A Gal and Her Twizzlers

Part of going to the movies is getting movie food. To qualify, it has to be overpriced, have no nutritional value whatsoever, and be something I would only consume while in a movie theater.

Over time it's been Snocaps, then Goobers, then popcorn, and now Twizzlers. I can't tell you what's behind the change. Sometimes I surprise myself when I get to the counter and ask for [Insert Movie Food Here].

So for now, Twizzlers is my movie food of choice, and I consumed it while watching two very different movies.

First I saw Begin Again. Mark Ruffalo, an actor I almost always like, plays a very gifted but very troubled husband/father/music producer. After a day that finds him at his lowest in all three areas, he literally stumbles into a New York club and hears a very reluctant Keira Knightly onstage. Her character plays a songwriter who has just had her heart broken and is getting ready to give up on both love and New York and is ready to return home to England. He believes she's an original, a talent who can resuscitate his career, and he convinces her to put her travel plans on hold for a short while. They record an album together, and each soul heals in the process.

It's a sweet little movie. Very unconventional. Ruffalo's domestic situation is messier than is usually portrayed on screen, and the resolution surprised me. Keira sings, while Adam Levin and CeeLo Green act, but none of it feels like stunt casting. If you're curious, here's Keira singing my favorite song from the soundtrack, "Like a Fool." Her voice is rather thin, but her performance is unforced and sincere. (And I love the lyrics.)

Then I went to see a special, free preview of And So It Goes. This movie is as predictable and star driven as Begin Again is intimate and unique. Diane Keaton plays ... well ... Diane Keaton. A sweet, neurotic, perpetually flustered sweetheart of a woman who is widowed after decades of wonderful marriage. Michael Douglas plays … well … Michael Douglas. He's grumpy and selfish and money driven. If you can't predict every plot twist in And So It Goes before it happens, you've never seen a romantic comedy or read any chick-lit.

Still, there were things I liked about it. Both Keaton and Douglas are frankly their age. Not every actor of their generation is willing to let the wrinkles show. Both Keaton and Douglas are pros; you sit in your theater seat knowing you're in the hands of two accomplished film stars who are much better than their material. And Keaton sings. She's a better singer than Keira Knightly. Here's a clip of her as a crooning Annie Hall.

July Journal Challenge

Day 14 -- Dream Job

In my next chapter, I'd either like to be a pet sitter or a Wrigley Field usher. 

I get along with dogs and especially cats. I'd love to wander around town all afternoon, petting and walking and watering and playing.

And then, of course, there's the allure of The Friendly Confines. I'd be an usher for free in exchange for admission to the park. 

We'll see which I'm doing a decade from now.

Day 15 -- Inspiration 

I've told this story before on this humble blog, and guess what! I'm telling it again!

These two photos take turns on my desktop, revolving from one into the other, telling the story of the day in the life of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis that provides just one example why I admire her so.

These photos were taken the same afternoon, moments apart, in autumn, 1971. The photographer who took the first shot and appears in the second shot is Ron Galella. He hounded Jackie on a daily basis, dressing up as Santa Claus to shoot her while shopping at Christmastime, hiding in coat racks for photos of her dining and sometimes even smoking (gasp!) with friends, chasing her in a speed boat while she water skied, following her into movie theaters, etc. When her children were young they still had Secret Service protection and she would ask the agents to, "Please smash his camera," and usually they would. It got so bad that in 1972, just months after this incident, she actually took him to court and got a restraining order. I often wonder what would have happened if Princess Diana had been as ballsy as JBKO; perhaps she'd still be with us.

Anyway, Jackie was running a quick errand, crossing Fifth Avenue in front of her apartment building, when Galella sidled up near her and called her name. She reflexively turned and smiled. When she saw who it was, and that this time he had an accomplice with a camera, she simply slipped the dark glasses on (thereby making the subsequent photos he shot worth a little less), kept her face impassive and kept going.

She hated Galella. He was a stalker and he frightened and enraged her. Yet look at her control. Sure, she could have lost her temper with him (Marlon Brando literally punched his teeth out), but that would have given Galella a front-page shot he could have retired on. So she just withdrew into herself and kept going.

I wear my heart on my sleeve. I have a difficult time with my temper, which often hurts no one else as much as it does me.

