Happiness is Having a Hickey!

There you have it folks. The secret to a happy life declared on a license plate frame I saw today.

Ahhh, the pain and suffering I could have avoided all of these years. If only I had known.

A Man for All Seasons

"When Henry VIII (Robert Shaw) seeks approval from the aristocracy to divorce his wife and marry Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More (Paul Scofield) finds himself caught between a murderous king and the powerful Roman Catholic Church. Richly crafted with spectacular period details and a fine supporting cast, director Paul Zinnemann's drama swept the Oscars for 1966, winning six golden statuettes, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director."

I would say for the average, non-history-nerd, it might be pretty boring. However, as the European history lover that I am, I really enjoyed this film. Last summer I read an historical fiction that dug into the life and perspective of Anne Boleyn (some true, some creative interpretations, but well researched). And also having covered England's break from the Catholic Church in AP Euro, I knew quite a bit around the story of Henry VIII. An aspect of the period that I was not fully clear on was the experience of Sir Thomas More. This film does an excellent job of depicting the pressures, difficult choices, and ultimately fatal stance of this man of the church. Bottom line, if you have any interest in this period and controversy, this film does a really good job of conveying the story.

Rating: * * * *

Manon Lescaut

"In one of Puccini’s first great works that led to La Bohéme and Madama Butterfly, the delectable Manon elopes to Paris with the Chevalier des Grieux, but soon leaves him to become the mistress of the wealthy but lecherous Geronte. Nostalgic for true love, she resolves to return to des Grieux, but not before swiping all the jewelry Geronte had lavished upon her. Caught in the act, she is convicted of theft and banished to the far-off and desolate land of Louisiana where her first love seeks to reclaim her."

So slight deviation from my standard review, but last night instead of watching another movie I took some of my students to the Fresno Grand Opera at William Saroyan Theater. I had never been to the opera and was very unsure of how I would like it. To be honest, I was not loving it throughout the first act. It was a bit hard to follow, and it is hard to buy in when the plot is unclear. However, once it got to the next act it definitely picked up. The story was much clearer, and even humorous at times. The vocal range of the performers was truly amazing even if the sound isn't my favorite. I think I really enjoyed the orchestra the most. The emotion that the music was able to portray and evoke was really beautiful. I would not go so far as to say that the opera is my favorite performance art, but I would definitely like to go back and see another.

The kids had very mixed responses, but they all appreciated it, which was the goal. I was very proud of how they behaved and were mature in their assessment of the production regardless of their personal feelings about it.

Rating: * * * (I think but I have nothing to compare it to)

Volver

"Written and directed by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, this humorous fantasy stars Carmen Maura as Abuela Irene, who revisits her hometown in the La Mancha region -- in spectral form -- to resolve problems she couldn't settle during her life. Abuela's spirit gradually becomes a reassuring presence to her daughters (Penélope Cruz, in an Oscar-nominated performance, and Lola Dueñas) and granddaughter (Yohana Cobo)."

This movie was fantastic! I CAN do subtitles when the film is captivating, and this one really was. I honestly didn't move from the tv for the entire 2 hours. There are so many great little mini stories that are woven together to form the larger story of three generations of women in a Spanish family. I found it unpredictable and refreshing. I didn't even realize that I was reading the subtitles I was that engaged. Seriously recommend this one!

Rating: * * * * *

La Dolce Vita

"Federico Fellini's lush and intoxicating masterpiece, La Dolce Vita, is a meditation on the meaning of life and love and stars Marcello Mastroianni as Marcello, a gossip writer who seeks the fleeting excesses and decadence of life and sex. He sleeps with the beautiful Maddalena (Anouk Aimee), alienating and driving his lover, Emma (Yvonne Furneaux), to suicide. When he meets an elusive actress, Sylvia (Anita Ekberg), he dives deep into the abyss."

This movie is possibly a very creative work of art. As I watched much of it I wanted to better understand the deeper underlying themes. Unfortunately I was not able to stick through 2 hours and 50 minutes of quick Italian subtitles. I tried to get through this film throughout this last week and I have finally decided to throw in the towel. I may try again sometime as this movie seemed to have some redeeming qualities, but the subtitles were too much for my eyes and attention span at the present moment.

