There once was a band named Porcupine Tree

I had first heard the group Porcupine Tree this past summer while waiting to see RUSH in concert. My nephews knew them and had their discography so I was interested to hear more. They are a very interesting British "Prog Rock" group which apparently started as a joke and grew into something real.

I need to learn more about them, but their music I have heard so far is incredible. Their sound is an eclectic mix of haunting melodies with hard guitar riffs and electronica undertones. It sounds crazy, but they make it work. I am interested in listening to more of their stuff and comparing it to the album I have right now "In Absentia".

Here are the lyrics to the song I heard before the RUSH concert this past summer. When I had first heard the song, the music completely moved me, and now that I have had time to listen to lyrics I am impressed even further:

The Sound Of Muzak

Hear the sound of music
Drifting in the aisles
Elevator prozac
Stretching on for miles

The music of the future
Will not entertain
It's only meant to repress
And neutralise your brain

Soul gets squeezed out
Edges get blunt
Demographic
Gives what you want

Now the sound of music
Comes in silver pills
Engineered to suit you
Building cheaper thrills

The music of rebellion
Makes you wanna rage
But it's made by millionaires
Who are nearly twice your age

One of the wonders of the world is going down
It's going down I know
It's one of the blunders of the world that no-one cares
No-one cares enough


Great quote from band lead Steven Wilson:
"My fear is that the current generation of kids who're being born into this information revolution, growing up with the Internet, cell phones, iPods, this download culture, 'American Idol,' reality TV, prescription drugs, PlayStations — all of these things kind of distract people from what's important about life, which is to develop a sense of curiosity about what's out there."[30]


Thanks Kevin and Thomas, I needed some new (to me) music. That's hard to find these days!

Spooky!!

You all know by now how much I love Halloween. Yes, I plan my costume months in advance and I LOVE going to haunted houses and corn mazes etc. I had heard a rumor that the local Ren Faire had changed hands and would make the site more of a year round attracion. Well, here it is: Screamers' Hollow! I totally want to got to this...Check it out:



What is SCREAMERS' HOLLOW?

Here is the list of Attractions

Hours and Ticket Prices

Weekend in Wales!

It's Official! Alysa has made us train and hotel reservations for our weekend in Wales, November 7-9th!!! (Alysa, you're my HERO!!)

The name of the area of Wales is Pembrokeshire and is located in South Western Wales. The town we will stay in is Pembroke. Here is a map to orient yourselves to the area. Alysa said the train ride will probably be amazing and I am sure she is right. We will have so much fun!
(Hint: Click on the minus sign in the upper left corner to expand and see entire route)

View Larger Map

We will be staying at The Old Kings Arms Hotel."Pembroke's oldest hostelry and has deeds that stretch back to the 1520s. The hotel front was added on during the Georgian period, and the hotel has always been one of the focal points of Pembroke's community." Click here to visit their website Alysa said that they told her there are many things to see and do there and they will have a packet of stuff ready for us when we arrive. How cute!

Here is a nice mape of Pembrokeshire, which is also home to the largest National Park in the UK. Pembroke is marked in red, click on the map to enlarge:

Pembroke Castle is located in the town and is a large oval structure that originated as a timber structure in 1093 and was fortified and built upon through the centuries and fell into ruin until restorations in 1880 and 1928.


Did I also mention that there are two other castles within 6 miles of Pembroke??? Um, yea... Carew Castle and Manorbier Castle Talk about history! These places were built in the 1100's! I know I will be in awe of these structures.

This trip is going to be wonderful. I am so excited to not only explore London but to get the chance to explore a town in Wales. And it is all because of my Alysa! :)

Movies, Movies, Movies!

I watched Casanova this week. The movie was cute and the costumes were beautiful. Sienna Miller played a strong female who stood by her beliefs no matter what, a character trait I greatly admire. Heath Ledger was so handsome and tho I enjoyed watching it, I felt so sad. Sad for him and sad for those of use who enjoyed his movies.

I have three incredibly different movies waiting at home for me to watch: The Other Boleyn Girl, The Beatles: HELP! and Dr. Zhivago. I am trying to watch some classics that I have never seen before as well.

