Category: Uncategorized

U.S. Figure Skating Champs (Ice Dance)

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I LOVE to watch ice dancing, BUT I never thought the US would have so MANY strong teams in this discipline!  I’m VERY proud that we have such accomplished dancers going to the Vancouver Olympics.  Can we beat the Russians?  Hmmm… we’ll have to see.  But we can be TOUGH competitors this year!

Part-time University of Michigan students Meryl Davis & Charlie White (pic above) defeated Tanith Belbin & Benjamin Agosto for the 1st time in their careers.  Davis & White had a very creative Original Dance (OD) this year with Bollywood music.  Their style and flair remind me of my fave team, Marinna Anissina & Gwendal Peizerat (FRA).

In their Free Dance, D&W skated to music from Phantom of the Opera.  Though both teams had well-choreographed/difficult/engaging programs, D&W had better music than B&A.  I think the audience was leaning a little more toward D&W also.  I esp. liked D&W’s lifts and how they used the music.  They are BOTH very strong skaters; they were paired up 10 years ago!

Bronze medalists Emily Samuelson & Evan Bates (pic above) had a very fun and fast-paced country-western OD.  The audience LOVED it!  (Evan shares a house on the UMich campus w/ Charlie White.) 

Samuelson & Bates, who I learned about last year, are very strong/athletic skaters.  But they can also be artistic, as they showed in their FD.

http://www.ice-dance.com/davis-white/

http://emily-evan.ice-dance.com/

Emma on recent news

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Murder at Yale
 
There have been some very disturbing issues in the news lately.  The item that seems topmost in people’s minds is the brutal killing (which may’ve been premeditated) of Yale grad student, Annie Le. One of my younger (female) cousins also attends an Ivy and performs work similar to that of the deceased young woman.  I also have two acquaintances (from my NYC days) w/ connections to Yale.  One of them attended Yale for undergrad; another is currently in the MBA program.  Yale looks like an unlikely place for such a heinous murder.  Many people are wondering why it occurred.  Was the accused, Raymond Clark III, jealous of Le’s superior intellect and workplace success?  They were the same age and worked in the same lab, though Le was in a higher position.  Or did he just lose control, and kill her without intent?  (I highly doubt this!)     
 
 
Annie Le was a promising young scientist; she was also petite, pretty, and exuded happiness in photographs released to the media.  Her parents were described as quiet, hardworking people by neighbors in Le’s rural California hometown.  She was engaged to be married to a bright young man, her long-time boyfriend, attending Columbia.  Tragically, her body was discovered by New Haven police on her proposed wedding day.  One of her mentors, Dr. Rocky Tuan, appeared on Larry King Live; he said she was “one of the most intelligent and motivated students” he’d ever met.  Le interned at the NIH during summers under Dr. Tuan’s supervision.  Wow, writing this is choking me up a bit! 
 
 
What can we do on a day-to-day basis to decrease violence, especially violence against women?  I know several people involved in non-profits that aid women and children.  But you don’t need to be an expert on this topic to better the situation.  If you have some money handy, why not attend a social event where some of the proceeds go to charity?  If you are a parent/guardian, teach your children (both genders) that sexist talk in not appropriate in any situation.  Teach by example from a young age. There are situations where girls should be treated more gently than boys, as my aunts and older friends often say. 
 
If you are a teenage boy/young man, don’t ignore nasty comments, jokes, and stories your buddies say about females.  Call them on it- you could change their minds.  What if they make fun of you?  Being considerate to girls will get you further than your buddies in the long run.  As for the girls, you can make a difference by being more observant.  Are any of your friends being treated unkindly by their boyfriends?  Look for clues, both verbal and physical.  Don’t stay silent; acting subservient won’t attract the right kind of man.                    
 
 
 
President’s health care plan
 
Another news item being discussed is the opposition to President Obama’s health care plan.  First, one of South Carolina’s state reps, Republican Joe Wilson, yelled “You lie!” during Obama’s speech to the joint session of Congress.  Some people outside cheered; in no time Wilson was flooded with campaign contributions and new adoring right-wing fans.  Secondly, Former president Jimmy Carter said that racism is the cause of such vehement opposition to Obama’s plans.  Now, we should respect Carter for the positive things he’s done after leaving office (as my Dad said); he has written many books as well.  It is a well known fact that he grew up in rural Georgia during segregation, and his mother worked as a nurse with African-American patients.   
 
 
I’m pretty sure all of the “tea party” protestors I saw last SAT on the DC metro were white; most of them were over 40. There were a few families with kids, too.  But an attractive young couple, who didn’t fit the typical Republican image, stood out in my mind.  Are these people concerned about the state of their health insurance?  Yes.  They feel that if we give coverage to more people, their coverage will do down the tubes.  But they have no proof that yet!  These are middle-class types worried about taxes, not just illegal (or “undocumented” as some prefer) immigrants.  What documents did their (white) ancestors have when they left Europe for America, I wonder?  Are all these people racist?  Of course not!
 
