I've missed New Haven, particularly the delectable Bar pizza I ate last night, but besides my family and a handful of friends, I don't miss Wallyworld at all. And I'm hoping when I leave my cold won't follow me back to LA.
Today is the last day of 2007. A good day for a wrap-up. I know I've promised a show on January 2, but it just may not happen. I've had some "technical difficulties" and have been working on borrowed computers and borrowed time. The winners will get some kind of show, but it may be belated and it will probably only be a script of the dream show I imagined. It's hard to bring your vision to life without a reliable crew.
Anyhow. It's been a pretty good year. I've traveled through about half of the United States, driving up and down the east coast twice, and across the country once. I've read a whole heap load of books (can't tell you exactly how many) but some of them were pretty great... I'll make a top ten list when I can get into my computer again. And the movies - well, they'll get their own nominations in the New Year. I like the wrap-ups and top ten lists, probably because I'm an argumentative person, and they always give me a chance to vehemently disagree.
I saw several movies this week: P.S. I Love You, Walk Hard, Sweeney Todd, and I Am Legend. None of these films really broke the mold, but they all had their moments of worth. You don't know, but this is supermagnanimous of me. I Am Legend had the good fortune of being carried on Will Smith's exceedingly capable shoulders. It's no 28 Days Later, but it's not entirely predictable (unless you've read the book), which you can't really say about the other holiday fare.
I'm not really going to do a breakdown of the films' qualities and downfalls. I will merely say that Paul Rudd's impersonation of John Lennon is worth the 10 dollar ticket and we are reminded that John C Reilly has one of the best singing voices in Hollywood, Sweeney has alot of fine things about it, particularly the acting, but the buckets of blood look like paint, and P.S. I Love You is vastly better than the superficial stupid book, but that's only because Gerard Butler and Jeffrey Dean Morgan could easily rule the world if the rest of the world were made up only of straight women and gay men. We would all happily be their slaves.
Just a head's up.
Also, my lack of pumpkin consumption in the last week has been a crime. A CRIME. Hopefully, this will be rectified in the new year.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
tragic day
Benazir Bhutto was a symbol of hope for Pakistan, and her death is a tragedy, so soon after returning to Pakistan after her long exile. I can't even talk about this. I'm so depressed about this. It's devastating.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve in LA; Christmas here
I tried to write a post from the airport the other night, but I got logged off the Internet (stupid T-Mobile). Long, long travel experience, and an even longer, sleepier Christmas Eve. And while it's two minutes from Christmas here in the winter wonderland that is southern Connecticut, it's still Christmas Eve in LA.
I'm guessing no miracles will happen to me in the next three hours, though.
I did finish Anansi Boys, rec'd to me by an ex-student. And a fine rec it was too. If you like books, read it. If you like spiders, or boys, or African legends, read it. If you like London or karaoke, read it. If you dislike violet, read it. Basically, you should just read it.
Watched No Reservations on the airplane. Ho hum. Though I didn't like Mostly Martha much either, and the people who loved MM hated No Reservations, so all I have to say is, Catherine Zeta-Jones is very pretty, and Abigail Breslin is probably going to be an odd-looking adult.
Have a merry Christmas.
I'm guessing no miracles will happen to me in the next three hours, though.
I did finish Anansi Boys, rec'd to me by an ex-student. And a fine rec it was too. If you like books, read it. If you like spiders, or boys, or African legends, read it. If you like London or karaoke, read it. If you dislike violet, read it. Basically, you should just read it.
Watched No Reservations on the airplane. Ho hum. Though I didn't like Mostly Martha much either, and the people who loved MM hated No Reservations, so all I have to say is, Catherine Zeta-Jones is very pretty, and Abigail Breslin is probably going to be an odd-looking adult.
Have a merry Christmas.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
sheer volume
Outlining and passion help. So does having nothing else to do. I've typed about 20 pages in the last 24 hours (written a bit more). For me, that's a lot.
I find it helps to write a section in another time or place and then rewrite it on my computer and not really look at what I wrote earlier. The writing the first time is just to get the dialogue and action down, so I don't forget the idea. When I get to my computer, the idea has had time to evolve and imprint itself in my brain. The bit that I wrote earlier almost always changes.
I'm a little over halfway done with the spec pilot for this drama miniseries I'm writing, and I know the exact story arcs for two parts, sort of the story arcs for two more parts, and am still outlining the fifth. It's actually really really exciting. I hope someday it gets made. It's going to have four acts (maybe five) and a teaser and probably six episodes. One for before the event (about 4 years), one for the beginning, two for the event, one for the end of the event, and one for an aftermath sort of thing (maybe to bookend, another 4 years after, not sure). Maybe only five episodes. I haven't really broken it down. But let me tell you - it will be great TV.
I find it helps to write a section in another time or place and then rewrite it on my computer and not really look at what I wrote earlier. The writing the first time is just to get the dialogue and action down, so I don't forget the idea. When I get to my computer, the idea has had time to evolve and imprint itself in my brain. The bit that I wrote earlier almost always changes.
I'm a little over halfway done with the spec pilot for this drama miniseries I'm writing, and I know the exact story arcs for two parts, sort of the story arcs for two more parts, and am still outlining the fifth. It's actually really really exciting. I hope someday it gets made. It's going to have four acts (maybe five) and a teaser and probably six episodes. One for before the event (about 4 years), one for the beginning, two for the event, one for the end of the event, and one for an aftermath sort of thing (maybe to bookend, another 4 years after, not sure). Maybe only five episodes. I haven't really broken it down. But let me tell you - it will be great TV.
OK, so
Dallas was never at the top of my list of places to move. And now it's at the bottom. Right above Yellowstone.
Of course, I pretty much live on an active fault line right now, soo...
Merry December 23rd!!!
Of course, I pretty much live on an active fault line right now, soo...
