Posts
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
I'm a moron
Day Three: Today I managed to spend four hours at the beach without ever once putting sunscreen on my arms. Ouch. And also? Really stupid.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Deathly Spoilers
Day Two of the vacay and I've already finished the Harry Potter book. I totally cracked out on it. And I'm not alone. There are at least (AT LEAST) 50 people at the pool reading this book. It is quite literally everywhere you look. We're like a little club. We greet each other with, "What page are you on?"
The first , ohh...400 pages or so can best be summed up by the words at the top of page 292:
"Harry could not help wondering whether they had only agreed to come on what now felt like a pointless and rambling journey because they thought he had some secret plan that they would learn in due course." Yes, JK, that's exactly what we were thinking.
Eventually, things came back around and the most excellent and satisfying chapter is "The Prince's Tale."
I would have liked the end a lot better had JK Rowling bothered to come up with one of her own rather than nicking the one from the Gospel of Luke. (In case you're wondering whether Harry lives or dies, the answer is yes.) But what's done is done and at least she ties up all the lose ends in a nice, shiny bow for us.
Now I guess I'll spend the rest of the week reading People and Us Weekly. I hear Katie Holmes is happier than she's ever been before.
The first , ohh...400 pages or so can best be summed up by the words at the top of page 292:
"Harry could not help wondering whether they had only agreed to come on what now felt like a pointless and rambling journey because they thought he had some secret plan that they would learn in due course." Yes, JK, that's exactly what we were thinking.
Eventually, things came back around and the most excellent and satisfying chapter is "The Prince's Tale."
I would have liked the end a lot better had JK Rowling bothered to come up with one of her own rather than nicking the one from the Gospel of Luke. (In case you're wondering whether Harry lives or dies, the answer is yes.) But what's done is done and at least she ties up all the lose ends in a nice, shiny bow for us.
Now I guess I'll spend the rest of the week reading People and Us Weekly. I hear Katie Holmes is happier than she's ever been before.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Oh god, it's another post on bikini waxing.
So. Did I tell you that my bikini waxer went and got herself married and moved out of town? Yeah, it's tragic really. My friend who also went to her said, "It's like losing your therapist!" and it really is, given the intimate nature of the relationship.
When Neena told me she was leaving, I asked for a recommendation of someone else I could start going to. She recommended her friend Rosalie who she had worked with for 10 years. Neena said Rosalie was the only person whose work she'd ever personally witnessed.
Rosalie works at a nice, new salon/spa out by the new mall in the suburbs. I had my first appointment with her last night after work. Of course I was late. First, there was an accident on the expressway which sucked for me. I thought I'd given myself plenty of time to drive given that rush hour would have been wrapping up by then, but it had rained and I totally forgot that when Memphis drivers drive in the rain, it washes away any lick of sense they might have ever had. Anyway, once I got passed the accident tie-up, I took the wrong exit off the expressway which totally pissed me off and made me feel like a complete moron. I shop out at this new mail fairly regularly, it's just that I live out that way and I've never come at it from downtown before and had to take the expressway.
I was about 30 minutes late by the time I finally got there. Rosalie was completely nice and understanding about it - she told me I was her last appointment for the day so it really didn't matter - but my god those bitchy girls at the front desk [remember the "clackers" in Devil Wears Prada? Yeah.] couldn't even be bothered to pick up their chins resting in their hands when I walked in.
As I said, the spa is very nice with aromatherapy smelling up the place and new age music playing and to be honest, it was a much better overall experience than where I used to go to see Neena. We went into the dimly lit room and Rosalie said, "Have you ever had a Brazilian wax before?" and I said, "Oh yeah, I'm one of Neena's girls." and she said, "OK, good. You know the drill then. I'll just give you a minute." and she left so I could get undressed in private which is way more formal than we ever were at Neena's, where I'd just walk in, strip down & hop up on the table.
Only, I looked at the table...AND I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHICH END TO PUT MY HEAD!! The wax was set up on a table to one side, but not at one end or the other. And the light/microscope thingy was kind of in the middle too. (knock, knock) "Are you ready?" "Yes," I said. And she enters the room and there I stand in my bra & tank top, completely naked from the waist down. "Erm...I didn't know which end to put my head..." It was a little embarrassing, but I would have been mortified if I'd laid down and she walked in and said, "Uhh, honey? I need your hoo-ha down here."
Overall, the experience wasn't bad. She explained that they use a different wax there - a soy wax - that she wasn't particularly happy with, but I actually had less pain and even less swelling and irritation afterward.
But the biggest difference was that Neena always talked to me while she was working. In fact, she encouraged me to talk and I soon figured out that she did that to help keep my mind off the pain. Kind of like the breathing exercises in labor. I would be talking to her about something and then I would pause, steeling myself for the rip, and she would say, "Keep talking." But this lady, when she talked to me? SHE WOULD STOP WORKING! And I'd be laying there with my knees pulled up to my chest while she rambled on and on about how great it was to have your kids seven years apart and I'm all, "Dude, can we focus here??" So that was weird. Maybe I shouldn't have started talking to her when she worked.
Also? She would want me to look at it and tell her if was okay. And I'm thinking, "Lady, I am 40 years old. Unless you want to hand me a mirror, there is no way I'm gonna be able to tell if it's clean down there." I told her just make sure it was all off and left it at that.
She cut me a deal from what the salon typically charges but it still cost me more than it used to because I used to pay Neena directly, so I didn't add a tip. But here, I have to pay the salon, so I knew Rosalie only made a percentage of it. So I added a tip and the total still came to $100 - what the salon normally charges for a Brazilian.
Overall, I was pleased. I plan to stick with her b/c even though it cost a little more, the atmosphere is really nice. And even though she took twice as long b/c of all the conversation, I seemed to have less pain and after effects. But seriously? I would rather loose my hair guy than go through finding a new bikini waxer again.
When Neena told me she was leaving, I asked for a recommendation of someone else I could start going to. She recommended her friend Rosalie who she had worked with for 10 years. Neena said Rosalie was the only person whose work she'd ever personally witnessed.
