Thursday Thirteen #41 -- 13 Tearjerkers

THIRTEEN MOVIES THAT
ALWAYS MAKE ME CRY

I do not cry in public. Never have. Unless I’m watching a movie. Then the faucets open up. Perhaps it’s because I’m so in love with the movies that it’s easy for me to get drawn into their world. Or maybe we each get a certain number of tears to shed in life and the ones I don’t weep in “real” life, I cry in “reel” life. But I’m not sure it really matters. I love a good tearjerker, and here are 13 reliable ones.

1. Titanic. (1997) Poor Jack, who perished. Poor Rose, who persevered without him. “Jack Dawson saved me in every way a person can be saved.”

2. The Wizard of Oz. (1939) I agree with Dorothy. The Scarecrow was my favorite, too, and I believe I’d miss him most of all.

3. Gone with the Wind. (1939) Damn that Civil War! But don’t you worry about Miss Scarlett O’Hara. She’ll never be hungry again. Not her, nor any of her folk. If she has to lie, steal, cheat or kill, as God is her witness, she’ll never be hungry again.

4. Casablanca. (1942) Damn that World War II! But thank God for men like Rick. He was wrong, you know. He was “good at being noble” after all. That’s why he sacrificed his great love so that right could prevail.

5. Shenandoah. (1965) Damn that Civil War! When Jimmy Stewart visits his wife’s grave and tries to explain how it decimated her family, how it took her sons, how only the politicians and undertakers and old men won, I just dissolve.

6. Mr. Roberts. (1955) Damn that World War II! It took a good and decent man like Doug Roberts, broke his spirit and then took his life. Some consider this movie a comedy, and it has its moments, but its portrayal of mundane reality of war and what it does to the soldiers and sailors who live it day to day breaks my heart.

7. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. (1967) OK, so it’s well-meaning but dopey and dated and at times even insulting. But if you can get through that scene near the end without tears … that scene where art imitates life, when an aging Spencer Tracy, in his last movie, publicly tells Katharine Hepburn – the woman he secretly loved for decades – that his passion for her is still there, that he remembers how it felt to first fall in love with her … then there’s something very, very wrong with you.

8. Splendor in the Grass. (1961) When a grown-up, married Bud tells Deanie he doesn’t think much about happiness anymore, and she gets back in the car to go home, impossibly beautiful in her white hat and gloves, and recites to herself, “nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass or glory in the flower, we will grieve not but rather find strength in what remains behind,” I ache for them both.

9. To Kill a Mockingbird. (1962) I know young Scout has no idea why her neighbor tells her to stand up because her father is passing. But I also know that some day she will, and she’ll be a proud woman because her father was Atticus Finch.

10. The Way We Were. (1973) Yes, I know Hubbell is a shitheel – a man who knowingly squanders his talent and refuses to stand up for what matters. Yes, Katie probably is better off without him. But how she loved him and believed in him! It’s so hard to let go of such a beautiful dream. Who hasn’t felt this romantic, impossible longing?

11. Breakfast at Tiffany’s. (1961) That scene in the alley in the rain … am I happy because Holly reunites with Paul, or with Cat? Oh, what difference does it make? Just so all three live happily ever after.

12. Brian’s Song. (1971) A male buddy of mine says that there are only 3 acceptable reasons for a real man to cry: Pain, extreme pain, and Brian’s Song. Maybe it’s a Chicago thing, but I know of no one over 30 who can be in an elevator when the theme comes on without choking up. There are many movies about romantic love, but few that tackle (pardon the pun) the powerful, platonic love of friendship. This is the true story of enduring Bears hero Gale Sayers and his brave, doomed teammate Brian Piccolo. The shy, private Sayers really did accept the Halas Award saying that “I love Brian Piccolo. And tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him, too.”

13. Old Yeller. (1957) I can’t even look at the DVD cover without welling up. Was he a great Yeller Dog or what? Capable of so much joy, so much love, so much courage. This movie introduced me to one of life’s toughest lessons – our furry friends never live as long as we need them to, and they depend on us to do right by them when they’re suffering, even if it breaks our hearts.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Nicole Austin has a seasonal TT with a great banner

2. Chelle Y. has a warm and lovely list of things she's thankful for

3. Susiej's TT is an important one -- safe toys

4. Tink shares facts about her favorite jungle cat, the black panther

5. Sandee asks Why? 13 provocative times

6. Malcolm takes us down memory lane with 13 terrifically sleazy quotes from my favorite nighttime soap, Dallas

7. Crimson Wife shares 13 yummy recipes

8. WorksforMom shares bumper sticker wisdom

9. Hard-hearted Nicholas lists 13 books with cities, states or countries in their names

10. Susan Helene Gottfried sings the praises (as it were) of the rythm guitar

11. Janet gets down to basics with her TT

12. Sandy Carlson shares fascinating facts about her family tree

13. Greatfullivin has a TT that will leave you feeling warm all over

14. Leeann shares some amazing pregnant lady cravings

15. Lori offers up lovely quotes on love and friendship (and a really cool banner, too!)

16. Nononsense Girl lets us read the thought bubble over head

17. The Head Gaggler comes clean and names the worst bands

18. Journeywoman has a wise and sensitive TT about IVF

19. Jenny McB is back and funnier than ever!

20. Open Grove Claudia was kind enough to do a TT that makes me feel better about myself

21. Fresh Girl has a birthday coming up. Swing by and wish her well.

22. Wakela's TT was is all about hyperthyroidism

23. Megan is a frustrated book-a-holic

24. Morgan Leigh shows off her beautiful family

25. Heads up! Crazy Working Mom has a birthday coming up, and her gift list is her TT

26. Mitchypoo has 13 one-liners about weight loss and diet

27. Becka muses about 13 imponderables

28. Visit Grace for 13 facts about dates (as in tasty food, not men nor the calendar)

29. MomG has funny courtroom anecdotes

30. Raggedy takes us back to airforce in 1920

31. Xakara gives us insight into her creative process

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



Heads & Tails #9

Today's theme is ROAD.

As soon as I saw it, two songs from two very different performers popped into my head. All these two have in common is that they are both deeply romantic and fiercely independent American originals … and they're both from New Jersey.

