The highly promoted season two of Smash starts February 8th. However, if you are on iTunes, you can download the season premiere for free. That is, you can download the first half. On Feb. 8th NBC plans to open with a 2 hour premiere, which leaves me to assume that what is available to watch now, is only half of the Feb. 8th show.
It is clear that the writers/creators are starting to clean up the loose ends from season one. Everything from the reason Rebecca left the Bombshell, where the money came from to put on the show, and all the personal stories of every primary and secondary character. With season two, it looks as though the writers are integrating the musical numbers into the plot much better. Last season's random duet in Time Square was, um, random. The musical numbers themselves are lovely, including lyrics and choreography. It was the placement of the numbers that was off putting. It needed to be more like Tetris, with everything coming together, and the pieces fall into place.
The series is already filled with talent, and premise, but falls just short in the execution. Using the theater entertainment field, which is no doubt competitive as setting it highly workable. While my junior high theater experience has left me with luke-warm memories, I can certainly remember feeling bitter when I lost the Stage Manager position to a younger student. I have to imagine those emotions are amplified, when you are attracted to a co-star, and/or sleeping with and ex-flame, cheating on a spouse, using the IRA(?) to fund an off-broadway production, or trying to sabotage a major production. Point is, the competitive and drama filled setting is the perfect stage for this show. In addition, it allows for plenty of special guests, temporary characters that can be woven in and out of plot lines, and showcase cross-overs. It really can provide seasons of good plot lines. Where Smash again falls short is its effort to get all these plots out at once. Nevertheless, t is looking like season two is trying to focus on the smaller, and more attempting the "less-is-more" approach. Which I think will work out better for the over all chemistry and flow of the show.
two cents given
Monday, January 21, 2013
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Road Trip
It is a late post, but a difficult one. How to put four weeks of cross country driving into words and pictures for the entertainment of others is a daunting task. Nonetheless, this past summer I got to spend 30 days on the road, just me and my husband.
1. Crater Lake, OR - It is what it sounds. It is a volcano with a lake at the top. We camped at the National Park and slept like lambs.
2. Coastal Red Wood, CA - We stayed the night here as well, and was by far my one of the
highlights of the trip. We met some nice people,
and got to run around
in the woods
like kids.
From here we drove through Sonoma and wine country. We stopped by the petrified forrest, which was a little underwhelming.
3. Lake Tahoe, UT - We stayed the night here too.
We had a great fire and played Skip-Bo way into the night.
We had a break- in into our cooler (filled with water only). The local critters got their shits and giggles making noises and freaking me out in the middle of night. Moreover, I did not want to leave our site to pee.
4. Salt Lake City, UT - While to drive was lovely and the city itself was nice. We did stay at a hotel
at this stop, as we were intending to visit my bestie's house the next day in Colorado Springs, and wanted to not smell like 'the road" and must.
Salt flats, Jon really wanted to just drive off the road and give them hell. Alas, no.
6. Somewhere outside Salina, KA - We drove most of the night. From Springs to Michigan, we wanted to make the best time. We slept at a Loves Truck Stop and hit the road early, and made it to Michigan by midnight the next day.
how many bugs?
... and we grabbed pizza in St. Louis
7. Michigan (2 weeks) We mainly made the drive for my sister's wedding. It was important that we be there mainly because I was the officiant.
...and of course the reception, where my family and I closed down the hall and moved the party to my sisters for a huge fire and four wheel flipping with my ex-bro-in-law. It was a blast!
Mount Rushmore
9. Next stop was Yellowstone, where we camped again. With all the beautiful scenery we saw, this moment overshadowed the moment
10. After another night in the back of Black Betty we spent the day driving through the park. In addition, we stopped by to see Old Faithful.
1. Crater Lake, OR - It is what it sounds. It is a volcano with a lake at the top. We camped at the National Park and slept like lambs.
2. Coastal Red Wood, CA - We stayed the night here as well, and was by far my one of the
highlights of the trip. We met some nice people,
and got to run aroundin the woods
like kids.
From here we drove through Sonoma and wine country. We stopped by the petrified forrest, which was a little underwhelming.
3. Lake Tahoe, UT - We stayed the night here too.
We had a great fire and played Skip-Bo way into the night.
We had a break- in into our cooler (filled with water only). The local critters got their shits and giggles making noises and freaking me out in the middle of night. Moreover, I did not want to leave our site to pee.
