Musical Interlude.

After a tasty dinner at the Vortex, Ash, Glenn and I made our way to the She & Him show at Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points last night, and it was fantastic! For the exception of a minor setback - thanks to yours truly - Zooey, M. Ward and their band put on an incredibly entertaining show! Zooey Deschanel is just so darn adorable and her voice is ridiculously gorgeous. That twangy, bluesy, folky combination she has going on where she channels Emmylou and Joni works so well. And she and M. Ward blend together beautifully. The rest of the band was solid, and one of the ladies - Becky Stark, I believe - had a solo. She seems the most free-spirited of the band and I feel she has somewhat childlike ideals: sweet, yet naive. I mean, I'm getting this from one song, so I'm sure she's much tougher than she looks. Well, maybe not. Anyhow. Since they only have one album out, they played an hour long set then came back for a 2-song encore. Short, but sweet. I am looking forward to much more music from She & Him and, hopefully, future shows. They introduced a new song which is just as delightful as the rest, so I have high hopes for their sophomoric effort. And I also want to know where Zooey got her dress - super cute!

There was one opener: a bluegrass band called Freakwater, and they were good. I didn't love all their stuff, but they are definitely gifted musicians. The more I listened to them, the more I realized how I need some bluegrass in my life. I love the banjo! And the mandolin! I've decided to become a regular at the Olde Inne while on Cape since Irish seisiuns are always entertaining. I think, perhaps, I may have been a musician in a past-life but where are my musical abilities now?! Hmmm, maybe I'll bust out the old fiddle and join in one of those seisiuns. Then again, maybe not because they'll probably kick me out. Sigh.

Where's Paula Deen?

I enjoyed some delicious Southern cuisine on Saturday. For brunch, Ash, Glenn and I headed to West Egg Cafe in Atlanta. I've heard about West Egg for sometime, and passing it a few times this week, my curiosity peaked. It's nestled off the side of Howell Mill amidst the crazy construction that just will not end! But this does not intimidate the hungry patrons seeing that we had a 20 minute wait at noon. The place has the industrial look - wide open space with exposed pipes, vents - and while it may be a bit loud for intimate conversation, the food makes it well worth it. Debating among the specials and permanent food fixtures, I decided to go Southern and opted for the Fried Green Tomato Breakfast Wrap and a side of Turkey Sausage. Yummy! And since my coffee consumption has - sadly - waned significantly, I washed the wrap down with some delicious Batdorf & Bronson Coffee. Drinking my java, memories from last summer with Rita in Olympia came flooding back. Sigh to remembrances of days of high caffeination!

Many hours later, after digesting brunch, Ash, Glenn and I met Vic, Blakely, Ty and Noah at a place I've been super excited about for many, many months: Watershed. Rita and Melissa have been telling me about this place for years, and people at work have mentioned it as a place I MUST go before I leave Atlanta. And of course, the Amateur Gourmet blogged about it in his Atlanta post. Additionally, though some group members care nothing for the Indigo Girls, the place is co-owned by one of them, Emily, and appropriately named after one of my favorite Indigo Girls' songs.

After enjoying a beer (Red Brick Blonde - though I wanted the Summer Ale, but whatever) at Taco Mac up the street, we made our way to Watershed, then waited an additional half hour for our reserved table (boo). Finally, with a glass of Syrah in hand, we sat and perused the menu. To start, Noah and I shared the Butter Bean Hummus - something I've never had since all my hummus tastings have been of the chickpea variety - but this southern take on the Middle Eastern spread was delicious, and it seemed almost creamier - "butterier" as Ash coined - than most. For my entree I went completely southern (and vegetarian): Okra Pancakes, Summer Squash, Tomato, Cucumber Salad and, of course, a side of Mac-n-cheese. Everything was perfectly portioned, fresh and delicious. The Mac-n-cheese was by far the highlight of my meal, and I greatly urge you to get it if you make it to Watershed. You will not be disappointed! It's so creamy and cheesy, and the side portion is plenty since it has a bit of decadence to it. Everyone pretty much tried something different: Ash had duck, Glenn ate fried catfish and hush puppies, Vic went with the penne, Blakely tried the shrimp and sausage boil, and Noah and Ty both had the burger. Such boys. Overall, I think everyone really enjoyed their meal. Ash and Glenn as well as Blakely and Ty took up dessert, all trying the Very Good Chocolate Cake. It looked delicious, and while Ash said it was good, she didn't consider it the best she'd ever tried, but still enjoyable.