We're drinking, my friend, to the end of a brief episode. So make it one for my baby, and one more for the road … Frank Sinatra of Hoboken, "One for My Baby"

I know you're lonely for words that I ain't spoken. Tonight we'll be free, all the promises will be broken … Bruce Springsteen of Asbury Park, "Thunder Road"

For more information about Heads or Tails, or to play along yourself, visit mememistress Skittles.

I'm it!

Kwizgiver tagged me for the 7 Random and/or Weird Facts about Me meme.

First the facts …

1. Mary Jane peanut butter kisses are my favorite non-chocolate candy.

2. I hate doing laundry, but it's the only domestic chore I'm really good at. I can get just about any stain out of almost any piece of clothing.

3. I suck at the Pogo game Turbo 21, yet I play it compulsively.

4. I must like Tom Selleck. I don't consciously think of him often, I'm not sexually attracted to him, and I've never seen him on Vegas, but I must like him because I have a recurring dream where he rescues me from a burning car. I wish I knew what/who he represents to my subconscious.

5. My cat Charlotte is named for Charlotte Anne from the movie A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries.

6. I think just about every man is more attractive in a jacket and tie.

7. I still believe Patsy Ramsey killed JonBenet.

Now the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Boho Rap
Cupcake
Mo
Jenny McB
Misty Dawn
No Nonsense Girl
Candy Minx

Give Me 5 Monday -- #2

This week's theme: GIVE ME FIVE FAVORITE AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES

1. Roller coaster. I especially like the old-fashioned wooden ones because the clacky sound as you ascend toward the top is louder and scarier.

2. Disney Monorail. Yes, I know it's not as exciting as the other rides, but it gives you a chance to look out onto the entire Magic Kingdom.

3. The Scrambler. I love how thrillingly helpless I feel as I'm flung from one side of the car to the other.

4. The Tilt-a-Whirl. Just the opposite of the Scrambler. I enjoy coordinating with my ridemates in an attempt to achieve the perfect tilt and whirl.

5. The Log Ride. Where you splash down into the water. These are great for cooling off on a hot day.

For more information, or to play along yourself, visit mememistress Becca.

Unconscious Mutterings #17

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Treadmill :: Health club
   
2. Stroke :: High blood pressure
   
3. Exclusively :: Especially
   
4. Lash :: Mascara
   
5. Red carpet:: Paparazzi
   
6. Credit card :: Interest rate
   
7. Points :: Airline miles
   
8. Domestic :: Beer
   
9. 21 :: Black Jack
   
10. Inject :: Shot

For more information, or to free associate yourself, Unconscious Mutterings.

In praise of provocative artists

In Redford's Lions for Lambs, Senator Tom Cruise presents a pro-military governmental approach to the War on Terror in articulate, global terms while Professor Robert Redford tries to convince a lazy and disillusioned but bright and gifted student to use his talents for the greater good. It's a talky movie, but it's good talk. Why does it seem that it's always the young people who enjoy the best of what this country has to offer who skip military service for advanced degrees and big paydays, while defending the American Way often falls to those kids our society ignores? What is our responsibility to one another? How can we each use our individual talents for the greater good? If you want fun, buy a ticket to Seinfeld's bee movie. If you want to examine your heart and conscience, go see Lions for Lambs.

On his new CD, Magic, Bruce Springsteen sings lyrics that are seared into my soul:

"You know that flag flying over the courthouse
Means certain things are set in stone
Who we are, what we'll do and what we won't"

Who are we? I don't know anymore. It feels like our standards are no longer set in stone. Abu Gharib. Water boarding. Lying about WMDs. Demonizing gays. "Swiftboating" veterans. It's all so, so very ugly and I don't LIKE thinking about any of these painful topics. But when "Long Walk Home" comes through my headphones, The Boss forces me to confront them. As we approach another election, we must confront them. It's irresponsible and immoral not to. Thank God Bruce is there to remind me.

Springsteen and Redford have released deeply patriotic, thoughtful art that celebrates who we have been and who we can be again. I am better for it.

It was a very good week

I've missed this photo. So I'm glad I have two such terrific reasons to run it!

1) My beloved future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux signed a one-year contract with the Padres. So I get another season to watch the Professor at work!

2) He won a record 17th Gold Glove award for for fielding excellence. His comment upon hearing the announcement? "It's cool to win again. I'm fortunate to still be pitching at this level and honored to be recognized with this prestigious award."

I love you. Sigh.

This must STOP!

I want to put a halt to middle-aged women who say, "Many talk the talk but …"

"I speak the truth." (Star Jones on CourtTV)
"they don't walk the walk." (A friend of a friend on her blog.)

I know these 40+ women think it makes them sound legitimate and "street," but it doesn't. It's cliche, it's not age appropriate … and it annoys me.

If you hear and read any middle-aged women who use this phrase, first issue a citation that includes a fine. Next time, take them into custody. PLEASE!

(Ah! I feel better now.)

Friday's Feast #22

Appetizer
Which snack do you like to get when you go to the movies? Snocaps or Raisinettes. (Yum!)

Soup
What year did you start using the internet? 1995 perhaps? AOL was the only game in town.

Salad
What is your first name in Pig Latin? Al-gay

Main Course
Name something you are picky about. My face care. I've learned that the most expensive moisturizers aren't necessarily the best for my skin.

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: I worked out yesterday and I will again today. (Hopefully!)

For more information, or to whip up your own feast, visit www.fridaysfeast.com

It's not Robertson endorsing Giuliani that surprises me …

It's Giuliani accepting the endorsement that has me shaking my head. "America's mayor," the man who proclaims his love for New York City and insists he will never forget 9/11, has apparently chosen to forget -- or perhaps overlook for political expediency -- how Pat Robertson behaved after that ugly attack on America.

