Movies, Movies, Movies

So we bought the blu-ray of STAR TREK. Shmoo has watched it about 6 times already. GG and I managed to watch it over the weekend. We went whole hog and nerdy because we watched much of the second disc which had deleted scenes and the story behind the story, casting etc. Twas lovely. Man, that was a good movie wasn't it?

BTW, anybody know if Chris Pine (Capt Kirk) is going to be in an upcoming movie? Is there going to be another STAR TREK movie you think?

Next up was NEW MOON. Shmoo's GF had a birthday and they graciously let the oldsters tag along with them to the movie. I think it was better than the first one. They certainly are engaging and attractive individuals that Bella, Edward and Jacob, aren't they? Do we really have to chose a team, Edward or Jacob? Cuz I'm not going to.

We also went to see BLIND SIDE this weekend. I have to say that since I'm both sentimental AND a Mom I was teary eyed through much of this movie. It was well done and such a great story. Go see it, you won't be sorry. It's the best thing Sandra Bullock has done for awhile and her face doesn't look so "worked on" from plastic surgery.

I love movies, don't you?

Blame Kati

FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL is hardly going to make the American Film Institute (AFI) 100 Years 100 Movies list or any other discriminating "top" list for that matter. However, after reading Kati's recent post about words and phrases that creep into our every day speech from TV it reminded me of how my family goes through phases of quoting lines from movies ad nauseum.

Currently it's Aldous Snow from FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. He's a pretty popular fellow in our household. Shmoo has even put his GPS to the British guy so he can try and copy Aldous' accent. They aren't even close so he alternates with the Aussie guy. *eye roll* He demonstrates his endeavors frequently trying to convince us he "has it down".

Anyway, after reading Kati's post I went searching for Aldous-isms. Lucky, lucky you. Here's some faves...

It's a metaphor for a crap movie sound bite Russell Brand sound bites

I just carried on living my life sound bite Russell Brand sound bites

Why would a mobile phone kill you? sound bite Russell Brand sound bites

HOW TO SURVIVE A ZOMBIE UPRISING by Beanie

Bean recently got published in his college newspaper for an opinion piece he did giving sage advice about zombie survival. Who knew how important this information was? Apparently along with earthquake kits we also need Zombie survival kits. Forgive a doting Mom, and without further adieu...

HOW TO SURVIVE A ZOMBIE UPRISING
On Oct. 2, the new Woody Harrelson film “Zombieland” will hit theaters, getting everyone ready for the Halloween season.

The movie itself is about a few survivors going through their own little world and killing zombies. This of course got me thinking: how would I survive a zombie invasion?

After countless hours of trying to answer the question, instead of doing my homework, I came up with a few ideas.

First, you must know your enemy. There have been many books, movies, TV shows and comic books about the walking undead, but there are still those who have absolutely no idea what a “zombie” really is and being the awesome person that I am, I thought it would be wise to give you a little insight before you become acquainted with them on a very personal/scary level.

A zombie is a reanimated corpse that constantly hungers for flesh and more times then not, human flesh. As scary as this information may be, these creatures are not at the Hannibal Lecter status.

They are slow moving, mindless beasts that can easily be out maneuvered or tricked.

Now, there are a few stories out there about the very fast zombies and if you are forced to go against them, I hope you are in great shape.

There are ways that you can protect yourself from a zombie attack, by doing all of the little things right now. Here are a few tips that I came up with that even your pet monkey could do. Yes, I said your pet monkey. The one in your closet. Idiot.

First of all, you are going to need a survival pack that is ready to go with you at a moment’s notice because, lets face it, there’s not going to be any real warning that a zombie invasion is going on.

That is until you hear, “Holy crap, monkeys! There are zombies coming after me!” from your neighbor.

However, you wont believe him until you poke your head out and you see the hoards taking their time walking and stumbling over their decayed selves.

The survival pack should include lots of water bottles, Top Ramen and a personal weapon to defend yourself that is light and easy to carry in your bag.

Water is essential for the human body to survive. The human body also needs food to survive on and that is where Top Ramen comes into play. True, it is not the most delicious food choice out there, but can you name another food that will taste the same ten years from now? How about a hundred years? Top Ramen: the diet for every college kid and zombie survivor.

Now, the weapon of choice in your bag is very important here because there will be a lot of times when you can’t run away from the zombies. They may be slow and dumb, but there are a lot of them.

