I got the message!
Just a text message would have done Liz...
Posted by Tony at 09:39 PM
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Just a text message would have done Liz...
I watched Lost In Translation again last night. I own it on DVD and received the soundtrack as a birthday gift (thanks again CR!). The movie itself is a pleasure to watch. I like it more than Sofia Coppola's first film, The Virgin Suicides. Lost in Translation has gorgeous music and breath taking scenery and a 100% believable story. The makeup and the costumes only enhance, don't over shadow. The more I watch this movie, the more I believe Charlotte (Scarlett Johanson) and John (Giovanni Ribisi )are Sofia and Spike Jonze, her estranged husband in real life. Kelly (Anna Faris) the annoying actress in the Hyatt bares a striking resemblance to Cameron Diaz. "Kelly's" voice and look are Diaz in completion. Page Six of the Village Voice claims that is exactly who the actress is supposed to be portraying. Sofia met Cameron on the set of Spike Jonze's movie, Being John Malkovich, and apparently wasn't impressed. I think Sofia had a thing for Bill Murray before this film, hence writing the role specifically for him. I would love to get the real story on why Sofia and Spike broke up. Both are such talented directors, but after the Oscars, Sofia now finds herself counted as one of her father's (Francis Ford Coppola) peers.
Sofia Coppola On The Set (Photo:Focus Films)
Yesterday, I met with Theresa Johnson, Features Editor at the Philadelphia Daily News. We walked to Rose Tattoo Cafe, and over a delicious lunch, we talked blogging and blog culture. Sharing theories and ideas, Theresa told me about the Girlfriends Locker Room; a really smart informative and fun fitness blog that she and some of the other editors contribute too. This type of site in particular, speaks to the benefit of blogging and the sense of community that we all desire. These ladies share a common interest in working out and fitness, but they also have families, careers and busy lives. Finding themselves frequently in front of a computer, this a fun way to chat and share with your fellow enthusiasts, new information on workout routines, getting in shape or just chit chat about what they’re watching on television in the evenings. I shared with Theresa that I had recently started walking with a friend a couple of times a week. She suggested I might want to check out the “Girlfriends” for additional info on diet and exercise. The aptly named Girlfriends Locker Room is a friendly, welcoming place, just like walking with a girlfriend, it makes working out seem a lot easier, a lot more fun and my goals more attainable!
A clear day brings new possiblities. The Daily News/Inquirer Building.
I know some people don't believe blogs are viable. I guess they think of the net as a place to misbehave or a hangout because a real life is nonexistent. I don't believe kids have these prejudges because they are being taught, learning and well as playing, on these machines. (Why, in my day... nah I'm not going to go there). :laughs: However, a couple of months ago, I participated, in a survey for MIT Media Lab. Fernanda Viégas conducted this survey and yesterday the results were emailed to me per my request. According to the outcome most bloggers live in California and England. 78.6% of us are Caucasian, 63% are male. I suppose this survey is a good place to learn the logistics of blogger; there aren't many in Pennsylvania for example. It was interesting for me to read about the ways people handle the same blogging issues I deal with. Do I use a friends name, hell, do I use my own name? What if a potential employer were to google my name? Do I want them knowing my politics, my loves, my loses? This survey sparks discussion on blogs far and near. Most of all bloggers learn from one another, build a community and career network. Many fellow bloggers attended a media conference this year called South by Southwestern (SXSW). If I attend next year the priority for me is connecting, in person, with many fellow bloggers, and the thoughts of that are an exhilarating prospect for me. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to work at a company that would sponsor me at such a conference?
I have been rather busy of late. One of the reasons why is that I am currently on a politics course that takes up a lot of free time. Now the reason why I am doing the course is not because I intend to start kissing babies and patting the poor on the head whilst promising that if they vote for me I will change water into wine especially for them, but out of an interest in the processes that shape our lives – and the fact my job entails me working with politicos on a daily basis so it could be likened to a ‘Know your enemy’ course.
Anyway, the reason I write is I and a small group was invited to the Houses of Parliament by a MP called Andrew McKinley. Now an MP is, I suppose, about the same level as a US Senator and so he had the juice to give us the grand tour of the House.
