The Cow Goddess Remembered

This is a girl I used to work with when I worked graveyard at First Interstate - later Regulus. She was definitely one of a kind... she had red hair, was one of the last free spirits, she was a fan of Howard Stern, Homer Simpson and you guessed it... cows! Everything about her had something to with cows. She even eventually fixed her car up with Legos in the shape of a cow! This was a sight to see. Her car was written up in the Dallas Observer... I sure wish I still had the article but I know I don't. I saw her at the Save Howard Stern rally in Los Colinas( I think?) when he was about to be taken off the air in Dallas. I also met Al Brumley there who did writeups on Stern in the Dallas Morning News. She was a lot of fun to work with, she eventually became our lead. She was brought on by our first lead, who was an aspiring actress, and did some shows at the Pocket Sandwich Theater. She really did go by "Cow Goddess" and always wore the most cool funky clothes that she could afford. I sure wish I knew where she was these days... one of the most unique people I'll probably meet...

More later...

Ok, one of my friends just sent me this link to her writeup in the Observer... enjoy...

http://www.dallasobserver.com/slideshow/view/15924761

More later...

"Kiss Me Kate"... the YouTube London production

How odd it seems to be reviewing something shown on YouTube. I guess that's the world we live in now. I was interested in looking this up after seeing the film version at the library several months ago. Luckily, this is atop the search list. This is a wonderful show taped live in London in front of a live audience, and shown here in 22 parts of about 6 and a half minutes each, coming to almost 2 and a half hours. Two actors named Brent Barrett and Rachel York are the leads ; they are wonderful in the parts of ex-spouses performing in Shakespeare's "Taming Of The Shrew"(this is one of those shows-within-a-show) and their singing is beautiful. Don't worry too much about the plot(as in most musicals), just sit back and enjoy the Cole Porter score, if that's your cup of tea, that is. One highlight is the number "Too Darn Hot" which is really given an all-out treatment here and is totally different from the movie. RangerBrad say, if you're a fan of musicals, don't hesitate to check this out, you'll be glad you did...

More later...

"Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf"... Don't be... the review

This is a film from 1966 starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, based on a play. It is a talkfest as films based on plays are, but there is never a dull moment. Burton is a college professor ; he and Ms Taylor have an interesting marriage to say the least, full of shouting and insults. The movie takes place over a whole night ; George(Burton) and Martha(Ms Taylor) have a couple over to the house after a party, and they quickly get sucked into their cruel and viscous games. On one hand, you have to wonder why they just don't leave, but, like the viewer, they are watching(and are part of) a train wreck that you can't take your eyes off of. This was a bold movie for it's day ; I read somewhere that the ratings system got started on account of this film. Ms Taylor deserved the Oscar she got for this ; she is totally mesmerizing. I'm still not sure I understood everything that went on but it doesn't matter much ; I was engrossed by these people. Not a feel-good movie at all, I would recommend it for a rainy afternoon, as I had this afternoon. Not great art, but kind of fun trying to see what these people will do or say next, and I would say a touching ending.

More later...

Two Short Fun Lists

Five cool "year" songs:

December 1963(Oh What A Night) - Four Seasons
Summer Of '69 - Bryan Adams
1979 - Smashing Pumpkins
Sex Crime(1984) - Eurythmics
1999 - Prince

Good excuse to showcase this little known gem from the Eurythmics :>)

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT1H9gafkfE

Creepy love songs:

Last Kiss - done by several
http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Kiss

Don't Fear The Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
"Romeo and Juliet... we can be like they are... la la la la la" Yikes!

"Every Breath You Take" - Police
pretty melody but sounds like a stalker talking

Lovefool - the Cardigans
not so much creepy as pathetic: "I don't care if you really love me as long as you don't go"... self esteem issues?
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuQ0AQ7YWS8

More later...

Signs Of The Times

How sad is it that we live in a world where we need signs posted telling drivers not to drive and text at the same time? Shouldn't this be common sense? As the saying goes, maybe common sense is not so common. How can you not realize you need to pay full attention to driving? Anything can happen in the split second you look down on your screen. Driving is hard enough without distractions like that. I have seen ladies try to put on makeup and drive before, sometimes read. Amazing. Though it's not as bad, I have also seen people walk and try to text. I admit I've done this before, but on a resedential street. I've also seen people try to read or do puzzles while walking. I think multi-tasking is overrated. When you try to do so many things at once, one or all of those things are not going to be done to your fullest, to say the least. What's wrong with focusing on one thing at a time?

More later...