Rating: Incomplete, but I would guess * * *

Chariots of Fire

"Fueled by disparate desires, long-distance runners Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) and Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) face off in a quest to bring Olympic glory to Great Britain. Liddell -- a staunch Christian -- seeks victory as a tribute to God, while Jewish student Abrahams views winning as a repudiation of anti-Semitism. A riveting drama based on a true story, Chariots of Fire won the 1981 Academy Award for Best Picture."

Maybe I wasn't in the right mood, maybe I should have watched it on a bigger screen, or maybe this was just a really boring movie. The story that it is based on sounds "riveting" but the film was not. I didn't care about the characters, I didn't understand their relationships, and the impassioned pursuit for victory for their different causes were lost on me. I didn't care. And the song that I once thought was a classic now gets on my nerves.

Rating: * *

p.s. the British accents didn't even help!

Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam

"The gamut of emotion experienced by Vietnam veterans is strikingly captured in filmmaker Bill Couturie's poignant documentary, which features a host of celebrated actors -- including Robert DeNiro and Sean Penn -- reciting selected correspondence from American participants in the conflict. Set to a 1960s soundtrack and accompanied by news footage, still photos and home movies, these readings create an honest snapshot of a tumultuous time."

This is a great documentary that I have seen a few times before but rented to show to my World History class. It does a great job of showing all aspects of the American experience: good, bad, and ugly. It is organized in a fast paced entertaining way with the reading selections and video clips partnered with the great music. However, what makes it even better is that around the micro-focused letters the bigger story of the war is told through news footage, statistics, and film clips. If you are at all curious as to the American experience in Vietnam but don't feel like picking up a book, this film really does a great job. Possibly even better at depicting the experience because it attacks most of your senses rather than just spouting facts.

Rating: * * * * *

To Kill A Mockingbird

"Southern comforts abound in this classic adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Gregory Peck won an oscar for his role as Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer who takes on the task of defending an innocent black man against rape charges, only to wind up in a maelstrom of hate and prejudice that threatens to invade the lives of his children Jem and Scout."

I loved this movie. I don't really know what I expected, but it was better than that. Obviously I enjoyed it for all of the important moral and social issues that are prevelent in this Depression era setting. However beyond that I loved how the story was told through the eyes of Atticus's children, untainted by the prejudice of the world around them. It really is a great piece with depth that I am certain that I missed. I loved how his children called his Atticus rather than dad or pa. I am now very interested to read the book to pick up the relevance of all of these nuances that make this such an interesting story and not just a social critique. Needless to say, I highly recommend seeing the film, reading the book, or both!

This movie made me shed a tear, which doesn't happen often, and is a clear mark of a good film.

Rating: * * * * *

Waking Ned Devine

"How can dead Irishman Ned Devine collect his lottery winnings? Well, longtime cronies Jackie O'Shea and Michael O'Sullivan have the answer. After discovering that Ned croaked from the shock of hitting the jackpot, Jackie and Michael mastermind a scheme to impersonate the lucky stiff and collect his prize money. Now all they need to do is persuade the rest of Tulaign Mohr's denizens to go along."

Continuing my Irish themed movie night, I watched this geriatric comedy. Perhaps it is the multiple generation gaps, but despite the lovely accents, music, and funny old Irish men, I could not get into this movie. Not a horrible film, just couldn't keep my attention.

Note: If you do feel inclined to hang out with these Irish grandparents, I'd recommend you use the subtitles to catch it all.

Rating: * * *

The Magdalene Sisters

"This unflinching drama charts several years in the young lives of four "fallen women" who were rejected by their families and abandoned to the mercy of the Catholic Church in 1960s Ireland. While women's liberation sweeps the globe, these women are stripped of their liberty and dignity and condemned to indefinite servitude in the Magdalene Laundries, so that they may atone for their 'sins'."

My first movie choice was inspired by my upcoming trip to Ireland. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. This true story was extremely heavy but well done and educational. The film starts by introducing the three main women in their lives before they were sent to the Laundry. The first is sent off by her father because she was raped. The second was sent for being flirtatious and vain (she was seen as a temptress). And the third was sent after giving birth to a son out of wedlock. The film then follows their experience for over four years in this church run laundry. Throughout the film, the cruelty of some of the nuns and the unholy behavior of the clergy are exposed.

I believe this is definitely a film to see, but be prepared for some pretty heavy and disturbing material.