I hope if I gaze at her long enough and remember the story, some of it will rub off on me. "Remember, Gal, just put on your sunglasses and keep going."

Day 16 -- Home

It's a mess. I shouldn't be blogging, I should be straightening out the mass of paperwork that covers my dining room table and, thanks to the help of Reynaldo and Connie (who is learning some bad habits from Rey), has spilled onto the floor.

He's not MY captain

If you read this blog even casually, you know I'm a Cub fan. Or, as we Northside Faithful like to say, I bleed Cubbie Blue.

Therefore, I don't give a flying fuck about Derek Jeter.

The Cubs seldom play the Yankees. I cannot remember anything Jeter has ever done, either with his bat or glove, while facing The Cubs. I don't dislike the man. He has impressive numbers and I'm sure he's always been very good to his mother. But he quite literally means nothing to me.

Yet this morning I am positively assaulted with information about Jeter's performance in last night's All-Star game. I know he spoke to his teammates before the game and shook their hands when he left the field. I know he got an extra base hit. I know quite a splash was made by his girlfriend, who looks young enough to be his daughter.

Yawn.

New Yorkers, we're not all New Yorkers. Enjoy your iconic team. Honor your franchise player. But please, try to remember that there's a whole country west of the Hudson and we really don't care.

Thank you.

July Journal Challenge

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Day 13 -- Nature

 "Nature" can be defined as, "a result of inborn or inherent qualities." That's the meaning I'm going with as I write to this prompt.

Do any of us see ourselves accurately? Probably not. But I think there are certain things about my nature -- those inherent qualities -- that I can identify and that I think most people who know me will agree with.

The Gal Herself is … 

•  facile. Things I get, I grasp quickly. Sometimes I appear smarter than I am because I can be such a fast study.

•  loyal. I am a good friend, and I've had my friends for a very long time.

•  dreamy. Day-to-day life often seems dreary and disappointing. That's why I've always found it easy to send my mind away to happy place, why I often find fantasy preferable to reality.

•  tough. I'm as strong as I need to be. It's a quality I admire in others. Especially other women. Yes, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was a peerless style icon and Barbra Streisand is an actress and singer of rare gifts. But I'm drawn to them both because of their steel. As another one of my heroines, Scarlett O'Hara, is described in Gone With the Wind, these women "take their fences cleanly, like a good hunter." So do I. When a fence needs to be gotten over, I take it cleanly.

•  clumsy. I am the most graceless person you'll ever meet. No, really. I'm forever finding fresh bruises and cuts yet I can't remember how I got them. That's how often I bump into things.

•  lazy. When I was in high school, one of my teachers complained to my mother that I was "impossible to motivate." I'm still impossible to motivate. I resist doing anything I don't really feel like doing.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: One Thing ..... 

that makes you smile: My big old tomcat, Joey. He is a most loving soul.

that makes you cry: "See ya, Katie." "See ya, Hubbell."

that you love to do on the weekends: Going to the movies.
 
that you do for only yourself: Going to the movies. (I like going to the movies.)

that you have in your underwear drawer that's NOT underwear: Nothing. Answering this made me happy. I think of myself as unorganized and sloppy, and yet my bras and panties and spanx are highly organized.

that you do before going to sleep: Watch TV or read

that you do within the first 15 minutes after waking: Visit the bathroom, she said delicately

that's in your purse: my Epipen. I'm allergic to bee sting.

that you actually LIKE to clean: Hmmmm ... hmmm .... thinking, but coming up empty

that you DETEST cleaning: LAUNDRY! I feel like I spend half my life on it and I resent every moment.

that other people would find odd about you: That I don't drive. I swear if I told people I keep human heads in my freezer, they wouldn't look at me as oddly.

that you would buy if I handed you a $100 bill: A gift card for my niece. Her graduation is coming up and I'm worried I won't have anything nice for her.

that you feel you HAVE to do before you die: I dunno. I'm not very "bucket listy." Maybe satiate my incurable thirst for Farmville 2.

He STILL really loves pizza

Yesterday afternoon my nephew and I went to The Taste of Chicago for the second year in a row. I think he had a good time.