More Lists... Remakes of Songs Which Don't Suck

A lot of times when artists try to remake well known songs it doesn't turn out too well. Here is a list of covers which IMHO are at least OK or in one case, totally obliterate the original: (Just so you know, I will be entertaining myself with some of these videos on YouTube)

MacArthur Park - Donna Summer
Does anyone even remember the original by Richard Harris?

There Goes My Baby - Donna Summer: original by the Drifters

Ain't Too Proud To Beg - Rolling Stones: original by the Temptations

Come Together - Aerosmith: original by the Beatles

I Shot The Sheriff - Eric Clapton: original by Bob Marley

Crimson and Clover - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts: original by Tommy James and the Shondells
The original was psychedelic, the cover is totally rockin'

Why Do Fools Fall In Love - Diana Ross: original by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers

Proud Mary - Ike and Tina Turner: original by CCR
It's hard to resist Tina rockin' out with this song

Route 66 - Depeche Mode sung with "Behind The Wheel: original By Nat King Cole
Little know song from an under appreciated band

Rockin' At Midnight - Honeydrippers(Led Zeppelin offshoot) - original by Roy Brown
"Sea of Love" was the bigger remake hit from these guys, but it's a little bland for my taste

What's New - Linda Ronstadt: originally an instrumental and then recorded by others in the '30s
She was the queen of the remake in the 70's but I think this is one of the few that measure up

More later...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdH5hrJKjlE

Honorary mention should go to Natalie Cole's loving tribute album, "Unforgettable", to her father, Nat King Cole

A Little About Me

Time to get personal... some of my favorite things to do are reading, crossword puzzles, really any kind of word game(which you know if you see me on Facebook :>)), Scrabble, though I haven't played it in a long time. I used to play it online but can't find a good site for it now. I find reading relaxing, I get lost in another world for a while. I prefer it to TV or the movies(even though I do like going out to movies) mainly because I can experience it at my own pace and use my imagination, I think it helps keep my mind active. My favorite author is John Grisham and his legal thrillers, I love his wit and how he interjects humor and you get to know his characters. I enjoy reading thrillers of any kind. As for the word games, I like how orderly they are, how everything has its place. I like to keep things orderly in my mind, I can't stand chaos, chaos drives me crazy. Though you might not be able to tell it from this blog and how I'm all over the place... LOL. Watching baseball is another favorite activity for this reason, baseball is one of the most anal things around, how everybody takes turns. It's also one of the most statistic- obsessed sports around, there are stats for everything in baseball. I also kind of like that it's one of the few sports not ruled by a clock, there's something about that which appeals to me. I am also enjoying blogging since I've started, I've been finding it relaxing and a good way to express myself. Well, I think that's enough of me for now...

The Attack of the Purple Playoff Eaters... or Shame on Brett Favre

Being from Dallas, this is my take on the last minute touchdown pass by Brett Favre of the Vikings against the Cowboys Sunday when they were already ahead 27-3... WTF!... not cool at all. This is not sour grapes, I swear ; I can just see no reason to go for the glory at that point except to show off, twist the knife in further, all it does is put them in a bad light. No one is saying they shouldn't play to win or take it easy on their opponents, but come on! That is just totally unneccessary. I believe it was on 4th down, which would make it even worse ; usuall you don't go for it on 4th down unless you're desparate for points. Really it's neither here nor there, it's bad sportsmanship either way. When asked about it after the game, Brett Favre was his usual wishy-washy self, would neither confirm nor deny. What can you expect from a guy who announces his retirement, then goes back and forth. Do you think your average Joe could just take back his retirement like that? If you are going to run up the score like that at the last minute, at least have the balls to admit it, is all I'm saying. This will not though keep me from watching one of my favorite goofball movies in which he makes an appearance, " There's Something About Mary" :>)
And hopefully the Cowboys will get revenge in the future...

Queen Streep

I'm totally amazed by Meryl Streep. As I read somewhere recently, she can play anything... and does. Also, she is around 60 and still is constantly working, about 2 or 3 films a year. This is the way films were done in the old days, but it's not as workable these days with all the special effects and CGI that goes into most films. Her first movie was Julia in about 1977, playing a minor role under Jane Fonda. I have to wonder though if those two did a movie together today, who would get second billing... LOL. Ms Streep still manages to stay in demand, while some other acclaimed actresses, like Ms Fonda and Susan Sarandon, seem to struggle to find work these days. Sometimes I find it hard to believe Ms Streep has only won two Oscars in over 30 years. Then again, the Oscars often don't make sense... but that can be a topic for another day. I do believe she has the most nominations of any actress. She has really gotten versatile over the years ; when she started out, she mainly did heavy dramas, but has done more and more comedies as she's gotten older. A performance worth mentioning is in "The Devil Wears Prada" where she plays the bitch boss. She doesn't overdo it as many would, in fact she's very quiet, saying all she needs to in her signature line "That's all". Also she has a nice singing voice, as was heard in "Prarie Home Companion" and "Mamma Mia". She could take up a singing career if she ever decided to. She seemed to have the time of her life in "Mamma Mia". Well, let's see how she does at the Academy Awards this year...