Rating: * * * *

Gonna Try This Again

I have been out of the blogging loop after my short return not because of busy-ness but rather because I don't often feel I have much to talk about. However, I had an idea. I just signed up for NetFlix after Kasey and I decided to cancel HBO. I have a list going of over 150 movies that I will be watching in the coming months. Many of these movies are know but there are others that are more obscure. So my new blog focus will be my thoughts on the films that I see. I will also continue to blog about other new, but seeing as I haven't blogged in nearly a month, I figure this is at least a little more consistent. And who knows, I might introduce you to something you haven't seen or heard of.

Rating System:

* * * * * Must see! I love, love, loved it!
* * * * Good film. You should see it, but don't rush to Blockbuster right this minute.
* * * Ehh. It wasn't a total waste of time. There were redeemable moments, but all in all, I could take it or leave it.
* * Not the worst, but I wouldn't waste my time if I were you. My wasted time was enough.
* Don't even bother reading this post... it was THAT bad.

Sudden Changes

"Sudden changes surround me. Lady luck came and found me. Thanks a million for making the magic you do."

- Seymour Krelborn, Little Shop of Horrors

Yes I am a nerd... but I embrace it! The last two days have been overwhelming with incredibly positive developements in my life. Let's begin with the fact that I have finally settled with the insurance company regarding my car accident that was almost three years ago. However because of my needed surgery and such, the final amount was fairly substantial and I am now in the process of looking to buy a house because I now have a decent down payment. Sudden Change #1: I am a soon to be home owner.

Next, I was approached by the guy in charge of the drama program inquiring about my interest in taking over SHS's drama program, as he wants to move into the film studios department. To this I was flattered but apprehensive because of the serious amount of work that the job requires. Sudden Change #2: I was being considered to take over the drama program!

Now, I had been pondering in what capacity I was interested in the program and what I would be willing to do. I had decided that I would take the program on if there was another person to share it with. As soon as I decided this, I received a phone call from an old high school drama friend, saying that he had interviewed for a job teaching social studies at Sanger High. Voila! The perfect other person to share the job with. Being that I love my AP Euro class I was not willing to give up social studies entirely. Sudden Change #3: A prefect drama program partner interviewed at SHS!

All of this sounded great in my head, but ow could I possibly get this to work for the administration? Well yesterday our principal came in to talk to me about my interest in the program. I explained to him that I am very interested but was not willing to take it on alone. I also explained that I wanted to continue to teach AP Euro. His automatic sollution: Well we'll have to get Justin (high school drama friend) out here then and have you two split it. Sudden Change #4: Principal fell right into my plan!

This morning my principal came in to tell me that Justin was coming in for a meeting and he wanted me there so we could work out all the details. He also told me that he is going to have them fix up the theatre at the old high school so we have a real theater to use. Sudden Change #5: SHS is taking drama seriously and I am possibly going to be leading the program!!!

Anyway, that is it for now. Lots to still be decided and made official, but pretty darn exciting. It is amazing how things have changed since last year's plan to join the Peace Corps.

Who knows, by next school year I might be teaching my two favorite things (AP Euro and drama), heading up the drama program in a revamped cool old theater, and living in my own home!!!

Quotable Females?

Today my department chair was telling me of a conversation that he had with his class while they were studying pop culture during the Great Depression. He was explaining some of the movies of the time and shared with them some quotes from movies that they would recognize. All of the quotes that he came up with were from actors, no actresses.

"rosebud."

"Frankly Scarlett, I don't give a damn."

"You dirty rat!"

And then he went on to discuss more recent quotables, and all still seemed to be male.

"Show me the money!"

"I'll be back."

"Life is like a box of chocolates..."

"Say hello to my little friend."

Now I think that he is just more familiar with these because they are "guy" things to say. However, now I am struggling to think of any quotable female characters. Sadly, all I can think of are...

"One time, at band camp..."

and the classic "Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me."

Neither of which reflect favorably on females, not that that is the issue, but I would like to come up with some better quotes. If you can help me to prove that there are plenty of quotable female film stars, I'd love some help!

I Love My Nerds

Ok, so I am going to bore you with another school story... but this is my life!