These are films I have not seen (gasp!) and would like to:
Maltese Falcon
The Original Star wars Trilogy (Never seen all the way thru any of them)
Jaws
North by Northwest
Nortorius
Citizen Kane
Dr. Strangelove
Shawshanke Redemption
Requiem for a Dream
Resevoir Dogs
The Pianist
The Bourne Identity triology (only saw the first one)
Casino Royale
The Persuit of Happyness
Kill Bill Vol 1 and Vol 2 (Not a Tarantino nor an Uma fan but...)

Films I HAVE seen but not in a LONG time and are favorites of mine:
Rear Window
Lawrence of Arabia
Singin' in the Rain
To Catch a Thief
Charade
The Usual Suspects
Fargo
The Virgin Suicides
Nosferatu
Twelve Monkeys
The Sting
Natural Born Killers

Not a complete list but close.

I remember seeing part of a foreign film in college and I have been looking for it ever since. I cannot remember for the life of me the title but it had German subtitles and was about an Angel it was filmed in black and white. Well I FINALLY found it!!

It is called Wings of Desire, the German Title is "Der Himmel Uber Berlin" which means The Sky Over Berlin". So Psyched!! Now I have to see if the library has it!!! Yippeee!!!!

It's Time to Come Clean...

OK. I admit it. I am obsessed. Obsessed enough to hide the truth.

I need to be honest about my activities this summer.

The first incident was shortly after my second time seeing the Dark Knight. I searched for a book that was recommended and found that my local B & N had it in stock in paperback. I went in but could not find it, so I had to ask the reference desk to help. I couldn't even stomach that I was an adult female looking for a Batman Novel called "Batman: Inferno" so I told the reference lady it was for my nephew. The dishonesty didn't stop there because once we found the book I told the lady at the checkout that I needed a gift receipt, because obviously that book was not for me.
I know. I am a sad, sad girl. Why couldn't I fess up that I love Batman stuff and I wanted to purchase this novel for light summer reading? Well Now I am! I can't help it and the first step is admitting it. Do they have a BA? Batman Anonymous? (ahee, Aha aha)

Hey, this book was entertaining and a quick read. It was a perfect summer read for me, since I am not like most women who enjoy a tawdry romance novel. The chapters about the Joker made me laugh out loud especially the parts where he had stolen a batsuit and the batmobile and was running around Gotham as a deranged poser. It was just fun.

My obsession didn't stop there. The Dark Knight had taken many hints from a 13 issue Comic book series called "The Long Halloween" which follows the mystery of the Holiday killer and the creation of Two-Face. This was later put into book form and I found a copy in my library system so I put a hold on it.

When it came in I was excited because I have not read many comics, tho I admit the few I have read have been Batman Comics. Some of the art I thought was amazing, the story was interesting and the story board rip-offs (I mean that in a good way) that were used in the Dark Knight movie were great to find as I read. It was like these little gems popped off the page and I was even more impressed with Nolan's film than I already was. The guy did his homework and paid homage to the mythology of Batman in so many ways.


It doesn't stop there my friends...I have three more graphic novels I want to read: "Dark Victory", "The Killing Joke" and "Hush". I hope my library has all three.

What to see? What to do?

The top things that I want to see whilst in London?

1. The British Museum (This is a must. How can I not stop by and see The Rosetta Stone!?)


2. Stone Henge (Do I want to spend a day at a pile of rocks? Um Yea!! It's Stone Henge!!!)


3. The Shelly Monument (Housed on the campus of Oxford, A pilgrimage inspired by The Saint)


4. Hatfield House (Apparently Visitor Season only runs thru September 20th, so this is out... I am bummed)


5. Buckingham/Kensington Palaces (Camilla, is that you?)
   
6. Big Ben/Tower of London/Thames ( How can I not? And Hi! can you say Crown Jewels?)


7. Picadilly circus/Harrod's (People watching and window shopping!)

Castles and Manor houses of any kind would be great. I am sure that there will be PLENTY of things for me to take in, and tho I want to pack a good deal in, I don't want to be rushed. I am interested in taking in the cultures of this great city, and standing in awe of the immense amount of history it holds.

Any recommendations?

Brilliant Blogs

Little People


Skull-A-Day


Bent Objects

OY!!!!! It's...

Yaaarrrrrr!!!

Bits and Pieces

Richard Wright, of Pink Floyd fame died this week. His music moved me, and now he joins The Great Gig in the Sky...