Like last year, he concentrated on pizza. He compared and contrasted slices from two different vendors and then returned to his favorite for a third slice. He also had fudge and an Oreo Smoosh from Eli's (that's cheesecake topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce). I tried to get him to try something new -- specifically Mac-and-Cheetos, pasta shells in cheese sauce covered by Cheetos. But he rejected the new dish because of "the green stuff." Yes, they sprinkled scallions on top and it was enough to turn him off. He is a purist.

I'm more adventuresome. I had peach cobbler (my old favorite), a crab cake, a chocolate covered banana and (new this year) an enormous barbecued turkey leg. The latter was so big that I had a turkey sandwich for lunch this afternoon.

We had beautiful weather (sunny and about 80º) and I really enjoyed talking to him. My nephew is an interesting kid. Very smart. Rather geeky. His favorite topics of conversation were Brazil's meltdown in the World Cup and anti-jokes (jokes which are deliberately not funny). His favorite anti-joke: A horse walked into a bar. Several patrons left because they spotted the potential danger in the situation.

He's 14 now. I wonder how much longer he'll actually look forward to spending a summer afternoon with his old auntie.

July Journaling Challenge

Day 12 -- Grateful

Oh, I'm grateful for a lot. I'll just go with what's top of mind today:

I'm grateful that I am able to get/receive love and affection from animals. It's a gift I inherited from my mom. I understand dogs and cats so well, and I get so much enjoyment from my relationship with my furry friends.

This morning I took Connie to her first visit to her new vet. In addition to feline viral rhinotracheitis -- an incurable infection that means she will always be plagued with excessive and often icky eye secretions -- he discovered that two of her teeny, tiny front teeth are gone. Connie belonged to a hoarder, a woman who had at least six cats in a small apartment, and probably spent her kitten/early adult period eating a cheap and inappropriate diet.

I am grateful that I was able to rescue her, and that from now on she will get the care she deserves -- a nutritious diet and medication for her eyes. (Note I said "deserves," not "wants;" she really hates the eye drops.) I am grateful that doing this comes to naturally to me and that I get such pleasure from it. Cats bring a bit of nature indoors, and I learn so much from having them around.

Saturday 9 -- Already Gone

Saturday 9: Already Gone
(recommended by Diana)

1) Eagles lead singer Glenn Frey proclaims that he's "feeling strong." How would you describe yourself this fine Saturday? I'm fine. I'm just really annoyed by the angry red zit on my chin. HOW MUCH LONGER WILL I HAVE TO DEAL WITH ZITS?

2) The song begins with a rumor: "I heard some people talking just the other other day ..." Have you heard anything juicy/interesting lately? Please share! My nephew shared with me that his mom (my kid sister) wants to her family to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary in California and that they'll stay with (gulp) our older sister. Our older sister is a stone bitch. This is not going to go well. I'm glad I'm just sitting in the stands, munching on popcorn and watching this one. I'm not in this family drama.

3) When "Already Gone" was popular, the news was dominated by Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal. What do you consider today's top news story? Castro and Rizzo representing my Cubs on the All Star squad.

4) In the 1970s, Eagles Glenn Frey and Don Henley were at the center of a social circle of very creative people, including singer Linda Ronstadt, singer-songwriter Jackson Browne and actor-comedian Steve Martin. How do you express your creativity? I write. I'm a writer by trade.
 
5) Even though they broke up in 1980, the Eagles are currently on a reunion tour, and after knowing each other more than 40 years, Frey and Henley still consider each other friends. What quality to do you value most in a friendship?  Can you make me laugh? Will you be there for me? In exchange, I promise I'll make you laugh and I'll always be there for you.

6) Are there any mirrors in the room you're in right now?  No. Which is fine because of the aforementioned zit.

7) What's the last beverage you drank with ice?   I don't remember exactly but I'm sure it was Coke.

8) Whole, skim, 2%, half-and-half, almond or soy ... what kind of milk is in your refrigerator right now?  2%

9) Sam likes to mix sliced almonds into her salad. What do you think makes a good salad?   Raisins. I like that unexpected touch of sweet amid all the vegetables.

 

July Journaling Challenge

Day 11 -- Favorite Outfit

Cardigan or jacket over a tee and a pair of dark wash jeans. I wish I could wear shoes like this model's, but alas, my high heeled days are behind me.

I love this because it's comfortable and appropriate everywhere. I wear something like this to church, to the theater and to meetings, if the client is visiting us. (I'll swap out black slacks if I'm going to a funeral, wedding or onsite to my client's offices.)