It was Robertson who gave Jerry Falwell a platform on his 700 Club just days after 9/11. When we were all reeling with shock, disbelief and pain. How did these two men of the cloth help us heal? By blaming ME for what happened to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Quoth Falwell: "The ACLU has got to take a lot of blame for this. And I know I'll hear from them for this, but throwing God successfully with the help of the federal court system, throwing God out of the public square, out of the schools, the abortionists have got to bear some burden for this because God will not be mocked and when we destroy 40 million little innocent babies, we make God mad. I really believe that the pagans and the abortionists and the feminists and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way, all of them who try to secularize America. I point the thing in their face and say you helped this happen."
Added Robertson: "I totally concur, and the problem is we've adopted that agenda at the highest levels of our government, and so we're responsible as a free society for what the top people do, and the top people, of course, is the court system."

Yes, this gal has contributed money to the ACLU and People for the American Way. It's because of hate-mongering, demonizing creeps like Robertson and Falwell that I want government secularized. I want my country back. I want my Christian religion back. I want people like Robertson to have less power and influence.

And Rudy, how could you?
How could you allow yourself to be embraced by a man who used the horror of 9/11 to advance his regressive social agenda?

I know Robertson apologized for the above comments, saying later that Falwell's comments were "totally inappropriate." No shit, Pat.

Thursday Thirteen #40 -- With apologies to Julie Andrews …

THESE ARE THIRTEEN

OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

It’s no secret that I love The Sound of Music. But I just don’t like raindrops on roses. Roses lose their petals too quickly and have thorns. Bright copper kettles mean nothing to me. The USPS won’t even accept a brown paper package tied up with strings anymore. So thinking of that stuff when the dog bites or the bee stings doesn't really help. Instead, here are a few of my very own “favorite things” …

1. Blue. My favorite color. Cobalt, aqua, navy, robin’s egg … I love them all. Denim is my favorite-most favorite.

2. Eggs benedict. My favorite breakfast. To order at a restaurant, of course. It's too much work to prepare myself.

3. Okapi. My favorite zoo critter. Imagine a giraffe with a short neck and a soft, shiny coat.

4. Office supplies. I love my pens and pencils and pencil sharpener and personalized notepads.

5. A cat’s purr. The most comforting sound there is. Especially from the throat of my big old fatcat, Joey. He tries to meow and purr at the same time and it sounds like a gargle. Too cute!

6. “I Don’t Break Easily.” My favorite Barbra Streisand song that was never a hit. (It’s on her “Songbird” album, if you want to check it out for yourself.)

7. The Cubs starting infield, ca 1969. Ernie Banks, Glenn Beckert, Don Kessinger and Ron Santo. I grew up on these guys and, for me, they will always personify fielding excellence.

8. Shea Body Butter. My favorite moisturizer is luxurious, thick and almost fragrance free. Available at The Body Shop.

9. Bruce Springsteen. My favorite concert performer. Ever.

10. The Law & Order cast, ca. 1995. In the courtroom: Adam Schiff, Jack McCoy, and Claire Kincaid. On the streets: Lt. Van Buren, Rey Curtis (I even named my cat after him) and, of course, Lennie Briscoe. I’m always happy when a rerun comes on and it’s this lineup.

11. The manicotti at La Cantina. Manicotti is a good comfort food under any circumstances, but OMG! Does this restaurant do it great or what?

12. MSNBC. If you really want your news “fair and balanced,” you should watch the newschannel that gives a daily platform to everyone from Tucker Carlson and Joe Scarborough to Keith Olberman. I positively gorge myself on the divergent opinions. Oh, and I have a crush on Dan Abrams.

13. The Slowskys. The commercials with these Comcast turtles always make me smile. Bill and Karolyn, you’re my favorite married couple.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1.Ellen B has an uplifting post about friendship

2. Nap Warden serves up a delicious but high-cal TT

3. Forgetfulone takes us on a lovely trip into reruns

4. Sandee has 13 provocative thoughts

5. Nicole completely cracked me with her cowboy TT

6. Holly offers up 13 movies she can watch and watch and watch …

7. Malcolm lists the 13 best B sides of all time (including one of my faves)

8. Greatfullivin explains where our words come from

9. Nicholas celebrates his 100th TT with a list of DVDs

10. Impworks takes us "bird watching," and it's hilarious


11. Susan Helene Gottfried lets Kerri Voss share her observations of fall

12. Susie J has a unique culinary TT

13. No Nonsense Girl doesn't have a TT this week (or does she?)

14. Heather was busy today with these 13 things

15. Celebrate with Lori and wish her a happy birthday!

16. Joyismygoal takes us down on the farm

17. Harlekwin, who created that gorgeous banner you see above, wishes to celebrate some highly inventive holidays

18. Sorry, SJ, but I just couldn't find your TT. Here's a link to SJ's site.

19. Candyminx has the coolest TT ever!

20. Xakara teases us with compelling quotes from her work in progress


21. Yen takes us along as she remembers her childhood

22. Secret Agent Mama spills the beans on beans

23. Raggedy has a TT that every cat wants you to read and commit to memory

24. Maria's TT is important for flu season

25. Gabriella doesn't have a new TT this week, but if you're feeling brave, check out last week's Halloween/scary movie list

26. Mo's TT shines the spotlight on her favorite authors

27. Paige passionately rants

28. Carrie Lofty lists 13 favorite recipes inherited from Mom

29. Ann Aguirre is very excited about her new collaborator

30. Vixen has a TT about her blog that's interesting and creative.


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



Heads & Tails #8

Today's theme is "vote." Election Day and the act of voting make me feel more patriotic, more connected to my fellow citizens, than any other day on the calendar. Unfortunately, today in the Chicagoland area there aren't any races for me to vote on! So instead I'll share quotes about the system I hold so dear …

“People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote - a very different thing.” Walter H. Judd

“A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.” Theodore Roosevelt

“Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote.” William E. Simon

“Fifty percent of people won't vote, and fifty percent don't read newspapers. I hope it's the same fifty percent." Gore Vidal

For more about Heads or Tails, visit Mememistress Skittles.

A word about gender

I watched last week's Democratic debate and thought a fine time was had by all. I didn't see a group of men "piling on" a woman. I saw a collection of candidates -- a group that included a Black and a Hispanic -- nipping at the front runner, who happens to be a woman. I think this is a cause for celebration. The Iowa Caucus is less than 60 days away, and the serious Presidential candidates on the stage reflect America. How cool is that?