Merry December 23rd!!!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Discovery Channel
Having just watched the Supervolcano dramatization, which they then reassure us is an unlikely event in our lifetime, I am now going to watch Perfect Disaster, which might as well be called Supertornado, as it's a dramatization of major tornado hitting Dallas. Which is, in fact, an inevitability.
Joy.
You know the tornado is coming when the wind chimes start going crazy. And things aren't fine when people are running late but are supposedly fine.
Jeez.
Oh, hell. Fish.
Joy.
You know the tornado is coming when the wind chimes start going crazy. And things aren't fine when people are running late but are supposedly fine.
Jeez.
Oh, hell. Fish.
Well, this is embarrassing
So much of high school would have been better if my parents listened to decent music.
If you had asked me YESTERDAY if I liked Bush (the band), I would have shrugged my shoulders and said, "Don't think so," not because I had hear Bush and didn't like the music, but because I was fairly certain I had never even heard a Bush song.
And I would have been wrong because, in fact, I've probably heard "Glycerine," "Machinehead," and "Comedown" about a thousand times on the radio. And enjoyed listening to those songs. And can sing along with them. But I never realized who they were by, or even that they were older, established songs (as opposed to the new Seether song that's always on the radio), until literally five minutes ago.
I now understand why Gavin Rossdale is/was hot.
I hate that I've only really begun to cultivate an appreciation of 90s alt rock and grunge over the past couple of years. How I eventually started listening to the Smashing Pumpkins and Stone Temple Pilots years after their heyday causes me nearly as much shame as the above-mentioned anecdote.
I think I would have listened to them back in the 90s, but I was never exposed to it, and the guys in my high school who listened to those bands scared the crap out of me. So I figured grunge was something really badass that would just be guys screaming and revving chainsaws, like metal, but dirtier.
All I got at home was light pop and country, which I didn't particularly like, but I thought the only alternative was hard core rap and metal. I did manage to find the Sneaker Pimps in high school, but they're still a bit obscure, and while I liked Garbage, I never loved them. And then we have Radiohead - which I only realized wasn't the same things as Rage Against the Machine or Metallica a few years ago - despite owning the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack for a very, very long time.
On the plus side, I never liked Peter Cetera, even though I have his CD. Really, it's amazing I survived my mother's musical tastes.
My only pride is that I liked Remy Zero before anyone I know (including you, Zach Braff) and I have never regretted my love for U2, Oasis, or Motown. Or Seal even. Eminem, though, I think had maybe three decent songs that will manage to not be looked back on with disdain and considerable amounts of snark. Also, while Dave Matthews Band has several fine songs, the absolute obsession kids had with DMB (and several of my generation still do) is just disturbing.
OK, so if anyone would like to improve my catalog, please do make some suggestions. I've officially stopped being a snob because while Mahler, the Beatles and Lauryn Hill are nothing to be ashamed of, I have clearly missed some important music along the way. I still don't like metal, hard-core rap, or country that's not Johnny Cash. Please educate me in a post below.
Grazie.
If you had asked me YESTERDAY if I liked Bush (the band), I would have shrugged my shoulders and said, "Don't think so," not because I had hear Bush and didn't like the music, but because I was fairly certain I had never even heard a Bush song.
And I would have been wrong because, in fact, I've probably heard "Glycerine," "Machinehead," and "Comedown" about a thousand times on the radio. And enjoyed listening to those songs. And can sing along with them. But I never realized who they were by, or even that they were older, established songs (as opposed to the new Seether song that's always on the radio), until literally five minutes ago.
I now understand why Gavin Rossdale is/was hot.
I hate that I've only really begun to cultivate an appreciation of 90s alt rock and grunge over the past couple of years. How I eventually started listening to the Smashing Pumpkins and Stone Temple Pilots years after their heyday causes me nearly as much shame as the above-mentioned anecdote.
I think I would have listened to them back in the 90s, but I was never exposed to it, and the guys in my high school who listened to those bands scared the crap out of me. So I figured grunge was something really badass that would just be guys screaming and revving chainsaws, like metal, but dirtier.
All I got at home was light pop and country, which I didn't particularly like, but I thought the only alternative was hard core rap and metal. I did manage to find the Sneaker Pimps in high school, but they're still a bit obscure, and while I liked Garbage, I never loved them. And then we have Radiohead - which I only realized wasn't the same things as Rage Against the Machine or Metallica a few years ago - despite owning the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack for a very, very long time.
On the plus side, I never liked Peter Cetera, even though I have his CD. Really, it's amazing I survived my mother's musical tastes.
My only pride is that I liked Remy Zero before anyone I know (including you, Zach Braff) and I have never regretted my love for U2, Oasis, or Motown. Or Seal even. Eminem, though, I think had maybe three decent songs that will manage to not be looked back on with disdain and considerable amounts of snark. Also, while Dave Matthews Band has several fine songs, the absolute obsession kids had with DMB (and several of my generation still do) is just disturbing.
OK, so if anyone would like to improve my catalog, please do make some suggestions. I've officially stopped being a snob because while Mahler, the Beatles and Lauryn Hill are nothing to be ashamed of, I have clearly missed some important music along the way. I still don't like metal, hard-core rap, or country that's not Johnny Cash. Please educate me in a post below.
Grazie.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
SAG
I don't get SAG. Sure, I had problems with Atonement. But Saoirse Ronan should have been a lock, certainly over Ruby Dee. As should have Philip Seymour Hoffman for any and every movie he's been in this year (maybe, one Hoffman role hurt the other?). And where's Lost and FNL? What's with the Boston Legal obsession? And Tony Shalhoub's constant nominations?
Also, the leading man category for films just seems wrong, particularly Viggo's nod (is it because of the naked fight? is that going to be the new prerequisite for a SAG nod?). I have to see a few more movies before I can be sure, but I'm fairly certain it's just not right.
And, Hairspray? Really?
Also, the leading man category for films just seems wrong, particularly Viggo's nod (is it because of the naked fight? is that going to be the new prerequisite for a SAG nod?). I have to see a few more movies before I can be sure, but I'm fairly certain it's just not right.