The weapon that you choose can save your life, so choose wisely.

Now, guns are a great choice because they can kill the undead, or at least mightily annoy them from a distance, but guns are only as useful as the number of bullets you have.

A katana would be a great choice because they are light, really sharp and best of all, they never run out of ammo.

Unfortunately, not too many people own a katana or a sword of any kind, so the basic garage items would be just as useful: baseball bat, hockey stick, a saw, etc.

Basically anything that you can swing around and do a lot of damage with.

Once you have a handy dandy survival pack, you can get with your friends and go to safety.

There really is no safe place from the zombies because they are everywhere. The best thing to do is to constantly be on the move, killing any zombies that cross your path that you are unable to escape from.

Once you’re with your friends, there are a few simple rules that you must abide by.

First, exploration equals mutilation. Do you want to know what’s behind that dark scary corner? I don’t, so why should you? (The first rule came from “How to Survive A Horror Movie,” a great read.)

Second, never split up; those that split up are always found killed in different locations.

The next rule should be obvious, but this is the first rule that seems to always get broken.

Do not, I repeat, do not have sex when running for your lives. Zombies are not a turn-on, and unless you want a zombie to walk in on you when you are most vulnerable, just keep it in your pants.

The chances of a zombie invasion actually occurring are very slim, but now you will know what to do when one does happen.

Save this article, keep it in your pocket, and you can save yourself, your friends and the pet monkey that you keep in your closet.

God Speed Patrick Swayze

Random

Lots of work at the salt mines this week. Remember my comment that you always pay for the short work week? I hate when I'm right.
(Not really. I actually love it when I'm right. Aren't you? Heh.)

Did anybody see the season finale of RESCUE ME? We watched it over the long weekend. Holy crap! Right?

I went swimming for the first time in 3 weeks yesterday morning. It was glorious. The water temperature verged on bath water which is a tad warm for lap swimming, but I can't complain. Really. Can't. Nothing beats the sheer happiness of getting back in the water.

I'm currently reading Christine Feehan's latest. I'm about half way through it and am feeling sort of 'meh' about it. Anybody else reading it?

Instead of finishing my August reading list, which at this rate I'll post sometime in November, I watched THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB for about the sixth time. It's not a spectacular movie particularly, but I get hooked by it every time.

Okay here goes, after more than 15 years at the same nail salon I'm making a change. Why am I writing about it? Well, it's sort of a big deal to me because I'm a very loyal person. Not to mention I still really like the person who did my nails, I just don't like the shop any more. I've been stewing about making the change for months and finally made the leap. Did I mention I haven't really told the people at the old shop yet? They called yesterday and I sort of dodged telling them. I know. I'm a coward.

Color me stunned. Did not see that coming.

Last night getting ready for bed GG is thinking this...

While I'm thinking this...

and this...

But THIS is what really happened.

Ahhhhh...marriage, ya gotta love it.

Born to Run...

Well GG is anyway... Born to run I mean.  If there is one thing I don't get though, it's running.  I admire it.  The beauty and the discipline of it are awe-inspiring, but I sure don't get someone wanting to beat up their body like that.  

Anyway, we are off to the Central Valley for a half marathon. GG is running with the Road Warriors, my sister's group, to raise money for WWP. I told you about this a few times recently. Anyway we are off for the weekend. 

So much for all my resolve to keep current with the blog.  *sigh*  I have, however, already done my May re-read for Nath's challenge. Not telling what it is either... There's a couple more clouds with silver lining for the weekend, since GG insists on doing all the driving that means lots of reading time in the car for me. Wa-hoo! Plus I get to see my sister and The Stair Steps.  That's always a hoot.

Oh yeah, here's a nugget of news for you to chew on. I bought a recent release in a series that I said I was D-O-N-E with.  Can you guess what it is? I plan to put up a review of it next week. 

Guess what else?! I went to see the new STAR TREK movie last night with GG, Shmoo and Shmoo's GF.  Here's my review:  Fun movie!  I don't think you have to be a trekkie to enjoy it, but Trekkies will be in heaven.  On the other hand, the director JJ Abrams has sort of reinvented the wheel here too.  The movie is well cast, action packed and just plain fun to watch.

Gotta finish packing now so I better get going. I'm bringing the new laptop with me so who knows, I may end up getting in some blog-time in this weekend.

Have a great Mother's Day!