None of the men on that stage was condescending to Senator Clinton. Believe me, I would have noticed that. I'm still steaming about an exchange she and Rumsfeld had on C-Span when his voice was so dripping with condescension I had a flashback to most trips I've had to the hardware store. ("Don't worry your head about those other doohickeys and thingamabobs, little lady. Just buy this and be happy with it and be on your way.")

No, Obama and Edwards were just holding Hillary Clinton accountable for her recent decisions, current positions and past statements. And they should. She is asking us to elect her President of the United States. They didn't attack her marriage or her hair or personal finances. They didn't call her a harridan or a hormone hostage. They tried to pin her down on issues.

For her part, I thought she handled it all well. She got defensive and feisty but never shrill. I wasn't surprised. She's been through rough-and-tumble Presidential campaigns before.

There's an old Irish/Democratic saying that's been attributed to everyone from Mayor Daley (King Richard I) to Tip O'Neil: "Politics ain't beanbags." If she wants to win, Senator Clinton has to dish it out, and take it. She shouldn't be given a softer passage because of her gender.

BTW, I know this picture doesn't include Richardson and it probably should, considering the above content. But doesn't Edwards look yummy? I won't vote for him just because he's divine anymore than I'd vote for Clinton for being a woman or Obama for being Black. But this is my blog, after all, and if I want to gaze upon him, so I shall.

"Give Me 5 Monday"

Here's my first entry in a new meme by Becca. I'll let her describe it in her own words:

The 'Give Me Five' Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple short list! Here's how it works. Each week, I will put out a random topic from my list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back here! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn't have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.

Today's topic: Give Me 5 Smells That Remind You of Childhood

1) Hot chocolate. My oldest friend's dad used to take us sledding and then to a local restaurant for hot chocolate. It's a dear memory.

2) Cinnamon. I used to hate oatmeal (I'm still not a big fan), so my mom would make Cream of Wheat instead and add a liberal amount of cinnamon.

3) Avon Skin-So-Soft Bath Oil. I remember that smell lingering in the steam after my mother took her bath.

4) Sweet Honesty by Avon. The kids' cologne I was allowed to wear when I was in grammar school. Does Avon still make it?

5) Chlorine. Swimming lessons! How accomplished I felt the first time I swam the length -- not the width, the LENGTH -- of the pool!

For more about "Give Me 5 Monday," or to play along, visit Becca's Buzz.

Just another Manic Monday

Describe yourself in one word: Lazy

What is your favorite kitchen utensil and why? My paring knife. It must be my favorite because it gets the most use. Even on those days when all I have for dinner is a Lean Cuisine, I use the paring knife to slit the cover.

What is the one thing that frightens you the most about growing old? Losing my independence.


For more information, or to join in yourself, visit Manic Monday.

This morning, I really, REALLY dislike my kid sister

I would say that right now I hate her, but it's the Sabbath and so I'm scaling it back a bit.

My niece invited me to her birthday dinner. She selected the restaurant, as the birthday girl should. It was the Olive Garden. Not my favorite place, but she's 15 and for her it was high living, definitely a step up from Old Country Buffet, her choice in years gone by. My sister began complaining about the service. I thought she was a little unfair. It was Saturday night, the restaurant was packed, I thought the waitress was probably doing the best she could. I said to my niece, who was sitting right beside me and has a good sense of humor, "We should cut her some slack. She's saving her tips to pay for her mother's spleen transplant." My little nephew got all big-eyed and said, "Really?" I assured him I was joking, I don't know the waitress, and I'm pretty sure anyone can live without their spleen, anyway.

My sister, rolling her eyes, said, "As I was saying, before The Gal started yelling about spleens …" Uh-oh. I interrupted her rant with levity. I felt like shouting across the table, ''THAT WAS ME TALKING. THIS IS ME YELLING. NOW YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE." But, because I wanted my niece to have a good 15th birthday, I bit my tongue.

When the check came, I slipped my sister a $20. She just took it as if it was her due. Um, I thought it was nice of me. I was invited, which I thought meant I was their GUEST.

We returned to their house for ice cream and cake. After we sang Happy Birthday and the kids left the room, I took 8 Savings Bonds from my purse. It's November, and every year at this time I give my sister four $50 EE bonds for each of her children. I never committed to doing this, I've never discussed this, but it is pretty frigging nice of me to do. She wordlessly took them and tucked them between the salt and pepper shakers on the kitchen table. I don't expect a party in my honor, but it would be nice if she said "thank you," or at least treated the bonds like what they are -- financial documents, not carryout menus from the local pizza place.

She's the baby of the family. I have always done for her, so I guess I'm in large part responsible for her prodigious sense of entitlement. But she is also 42 years old now, a mother of a teenager and a second grader. I thought that, as she tries to impart values to her kids, she would have matured a bit. I was wrong.

Oh well, I think my niece had a good time. And that is the important thing. Once again, blog, thank for listening to me vent.

Unconscious Mutterings #16

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Assets :: Liabilities
   
2. Concern :: Worry
   
3. Over the top :: Obnoxious
   
4. Supplies :: Pens, pencils, paper clips, binder clip ("These are a few of my favorite things")
   
5. Mustache :: Beard
   
6. Doug :: Wilson, really dishy former Black Hawk
   
7. Coach :: Ditka, formerly of the Bears
   
8. Bleachers :: Wrigley Field
   
9. Stripes :: Stars
   
10. Assortment :: Whitman's Chocolate Sampler

For more information, or to play along and "free associate" yourself, visit Unconscious Mutterings.

Girly Survey

Here's a fun quiz that I shamelessly stole from Kwizgiver.

What color is your bra? Beige

Do you straighten your hair everyday? I've started to. I'm letting my hair grow out, and every day is a new hair trauma or discovery.

Do you worry about the size of your boobs? Sometimes, but basically, I think they're still cute and I like 'em.

What's your favorite girly magazine?: Allure

Would you kill for chocolate? When I'm PMSing

Jeans or Skirts? Jeans

Do you wear clothes/shoes/jewelry that's uncomfortable? No

Did you ever spend all day/night getting pretty for a guy? Not quite …

Did you ever cry during a romantic movie?: I have.