4. Salt Lake City, UT - While to drive was lovely and the city itself was nice. We did stay at a hotel
at this stop, as we were intending to visit my bestie's house the next day in Colorado Springs, and wanted to not smell like 'the road" and must.
Salt flats, Jon really wanted to just drive off the road and give them hell. Alas, no.
5. Colorado Springs, CO - We cheated and stayed at a hotel here too. We got in the area late, and decided to meet my friend early in the AM - We also saw a double rainbow, so I took a pic and bought a lottery ticket
6. Somewhere outside Salina, KA - We drove most of the night. From Springs to Michigan, we wanted to make the best time. We slept at a Loves Truck Stop and hit the road early, and made it to Michigan by midnight the next day.
how many bugs?... and we grabbed pizza in St. Louis
...and of course the reception, where my family and I closed down the hall and moved the party to my sisters for a huge fire and four wheel flipping with my ex-bro-in-law. It was a blast!
While in Michigan = We saw friends, family and went to Cedar Point. Additionally, we both Jon and I got sick. Jon unfortunately had to work for a week while we were their. We did have to skip some of
our plans (like the Renaissance Festival), however, we powered through.
8. Homeward Bound - On our way home, we stopped in Chicago and ate at a local diner
We also stayed at a hotel that evening, I was still running a fever and needed the bed and shower. The next day I woke up refreshed and drove the next two days
Corn Palace - Boring
Bad Lands
Bad Lands
Mount Rushmore
Devil's Tower...
...and a pasture full of friends
9. Next stop was Yellowstone, where we camped again. With all the beautiful scenery we saw, this moment overshadowed the moment
10. After another night in the back of Black Betty we spent the day driving through the park. In addition, we stopped by to see Old Faithful.
11. Somewhere is Montana - This was the best night of our trip. This was a lovely, secluded, free National Park. We were right on a river bank, and we had enough light when we arrived to explore and play in the flora. It was amazing and a great cherry for our treat of a summer holiday.
The stars were A-mazing, I am grateful I got to see it in my lifetime.
Some of my favorites
for obvious reasons
I highly recommend a good road trip once a lifetime. It is unsetting to think that all this wonder and landscapes are all so close.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The time for Television in now
There has been a shift recently that I am excited to watch, literally. Television seems to be where the talent is lately. The intention of the question "what do you watch?" has moved from film to television. As a historian I tend to think this is part of an entire culture shift in response to the past decade of financial struggle and technology advancements. Meaning, people are staying home and investing in home theatre systems, which provide more economical and customizable options than going to the movies. Additionally, keeping costs low for the whole family. With DVR, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, and iTunes; everything is right at the consumers fingertips. People are staying home and watching television. Again, I ask what are you watching?
I have become immersed in watching season after season of show after show, I simply cannot get enough. My latest obsession is Archer on FX, right up my ally when it vulgarity, without trying too hard to offend me. Homeland of course. despite its often farfetched storyline, the acting and editing makes a wonderfully acted, suspenseful, and riveting drama. Same with Mad Men, which in my opinion was meandering a little, but this past season roped me back in. We cannot forget one of the best new concepts, and that is American Horror Story.
First, AHS is brilliant in that it gets a reboot every season, giving the viewer variety, and preventing the show from extending plot lines too much. Second, I like that they keep many of the same actors from season to season. Not only, do we get attached, but we get to see them explore new roles. I have to assume as an actor, that is a dream. Third, hello Jessica Lange! Underrated or not, for my generation and younger, this work will be her legacy. Even though she has clocked many of years in the industry. Lastly, way to push the boundaries out of the box. It is oddly refreshing to look forward to being creeped out once a week. It also reminds me to set the alarm and sleep with the phone net to my bed.
Finally, I must comment on HBO's underrated show The Wire. Wow, I am ashamed to admit that I did not give this series a watch until now. The acting, the casting (especially of Idris Elba, who'd you think is American for one) the writing, directing and editing is A-mazing. Not to mention we meet Omar, the best written character I have seen in years. Season three is my favorite, and season four is he hardest to watch (in that it features children and their struggles). The chemistry between the characters keeps the flow of the plot moving from season to season, under realistic premises. Moreover, I developed a relationship with these characters, including the ass holes, which oddly I learned to like too.