Rosalie works at a nice, new salon/spa out by the new mall in the suburbs. I had my first appointment with her last night after work. Of course I was late. First, there was an accident on the expressway which sucked for me. I thought I'd given myself plenty of time to drive given that rush hour would have been wrapping up by then, but it had rained and I totally forgot that when Memphis drivers drive in the rain, it washes away any lick of sense they might have ever had. Anyway, once I got passed the accident tie-up, I took the wrong exit off the expressway which totally pissed me off and made me feel like a complete moron. I shop out at this new mail fairly regularly, it's just that I live out that way and I've never come at it from downtown before and had to take the expressway.
I was about 30 minutes late by the time I finally got there. Rosalie was completely nice and understanding about it - she told me I was her last appointment for the day so it really didn't matter - but my god those bitchy girls at the front desk [remember the "clackers" in Devil Wears Prada? Yeah.] couldn't even be bothered to pick up their chins resting in their hands when I walked in.
As I said, the spa is very nice with aromatherapy smelling up the place and new age music playing and to be honest, it was a much better overall experience than where I used to go to see Neena. We went into the dimly lit room and Rosalie said, "Have you ever had a Brazilian wax before?" and I said, "Oh yeah, I'm one of Neena's girls." and she said, "OK, good. You know the drill then. I'll just give you a minute." and she left so I could get undressed in private which is way more formal than we ever were at Neena's, where I'd just walk in, strip down & hop up on the table.
Only, I looked at the table...AND I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHICH END TO PUT MY HEAD!! The wax was set up on a table to one side, but not at one end or the other. And the light/microscope thingy was kind of in the middle too. (knock, knock) "Are you ready?" "Yes," I said. And she enters the room and there I stand in my bra & tank top, completely naked from the waist down. "Erm...I didn't know which end to put my head..." It was a little embarrassing, but I would have been mortified if I'd laid down and she walked in and said, "Uhh, honey? I need your hoo-ha down here."
Overall, the experience wasn't bad. She explained that they use a different wax there - a soy wax - that she wasn't particularly happy with, but I actually had less pain and even less swelling and irritation afterward.
But the biggest difference was that Neena always talked to me while she was working. In fact, she encouraged me to talk and I soon figured out that she did that to help keep my mind off the pain. Kind of like the breathing exercises in labor. I would be talking to her about something and then I would pause, steeling myself for the rip, and she would say, "Keep talking." But this lady, when she talked to me? SHE WOULD STOP WORKING! And I'd be laying there with my knees pulled up to my chest while she rambled on and on about how great it was to have your kids seven years apart and I'm all, "Dude, can we focus here??" So that was weird. Maybe I shouldn't have started talking to her when she worked.
Also? She would want me to look at it and tell her if was okay. And I'm thinking, "Lady, I am 40 years old. Unless you want to hand me a mirror, there is no way I'm gonna be able to tell if it's clean down there." I told her just make sure it was all off and left it at that.
She cut me a deal from what the salon typically charges but it still cost me more than it used to because I used to pay Neena directly, so I didn't add a tip. But here, I have to pay the salon, so I knew Rosalie only made a percentage of it. So I added a tip and the total still came to $100 - what the salon normally charges for a Brazilian.
Overall, I was pleased. I plan to stick with her b/c even though it cost a little more, the atmosphere is really nice. And even though she took twice as long b/c of all the conversation, I seemed to have less pain and after effects. But seriously? I would rather loose my hair guy than go through finding a new bikini waxer again.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Pure Fiction
So I decided to enter this fiction contest. Because I've somehow deluded myself into thinking that I can write.
And I must qualify this by saying that I've never written fiction before. I write a lot in my job but this is new to me. Also, I was working on a deadline of about 30 days and I hadn't prepared a thing to start. Which is to say now that I know of this contest, I believe I may start writing next year's entry now.
The rules require 3,000-4,500 words which is actually kind of long. When you get to 1,800 words and your completely stuck with where to go next in your story.
What I found is that I had a pretty good script on my hands. It was all dialogue. Hardly any descriptions or narrative.
I managed to flesh (flush?) it out a bit and when the story ended I was at about 3,200 words which I was just happy a) to have reached the end, and b) that it fell within the guidelines.
I gave the story to a friend to read. She has previously worked in publishing and although she worked the business and not the editorial end, I thought she might have some comments for me.
I totally forgot that her husband is a published writer. No really. I did. He read it and had some suggestions for me. Which were more than welcome.
"You're working a modified short story format here," he said, "but you're dealing with pretty pedestrian readers [he said that! "pedestrian readers!" Don't you love it??] so I would stick with a straight short story format if I were you."
"Excellent," I said. "What's a short story format?"
I told you I've not done this before.
He said my story could use a conflict. Ahh.
Also, even if it is chick lit, don't name the girl Sam or Alex or anything gender androgynous. Everyone names their girl Sam or Alex.
He also helped me come up with a title. And it was a really good one, too.
I re-worked my story last night and sent it back to my friend (Phoebe! With the hair cut! That I copied!) and asked if her wonderfully generous and helpful husband would mind looking at my re-write and also, did he think, at the end, when the characters are toasting their success, should I make one more reference back to the title or would that be too obvious? (Pedestrian readers, you know.) God, this shit is hard.
I'm sure it's torture for him to read this pap, considering what he writes, but I promised to give him a cut of the winnings if I should be so lucky. First prize is $1,000 AND the mag publishes your story.
I'll let you know how it goes.
And I must qualify this by saying that I've never written fiction before. I write a lot in my job but this is new to me. Also, I was working on a deadline of about 30 days and I hadn't prepared a thing to start. Which is to say now that I know of this contest, I believe I may start writing next year's entry now.
The rules require 3,000-4,500 words which is actually kind of long. When you get to 1,800 words and your completely stuck with where to go next in your story.
What I found is that I had a pretty good script on my hands. It was all dialogue. Hardly any descriptions or narrative.