Though Brick Store was next on the list of the night's Decatur activities, with our bellies full, everyone parted ways and made it home. Safely, I believe. I would really like to hit up both West Egg and Watershed on a future ATL trip, but at least I knocked a couple more places off my ATL Dining Guide this weekend. Woot.

Wow, is it time for breakfast AGAIN already? Ohhhh tummy ache.

Don't Stop Believing?

This week was my final studio session with Robert Osborne, and the week's shoot grew tiring as each day was filled with many, many scripts resulting in each day running longer than the previous. Friday, the last day of the shoot, ran well over. Regardless, it was a fantastic opportunity and well worth it just to have Robert tell me that I'm part of the family and must come back. I'm sure he says that to each intern that graces the TCM family, but it was nice to hear. Hopefully, in a year or so, a more permanent opportunity will come my way.

And there was exciting news at TCM this week involving Ben Mankiewicz. With the departure of Ebert & Roeper from "At the Movies", Ben and Ben Lyons were announced as the show's new hosts. The two Bens will take the chairs in September, but no fears: Ben will continue his run as TCM's weekend movies host.

Back to Friday: After the shoot ran a couple hours over, a few of the ladies - Alexa, Brittany, Crystal, Sandy - and I headed to Nuevo Laredo for margaritas and guacamole. Delicious! Brittany, Victor, and I had lunch there one Friday afternoon but passed on the drinks and chips. Yesterday, however, we were all about them. We vented over the shoot, and I listened to stories about Robert in the "old" days - going back 15 years or so. And the margaritas proved a wise decision for the rest of the night's activities. Er, activity rather.

While last week's most anticipated release broke box office records all over the world, I'm pretty sure this week's will not follow that model. Ash and I accompanied Glenn to The X-Files: I Want to Believe. My hesitation grew throughout the day as I glimpsed titles or first lines of reviews: "I wanted to believe," "Hard to Believe in X-Files," "X-Files Movie a Thriller? Don't You Believe It." I try to stay away from reviews until I see a film, but needless to say, my hopes were not high for this one. I was never an X-Files fanatic. Sure, I watched a few episodes of the series while it was on air, and I saw the first movie, but for some reason, I just never got into it. Nothing against the paranormal and extraterrestrial themes - I find them fascinating - but Mulder and Scully just never did it for me. I don't know, perhaps I'm still a bit scarred from David Duchovny's appearance in Full Frontal. Anyhow, this second X-Files film was less than stellar than what I remember of the first, and I think I may have fallen asleep once or twice during it only to be awoken by the jarring stabs in my side from Glenn. Honestly, I can't explain the film's premise. I remember Amanda Peet being an agent, Mulder coming out of seclusion, and Scully being on staff at some Catholic hospital. I also remember Mulder and Scully discussing their son which came as a shock to me. They have/had a son?! When? Where's the kid? I don't think the movie answered either of those questions. When the film ended, I thought, okay, this was bad, but maybe a bona fide fan - like Glenn - saw something that completely by-passed me. Sadly, Glenn was just as disappointed as Ash and I. And to top it off: AMC only does student priced tickets on Thursdays - what's that about?! Sigh, depressing evening for all involved. The faith is gone.

Here's my card.

I just finished a delicious lunch of Chick-fil-a nuggets (the 8-count), and as I sit sipping the last drops of sweet tea from my cup, I've decided that now is the perfect time to reflect on the film which I saw last night, and the film which is probably the most anticipated of the season. No no. I'm not referring to Space Chimps but rather: The Dark Knight (TDK).

For the past few months I've been attempting to avoid anything TDK related. I've been so excited that I wanted my experience not to be tainted by overly suggestive trailers, reviews, interviews, etc. With Heath Ledger's untimely passing in January, I knew that would be nearly impossible, but for the most part I did pretty well. That is, of course, until two weeks ago when the hype really escalated and my world was inundated with TDK everything! Finally, the 18th of July arrived, and with my ticket pre-purchased, I was ready for the film that would not disappoint.