I could continue for hours on these wonderful shows that are not fitting into the run of the mill shows networks have been spitting out for the bast decade. In that, we may finally be seeing the end of the "reality television" that is over produced and not really reality, and more of the work of writing, acting, and directing. I love television, and have appreciated good television, and up until recently television was underwhelming. Now, screw the theatre, people smell and get shot there. I want to watch Boardwalk Empire, or The Killing, have a beer without on my 52" flat screen with 7 speakers of surround sound that I can pause when I have to pee.
I have become immersed in watching season after season of show after show, I simply cannot get enough. My latest obsession is Archer on FX, right up my ally when it vulgarity, without trying too hard to offend me. Homeland of course. despite its often farfetched storyline, the acting and editing makes a wonderfully acted, suspenseful, and riveting drama. Same with Mad Men, which in my opinion was meandering a little, but this past season roped me back in. We cannot forget one of the best new concepts, and that is American Horror Story.
First, AHS is brilliant in that it gets a reboot every season, giving the viewer variety, and preventing the show from extending plot lines too much. Second, I like that they keep many of the same actors from season to season. Not only, do we get attached, but we get to see them explore new roles. I have to assume as an actor, that is a dream. Third, hello Jessica Lange! Underrated or not, for my generation and younger, this work will be her legacy. Even though she has clocked many of years in the industry. Lastly, way to push the boundaries out of the box. It is oddly refreshing to look forward to being creeped out once a week. It also reminds me to set the alarm and sleep with the phone net to my bed.
Finally, I must comment on HBO's underrated show The Wire. Wow, I am ashamed to admit that I did not give this series a watch until now. The acting, the casting (especially of Idris Elba, who'd you think is American for one) the writing, directing and editing is A-mazing. Not to mention we meet Omar, the best written character I have seen in years. Season three is my favorite, and season four is he hardest to watch (in that it features children and their struggles). The chemistry between the characters keeps the flow of the plot moving from season to season, under realistic premises. Moreover, I developed a relationship with these characters, including the ass holes, which oddly I learned to like too.
I could continue for hours on these wonderful shows that are not fitting into the run of the mill shows networks have been spitting out for the bast decade. In that, we may finally be seeing the end of the "reality television" that is over produced and not really reality, and more of the work of writing, acting, and directing. I love television, and have appreciated good television, and up until recently television was underwhelming. Now, screw the theatre, people smell and get shot there. I want to watch Boardwalk Empire, or The Killing, have a beer without on my 52" flat screen with 7 speakers of surround sound that I can pause when I have to pee.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The Daily Grind (the "ole poor me's")
This blog is composed on the heels of a terrible traffic jam I suffered through today.
Long story short, I am a 33, and finally finishing my undergraduate career. It has been a long time coming. You see, I was on the 12 year plan for my AAS, and to think about a bachelors degree seemed ludicrous. Alas, here I am, a history major with an art history minor, and a few quarters away from graduation (hopefully)
I have to leave for school 2-2 1/2 hours before class starts. I spend the first hour driving to one of two Park and Ride's, where I catch a bus (which varies on the time) that takes me to campus. Let me make clear, this is a one way commute.
Why so long? The University charges $15 a day to park (It is prorated, but still costly). There is street parking; however, it maxes out after 2 hours and not conducive to my schedule. In addition, the closest bridge that gets me to campus (there are two) is under construction and is now a toll bridge. The cost is dependent upon traffic and can be as high as $6 to cross. $21 a day to get to campus is too costly. Alas! With my tuition I get a free bus pass that is good on all forms of public transportation so long as school is in session. Needless to say my commute is strategic.
To paint a picture of the worst of it. Last summer I had a class that started every morning at 9:30am. I woke up at 5am everyday and left my house at 7am. It would take me 50 minutes to get to my Park and Ride, where I could catch an Express Bus (a faster bus with less stops, only runs every hour and at peak times only) to campus. If I'm late, there is a city bus that runs every 20 minutes. The downside is it make a lot of stops and takes over an hour to get to campus; it also never fails that I fall asleep on it too. It works, but I want the Express bus.
Now the Park and Rides. The best Park and Ride is in Issaquah, it is closer to my house, and off the expressway. Also, when I can take the Express bus home, I miss all the rush hour traffic by being on the bus (woohoo). However, if the Express is not running when I need to leave campus, I have to park at a Park and Ride in Bellevue. Oh boy, the Bellevue Park and Ride. It abuts Bellevue College's campus (my alma mater). Recently they started charging for parking and many student find that by parking at the Park and Ride and walking to campus they avoid the fee (yes, I have complained). But for everyone else this means spaces are limited and parking garage etiquette is no longer existant. Basically, I have to treat my commute as a game of strategy and endurance.