And he did. We were able to go into the House of Lords and House of Commons, all the ante-rooms (where it seems much of the real work of government goes on with MP’s and whips bargaining votes for influence...) and the very opulent restaurants full of escapee Bishops from the House of Lords filling up on (subsidised) Houses of Parliament own brand Whisky whilst ‘entertaining’ elderly ladies from the local conservative club.
The tour was interesting and because we were with an MP we got in to areas not open to the general tourist. We got into the MP’s private chapel for instance and stood in the spot where Charles 1st stood while he was tried after the (English) civil war (about two days before they cut his head off..) and the spot where Spencer Perceval was shot…. Who he?....why he was a Prime Minister of ours who was assassinated in 1812 – yes another British first! We started popping a cap in the ass of our head of government long before Lincoln stirred up the southlands!
Anyway, after our tour we had a Q&A with McKinley – who is on the defence team in Parliament – he had just came back from a inspection tour of Iraq and told us about his meeting with Paul Bremer the US chief administrator. It was quite something to get information straight from the horse’s mouth so to speak and he did not hold back on the problems being faced out there. He was talking off the record of course so none of us ran down to the nearest reporter and spilled the beans but I can tell you they are not unaware of the problem of sending soldiers in trained to kill and then asking them to act as policemen now that Saddam has fallen. On the plus side there is a feeling that now this has been done other countries realise they are not a safe to do what they like as they think they are… Libya for instance would not be so compliant as they currently are being if it were not for the Iraq action.
It is a different world at this level and ideas simple to us like if war is right or wrong become complicated when you factor in the benefits that may come from an action that will turn some against you. I get the impression those who make these decisions pretty much know the score and have decided to take a bit of flack for the bigger picture.
Well the next trip will be to Strasburg to meet with the European Member of Parliament to quiz him on the European Union and how the hell we let French farmers have massive subsidies for working an antiquated, 19th Century system and refusing to change with the times.
You may tell I have an agenda….
Photo By: Michael T. Regan
The Philadelphia City Paper has a beautiful person on its cover this week. Diane McKinney-Whetstone is a writer here in Philadelphia and my friends and I are part of her devoted fan club. This week, Gary M. Kramer writes a terrific piece on the book, Leaving Cecil Street, Dianne's latest novel. The thing I love about Philly is the neighborhood feel you get, even if it isn't your neighborhood. Denzel Washington said pretty much the same thing, when he was on location filming, Philadelphia, years ago. Like any good writer Dianne uses what she knows, and Philly is the back drop for her books. My friends and I love it when she mentions areas that are familiar too us. Meeting Diane on several occasions, I found her to be a lovely, munificent and sharp lady. She always has time to chat and listens as we, her fans, squeal over her latest book and give our suggestions for which actress' should play the lead roles in the film version. Her warm smile is as engaging and inviting as the city itself. Her books lend themselves well, to a cold winter’s night, or a hot sandy beach, where I first read Tumbling. Congratulations Diane on your latest baby. You inspire, entertain and teach us, Philadelphian’s one and all.
Diane McKinney-Whetstone reads on Thu., April 1, 7 p.m., Free Library Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341.
I got my Nomination bracelet a few years ago when you could only find them in center city boutiques. I see them all over, on everyone, now and they are much less expensive then what they are on this link. Called the "charm bracelet of the new millennium", this piece of jewelry brings back the fancy of my youth. I had the conventional charm bracelet, as a little girl, complete with poms poms (I was a cheerleader) and a crucifix (I was a Catholic school girl). Now there are charms, I could wear as an adult. First seen all over Italy, these bracelets eventually made it to the US. Today, I treated myself to two new charms and added them to my existing ornaments. They're just a touch of fun, and they made great gifts.
My hand, holding the bracelet. "LIZ" is in the front
Click below and see some charms up close...
"LOVE" my first charm
I bought the "Big Apple" today. Take that, Donald Trump!
I always need my "cell phone".
I purchased this "Shamrock" represent'in my Mom's side of the family
I love my Batman charm, as much as I loved the Adam West show
**My Charm Wish List...
Paul Frank's, Julius. Cute huh?
