Judy's World: December 2010

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas--Finally!!

At long last, the kind of snowstorm I wait for all winter, and maybe get 2 or 3 times in a good year. It's supposed to turn to rain this afternoon, though. The roads are already melted where they were plowed, ditto driveways and walks. If the snow will just stay everywhere else for awhile! It's so beautiful.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Where did November go?

I knew I hadn't blogged in some time, but I didn't realize the last time was clear back in October!

The semester is basically over. I just have to enter the grades online. This was a really good semester. I wish I were teaching Public Speaking again. I felt more in control of things this semester than last, which was a terrible mess, and would like to apply what I learned. Besides, it will be a lot more work teaching a course I haven't done before. I will be teaching "Introduction to Speech Communication" on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

We had a nice Thanksgiving,long ago! Kevin's family and LeeAnn's family and I all went to Chuckarama, which is a big buffet. It works for us, although we all roasted a turkey and did some other things the next day so we could have leftovers! And we went to see "Tangled", which is a really good movie.

I have put up a few Christmas decorations, including the tree. I don't know if I'll get any more out, but I probably will. I'm missing the sight of several of my special Christmas things. And I came home this afternoon to find a beautiful Christmas centerpiece arrangement from David and Katie and family.

My Uncle Ralph has had some health problems and a procedure on his pacemaker and defibrillator, but seems to be doing OK. And I had a nice long visit with my "new" Aunt Katie in Florida, who has been quite ill but slowly getting better.

Sarah was kind enough to schedule me in on her hectic visit to Utah for a friend's wedding. We had dinner at Cafe Rio and I got my first real look at Charlie. And how Eli has grown! Always so fun to see her little boys. Wish I were closer so I could do more grandma things with them, but I know they get lots of "grandparenting" from David and Katie and Alice. I love being able to see photos of them all on Sarah's blog.

Well, it's getting to be count down to Christmas. Maybe I'll have something exciting--in a good way, of course--during the holidays to blog about next time!

Books and Movies

Good books recommended by Leah: Astrid and Veronika and The Women of the Silk. Don't know the authors, but really liked them both.
An Education. This is an excellent BBC movie with a positive message. Definitely PG-13, although pretty mild. I don't know that I think it's "best picture" material, or even "best actress" for her, just because I don't think the role was that demanding. But definitely a movie worth seeing and deserving of critical recognition.
Valentine's Day. It was just what I thought it would be: fluffy with too many story lines to really care about anybody, but an entertaining couple of hours. Not as bad as people are saying. Forgettable, predictable, contrived, but sometimes that's good enough!
Up in the Air. Excellent movie, George Clooney was terrific, and his character's personal journey very believable. I really liked it, would have preferred fewer F words and could have done without the brief nude female backside.
Leap Year. It was just what you would expect--predictable, dumb, and forgettable, but if that's all you expect, that's what you get. A couple of hours away from the rat race in a dark theatre, munching popcorn. Worked for me.
The Young Victoria. Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend. This was a really, really exceptionally fine film in every way. Emily Blunt was astonishing as Victoria, and the film was beautiful to watch, the characters real and interesting, and the costumes and sets simply gorgeous. I hope it gets some awards. A number of people in it deserve recognition. Five stars out of 4!
Sherlock Holmes. I have become quite a Sherlock Holmes fan from watching so many BBC episodes, so I have a very definite vision of my own about this character. I did really enjoy seeing Robert Downey, Jr., one of my favorite actors, with Jude Law, another favorite. I thought they played very well together. However, I don't see Sherlock Holmes as a super-hero, action figure, with blazing guns, lots of explosions, and fist fights with everybody! In my mind he is very cerebral, methodical, scientific, and of course, eccentric. Robert Downey, Jr. captured some of his quirks, but the whole action-packed visual chaos thing just didn't do it for me. I think they were trying to get a "blockbuster superhero" out of the Sherlock Holmes personna, and it just didn't work for me. I am glad I went; I was very curious. But Jeremy Brett remains the ultimate Sherlock Holmes, in my opinion.
Invictus: This was a great movie to see on Christmas Day. I am always inspired by men and women "of the world" who follow the promptings of the Spirit and who clearly have been foreordained to do our Heavenly Father's work with his children. I am reminded that one need not be perfect to be an instrument in God's hands; nor is it necessary that I agree with all of his or her ideas or values to recognize the good works that are done. Nelson Mandela accomplished a wonderful work, contributing immensely, I am sure, to the growth of the Church in Africa by lifting the Africans within his sphere of influence.
Twilight: New Moon. What can I say? I think the kindest thing I can say about this movie is that it was obviously not written for my age group! For the mosr sophisticated among you, may I just say, this is "Le Bad Cinema." Oh, dear, there's just too much material to get started with a description of the stupidity of it. The appropriate emotional development level for this one is probably 15 or under, but the material is totally unsuited for anybody under 21. On the other hand, I should hope that anyone over 21 wouldn't be interested in such drivel. But now if someone asks me about the book, I can say, Oh, I've seen the movie! As usual, it's "good Mormon" fiction if the characters don't sleep together. Do they sell the books at Deeret Book? I'll have to see if Sheri Dew agrees with my assessment of their immorality...
Blind Side. If you like footall, this is a football movie. If you don't like football, it isn't! It isn't too corny or sentimental, I didn't feel manipulated. Enjoyed it very much.
This is It! Michael Jackson was so incredibly talented. It was really fun to see him working with the cast and doing bits and pieces of his greatest hits. If you recognize his talent and creativity, you'll like this documentary.
Everybody's Fine. Very good movie. Family angst, probably everyone who grew up in a normal family can relate to. This one is happier than most such tales--family not quite so dysfunctional as the usual movie family. Loved it, DeNiro is superb.
Bright Star. This is the true story of poet John Keats's love affair with Fanny Brawne in 1818. It is beautifully filmed, with well-developed characters and marvelous acting. I loved it, and it's rated only PG. A must-see for anyone who enjoys quality cinema. It was a feast for my soul.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Very clever and visually exciting adaptation of the favorite book. I quite enjoyed it, and it must be spectacular in 3D!
The September Issue. The Devil Wears Prada pretty much got it right. This documentary of Vogue editor Anna Wintour toned it way down but it was fun to watch and thank goodness none of us are working at Vogue.
Fame. OK, it's a corny remake of an old movie, but the kids are attractive and interesting and it was just kind of a no-brain feel good film. Thumbs up.
My One and Only. It was very fun, lots of nostalgia stuff, highly recommended.
Julie and Julia. Loved it twice!
500 Days of Summer This was a fun indie film which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
The Proposal OK, Sandra Bullock always plays the same kind of parts, but this was fun enough and a "feel good." OK, my son says it's not "clean" but it was basically unobjectionable from my perspective.

Judy's World

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas--Finally!!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Where did November go?

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