the hula hoop game.

Now that that's all out of my mind...
Goodnight, friend!