My sign, Sagittarius
Mmmm a hot cup of joe
I can't let my niece see this!
Queen for a day
I'm technically a day late with this post. I have my days and nights mixed up right now and it's a mess. Yesterday was Jeanna's (pronounced: Gina) birthday, and I want to wish her a wonderful year. She is one of those people, that so many would be lost without. Sometimes people don't know how much they mean to so many, they just do what they do and don't think about it. She is one of those people.
Jeanna, last year was a turning point for you and I have watched you take giant steps forward. Among the many reasons why I love you, you also do my hair, meet me for dinner and reason things out, and we're all going to Jamaica! You are one of the sisters I never had. Love you XOXO
Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief --Marcus Tullius Cicero
Click on this link and check it out when you get time. I laugh at a lot of Bill Maher's stuff and agree with most of it.
In Addition....
Friends! Get in on this discussion. Take in some different news/info sources and get a fresh perspective. Know why you vote for, or against, the way your parents influenced you to vote.
I know, my fascination with Sean Lennon is very disturbing. Why the hots for Sean? Well, aside from the unexplainable fact that I think he is gorgeous, he was raised in my dream home of the Dakota. I couldn't care less about who his parents are or were in the past. I have little interest in that. It's just that he seemed like an angelic child and now, everytime I read about him, he is doing some bad ass thing, like fighting, or making out with a gorgeous woman, or playing guitar at some event, while effortlessly grabbing the headlines. He has replaced my Andy Warhol fascination, and ironically, they were pals! Ok, I'll stop now about Sean, but here is a pic for the road.
February 27, 2004 --
MUSIC industry insiders are still buzzing about the steamy smooch session between Sean Lennon and Naomi Campbell at Clive Davis' Grammy party. "I couldn't believe my eyes," said the wife of one power player who attended the L.A. bash. "They were just making out like crazy. I have nightmares about it." Lennon recently split with his girlfriend of several years, Bijou Phillips, whom he ditched after she admitted an affair with his best friend, Max LeRoy. A rep for Campbell, who has lately been spending time with her ex, Flavio Briatore, didn't return calls.
And Thats Not All ......
We were look-ing for material for our as-yet-unwritten screenplay, Young Celebrity Scions in Love: I Give You My Royalties in Perpetuity, when we heard that Sean Lennon had broken up with his girlfriend of four years, Bijou Phillips, “for good.” Our spy tells us that Phillips had been spending a lot of time with Lennon’s friend Max LeRoy, which prompted Lennon to admit that he’d spent some time with other kids of famous people, too. It seems LeRoy, son of the late restaurateur Warner LeRoy of Tavern on the Green, confessed earlier this month to his longtime pal (he and Lennon grew up across the hall from each other in the legendary Dakota). Lennon then kicked the 23-year-old actress out of the Hollywood Hills home they had been sharing and boxed up her belongings at his West Village brownstone. While she looks for a new home, Phillips has reportedly moved in with her sister Chynna and her husband, William Baldwin, who live in L.A. Our exhaustive efforts to find out more about this sad tale of domestic dis came to this: no comment from Phillips and no return calls from Lennon or LeRoy.
Normally, I post fashion links that I think are good, but this Kimora Lee’s, “Baby Phat”, deserves the "Attention K Mart Shopper" award. Russell Simmons, Buddhist and self proclaimed good guy, is married to the most shallow, nauseating person (next to Oprah) that ever decided she could create fashion, Kimora Lee. Check out this "plus size" skirt at her line, "Baby Phat", which I am assuming is named after her knees. UGH! Cute.......if you're the heavy weight boxing champion of the world. My point is, what nerve, passing this crap off as designer, with the designer price tag of course. When Kimora recently appeared on her royal majesties show (Oprah of course, it takes one to know one) she drug out all this cheesy "bling bling" cotton stuff and Oprah practically wet herself over it. Kimora's two daughters are exposed to the same bad taste, their nannies dutifully dress them in their Mother’s children’s line, everyday. One special maid has the honor of being in charge of Kimora’s closet. I bet that’s a full time job! By the way, did I mention Oprah has a new line of workout clothes? Proceeds go to her Angel Network. God, I just hope they show Martha Stewart being hauled off in handcuffs as penance for these two.