And, Hairspray? Really?
Oo-de-lally, golly what a day!
Got a job, a real adult-person job! With health insurance and other brilliant benefits! And co-workers! Who seem super-nice! And it's closer to home! So not really any more money (what w/ taxes and all), but a cut in gas prices! And gas is cheaper in Burbank! Oo-de-lally!
Merry Christmas to me. I hope you get something nice this holiday, too.
Merry Christmas to me. I hope you get something nice this holiday, too.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
the EPA can eat me
The EPA decided California doesn't have the right to have a more stringent emissions policy than the rest of the nation.
According to the LA Times, "The Bush administration is moving forward with a clear national solution, not a confusing patchwork of state rules," EPA Administrator Johnson said.
This is funny. Really funny. Being a Republican is supposed to be about putting states' rights ahead of national rights. So if California wants to implement a stricter law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it should be able to. And it's allowed under the Clean Air Act.
The EPA and the Bush Administration should be ashamed. There's no way Johnson's ruling will hold up in Court. And they probably know that. They're just stalling to keep the auto industry happy. Douches.
According to the LA Times, "The Bush administration is moving forward with a clear national solution, not a confusing patchwork of state rules," EPA Administrator Johnson said.
This is funny. Really funny. Being a Republican is supposed to be about putting states' rights ahead of national rights. So if California wants to implement a stricter law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it should be able to. And it's allowed under the Clean Air Act.
The EPA and the Bush Administration should be ashamed. There's no way Johnson's ruling will hold up in Court. And they probably know that. They're just stalling to keep the auto industry happy. Douches.
Christian Scientists need a copy editor
There's a church of Christian Science near my work in the Palisades. Out front is a sign announcing the week's sermon topic, usually something pleasant like "Muslims are evil" or "why that whole 'give unto Caesar' thing is a total crock." This week's however is about knocking evolution and "atomic fource."
Maybe I'm being "snobby" and "anal," but if you're going to go head-to-head with the evolutionists and want to be taken seriously, learn how to spell first.
Maybe I'm being "snobby" and "anal," but if you're going to go head-to-head with the evolutionists and want to be taken seriously, learn how to spell first.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Best thing I did today
I was a busy bee today. Actually, I was a busy human being today. No bee could have survived the kind of day I had.
But the best part of my day. I bought cranberry juice.
I am addicted to cranberry juice, and when I went grocery shopping at Trader Joe's this blessed evening, I didn't buy any because I'm not a TJ Cra-J kinda gal. My numero uno is Nantucket Nectars, and, foregoing that, Ocean Spray Cranberry-Raspberry. The latter of which I just bought at Ralph's on the way home from a job interview.
I haven't had any to drink, but I am content knowing it's there, chilling in the frigidaire.
I blame my Cra-J addiction on Yale. As a Master's Aide, I often brought bottles of the cheap storebrand Cra-J from the back room of the master's house. The place was practically swimming in the stuff, and it was cheap, sweet, and yummy. Also, the dining halls always had Ocean spray Cra-J, which I often diluted with the Minute Maid (?) pink lemonade or some other red juice I can't remember. Delicious combination. Sometimes I added ginger ale of Sprite for good measure.
I miss Yale dining. The make-your-own waffles, the occasional chocolate chip scones (you had to hunt those mo-fos down), the Oreo dessert bars (truly horrid but an addiction), the grass-fed burgers, the decidedly not grass-fed chicken patties, the tri-color tortellini (always half-frozen, half scalding), and the ever-faithful salad bar.
I also miss Durfee's, which, when I was craving juice and couldn't break into the dining hall for the night (Master's Aides could thanks to key privileges), I would grab a raspberry lemonade from the Durf. I can never find that raspberry lemonade anymore (it was some kind of brandname "Twister" -- where have you gone, dream drink??!!) but I often think of it. If Durfee was closed, we went to Gourmet Heaven, which wasn't really heaven or gourmet, but I believe still has Joseph's delicious flax pitas, introduced me to Lorina sparkling lemonade (mmm) and is open at inhuman hours.
Yaaaaaaaale!!!!! I'm coming back to the Have soon, baby.
But the best part of my day. I bought cranberry juice.
I am addicted to cranberry juice, and when I went grocery shopping at Trader Joe's this blessed evening, I didn't buy any because I'm not a TJ Cra-J kinda gal. My numero uno is Nantucket Nectars, and, foregoing that, Ocean Spray Cranberry-Raspberry. The latter of which I just bought at Ralph's on the way home from a job interview.
I haven't had any to drink, but I am content knowing it's there, chilling in the frigidaire.
I blame my Cra-J addiction on Yale. As a Master's Aide, I often brought bottles of the cheap storebrand Cra-J from the back room of the master's house. The place was practically swimming in the stuff, and it was cheap, sweet, and yummy. Also, the dining halls always had Ocean spray Cra-J, which I often diluted with the Minute Maid (?) pink lemonade or some other red juice I can't remember. Delicious combination. Sometimes I added ginger ale of Sprite for good measure.
I miss Yale dining. The make-your-own waffles, the occasional chocolate chip scones (you had to hunt those mo-fos down), the Oreo dessert bars (truly horrid but an addiction), the grass-fed burgers, the decidedly not grass-fed chicken patties, the tri-color tortellini (always half-frozen, half scalding), and the ever-faithful salad bar.
I also miss Durfee's, which, when I was craving juice and couldn't break into the dining hall for the night (Master's Aides could thanks to key privileges), I would grab a raspberry lemonade from the Durf. I can never find that raspberry lemonade anymore (it was some kind of brandname "Twister" -- where have you gone, dream drink??!!) but I often think of it. If Durfee was closed, we went to Gourmet Heaven, which wasn't really heaven or gourmet, but I believe still has Joseph's delicious flax pitas, introduced me to Lorina sparkling lemonade (mmm) and is open at inhuman hours.