Would you leave the house without makeup on?: No.

Do you consider making out "unladylike"? Yes

On a scale of 1-10, how fun is shopping?: 11+

Are you spoiled? No

Do you think lipgloss is the best?: No

Do you freak out if you miss your favorite show? Yes. Especially if it's Cubs baseball

Do you yell a lot? Not intentionally … I know I shouldn't … OK, yes

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 45 minutes if I'm motivated; 2 hours if I'm not

Do you wear sweatpants/pajama pants to school/work? never, ever, ever, NEVER

Accessories make the outfit; true or false? True

Is pink truly the best color in the entire universe? Not on this Gal

Lip gloss a must?: No (Another lip gloss question? What gives?)

Status? Eternally single

Have you ever dressed unlike yourself to impress a guy? No

Do you often wish there was something you could change about yourself? Yes!

Gold or silver?: Silver

The guy that you like/love/whatever, what does his name begin with? S

Do you dress up too much for holidays? Not very much

Do you like wearing dresses? No

Do you write a lot of mushy love poems? No

What makeup could you not live without? Tinted moisturizer

If you take this, let me know so I can compare our answers.

These poor kids today don't even know what they're missing

When I was a little girl, Jackie Kennedy was on all the magazine covers and even in the daily newspapers, usually in white gloves, looking beautiful as she watched another school, airport, park or library named to honor her martyred husband, here or abroad. Then she became Jackie O and there were even more photos and articles: water skiing around her new husband's island, sunning herself on her new husband's yacht, in evening clothes dining at the coolest restaurant, or at an airport, hiding behind enormous sunglasses as she boarded one of her new husband's jets. Widowhood ended that marriage, too, and Jackie came home. Now her press centered around the attention she lavished on her kids and how she the former First Lady embarked on her own career in publishing. There were photos of her with the portly, balding man that we knew she lived with, and yes, we knew he was still married to someone else, but since Jackie, the man and his wife all behaved with such dignity, there was barely a whiff of scandal. She began to recede from the daily papers and the magazine covers as she got older. Partly because her life had become less glamorous, partly because even a fit and beautiful grandmother in her 50s and 60s won't be the world's fashion trendsetter. I don't think Jackie minded it one bit as her position as the world's #1 covergirl was taken by a shy young London kindergarten teacher …

Lady Diana Spencer was a blonde, blue-eyed teenage charmer. Clearly in love, she was the girl at the center of the storybook romance. We watched her wedding to Prince Charles (I got up at some crazy hour in Los Angeles, where we were vacationing, to see it live). We watched her accept flowers from children and comfort the elderly. The magazines, newspapers and entertainment shows kept us up to date on her pregnancies and the births of the young princes. We watched her style become more sophisticated on her trips abroad, representing The Crown. Her fairytale marriage deteriorated before our eyes and we had to choose sides. We chose her. We went to Disney World with her and her boys, we watched her be romanced by a foreign suitor with a yacht (deja Jackie), and then suddenly, tragically, she was gone.

Both Jackie and Diana still sell. I'm always happy to see them on magazine covers (like the Avedon portrait of the Kennedys on the cover of Vanity Fair) or on the bookshelves (the spate of books published to coincide with the Dianaversary).

I think part of why these women still have a hold on our imaginations is that, no matter what, they were ladies in the old-fashioned sense. The paparazzi encroached on their personal space in ways that certainly weren't fair (Jackie even took a photographer to court and won a judgment that kept him away from her), but they didn't throw vulgar tantrums. They were both keenly aware that the newspapers are "the first rough draft of history." Jackie tried to never be photographed smoking. It's impossible to imagine either her or Diana getting in or out of a car at a nightspot and flashing their naked crotches at photographers. They made their kids a priority. Whatever else was said about these women, the world recognized and respected the way they handled their responsibility to their children. There would never, ever be a scathing report from a court-appointed parenting coach about either of these mothers.

Today, young girls are following the misadventures of the women who have replaced Jackie and Di on the magazine covers: Paris and Britney. I feel sorry for them. Jackie and Diana gave us ideals to aspire to, not to rise above.

Friday's Feast #21

Appetizer. How much money do you plan to spend this upcoming holiday season? I don't really plan. For example, there are some people -- like my brother-in-law, who is very hard on clothes -- that I shop for all year around, whenever I find a good sale. My cousin Rose is big into family photos and I found her the perfect multi-picture frame ages ago, but I can't remember what I paid. You get the idea.

Soup. What was the last television show you watched, and was it good? Grey's Anatomy, and yes, I enjoyed it.

Salad. If you had to paint the walls of your living room tomorrow, what color would you choose? I love the current color, a pale citrus-y green, but it really could use some touch-ups!

Main Course. Name something clever or practical you have thought of that should be invented, but hasn’t yet. I'd love a Magic 8 Ball I could depend on! "Does he really care?" "Should I seriously consider that new job opportunity?" "Will I ever lose weight?" I'd love to be able to ask questions and never get, "Ask any again later."

Dessert. List 3 things you would like to receive as gifts this upcoming holiday season. Lovely Cologne and Body Lotion by Sarah Jessica Parker; Body Shop Body Butters; a Sephora gift card so I could snap up all those terrific mascaras

For more information, or to whip up your own feast, visit www.fridaysfeast.com.

Yearning

Today while at lunch, I saw a heartbroken little girl on the street, crying to her parents that she had "to go get it!" She was all teary, redfaced determination. I could tell by her parents' response that she had left something very important behind at one of their earlier stops and just now noticed it. I don't know if it was a pacifier or a blanket or a doll, but boy, she wanted it sooo bad, and her parents seemed quite sure it was lost to her forever.

This scene touched me so because, kiddo, I know how you feel. No feeling is as motivating, enduring and consuming as wanting what we don't have. And then there's the heartbreak of having to accept that we can't ever have it.

That poor little girl learned a tough lesson today. And as I get older and watch more dreams recede into the distance, I feel more, not less, like her.