My commute is not all bad. I have audiobooks, Howard Stern, and a lot of reading time (for homework mostly). It is mundane, tiresome, and unavoidable. I chuck it up as part of the all encompassing college experience. I have had the occasional hiccup in the past; stuck behind a bus, accident, slow and stupid people. However, today I spent 2 hours alone going a distance that usually take me 20 minutes. With a head cold forming and already missing my first class, I decided to give up and let "The Road" have one up on me. Not feeling well I felt this is the world telling me to get some rest. Yet, my guilt for cutting is urging me to post this in an effort to feel productive.
I think I will plan Thanksgiving dinner.
Ciao
Long story short, I am a 33, and finally finishing my undergraduate career. It has been a long time coming. You see, I was on the 12 year plan for my AAS, and to think about a bachelors degree seemed ludicrous. Alas, here I am, a history major with an art history minor, and a few quarters away from graduation (hopefully)
I have to leave for school 2-2 1/2 hours before class starts. I spend the first hour driving to one of two Park and Ride's, where I catch a bus (which varies on the time) that takes me to campus. Let me make clear, this is a one way commute.
Why so long? The University charges $15 a day to park (It is prorated, but still costly). There is street parking; however, it maxes out after 2 hours and not conducive to my schedule. In addition, the closest bridge that gets me to campus (there are two) is under construction and is now a toll bridge. The cost is dependent upon traffic and can be as high as $6 to cross. $21 a day to get to campus is too costly. Alas! With my tuition I get a free bus pass that is good on all forms of public transportation so long as school is in session. Needless to say my commute is strategic.
To paint a picture of the worst of it. Last summer I had a class that started every morning at 9:30am. I woke up at 5am everyday and left my house at 7am. It would take me 50 minutes to get to my Park and Ride, where I could catch an Express Bus (a faster bus with less stops, only runs every hour and at peak times only) to campus. If I'm late, there is a city bus that runs every 20 minutes. The downside is it make a lot of stops and takes over an hour to get to campus; it also never fails that I fall asleep on it too. It works, but I want the Express bus.
Now the Park and Rides. The best Park and Ride is in Issaquah, it is closer to my house, and off the expressway. Also, when I can take the Express bus home, I miss all the rush hour traffic by being on the bus (woohoo). However, if the Express is not running when I need to leave campus, I have to park at a Park and Ride in Bellevue. Oh boy, the Bellevue Park and Ride. It abuts Bellevue College's campus (my alma mater). Recently they started charging for parking and many student find that by parking at the Park and Ride and walking to campus they avoid the fee (yes, I have complained). But for everyone else this means spaces are limited and parking garage etiquette is no longer existant. Basically, I have to treat my commute as a game of strategy and endurance.
My commute is not all bad. I have audiobooks, Howard Stern, and a lot of reading time (for homework mostly). It is mundane, tiresome, and unavoidable. I chuck it up as part of the all encompassing college experience. I have had the occasional hiccup in the past; stuck behind a bus, accident, slow and stupid people. However, today I spent 2 hours alone going a distance that usually take me 20 minutes. With a head cold forming and already missing my first class, I decided to give up and let "The Road" have one up on me. Not feeling well I felt this is the world telling me to get some rest. Yet, my guilt for cutting is urging me to post this in an effort to feel productive.
I think I will plan Thanksgiving dinner.
Ciao
Friday, June 8, 2012
Where's the Cream Filling
This is just another blog stream dedicated to my cat, Gia. We adopted her almost three years ago. She had brought youth back into our house. She is unique feline, in that she growls, plays fetch, and does this stretchy thing that is uber adorable. Sorry cat lovers, but I do believe she is an amazing personality.
May I Introduce...Gia
Baby Gia
In her bed
Being Cute
In the Window
Sleeping with Caesar
Filling out her Bed
A Portrait
Sleeping
This is the bedinging, of one of her many intro's: "Where's the Cream Filling?"
Playing Fetch
Gia's Music Video
The DVR Vortex
I love the technology age. I am are not as gadget savvy as my husband, but I do cherish a flare for the latest and greatest when I can rationalize the purchase. Our DVR is one of these expenditures. With our often hectic and unpredictable schedules, we depend on our digital recorder regularly to catch up on shows we both enjoy and miss. Often pausing programs is an effort to predict the ending, or discuss the direction of plots. As a result, we often enjoy a good chuckle when we pause a show at a particular moment when the picture is less than flattering for the subject. This happens randomly enough, I wish to document these moments for my own (and hopefully your) enjoyment. Salud!