Yaaaaaaaale!!!!! I'm coming back to the Have soon, baby.
raindrops keep falling on LA
You may have noticed yesterday's comments on Charlie Wilson's War were cursory at best and didn't synopsize the movie (it's about Congressman Charlie Wilson using his infinite charm and wit to raise funding for Afghanis to kick Soviet ass) or act much in the way of a review.
Sorry.
It's frigging pouring in LA. Pouring. Angelenos don't know how to drive in the rain. Which is actually why traffic wasn't tooo bad tonight. No one left their homes, and presumably a good number of worker bees decided to spend the night in their offices.
Sorry.
It's frigging pouring in LA. Pouring. Angelenos don't know how to drive in the rain. Which is actually why traffic wasn't tooo bad tonight. No one left their homes, and presumably a good number of worker bees decided to spend the night in their offices.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Charlie Wilson's War
So, you're probably wondering, does Tom Hanks redeem himself after doing The Da Vinci Code? Does Aaron Sorkin redeem himself after Studio 60? Does Philip Seymour Hoffman continue to rock our argyle socks off? Is Emily Blunt's unnatural Southern tan (not to mention accent) distracting but not in a totally bad way?
The answer to all of the above is a resounding "You betcha."
But Julia Roberts is smugly herself in a role that doesn't ask for anything more. And the weird battle scenes are a mixture of yesterday's footage and some really odd video game massacre tech.
Aaron Sorkin provided some wise words tonight. Put two people together and have them argue. You'll be in a good place. Not a bad idea to have Bill Goldman be your mentor either (recognize, I'm only calling him Bill because Sorkin did, not because I'm disrespectful).
Also, you can (almost) always park on Genesee.
The answer to all of the above is a resounding "You betcha."
But Julia Roberts is smugly herself in a role that doesn't ask for anything more. And the weird battle scenes are a mixture of yesterday's footage and some really odd video game massacre tech.
Aaron Sorkin provided some wise words tonight. Put two people together and have them argue. You'll be in a good place. Not a bad idea to have Bill Goldman be your mentor either (recognize, I'm only calling him Bill because Sorkin did, not because I'm disrespectful).
Also, you can (almost) always park on Genesee.
ah, voting...
OK, so this is not a real awards thing of any kind, and I was just gonna kind of choose the winners myself. But the world changes, so if you'd like to vote, go ahead and post your picks in the comments of this or the previous post. You have til Christmas to vote, and you can't be anonymous.
You don't have to vote in all categories, but you can only vote once, and you can't write in a candidate. Not that I don't think there aren't loads of deserving nominees I didn't pick, but I only picked characters I had seen in TV series I had seen at least half a season of in the last year (sorry, HBO).
Uh, that's it.
Enjoy.
You don't have to vote in all categories, but you can only vote once, and you can't write in a candidate. Not that I don't think there aren't loads of deserving nominees I didn't pick, but I only picked characters I had seen in TV series I had seen at least half a season of in the last year (sorry, HBO).
Uh, that's it.
Enjoy.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
in which we announce our nominations for The First Annual Little Miss Nomad Ovations (or LMNOs) in Television
The winners (who don't actually win anything because I don't have a way of contacting and giving them anything, though I would be more than willing to construct some kind of art deco award should someone come forward) will be announced on January 2nd.
I've put Chuck is in both drama and comedy (consider the actors' primary roles) and Californication in comedy (even though it's pretty dark) because that's how the LMNOs work. Don't question the system, man.
The nominees for the year 2007 (anything airing from January through December 2007 on American TV or BBC America...)
Best Actor in a Comedic Role are:
Zachary Levi (Chuck)
Charlie Day (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia)
Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies)
Best Actress in a Comedic Role are:
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty)
Jordana Spiro (My Boys)
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies)
Jenna Fischer (The Office)
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedic Role
Jim Gaffigan (My Boys)
Hamish Linklater (The New Adventures of Old Christine)
Neil Patrick Harris (HIMYM)
Jack McBrayer (30 Rock)
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedic Role
Alyson Hannigan (HIMYM)
Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty)
Elizabeth Perkins (Weeds)
Judy Reyes (Scrubs)
Best Comedy
The Office
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
30 Rock
Ugly Betty
How I Met Your Mother
Aliens in America
Best Drama
Jekyll
Mad Men
Brothers & Sisters
Bones
Friday Night Lights
Lost
Best Actress in a Dramatic Role
Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck)
Emily Deschanel (Bones)
Glenn Close (Damages)
Calista Flockhart (Brothers & Sisters)
Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives)
Best Actor in a Dramatic Role
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Kyle Chandler (FNL)
Michael C Hall (Dexter)
James Nesbitt (Jekyll)
Hugh Laurie (House)
Best Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Role
Ted Danson (Damages)
Jesse Plemons (FNL)
Zach Gilford (FNL)
Jack Coleman (Heroes)
Zelijo Ivanek (Damages)
Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Role
Elizabeth Montgomery (Lost)
Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters)
Adrianne Palicki (FNL)
Connie Britton (FNL)
Rose Byrne (Damages)
Best TV Period
"The Gang Finds a Dumpster Baby" (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia)
Planet Earth
"Through the Looking Glass" (Lost)
Jekyll
Mad Men
Friday Night Lights
(I just noticed that my list is almost exclusively white. I apologize for that, but my list doesn't change.)
I've put Chuck is in both drama and comedy (consider the actors' primary roles) and Californication in comedy (even though it's pretty dark) because that's how the LMNOs work. Don't question the system, man.
The nominees for the year 2007 (anything airing from January through December 2007 on American TV or BBC America...)