I hate being a grown up

Courtesy of The Chicago Tribune

Sir Paul was here Wednesday night. But I wasn't there.

I have entirely too much credit card debt. Charlotte's final illness just added to it. I do not regret first trying to get her well and then my decision to ease her comfortably out of life. I loved her, she trusted me, she was my responsibility. But I did charge more than $1,300 at the vet.

Paul played only one night at the United Center, which seats about 16,500. When he was here in 2011, those glorious nights at Wrigley Field, he played two nights to crowds of 32,000+. So there were nearly 75% fewer tickets available this time and what happened next is predictable: The show sold out instantly and the scalper prices were exorbitant. It would have cost me $300 to just get into the United Center and be stuck up in nosebleed. And that doesn't include my souvenir(s) and the cab fare home.* It's easy to see how a decent seat where I could actually see and hear Sir Paul could have cost me $700.

I just couldn't afford it. And that blows.

So Wednesday night represented the first engagement Sir Paul has played here since 1976 where I wasn't there with him. I'm happy to report that he's fine, no lingering effects from his health scare earlier this year. (" …he performed for about two-and-a-quarter hours before the first encore without appearing to take a sip of water. He’s one of the wonders of the artistic world, a thoroughly joyous presence, and these moments must be savored.")

He's 72 now. I'm not sure he'll be back. But if he is, I'll want to be there ... if I can afford it.

*This is one of the neighborhoods that's plagued by crime. I love my city but I'm not an idiot and I don't have a death wish. I won't get on the Green Line at 11:00 at night.

July Journaling Challenge/Playing Catch Up

Day 8 -- Best Friend

He's out east right now, on a family vacation planned around universities his daughter wants to visit. He shot me a photo of The Green Monster after catching a White Sox/Red Sox game in Boston earlier this week.

I've blogged extensively about him and our relationship, so to rise to the challenge, as it were, I'll write something I've never shared before:  Looking back, the thing that cemented our friendship is that he usually sees the best in me. To him, I'm not obsessive, I'm dedicated. I'm not overbearing, I'm enthusiastic. It's as though the things about me that frequently make others want to smother me in my sleep are the very things he finds virtuous. That makes him very comforting to be around.

It's nice for me to pause and remember that, too, since there have been quite a few times in the last year that I've been tempted to smother him in his sleep, too. It's important for me to stop and appreciate what makes him quite wonderful.

Day 9 -- Favorite Things about Winter

Maybe it's because of the holidays, but everyone seems to be merrier in winter. Hot weather has a negative impact on our collective mood here in Chicagoland. When the mercury tops 85º for two days in a row, we start snarling at one another. But when it's winter, we smile and hold doors for one another.

Day 10 -- Dream Travel Destination

Right now, anywhere. I missed my annual spring spa getaway this year because I'm using the funds and the time off on my upcoming new medicine chest/bathroom lighting.

The aspect of travel that appeals to me most right now is waking up in a hotel room after spending the night on high thread count sheets. I love the big fluffy bath towels and the complimentary shampoo and conditioner. I don't often get room service, but I like having the option of ordering it.

I'm traveling a lot year end. Los Angeles in October, Las Vegas in November and Key West for Christmas. That's three different hotels in my future!

Isn't she lovely?

It's said that Lucille Ball is one of the first beautiful comediennes, that she stood out because before Lucy, Hollywood glamor girls were reluctant to take a pratfall or receive a pie in the face. And Lucy used to say her idol was Carole Lombard.

Last night, in my classic film meetup, we saw the very strange Hitchcock film, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, starring Lombard and Robert Montgomery. This movie stands out in Hitch's filmography because it's a straight-up, screwball comedy. No suspense, no violence. Hitchcock was charmed into directing it by the immensely charming Miss Lombard.

She talks fast, slams doors, pops out of her dress, shares her dinner with a cat, is stranded on an amusement park ride in the rain, rubs snow in her face and gets tangled up in her skis. And is warm and funny and beautiful every step of the way. Non-stop silliness masterfully performed by a comedienne at the top of her game. It makes me sad to think this was the last movie of hers released before her sudden death.

Robert Montgomery is an effective romantic lead and a facile comedian, too. I saw a biography of his daughter, Elizabeth (Sam on Bewitched) and was left with the impression that he could be a dick as a dad. I'm glad I was able to put that aside as I watched this film.

