Memories.

Today I was going back through my posts - the few there are - and saw a draft dated 08/08/08 which I never finished. This was to be my "Farewell TCM" post discussing my last week as an intern. Instead of deleting it, I thought I'd post in now:

Alas, my days as an intern are officially over. Tuesday was my final day at TCM, and surprisingly, one of the busiest of the summer. I planned on spending half days on Monday and Tuesday since Brittany and Sean would be on vacation, Gary in Maine, and Hadley and Tom in LA, but instead worked full days with literally no down time. I was up in the dub room, down in Video Copying Services (VCS), in the Avid suites, down in the shipping room - never, really, at my desk. Then at the end of the day, I had to pack up my desk to assist in the move, and thinking back on the day, I'm pretty sure I forgot to label or pack something away. Ooops. I really hope I didn't screw anything up too badly. Looking back on my time at TCM, though, I wouldn't change anything. Well, expect for the whole unpaid aspect. Everyone was super great to me, and I feel that I learned a lot about program production and films that -most likely- I would never have seen, not to mention ever written about.

That was all I said about my final moments from my summer internship. I did add a little blurb at the end about the night's celebratory activities (note the ()):

To celebrate the end of my TCM days (for now), Ash and I met up with Vic, Dave, Noah, Ken and Glenn at Holeman & Finch. Now I chose this place after reading a GQ article about the Top 20 cocktails in the US.

I failed to mention just which cocktails I had: Southern Cola - which made the Top 20 list - and another cocktail whose name I cannot recall but I do remember had absinthe in it (slightly). Also, H&F was voted 2008 Restaurant of the Year by Atlanta Magazine and remains high on my list (for a special occasion most likely). I also failed to share that after H&F Ash, Glenn, Vic and I stopped off at The Treehouse for one last indulgence before heading home. Nice summer time spot.

So that was the end of my summer in Atlanta. We did end up hanging out in the Highlands my last Saturday in the city, and at places that are just around the corner from me now. Perhaps I was subconsciously prepping for my return just a few months later?Anyhow, I thought I'd share. I suppose I should get back to work, pretty much the same work I did over the summer. But this time - I get paid! Ain't life grand?

On this day 57 years ago...

My Mom was born!
Happy Birthday Mom!
Be sure to send Gail some warm Birthday wishes.
Or if you're in Chicago, take her out for a drink.
She likes 7 and 7s and White Zinfandel.
We O'Brien lasses are all about class.
Lots of love to my Mom!

Sounds of Silence please.

"Just a matter of time, I suppose," Edward Blake (AKA "The Comedian") utters right before his fight with a masked intruder commences, resulting in Blake's gruesome death, and thus beginning Zack Snyder's film adaptation of the beloved graphic novel Watchmen.

A matter of time, eh? But for what? I mean, I know why narratively, but what about for my cinematic experience, especially as a neophyte in the graphic novel universe? What is it that Zack Attack wants me to take away from the almost 3-hour long film? Personally, I was waiting to be blown away, and while my eyes were impressed with the graphics and special effects on the IMAX screen, my ears were assaulted with horribly cliche pop songs (aside from the fabulous opening sequence in which Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin" was aptly used) and the painfully synthesized, badly placed score. What Watchmen impressed upon me was the fact that I take issue with film music, not in the sense that it shouldn't be there, but in regard to the fact that a lot of filmmakers either don't know or don't care how to use it. Most of the time it's used as a device to persuade or direct our feelings for a scene. Take for instance the scene where Lori (Silk Spectre II) and Dan (Nite Owl) are discussing their old days as superheroes. The sexual tension is there, made apparent by the way they look at one another and their body language, and as they move in closer, it's undeniable that something is about to happen. So, then, what better time to cue music, right? Well, if it's the abominable music used, then the answer is a resounding WRONG. Immediately I was taken out of the scene (and not just this one), too busy analyzing the misuse of music (aside from the fact that the acting was sub-par, but since it's a comic book movie, I tend to forgive the performances), and thinking that the filmmakers must think me and my fellow audience members idiots. I'm not sure if it's hesitancy or condescension on their part - are they afraid that we won't get what the scene is trying to tell us or do they just want to beat us over the heads with their point? Either way, it's not good.

Alas, Watchmen was my first feature film IMAX experience, and I left the theater disappointed, to say the least. The film, however, did not change the fact that I do need and want to read the graphic novel as I am still very much intrigued by it. But first I want to re-watch another superhero movie which seems to have taken a few cues from Watchmen as it also tells the tales of superheroes who are assimilated back into society. Yes, that would be The Incredibles, a much less violent, but ridiculously enjoyable movie which can probably be viewed twice and enjoyed infinitely more in the span of time it takes to watch that newest addition to the superhero film library.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Hello to all My Dear Little Irish Colleens and Oh Danny Boys on this March 17, 2009! I hope this day finds you decked out in your greenest, shamrockest, leprechaunesque threads. In case you're wondering, I have on my "O'Brien & Sons" Brewpub tee and green track jacket, AND I'm carrying my green Whole Foods bag (well, this wasn't planned since I usually use this to carry my stuff around). Anyhow. Thesis statement: I hope you're wearing green. And maybe doing a lil' jig...too much to ask?

I wanted to share a very funny post I saw on digg.com yesterday. Perhaps it will bring you enjoyment for many (potential) hours...or at least until your ears bleed:

http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Top-10-Worst-Irish-Accents-on-Film-2800.html

Also, in case you're searching for some Irish cinematic wonderfulness, check out TCM tonight. Or go rent/netflix/play instantly/buy some or all of the following: The Commitments, My Left Foot, Once, The Quiet Man. Those are some of the highlights - at least in my book. If you have others, please share!

Now go get your corned beef and green beer! And get your Riverdance on!