Thursday Thirteen #39 -- Campy Movie Classics

THIRTEEN CINEMATIC STINKERS

The Gal Herself

SAVORS

Yes, I'm a connoisseur of terrible pop songs. But I delight in bad movies, too. I never miss an opportunity to watch one of these clunkers. They are all earnest, sincere, unselfconsciously and gloriously bad. A big glass of milk, a box of Nilla Vanilla wafers, and one of these, and I’m simply in heaven. If you're a fan of bad dialog, unreasonably lavish wardrobes, cheesey special effects and completely unbelievable plot twists, then these movies are for you! Since this is the witching time of year, I’ll lump all the stupendously stupid horror movies together at the top.

1. Attack of the Puppet People (1958). A lonely Gepetto-type lures people to his studio and then shrinks them so he’ll have company forever and ever. My favorite scene: When the Puppet People try to get help by climbing the phone cord and attempting to dial Gepetto’s ginormous (at least to them) rotary desk phone. You don’t have to be loaded to enjoy this cinematic gem, but it helps.

2. Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). A group of scientists sail down the Amazon and encounter a scaly underwater creature with love on his mind. My favorite scenes: Every time the Creature grabs Kay, the female scientist who has captured his heart, but can never return his love because she is promised to another (who, incidentally, is of her own species). It probably doesn’t help their relationship prospects that the Creature tragically has no genitals. I know this because I search for them every time. If I ever get hi-def, it will be because of this movie.

3. The Brain that Wouldn’t Die (1962). After a terrible car crash, a mad scientist keeps his girlfriend’s head alive. In a shallow dish. On a long table. While her hair is hidden under a turban, her makeup is always perfect. Never could figure out how she managed that with no hands. At any rate, the prospect of a future with no body, or perhaps with a transplanted body, leaves her grumpier and grumpier as the movie wears on. My favorite scenes: Any of the Brain’s scenes with the drooling mutant brute who is also kept in the la-BOR-a-tory. She’s all bossy attitude with him. You have to admire her spunk under these trying circumstances.

4. Valley of the Dolls (1967). Sex, Broadway, sex, pills, sex, Hollywood, sex, cancer, sex, dementia, sex, booze, sex … and some of the worst acting and incongruous wardrobe, hair and makeup choices in the history of cinema. This is my most beloved wretched film of all time. My favorite scene (and it’s hard to choose just one): when movie star Neely O’Hara confronts Broadway legend Helen Lawson in the ladies’ room, rips off her wig, and tries unsuccessfully to flush it down the toilet. No, I'm not kidding. You have to see it to believe it.

5. Written on the Wind (1956). The lives and loves of two men who have been friends all their lives, even though one (Rock Hudson) is earnest but poor and the other (Robert Stack) is the playboy son of one of Texas’ richest oil families. My favorite scenes: Any with Dorothy Malone, who inexplicably won an Oscar for her over-the-top portrayal of Stack's Bad Sister. When called a filthy liar, she responds coolly, “I’m filthy. Period.”

6. Change of Habit (1969). Elvis made a lot of bad movies, but none worse than this. Mary Tyler Moore plays a groovy nun who switches from her habit to miniskirts as she helps Dr. Elvis in his ghetto clinic. Only he doesn’t know she’s a nun and he falls in love with her. Watch for Ed Asner, Mr. Grant himself, in a bit part as a very uncool cop. My favorite scene: At the end, when MTM is in church, trying to choose between the Son of God and The King of Rock’n’Roll.

7. The Best of Everything (1959). Career girls in New York want it ALL! Careers, men, and children. But no woman can have it all, as miserable, old, childless, spinster career woman Joan Crawford warns them. But they won’t listen. No, no. Caroline (Hope Lange) and Gregg (Suzy Parker) and April (Diane Baker) have to learn it for themselves, the hard way. Fortunately for us, they learn it in beautiful apartments while wearing great clothes and spouting hideous dialog. My favorite scene: When aspiring actress Gregg is driven mad by her unrequited love for the caddish Louis Jordan and is reduced to spying on him and his new girl from the fire escape … and then tumbles to her death.

8. Billy Jack (1971). He’s a mysterious half-breed Green Beret who protects the peace-loving hippies at the Freedom School. Almost always with his feet. The thing I love about Billy Jack is that he comes from Shatner school of dramatic pauses. He may be a man of few words, but it takes him FOREVER to spit them out. My favorite scene: After the incident at the ice cream shop, when Billy Jack says, “When I see … what you did to this little girl … this little girl that we call … ‘God’s gift of sunshine’ … and I think of all the years that she will carry the memory of this … I JUST GO BERSERK!”

9. Glen or Glenda (1953). The inimitable Ed Wood directed himself in the title role of misunderstood young transvestite with a fondness for angora. My favorite scene: Bela Lugosi reciting, “Beware of the green dragon. He eats little boys and puppy dog tails and big fat snails!”

10. Ski Party (1965). Much like the beach party movies, but with an important difference: this one takes places IN THE SNOW! Frankie Avalon and Dwayne Hickman have to dress in drag in order to go on a “girls only” ski weekend. And they can’t even ski! I’ll bet you can just imagine all the trouble those wacky scamps get into on the slopes! My favorite scene: Teen idol Leslie Gore at the ski lodge, singing “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.”

11. Madame X (1966). Lana Turner was one of the worst actresses ever. And, oh boy, does she ever stink in this one! A girl from the wrong side of the tracks marries a politician -- even though she looks and acts older than the politician's mother -- and has a beautiful son. She gets bored with the life of a socialite/political wife and has an affair with Ricardo Montalban. (How could she resist?) That nasty Ricardo threatens to expose their affair so she kills him and then disappears to save her husband’s career. She becomes a hopeless drunk who has to kill again. This time it’s a sleazy blackmailer who figures out who she is and also wants to ruin her husband’s career. This time she gets caught but refuses to reveal her real name or motive for the crime. Hence the appellation “Madame X.” She finds herself represented in court by the public defender who is (gasp!) HER SON! My favorite scene: In the courtroom, when the doctor explains that she’s HOOKED (!) on absinthe, which causes INSANITY!