True Blood has begun on HBO. A show about Vampires coming "Out of the Coffin" to live among humans made possible by a synthetic blood created by the Japanese. Only two episodes have aired so far and my first review would speak of the shakey character development, mediocre acting, and some overly graphic scenes (Yea I know, It's HBO, But come on!). That said, I'm jonsin' for the next episode something terrible so it's obviously sucking me in...
BTW, I will be giving blood at the company blood drive this year...I have never given blood before. I am a bit squeemish but it's a good thing to do so I will try.

Halloween is on a Friday night this year . This is my costume:

Color and Career Choice

COLOR CAREER COUNSELOR PROFILE:

The Dewey Color System® is the world's first and only validated, color-based personality career testing instrument. Based on our experience and your interests, your best suited occupations are listed below.

Best Occupational Category

You're a CREATOR

Key Words: Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS: Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES: Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.

Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.


2nd Best Occupational Category

You're a PERSUADER

Key Words:Witty, Competitive, Sociable, Talkative, Ambitious, Argumentative, and Aggressive

These enterprising types sell, persuade, and lead others. Positions of leadership, power, and status are usually their ultimate goal. Persuasive people like to take financial and interpersonal risks and to participate in competitive activities. They enjoy working with others inside organizations to accomplish goals and achieve economic success.

Click here to find out your Color Career Counselor Profile!

CC's Summer Movie Recap

This summer was an interesting one movie wise. The theater landscape was a mixture of rocky crevices, lush jungles and lofty mountains, contrasting between the biggest disappointment, great surprises and the most incredible of films. Some of these I reviewed extensively, while others I didn't mention here, so these will be brief reviews.

Movies I Saw:

Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: This was a "Tell me the bad news first" type of starter for the Summer. Was this meant to be an Indiana Jones Adventure? Yea, it sucked so much that I thought my summer movie season was over before it began... Definitely the deep, unforgiving crevice of the season.

Iron Man: Iron Man is my HERO. He saved me from the doldrums of Indy 4 and breathed some much needed new life into a stagnant Super Hero Genre. Robert Downey Jr. is the shit. I LOVE him, so glad he is back in the saddle and entertaning us all again!

Wanted: Angie is cool, but James McAvoy stole the spotlight. This movie was wickedly funny and violent at the same time. Very fun movie, some great stunts, but you will only like it if you can suspend your disbelief and just go with it! (No, Bullets cannot be curved...)

The Dark Knight: What can I say that I haven't already said, or shown you? I am obsessed, I admit it proudly. This movie KICKED SOME SERIOUS ASS. Not that there weren't a few things they could have done differently, but this movie was as close to the PERFECT SUPER HERO MOVIE that you can get. My pick as BEST MOVIE and it better break the mold and get some Oscar Noms! Ooh eee Ha AHA!

Tropic Thunder: Totally a guy movie, nasty, gross and just seriously twisted but funny. I laughed so hard I was crying at times. With a cast like Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr (he's been a busy boy!) how can it not be a riot when the filming of a war movie in a jungle in Asia goes terribly wrong. Sprinkled with memorable peripheral roles by Matthew McConaughey and especially Tom Cruise, (among others) this movie is just so ridiculous you have to have a great time watching it. Some great newcomers as well to keep an eye out for. "Everybody knows you never go full retard."

Pineapple Express: This movie will make you laugh, tho not as hard as you would if you were half-baked. Seth Rogan is entertaining, but James Franco steals the show along with Danny McBride who seems indistructable (and very busy this summer since he was in Tropic Thunder as well!). Two bumbling tokers on the run from a big time drug dealer and the possibilities are endless. Best Scene: Diner at the end where they recap highlights of their adventure. RIOT.

Movies I Missed but Will Rent:

1. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (Hey! It's the Mummy! I cant resist!
2. Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Saw the first, why not the second)
3. Hancock (A drunk super hero? Probably time wasted, but why not!)
4. The Happening (I know: Curiosity Killed the cat: his films are beautifully filmed tho...)
5. Love Guru (Come on, Mike Myers makes me laugh)
6. Don't Mess with the Zohan (Adam Sandler is not consistant, but he sucks me in)
7. Wall-E (Maybe I would sit thru this with my nephew, I have heard it is cute)
8. Get Smart (Interested to compare to the show that was hysterical!)

Movies I Avoided:

1. X-Files (I believe... That your run is over and it's time to put that franchise to bed)
2. Speed Racer (Green Screens, animation...is there anything real in that movie? Oh the actors? Maybe not!)
3. HellBoy (Hell no!)
4. Incredible Hulk (Apparently the first one wasn't bad enough so they tried again with different people... He's like the worst super hero EVER!)
5. Sex and the City (I must be the only female who doesn't really give a shit if Carrie ends up with Mr. Big...)