Best Actor in a Comedic Role are:
Zachary Levi (Chuck)
Charlie Day (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia)
Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies)
Best Actress in a Comedic Role are:
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty)
Jordana Spiro (My Boys)
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies)
Jenna Fischer (The Office)
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedic Role
Jim Gaffigan (My Boys)
Hamish Linklater (The New Adventures of Old Christine)
Neil Patrick Harris (HIMYM)
Jack McBrayer (30 Rock)
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedic Role
Alyson Hannigan (HIMYM)
Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty)
Elizabeth Perkins (Weeds)
Judy Reyes (Scrubs)
Best Comedy
The Office
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
30 Rock
Ugly Betty
How I Met Your Mother
Aliens in America
Best Drama
Jekyll
Mad Men
Brothers & Sisters
Bones
Friday Night Lights
Lost
Best Actress in a Dramatic Role
Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck)
Emily Deschanel (Bones)
Glenn Close (Damages)
Calista Flockhart (Brothers & Sisters)
Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives)
Best Actor in a Dramatic Role
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Kyle Chandler (FNL)
Michael C Hall (Dexter)
James Nesbitt (Jekyll)
Hugh Laurie (House)
Best Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Role
Ted Danson (Damages)
Jesse Plemons (FNL)
Zach Gilford (FNL)
Jack Coleman (Heroes)
Zelijo Ivanek (Damages)
Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Role
Elizabeth Montgomery (Lost)
Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters)
Adrianne Palicki (FNL)
Connie Britton (FNL)
Rose Byrne (Damages)
Best TV Period
"The Gang Finds a Dumpster Baby" (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia)
Planet Earth
"Through the Looking Glass" (Lost)
Jekyll
Mad Men
Friday Night Lights
(I just noticed that my list is almost exclusively white. I apologize for that, but my list doesn't change.)
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
in which we make space travel look even more foreboding than usual
Traffic tonight was other-worldly.
If, of course, on another world, December 14th was a holiday on which cars congregated en masse on every possible inch of LA roadway to indulge in a trunk-fucking orgy the likes of which would even frighten Bacchus.
If, of course, on another world, December 14th was a holiday on which cars congregated en masse on every possible inch of LA roadway to indulge in a trunk-fucking orgy the likes of which would even frighten Bacchus.
UN Climate talks
I've been watching/reading about the progression of the Bali talks over the past few days, and I wish cudgeling in defense of the environment wasn't a crime.
This from the AP today.
"Trying to break the deadlock, the conference president, Indonesian Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar, proposed revised language dropping explicit mention of numbers while substituting a reference to a U.N. scientific report suggested the 25-40 percent range of cuts.
Witoelar's proposal provided a basis for a long-expected compromise, producing a relatively vague mandate for the two years of negotiations. As worded, his draft "Bali Roadmap" would not guarantee any level of binding commitment by any nation."
If it's not binding, then who's going to do it? You know, besides all the reasonable nations who are already on board, anyhow?
The other problem is LDCs. By giving China, Brazil, India, and most of Africa a break on following the same protocols as the wealthier nations, we're only hurting them. I understand incentives are being provided to encourage the LDCs to voluntarily curb the growth of their emissions. But if it's not in their short-term best financial interest, will they do it? America is certainly refusing.
I can't see the sense in making these reductions voluntary. If America doesn't do it, and it (excepting of course the several dozen cities that adopted the Kyoto protocol on their own) won't unless the UN makes us, why would developing countries do any differently? The only way to become a rich and powerful country is to mimic one. We're setting an amazingly bad example.
I love my grandmother but when I talk to her about things like how Uganda will be unable to grow coffee anymore if temperatures rise the 2 degrees they will in the next 50-80 years, she just mentions how she read a report 30 years ago that said Florida would be under water today. How depressing is it that the only way for some people to understand what we're dealing with is to wait until tragedy actually strikes, until Florida is completely underwater or whatever they need for PROOF. And by then it will be too late. And half the naysayers will be dead or certain that it was inevitable and not our fault.
The Europeans recognize that our government is self-serving and idiotic. Who do we think we are? Sovereignty is all well and good, but pollution knows no borders and what we do here can cause eco-chaos for the entire globe. Our environmental policy cannot be a national right, it has to be international. Or we're inviting war (eco-crises lead to reduction of essential resources and people will, by nature, form packs, defend what little they have, and take what others have by any means necessary).
Hell, Olympia Snowe, a Senator from Maine my grandparents support, thinks we have to step up and do the right thing here. But Bush isn't listening to his own party. And that means the EU may pack up their toys and go home, making the Honolulu MEMs in January all but pointless.
I can't friggin wait until we get a new executive branch. I hope the next president has the good sense to make Al in charge of all future US environmental policy. I would.
This from the AP today.
"Trying to break the deadlock, the conference president, Indonesian Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar, proposed revised language dropping explicit mention of numbers while substituting a reference to a U.N. scientific report suggested the 25-40 percent range of cuts.
Witoelar's proposal provided a basis for a long-expected compromise, producing a relatively vague mandate for the two years of negotiations. As worded, his draft "Bali Roadmap" would not guarantee any level of binding commitment by any nation."
If it's not binding, then who's going to do it? You know, besides all the reasonable nations who are already on board, anyhow?
The other problem is LDCs. By giving China, Brazil, India, and most of Africa a break on following the same protocols as the wealthier nations, we're only hurting them. I understand incentives are being provided to encourage the LDCs to voluntarily curb the growth of their emissions. But if it's not in their short-term best financial interest, will they do it? America is certainly refusing.
I can't see the sense in making these reductions voluntary. If America doesn't do it, and it (excepting of course the several dozen cities that adopted the Kyoto protocol on their own) won't unless the UN makes us, why would developing countries do any differently? The only way to become a rich and powerful country is to mimic one. We're setting an amazingly bad example.
I love my grandmother but when I talk to her about things like how Uganda will be unable to grow coffee anymore if temperatures rise the 2 degrees they will in the next 50-80 years, she just mentions how she read a report 30 years ago that said Florida would be under water today. How depressing is it that the only way for some people to understand what we're dealing with is to wait until tragedy actually strikes, until Florida is completely underwater or whatever they need for PROOF. And by then it will be too late. And half the naysayers will be dead or certain that it was inevitable and not our fault.