12. Tammy Tell Me True (1961). I love the entire Tammy Trilogy, but this is the worst and therefore my favorite. Tammy Tyree, a sweet, uneducated girl who has lived her entire life on a riverboat, somehow ends up at a prestigious university without the benefit of grammar or high school. My favorite scene: When she rebels against being treated as a child, announcing, “I’m a woman, fully growed! Front and back!” and inviting Professor John Gavin to check her out.

13. Showgirls (1995). Remember Jesse Spano from Saved by the Bell? Have you ever wanted to see her dance naked? Here’s your chance! You have to buy the premise that whereas little girls once wanted to run off to New York to star in Broadway musicals, in the 90s they want to run off to Vegas to be the lead “exotic dancer” at a resort hotel. My favorite scene: When our heroine says, in a typical moment of introspection, “I like having nice tits.”

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Works for Mom has facts that are so appropriate for the day

2. Nicole Austin always has good TTs and this week is no exception, but I can't load it (Sorry, Nicole.) Please, everyone, go check her out.

3. Greatfullivin has fun and family friendly cartoons

4. Nicholas not only has an interest list of books with one-word titles, he has the damndest TT banner I've ever seen!

5. Courtney has an upbeat TT

6. Malcolm has a fun list of 13 shows that Jumped the Shark

7. No Nonsense Girl takes us on a tour of her desk

8. Morgan Leigh enthusiastically shares her passions

9. Susan Helene Gottfried celebrates a Shapeshifter Halloween

10. Pussreboots shares her thoughts about National November Writing Month

11. Lisa rants, and who could blame her?

12. Lori gives single parents tips for taking care of themselves -- but we can all benefit from it

13. Moondancer teases us about "White Lotus"

14. Sandy Carlson has a Halloweeny TT about Riverside Cemetery in CT


15. Raggedy teaches us to "speak Southern"

16. Cordia Amant shares some imaginative Halloween costumes

17. Open Grove Claudia uses her imagination and converses with the dead


18. Mommyba has an inspirational TT about weight loss. Go, girl!

19. SJ has 13 terrific baseball movies to warm your heart this offseason

20. Lori's TT brings us up to date with enhancements to her blog

21. Dane lists shows that "spun off" from other shows

22. Yenn explains digital scrapbooking

23. cj shows us what would be in her dream trick or treat bag

24. Damozel presents some great Halloween photography

25. Xakara gets us started on her NaNo project


26. Janet's TT is spoooooky


27. WAHM (Bloggers) shares tips for keeping the wee ones occupied

28. Scooper lists intriguing sentences from books

29. Aline outlines 13 books she's written … AND HAD PUBLISHED!

30. Wakela shares 13 things about Wakela

31. Holly loves these 13 things about Halloween

32. Carrie Lofty takes a tumble

33. Sassy Lucy is up for some games

34. Sparky Duck has a serious, heartbreaking TT

35. Harlekwin (who gave me this banner) celebrates the single life

36. Lisa shows us how she keeps busy

37. Titania Starrlight celebrates my favorite color

38. Sleeping Mommy loves the fall, and here's why

39. ellen b takes us to "the other side of the pond"






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It's Halloween, so naturally I scare people

One of the weirder aspects of my emotionally-charged relationship with my iPod is that when it's on "shuffle," I'm often surprised and delighted by the songs it plays. This is dopey because I downloaded every last damn song on the thing. All 1,711 of them. I should know what's on there, and if I want to hear something I should be able to just click on it. But if I was that aware and organized, I guess, I'd be someone else entirely.

Anyway, this morning the song I was thrilled to rediscover through my headphones was "You Make It So Hard (to Say No)" by Boz Scaggs. I LOVE THAT SONG! (Perhaps that's why I downloaded it.) As I was crossing Michigan and Randolph, I heard my favorite lines:

You know I tried to get you out of my mind
But now I'm to the point I find
I just can't leave and not have kissed you
You know I could never resist you

The pedestrians crossing beside me were eyeing me. This seldom happens. If you make eye contact with someone downtown, then you may end up talking to them, and no good will come of that. It may be a former lover's best friend, or someone you interviewed for a job but didn't hire, etc. Everyone knows that. So why were these people looking at me?

Uh-oh. I touched my vocal chords and realized I was singing. Perhaps loudly. Certainly tunelessly.

I wish I'd recovered from my humiliation quickly enough to stare back and yell, "BOO!" But I didn't. I just hunched my shoulders and walked faster.

I still really love that song, though.

I know they're in there

Hershey's kisses, that is. A whole bag of 'em. They're in the next room, on the kitchen counter. I have the Dems debate on, and nothing would make me happier than ripping that bag open and gobbling as I watch. But no. Those little chocolate darlings are for the Trick or Treaters.

Wish me strength. I must exercise my will, even though I know they're right there waiting for me.

Frustrated

As I mentioned recently, most everyone here at work is walking on egg shells because two of our top guys were fired, presumably at our client's request. This doesn't happen very often and it was big enough to be covered in the business section of the morning paper. (It's always a "feel good" to start the day by reading that your job may be in jeopardy.)

Now I'm not freaking out, but I am aware that "now is the time for all good workers to come to the aid of their agency." Those of us who are lower on the totem pole have to work harder and smarter to undo the damage to our client relationship done by our Big Bosses. It's just common sense. We're all doing that.

Except her. The coworker I've mentioned who cries in the office. Except she's stopped that, at least around me. She's developed a new trick -- sleeping at her desk. She thinks it's funny, too. I asked her if she ever sent out the project we worked on together and she said with a giggle, "No, I fell asleep."

She's tired all the time because since her divorce went through, she's been dating like crazy. Good for her, I say! She was with one man exclusively for 20 years (and he wasn't even very nice to her) so if she's curious about what else is out there, I think she should go for it.

This isn't a moral judgment on my part, but I don't think it's unreasonable to expect her to still do her job. It was easier for her to get sympathy for not doing her work when she was going through a divorce. "I was up all night doing a guy young enough to be my son," while certainly an interesting reason, is not as compelling.

Some of our teammates have expressed nervousness about her performance. It's important that, now especially, we behave as though there's zero tolerance for errors in our work, and she's dropping the ball. I said I would try to explain this to her (even though it should be obvious) because I don't want this issue to escalate to our boss. If layoffs come, and they are a fact of life in this business, I don't want her to be vulnerable. I don't think Miss Tears would take being let go very well.

