Because Every Other Blogger Does It

Hello everyone. Just want to wish my readers a Happy Turkey Day. One thing I’m truly thankful for is another successful year of blogging and for all of my readers (even if you don’t always leave comments, hint, hint). I’m also thankful for all the wonderful bloggers out there whose blogs entertain me and make me think. You’re the best.

I’ll be pretty busy for the next few days. Obviously I’ll be busy with Thanksgiving tomorrow. I’m off of work on Friday so I’ll be appreciating a much needed week-day off (nope, I will not be at the malls shopping on Black Friday) Saturday I’m attending Art vs. Craft with my friend Kristine. And on Sunday Kristine is coming over for our very first “She’s Crafty Sunday.” Kristine knits and crochets, and I make my own bath products and beaded jewelry. On Sunday we’re going to work on our crafts while watching Kristine’s DVDs of Felicity (OMG! Scott Speedman as Ben Covington! Squee!!)

But of course, this blog won’t be far out of my mind. And I’ll have some new stuff up soon.

Just a Quickie: Handmade Nation DVD and Art vs. Craft

A few months ago I was lucky enough to see a local screening of Handmade Nation. Handmade Nation, made by Milwaukee filmmaker Faythe Levine, takes a loving look at the world of crafting all over the United States and how it’s been influenced by feminism, punk culture and the DIY movement. Now you can watch Handmade Nation on DVD. You can purchase a copy from BuyOlympia. Handmade Nation is a must-see for anyone who is into crafting, making it the perfect holiday gift for your favorite crafty chica or crafty dude.

And next week Saturday is Milwaukee’s own indie craft show, Art vs. Craft, which is being held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center near downtown Milwaukee. Founded by Faythe Levine (yes, she is truly a Renaissance woman), Art vs. Craft showcases the wares of countless local and national artists, crafters and designers. Most of their items are very reasonable priced, which is perfect in our cash strapped times. Plus, it’s very inspiring if you’re into making crafts yourself. I’m very excited. I’ve been a fan of Art vs. Craft since I went to my first show back in 2006. If there are any “alternative” craft fairs in your neck of the woods, I highly recommend you check them out.

Movie Review: An Education

In An Education, it’s 1961 post-war Britain, and 16-year-old Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is in an awful hurry to grow up. Precocious, yet still a child, Jenny is a top student at her school and plays cello in the youth orchestra. Her conventional, middle-class (Alfred Molina and Cara Seymour) want her to go to Oxford and make something of herself. But Jenny has other ideas. She’d love to go to Paris, hang out in cafes, listen to French music, and meet sophisticated, worldly people who as she puts it, “know lots about lots.”

A chance meeting introduces Jenny to David Goldman (Peter Saarsgard), a sophisticated and mysterious man in his thirties. He sees her standing in the rain, and gives her a ride home. After a couple of chance encounters, Jenny agrees to date David. Despite the huge age difference, Jenny’s parents quickly warm up to David, especially after he tells the he wants to take Jenny to Oxford to meet one of his dear friends, Clive, who you many know better as CS Lewis.

Jenny’s life with David becomes a whirlwind of cocktail parties, art auctions, fancy dinners and hanging out with David’s sophisticated friends, Danny and Helen, played by Dominic Cooper and Rosemund Pike. Getting good grades and matriculating at Oxford go on the back burner much to the chagrin of Jenny’s school stern headmistress (Emma Thompson) and one of Jenny’s teachers, Miss Stubbs (played by an unrecognizable Olivia Williams).

There are moments when David shows a darker side to his personality, but being in the blush of love, Jenny chooses to ignore these warnings. She’s too caught up in the excitement of David’s world, especially when he takes her to Paris on a romantic holiday.

Outwardly, Jenny seems transformed. The school uniform and girlish dresses are replaced by smart cocktail frocks and high heels. And her shoulder-length hair is often worn in an elegant up-do. She now thinks she knows so much, yet she has so much to learn. In other words, she’s still a teen-age girl.

However, you can’t help but be excited for Jenny as she gets caught up in David’s thrilling world. And when she finds out the bitter truth about him, your heart breaks along with hers. In the end, Jenny isn’t exactly older, but she is a bit wiser. She wanted David to open a whole new world for her. She realizes she has to do it herself.

With a screenplay written by High Fidelity author Nick Hornby (based on a memoir by Lynn Barber) and directed by Swedish director Lone Scherfig, An Education expertly captures a pre-Beatles swinging England. This is a time when Brits were dusting off the despair of World War II, yet not quite ready to open up to new ideas. The performances are also superb. Saarsgard is cooly caddish as the debonair David. You can understand why Jenny is drawn to him (even though you want to warn her to get away from him). Molina is perfectly over-bearing and loving as Jenny’s father. And Pike brings a wonderful humor to the glamorous, yet rather dim Helen.

But this is truly Carey Mulligan’s film. Known mostly in her native Britain, Mulligan is simply astonishing in this star-making role, both self-possessed and vulnerable. I usually get a bit ruffled when the media compares any skinny actress the late Audrey Hepburn, but with her gamine charm and keen intelligence, Mulligan becomes pretty darn close. In a year with some wonderful female performances (Meryl Streep in Julie and Julia, Mo’Nique and Gabourey Sidibe in Precious) Carey Mulligan might also have to reserve shelf space for Oscar gold.

