Pic of the Week: Every VW Bug Needs a Flower

Talking to Yourself

How many of us wish we could talk to our past self and tell ourself a thing or two about the future; or to our future self and find out where we'll be in 20 years?

This video is a funny conversation between a 12 year old and 32 year old who happen to be the same person.

Oh, and there's a Doctor Who reference. If you've never seen the episode "Blink," you you won't get the reference (until you go out and watch it). But if you've seen "Blink" (one of the best episodes of Doctor Who ever), then you'll have a good laugh.



Thanks for the link, Emma.

Once Upon a Time: Season 2 Poster

So, we've already seen the season 2 poster for Grimm, and it's awesome.

Now, the season 2 poster for Once Upon a Time has been released. And it is... awesome!

It looks like Red and Belle will have bigger parts in the new season. I'm excited about Red, and I'm interested to see the relationship between Belle and Rumple, now that Mr. Gold's back to being a real baddie.

The start date for the new season hasn't been announced, as far as I know, but it can't come too soon for me.

1776, the Musical: A Musical to Celebrate

1776 is one of my favorite musicals. It is about the events surrounding the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence. It focuses on, and partly fictionalizes, the efforts of John Adams to persuade his colleagues to vote for American independence and to sign the document. Although we know that all of the 13 colonies eventually voted in favor of independence, the musical does such a great job of creating suspense as we witness the debates between the supporters and the detractors of breaking away from England and claiming independence. It gives us a glimpse of what it might have been like in that cramped, stifling hot, fly infested room in the months that led up to the momentous event.

The first production I saw of the musical was in 2003 at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. And, I actually saw it on July 4th. That could be one of the reasons I loved it so much. Oh, and because it's so well written, and the actors were perfect in their parts. In the last scene the Liberty Bell is rung and Charles Thomson, the Secretary of Congress, calls each of the delegates to sign their names on the Declaration of Independence. I was so emotional as each man walked up to the desk where the Declaration of Independence lay and placed their signature on the precious document. It is one of the most moving scenes in a musical I have ever seen. It brings tears to my eyes even now as I write about it.

The musical begins with a great quote by John Adams. "In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress." And the show goes uphill from there.

There is a movie based on the musical that came out in 1972. Most of the actors who played the leading roles on Broadway repeated their performances in the movie. The film isn't as good as that first production I saw in 2003, and there's nothing like seeing the musical live on stage, but I am so happy that the movie was made so I can relive the joy and emotions that is 1776.

It is a tradition for me to watch the movie on July 4th and remember the great men who were willing to risk a traitor's death to declare independence. John Adam's last song, Is Anybody There?, is a great anthem to hear on July 4th, our Independence Day. Throughout the show, General George Washington has been sending letters to the Continental Congress asking for help to fight the British. His forces are small and are not doing weel against the large British forces. Prior to singing the song, another letter is received from the General asking if anyone is listening to his cries for help.



John Adams actually predicted how July 4th would be celebrated. He said, "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations [i.e. fireworks] from one end of this continent to the other." He was right about a lot of things.

Grimm: Once Upon a Time is Not Too Far Away

I cannot wait until August 13th!

That is all.

Book Review: An Unpleasant Walk

Description:

Elizabeth Bennet thinks she is a great judge of character. However, when Colonel Fitzwilliam decides to take her as his mistress, despite her feelings on the matter, Elizabeth is forced to reconsider. Though not fully violated, she knows that his attack would be the ruination of her entire family. Mr. Darcy, who she had judged to be arrogant, disdainful, and ill-tempered, offers his support and assistance in a gentle and caring manner.

Elizabeth must come to terms with her feelings of guilt and shame, conquer her fears, and learn to trust again.

Review:

I have read many novels that rewrite the plot of Pride and Prejudice, and some have been decent, some have been silly and some have been very poorly written. This is the first I've read that has just been unpleasant. I was angry that the author decided to completely change the character and personality of Col Fitzwilliam. He is one of my favorite characters in the novel, and I disliked the novel from the first because of that. I was annoyed by many plot points in the book, including Col Fitzwilliam's fate and how nonchalant his father and Darcy were about it. In fact, Darcy seemed happy and relieved about it. No matter what he did, no one deserves what happened to him.

Nothing much happens after the main occurrence in the first few pages of the book. It's all about Elizabeth traveling from one location to another to recover, and Darcy trying to make her fall in love with him. And we know that's how it will end, so you just trudge through the book waiting for that to happen. Speaking of Elizabeth, her character was totally changed as well, and none of the qualities that make her one of the best female characters in all of literature were there,  and I did not recognize her, nor like her at all. Of course, she had a horrible experience, however, I was so angry about that part of the story,  that I couldn't feel for her at all.

The author tried to fix everything that was wrong with Elizabeth's family, which is okay, but that is what made the Bennet family interesting. The novel removed all of the charm and the humor of Pride and Prejudice.

So, to sum up: To me, An Unpleasant Walk was not only an unpleasant book, an unpleasant experience.

Rating:

1 out of 5

Doctor Whooos

My sister sent this to me, knowing how much I love Doctor Who. It's just priceless. And the detail is great.