I managed to flesh (flush?) it out a bit and when the story ended I was at about 3,200 words which I was just happy a) to have reached the end, and b) that it fell within the guidelines.
I gave the story to a friend to read. She has previously worked in publishing and although she worked the business and not the editorial end, I thought she might have some comments for me.
I totally forgot that her husband is a published writer. No really. I did. He read it and had some suggestions for me. Which were more than welcome.
"You're working a modified short story format here," he said, "but you're dealing with pretty pedestrian readers [he said that! "pedestrian readers!" Don't you love it??] so I would stick with a straight short story format if I were you."
"Excellent," I said. "What's a short story format?"
I told you I've not done this before.
He said my story could use a conflict. Ahh.
Also, even if it is chick lit, don't name the girl Sam or Alex or anything gender androgynous. Everyone names their girl Sam or Alex.
He also helped me come up with a title. And it was a really good one, too.
I re-worked my story last night and sent it back to my friend (Phoebe! With the hair cut! That I copied!) and asked if her wonderfully generous and helpful husband would mind looking at my re-write and also, did he think, at the end, when the characters are toasting their success, should I make one more reference back to the title or would that be too obvious? (Pedestrian readers, you know.) God, this shit is hard.
I'm sure it's torture for him to read this pap, considering what he writes, but I promised to give him a cut of the winnings if I should be so lucky. First prize is $1,000 AND the mag publishes your story.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Monday, July 23, 2007
WHAT??
Sometimes Victoria Beckam FAKES IT?? I am shocked. And appalled. She seems so, so...REAL to me.
Still, my new favorite word? MAY-JUH.
Still, my new favorite word? MAY-JUH.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
I've found a hint!
You know, all the Harry Potter books follow the same format: they cover one full year of school at Hogwarts, culminating in some climactic event (that centers around He Who Shall Not Be Named), and ending with Dumbledore explaining more details from Harry's family past in a heart-to-heart with him.
If you really want to find the hints, you can probably just read the last several chapters of each book.
Anyway, I found this one last night, at the end of the third book (Prisoner of Azkaban):
Ooooo!! FORESHADOWING!!
If you really want to find the hints, you can probably just read the last several chapters of each book.
Anyway, I found this one last night, at the end of the third book (Prisoner of Azkaban):
"Petigrew [Wormtail] owes his life to you. You have sent Voldemort a deputy who is in you debt...When one wizard saves another wizard's life, it creates a certain bond between them...and I'm much mistaken if Voldemort wants his servant in the debt of Harry Potter."
"I don't want a connection with Petigrew!" said Harry. "He betrayed my parents!"
"This is magic at its deepest, its most impenetrable, Harry. But trust me...the time may come when you will be very glad you saved Petigrew's life."
Ooooo!! FORESHADOWING!!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
The Future of Harry Potter
I have decided to re-read all of the Harry Potter books before the new one comes out. This after the realization that I am woefully ignorant of so many of the facts already published.
(I have read the entire set, but a lot of things I did while I was drinking are a bit of a blur now. Not that I read when I was actually drunk. Truth is, I don't really remember. And therein lies the problem.)
For instance, I watched Goblet of Fire on HBO in preparation for the release of Order of the Phoenix and during the climactic scene in the graveyard, I could not remember who Tom Riddle was.
(This is a very necessary element of the story.)
(I had to look up Tom Riddle on Wiki to remind myself before I went to see Phoenix this weekend. Which was very good. Dark and angst-ridden, but good. Do yourself a favor, if your child is not old enough to have read all the books, then do not take him to this movie.)
(Also, is it bad that I find Harry Potter a bit attractive now that the actor is 17 and has appeared naked onstage?)
So, in order to appreciate the final book to its fullest extent, I thought I should refresh myself of the Harry Potter facts other than Cedric Diggery dies in Goblet, Sirius Black dies in Phoenix and Dumbledore dies in Prince.
(Oops. Sorry. Spoilers?)
So this weekend I re-read Sorcerer's Stone (which, BTW, was originally called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in England, but was changed when the book was released in the US because the publishers didn't think us Yanks would understand "philosopher's stone.") and Chamber of Secrets. Tonight, I'm starting Prisoner. But the books get a little longer from here on out, and I'm not sure I'll get all the way through Half-Blood Prince before this Saturday, so I will be removing myself from all Internet, television, radio and newsprint until I've finish the set.
My plan is to read Deathly Hallows on my beach vacation July 30 and I do not want anyone spoiling it for me.
I am going on record as saying that I do NOT believe Harry will die in the end. The entire set has been based on the age-old plot of good vs. evil and I simply do not believe evil will win out. The prophecy said that neither of them can survive while the other is alive, which means one of the has to kill the other. My money's on Harry.
Then he can go on to play Quidditch for England, since he was the youngest Seeker at Hogwart's in a century. See? Details.
(I have read the entire set, but a lot of things I did while I was drinking are a bit of a blur now. Not that I read when I was actually drunk. Truth is, I don't really remember. And therein lies the problem.)
For instance, I watched Goblet of Fire on HBO in preparation for the release of Order of the Phoenix and during the climactic scene in the graveyard, I could not remember who Tom Riddle was.
(This is a very necessary element of the story.)
(I had to look up Tom Riddle on Wiki to remind myself before I went to see Phoenix this weekend. Which was very good. Dark and angst-ridden, but good. Do yourself a favor, if your child is not old enough to have read all the books, then do not take him to this movie.)
(Also, is it bad that I find Harry Potter a bit attractive now that the actor is 17 and has appeared naked onstage?)
So, in order to appreciate the final book to its fullest extent, I thought I should refresh myself of the Harry Potter facts other than Cedric Diggery dies in Goblet, Sirius Black dies in Phoenix and Dumbledore dies in Prince.
(Oops. Sorry. Spoilers?)