Unfortunately, the script doesn't always serve its stars well. The plot has a million holes in it.  I wonder if Hitchcock took this screwball comedy as seriously as he did his thrillers.

And I really love my Meet Up. More on that later.

Food allergy?

I've been looking at this picture a lot because I love the size difference between my massive old cat, Joey, and his new best girl, the petite Connie. Upon closer review, I noticed something I didn't like -- Joey's fur is a new color by the base of his of his tale. For more than 14 years, his coat has always been a uniform hue across his entire back.

I never noticed this when I pet him because he's very "one sided." He curls up on the same side whenever he sidles up against me for a cuddle or in the sun for a nap. But sure enough, when I checked him out, I can see that his coat is indeed thinning back there.

It might be a food allergy. Since Connie joined us, I have been giving her and allowing Joey to snack on Purina One instead of the prescription food Reynaldo must have. I thought it was an easy way to economize, since neither Joe nor Connie has Rey's dietary restrictions.

That ends today. Hopefully by the end of the month, Joey's lustrous coat will be back. If not, it's another trip to the vet. He'll hate it, of course, but it's for his own good.

July Journal Challenge

Day 7 --What I did today

What did I do on Monday? It started with work. I got in early, had a productive meeting, worked out, incorporated some client updates to our upcoming September mailing, and then I waited … and waited … and played Pogo canasta. That's the bad thing about being on the creative side. It's rather passive. I have to wait for my account team to bring me new assignments, have to wait for the client to respond to the work they have in their midst so we can make their revisions.

I felt kinda funky all day. No appetite and mild but tenacious tummy trouble. I bought my lunch but couldn't bear the thought of eating it. While I certainly could live off my hump for a few days (weeks?), I know it's not smart so I had ginger ale and a couple small slices of Lou Malnati's thin crust cheese/spinach pizza. (Free! I love it when there's food in the coffee room.)

I took a nap on the train home (yeah, I know; not a smart thing to do on the Green Line) and felt better. Then I had a light dinner with my friend Kathleen and saw Maleficient. Both were awesome.

My old friend has two fantastic kids and it was was great to hear all about their young adult lives. I've known those kids since they were four and a fetus, respectively, and it's been a privilege to watch them grow up. All I had was a grilled chicken sandwich because I was still worried about my gut, but all was good in the gastrointestinal department.

The movie was terrific. I'm not an Angelina Jolie fan, and while she's beautiful I was unimpressed with her performance at the beginning of the movie. She doesn't do sweetness and light very well. But boy, once she suffers heartache and gives in to rage ... WOW! You can't take your eyes off of her. Jolie may not a likeable screen presence, but she's more than credible as a force of nature.

I liked the story of Maleficent much better than the play it's not unlike, Wicked. Maybe because Sleeping Beauty isn't as dear to me as The Wizard of Oz movie. I'm a purist when it comes to the 1939 MGM classic.

Was in bed and asleep by 11:00. It was a good day.

Yeah, I'm going to hell

My Cousin Rose will be in Chicago for a weekend in August, and I twisted myself into a pretzel in my explanation as to why she can't stay with me.

"My bathroom is being redecorated, and I only have the one …" Not exactly untrue, just not true. My bathroom won't be done by then, but it will certainly be useable.

"The hole in my living room wall has to be repaired, and that could put my ac out of commission." OK, that's a lie. I mean, it could have an impact on my ac, but that's not likely. And besides, I'm not even having that done in August.

I love my cousin and honor how much she has always loved me. I can't think of a time that I've really needed her that she hasn't been there for me ... and I'm talking about the whole of my life.

But damn, she gets on my last nerve. When I visited her last fall, celebrating my birthday, I couldn't wait to get away. Everything I did or said was wrong or stupid. She wasn't always this argumentative, just since her shattering divorce about 15 years ago.

She's going to stay the weekend with a cousin on her dad's side (we're related on her mom's) and I'll see her either Saturday or Sunday.

It's better this way. I just wish it wasn't.

July Journaling Challenge

Day 6 -- Draw/paint something

No. I don't wanna.

Instead I'm giving you this picture of Joey and Connie. I love it because of the disparity in their sizes ... something they both seem completely unaware of.