And disappoint it did not. However, the dark nature of this second Chris Nolan Batman installment cannot be emphasized enough. With the doom and destruction overrunning Gotham City, my stomach began turning, my hands grew clammy, and I could not wait for the 2.5 hour film to end. Heath Ledger's Joker is eerily fantastic, but thoughts of his mortality and depression never escaped me, thus fueling my unease. He played the sinister psychopathic Joker so well and with such impeccable delivery that it saddens me (and I'm sure many many others) that never again will I see Heath in that role. Of course in addition to the Joker, there's Batman and Harvey Dent: Christian Bale being - in my mind - the quintessential Batman, and while I'm not a huge Aaron Eckhart fan, he did a fine job as Dent. Rounding out the cast are Michael Caine flawlessly portraying Alfred, Gary Oldman as Gordon and Maggie Gyllenhaal filling in as Rachel (since that Scientologist couldn't handle the job and, undeniably, making this film a bit more enjoyable than the first). I was really hoping the Joker would have said something to Rachel along the lines of "I can't quit you - or your brother" but alas, no. The screenwriters must have thought that distasteful.

My only regret with seeing TDK was that I didn't see the IMAX release. Just from the standard theater viewing, I could tell how amazing the IMAX experience must be! The action sequences are ridiculously awesome and the cinematography riveting that seeing an IMAX film on an IMAX screen must enhance the movie so much more! I've decided to give myself two weeks - preparation, really - for the IMAX crowds to die down, then head over and see it once more. Hopefully, with a little more enjoyment and a little less nausea. Uh oh. Tea's all gone. I'm out.

Reds and Whites, but not so many Blues.

So much has been going on the past couple weeks. Where do I even begin?!

First off, WALL-E. Oh my goodness, it's been a while since an animated film has made me cry, and this one did it more than once. Though the film is not my favorite Pixar, it might be fighting for spot number two. A robot expressing his love for another through a Hollywood musical (Hello Dolly! directed by the one and only Gene Kelly) - how much cuter and sincere can it get?! The nostalgia factor presses hard, even for items that are still very much in use today, and watching the title character interact with a (dare I say adorable) cockroach as well as his love EVE, well, I don't understand how anyone could keep a dry eye. WALL-E also references a number of classic science fiction films, so any film geek will definitely enjoy it. I must commend Pixar for continuing to do fantastic work on making "kid" movies adult friendly. Well done, Pixar. Thanks for a summer movie that doesn't suck.

Fourth of July in Georgia was fantastically fun though not so over-the-top patriotic. At least, for my group of travelers. Ash, Glenn, Vic, Ken, and I went to the Georgia mountains and sampled the local wines. We stayed at a cabin just outside Helen and explored three vineyards in Dahlonega. Before that, however, we hit up the Habersham Tasting Room on Dahlonega's square. Paying 5 bucks for 5 tastings and a glass was definitely a great start to the trip. They offered some unusual wines as well with Peach Treat being the stand out.

The next day we completed our hat trick of vineyards beginning with Black Stock. We were unanimous in our dislike for this one. While it is the oldest vineyard in Georgia, it happens to be the youngest winery. Perhaps they'll improve in a few years time. I must say the best wine was their White Merlot. Yes, that's right - White Merlot. For someone who prefers red and does not like merlot, I was shocked. But it wasn't delightful enough for me to buy a bottle.

The next vineyard - just down the road from the first - put Blackstock to shame. Frogtown was not only gorgeous and not only dog-friendly, but their wines were pretty delicious. We all opted for the white wine tasting, and I believe we were all very impressed. I think my favorite of the eight I tried was the Vineaux Blanc - perfect summer beverage. I didn't purchase a bottle, but I did take home a very nice red wine glass with the frog insignia. I look forward to my first glass with that.

From Frogtown we headed a little farther down the road to Wolf Mountain Vineyards which really takes your breath away as you head toward the tasting room. Their vines cover a lot of land, and the product is quite good. The tasting incorporated reds and whites, but I feel that my taste buds were shot from the first two stops because I couldn't finish most of my pours. However, I do remember them all being very nice, and everyone minus me, opted for a full glass and a bottle or two to take home. I think that attests to the overall thumbs up for Wolf.

Ranking the three vineyards - not so easy. Black Stock definitely falls to the bottom, but it's a toss up for Frogtown and Wolf. I think I should go back and research a bit more. Make sure I get my notes accurate.