Music Review: Glee The Music-Volume 1

It shouldn’t work. Take a cast of mostly unknowns playing a rag tag bunch of choir kids at a Midwestern high school and have them break into song several times during any given episode. One paper it sounds quite cringe-worthy. Remember such musical TV failures like Cop Rock and more recently, Viva Laughlin? Yet, Glee, Fox’s latest hit, does work by utilizing a talented cast, clever writing, both over-the-top and realistic situations and most importantly, outstanding musical performances. Now many of these musical performances are on Glee’s first soundtrack, Glee: The Music Volume 1.

The album begins with the Journey classic “Don’t Stop Believin.” Soon after this song debuted on Glee’s pilot episode, it became the #1 downloaded track on iTunes within a week, not bad for a song that is over 25 years old. Sure, Journey’s original is a classic, but the Glee cast gives “Don’t Stop Believin’ a youthful zeal that makes you want to listen to it over and over again.

Another cast standout is Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” Sure, nobody can fill Freddie Mercury’s rock and roll shoes, but the Glee cast gives this song their all. And if you don’t get chills when Amber Riley (Mercedes) sings her solo then you probably don’t have a pulse.

Ms. Riley has one of the best voices of the Glee cast and she proves her vocal chops on both Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Windows” and Jill Scott’s “Hate on Me.” “Hate on Me” is one of my favorites, and Ms. Riley gives this song the right hip-hop flavor.

Other cast members also get solos. Mark Salling (Puck) sings the Neil Diamond classic “Sweet Caroline” and Cory Monteith (Finn) takes on REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” Dianna Agron (Quinn) sings the Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” and Kevin McHale (Artie) goes back to MTV’s heyday to sing Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself.” Ms. Agron has a pleasant voice, but the song is way over-produced. And I’m still trying to warm-up to McHale’s slowed down and slightly calypso-like “Dancing With Myself.” Perhaps the original is too burned into my consciousness. And let’s keep in mind that in the context of the show the songs take on new meaning. But I’m reviewing them as songs alone.

I’m totally girl crushing on Broadway babe Lea Michele who plays the alpha-diva, Rachel, on Glee. Thank goodness she gets plenty of love on this album. One of my favorites is her version of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow.” I’ve always found Rihanna’s voice rather thin, so to hear Ms. Michele’s rich and powerful voice is a treat. Plus, her emotional grasp on the lyrics really hits you in the gut. This was another track I couldn’t stop listening to.

Ms. Michele joins forces with Chris Colfer on the Wicked showstopper “Defying Gravity.” Now nothing can compare to Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth’s original, but I really like Colfer’s voice. It’s so unique, and I hope he gets some solos on the show soon. He can’t just be known for “Single Ladies” alone.

Did I mention Kristin Chenoweth? The mult-talented, award-winning Ms. Chenoweth turned up in a fabulous guest role a few weeks ago, and lucky for us, got to show off her sterling pipes. She sings Heart’s “Alone” with Matthew Morrison (Will Schuester) and Cabaret’s “Maybe This Time” with Lea Michelle. Sure, the Glee kids are hella talented, but Oklahoma’s pride really shows them (and us) how it’s done.

I’m sure I’m not the only Glee fan who is hot for teacher, Will Schuester and the actor who plays him, Matthew Morrison. Luckily, he also gets some Glee love. If you have a special work-out section on your iPod, I highly suggest your download Morrison’s versions of Kanye’s “Goldigga” and Young MC’s “Busta a Move.” But just a warning; if you listen to these songs at work you will totally start shaking your ass, and your co-workers might think you’re having a seizure. I’m just saying.

Are you Glee’s bitch? And aren’t we all? Just an FYI. Target has an exclusive CD that contains three extra tracks. Morrison sings Color Me Badd’s “I Wanna Sex You Up” (well, if you insist) and the folk classic by Peter, Paul and Mary “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” And TV’s most adorable “ginger pygmy with bush baby eyes”, Jayma Mays (guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury) is an absolute delight in her version of My Fair Lady’s “I Could Have Danced All Night.”

There are some Glee songs that haven’t made the soundtrack, most notably rival show choir Vocal Adrenaline’s riotous version of Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” and the mash-ups “It’s My Life/Confessions Part II” and “Halo/Walking on Sunshine.” Perhaps they’ll end up on Volume 2. Volume 2 you ask? Why, yes Volume 2 will be released on December 8th just in time for the holiday season.

Great Moments in Gen X History: Sesame Street

“Sunny skies, sweeping the clouds away....can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street”-Sesame Street opening theme song

On November 10th, 1969 a very important television show made its debut. That show was Sesame Street, and it became one of the most beloved and revolutionary programs of all time. Generation X-ers were the first to watch Sesame Street, and now, 40 years later, their very own children are watching Sesame Street.

Sesame Street was ground-breaking because it combined both entertainment and education. Created by TV producer Joan Ganz Cooney, Sesame Street was initially created to help lower-income children prepare for school, but it was show truly for all children (and sometimes their parents).