Connie is going to her first vet appointment this Saturday. In the past, the doctor has told me that even though they're both fixed, they're undoubtedly still aware of their gender difference. Now I want to know if I'm right and they have no idea that Connie is petite and Joey is ... not.

BTW, the bleach bottle is there beside the refrigerator to stop her from sliding back behind there. It was a favorite hiding place when she was a new arrival. By end of summer, I think the compulsion to hide from me and the boys will only be a vague memory in her tiny brain. She's really integrated herself into our lives very comfortably.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Patriotic Meme

1. Are you "proud to be an American?" Very. Especially after reading excerpts of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's opposing opinion in the "Hobby Lobby" decision. I love it that we can voice our dissent so freely.

2. Favorite Founding Father? Thomas Jefferson. "Religion is a matter which lies solely between Man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship …" As a Christian and an American, I'm a big fan of the separation of Church and State, and it's clear Jefferson was, too. A man of amazing intellect and a wonderful writer, too.

3. Favorite president? Oh, I know I should say Lincoln because well, he's completely wonderful and I do love Illinois' favorite son. But it has to be JFK. He maintains such a hold on my heart and my imagination. This past week, when we observed the 50th anniversary of the landmark civil rights legislation he introduced, he's been on my mind a lot. His short life (he was 46 when he died and it sobers me to remember that I've now outlived him) has taught me so much.

I believe President Kennedy agreed with me about Jefferson, too. I recall his toast the evening he hosted every living Nobel Prize winner: "This is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, ever at the White House -- with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

4. Biggest "Patriotic Moment?" Every time I vote. I know that sounds corny, but it's true. It always feels very "big" to me.

5. Favorite patriotic song? "America, The Beautiful." Especially when we sign all the verses in church. There's one about the heroes who "more than self their country loved and mercy more than life." Gulp! That gets me every time.

6. Favorite American cuisine? Burgers

7. Happiest political moment of your life? Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Soldier Field. Standing with thousands of my fellow Chicagoans in Soldier Field watching our senator give his acceptance speech as the nation's first African American President. The crowd was so diverse, so peaceful, so proud. I remember Sen. McCain's succession speech was uncommonly gracious, too. A very important, very healing night. I wish everyone could have been there.

8. Best fireworks display you've ever seen? At Navy Pier, behind the ferris wheel, over Lake Michigan. Navy Pier is so crowded and touristy that sometimes I forget how splendid it can be.

9. America's gift to the world? Coca Cola. And I'm only being a little flippant. I do dearly love the stuff.

10. Favorite Bill of Rights right? I'm a big fan of the First Amendment. And again, even though I thought the Hobby Lobby ruling was dangerous, I think it completely rocks that the ladies of the court not only dissented but that Justice Ginsburg's opinion was published almost immediately. Dissent is a good, healthy thing in this country.

11. Favorite American Holiday? Thanksgiving, I suppose, because it's such a warm time with friends.

12. Favorite D.C. monument? The Lincoln Memorial. A breathtaking tribute to our greatest President.

13. Your dream for America's future? That we remember that we're supposed to love mercy and tolerance. So many of my fellow citizens are so quick to judge anyone who doesn't think exactly as they do, who doesn't worship exactly as they do, who doesn't love exactly as they do. It's OK, folks! Diversity is what makes us great!

Greetings from Padua!

I am watching The Taming of the Shrew on TCM and I'm having a wonderful time.

Here we have Richard Burton as Petrucchio, delivering the Bard's lines in that voice. Here we have Elizabeth Taylor, more athletic than I can ever recall her (except maybe for National Velvet) and charmingly game, performing alongside stage-trained Shakespearean actors and holding her own. And Mr. and Mrs. Burton generate real heat in their scenes together. Their passion is palpable, even after nearly 50 years.

I'm always surprised by what a fan I've become in middle age. For when I was a girl, "Liz and Dick" were everywhere and I thought they were ... well ... silly. Smoking, drinking and brawling, showing off their huge baubles and tiny dogs.

What was lost on me back then was how really good these two could be when they were doing their jobs. It's obvious now when I watch them at their best, separately and together, that they both enjoyed acting and took it seriously. I'm glad they're captured forever as Kate and Petrucchio, as George and Martha. I prefer their screen performances to their movie magazine incarnation.