Yesterday, my AP Euro classes were doing group presentations on various events of the early 1800s. They had to teach the information, then come up with an activity for the class to apply the newly learned material. Some of the students are very creative and come up with excellent presentations. Others are still working on their creativity... I had at least 2 word searches per class as the activity, and there were only 4 groups each class. Anyway, it was 6th period and once again the class was given a word search. This time I decided to give it a shot. Now I wasn't competing for the prize so I started before the designated time. I was finding them quick, certain I would easily finish before my students. Almost finished, needing only one more word, when my student Tim quickly calls out, "Done!"

Now for sake of experiencing the full humor of the moment, let me describe Tim. He is the sweetest, most mild mannered student I think I have ever had. He is also extremely intent on making sure he does everything as he is supposed, to the point at times that he becomes a bit frantic if he thinks he is not. Now for a physical description. Tim is probably 5'2" and maybe weighs 95 pounds. He is Southeast Asian, wears glasses (that he often has to push higher on his nose), and is usually smiling or giggling at daily happenings. He is self-conscious as all teens are, but makes no apologies for who he is. He is great!

Alright, back to the story. So Tim calls out "Done!" I turn and look at him, completely disappointed at my failed attempt. I say, "How the heck Tim? I cheated and was doing well, and you still beat me."

To which he replied with complete sincerity and a little grin, "I wasn't in puzzles and board games club for no reason."

I love my nerds!


By the way... if you are home tonight at 8pm, another one of my nerds will be on 1 vs. 100 on NBC. She was a science fair winner and was selected to be part of the mob (#97).

Happy Friday!

Journal of an Accident Prone History Teacher

Well many of you have heard many of my unfortunate accidents in my teaching adventure, but I thought I would journal them here for the sake of a good laugh.

"Teacher Down" (Spring 2005)

I stood in front of the class, keeping their full attention as we discussed the plan for the day. I did this while I leaned on the rolling cart, holding it with both hand. I was standing one-footed with my heel tucked behind the other leg (think flamingo). Unbeknownst to me, my sandal heel had gotten caught in the cuff of my capris. Soon after I lost my balance a bit, but was unable to free my foot. The rolling cart slid further and further from my feet as I grasped it for dear life. In what seemed like super-slow motion, I collapsed to the floor, while I still clung to the cart. At this point, all of my student's jaws were on the floor... shocked and afraid to laugh. I wanted to laugh but I was still stuck on the floor, trying to free my foot. It finally made it's escape, and I was able to stand and give my class the go ahead to laugh their asses off!

"Wardrobe Malfunction #1" (October 2006)

This morning I dressed in one of my favorite fall skirts that I hadn't worn since the previous year. I dressed quickly and headed off to work. Once I reached school I threw on my computer bag and walked to class passing many students along the way. Reaching my classroom I gathered the material that need to be copied and was about to head for the teacher's workroom. Just before I left I did a momentary wardrobe check, straightening my skirt, and dusting off any extra lint. As I quickly ran my hand down the back of my skirt my finger quickly caught in an opening along the seam. The seam had come undone on the spot right over my butt, revealing much of my backside to anyone behind me. I called for a sub for my first period class, rushed home, and changed.

"Wardrobe Malfunction #2" (January 2007)

This was less of a malfunction and more of a misjudgment, but nevertheless something only I would do. I was very excited to wear a new brown sweater dress that I had gotten for Christmas this year, but I needed tights to wear with it. Got a cute pair in a beige shade, and I thought seeing as it is winter I should also wear boots with it instead of heels. Honestly, that was my thought process. So rushed as always, I threw on my clothes and was off to school. Walking to class again from my car, passing students along the way, I felt as if I was attracting an unusual amount of attention. Reaching my class I reinspected my outfit. Taking off my coat, sun shining through the window, my entire outline was illuminated through the dress. SEE THROUGH!!!! On top of that, the beige tights were no longer beige in the sunlight. They were now shimmering gold! I was stuck wearing my coat all day, even though I was sweating bullets. And despite this, there were apparently still comments flying amongst the boys. Not because of the see-through dress, but because of the way the boots, tights and just above the knee dress looked. SO THE INAPPROPRIATE TEACHER!!!