Lifetime & Nora Roberts or Duplicity & Julia Roberts

Did anybody watch NORTHERN LIGHTS on Lifetime over the weekend? We recorded it and I caught parts of it. LeAnn Rimes seemed okay, and you have to be comatose not to find Eddie Cibrian appealing. This isn't one of the NR books I'd read so it didn't get on my nerves like having Heather Locklear cast in ANGEL FALLS did last year.

I was out of the loop all weekend. Did anyone see DUPLICITY with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen? Well, spill... I'm intrigued. Was it any good?

In case you were wondering...

why I haven't been out and about much this week. I'm pooped. I've moved into my new office at work and it's been more time consuming than I expected. All the heavy lifting and cleaning are done. My new file cabinet arrives later today and then all I have to do is learn a bunch of new stuff to make sure they don't think they made a mistake. Heh.

Consequently, I've been so tired the past couple of nights I haven't been catching up much with all of you. Maybe tonight. We'll see.

Such sad news about Natasha Richardson isn't it? Two sons without a Mom. Too young. Just sad. Then I think of children all over the world without their mothers and th e little mouse on the wheel in my brain needs a rest from all the spinning.

I'm reading a very good book right now by Cate Noble called DEAD RIGHT. It was a total impulse buy and so far it's paying off very nicely. Before that I finished TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE by Kristan Higgins. I enjoyed it also, but for more than that you will have to wait until my month-end reading list.

One more update on Beanie, he got called to work as an extra yesterday. He worked a full day on ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL He had fun, but observed that movie making is a lot of standing around and waiting. The only star he saw was David Cross. Mr. Cross was also in the sitcom ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT whose character Tobias aspired to be in the Blue Man Group. Mr. Cross is a very funny guy.

While looking for all those links I saw that there is talk of a movie based on the ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT TV series tagged GET ARRESTED. I'm a fan of the show so this is news. Looks like most everyone has signed on to do it. Wa-hoo!

I can't wait!

I thought this trailer was good...







until I saw this one...

Am I a trekkie? Nah. Not really, but I am excited about this prequel to the series. It looks gooooood!

The Watchmen

Shmoo went to the midnight opener of the movie THE WATCHMEN Thursday night/Friday morning. Friday evening he told GG and I how completely awesome the movie was. Frankly I wasn't that interested in seeing the movie. I'd seen trailers and it just didn't spur any interest for me. Shmoo was insistent. So GG and I sort of agreed to go see it on Saturday.

Well, we saw it.

I'm not going to say the movie didn't have its moments, because it did. I thought both Jackie Earle Haley and Billy Crudup were great. Jeffrey Dean Morgan was okay as was Patrick Wilson. Although I feel I should warn Jeffrey Dean Morgan fans he doesn't have much screen time.

Anyway, there's violence. Graphic violence. A rape scene and a sex scene. Now, I don't object to any of these things in a movie if they progress the story, make a point, or seem necessary to the plot. My son tells me the violence is necessary to demonstrate some significant plot points like man's inhumanity to man. Okay, maybe, and I mean maybe, I can buy off on that one.

The rape scene and the sex scene. The graphic sex scene? Nope. Just titillation. A blatant appeal to the adolescent males who will be flocking to this movie. Ugh!

I probably spent one-third of the movie with my hands over my eyes. I read love stories for crying out loud and this was pretty gross more than a few times. *heavy sigh* In normal circumstances I would have walked out and left my men folk to watch it while I browsed the bookstore or got myself a cup of java. But I didn't. I stayed. I stayed because I was also fascinated and wanted to see how it was all going to turn out. More on that later.

My final criticism, not that you or Hollywood gives a hoot, but I thought Malin Ackerman (previously seen as the spoiled sister in 27 Dresses) was horribly miscast as Laurie Jupiter, aka Silk Spectre II. As was Matthew Goode as Adrian Veidt aka Ozymandias. Every time they were on screen, which was quite a lot in Ms. Ackerman's case, it took me right out of the story.

Ultimately I don't think I could recommend this to anyone unless you are insanely curious and have to see it.

I said I would come back to 'how it all turns out". Nope, no spoilers here. I only want to say that for all the violence, sex and miscast actors, I was engaged in the story and curious as hell to see how everything was going to be resolved.

All in all it was an interesting experience, even if I can't say I'm glad I went. I probably would have been better served renting this one and seeing it on a smaller screen. Although with the BATV maybe it wouldn't make a difference there either.