Films! Films! Films!

For some inexplicable reason, I decided to re-watch both American Graffiti and Dazed and Confused this week. I suppose the first viewing was an attempt to express to my roommates how awesome George Lucas was early on in his career. And since I unconsciously link the two films together now, a screening of D&C was necessary. Fortunately, I still enjoy the two, but the tension I felt early May came flooding back. Eeeesh.

In addition to AG and D&C, I feel like I've watched many a film over the past couple weeks for work. Let's see...there was Woman of the Year with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn (the couple's first onscreen appearance together) and a film I truly enjoyed. Then Dinner at Eight - a 1933 George Cukor production with some of the biggest stars of the era including the one and only Jean Harlow. And finally, Sweet Smell of Success. Quite dark, a bit melodramatic, but truly great. All are part of the Essentials programming, so do check your local listings or TCM's website to find out when they'll be airing. Wow. I sound like a TCM drone. Wait! I am a TCM drone. Parfait!

I also viewed Frankenstein and Mutiny on the Bounty (the 1935 Clark Gable version, not the Marlon Brando or Mel Gibson ones) - knocking off some of the remaining films on the 1997 AFI list. They were decent, a bit hard to stick with, but I did. I had to. I'm on a mission that's long overdue.

Weekend Round-up

While I didn't watch any movies this weekend, I found myself on many a culinary and an exploratory adventure. Friday night Ash, Glenn, Noah and I started our Solstice festivities at Taqueria del Sol where I enjoyed a fish taco, a carnita taco, some guacamole and refreshing margarita. I'd been craving some Taqueria goodness for a couple weeks, and let me say, the wait was worth it. After dinner we made our way over to Cabbagetown and met Vic at Krog Bar - a place I'd been looking forward to experiencing myself after the rave Amateur Gourmet review. Perhaps if it hadn't been a Friday night or I'd gone before its popularity became too overwhelming, I'm sure Krog Bar and I would have been fast friends. While the wine was delicious and the pours rather generous, the prices are a little out of my everyday range and the space a bit too cramped, but I might give it another try.

Next stop was 97 Estoria where hard drinks were had, but just one each. We were also kept entertained by a couple - acrobatically positioned in the passenger seat of a car - who was not ashamed to display some rather ridiculous PDAs. With that, and since we ladies felt a chocolate craving needing fixing, we decided to pay Vic's sister Erica a visit at Carroll Street. After some delicious chocolate mousse and an entertaining phone call from Orly, we headed a couple blocks over to Milltown Arms Tavern, where Noah and Vic schooled me in darts. Glenn, being the good guy he is, did his best to fudge the score, but I still came out on the losing end. That's okay. I plan on practicing for next time.

Saturday night was a local night. Friday's crew (minus Vic) hit up Atkins Park then Vintage Tavern in Smyrna proper - a new area for me. Ash described Atkins as yuppy central - popped collars et al. - and I was a bit concerned. While an affluence was evident, the place was pretty chill. I had a delicious crab cake paired with a nice glass of Oregon Pinot Gris. In comparison to Atkins, Vintage finds itself dangling between dive bar and chic dive bar. Sitting outside was key to the bar's charm as our distance allowed us to peer through the windows and ridicule many of the bar's patrons. Cruel, you may call us, but all comments were well justified. Trust me.

Sunday Glenn and I brunched at South City Kitchen: very satisfying and a place I'd like to return for dinner. The egg/spinach/cheese tart I recommend. After brunch, and since it was such a lovely day, we explored Smyrna and Austell. Glenn pointed the Silver Comet Trail out to me (which I then added - in my head - to my list of things to do). As we drove along the tree-lined roads, we entered into the Covered Bridge District. Both Glenn and I were beyond excited to explore this land of covered bridges, but as we soon discovered, one covered bridge equates a district. Rather disappointing, but it seems that a few of the bridges had been uncovered and left in their naked forms. I'll give Austell the benefit of the doubt that at some point in time at least two bridges were covered.

Later in the day I watched the Red Sox go 13-innings, and while I'm thrilled they won, I was less so during the insufferably long game. The fact that the boys had the bases loaded on more than one occasion and could not convert a run drove me - and many others I'm sure - crazy! So to feed my depression, I went to Five Guys with the roomies and stuffed my sorrows away with a burger and dog. Hit the spot for sure.