This morning I tried to get through to her. I'm not sure I did. I told her that obviously we all need to step it up, especially since our client relationship is fragile right now, what with the firing of "Jim" and "Tom." Her response, "Jim and Tom?" I felt like yelling, "What? Did you sleep through that big meeting in the conference room? Did you not read about them in frigging newspaper, you wretched nitwit!" But I held my tongue.

Sometimes it's hard being a team player. Especially when I think of the women who are pregnant and nauseous or the parents who were up all night with sick kids or the coworkers with sick relatives who manage to work an 8 hour+ day and meet their deadlines and even somehow REMAIN AWAKE!

Ah, thank you, dear blog. After venting to you, I feel better.

Hats off to the Red Sox Nation

Manny sure was fun to watch, and how can you not root for a pitcher to prevail after he has survived cancer? Enjoy your euphoria! (My generosity of spirit is tinged with sadness, because I really, really did want it to be the Cubs.)

A good kid

We've all been wringing our hands lately over my niece. Yes, she lied herself into a stupid, unsavory and potentially damaging situation at school. And no, she still doesn't understand all the implications of her actions. But she and her parents are going to counseling, and she is sorry she caused us all (especially her dad) so much pain.

But I'm done with the hand wringing because I know she's a good kid. We spoke on the phone today and the high school freshman/social butterfly filled me in on her social activities this past week and the upcoming week.

She spent her day off ("teachers' institute") with classmates, going to the post-office, supermarket and drugstore for the elderly. She prepared meals for the homeless. She's thrilled that this weekend they're having a "Halloween Lockdown" in the church basement -- a costume party that will run until after midnight, then the kids from her church group will spend the night in sleeping bags. She believes their pastor is the greatest guy ever!

Oh, and she's on the honor roll, as she has been every quarter since she was in 7th grade.

This is not a bad 14-year-old girl. A confused one, perhaps, but not a bad one. I love her so I'm still concerned, but I'm also proud of her.

In praise of Pollack

This is Sydney, not Jackson. I love his work.

Right now you can see him on the big screen as the boss who alternately comforts and torments Gorgeous George Clooney in Michael Clayton. He played Will's dad off and on throughout the run of Will & Grace. He was Dustin Hoffman's manager in Tootsie. He seems to have perfected the world-weary, hard-edged, whatever-it-takes businessman who still has a heart of gold buried in there somewhere … or at least remembers what it felt like to have a heart.

The was in front of the camera. Behind the camera, he's an Oscar-winning director (Out of Africa) with a very, very impressive resume including: The Firm, Tootsie, Absence of Malice, and They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

Most of all, I enjoy the movies he made with Redford. In addition to Out of Africa, they collaborated on Jeremiah Johnson, The Way We Were, Three Days of the Condor, The Electric Horseman and the very underrated Havana.

Perhaps I shouldn't admit how low-brow I am, but I've gotten more hours of pleasure from the work of old Sydney here than I ever have from Jackson. Maybe it's me, but I simply don't get him.

Unconscious Mutterings #15

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Inaugural :: Balls
   
2. Pledge :: Furniture polish
   
3. String :: Cheese
   
4. Trot :: Canter
   
5. Fitness :: Health club
   
6. Cinder :: Block
   
7. Edge :: Shaving gel
   
8. 31 :: Flavors
   
9. Blue :: Sky
   
10. Leather :: Bag

For more information, or to "free associate" yourself, visit Unconscious Mutterings.

"My Hometown" Meme

Sparky Duck touched his beak to my shoulder and now I'm it.

Of course there are rules: answer the questions, tag 5 people and then go off on your travels to their hometowns. The hardest part is that you can only give one answer for each of the questions. No ties, which sucks.

While I firmly believe Chicago is the greatest city in the world (because it is), I will follow the rules to the letter and answer regarding the town where I reside: Oak Park, IL. As you will see, it's nice, too.

Best place to eat. This one is only difficult because I'm a regular at so many local restaurants. Right now my favorite is Winberie's. It fulfills all my requirements for a favorite dining spot -- varied menu, attractive decor (I like exposed brick), good service and a full bar. Best of all, I've never felt out of place there while wearing jeans.

Best shopping mall. Oh, good! Open that can of worms, why don't you? Technically speaking, Oak Park no longer has a "mall" because Marion Street, which had been closed to traffic for decades, is being turned back into a street right now. Literally and loudly as we speak, with jackhammers and cement mixers and other heavy-duty equipment I wouldn't presume to identify. As most things are in Oak Park, it was controversial and many citizens (including me) think it's a bad idea. But never mind. Even though it's no longer a mall, DTOP (Downtown Oak Park) still has many of my favorite stores, a health club and our movie theater.

Famous landmark. "For the worship of God and the service of man." That's what's carved over the entrance to my church, Unity Temple, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright over 100 years and shown above. I love this building. Of all the FLWs in Oak Park, my church is the only one designed as a public building.

Best tourism attraction. Hemingway Birthplace and Museum. Old Ernie was born in Oak Park and spent his first 20 years here. The museum is interesting and the home where he was born has been lovingly restored. (I was tempted to mention the Wright Home and Studio, but I gave Frank his props above.)

Best place for kids. Wonderworks Children's Museum. I've never been there myself, but the North Avenue Art Works Exhibit has gotten high marks from wee ones who have.

Popular outdoor activity. Skateboarding past the signs that say "NO SKATEBOARDING." (Oak Parkers are a free-thinking, lawless lot.)

Breathtaking view. Take in the view of Scoville Park from the new public library. On an autumn day like this, when the leaves have color, it really is breathtaking.

Only found in Oak Park. The Lake Theater. It's been open continuously since the 1930s, which adds to the romance of going to the movies today. Renovations and restorations went on throughout the 80s and 90s and now it's considered "a model of art deco style." Lately it's been home to all the summer blockbusters, today I'm going there to see Michael Clayton, and I just love that it gives today's audiences an "old-time movie palace" experience in a new century.

Now who shall I tag?

No Nonsense Girl
Mo
Jenny McB
Kwizgiver
Boho Rap