Check out the link. I really like the double entendre here.
I went too visit an old friend tonight. We decided to go back to the Philadelphia woman's prison for another opportunity to speak on a panel for the inmates. I spoke there, with another friend, quite some time ago. I found that time to be astoundingly frightening. I realized, if I were ever incarcerated, I would be the comedian on the cell block. When faced with fear my sense of humor was my safe haven. I made the ladies chuckle with my awareness of the obvious. It was classic "fish out of water" brand of humor. This time the prison system requires us to attend an orientation, so Monday night, we are off to orientation. Why speak at a woman's prison, Liz? My answer: if I were that down and out, I would want a "respectable" (cough, cough) member of society to treat me like a human being. What the hell will I speak about, you might ask? Answer: hope.
(Nicole Oberfoell)
A Little Warmth Goes A Long Way.
The Newspaper Building
Today finally came together for my much anticipated meeting with Philadelphia journalist, Damon C. Williams. I had to cancel our scheduled meeting on two separate occasions due to my unwillingness to sneeze on Mr. Williams with the wretched cold I have been suffering with.
A couple of weeks ago, my friend Tonita (Mary) forwarded her brother’s latest interview with the Philadelphia Daily News. I read the interview from start to finish. I caught the journalists email address, and decided to let him know that I enjoyed the piece. I asked him for suggestions on shopping my work around. Much to my surprise and delight, Damon Williams emailed an invitation to personally visit him in the newsroom at the Philadelphia Inquire and Daily News building at 400 North Broad Street. Even my elation couldn’t head off an impending cold and sore throat, but today, I was well and the meeting was confirmed. I felt like an 8th grader on a class trip. I woke up early, and began my regimen in preparation for the 4PM appointment.
Mr. Williams greeted me with the same open and warm smile that was reflected in his emails. We went into a conference room and Damon listened and shared with me, his experiences with journalism. His desire to make a difference was right there, in his eyes, behind the black framed glasses. He wrote, long hand, some names and numbers I would need, an insiders list leading straight to the top. With his sincere desire to reach out, I felt the warmth from a flame lighting the way.
People who are in a position to give, sometimes write a check, and receive accolades aplenty. Then there are people like Damon, who pick up the ball, run with it, and give of themselves in the process. After speaking with him, I floated from the newsroom and back to my car too drove home. I am filled with hope for my future. Damon told me to be assertive and not give up. He handed me the tools and offered his continued support. We shook hands and embraced. I want to hang on to that feeling for as long as I can. Someday, I will give that embrace, to someone, as freely as it was given to me. Maybe, that will be the only way I can repay Damon for taking time out with me.
Thank you Damon, it was a pleasure meeting you.
The Man Himself, Damon C. Williams
Visiting the News Room and Damon's Desk
Broad Street and William Penn Off in the Distance
Top Ten Things Heard Outside The New Mel Gibson Movie
10. "Hey -- no shoving, Monsignor!"
9. "I don't know why they added subtitles -- everyone speaks Aramaic"
8. "I'm hoping my medium Mountain Dew will miraculously be changed into an extra large Mountain Dew"
7. "These 'Lord of the Ring' films are getting odder and odder"
6. "Was this really based on a book?"
5. "Twelve dollars for a movie ticket? Now that's a sin, am I right, people?"
4. "The Pope loved it almost as much as "Barber Shop 2'"
3. "Uh...I don't feel like dinner right now."
2. "That was awesome when Trump fired Pontius Pilate"
1. "Don't tell me the ending"
Courtesy of the Letterman show
Depression can be devastating to family relationships, friendships, and the ability to work or go to school. Many people still believe that the emotional symptoms caused by depression are not real, and that a person should be able to shake off the symptoms. Because of these inaccurate beliefs, people with depression either may not recognize that they have a treatable disorder or may be discouraged from seeking or staying on treatment due to feelings of shame and stigma. Too often, untreated or inadequately treated depression is associated with suicide. I spoke with my friend, Dave, who told me he wanted to dispel many of the myths surrounding this very real illness. It is as real as cancer, and those who suffer from it, deserve compassion and understanding.