 
President’s speech on education
 
Why were parents/school districts freaking out even before Obama spoke?  What’s wrong with addressing youth, many of whom admire the attractive/cool/youthful president?  I didn’t listen to all of this speech, but read/heard sections.  Pres Obama basically said the same things one of my old friends believed; she works as a money manager in SoCal.  Though she was from a very wealthy/well-connected family, she studied long hours and worked hard to prove herself in college and in the workplace.  Having successful parents motivated her more than many others her age, not less!  Being from a Hindu Indian family made her feel proud, not different; she didn’t believe in peer pressure.  This young lady believed that it was mainly up to her to get the best grades, no matter what the subject was or who the teacher was of the course.  Things didn’t come easy to her (she switched majors twice and settled for her second favorite career), so she had to put in the hours.  The only time she took off was Friday afternoon and evening.  Obama must’ve been like her as a student, I imagine.     

Two GREAT Mamet films

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The Spanish Prisoner (1997)

SP_DVD

This film has an air of mystery and tension throughout.  Pay attention to the little moments and the props to figure out all that’s going on!  Joe Ross (Campbell Scott, son of renowed actors Colleen Dewhurst & George C. Scott) is a plain-spoken, well-mannered company man who’s flown down to a (fictional) Caribbean island called St. Estephe.  Why?  Because it’s his reward for  inventing a formula (inside a red leathbound ledger).  This secret formula, his boss Mr. Klein (Ben Gazzara) says, must be safeguarded from the wrong hands.  Joe is glad to have a little vacation (along w/ spending money and posh clothes), but anxious about the promotion/money he has yet to receive for his hard work.

SP 1

In St. Estephe, Joe and his friend/co-worker, a lawyer named George Lang (Ricky Jay), meet a young, pretty and chatty secretary named Susan Ricci (Rebecca Pidgeon, Mamet’s wife and a singer).  Susan has been working on the island (also w/ Mr. Klein’s company) for a month.  Susan is pleasantly surprised by Joe’s gentlemanly ways; she develops a crush on him.

SP 3

Joe also meets a mysterious, suave older man named Jimmy Dell (Steve Martin).  Joe is impressed by Jimmy’s stories, and a promise of friendship when he returns to NYC.  (We sense that Joe has a streak of ambition underneath his unassuming demeanor.)  Jimmy is either a millionaire businessman or a master con man.  Watch to find out!

 

SP 4

David Mamet’s dialogue will sound unnatural if you’re not used to it; his work is meant for the stage.  He’s very good at showing how men talk to and relate to other men.  (Another director who does this well is Barry Levinson.)  The actors Mamet uses are top-notch, even when scenes are a bit too stagey.

 

The Winslow Boy (1999)

TWB_poster

This terrific film (inspired by real events in early 1900s England) reveals deep meaning by being subtle and gentle.  It’s a character-driven family drama with a hint of romance.  It takes us back to a time when a man’s word was taken as truth, even if the man was a young boy (like title character Ronald Winslow).

 

TWB_toast

The Winslows are a comfortable middle-class family in London; they’ve all gathered together before Christmas.  Aging patriarch/banker Arthur Winslow (Nigel Hawthorne) presides over the family with a gentle voice and easygoing nature.  Grace (Jemma Jones) is the sensitive , yet strong, matriarch.

TWB_Cate

Oldest child Catherine (close to 30) is a whip smart, independant-minded suffragette.   She’s supported in her cause by the family (unusual for that time).  Cate’s engaged at the start of the film.

TWB_support

The baby of the family, 13 y.o. Ronnie (Guy Edwards), attends a prestigious boarding school- the Royal Naval Academy.  But he’s hastily expelled for (supposedly) stealing a postal order.   His father believes him when Ronnie declares he’s innocent, and a historic legal battle ensues.

TWB_Sir Robert

The Winslow case is discussed on the street and in the press; public support for the boy is strong.  But the court case goes badly until the family expend their influence/money to hire Sir Robert Morton (Jeremy Northam), the noted lawyer/member of the House of Commons.  He and Cate are attracted to each other from their first meeting, but their politics may keep them apart.  (Sir Robert is a staunch conservative.)

TWB_interest

Sir Robert, a restrained man from a high sphere of society, grows to admire the ordinary family.  Mr. Winslow won’t give up the case, even when his health worsens.  Cate regularly comes to court (the Ladies’ Gallery) to watch the proceedings.  What sacrifices will the Winslows make to support Ronnie?  Will he be found innocent?

NOTE: The DVD I bought has a commentary track w/ Mamet, Pidgeon, Hawthorne, and Northam.  It’s informative and fun!

 

Related Links:

About writer/director/ David Mamet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Mamet

About Campbell Scott (currently on USA’s Royal Pains)

The Campbell Scott Compendium: a fan site

http://cscompanion.tripod.com/

Rebecca Pidgeon’s Official Web Site

 http://www.rebeccapidgeon.com/

Update on me… and more

EmmaLeave a comment

Hey readers!