So this weekend I re-read Sorcerer's Stone (which, BTW, was originally called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in England, but was changed when the book was released in the US because the publishers didn't think us Yanks would understand "philosopher's stone.") and Chamber of Secrets. Tonight, I'm starting Prisoner. But the books get a little longer from here on out, and I'm not sure I'll get all the way through Half-Blood Prince before this Saturday, so I will be removing myself from all Internet, television, radio and newsprint until I've finish the set.
My plan is to read Deathly Hallows on my beach vacation July 30 and I do not want anyone spoiling it for me.
I am going on record as saying that I do NOT believe Harry will die in the end. The entire set has been based on the age-old plot of good vs. evil and I simply do not believe evil will win out. The prophecy said that neither of them can survive while the other is alive, which means one of the has to kill the other. My money's on Harry.
Then he can go on to play Quidditch for England, since he was the youngest Seeker at Hogwart's in a century. See? Details.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Brett Michaels
Sebastian Bach.Monday, July 9, 2007
Things We Did Do While In Chicago
- Viewed the city from the 99th floor of the Sears Tower.
- Purchased bath bombs from the Lush in Macy's.
- Bought a Cubbies t-shirt.
- Ate a really good steak dinner.
- Spent mornings sitting outside at an urban Starbucks, drinking coffee, working the Times crossword puzzle, and watching the world go by.
- Rode a city bus.
- Solved the CSI mystery at the Museum of Science and Industry. (The twin brother did it.)
- Ate hot dogs at Portillo's.
- Saw all the main points of interest downtown from the top of a double-decker bus.
- Bought souvenirs on Navy Pier.
- Attended a White Sox game. (They won.)
- Took tons of skyline photos.
- Bought a really cute dress at French Connection.
Things We Did Not Do While In Chicago
- Attend either of The Police concerts at Wrigley Field.
- Swim at the fresh-water beach.
- Ride the El.
- Visit Wrigleyville.
- Buy a 5-lb Hershey bar.
- Eat cheese and caramel popcorn.
- Stroll through Millennium Park.
- See the Buckingham Fountain all lit up at night.
- Find the perfect Little Yellow Dress.
- Watch the fireworks at Navy Pier.
- See the Beluga whales at the aquarium.
- Visit the home and studio of Brad Pitt's favorite architect.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Because if you're going to tie up the Business Center computers, it should be for something IMPORTANT
My Kid & I went down to the hotel business center to get online and check in for tomorrow's flight home. Sorry I do not have a post for you, but the two of us got stuck for like an hour trying to solve this quiz.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Notes from Chicago
The all-white-with-silver-accessories outfit was a very cute idea, but unfortunately, I made two fatal errors:
1. I wore new shoes to walk for miles around the city, and
2. They were cheap shoes.
And I KNOW BETTER on both counts. Just a few short hours in, my feet were covered in dime-sized blisters. And in spite of the attempt at a totally cute outfit, I ended up walking around the City of Chicago in these:
[umm...okay. Photo to come later. It appears we've left the cable to download the photos from the camera back in Memphis.]
[Hint: they are $7 flip-flops]
Here are some things I've learned about Chicago so far: 1. If you go to the South Side for a White Sox game, all the men sitting around you will be named "Lou."
2. While I often sing the praises of all-in-one razors (like the Venus Breeze), I can see why people who live where the water is harder may not appreciate their genius. They do tend to skid around on your skin in hard water, as opposed to gliding smoothly over it like they do in my shower at home.
3. People in the city honk their horns a lot. No, I mean A LOT. I still haven't figured out what it is they think that accomplishes exactly.
4. I still can not afford anything at Barney's New York, even if it's located in the genial Midwestern city of Chicago.
5. People in the Midwest will treat you very nicely if you just smile and say "ya'll." They can't resist it.
1. I wore new shoes to walk for miles around the city, and
2. They were cheap shoes.
And I KNOW BETTER on both counts. Just a few short hours in, my feet were covered in dime-sized blisters. And in spite of the attempt at a totally cute outfit, I ended up walking around the City of Chicago in these:
[umm...okay. Photo to come later. It appears we've left the cable to download the photos from the camera back in Memphis.]
[Hint: they are $7 flip-flops]
Here are some things I've learned about Chicago so far: 1. If you go to the South Side for a White Sox game, all the men sitting around you will be named "Lou."
2. While I often sing the praises of all-in-one razors (like the Venus Breeze), I can see why people who live where the water is harder may not appreciate their genius. They do tend to skid around on your skin in hard water, as opposed to gliding smoothly over it like they do in my shower at home.
3. People in the city honk their horns a lot. No, I mean A LOT. I still haven't figured out what it is they think that accomplishes exactly.
4. I still can not afford anything at Barney's New York, even if it's located in the genial Midwestern city of Chicago.
5. People in the Midwest will treat you very nicely if you just smile and say "ya'll." They can't resist it.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Something to think about as we celebrate our Independence
My hairdresser & I like to discuss books when I'm getting my hair done. He always recommends things he's reading. Several times he's tried to get me to read The Kite Runner. This time, he recommended another book by the same author, A Thousand Splendid Suns. He had it up there at the shop. He said, "You'll really like this, and you'll learn a lot about the culture in Afghanistan." I said, "I don't really want to know about the culture in Afghanistan." But he thrust it upon my while I was sitting under the dryer and I got to reading. I took it home with me and finished it in two days. The author sucks you in to the story before he breaks out all the disturbing slices of life that you really didn't want to know: the violent beatings from an abusive husband; Cesarean births in a Taliban women's hospital that doesn't warrant electricity, running water or anesthesia; a husband who makes you drop your daughter off at an orphanage (but keeps his son) when he looses his job and can no longer feed his family; widows of the mujahedeen who are prevented by the Taliban from working and so are unable to make a living, feed their children, feed themselves.
These are things that I know happen. I just don't really want to read about it. It makes me feel guilty. It makes me feel like a rich, spoiled American and NO WONDER they all hate us so much.