Should I be worried?

Shmoo has been absorbed into the collective called 'The Twilight Zone'. Not the old TV series created by Rod Serling. Nope. I'm talking about the Stephanie Meyers' books.

It all started when Shmoo got dragged to the movie by his current GF. She's been a fan of the books and was anxiously awaiting the movie release. Since then, last November, they've seen the movie 5 or 6 times that I know of.

Then, you may recall, we had to go on the search for Edward Cullen's peacoat. That's what Shmoo wanted for Christmas. Shmoo became fascinated with James Dean at the same time. Between the peacoat and pictures of James Dean I thought he was having a major identity crisis.

Fortunately, we found the coat... Thank God for American Eagle.

Now several months later, many movie viewings aside, Shmoo is totally immersed in the books. He's already read TWILIGHT and NEW MOON. He just started ECLIPSE. Like any good reader, he thinks the books are better than the movie, but really likes Robert Pattison as Edward Cullen. RP is who he imagines as Edward when he reads. Or so he says. He discusses these characters like they are real people. Can you imagine?

It is sort of cute to see he and his GF curled up on our big puffy sofa reading the books. They will read for hours together. Isn't that a little abnormal for 18 year-olds? Staying home to read? I know, I know, I shouldn't complain. Especially since this GF is the nicest, kindest, gentlest girl. You just wouldn't believe. A real sweetheart.

So, what do you think? Too obsessed? So asks the woman with tubs of books in her tbr and who will obsessively search to get all the back list of an author she really likes.

Hooray for Hollywood!

Good job on the Oscar hosting Hugh, but the Barbara Walters interview was... was... there are no words for your charming, warm, and completely engaging spot with Ms. Walters.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine? Yeah, bring it on!

On my mind...

I'm back on the subject of bed making, again. Apparently I have some compulsion to talk about bed making at least once a year. Almost two years ago was my first rant sulk about making my bed and then just the other day I blamed my out-of-the-blue thoughts on editing on my leaving my bed unmade. Today's totally random question is, if you don't make your bed, do you leave out your sleep attire...whatever it is? Do you put it away, hang it, hamper? What??? Do non-bed makers also leave out their jammies?

~*~*~*~

He's Just Not That in to You. We went to see this movie last weekend. Fantastic cast. Really. However, this movie was supposed to be funny and clever. Me? I was depressed afterward. If this is what dating and relationships are like now, well, blech! I sure am glad I'm not out there trying to date, hook up or whatever.

Things I did like: the Justin Long and Ginnifer Goodwin story line. They were both very good. I give an honorable mention to the Ben Affleck and Jennifer Aniston story line as well. Has anyone else seen this?

~*~*~*~

Equality Now. I'm still getting their newsletters but have been sadly lacking in posting updates or news. Things are horrid in Pakistan right now. It's actually terrifying to me how many places in the world women are mistreated as a normal every day consequence. It gives one pause when traveling. Some of the places I'm most curious about, like the Middle East, are the absolute worst places for women. Even though I don't post all the time I hope you will still give them a read and a thought now and again.

~*~*~*~

The Road Warriors and the Wounded Warrior Project. My sister finally got the donation page up for running group at her blog. If you want to donate to a great cause and inspire my sister and her friends to run go here and donate to the cause.

Keeping the Candle Burning

Do you ever, out of the blue suddenly think of a book you read weeks, months, years ago and it just won't let go?

This happens to me every once in a while and I sometimes just can't shake the book loose. Sometimes it isn't even a book I liked. It might be a book that had very little impact when I read it, but suddenly it's a new obsession.

This past week that happened to me. I started thinking about a book I'd read back in April 2003. The book is a little category romance written by Suzanne Brockmann called LETTERS TO KELLY. Fortunately I have the book so I pulled it off the shelves and read it. It wasn't, after almost 6 years, exactly the way I remembered it. For one thing I'd thought the hero was in the military. He isn't and the military connection is what lead me to think about the book. I'll be reviewing it for Nath's Re-Read Challenge at the end of the month.

Anyway, I know one of the reasons I began to obsess over this particular book was having seen the movie IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH last weekend.

Saying 'Wow!' doesn't begin to describe the experience I had watching this movie. It stars Tommy Lee Jones,in a role that he was nominated for an Academy Award for last year. It also stars h Charlize Theron, and Susan Sarandon. This is a quiet movie. It's very tangible and realistic. It's the story about one soldier and his family.