Yeah, yeah, a weak intro (for a blog post)
More always to come...
Can't remember what show this is from.
This is a "Cartman" face from South Park. Meh!
Yeah, yeah, a weak intro (for a blog post)
More always to come...
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Casa de Bailey
We decided on this particular house for the typical reasons; we liked the lay out, it had less stairs, and it was the perfect size. Moreover, it was important for me to keep my oversized brown couch at all costs (moving it on the other hand).
So our journey begins...
Let me set the stage: After the paperwork was signed and dated, we had three weeks to demo, renovate, pack our current place, and move. Once, we were allowed to occupy the house we went in and made a list of all the things that needed changing prior to us moving.
List:
Top to bottom paint (including painting the popcorn ceiling).
Remove/replace all molding and doors on the first and second floor.
Re-do the closets.
Tear out the carpet and replace it with Pergo.
Replace the previous, horribly done Pergo in the living room area.
I began tearing down the closets and Jon demo'd the carpet, moulding, door, and ceiling fixtures on the third floor. It is hard to see in the pictures, but the big thing about this house was that it needed an upgrade. Essentially, change the theme of the house. Now this is where I would like to insert the previous theme of the house when we bought it. I labeled it the "Under the Sea House" in reference to the Little Mermaid. Why you ask? Because, of the various 13 shade of green we discovered while demo-ing. Including, and not limited to Spartan Green in the guest room, and Hunter Green and Gold in the bathroom, oh yeah!
Bottoms Up!
So our journey begins...
Let me set the stage: After the paperwork was signed and dated, we had three weeks to demo, renovate, pack our current place, and move. Once, we were allowed to occupy the house we went in and made a list of all the things that needed changing prior to us moving.
List:
Top to bottom paint (including painting the popcorn ceiling).
Remove/replace all molding and doors on the first and second floor.
Re-do the closets.
Tear out the carpet and replace it with Pergo.
Replace the previous, horribly done Pergo in the living room area.
I began tearing down the closets and Jon demo'd the carpet, moulding, door, and ceiling fixtures on the third floor. It is hard to see in the pictures, but the big thing about this house was that it needed an upgrade. Essentially, change the theme of the house. Now this is where I would like to insert the previous theme of the house when we bought it. I labeled it the "Under the Sea House" in reference to the Little Mermaid. Why you ask? Because, of the various 13 shade of green we discovered while demo-ing. Including, and not limited to Spartan Green in the guest room, and Hunter Green and Gold in the bathroom, oh yeah!
Bottoms Up!
Under the Sea
*insert Sebastian*
Ah yes, the transition zone. What you see is the whirlpool of green. Including and not limited to a Pine Green, Spartan Green, Mint-Pastelish Green, and Olive Green. Not to mention the two other shades from the picture above
The Vantage Point - ?? shades of green
Live the almighty Spartan - green on green
The House
Center Stage
Before
During
After
Looking up
Looking Down
Looking Down - Lower Level
After 2
Guest Bathroom
Before
After 1
CLOSETS
Closet in Office/Bedroom 2
Before
After
Closet in Guest Room
Before
(Note 2 more shades of green, and Spartan Green under that)
During
After
Closet of the Master Bedroom
Before
After
Living/Dining Room
Living Room - Olive/Hunter Green
Before
Dining Room - Demo
During Demo
Painting
After Paint (and curtains)
Left Wall
Right Wall
Office
Office - Before
After
Bedroom
Before
Demo
During
I know this may sound odd, but to post a picture of my finished bedroom is a little creepy
Basement
Before
After
Kitchen
Before
During the demo
After
Battle Wounds
Post 13 hours of moving.
Before Painting
During
After
Finale
While taking on this sweet endeavor, we endured many "ouches", and many of "do'h". We didn't always measure twice and cut once, but in the end we conquered. Often times so deliriously tired, we suffered at the hand of exhaustion. I personally endured a dislocated finger, a small fracture; and at one point had the wonderful experience of knocking myself so hard in the nose, I saw and tasted blood. However he biggest pleasure of all was when I was given the complementary label of a "Spartan Wife" (thank you Allen, and to my husband for keeping the title alive). I am extremely proud of our accomplishment, we acquired an everlasting skill set as a result. Score!
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