The Europeans recognize that our government is self-serving and idiotic. Who do we think we are? Sovereignty is all well and good, but pollution knows no borders and what we do here can cause eco-chaos for the entire globe. Our environmental policy cannot be a national right, it has to be international. Or we're inviting war (eco-crises lead to reduction of essential resources and people will, by nature, form packs, defend what little they have, and take what others have by any means necessary).
Hell, Olympia Snowe, a Senator from Maine my grandparents support, thinks we have to step up and do the right thing here. But Bush isn't listening to his own party. And that means the EU may pack up their toys and go home, making the Honolulu MEMs in January all but pointless.
I can't friggin wait until we get a new executive branch. I hope the next president has the good sense to make Al in charge of all future US environmental policy. I would.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Columbus Circle
The holiday market is, I'm sure, in full swing. And I wonder if that booth that sells nothing but truffles is still there? I've never had such delicious chocolates. If anyone knows if they're still around and wants to send me some, just drop me a line.
I hear 15 CPW is finally opening stores. I remember nothing but construction there through Christmas of last year. I'm a bit disappointed they've decided to take the Best Buy route. We're talking the Lincoln Center neighborhood! Open up some better restaurants, why don't you? Or something to compliment the YMCA around the corner. A child-friendly place in Columbus Circle/Lincoln Center is sorely lacking, which is strange, since there are a ton of kids in the area.
I miss NYC just a wee bit.
I hear 15 CPW is finally opening stores. I remember nothing but construction there through Christmas of last year. I'm a bit disappointed they've decided to take the Best Buy route. We're talking the Lincoln Center neighborhood! Open up some better restaurants, why don't you? Or something to compliment the YMCA around the corner. A child-friendly place in Columbus Circle/Lincoln Center is sorely lacking, which is strange, since there are a ton of kids in the area.
I miss NYC just a wee bit.
Ben Lee
I'd just like to say thanks to the fine people at Metromix, who deemed my email ravings about how I never get to go out (screenings don't count) and love "Cigarettes Will Kill You" worthy of two free tickets to last night's show at the El Rey and a copy of his new CD.
I like the El Rey. It's small, but not The Bitter End small. Cary Brothers and some girl from One Tree Hill, who was trying way too hard, opened the show. I like Cary, though...
Ben Lee was brilliant. Great showman, practically bleeding funny, self-deprecating, elfin charm. I felt not a bit self-conscious about my hair. He didn't sing the song I love, but he did "Gamble Everything for Love," "Catch My Disease," "We're All in This Together," "Float On," a funny song from his new album called "What Would Jay-Z Do," "Sex Without Love," and "American Television," which he dedicated, quite rightly, to Alan Thicke. He also did this hilarious riff on Snakes on a Plane and happened to mention How I Met Your Mother, one of the DVDs on his bus that he had watched (they finished all the DVDs and had no choice but to watch the Sam Jackson madness), which was funny because Josh Radnor was in the crowd - second time I've seen him since moving to LA. Man has over-sized features perfect for actors. Cute but a little... doll-like? It's weird.
Anyhow, I'm going to stop mentioning celeb sightings soon. Real soon. What was weird, though, was this 6 degrees of separation thing going on. Ben mentioned Josh's show. Did he know he was there? Maybe they know each other through Mandy Moore, who duets on one of Ben's songs on "Ripe" and guested on HIMYM. Also, hanging out with Josh - Busy Phillips, who was on Freaks & Geeks with Jason Segel from HIMYM. Jason wasn't there (I don't think), but I couldn't help but think about the connections.
And that's it. Unless I hook up with *y** ****ing or get a job in the biz, I'm not going to bore you with anymore celeb crap.
From now on it's just books, travel, writing thoughts, reviews, and self-therapy. Ain't you lucky?
I like the El Rey. It's small, but not The Bitter End small. Cary Brothers and some girl from One Tree Hill, who was trying way too hard, opened the show. I like Cary, though...
Ben Lee was brilliant. Great showman, practically bleeding funny, self-deprecating, elfin charm. I felt not a bit self-conscious about my hair. He didn't sing the song I love, but he did "Gamble Everything for Love," "Catch My Disease," "We're All in This Together," "Float On," a funny song from his new album called "What Would Jay-Z Do," "Sex Without Love," and "American Television," which he dedicated, quite rightly, to Alan Thicke. He also did this hilarious riff on Snakes on a Plane and happened to mention How I Met Your Mother, one of the DVDs on his bus that he had watched (they finished all the DVDs and had no choice but to watch the Sam Jackson madness), which was funny because Josh Radnor was in the crowd - second time I've seen him since moving to LA. Man has over-sized features perfect for actors. Cute but a little... doll-like? It's weird.
Anyhow, I'm going to stop mentioning celeb sightings soon. Real soon. What was weird, though, was this 6 degrees of separation thing going on. Ben mentioned Josh's show. Did he know he was there? Maybe they know each other through Mandy Moore, who duets on one of Ben's songs on "Ripe" and guested on HIMYM. Also, hanging out with Josh - Busy Phillips, who was on Freaks & Geeks with Jason Segel from HIMYM. Jason wasn't there (I don't think), but I couldn't help but think about the connections.
And that's it. Unless I hook up with *y** ****ing or get a job in the biz, I'm not going to bore you with anymore celeb crap.
From now on it's just books, travel, writing thoughts, reviews, and self-therapy. Ain't you lucky?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
if you want to see Arctic ice, better head north now
Read here. I hope there's some kind of Dark Ages torture for all the idiots and villains who continue to deny the existence of global warming and that our actions can help or hinder the planet.
very happening day
An eventful few hours after weeks of eventlessness.
Went to Palisades early b/c I was supposed to do some Current work in Venice in the afternoon. Boss decided to go on CNN instead. So I decided to do some Christmas shopping to kill time before my date. Bought gifts for my stepdad and sister and some cupcakes at Sprinkles.