Apparently, I'm an expert.

We'll continue our look at musicals with my personal favorite of the genre as well as one my favorite films - period: Singin' in the Rain. This also seems like an ideal time to write about this one, not only because I forced Ash and Glenn to listen to my personal commentary as they watched it - which I then repeated the next day, unbeknownst to me - but also because one of the stars - the featured dancer to be exact - passed away this week: the supreme Cyd Charisse (who was known as "Legs" among her peers). She dances with Gene Kelly in the breathtaking number, Broadway Melody.

Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds (Princess Leia's mother in real-life, though there's no noticeable similarity between them), and Donald O'Connor star in this 1952 masterpiece which highlights the cinematic era when Hollywood transitioned from Silent film into the "Talkies." This was a tough time for many silent screen stars, and a lot of them no longer had careers once sound became commonplace. (Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) is just one such example.) Singin' does not hesitate to make fun of itself and its industry while at the same time promoting its stronghold over audiences. This duality makes up just part of Singin's genius with the remainder of the brilliance composed of the songs, dances, sets, and acting. I believe that none of the songs were original numbers but rather written by Arthur Freed during his Broadway days decades before. He waited for the right screenwriters to come along before attaching any of them to a film, and when Betty Comden and Adolph Green said they'd do it, the two created the plot around the songs. Next on-board came Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen - co-directors and co-choreographers - and from there, everything else seemed to fall into place.

Two of my favorite scenes in any movie are in this one (at least as far as I told Ash and Glenn): the first is "Make 'Em Laugh" performed by Donald O'Connor which spotlights his physical comedic side as well as singing and dancing talents. The second is "Good Mornin'" with the three stars performing together. This was Debbie's first day of shooting with the two dance masters, and it's impossible to tell, but the few weeks prior to the shoot day were the only days of dance lessons she'd ever had. And she pulled it off - beautifully! The song also reminds me of my friend Ana who, whenever we went on overnight school trips in high school, would sing "Good Mornin'" to get us all out of bed, and it was very lovely. Always.

If I could be any character in any movie, I'd be Kathy Selden, hands-down. Why? Well, for one, she can dance; two, she can sing; three, she's gorgeous. Plus, she's paired with Gene Kelly's Don Lockwood! Lucky, lucky lady. Okay, I'm not writing anything more, except, everyone should see this. Seriously. Right now. Stop whatever you're doing and go! Post me once you do.

We'll start off with a lil' dancin' and singin'...

Over a week has elapsed since I last wrote, but I have been busy with many films, mainly classics, and will give abbreviated thoughts on each. This will happen in multiple installments.

Up first: Swing Time, an enjoyable Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers musical (which comes in at number 90 on the most recent AFI Top 100 list), and of the ten films the duo made together, I feel it displays Astaire and Roger's skills and chemistry the best.

I don't understand how anyone cannot be mesmerized with the footwork and choreography. Astaire really was a master, but enough credit cannot be given to Ginger who not only matched Fred step by step but did so in high heels while wearing ridiculously, intricate, beaded gowns. Gorgeous, yes, but I can't imagine she enjoyed dancing in them day after day. Fred plays Lucky, an adorable gambler/dancer, who happens upon Ginger's dance instructress named Penny, and the two form the dancing duo that takes over at a popular nightclub. They sing; they dance; they fall in love. Don't worry: I'm not giving anything away. The film is completely predictable, but still, lots of fun.

Now I know people often take issue with the strangeness of musicals - random bursting into song - but this film handles the transitions very nicely, and the songs are so fantastic! The main theme of the film that is interwoven from scene to scene is "The Way You Look Tonight" which has been recorded by many, many singers and won the Best Original Song Oscar for 1936. One of the film's more interesting scenes is Astaire's number "Bojangles" which he performs in black face. I cannot help but think that audiences today may take offense to the number, but the more you know about Bill Robinson, the more it becomes clear that Astaire is paying tribute to one of his heroes. Granted, he would not be able to get away with such a scene today, especially after Spike Lee's Bamboozled created such a stir, but he's brilliant nonetheless, and one of the most memorable moments occurs during his dance with his shadows. Unbelievable!