I think the basic feel for the season can be summed up in one phrase "I am uncomfortable, but I like it" All of the movies I saw made me uncomfortable, but I was laughing the entire time. I enjoy a dichotomy of emotions in film, especially comedy and violence. It's hard to do both and do them well, and all of them did it well (with exception to Indy).

One more reason I LOVE Aaron Eckhart:

He's adorable and the pic is small but the shirt says:

"American Pyrotechnist Fireworks News
A monthly magazine on fireworks & pyrotechnics
Find out what the other 7 fingered Americans are up to"

Whatever Wednesday!

Random Thoughts, Random Realities

Today's Scorpio Horoscope: Sep 10, 2008
Today is going to be a great day for you, dear Scorpio. You are not one to embrace rules, constraints or restrictions of any type, preferring instead to reside in a fantasy world where no limitations apply. Have you considered that it is possible for you to join the rest of us here on Earth and still retain your liberty and ideals?

Spoke with my downstairs neighbor last night. She is moving to Florida this winter. Should be out by Dec 1st I guess... I hope I will be lucky enough to get a good neighbor and not a couple with a child/children or one of the more frequent college student groups that I have seen moving in recently. Keep me in your thoughts this fall and hope that I get a good neighbor(s).:) God! I sound like an old lady! It's just during the week I like to have quiet after 11pm so I can get some sleep which helps me at my JOB so I can PAY my rent. I don't think that is too much to ask. Oh and a Sunday afternoon nap on the couch in front of the tv is nice sometime too! Just sayin'.

I believe that N.E.G.S.S. will be posting some more stories this week. Just this morning I ran into a suspicious looking Chipmunk on my stairs outside my apartment. He snuck in through the open door this morning as someone was leaving the building somehow. We are on code yellow right now, but I see code orange by day's end if his intentions are a reconnaissance mission for the enemy. More information to follow.

Had dinner with Chantal and Susan last night. We went to a well known local Irish Pub for dinner and drinks. It was funny because I had been there on many occasions to have drinks, just never dinner! It was really good, and Susan and I were on the same wavelength b/c the Guiness was yummy! We had so much fun chit-chatting and laughing as usual. My favorite quote of the evening was when our food came and Chantal made the observation that " Everyone ordered a meal that uses a different utensil!" Classic! Loved it!

I thought this pic of a hurricane in Havanna just recently was beautiful so stole it from MSN to share it here:

Marie Antoinette: A Candy-Coated Cinematic Creation!

Thanks to Beth (Big Geek),she has successfully introduced me to my newest obsession. Sure, it was probably a ploy to get me to stop talking about London and Aaron Eckhart, but I am glad she talked me into watching the visually stimulating: “Marie Antoinette” starring Kirsten Dunst.

Directed by Sophia Coppola in 2006, this movie is an interpretation of how Marie Antoinette came to be the Queen of France and the life she led up to the revolution. Beautiful Costumes, filming on location at Versailles and an amazing soundtrack of period and 80’s music complete the visual experience.

The cast is varied and interesting. The acting is adequate and the fact that only one or two of the characters uses the correct accent is overpowered by the color palette and sheer beauty of the film. You all know how highly I regard soundtracks and costuming so it’s no wonder that I fell in love with this movie. Pastels and candy colors abound with rich prints and textures, popping from the gold leaf interior of the palace of Versailles. The director of photography clearly separated the feel of Austrian and French courts and captured the youth of the teenage couple who were catapulted to the throne so young. His perspective meshed so well with the costumes and music that it seemed like I was watching a beautiful dream.

The soundtrack is an amazing compilation of 80’s tunes by artists like Adam Ant, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bow Wow Wow, the Cure and New Order. Throw in some Vivaldi, a bit of opera and some harpsichord pieces and you have a feast for the ears! This has to be one of the BEST soundtracks I had never owned. Now it is one of the best soundtracks that I DO own, and I am LOVING IT!

Not knowing much about Marie Antoinette probably helped me be taken in by this movie. I was not expecting anything and therefore was pleasantly surprised. It seemed that Sophia Coppola had a lot of input in costuming and soundtrack as well as directing. I was impressed with her and I look forward to watching other movies of hers.