Then I went to Little Ethiopia and sat outside a Starbucks on Olympia and Fairfax to do some outlining for a project I'm doing, and just as I finish writing this accident scene, a cop car comes wailing down Fairfax and someone speeding down Olympia, and I could see the accident before it even happened. They slammed into each other and the cop car was going so fast, it hit another two cars in oncoming traffic that had stopped. All about 20 feet from where I was. The cop and the latter two cars' drivers seemed not too badly hurt, and I didn't realize the guy in the first car was still in there until the paramedics came, and I remembered I have First Aid training and should have offered my services. Luckily, the ambulance came pretty damn quickly.
Then my friend finally came and we went to a restaurant where I saw an old editor of mine from Yale, who I only just realized lives in LA like two days ago.
Then went to the Grove in hopes of seeing some fake snow. Just saw Katie Holmes and Suri instead.
Also, have new job prospects.
Went to Palisades early b/c I was supposed to do some Current work in Venice in the afternoon. Boss decided to go on CNN instead. So I decided to do some Christmas shopping to kill time before my date. Bought gifts for my stepdad and sister and some cupcakes at Sprinkles.
Then I went to Little Ethiopia and sat outside a Starbucks on Olympia and Fairfax to do some outlining for a project I'm doing, and just as I finish writing this accident scene, a cop car comes wailing down Fairfax and someone speeding down Olympia, and I could see the accident before it even happened. They slammed into each other and the cop car was going so fast, it hit another two cars in oncoming traffic that had stopped. All about 20 feet from where I was. The cop and the latter two cars' drivers seemed not too badly hurt, and I didn't realize the guy in the first car was still in there until the paramedics came, and I remembered I have First Aid training and should have offered my services. Luckily, the ambulance came pretty damn quickly.
Then my friend finally came and we went to a restaurant where I saw an old editor of mine from Yale, who I only just realized lives in LA like two days ago.
Then went to the Grove in hopes of seeing some fake snow. Just saw Katie Holmes and Suri instead.
Also, have new job prospects.
Com or Org - You Decide
The WGA-ers with nothing to do besides massage their aching leg muscles have created amptp.com, not to be confused with amptp.org.
I suggest you check out both. If only the AMPTP could spoof the WGA - well, that's like saying, if only dogs could be dentists.
Atonement is very, very pretty.
I suggest you check out both. If only the AMPTP could spoof the WGA - well, that's like saying, if only dogs could be dentists.
Atonement is very, very pretty.
Monday, December 10, 2007
strange daze
It's been a strange weekend. Productive in parts. Inspiring and devastating at the same time. Christmas always makes me nervous because I can't be happy about something that is annually impermanent. Where's the joy in that? And that's why I have trouble with things that are good but must end. And everything ends.
OK, I was going to go on with that for a bit, but that's too personal, and I already know I'm going to regret this blog someday.
Tomorrow (or I guess today) I commence with a new writing project about which I am very excited, though I kind of wish I had a good drama writing partner to help me because it's going to be, dare I say it, epic. And awesome. Hopefully.
Finished crap Irish romance and am now onto better stuff. Crap Irish romance is really abysmal in terms of prose style, crap characters, and uninteresting plotting (for the most part, though to be fair there are some decent bits), but I'm still probably going to go see the movie.
I'm a girl. What do you want?
Finished Once and Again. Am savagely depressed. Partly because there's no more, mostly because I really enjoyed Julia Whelan and Eric Stoltz, and they didn't get nearly enough time together. And neither have done much since. Frick, man.
Saw 3:10 to Yuma. Crowe's a cad, and Bale's brilliant. Fun had by all. Then saw Christian Bale in the flesh. I think he's a Santa Monica resident, God bless him, and he came to the marathon at the Aero. Funny and smart in person and dealt graciously with the obsessive fandom (the guy next to me was a Christian fundamentalist in the bad pun sense of the term) and typical stupid questions. I stopped myself from asking if he was going to follow up Terminator with Rambo or RoboCop.
Santa Monica has Joe's Pizza. Thank the Western gods.
Worked hard today on project but may have not done such a great job. Will find out not too long from now. Cross your punchy little fingers...
And good night.
OK, I was going to go on with that for a bit, but that's too personal, and I already know I'm going to regret this blog someday.
Tomorrow (or I guess today) I commence with a new writing project about which I am very excited, though I kind of wish I had a good drama writing partner to help me because it's going to be, dare I say it, epic. And awesome. Hopefully.
Finished crap Irish romance and am now onto better stuff. Crap Irish romance is really abysmal in terms of prose style, crap characters, and uninteresting plotting (for the most part, though to be fair there are some decent bits), but I'm still probably going to go see the movie.
I'm a girl. What do you want?
Finished Once and Again. Am savagely depressed. Partly because there's no more, mostly because I really enjoyed Julia Whelan and Eric Stoltz, and they didn't get nearly enough time together. And neither have done much since. Frick, man.
Saw 3:10 to Yuma. Crowe's a cad, and Bale's brilliant. Fun had by all. Then saw Christian Bale in the flesh. I think he's a Santa Monica resident, God bless him, and he came to the marathon at the Aero. Funny and smart in person and dealt graciously with the obsessive fandom (the guy next to me was a Christian fundamentalist in the bad pun sense of the term) and typical stupid questions. I stopped myself from asking if he was going to follow up Terminator with Rambo or RoboCop.
Santa Monica has Joe's Pizza. Thank the Western gods.
Worked hard today on project but may have not done such a great job. Will find out not too long from now. Cross your punchy little fingers...
And good night.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
you'd be furious, too
This little blurb is from the Creative Screenwriting Magazine bulletin.
"Dec. 4-The summer blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is released on DVD. If it does as well as Dead Man's Chest (which had almost $5 million in sales its first day on the shelves), long-time Pirates scribes Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio can expect a little less than $6,700 in writing residuals under the current system."