The most disturbing parts were realizing:
The most disturbing parts were realizing:
1. That the US armed the mujahedeen to fight the Soviets, b/c it suited their Cold War purpose, but once the Soviets were out, we abandoned them and let the warlords turn on their own country with the weapons we provided them, even when:
2. One of the warlords warned the EU that the Taliban had to be stopped - that they were sponsoring terrorism and were planning a huge attack on the US. (We ignored the man and he was subsequently killed by the Taliban. You know the rest of the story.)
Although it left me bothered, I do recommend the book. Hosseini is an excellent storyteller and a very good writer. You don't always get a combination of both.
And for my flight to Chicago? I bought The Kite Runner.
Although it left me bothered, I do recommend the book. Hosseini is an excellent storyteller and a very good writer. You don't always get a combination of both.
And for my flight to Chicago? I bought The Kite Runner.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Live Bloggigng the Concert for Diana
For those of you playing along at home, keep hitting "refresh" for updates.
10:00 - A very nice and appropriate start with Sir Elton. I thought he was going to change the words to say "...how wonderful life WAS while you WERE in this world" but I'm glad he didn't b/c that might've made me cry. Very nice set design. Wonder if The Boys had a say in that - chose the photos, etc. I be they did.
10:11 - Their Royal Highnesses. I am so enamoured of these boys. So handsome and such great young men despite the tragedy of their lives. They truly are Prince Charmings.
10: 12 - YAY Duran Duran. I'm so glad that they were one of Diana's favorites. It shows what great taste she had.
10:13 - Umm, John Taylor has NOT aged well. (He was always my favorite)
10:14 - Are they going to sing a song we know?? I doubt this was one of Di's favs. I certainly hope each band will sing more than one song. That's a lot of Ahmer Haleem chattering if they don't.
10:17 - "This one's for the Princes: William and Harry" What will it be? "WILD BOYS" of course! 10:20 - YES! My favorite DD song "Rio." (Note all the old people in the audience singing & dancing)
10:26 - That was Kate Middleton. NOT setting with the royal boys.
10:28 - James Morrison. Hey, my hairdresser (who is British) was just telling me about this guy yesterday. He told me I would love his CD. He compared him to a young Stevie Wonder. Even though he's white.
10:40 - Lily Allen. You know I love her. So cute, isn't she?? Such catchy tunes (despite the fact that she's usually singing some pretty twisted lyrics). And, unlike Winehouse, she still has all her teeth.
10:43 - Excellent. She's singing both my favorite songs. "LDN" and "Smile"
10:50 - Fergie. I could've done without that, but I imagine the Princes like her.
10:52 - Is something wrong w/ her microphone? B/c I can't even hear her.
10:53 - And her dress looks like a lampshade.
10:54 - I just read that girl's lips; she said, "I love Fergie."
10:55 - Great, "Big Girls Don't Cry." Now this chorus will be stuck in my had for yet another four days.
10:58 - She's "a little pitchy" live.
11:00 - The "Diana & Me" segment on the deaf association was interesting. Did you notice how different Diana's signs were from American Sign Language? I mean, everyone knows how to sign the alphabet, right? But when she did letters to spell out her name, it was nothing like the letters we know. Interesting.
11:03 - Keifer Sutherland. Is "24" popular in England?
11:04 - The Feeling. Never heard of 'em.
11:04 - Every time they show Prince William he's clapping off-beat.
11:14 - N.E.R.D. I used to like this band, but I don't remember them being a rap group. ??
11:16 - they sing "Drop It Like It's Hot"??? I don't think so. (Google search reveals that was a Snoop Dogg song f. Pharrell.)
11:17 - OK, here's the music I remember "She's Sexy"
11:18 - I thought N.E.R.D was Pharrell and that Asian guy. Where's the other dude?
11:21 - Diana & Me - hey, it's my friend, Bill. XOXO, Bill!!
11:24 - God, Ryan Seacrest. He's ubiquitous. Unfortunately for us.
11:25 - Nelly Furtado. Didn't William fool around with her once? Or maybe that was Joss Stone. I lost all respect for Nelly when she sold out and went all electronic pop. I liked her a lot better as a folk singer.
11:28 - The Princes are standing for this one. They must really like her. (Why are the Princes' chairs spaced so far apart?)
11:31 - NOOOO! What is she doing to her "I'm Like A Bird" song?? This is criminal.
11:35 - I don't know what this song is, but WILLIAM IS DANCING.
11:36 (Apparently the song is "Maneater" which I always thought was a Hall & Oates song but then again I'm old.)
11:42 "She adored classical ballet with a vengeance. She couldn't get enough of it." What a beautiful quote.
11:50 - I think the ballet is beautiful. My Kid, on the other hand, who has probably never seen the ballet before, thinks it's "kinda fruity."
11:51 - (He doesn't really understand artistic impression.)
11:52 - I don't imagine it's often that the Royal Ballet plays to arena crowds, but you got to give The Brits credit for their class. American's would be screaming "FREE BIRD!" and shit.
11:53 - (Ha! Geddit? FREEBIRD??)
11:54 (The ballet is "Swan Lake")
11:56 - VH1 reports that The Princes were involved in every part of the planning, from using Diana's signature for the logo, to insisting that ticket prices be kept low. So why aren't the seats full?
12:10 - Status Quo. They opened Live Aid? Really? I don't even remember who they are. The vintage footage of Charles & Di at Live Aid is cool, though.
12:12 - Once again, all the old people are dancing.
12:15 - Diana & Me. I absolutely adore that footage of Di and her boys on the log ride at the amusement park. Such pure joy on all their faces.
12:16 - err...did that man just say "deaf & dumb boy"???
12:23 - Joss Stone. Now, I know I've heard that Wills dallied with her a bit. I've also heard that she's a complete freak.
12:24 - She looks like she's wearing a nightgown.
12:28 - wa-wait? She's singing "Under Pressure"?? Best. 80s. Song. Evah. This could be kind of cool...
12:29 - (Freddie Mercury was a musical genuis.)
12:31 - Seems they're conspicuously NOT showing The Princes during her set. Wonder why that is? Thought she was their favorite and all?