I'm trying to save you ten bucks and two hours. You can thank me later.

Friday night, with Glenn and Vic in tow, I made my way to the cineplex ready to watch Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull with an unbiased eye. For the last couple weeks I've ignored the reviews and turned deaf ears to those folks ripping apart the latest installment in the Indy franchise. I just couldn't understand how any Indiana Jones movie could be bad. Or at least worse than Temple of Doom (not my favorite of the first three).

Well, not even five minutes into the movie, I began to realize that people had been professing truth and not unjustified lies. By the time the end credits rolled, I thought that watching Indy 2 over and over would have been much more enjoyable and fulfilling than the 4th, even risking the same nightmares that Temple gave me as a kid! Each scene seemed to expose new plot hole after new plot hole or completely illogical endeavors on the parts of Indy, Mutt (yes, that's Shia's name in the film - classy and not at all subtle), and Marion (who I was so excited to see reunited with Indy!). And Cate Blanchett's villainous Irina, at first, was the best part of the movie, then very quickly, turned out to be just as ridiculous as the rest. I was completely amazed that after trekking through the Amazonian rain forest, cascading over waterfalls, and being attacked by killer ants, no one had any scratches or dirt on them. But I did learn that if ever I find myself caught in quick sand (or whatever it was), there really is no need for a rope or tree branch: a snake will work just fine. And I feel someone recycled some choreography from a much better movie as one fight scene seemed awfully reminiscent of one from my favorite Star Wars episode (VI).

Overall, I guess I can't say I regret seeing it, I mean, I had to experience this myself, but I wish my expectations (though I really didn't have high ones) hadn't been completely crushed. Sigh. And not to sound too much like an academically brainwashed cinema student, but honestly, Spielberg and Lucas have never been my favorite directors. Don't get me wrong: I thoroughly enjoy some of their earlier works (American Graffiti, Jaws, the Original Star Wars, Raiders, E.T., The Ewok Adventure) but lately the duo - Lucas especially - have produced VERY disappointing works (prequels anyone?). No longer creative or satisfying, they are too conventional or money hungry or just bored. Or lazy - I mean who okayed the final draft of Kingdom? Seriously! The actors really can't be blamed for their blase performances, mainly because they had NOTHING to work with. And I imagine it's pretty difficult to turn away Steven Spielberg when he comes knocking on your door. Regardless of a film's artistic caliber, there's no doubt that a Spielberg-Lucas blockbuster will be a box office smash. If only they weren't, then maybe they'd stop making crap. Sigh. A dream for which this cinephile can only hope.

Last movie this week

Today I screened Chaplin's silent film Modern Times, a film I'm pretty familiar with, yet, like many other great works, every time I watch it, I discover something new and reach another level of appreciation. City Lights remains my favorite Chaplin piece, but enough cannot be said about Modern Times. Made nine years after the first "talkie" - The Jazz Singer - and during the early years of sound film, Modern Times falls into the category of silent cinema. While studios embraced sound dialogue and audiences became accustomed to the technological advancement, Chaplin returned to the older format. Once again, his physical comedy and poignant social commentary reached audiences. The film is saturated with so many iconic scenes and images that trying to choose one to capture its essence becomes impossible! There's Chaplin strapped into the feeding machine, moving through the cogs and wheels, roller skating blindfolded on the edge of the 6th floor, and, of course, attempting a career as a waiter. With Paulette Goddard (Chaplin's third wife and my freshman year resident hall's namesake) watching out for Charlie's neck, Modern Times should be added to everyone's lists. FYI: It also moved up 3 spots (81 to 78) on AFI's top 100 list.

Some tasty treats...

Yes, I have utilized the kitchen here in the South for my usual baked goods and desserty type foods. Since I was so inspired by Hungry Bruno, I decided to try my hand at her banana nut bread which she made prior to my departure from 180 Washington. It came out very nicely and was pretty tasty. I doubled the number of bananas for which the recipe called, and as hoped, the final product had all the banana-walnut flavors I wanted.