With strong writing and production values, Sesame Street used striking animation, funny skits, engaging songs, a multi-racial cast and most notably, Jim Henson’s Muppets. Sesame Street took place, not in a flashy studio or a middle class suburb, but in an inner-city neighborhood, complete with front stoops and storefronts.

Sesame Street’s goal was to teach children basic educational concepts like letters, numbers, problem solving, life skills and socialization. As the years went on Sesame Street also discussed real world situations in simple ways children could understand. These situations included death, divorce, pregnancy and adoption.

Sesame Street was a hit from the very beginning. It tapped into the idea if you could grab children’s attention right away you could educate them. Many of the segments were brief so not to lose a child’s short attention span. Music was another element that made Sesame Street such a hit. As we know from things like Schoolhouse Rock, using music to teach children educational concepts really helps them remember what they’ve learned. And I wouldn’t be surprised if right now some of you are humming to yourself such Sesame Street classics like “Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street,” “Sing” and “Rubber Duckie.”

The cast of characters also helped Sesame Street became a hit. Since the beginning, Sesame Street’s cast has been multi-racial and multi-generational featuring people like Maria, Luis, Gordon, Susan, Bob and Mr. Hooper (Will Lee who played Mr Hooper died in 1983). But it was truly Jim Henson’s Muppets that played a huge part in Sesame Street’s success. There’s BFFs Bert and Ernie, the curmudgenly Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, the Count, Big Bird and Snuffleupagus. Hey, did you know Oscar the Grouch was originally orange? And did you know Snuffleupagus had a first name, Aloysius? I’m so old I remember when only Big Bird knew of Snuffleupagus’ existence. And of course, there is now Abby Cadabby and Elmo.

Sesame Street was smart enough to know parents and caregivers were watching with children and often showcased celebrities mostly known to adults, and often the cultural references were a bit too sophisticated for the wee ones. It took me a while to realize Alistair Cookie from “Monsterpiece Theatre” was based on the Alistair Cook from the PBS show “Masterpiece Theatre.”

Sesame Street became both a critical and commercial success. It’s won a truckload awards including over one hundred Emmys. It’s spawned books, toys, albums, DVDs and clothing. Street Gang, a book celebrating the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street, can be purchased in book stores and on-line. Sesame Street has been the exhibited in both the Smithsonian and the Museum of Modern Art. And though it has its detractors, Sesame Street is considered not only one of the best children’s TV programs of all time, but one of the most important cultural touchstones of, too.

Famous folks still show up on Sesame Street. In fact, first lady Michelle Obama is making another appearance on Sesame Street this week. In an earlier episode, she helped plant a garden with the gang. When you think about it Mrs. Obama is probably the first first lady who watched Sesame Street as a kid, not a parent. And President Obama has said he used to watch it with his younger sister Maya when he babysat her. Recently Google used Sesame Street characters in its logo. Somehow this doesn’t surprise considering Google’s founders, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, are Generation X-ers.

Sesame Street isn’t just an American TV show. Versions of it can be found all over the world. Mexico has Plaza Sesamo and France has 1, rue Sesame. Turn on the tube in China and you get Zhima Jie. And children in Russia like to watch Ulitsa Sezam.

I’m sure if I watched Sesame Street today I’d get a very happy nostalgic feeling. Sure, the set looks a bit more cleaned up than the grittier version I remember, the theme song sounds a bit different, and there are some new faces. But for the most part Sesame Street is still the familiar place I remember. And I’m really glad it was a part of my childhood.

This post has been brought to by the letter U and the number 2.

More on Sesame Street

Official Website

You Tube Sesame Street Channel (Hey, I remember this kid!)
Inside TV

Makes and Takes

JenX67

USA Today

Just a Quicke: Go See "Precious"

A month ago I was able to see a brilliant film at the Milwaukee Film Fest, Precious. Now Precious has opened in select cities and will open in more cities as weeks go on. Precious is raw, brutal and honest, but also offers a bit of hope when life seems the bleakest, but not in a way that is treacly and fake. All the performances are amazing, and yes, Mo'Nique truly deserves an Oscar nomination for her performance as Precious' abusive mother, Mary. But I also have to give a shout out to Gabourey Sidibe (pictured above, looking smashing in purple) who plays the title role. Her acting isn't "acting." You truly believe she is Precious. Ms. Sidibe gives one of the most affecting and real performances I have ever seen on the silver screen. And now I'm becoming a fan of Ms. Sidibe the person. I've read interviews with her and seen her on television, and she's so funny, smart and so deserving of her success. Here are a few tidbits from Jezebel. You're going to love her, too.

WTF Files: Jon Gosselin Does Yoga

I have never seen an episode of the epic trainwreck Jon and Kate Plus 8 but you can’t walk past a newsstand without reading about the sleazy shenanigans of this dreadful duo. Now that greasy Ed Hardy-wearing douchebag and all-around famewhore, Jon Gosselin, is showing off his yoga moves. Namasté? More like Namanasty! And his form and alignment is dreadful. Well, at least his junk isn't hanging out.