12:33 - Supertramp? Who knew any of them were even still alive. Alive & hitting the high notes, apparently...
12:34 - First shot of Charles Spencer.
12:35 - Supertramp must be much bigger in GB than here. The audience is really into this. Wils is singing along to that "Take A Look At My Girlfriend" song.
12:38 - OK, I'm sorry I made fun of this guy. I'm actually kind of enjoying his set now.
12:43 - I love that whenever they show a Diana & Me segment and then show the person in the audience, they're crying. So beautiful and moving and sincere.
12:44 - Orson. Again, not that up on new music I guess. Supposedly this is another of the Boys' favorites.
12:45 - When a Brit says "Orson" it sounds the same as when they say "Awesome."
12:51 - OK, I've figured them out. They're Midnight Oil for today's youth. Am I right??
12:55 - Diana & Me: "She did take on unpopular causes. She was brave...she was to some extent defiant in taking on the causes she did...and I think people admired her and respected her for doing that."
12:59 - Interview w/ Fergie - the guy just asked her if she got up at 4 a.m. to watch the royal wedding. She was what? About 5 at the time??
1:02 - Tom Jones. Oh... that Tom Jones. I think I was expecting Howard Jones (who was a British singer from the 80s). Oh lord, I hope no one throws their underwear onstage...
1:06 - Joe Perry? From Aerosmith? How did I not notice that?
1:11 - Heh. He just introduced her as "Josh" Stone.
1:15 - Who, what? I was getting my laundry out of the dryer...I don't know who this is. This is like performance art.
1:17 - Will Young? I think his name's Will Young.
1:18 - I wonder if the backup dancers know that the backs of their skirts are tucked in to their underwear.
1:19 - Natasha Benefield. She looks really pretty. I always liked her music until they played it 89 thousand times on the radio.
1:21 - Her makeup is really pretty. Soft. Heavy enough to work for stage but not so ridiculous that she looks like a clown on camera close-ups.
1:22 - I saw a dress like that yesterday at the mall - offwhite, a look of vintage lace. It would look horrible on me, but she's pulling it off well.
1:23 - I would not wear those shoes to dance around in though. It's a wonder she can keep them on her feet.
1:27 - Who are these thugs? Is that John McEnroe?
1:28 - Brian Ferry. I don't get it. It's a fashion show.
1:37 - I don't really know any Brian Ferry music. I think it's b/c I just wasn't cool enough in the 80s. I was listening to Duran Duran. And Howard Jones.
1:39 - Tony Blair. I love him. Have you seen "The Queen"? I've watched it three times. I think I'm going to buy the DVD.
1:41 - Andrew Lloyd Webber is a musical genius. This may be my favorite part of the concert yet...
1:44 - Wow...Andrea Boccelli, Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban...holy crap. Oh, and Donnie Osmond. So there you go.
1:45 - OK, shhh...no talking during the Broadway show tunes.
2:05 - WOO-HOO! 20 minutes of ALW with all the big names and big voices and big orchestration. That was AWESOME. A few problems with timing (which, hello? That's why we put the orchestra and the director in front of the singers and the stage, but whatever). Note to self: download some soundtracks from iTunes later.
2:24 - Rod Stewart. How long do you think he'll perform? Good - old stuff. "Maggie May"
2:27 - I bet there are 500 million people around the world singing together right now. (Including me.)
2:31 - Do you think The Princes told Rod which songs they wanted, or do you think he said, "Look, these are the songs I can still do. You can pick from them."?
2:35 - Rod said, "I think I might be the only entertainer that you threw soccer balls at."
2:36 - I love "Sailing" live.
2:39 - I'm assuming this is the Royal Stewart Plaid that his band is wearing?
2:40 - 15 minutes. Not bad.
2:50 - Kanye West. Golddigger? Is that really appropriate?
2:51 - They showed an interview w/ him earlier. He said he was there b/c they (The Princes) are royalty in their country and he's royalty in his country. Fucking please.
2:53 - "Touch the Sky" - much better.
2:54 - Kanye looks like he's put on a few pounds, doesn't he?
2:56 - I thought this was live. How are they bleeping him? His performance in particular must be 5-second delayed. I've noticed the performances have been notably clean. Which, you know, I think shows a certain respect for Diana as well as for The Princes.
2:57 - My bad. The interview about royalty was with Diddy. Sorry, K.
3:04 - P. Diddy. To be honest with you, I've seen an awful lot of this guy, but I've never actually heard him sing. He does sing, right? He's not just famous for being famous?
3:08 - uhh, "If you miss Diana, make some noooooise"??? Seriously?? Who let this guy in?
3:21 - David Beckham. And the crowd goes wild!!
3:23 - Take That. UK's version of the boy band, I guess.
3:25 - Have you seen that movie where Hugh Grant plays an old 80s band member? And it starts off with the video from his one-hit wonder band? Yeah, this guy is like a singer doing Hugh Grant doing a singer.
3:33 - I think I do recognize this "Want You Back" song. Can't you just picture the conversation:
Wils: Of course we'll have to include Take That.
Harry: I'm not inviting those poufs to sing.
Wils: But the people will love it.
Harry: Piss off!
Wils: Mummy would want us to please the people.
Harry: Mummy wouldn't want her name associated with such rubbish.
Wils: Oh, bugger off
Harry: [punches William in the head]
[Much scuffling ensues]
3:43 - Ricky Gervais. The jokes on us, I guess, b/c we don't know who these characters are.
3:46 - Harry seems to be enjoying it. Wils is conspicuously absent from his seat. Our Canadian friend tells us he has snuck off to snog with Kate. So.
3:59 - Finally. The big finale with Sir Elton. Who apparently is coming out to Laura Branigan's "Gloria"
3:59 - (Oh nevermind. It's "Saturday Night's All Right for Fighting")
4:15 - The Princes come back out. They did an AMAZING job with this. Their mother would be so proud of them.