This movie has also made me interested in reading more about Marie Antoinette, as she obviously was a historical figure whose story was skewed and demonized for purposes of propaganda, like so many unfortunately. I recently purchased “Marie Antoinette: The Journey” by Antonia Fraser and I am looking forward to seeing what portions of the book were interpreted in the movie.

Little hidden gems like these Period shoes and sky blue converse speak to the feel of this movie, so here they are just for Beth!

Friday Fun

I bet you 'd never think that I would urge people to read a Great article on Banning the TV. I think it's a wonderful idea, and not just for newlyweds. When the tv is on, meaningful communication stops. Great, great article. Go ahead, click on that link above...the quizzes will still be here, it's a short article!

How about a Quiz? (Yea, I went a bit crazy on them)

How long would you last in a horror movie?

You'll survive through 83% of the movie!

You'll be the last person the monster kills before it dies. Chances are it will be a heroic death to save your comrades. You either blow yourself up or hold the monster off so the others can run.

How Long Would You Survive in a Horror Movie?
Quizzes for MySpace

You Are a Blue Crayon

Your world is colored in calm, understated, deep colors. You are a loyal person, and the truest friend anyone could hope to find. On the inside, you tend to be emotional and even a bit moody. However, you know that people depend on you. So you put on a strong front. Your color wheel opposite is orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Your score on this personality test was 67%

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

Personality Quiz
Take More Quizzes

What These Tulips Say About You

You are very popular and universally admired. You are often hopelessly in love, and you connect to other people easily. You are a naturally cheerful and upbeat person. You have an amazing smile.

What Do The Flowers You Pick Say About You?

You Are Lasagna

Compared to most people, you are open hearted and genuinely friendly. You go out of your way to make sure everyone is comfortable and happy. It's likely that you're a good cook, and you have a few signature crowd pleaser meals. You enjoy entertaining and welcoming guests into your home.

What Pasta Dish Are You?

You Were a Swan

You are a spiritual soul who sees into the future. You are also good at interpreting dreams - those of yourself and others.

What Animal Were You In a Past Life?

Thursday Thoughts!

Oh boy! Where do I start! This is like, one of the BEST WEEKS EVER!:)

1. Went to the Post Office and applied for my passport last night. Passport pics are fun! I kid, but Roni the postlady was really friendly and it was actually an enjoyable experience.
2. Joker for President? He's got my vote! Ahee-ahaa-ahaa... I did one of those campaign videos for Harvey Dent too, but I thought Joker was funnier actually.:) Lamby! You have created a monster!!!
3. My eating habits are paying off (Low carb, smaller portions). I feel better, AND I am losing some poundage. Now to add some exercise to the mix!
4. I know someone who is like a dog chasing cars...and yea, he wouldn't know what to do with one if he caught one. Unfortunately, I get that because I am the same way.
5. It's official. I have a new celebrity crush...Aaron Eckhart. I can't help it, there is something about him, even tho he has butt chin and is sorta blonde. Sorry Bruce Wayne, but Rachel was right, I would have chosen Harvey Dent too. ( I can't believe I just admitted that) Ok, maybe I would have kept the love triangle, I mean, Why should a girl choose after all? Anywho, Aaron Eckhart. LOVE HIM!!!!!
   
   Aaron as Harvey Dent in Dark Knight.

Thank you for Smoking! (Smokin' HOT)

Step Two: It's All Part of the Plan

Introduce a little anarchy. Be an agent of my own chaos. Take that opportunity for Aggressive Expansion!

Which leads me to THE PLAN. Me, I plan all the time, but nothing ever comes from it. Today, my plan has been set into motion, resistance is futile. I am applying for my passport tonight after work. I have booked my flights and I leave on November 3rd (returning November 12th). I AM GOING TO LONDON!!!!!

I have finally done it. I have finally gotten some of the fire back, gotten a little spontaneous, taken the chance to follow a dream. I am so excited and proud of myself for going for it.


My Niece Alysa is there studying abroad and invited me to come over and I have a high school friend who lives there who I will see whilst I am there. In the following weeks I will post my itinerary, my hopes for visiting certain places I have always dreamed of seeing and my preparations for my trip abroad.


It is an amazing time for me right now and many of you know how HUGE this is for me to be doing this. I am walking the walk and talking the talk for once in my life. I hope this is only the beginning of many trips and exciting opportunities. This is exactly the character builder I was hoping for!