Its early Saturday morning, Martha Stewart is all over the television. I'm bored with that so I make myself a pot of tea and started surfing the web for British Mod fashions. "Quadrophenia" by The Who and the whole subculture can be found on a variety of sites. I wanted to read more about the subject, ever since receiving a target bull’s eye insignia Mod bag as a Christmas gift in 2003. The bag is great for carrying my Paul Frank change purse, lip gloss and camera. I can sling it across my shoulder and take off. Underground mods turned up in Brighton UK, in the 60's and the culture still resonates even today. Scooters appear in Shag art, and Capri pants with button down blouses remain a staple in woman’s fashion. Austin Powers brought Mod awareness to the fore front, from the groovy attitude to the mini skirt. I remember the influence in the 80's. The shirts and ties, the cigarette pants, a clean, Ivy League school, look. I think it’s hot!
Belgium Mods 1982
Belgium Mod Girls 1986
Today, the event for Books Not Bombs turned out to be really chill. Not one cop approached us, and we went with that vibe. We loaded up a van with fencing, set up barriers in front of city hall, and started the party. It was a festival atmosphere, lots of free food and free music. Can't beat that. We made a banner and as people walked by some inquired about our mission. Ivan and Evan pulled the crowd together and kicked off some colaborations on music and crafts. The best way to explain the day is just to show the pictures I took.
*Destination: Billy Penn AKA/City Hall
1.) Mission Impossible, Unloading the Van
2.) The Masterminds of the Operation
3.)Spray painting the banner
4.) Alec Whips Up A Yummy Salad
5.) Laying Out The Banner
6.) Another Cool Sign
7.) Chalking the Message
8.) Hanging Out
9.) Evan Makes The T.A.Z. Sign
10.) Getting Feedback and Chatting
11.) Evan Performing
12.) These Girls Told Us They Just Got In From Baltimore
13.) The Girls Sing With Evan
14.) Impromptu Band
15.) Ivan Looking Over
16.) Ivan & Evan Address the Crowd
17.) This street person joined the party and told me his name was Gut Man Inc. thats right, incorporated!
18.) She got this banjo for her birthday. I don't know her name so I call her Banjo Girl. She was cool.
19.) Evan Belts Out Another Song
20.) The Music Turns Heads
21.) Revolution Girl
As much as I love NYC, I love Philly too. Philadelphia is like a neighborhood. Its more comfortable and not as overwhelming as NYC. I'll always think of Philly as home.
22.) The Cool Clothespin of Philly
There are two Nicole's that post here, one is a friend I know in person and the other is someone I have never "met", but fondly refer too as Aussie Nicole, in order to differentiate them. She is one of the really great people I have met across the globe thanks to the web. We chat online and have discovered we have the same taste in men! She uses expressions that I have never heard. Yesterday Nicole said it was too bad we couldn't meet for tea. I agree, but you never know, maybe someday. Click the link and see her smiling, sunny face, it matches her personality.
Nicole from down under. I wonder if she wrestles crocs?
Made the rounds today with two super nice guys from Swarthmore, Ivan and Evan. We had to get some flyers Download file made up to distribute for the rally on Thursday. Ivan did a great job of cutting up and recreating one large flyer. Then came the footwork, we walked up and down Baltimore Ave. (West Philly) posting the flyers. We hung out at the SEAC (pronounced seek) office, and Workers of the World. That was an interesting, enjoyable experience. I remember when I was a kid, my Dad would take my brothers and I to his Union Hall were he was the president. Ivan and Evan gave me sound advice as far as publishing goes, and I vented about how trapped I felt at my last job. There idealistic outlook is so refreshing. We did a lot of good work, as well as cased city hall to see what would be the best way to access it for the March 4th's activites. Watching these guys work is a learning experience. They come up with things I would have never thought of. Its fascinating for me to be a part of this planning. I'm taking steps to having the kind of life I really want to have and boy, I sure am tired and my feet hurt. Later today, it's off to the Philadelphia Daily News to meet with a reporter. So much to learn, so little time.
**Update: My appointment was canceled. I'm sick and the writer, Mr. Williams, is sick. We have rescheduled for this Friday!