4:17 "The most perfect way of remembering her"
4:20 - Wow, home movies of Diana as a baby and a child. Who would ever expect something like that to be shared?
Top 5 Moments of the Day:
1. Andrew Lloyd Webber tribute
2. Rod Stewart singing "Maggie May" w/ the crowd
3. The Supertramp guy singing "Give A Little Bit" w/ the crowd
4. Lilly Allen
5. Royal Ballet - Swan Lake
Thanks for sharing it w/ me.
10:00 - A very nice and appropriate start with Sir Elton. I thought he was going to change the words to say "...how wonderful life WAS while you WERE in this world" but I'm glad he didn't b/c that might've made me cry. Very nice set design. Wonder if The Boys had a say in that - chose the photos, etc. I be they did.
10:11 - Their Royal Highnesses. I am so enamoured of these boys. So handsome and such great young men despite the tragedy of their lives. They truly are Prince Charmings.
10: 12 - YAY Duran Duran. I'm so glad that they were one of Diana's favorites. It shows what great taste she had.
10:13 - Umm, John Taylor has NOT aged well. (He was always my favorite)
10:14 - Are they going to sing a song we know?? I doubt this was one of Di's favs. I certainly hope each band will sing more than one song. That's a lot of Ahmer Haleem chattering if they don't.
10:17 - "This one's for the Princes: William and Harry" What will it be? "WILD BOYS" of course! 10:20 - YES! My favorite DD song "Rio." (Note all the old people in the audience singing & dancing)
10:26 - That was Kate Middleton. NOT setting with the royal boys.
10:28 - James Morrison. Hey, my hairdresser (who is British) was just telling me about this guy yesterday. He told me I would love his CD. He compared him to a young Stevie Wonder. Even though he's white.
10:40 - Lily Allen. You know I love her. So cute, isn't she?? Such catchy tunes (despite the fact that she's usually singing some pretty twisted lyrics). And, unlike Winehouse, she still has all her teeth.
10:43 - Excellent. She's singing both my favorite songs. "LDN" and "Smile"
10:50 - Fergie. I could've done without that, but I imagine the Princes like her.
10:52 - Is something wrong w/ her microphone? B/c I can't even hear her.
10:53 - And her dress looks like a lampshade.
10:54 - I just read that girl's lips; she said, "I love Fergie."
10:55 - Great, "Big Girls Don't Cry." Now this chorus will be stuck in my had for yet another four days.
10:58 - She's "a little pitchy" live.
11:00 - The "Diana & Me" segment on the deaf association was interesting. Did you notice how different Diana's signs were from American Sign Language? I mean, everyone knows how to sign the alphabet, right? But when she did letters to spell out her name, it was nothing like the letters we know. Interesting.
11:03 - Keifer Sutherland. Is "24" popular in England?
11:04 - The Feeling. Never heard of 'em.
11:04 - Every time they show Prince William he's clapping off-beat.
11:14 - N.E.R.D. I used to like this band, but I don't remember them being a rap group. ??
11:16 - they sing "Drop It Like It's Hot"??? I don't think so. (Google search reveals that was a Snoop Dogg song f. Pharrell.)
11:17 - OK, here's the music I remember "She's Sexy"
11:18 - I thought N.E.R.D was Pharrell and that Asian guy. Where's the other dude?
11:21 - Diana & Me - hey, it's my friend, Bill. XOXO, Bill!!
11:24 - God, Ryan Seacrest. He's ubiquitous. Unfortunately for us.
11:25 - Nelly Furtado. Didn't William fool around with her once? Or maybe that was Joss Stone. I lost all respect for Nelly when she sold out and went all electronic pop. I liked her a lot better as a folk singer.
11:28 - The Princes are standing for this one. They must really like her. (Why are the Princes' chairs spaced so far apart?)
11:31 - NOOOO! What is she doing to her "I'm Like A Bird" song?? This is criminal.
11:35 - I don't know what this song is, but WILLIAM IS DANCING.
11:36 (Apparently the song is "Maneater" which I always thought was a Hall & Oates song but then again I'm old.)
11:42 "She adored classical ballet with a vengeance. She couldn't get enough of it." What a beautiful quote.
11:50 - I think the ballet is beautiful. My Kid, on the other hand, who has probably never seen the ballet before, thinks it's "kinda fruity."
11:51 - (He doesn't really understand artistic impression.)
11:52 - I don't imagine it's often that the Royal Ballet plays to arena crowds, but you got to give The Brits credit for their class. American's would be screaming "FREE BIRD!" and shit.
11:53 - (Ha! Geddit? FREEBIRD??)
11:54 (The ballet is "Swan Lake")
11:56 - VH1 reports that The Princes were involved in every part of the planning, from using Diana's signature for the logo, to insisting that ticket prices be kept low. So why aren't the seats full?
12:10 - Status Quo. They opened Live Aid? Really? I don't even remember who they are. The vintage footage of Charles & Di at Live Aid is cool, though.
12:12 - Once again, all the old people are dancing.
12:15 - Diana & Me. I absolutely adore that footage of Di and her boys on the log ride at the amusement park. Such pure joy on all their faces.
12:16 - err...did that man just say "deaf & dumb boy"???
12:23 - Joss Stone. Now, I know I've heard that Wills dallied with her a bit. I've also heard that she's a complete freak.
12:24 - She looks like she's wearing a nightgown.
12:28 - wa-wait? She's singing "Under Pressure"?? Best. 80s. Song. Evah. This could be kind of cool...
12:29 - (Freddie Mercury was a musical genuis.)
12:31 - Seems they're conspicuously NOT showing The Princes during her set. Wonder why that is? Thought she was their favorite and all?
12:33 - Supertramp? Who knew any of them were even still alive. Alive & hitting the high notes, apparently...
12:34 - First shot of Charles Spencer.
12:35 - Supertramp must be much bigger in GB than here. The audience is really into this. Wils is singing along to that "Take A Look At My Girlfriend" song.
12:38 - OK, I'm sorry I made fun of this guy. I'm actually kind of enjoying his set now.