"Spilt Milk" (Today)

So this morning I was enjoying a Starbucks latte while my 2nd period AP class reviewed for their test. As I was just about to have them put their notes away to begin the test, I took another sip of my drink. Unfortunately as I brought the cup to my mouth the lid slipped loose and latte splashed down my chest and all over the floor. The class had all looked up at this point, watching it all. I stood there in a puddle with the coffee dripping off my face, soaking my red sweater. We laughed hysterically and it actually cleaned up pretty well. You could hardly tell I spilled on myself.

This concludes this edition of my Accident Prone Journal, however I am sure there will be many more to come. Love to hear some of your embarrassing moments too!

Tired of My Scary Face

So I really don't have much to say, but I wanted to post something to replace my scary picture.

Little update...

Computer is still fantastic. Have had a few momentary feelings of buyers remorse, but I know it was a necessary, quality purchase. AND, my AP nerds were drooling over it today. Hilarious!

Teaching is going well. Finally feel like I am capable of coming up with solid lessons without having to spend 4 hours on them.

Little Shop of Horrors could be stressful, but I am refusing to let it get to me. Interesting how other places do things. I was so spoiled in the Clovis system where there is a pleathora of funding and support from faculty to make a production go off without a hitch. With us, people are working hard but without the esablished team it is much more difficult. The good news... most of our principles are really talented, so I think there is a chance that the show might be decent. However I will let you know as the performance dates grow closer.

Grey's Anatomy has my heart again after their month and a half hiatus. Seriously cried at tonights episode.

Best year ever... right on track. It's amazing what the power of positive thinking can do. A little confidence in a silly superstition and my entire outlook is changed.

Woo hoo for Friday!! Weekend's almost here!

New Toy!

My computer had been giving me problems for the last few months. It became particularly annoying when the power plug grew looser and looser. It had gotten to the point this weekend that holding it into the socket firmly still wasn't enough to charge the battery. So today I went into CompUSA to see if there was anything they could do to fix it. The technician explained that for $200 they would tell me if there was a part that could be replaced for lots more money or that it was irreparable. He went on to say that usually the diagnosis is the later. So impulsive as always... I bought a new computer. Even more exciting... It's a Mac!

As a former PC user, I am very pleased to be introduced into this great new cyber world! My computer does so many cool things. The most important new tool is not all the great iWork. Nor is it iMovies. The most important new tool... drum roll please...."photo booth." It is a camera on my screen that takes pictures and can manipulate them in many entertaining ways. Here are some amusing examples.

Balance

I'm back... For now. We'll see how long this lasts. We'll see if I even finish this post. I will admit that during my last four month blogging hiatus I have definitely felt out of the loop. So, I'm back... Attempting to get re-looped.

So call it crazy superstition or the power of positive thinking, but I believe it is going to be the best year ever. Now, it all started with the fact that my lucky number (since I don't know when and I really don't remember why) is 27. Seeing as we are now in the year 2007 and I will be 27 this year, I have decided that this is my year! Thus far it has been a pretty exciting, fun, and promising new year... Not perfect, but nothing that I can't handle. I really think it is just a good change in focus. I don't believe in new year's resolutions, but I do think positive change is good. And after last fall I was in need of change. So along with my hope of having the best year ever, balance is the new plan in my life. No doubt I will still have to work my butt off, but I also now refuse to let that dominate my life!

Therefore, the purpose of this post is twofold. One, I am beginning my blog again for the sake of balance. And two, so that those of you that are reading can hold me to my plan.

Well, would you look at that. I did it. Finito!

Too Much Time on Your Hands?

Bored? Looking for something to entertain yourselves? Why don't you pick on these clowns, and leave me alone!

I Heart Art

Seeing as I said I wouldn't post about my students/school experiences, and also seeing how that has left me postless for quite sometime, I will instead share some things I've learned in my class. We have been comparing/contrasting Classical, Medieval and Renaissance art for the past week, and I really have started to love it!

I really like a lot of it, but I am fascinated with works by Michelangelo. They are amazing!

My favorite of favorites, that I cannot wait to see when we go to Europe, which I anticipate will draw a tear or two.... drumroll please.... Michelangelo's Pieta.



Running a very close and beautiful second... The David. There are no words.


Finally, I debated whether to go with another of his sculptures, but then opted to appreciate the Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel.


Hopefully this will suffice as a post. I know it's not much but I am pretty narrowly focused these days. I'd love to hear if you have any favorite pieces from this or any other time.