If you read this post you know I've been thinking a lot recently about the men and women who serve in the military. At home or abroad it's a pretty thankless job. As it often is for me when I obsess over something one thought leads to another. I can't help but relate what I see or read to my own life and relationships. It's the eternal question, what if that were me, what would I do?

The movie is stark and no frills. It isn't gentle in it's truth. It isn't political, at least I don't think it is, but it gives an honest picture of what war does not only to the soldier, but to his family, community and country.

I snagged the trailer and posted it below. Check it out. The movie is on HBO right now and it's also available for purchase on DVD.

All I can think of right now is to keep the candle burning, praying and hoping for all our men and women serving to some home safe and sound to their families. My good thoughts and prayers are the least of what they deserve for what they do.

"Mark all as Read"

I read over half of the almost 800 posts I was behind and when I got it down to 304 I made the executive decision to click "mark all as read". It didn't make me feel better to do it, but at least now I'm starting with a clean slate and can hope to keep up... I think.

On to other news. The plan every Thanksgiving weekend is to eat well, start our Christmas decorating, specifically the outside lights, and see some movies. This week we've already seen TWILIGHT and AUSTRALIA.

We saw the Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman historical epic AUSTRALIA Wednesday night. Two hours and 45 minutes people. Epic is definitely the word too. The photograpy of Australia is sweeping and larger than life. Kidman and Jackman definitely have some chemistry. I have to say I did have a bit of a swoon when Mr. Jackman was shirtless and soapy. The dude has been working out and looks incredible. Incredible. He certainly rang my chimes anyway.

Additionally, since I'm a woman who doesn't mind a little chest hair, I was very happy to see Monsieur Jackman wasn't lasered or waxed. He looked appropriately intense and manly.

So, big pictures, big story, and some sizzling chemisty. I just don't know if it needed to be 2 hours and 45 minutes. OTOH, I don't regret seeing it at all.

How's that for conflicted, contradictory and confusing?

The week that was...

What a week! I'm thinking I have used up all my disposable time karma or something. Still not getting my stuff together. No, don't sympathize. I've come unraveled and need to figure things out again. Kick my butt into gear here!

Since the blogger get together last Saturday I think I've been on my home computer a total of like an hour. I try planning things differently but am beginning to think I'm sabotaging myself, but that's conversation for a therapist...that I'm not seeing. Yet. *insert maniacal laugh*

I'm mentioning it just because it so unusual for us, but I had a fight, not an argument, a fight...with GG last night. I'm still agitated and we haven't made up. And, 'no' I won't tell you about it. Yet. I mention it because of the agitation and Lord knows what I'm typing.

Is it un-American to have steak for Thanksgiving dinner? None of us are in the mood for turkey.

We started Christmas shopping this past weekend. Not even for sales do I go out shopping over Thanksgiving weekend. Besides this year our anniversary falls on Saturday. Anyway, I spent way to much money in Crate and Barrel, but found a couple of things for family in there. I also got some new clothes.

Oh, Shmoo went to see TWILIGHT with his GF on Friday and told us we had to go see it. I haven't read the books and previously hadn't been too interested, but Shmoo insisted so off we all went yesterday. Beanie came home for his cousin's birthday party on Saturday night and so stayed over and went to the movie with us too.

Have any of you seen it? Those two lead actors have a lot of chemistry. Shmoo loved the clothes that Edward wore. He now is hunting for a pea-coat. We live in SoCal where the temperatures rarely drop below freezing and the kid wants a pea-coat.

Anyway, the movie was pretty good and is obviously the beginning of a very lucrative franchise. My boys all got a kick of how the young girls audibly sigh the first time Edward appears on screen. Too cute and too funny.

Done for today. Gotta go get ready for work. I'm thankful I only have two work days this week.

1 Hour 59 minutes 47 seconds...

GG had a fantastic run on a surprisingly demanding course. He did a half marathon in central California. His goal was to do it in 2 hours and beat his previous time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. I'm here to tell you he completed his 13.1 miles in 1 hour 59 minutes and 47 seconds. Yes, 13 seconds to spare and he met his goal. That's my man. A planner AND an achiever. Gotta love that.

I did read this weekend. Two saucy books.