My Groupie Neighbor

I've got to talk about my next door neighbor. I moved into this apartment Dec 1, and there is never a dull moment with her. First, let me say she is very nice and I'm lucky to be living next to someone nice, but she is definitely one of a kind. I hope she doesn't read this :>) She has been helping me with food and other necessities ever since I moved in. Well, here's one thing that cracks me up about her : one night she was in the apt, I had the radio on as I always do. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen came on and she said she has met Freddy Mercury and Roger Taylor. She actually said Freddy Mercury is quite shy in person, I find that hard to believe but who knows. She said Bohemian Rhapsody is her all-time favorite song. Then next came a Led Zeppelin song, of course she said she has met Robert Plant. Do you sense a pattern here? She also had an Elton John story and said she has met one or both(I'm not sure) of Mick Jagger's wives. I know both Bianca and Jerri's names were mentioned anyway. I'm sure if the Beatles had come on, she would be currently banging Paul McCartney... hee hee hee. I need to ask her if she has any autographs.

She also feeds stray cats, dogs and raccoons(yes I said raccoons!) and of course they hang around her place. But I have been sworn to secrecy about that(to anyone around the complex anyway) She says she is going to teach me how to cook more, but I don't know about that. I think she feels like a mother figure to me... she is nice, albeit a little eccentric...

Fun With Lists... Song Title Not In Lyrics

As you will soon find out, I love lists. I have been thinking of making a list of all the cool songs whose title does not appear in the lyrics. I don't know why, I just think it's cool when groups think "outside the box" like that. And it seems to me to happen more often with rock's legends than in the pop genre or any other. So here we go, in no particular order, 10 of these songs...

Iris - Goo Goo Dolls
Unchained Melody - Rightous Brothers
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
Baba O'Riley - The Who
Young Lust - Pink Floyd
Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin
A Day In The Life - Beatles

Ok, I'm totally drawing a blank now. I thought I could come up with 10, and I'm not even totally sure Zep doesn't sing "immigrant". Shows how rare this is... anbody have any other ideas?

A day later, I have come up with at least three more...

Bad - U2
Space Oddity - David Bowie
Brain Damage - Pink Floyd

I know Brain Damage is always played with Eclipse on the radio, and "eclipse" is mentioned, but I think technically they are two separate songs... so there! Stop being so picky...

I would have loved to have seen this as a category on $25,000 Pyramid... and see the blank stare... hee hee hee

More later...

Rich Man Poor Man - My Review

I finished the epic Rich Man Poor Man the other night... actually stayed up way too late to finish it... this is one long book! My copy was 666 pages, small print. It of course covers 20+ years in the lives of the three Jordache siblings, Rudolph, Thomas and Gretchen. Rudolph being the "rich man", Thomas the "poor man". This is an enjoyable soap, even though I'm not sure I can say I really like any of the characters. I'm sure Rudolph is supposed to be the hero, at least he is the one the whole family seems to rely on for help, especially the whiny, sick mother who he basically supports when the father disappears ( he has drowned himself though she is sure he has just taken off) , but Rudolph rubs me the wrong way in several ways. Mostly through constantly wishing his mother dead, if only to himself. I know she is a pill, but still... sometimes he is downright cruel with her. Gretchen is definitely not a favorite character either... she is mainly a doormat for several men to treat her horribly. In her later years she even has a lover who she knows has at least two mistresses. Thomas is by far the most likable, even though he is the black sheep. Ironically, in the end, he ends up making an ultimate sacrifice for Rudy, who he has spent most of the book and the 20 years despising. Also, ironically, Rudy and Gretchen stupidly and indirectly start the ball rolling for the chain of events that lead to the tragic end. May I say, these three are constantly drinking throughout the book! Almost always have whiskey, scotch, etc on hand. It is a very enjoyable, engrossing book by Irwin Shaw. I reccomend it to those who have not yet read it. I am going to look for the followup Beggarman, Thief as soon as I can...