The weather is going up and down last few days; it’s pretty windy, and going to rain later today in NoVA.  I heard there were some several tornadoes touching down in NJ & NY this past week!  Dad is in Bowie, MD looking at houses w/ his realtor today (FRI).  He likes the area so far…

 

I’ve added some new blogs to my blogroll, so check them out.  I want to learn more about podcasting, so let me know if you have any expertise on that subject!  I listen to a variety of podcasts on iTunes, and thought it would be fun to create my own (perhaps focused on British Literature). 

 

I’m STILL working on my TESOL assignments (so I can be considered for overseas English teaching).  I went to a reunion for Tesol Teaching International where I met some VERY interesting people!  It was a diverse group- different ages, backgrounds, subject areas, etc.  Mom thinks Japan would be a good choice, BUT it’s pricy.  As for working in US… 

 

Dad knows an Indian American guy whose company is hiring over 300 new workers, including contractors to work in fed govt.  I don’t want to sound negative, BUT I’ve never gotten much (job-related) news/help from desis in places I’ve lived.  (Even in NYC, I met only a handful of Bangladeshi teachers in the public school system.)  The DC area MAY be different story, b/c there are desis here who work in non-profit sector (which interests me VERY much).   

 

Recently, I met some warm, intelligent, yet laid-back  Bangladeshis (at Drishtipat DC).  Many of them know my NYC friends.  Many of them mentioned networking.  I didn’t know networking was SO important until this year!  Did you know that you are more likely to get hired through acquaintances, NOT friends?

 

Thanks for checking out my blog,

EMMA.

 

Recent iTunes Downloads:

The Moth Podcast, 7/20/09: Alex Draper: You are a Great King

A TRUE story of a caterer/struggling actor (Alex Draper) who gets hired by an old college pal (an Indian prince) to co-star in “the Schindler’s List of India” (Kala Pani/Black Water).

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0255289/

 

John Barrowman Swings Cole Porter:

What Is This Thing called Love?

In The Still Of The Night

You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To

Easy to Love

 

john_barrowman1

I’ve mentioned him before on this blog; John Barrowman is a musical theater/TV/movie actor originally from Scotland (but raised in the Midwestern US).  You can check him out on De-Lovely (w/ Kevin Kline); in the UK, he stars in the Dr. Who spin-off Torchwood.  He’s been in several eps of the 3rd season of Dr. Who (w/ fellow Scot, David Tennant).

 http://www.johnbarrowman.com/

 http://www.youtube.com/johnbarrowmandotcom

 

 

Movies you DON’T want to see:

 

deception

Deception

This movie has Ewan McGregor and Hugh Jackman, BUT it’s SO bad that I turned it off LONG before it ended!  The first few mins where you see the (lonely/closed-off life) Ewan’s shy auditor character leads in NYC are done well.  Jackman’s charming villain character is TOO much, sorry to say.  Michelle Williams to TOO young/immature for her role.  It’s NOT a believable story.

 

joanallen-icestorm

The Ice Storm

This movie has a GREAT cast of VERY young (Elijah Wood, Christina Ricci, Tobey Maguire) and middle-aged actors (Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Joan Allen, etc.)  It’s directed by Ang Lee, and set in the early 1970s in suburban New Canaan, CT.  The characters are emotionally cut off from their spouses, kids, and themselves.  The film has some nice moments, but seems fragmented and disjointed.  It didn’t evoke much of a response from viewers, I’ve read.          

 

 

Prime

Prime

Even though it has Meryl Streep (who plays Uma Thurman’s therapist), her role is thankless, one-note, and WAY beneath her talent.  The love interest for Uma is  (obviously) an inexpereinced actor!  Sorry, I didn’t buy them as falling in love- NO chemistry.  The dialogue is just plain DULL.

 

Awww… I’m missing this!

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Shakespeare in the Park: Twelfth Night

If I was still in NYC, I’d stand in line to get free tix to see this play (going on until July 12th).  Twelfth Night is of my faves by the Bard, and has gotten GREAT reviews!  Since I’m living MANY hrs from Central Park these days, I’ll have to settle for reviews and pics.  Oh well, there’s always NEXT summer…

 

 

A comedy love triangle: Audra McDonald (Olivia), Anne Hathaway (Cesario/Viola), & Raul Esparza (Orsino)

Though pining for Olivia, Orsino is curiously drawn to his new servant Cesario (actually Viola in drag)!
Though pining for Olivia, Orsino is curiously drawn to his new servant Cesario (actually Viola in drag)!
Cesario tries to convince Olivia that they are ALL wrong for each other.
This production is set in the Regency Era (Jane Austen’s time).

Cesario/Viola falls quickly in love the melancholy boss

Olivia won't take "no" for an answer!
Olivia won’t take “no” for an answer!
When it's revealed his loyal/loving servant is a girl, Orsino is overjoyed! LOL!
When it’s revealed his loyal/loving manservant is a TRULY a gentlewoman, Orsino is overjoyed! LOL!

Time to take their bows

A New York Times review of the play:

http://theater2.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/theater/reviews/26night.html