12:43 - I love that whenever they show a Diana & Me segment and then show the person in the audience, they're crying. So beautiful and moving and sincere.
12:44 - Orson. Again, not that up on new music I guess. Supposedly this is another of the Boys' favorites.
12:45 - When a Brit says "Orson" it sounds the same as when they say "Awesome."
12:51 - OK, I've figured them out. They're Midnight Oil for today's youth. Am I right??
12:55 - Diana & Me: "She did take on unpopular causes. She was brave...she was to some extent defiant in taking on the causes she did...and I think people admired her and respected her for doing that."
12:59 - Interview w/ Fergie - the guy just asked her if she got up at 4 a.m. to watch the royal wedding. She was what? About 5 at the time??
1:02 - Tom Jones. Oh... that Tom Jones. I think I was expecting Howard Jones (who was a British singer from the 80s). Oh lord, I hope no one throws their underwear onstage...
1:06 - Joe Perry? From Aerosmith? How did I not notice that?
1:11 - Heh. He just introduced her as "Josh" Stone.
1:15 - Who, what? I was getting my laundry out of the dryer...I don't know who this is. This is like performance art.
1:17 - Will Young? I think his name's Will Young.
1:18 - I wonder if the backup dancers know that the backs of their skirts are tucked in to their underwear.
1:19 - Natasha Benefield. She looks really pretty. I always liked her music until they played it 89 thousand times on the radio.
1:21 - Her makeup is really pretty. Soft. Heavy enough to work for stage but not so ridiculous that she looks like a clown on camera close-ups.
1:22 - I saw a dress like that yesterday at the mall - offwhite, a look of vintage lace. It would look horrible on me, but she's pulling it off well.
1:23 - I would not wear those shoes to dance around in though. It's a wonder she can keep them on her feet.
1:27 - Who are these thugs? Is that John McEnroe?
1:28 - Brian Ferry. I don't get it. It's a fashion show.
1:37 - I don't really know any Brian Ferry music. I think it's b/c I just wasn't cool enough in the 80s. I was listening to Duran Duran. And Howard Jones.
1:39 - Tony Blair. I love him. Have you seen "The Queen"? I've watched it three times. I think I'm going to buy the DVD.
1:41 - Andrew Lloyd Webber is a musical genius. This may be my favorite part of the concert yet...
1:44 - Wow...Andrea Boccelli, Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban...holy crap. Oh, and Donnie Osmond. So there you go.
1:45 - OK, shhh...no talking during the Broadway show tunes.
2:05 - WOO-HOO! 20 minutes of ALW with all the big names and big voices and big orchestration. That was AWESOME. A few problems with timing (which, hello? That's why we put the orchestra and the director in front of the singers and the stage, but whatever). Note to self: download some soundtracks from iTunes later.
2:24 - Rod Stewart. How long do you think he'll perform? Good - old stuff. "Maggie May"
2:27 - I bet there are 500 million people around the world singing together right now. (Including me.)
2:31 - Do you think The Princes told Rod which songs they wanted, or do you think he said, "Look, these are the songs I can still do. You can pick from them."?
2:35 - Rod said, "I think I might be the only entertainer that you threw soccer balls at."
2:36 - I love "Sailing" live.
2:39 - I'm assuming this is the Royal Stewart Plaid that his band is wearing?
2:40 - 15 minutes. Not bad.
2:50 - Kanye West. Golddigger? Is that really appropriate?
2:51 - They showed an interview w/ him earlier. He said he was there b/c they (The Princes) are royalty in their country and he's royalty in his country. Fucking please.
2:53 - "Touch the Sky" - much better.
2:54 - Kanye looks like he's put on a few pounds, doesn't he?
2:56 - I thought this was live. How are they bleeping him? His performance in particular must be 5-second delayed. I've noticed the performances have been notably clean. Which, you know, I think shows a certain respect for Diana as well as for The Princes.
2:57 - My bad. The interview about royalty was with Diddy. Sorry, K.
3:04 - P. Diddy. To be honest with you, I've seen an awful lot of this guy, but I've never actually heard him sing. He does sing, right? He's not just famous for being famous?
3:08 - uhh, "If you miss Diana, make some noooooise"??? Seriously?? Who let this guy in?
3:21 - David Beckham. And the crowd goes wild!!
3:23 - Take That. UK's version of the boy band, I guess.
3:25 - Have you seen that movie where Hugh Grant plays an old 80s band member? And it starts off with the video from his one-hit wonder band? Yeah, this guy is like a singer doing Hugh Grant doing a singer.
3:33 - I think I do recognize this "Want You Back" song. Can't you just picture the conversation:
Wils: Of course we'll have to include Take That.
Harry: I'm not inviting those poufs to sing.
Wils: But the people will love it.
Harry: Piss off!
Wils: Mummy would want us to please the people.
Harry: Mummy wouldn't want her name associated with such rubbish.
Wils: Oh, bugger off
Harry: [punches William in the head]
[Much scuffling ensues]
3:43 - Ricky Gervais. The jokes on us, I guess, b/c we don't know who these characters are.
3:46 - Harry seems to be enjoying it. Wils is conspicuously absent from his seat. Our Canadian friend tells us he has snuck off to snog with Kate. So.
3:59 - Finally. The big finale with Sir Elton. Who apparently is coming out to Laura Branigan's "Gloria"
3:59 - (Oh nevermind. It's "Saturday Night's All Right for Fighting")
4:15 - The Princes come back out. They did an AMAZING job with this. Their mother would be so proud of them.
4:17 "The most perfect way of remembering her"
4:20 - Wow, home movies of Diana as a baby and a child. Who would ever expect something like that to be shared?
Top 5 Moments of the Day:
1. Andrew Lloyd Webber tribute
2. Rod Stewart singing "Maggie May" w/ the crowd
3. The Supertramp guy singing "Give A Little Bit" w/ the crowd
4. Lilly Allen
5. Royal Ballet - Swan Lake
Thanks for sharing it w/ me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