When the joint Glenn's birthday/Memorial Day Party came around, I decided to make one of my favorite desserts which I've always associated with the beginning of summer: Trifle. The best thing about it - other than its fruity deliciousness and not-so-bad-for-you appeal - is that no ovens or electric utensils are needed. Grab the angel food, the jam, the pudding, the cool whip, and an assortment of your favorite fruits, and presto! A refreshing treat! All thanks to my Mom for introducing me to this yumminess and passing on her recipe. I'm sure I'll make it again before the summer's done. *Oh, I didn't have a traditional trifle dish, hence, the less than stellar presentation.

My next baking goal will be the Crispy Salted Oatmeal White Chocolate cookies Bruno posted last month. But I'm not quite ready for those.

Enlightenment!

As aforementioned, at work this week I've been watching and time coding scenes from four films. Today's selection: You Can't Take it with You. Now I've always considered myself a Frank Capra fan and many know that Jimmy Stewart reigns as my favorite actor of all time. So the question that arises from those two points: How have I managed to go through these last 25 years without seeing this 1938 Best Picture Oscar winner? Really, I have no words! The film is marvelous. Classic Capra with his troupe of usual suspects (including an uncredited Ward Bond who found his way into many a Capra and John Ford film). I mean, this film is a stomping ground for many of those who worked with the director before, and then after. Until today, I never realized how enjoyable Lionel Barrymore can be since I have always associated him with the duplicitous Mr. Potter to Jimmy's affable and confused George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life. In this film, however, Barrymore is absolutely charming and very grandfatherly as Martin Vanderhof. With the talents of Jean Arthur, a 15-year-old Ann Miller, and Spring Byington, among many others, You Can't Take it with You is funny, witty, touching, and discusses the role of government in a very smart and thought provoking manner, many ideas which resonate today. I guess all that's left to say: I love this job (er, internship)!

Also, aside from films and TCM, with my trip to Trader Joe's after Sex and the City the other night, I purchased two wines: a Red - my favorite Montepulciano (Villa Cerrina Montepulciano D'Abruzzo) - and a White - one I had never tried - a Vouvray (Lacheteau Vouvray 2006). It was very fruity and delightful, and I highly recommend it for these hot summer days or for a delicious pairing with fish and veggies. And of course, as the ladies of 180 Washington may attest, I always suggest the Montepulciano for any and every occasion.

Less than a month later...

So, as many predicted, I have been slacking on the posts. But while I have a bit of downtime here at TCM, I thought I'd write at least a little something. Let's see...

Okay, I saw Iron Man, and it was extremely entertaining. I can't help it: I love Robert Downey, Jr. And in this movie, he's even more attractive than I ever remember. Maybe sobriety actually suits him. If you haven't seen it, you should. And when you do, make sure you're still sitting down by the time the last credit rolls. You won't be disappointed. Trust me.

I also saw Sex and the City last night. And I'm not sure how objective I can be because I saw it: For free, through work (I actually got to leave work early), and they gave me popcorn and a diet coke. And I won the official Sex and the City book (a $20 value!). Jealous? Anyhow, the movie was what I expected. For the length of - about - an entire disc (2.25 hours) it stayed pretty true to the show - for the exception of the use of really ridiculous music. And while it got awfully depressing in the middle, it evoked the essences of each of the four ladies. I really did enjoy it. Towards the end, nostalgia hit me. Hard. And I will admit, I cried. Though, I think it was a mixture of my missing New York, and of course, my ladies (Cor, Pris, Rach, Haley). Nonetheless, it was well worth my 2+ hours.

I've also watched a couple classic films at work: The Spiral Staircase and The Postman Always Rings Twice - and will be screening two more by weeks end - You Can't Take it With You and Modern Times. We also put together a little tribute to Sydney Pollack which aired this past Monday (June 2nd). It was pretty surreal being surrounded by many people who worked with him fairly regularly. He, of course, was the original host of The Essentials on TCM and was in a number of terrific films - some of which he himself directed and others in which he produced. He will be missed greatly by both his peers and his fans.