The first one I tried was HOT PROPERTY by Susan Johnson. Ummm... This was disappointing. I hadn't heard anything about the book. Unless, Kate is this the one you were talking about at RWA? Anyway, I'm two-thirds through it and not much interested in finishing it. I used to love her historicals. Anyone remember those Russian historicals she wrote forever ago?

Eons ago I read some Anya Bast when she was writing for Ellora's Cave. Taking a quick peak at her web site I see she still writes for EC. Anyway, I hadn't tortured myself with a vamp book in a while and picked up THE CHOSEN SIN. Interesting book. It's pretty explicit but not without a decent story and two interesting characters. I have to give props to Ms. Bast for creating a pretty complete vamp futuristic and not succumbing to campiness. It was an interesting take on vampires in the future. I was sufficiently taken in that I would read another book set in this world.

So I'm feeling pretty good that I got to read this weekend. I always feel a little more like myself when I do. Reading soothes me so much. I can't believe how relaxing it is for me.

In other news the shine has definitely worn off TRUE BLOOD. I don't know why they have to be so explicit. Am I getting old? What do you all think? You've probably been talking about it and I'm clueless.

There I was standing in the morning mist this past Saturday as GG took off on his run. While I waited I decided to fire up my phone check email and the news. Even knowing he had been ill recently I was stunned to read that Paul Newman had died. It made me very sad. I adored his work in movies like THE LONG HOT SUMMER and CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. Lordy. Wonderful. I admired his charitable work and success in keeping his private life...private. He never made an "easy" movie. They were all character driven and intense. It feels like the end of an era to me. My sympathy and sorrow for their loss go out to his friends and family.

If you have a few minutes you should really check this out.

Stroke, Stroke Breath...

I'm talking swimming people. Swimming. Today a milestone. Literally. I swam a little more than a mile today. 72 lengths of a 25 yard pool. If you're wondering, 68 lengths is the magic number so I swam the mile with a little to spare.

I have to say it feels pretty darn great. For a treat just because I love you. Here's some video of what it's like when GG and I swim. Swear!!





After all it just a story about a guy, a gal and a bathing suit...

Just As You Are

I love this scene. Who wouldn't? *sigh*

John Adams & 1776

Many years ago I was flipping through TV stations and my attention was caught by a musical playing. I unashamedly love musicals. Yes, it's sometimes a little hokey to have characters break into song in the middle of telling a story, but all in all, I don't much care. I love 'em.

This particular song was something I'd never seen before because my tastes tend to run to the MGM type musicals and this movie was "newer". The movie was 1776. For inquiring minds, it was made in 1972 and I caught it on TV around our bicentennial in 1976. Anyway, because of the big holiday I was able to catch the whole movie later in the weekend. It was a hoot. It was funny, campy, and enlightening.

Who knew that someone (Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone) would be able to write a musical play about the writing of the Declaration of Independence? It's a great little movie. History not your cuppa? I ask that you see the movie (or at least YouTube it) before you make a judgment. It's got music, wit, history, a sprinkle of romance and a whole new way to look at the Founding Fathers.

While the movie is really an ensemble cast, for me the star of 1776 is none other than our second President, John Adams who is played with devilsh delight by William Daniels. Daniels is probably better known to you youngsters as Mr. Feeny in 90's sitcom, Boy Meets World.

Staying on topic is so hard sometimes.

Anyway it turns out that John Adams is a person, who upon further study, was a driving force, if not THE driving force behind our push for independence. Did you know how important John Adams was? I didn't until I saw that musical. Don't laugh.

It so happens that many years later (like about 25) in 2001 I'm watching this interview on Charlie Rose with Pulitzer Prize winning historian David McCullough. Mr. McCullough was there to talk about his (then) new book about John Adams . Since that interview a few things have happened. Mr. McCullough won his second Pulitzer for John Adams and HBO decided to do a mini-series based on the book.

Are you still with me?

Flash forward to March 16, 2008 and the first installment of the HBO mini-series about John Adams is airing tonight at 8 p.m. Personally, I can't wait. I'm infinitely curious about this period in our nation's history. I'm intrigued. I'm interested. I'll be watching.

And now, because it all started with the musical 1776, here's one of my favorite songs... It's corny, over the top and if the words, "he plays the violin" don't become today's Blue Plate special ear worm I'll eat my socks.






Last, but not least, because this IS supposed to be about the incomparable John Adams, here's one more.