"Dec. 4-The summer blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is released on DVD. If it does as well as Dead Man's Chest (which had almost $5 million in sales its first day on the shelves), long-time Pirates scribes Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio can expect a little less than $6,700 in writing residuals under the current system."
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Elliott Gould just got really old
He was in a retirement home fight club on Private Practice.
While I have no desire to go on welfare, I wouldn't mind being on the dole.
Also, I need to drink more water.
While I have no desire to go on welfare, I wouldn't mind being on the dole.
Also, I need to drink more water.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
strange things happening
I had a vicious migraine yesterday, so much so that when I tried to eat food, my skull felt like it was actually constricting and I had to stop.
It might come back. I think I'm spending too much time on this here computer thingy.
Strangeness: I have yet to meet a real live person who loved No Country for Old Men as much as I do. Who loves it despite its obvious flaws. And Tommy Lee Jones being the same guy he always is.
I don't really understand this.
And I have a horrid feeling that these same people are going to love Juno.
Maybe it's a matter of tone - what rings false to some rings true to others. I don't know.
I am pleased to hear Katie Heigl doesn't love Knocked Up. Because as great as Judd Apatow is, he doesn't do much for women in comedy. Leslie Mann's excellent in that movie, but even her best scene isn't about her, it's about the doorman. In his movies, we're the "straight men" or the shrews. We don't get to be funny. Or very interesting for that matter. It's ok, though. If Shakespeare was allowed to create less than awesome female characters, I guess Judd can too.
I say this, of course, having just dissed Juno. But I'm not being hypocritical. I'm almost certain!
Great joke I came up with this morning, but I don't have a story to put it in, so I'm throwing it into the Intervoid.
Guy: "Do I look like someone who prejudges a person based on appearances?"
It might take a minute to get. Which is why I'm not sure it can ever be used in TV - or anywhere. But it's smart... ish.
I had another joke, but I'm having trouble wording it. It goes (kinda) like this:
Little girl: What's a Thunderbird?
Twenty-somthing hipster boy: Something a Thundercat eats for breakfast.
That's gotta been done, right? No?
I'm lonely. Gonna go read garbage Irish chick lit (and then, when that's done, Proust).
It might come back. I think I'm spending too much time on this here computer thingy.
Strangeness: I have yet to meet a real live person who loved No Country for Old Men as much as I do. Who loves it despite its obvious flaws. And Tommy Lee Jones being the same guy he always is.
I don't really understand this.
And I have a horrid feeling that these same people are going to love Juno.
Maybe it's a matter of tone - what rings false to some rings true to others. I don't know.
I am pleased to hear Katie Heigl doesn't love Knocked Up. Because as great as Judd Apatow is, he doesn't do much for women in comedy. Leslie Mann's excellent in that movie, but even her best scene isn't about her, it's about the doorman. In his movies, we're the "straight men" or the shrews. We don't get to be funny. Or very interesting for that matter. It's ok, though. If Shakespeare was allowed to create less than awesome female characters, I guess Judd can too.
I say this, of course, having just dissed Juno. But I'm not being hypocritical. I'm almost certain!
Great joke I came up with this morning, but I don't have a story to put it in, so I'm throwing it into the Intervoid.
Guy: "Do I look like someone who prejudges a person based on appearances?"
It might take a minute to get. Which is why I'm not sure it can ever be used in TV - or anywhere. But it's smart... ish.
I had another joke, but I'm having trouble wording it. It goes (kinda) like this:
Little girl: What's a Thunderbird?
Twenty-somthing hipster boy: Something a Thundercat eats for breakfast.
That's gotta been done, right? No?
I'm lonely. Gonna go read garbage Irish chick lit (and then, when that's done, Proust).
Monday, December 3, 2007
quotishna
Great quote.
Aliens in America
"Say what you will about military dictatorships, at least we're consistent." - Raja
Aliens in America
"Say what you will about military dictatorships, at least we're consistent." - Raja
First, the good news...
My pilot "Lucy Moreau: World-Famous Explorer" was a semi-finalist at Slamdance. Hooray! Not bad for my first spec pilot ever.
Bad news... the finalists were announced today, and I'm not one. I'm not surprised. I reread what I submitted them, and it was a horror of structural troubles. So no Park City, Utah this year. It's all good now, but I rushed it off too quickly right after moving to LA. Live and learn.
Maybe next year.
Bad news... the finalists were announced today, and I'm not one. I'm not surprised. I reread what I submitted them, and it was a horror of structural troubles. So no Park City, Utah this year. It's all good now, but I rushed it off too quickly right after moving to LA. Live and learn.
Maybe next year.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
my crazy Christmas list
This is what I would like for Christmas:
a waffle iron
waffles not to have calories, like celery, or celery to taste like waffles
an egg separator (apparently you're not supposed to do it w/ egg shells b/c of bacteria -- oops)
my feet not to get cold
my hair to make a similarly stunning transformation as Ashley Tisdale's did from Once and Again to now
to forget I know who Ashley Tisdale is
stuff to do with my career, health, my personal life and global warming
a bed frame complete with a mattress that isn't too short for me
the writers' strike to be over and the writers' asses to be all chapped from all the kissing from suddenly enlightened and apologetic producers
a little enlightenment of my own
maybe some Proust?
sex
a waffle iron
waffles not to have calories, like celery, or celery to taste like waffles
an egg separator (apparently you're not supposed to do it w/ egg shells b/c of bacteria -- oops)
my feet not to get cold
my hair to make a similarly stunning transformation as Ashley Tisdale's did from Once and Again to now
to forget I know who Ashley Tisdale is
stuff to do with my career, health, my personal life and global warming
a bed frame complete with a mattress that isn't too short for me
the writers' strike to be over and the writers' asses to be all chapped from all the kissing from suddenly enlightened and apologetic producers
a little enlightenment of my own
maybe some Proust?
sex
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