Part II: Two Weeks Later

Very much settled into my routine, my life here in Atlanta has been going great so far, especially at TCM. The first day was the usual HR paperwork, meeting a bunch of folks, and familiarizing myself with the "Campus" (aka the Techwood offices). Everyone so far has been really great and super nice. I probably acted like a total film nerd and salivated as I searched through Turner's library. Who would blame me? Their collection is fantastic! My second day, however, proved ridiculously fun, and to use the age-old expression, I was pretty much a kid in a candy store. For the rest of week one I was in studio with Mr. Robert Osborne as he filmed all his intros and outros for the coming month. Everyone knows my insatiable appetite for trivia, and most of the minute to two minute segments are saturated with fun movie facts regarding each film. I tended to sit and stare at the monitor and teleprompter, hopefully, with a look of interest and intrigue as opposed to open mouthed gaping. (I think that I succeeded with the former.) On Friday, the last day of Osbo's shoot, I kept time code and called out all shot and wardrobe changes. Then at the end, I shouted, "That's a wrap!" Quite exhilarating :) But even more so was when Osbo came over, patted me on the back, and told me I did a great job. Compliment from the man himself. Awesome.

During the week I went to dinner with Blakely and Vic at Carrol Street Cafe, and we spotted Jane Fonda - the former Mrs. Ted Turner - hanging out in support of her daughter's art/photo show. Then Thursday Vic, Ash, Glenn, and I went to Radiohead at Lakewood. This was my fourth time seeing the lads from Oxford, and while they put on a great show, I must say, I was not impressed with Lakewood. I enjoyed the show nonetheless. I mean, it's Radiohead! The weekend was a lot of fun: Amber's grad party at the Wells'; meeting up with Orly in Buckhead; then Sunday (though a day of recovery) Orly's grad dinner at Fago de Chao with her parents. Thank goodness my appetite came back for that - it was delicious!

Monday and Tuesday was more administrative stuff at TCM. I did, however, spend a lot of time with Brittany in the editing suites as she is the producer on the Bill Maher and Rainn Wilson guest programming pieces. I like that I also use the creative aspects of my brain as opposed to strictly administrative. The rest of the week was spent in studio with Ben Mankiewicz - he does the weekend segments - and I learned how different he is from Osborne. He's about half Osborne's age, and he tries to add a bit of sarcasm and humor into his segments. I definitely look forward to working with both him and Osborne more over the course of my three months.

So that should sum up my time so far. I'll do my best to stay more up-to-date, but first, let me outline my intentions for this summer's blog:

1. Journal my time at TCM;
2. As well as with the Group and all activities in which we partake;
3. Write about any movies I see - be it a new release, a classic (alas, I still have a handful of
films on the AFI list to view), or even a film I re-watch.

Those are my three main goals. Next up, Iron Man. Stay tuned.

Part I: Two Weeks Later

I'm wrapping up the end of week two here in lovely Atlanta, and since this is the first time I've had a chance to blog, I'll do my best to give the abbreviated version of my final days in my homestate and these early times back in my adopted one. This might happen in two installments, but we'll see how much I can get out in the next few minutes. Here we go...

Where to begin...oh yes, finals...mixed in with finding a subletter (which I did and who is meshing well with the ladies of 180 Washington), moving (thanks to Dad), then traveling the 1200 or so miles from Brighton to the Cape and onto Georgia (once again thanks to Dad and of course to Mom who packed me and ensured that I would be presentable as an intern). The first word that comes to mind: tiring. I feel that most of those days was spent in a fog, and I really am not sure how I got everything done, but apparently, I did. Three of my papers were turned in by the time I left Massachusetts (thank god), and the fourth and final one I actually partially wrote en route. Yup, while Dad drove, I had my macbook, research, and notes open on my lap in the front seat of the mustang. Of course the majority of it I wrote at the hotel, finishing at Ash and Glenn's place just hours before it was due. And thanks to the kindness of a one, Ms. Sarah Leventer, the paper got turned in. Oh, the joy of being a student once again! But all that matters now is...well...I don't have to worry about it anymore. At least not for another three months. Deep breath. If, however, anyone has any thoughts on either American Graffiti or Dazed and Confused - more specifically on their similarities commenting on youth culture, the importance of music within the films to create nostalgia, and how each resonates with contemporary audiences - then please, let's discuss.

But getting to the most important matter, I am here in Atlanta, living with Ash and Glenn (yes, I left one middle school friend and went directly to two others), and interning at pretty much my dream location: Turner Classic Movies (aka TCM for those who like to shorten things). So far, so good. But, I'll continue that tale later. It's time for me to leave the cubicle (yup, I'm here right now - I'm super busy and important this Friday evening as you can tell) and collect my thoughts for the subsequent posts which will keep everyone on the edges of their seats.